ABOUT MONART

art (art), n. 1. the product of human creativity

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once they grow up.

- Pablo Picasso

MONART is the name of a method of teaching drawing to both children and adults developed by Mona Brookes. The method, which was developed in 1979, is comprised of both a visual lexicon called the "elements of shape" which provides a way for students to learn how to see and translate objects in the visual world, plus a philosophy that creates an environment in which students can experiment, learn and feel safe from criticism or critique. Students come to understand that in a Monart class there is no competition or comparisons, no right or wrong way to draw, and that you will learn from everything you draw, even if you don't like the results. In addition to learning the skills of drawing, the Monart method of learning to draw has also been shown to have positive effects on children's different learning styles...including their ability to focus, plan, and follow-through to completion.

Monart is more than a method that teaches people how to draw. Leading educators recognize Monart as a teaching system that helps students to learn how to focus and concentrate, make decisions, solve problems, sequence and develop hand-eye coordination. In a non-competitive, peaceful environment students learn that drawing is a teachable subject in which anyone can learn to draw, and that there are no mistakes in art.

The Monart system of drawing shows how to perceive the visual world in terms of five basic elements of shape. Just as a musician learns notes and scales in order to play an instrument, Monart students learn the skills necessary to translate their perceptions onto paper. This method has achieved phenomenal results among both children and adults, including those with learning differences.Teachers that regularly use the Monart method in the classroom, report that reading and math scores rise as much as twenty percent. Studies have shown that when students draw the subjects they are stydying they learn the information eight times faster and retain the information eight times longer.

With Monart, every student has the opportunity to experience increased self esteem, creativity and confidence, and develop skills  that are transferable to other areas of learning.

In 1979 the California Art Council sponsored a three-year study during which Mona Brookes developed her method. In the ensuing years it has been taught around the world through her best selling books, Drawing with Children (translated into five languages) and Drawing with Older Children and Teens, through Monart schools and through incorporation into many school districts. Classes at Monart School Of Art are based on the method described in Mona Brookes' books. Mona's books are available at all major bookstores.

TEACHERS

Charles Baughman, co-owner of the Monart School of Art in Wichita, is a nationally known artist as well as a long-time art educator. Charles received his Bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts and Art History from Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska and his Master of Fine Arts in Painting/Sculpture from Wichita State University. Charles has an extensive background as a fine artist, exhibiting work around the country, and has been involved in art education for over a decade. Charles has been an instructor at the Wichita Art Museum, Wichita State University, Cowley County Community College, Butler County Community College,Wichita Center for the Arts, and currently Friends University. Charles has developed and taught classes ranging from Art Appreciation and Figurative Sculpture to advanced drawing courses and painting. His hobbies include painting, cooking, gardening and spending time with his family.

Kate Pepper, co-owner of the Monart School of Art in Wichita, has an impressive background in early childhood education. Kate helped create the Great Beginnings program at the Wichita Collegiate School for two and three year olds. Kate has also been a docent at the Wichita Art Museum and helped develop the “Hot Art for Cool Kids” program. Kate’s fine art background includes photography, printmaking, collage, and Chinese Watercolor. Kate’s work has been exhibited in the Wichita and Newton area as well as in the Wichita Eagle Newspaper. Kate’s hobbies include spending time with her family, painting and taking photographs and gardening.

Courtney Abbott, received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Media in 1999 from the University
of Oklahoma as well as her Master in Arts degree in Art History in 2003. Courtney moved to Wichita
in 2004 when she was hired as the School Programs Coordinator for the Wichita Art Museum. As the
School Programs Coordinator, she oversees tour scheduling, the art resource center and award
winning programs such as “Art Start” for preschoolers. In her spare time, Courtney enjoys spending time with family and friends, drawing and, in the fall, watching Oklahoma football.

Dr. Skyler Lovelace, leads the Digital Media department at Butler Community College and serves as an adjunct professor at Friends University in the art department. She developed DigiKids Computer Camp and has served as camp director at various locations throughout the region. She's studied with Monart for two years, and became a certified Monart instructor in 2005. Her educational background includes a Masters in Instructional Design Technology, a Masters of Fine Arts, and a Doctorate in Education. Skyler believes all students can succeed given the right tools and information. The Monart method of teaching realistic drawing skills gives students powerful problem-solving skills that can be applied to all areas of life. Skyler's hobbies include gardening, making jewelry, and spending time with her young grand-nieces Elena, Abby and Amber.

Holly Read, received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Arts from Friends University as a Presidential Scholar. Holly’s work includes photography, collage, and painting. Holly works as a free-lance photographer and has exhibited her work in galleries around the Wichita area. Holly has also been the curator for the Garvey Art Department at Friends University, as well as assistant curator for the Whittier Fine Arts Gallery. Holly’s hobbies include painting, spending time with her family, and reading.

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ENDORSEMENTS FOR MONART

"When I first learned about Monart, I was curious and thought about enrolling my 3 year old daughter. While I knew she loved to draw and color at home, I was worried that she might be too young for a formal art class. But now that she has been in the weekly classed for several months, I can really see an improvement in her art abilities! She amazes me with her new skills and attention to detail. I always look forward to seeing what she will learn each week. Monart has definitely been worth every penny!"

- Jennifer

"Our 8 year old son Joshua didn't want to take Monart. He said he couldn't draw so why should he go. I told him that was why he was going and that he needed to give it a chance. During his first lesson he drew a bird that was incredible! When I picked him up he was grinning from ear to ear. In that first lesson his confidence soared. Joshua has been taking Monart for three months now and he continues to enjoy the class tremendously!"

- Charlene

"Since Mackenzie (age 4) has been taking classes at Monart, she has shown drastic improvements in her fine motor skills. Her hand writing has gotten much better and her drawing skills show so much more detail. The classes have helped her attention span too. She loves going to art class and looks forward to her time at Monart every week. Even her preschool teacher and many of our family friends have seen the benefits in her work. I highly recommend Monart for preschool children."

- Kelly

"Joel has been enjoying the summer art class and seeing his artwork displayed! He seems excited to tell me what he has worked on each week. It has been fun for our family and friends to see his artwork too! Thank you!"

- Deanna

"My 6 year old son, Andrew, struggles to stay focused in school. Several months after starting him in Monart he is a completely different student. He is very focused and he has much more self confidence. I am extremely impressed in what he has done in Monart and what Monart has done in his life."

- Damion

"Our daughter Skye has really taken off and started drawing representational stuff now. Cactus, octopus, whales, dogs with ears and tails, stars and rainbows in bow shape. She is getting a kick out of me knowing and not having to gently ask for interpretation. We matted and framed our Geishas.

- Julie

"I asked my daughter Kyra (age 8) what she liked most about Monart. She gave a simple answer "I like to draw and color it in." I see Kyra's confidence in herself blooming through the techniques taught at Monart. She's not only learning that she can actually draw, she's learning vital problem solving skills. She never wants to skip Monart, not even for a trip to a friend's ranch filled with baby cows, horses and other animals because at Monart, they were drawing a Basset Hound! Kyra's horizon's are expanding. Although she states she only likes to draw "realistic" pictures, she's come to appreciate some abstract art as well."

- Sheila

"I enjoy attending classes at Monart because we get to draw lots of different things including animals and cartoons, and we get to listen to music that helps me concentrate. They also have great teachers that let you be creative. Most of all, it's just a lot of fun!

- Zac