Brookline Arts Center Tests In-Person Session This Fall

BROOKLINE, MA – The Brookline Arts Center is set to start holding in-person classes again this fall.

Following the center’s closure in March because of the pandemic, the arts center staff worked, like much of the United States to transition classes to an online format. And while the video instruction via Zoom has been successful in meeting the needs of the group critique, demonstrations and lessons there, the center decided to bring back a few small in person classes this fall for adults taking pottery, painting and drawing.

The center's staff is quick to point out those classes will strictly follow safety protocols and regulations. And the center will continue with online programming for for toddlers, children, teens and adults.

"The BAC decided to offer very limited in-person classes this fall based on the latest information from the Governor and the CDC. Our Pottery & Wheelthrowing classes can't be converted to an online format like many of our other classes, and we know there is a demand," said Brookline Arts Center's Mika Hornyak.

So, the board worked with faculty, staff and our board to come up with a plan for small classes that could be held with social distancing and other policies and precautions in place. The hope is to expand that later.

It's part of an ongoing effort to help keep the center afloat amid pandemic.

"The BAC has lost a significant amount of income from the closure of our in-person programs since March," Hornyak told Patch. "We are incredibly thankful for our staff and faculty for being adaptive and ever-creative, launching virtual programs and hosting gallery exhibitions and events in ways we never thought possible."

Hornyak said the board was also grateful for the support of our donors.

"We've raised almost $35,000 through our COVID-19 Emergency Fund to make up for some of the tuition lost during the Spring and Summer, but we need more support to keep things going."

With the closure of most of its in-person programs, the center still needs the help of the community to get to the other side of the pandemic, according to staff.

Learn more about the BAC’s free Art at Home activity series, Virtual Fall Session, and follow updates at www.brooklineartscenter.com.

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