Flukes & Fins: Scientific Illustrations

Recommended age 18+

Thursdays 5:30-7:30 May 1 - May 29

Field experiences are scheduled for May 11, May 18, May 25, & June 8th

Flukes & Fins: Scientific Illustrations is a program that introduces students to the fundamentals of scientific illustration through the study of cetaceans—whales, dolphins, and porpoises—found in the Gulf. Participants will attend guided studio sessions focused on observation, drawing, and watercolor techniques, and take part in two field experiences at Galveston-area sites to capture reference photos of wild dolphins and the surrounding coastal ecosystem. Additional tours of local conservation organizations will be scheduled throughout the program, with participants notified as dates are confirmed. This program complements Galveston Arts Center’s upcoming exhibition The Sea of Lost Children by Brandon Ballengée, a monumental tribute to Gulf Coast species impacted by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Ballengée’s work reflects on biodiversity loss and marine food chain collapse, themes that closely parallel the conservation-driven focus of Flukes & Fins. 

CLASS FORMAT

This program includes a combination of studio sessions, field experiences, and group tours of local conservation groups. Studio sessions will be held in the studio classroom located on the second floor of GAC.

POLICIES

• Please pre-register online by April 24, 2025

• Missed classes will not be refunded.

• Limited number of cameras will be available to borrow. Please notify director if you need to borrow a camera during class.

• This program includes a combination of studio programs, field experiences, and conservation organization tours.  A schedule of events will be provided. 

• In the rare event of cancellation due to unavoidable circumstances, a reasonable effort will be made to schedule a make-up class session on an alternate date, or the class fee (less any classes already held) will be credited to the customer’s account.

• Group communications/announcements are conducted by email to the address entered at registration. Individual communications may be handled by phone/text.

Pricing

$50

All painting and drawing materials are provided. Limited number of cameras will be available to borrow during this program.

Flukes & Fins: Scientific Illustrations is made possible by the support of the Texas Commission of the Arts

DISCOUNTS
GAC Members enjoy 20% off of tuition of some programs. You must sign in with the email associated with your membership account to receive the discount. Full-time students, teachers/professors, and parents who homeschool can join at the Student/Educator level for just $30/year.

For liability reasons, please do not register a student who is a minor unless you are their parent or legal guardian.

SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID FOR ART CLASSES
GAC offers needs-based and merit-based financial support for art programs. Teachers, counsellors, etc. may nominate a student with whom they are professionally acquainted for a merit-based scholarship if they can attest to the the student’s interest in the subject and financial need. The student’s parent/legal guardian will be notified and given further instructions. You may not nominate your own child, dependent, or other close relation. Needs-based support is dependent on GAC’s scholarship fund and family’s application. For more information email Director of Education. Scholarships are provided to any learner, of any age or entry level!

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR