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If Daytona State College is renowned for enrolling a diversity of students, anyone wanting proof of that need look no further than its art classes.

According to Professor Trish Thompson, for every typical full-time student who continues as an art major at a four-year university, there are others only interested in Art Appreciation which fulfills the Humanities requirement for the Associate of Arts degree.

Still others registering for art classes are non-traditional students who may be returning to school to complete a degree or simply to explore a creative interest. Thompson's popular Painting I and Painting II classes include young art majors, full-time students who enjoy painting as a hobby and many adults over the age of 50. The over-50 group includes beginners as well as life-long artists.

To that end, DSC provides an array of art courses that appeal to a variety of students. Hundreds take advantage of the program each semester for reasons as numerous as the course offerings.

Some, such as Rebecca Moore, have been painting many years. Moore has taken an array of art classes at DSC, as well as at the Art League of Daytona and Florida State University. Asked why she continues to attend DSC, Moore says, "I take them for relaxation, the camaraderie and friendship. I want to continue to develop as a painter."

Thompson, who has taught here since 1990, enjoys the diversity. In addition to Painting I and II, she teaches Design and Art Appreciation. She teaches classes at the Ponce Inlet and Deland campuses, as well as Daytona Beach.

"I think if I won the Lottery," Thompson says, "I would still continue to teach. I learn from teaching…seeing different perspectives … different students."

Perhaps that love of teaching explains why so many of her Painting II students have attended the class as many as five times or more. Although students may only take the class three times for credit, many of Thompson's repeat students audit the class.

Kathy Riley and Sherri Callahan, both students in Thompson's Painting II class, are elementary school teachers. In addition to improving their painting skills, they find ways to use what they learn with their own students. Alice Ponte, a Painting I student, has returned to painting after a 50-year hiatus. She enjoyed the class so much that she is already registered for Painting II in the spring.

Course offerings at DSC include Art Appreciation, Introduction to the History and Criticism of Art, Design I and II; Drawing I, II and III; Painting I and II, Pottery Handbuilding, Raku Pottery, Printmaking, Stone Carving, and Pottery Wheelthrowing. Classes tend to fill up, so early registration is recommended. For more information, contact the college by phone at (386) 506-3000 or visit the Web site at www.DaytonaState.edu.

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