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Programs at MoPA

Design-Your-Own Studio Class
Whether you’re looking for a class on cyanotypes, Van-Dykes, digital photography, or any other photographic process, MoPA can accommodate you. The education staff can put together a studio class custom designed to your curriculum and level of experience. Cost will vary depending on materials needed for the class.

One-Session Tour and Studio Classes
One-session studio classes that offer a variety of themes are available to school groups. These two-hour programs include a tour of the galleries and are followed by a hands-on photographic activity in MoPA’s state-of-the-art classrooms.

Light and Photography (recommended for grades 1-6)
Light is an integral component of a photograph. In this workshop students learn how light creates images. Examples of activities include making sunprints or cyanotypes, and Van-Dyke prints, two historic processes in the history of photography.

The Digital Domain (recommended for grades 3-18)
Students of all abilities will learn photographic and artistic techniques such as composition, vantage point, and the elements of design. Working in groups, students will use digital cameras in a hands-on activity. A number of digital cameras are available. Printed photos will be delivered after the studio class.

Lights! Camera! Action! (recommended for grades 6-18)
Moving pictures developed in the 1890s and have become an integral part of our lives. In this studio class, students will learn the history and basics of filmmaking, including learning about storyboards and different types of filmmaking techniques.

Photography Lecture
Most students graduate from high school with a background in art history with relatively little emphasis on photography. This one-hour lecture will introduce students to various topics in photography including its history, social impact, and specific movements.

Two-Session Tour and Studio Classes
Two-session studio classes with a variety of themes are available to school groups. Session one consists of a tour of the galleries and a hands-on photographic activity. Session two is a continuation of the hands-on activity begun in session one and is scheduled a week later.

Photo Scavenger Hunt (recommended for grades 4-8)
Photography allows students the unique opportunity to share their vision of the world. In this hands-on class, students will have the chance to use their creativity during a photo shoot in Balboa Park while learning about photographic technique and presentation.

The Creative Eye (recommended for grades 9-12)
Discovering the difference between a “snapshot” and “photographic art” is the goal of this two-session class. In the first session students will have a guided tour of the galleries and learn about the elements of photography. In the second sessions students put these theoretical concepts into practice with a photo shoot in Balboa Park. The class will culminate with a group discussion and critique of students’ work.

Beyond Beauty: What Is Real Beauty?
$200 for a class of 35 students or less for two sessions.

Beyond Beauty was created in response to the negative effect that popular media has on body image in teenagers. This is a practical hands-on class series that weaves culture and history with classroom based discussion and real world art projects. This two-session program is broadly designed for high school psychology, sociology, history and arts related classes. The issues of body image relate to both genders starting at a very early age and continue well into adulthood. Both sexes perpetuate stereotypes about how the other gender should look, and this in turn is echoed by popular media.

The media provides a social speaker box for these attitudes and promotes ideals of attractiveness as a means to sell everything from movies, to cars, to soda. This class is all about deconstructing the myths and learning how to be media-aware adults.

Guidelines:
Programs are available Monday through Friday from September to June between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Programs for additional grades are also available. Cancellations must be made at least two weeks in advance and are subject to a $50 processing fee. Confirmation of cancellations will be sent by mail or fax from the education department. If cancellations are not made two weeks in advance, 100 percent of the program fee will be charged. Please contact (619) 238-7559 x235 or email edudept@mopa.org for more information.

Programs at your school:
Can’t come to MoPA? We’ll come to you. We offer a variety of programs focusing on photography, multimedia, and filmmaking, all designed to fulfill California content standards. Learn more! link

Cost:
Prices for studio classes vary.

The average One- Session Studio Class will cost $200 per class of 35 students or less. All materials are provided.
The average Two-Session Studio Class will cost $750 per class of 35 students or less. All materials are provided and include one-use cameras for each student and photo processing. Students will receive all of their photographs at the second session.

Please contact the Youth Programs Manager at (619) 238-7559 x235 or email edudept@mopa.org.

Reservations and Cancellations
For reservation and information, please call 619-238-7559 x235 or email edudept@mopa.org.

Cancellations must be made at least one week in advance and are subject to a $50 processing fee. Confirmation of cancellations will be sent by mail or fax. If cancellations are not made one week in advance, 100% of the program fee will be charged.