69 Olive Welcome letter 2008                

What is 69 Olive, Marks of Perception, and who is Deb Wiles?

You may have picked up a flyer somewhere about Marks of Perception art classes, you may have received an invitation to an art exhibit at 69 Olive, an email, Face book or MySpace invite, you may be an acquaintance or a friend of Deb and still find yourself asking … “What does she do anyway? I can’t keep track.” If so read on...
 

“I always wanted to be an artist when I grew up.” –Deb Wiles

I decided that it was high time, at the age of thirty five, to get a degree in the arts, having been involved in the arts for my entire life. A single Mom with a five year old, I headed off to The Ontario College of Art and Design studied, and graduated in 2003 with a degree in Sculpture / Installation. Then, although I had the degree, it was not clear to me what exactly I was to do with it. Yes make art, but what else? Ideas started to come; I followed them to see where they would lead. Through the Learning Annex I offered An Introduction Art Appreciation, and through the YMCA developed an art consulting business. It initially didn’t occur to me to teach and it was through the persistent encouragement of my mentors that I tried it. Thus began Marks of Perception. And now, as well as teaching classes for children, I teach group classes to adults, seniors, and private classes for all ages. I love teaching.

69 Olive and the little art school; Marks of Perception

Marks of Perception is Deb’s little art school. It is in her home studio at 69 Olive. It is close to Palmerston Public Elementary School and St. Albans Boys and Girls Club. In fact, Marks of Perception classes began in St. Albans art room. 69 Olive is a beautiful old (built in 1907) seven room home in the heart of Seaton Village. After many configurations, the first floor has settled, and what was dining / living space is now studio space. In this space there is a big table, four chairs, and a desk with computer (it is handy to reference artists online). The pantry that lay between the studio and kitchen has become an art supplies closet.

69 Olive, the Gallery

Having space, my art practice has happily grown more branches. As well as teaching classes I occasionally transform the studio into a Gallery where I host exhibitions for artists who take my fancy. This keeps things around 69 Olive lively, and the walls interesting. Teaching when there is an exhibit is a great experience for the children. They get to see how different each artists work is. This opens up the process of art making for them, as it brings them into the real world of art. It also creates another avenue of opportunity for the children to learn the language of fine art and critique. We discuss the work, and techniques that various artists use. Sometimes children will choose a piece they favor and draw it. In June 2008 69 Olive hosted the first annual Little Peoples’ Show, an exhibition, so titled by student Ayleen, which featured the works of Marks of Perception students. The children  look forward to the next exhibit, and work diligently on the pieces they produce for it. All proceeds from this exhibit goes to the artists; they like this too.  

Teaching Methods

The classes are taught to suit the individuals in them. Traditional fine art techniques are taught when they are required by the student. With drawing, we all hit areas of difficulty, or come to a problem. As the teacher I watch for these moments and offer solutions in the form of techniques. When the correct technique is offered at the right time, the technique is incorporated, by the individual, into their repertoire. Without learning necessary techniques many children stop drawing from frustration around the age of ten. A number of adults have expressed their frustration and embarrassment to me about their own drawing ability. Their skill level never grew past that point of a child’s as they never learned the techniques necessary to overcome drawing hurdles they encountered in their youth. Awhile ago an associate of mine suggested that I could also offer drawing classes for the “inner child” of adults. I do.

Class organization

Classes are organized in consideration of a number of factors: age, personality, compatibility, skill level, and enrollment. The class size is kept to three children per class. This is to ensure that each student gets the individual attention that they require and deserve. It is often fun for children to take a class with their friends, I have, and enjoy, building classes with you and your child, so if your child has a friend or two they would like to form a class with, we can do that, if there is a time slot in which to do so.

Class availability

Cost

The first class for children is free. A trial class is scheduled each Friday from 5:00-6:00PM.  Your child/ren may come to a trial class and see if they like it. If they do and you want to sign them up it is $165. per eight week session. Private classes for children are $35. per hour. Group classes for adults are $360. per eight week session. Private classes for adults are $60. per hour. Our next session begins the first week of January. If you miss the beginning of a session don’t worry, I’ll prorate the cost for you. Also there are gift certificates available if you would like to purchase some classes as a gift for someone you love.

Pets

69 Olive is presently home to three cats. Inca, Gingy and Celie. The children love the cats, and Gingy in particular, loves the attention the children lavish on him.

email: wilesdeb@gmail.com