Acrylic University is thrilled to introduce the first students in our Access to Art program. These three young women applied and have been accepted into the two-year Access to Art program.
The goal of the Access to Art program is to provide artistically gifted students with access to (1) high quality art instruction, (2) art supplies and (3) a supportive art community. All youth ages 13-22 are welcome to apply. We hope to provide access to many low-income youth over the years to come. We are thrilled to welcome the following young women:
Cajun-Rain
My name is Cajun-Rain. I’m fifteen years old. I live in Warm Springs, Oregon.
My interest in art began when my sister introduced me to art a year ago. One of the hard things I struggle with in creating is making something unique. This art program will help me create and explore my art and grow as an artist.
Anna Ronning
Hi! My name is Kristen Ronning. I am 15 years old and I live in Stanwood, Washington.
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in art. As soon as I could express myself, it was concentrated through creating art. My interest grew through my parents’ encouragement and simple practice. I’ve been focused mainly on sketching female faces, as that’s what has come easiest to me, but I’m eager to expand the ways that I create. It is hard for me to work with mediums other than a pencil and paper, but that’s what I’m hoping to figure out! The struggle I face is my own perfectionism and self-doubt, a relatively busy schedule (for a 15-year-old), and a lack of knowledge and education on painting, an art form I’ve wanted to, but never quite grasped. “Access to Art” would greatly help me by introducing me to new ways I can be imaginative and creative and teaching me the techniques I can use, so I can grow and be confident in my art!
Marley Raunig
My name is Marley Raunig. I’m thirteen years old and I live in Seattle, WA.
I started painting with acrylic paints last summer. The hardest part about painting is I have a lot of ideas and not enough time to paint. This program will help me to learn more about painting techniques.
10% of the sales from Jed Dorsey’s upcoming Radiant Landscapes show is going to fund these students.
You can support the Access to Art students by purchasing a painting on our online gallery, or by a monetary gift. If you would like to help support an Access to Art Student please contact Jason Dorsey: j.dorsey23@gmail.com.
“Jed Dorsey is a capturer of light on canvas. His passionate use of color explodes onto canvas in a way that draws the viewer into the landscape.”
I represent the fourth generation of artists on my mom’s side of the family. My dad is also a professional artist. I always had the opportunity to practice art as a child. I sold paintings as early as 11 years of age when my family had their “Dorsey Gallery” at the local fair. I remember a few kind parents of my friends buying my paintings for $10 which quickly turned into cotton candy and a few rides. As I grew older other interests such as music and sports called for my time and I didn’t paint much for several years.
That changed after I married my beautiful Canadian wife, Renae. On a trip to Whistler, B.C. in 2001, we stumbled on some galleries that were showing some vibrant oil & acrylic paintings. My family had always done watercolors so this was something different and very appealing to me. That very week on our vacation, I bought my first acrylic paints and spent countless hours painting in this new medium. I loved it. Thus began the journey.
I painted for many years as a secondary pursuit but in 2016 took the plunge into full-time art while living in Indianapolis. My studio was located at the Harrison Center for the Arts, an incredible arts organization. What an amazing opportunity for me as an emerging artist to be part of such a vibrant and creative community. I now make my home on Camano Island where I grew up. There is nothing quite like the stunning views of the Pacific Northwest. I will never tire of the the view when driving over the bridge onto Camano Island. It is a scene I have painted over and over.
I like how light changes objects, from garbage cans, to buildings, to plants and trees, creating shadows and diverse colors. One of my favorite subject matters to paint is filtered sunlight shining through trees onto a road, river, sidewalk, or path. It is an invitation to the viewer. I paint landscapes and cityscapes because I have lived in both rural and urban spaces. I see beauty in both. Whether I am painting on location or painting from a photograph, I create the scene in a way that I find aesthetically pleasing. I don’t want to just duplicate a photograph.
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to study under some great artists like Mike Svob, Ovannes Berberian, John Michael Carter, and the late Robert Genn. There are others that have influenced my work, like Michael O’Toole and Kim English. I have learned so much from all these artists. My parents continue to be a huge inspiration and encouragement to me. Renae walks on this path of artistic endeavor with me daily and is a constant source of friendship and support. Our daughter, Willow, also helps by naming paintings and is an enthusiastic supporter of my work.
RÉSUMÉ / CURRICULUM VITAE
SOLO EXHIBITS
October 2018 – “Home” – Sunnyshore Studio, Camano Island, WA
October 2017 – “Inheriting Indianapolis” – Harrison Center for the Arts, Indianapolis, IN
August 2017 – Frankfort Library, Frankfort, IN
July 2017 – “There and Back Again” – Sunnyshore Studio, Camano Island, WA
August 2016 – “”Roads, Rivers & Paths (and Other Places I Love)” – Harrison Center for the Arts, Indianapolis, IN
September 2015 – “The Sun Also Rises” – Harrison Center for the Arts, Indianapolis, IN
October 2014 – “A City to Live” – Harrison Center for the Arts, Indianapolis, IN
December 2013 – “Urban Landscapes” – Harrison Center for the Arts, Indianapolis, IN
November 2012 – “Casting Shadows – the Unity of Light” – Harrison Center for the Arts, Indianapolis, IN
March 2010 – “There and Back Again” – Vancouver, B.C.
Group Shows
January 2019 – Dorsey Family Show – Covenant Shores – Mercer Island, WA
November – December 2017 – Christmas Show – Sunnyshore Studio, Camano Island, WA
July – October 2017 – Annual Hoosier Salon Show, Indianapolis, IN
June 2017 – Indiana Heritage Arts, Nashville, IN
May 2017 – Encore Sotheby’s International Realty – Indianapolis, IN
April 2017 – “Blossoming” – Harrison Center for the Arts, Indianapolis, IN
December 2016 – “Beaches of Camano” – Sunnyshore Studio, Camano Island, WA
October 2016 – “Soldiers and Sailors Monument Show” – Harrison Center for the Arts, Indianapolis, IN
July 2016 – Porch Party Group Exhibit – City Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
May 2015 – “Urban and Rural Landscapes” – Harrison Center for the Arts, Indianapolis, IN
October 2014 – “Homecoming” – Harrison Center for the Arts, Indianapolis, IN
September 2006 – Family Show – Scott Milo Gallery, Anacortes, WA
August 2005 – Family Show – Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery, Bellevue, WA
October 2003 – Group Show – Federation of Canadian Artists, Vancouver, B.C.
May 2002 – 2018 – Camano Island Studio Tour, Camano Island, WA
October 2001 – 2004 – “Arts in the City, Arts in the Sanctuary” – Grace Vancouver, Vancouver, B.C.
Other Exhibits
December 2016 – January 2017 – Featured Artist – Patachou Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
April 2015 – Featured Artist – Patachou Broad Ripple, Indianapolis, IN
2006 – 2016 – Seagrass Gallery – Camano Island, WA
2002 – 2006 – Gallery in the Loft – Camano Island, WA
Awards
Sept 2018 – 1st Place – First Brush of Fall, Michigan City, IN
Sept 2018 – Best of Show – Carmel on Canvas, Carmel, IN
April 2018 – 3rd Place – First Brush of Spring, New Harmony, IN
September 2017 – 2nd Place – Carmel on Canvas, Carmel, IN
September 2017 – Purchase Prize – Carmel on Canvas, Carmel, IN
September 2017 – 1st Place – First Brush of Fall, Converse, IN
August 2017 – Purchase Prize – Kekionga Paint Out, Ft. Wayne, IN
August 2016 – 1st Place – Zionsville Paint Out, Zionsville, IN
September 2016 – 3rd Place Quick Draw – Carmel on Canvas, Carmel, IN
September 2016 – Honorable Mention – Carmel on Canvas, Carmel, IN
Jed Dorsey’s show “Radiant Landscapes” opens at Sunnyshore Studio on Saturday, October 5, 10am-5pm. Visit our Gallery @ 2803 SE Camano Drive, Camano Island, WA, or shop online here:
On Tuesday my brother Jed Dorsey took me and my son Julian fishing. At least that was the plan. The idea was to put Jed’s boat in at Maple Grove, cut through Deception Pass, and make our way down to Fort Casey where there is good salmon fishing from the shore.
However, when we got to the west side of Whidbey, we (Jed) hadn’t calculated how long it would take to get to Fort Casey. So we decided to try our hand fishing in the waters just west of Deception Pass. Jed dropped me off on shore where I fished. He and Julian fished from the boat. But unfortunately, Jed had forgotten to bring the weights for the downriggers. They rigged up some weights and tried…Then picked me up and we tried some more, but nothing.
Moral of the story. Jed shouldn’t be a fishing guide. He is, however, a terrific artist. And we were industrious and made the most of it, shooting some video for his upcoming solo show at Sunnyshore Studio. Enjoy this short video invitation to Jed’s upcoming show: Radiant Landscapes.
Jed Dorsey’s October solo art show at Sunnyshore Studio, Radiant Landscapes, will raise money to provide access to art for artistically gifted, low-income youth through Acrylic University’s Access to Art program.
“I grew up with access to art. My dad let me use his studio and his paints, brushes and paper. He was also my main instructor and art critic.”
Jed painting with his father, artist Jack Dorsey
“My mom was my cheerleader. She made sure I had plenty of art supplies and cheered me on in my efforts.”
Jed drawing as a three year old.
One of Jed’s sketches as a youth
“And even as a youth I had opportunity to sell my artwork at family art shows shows.”
Jed with his friends
Jed and his sister April
Jed and Jenny his future sister in law
Jed, his sister April, and April’s future husband Roger at the Dorsey Art Booth at the Stanwood Fair
“Many artistically gifted, low-income youth have no access like I did. Often schools don’t have the resources to provide quality art instruction, and sometimes there’s none at all. The aim of AU’s Access to Art program is to come alongside these gifted youth and provide two years of quality art instruction through AU’s online platform (worth approximately $800), a backpack full of art supplies (worth approximately $200), and a supportive online art community, ALL FOR FREE!”
Sunnyshore Studio’s Artistic Director, Jason Dorsey, will be leading the first cohort of Access to Art Students. The goal is to launch that cohort in November 2019.
To raise money for these students, Sunnyshore Studio and Jed Dorsey are donating 10% of all art sold at the Radiant Landscape show to fund the first cohort of Access to Art students.
Jed’s Radiant Landscapes show opens Saturday, October 5th, 10am – 5pm at Sunnyshore Studio (2803 S.E. Camano Drive, Camano Island, WA). It runs through Saturday, October 12th, 10am-5pm.
So it’s “Two for One”! By purchasing one of Jed’s striking paintings your family will have a work of art to enjoy for decades to come AND you will help a youth have access to art!
Acrylic University is launching an ACCESS TO ART program to provide artistically gifted, underprivileged youth ages 13-22, with access to high quality art instruction, art supplies and a supportive art community for FREE.
The value of the two years of access to Acrylic University’s online art instruction is $800. Add to this the $200 of art supplies for a total of $1,000 of value. In short, the ACCESS TO ART students are receiving an incredible opportunity!
Our pilot program launches in November 1, 2019, has already received two applicants. We are working with four other youth who are currently in the process of applying.
We only have room for TEN in our pilot ASSESS TO ART program that will be facilitated by Jason Dorsey.
Many low-income, artistically gifted youth do not have access to art training, art supplies, and a nurturing artistic community. Sunnyshore Studio is partnering with Acrylic University (AU) to launch AU’s Access to Art program. Through a grant and the support of an Advocate, ten youth will receive two years of art instruction through Acrylic University’s online platform, acrylic art supplies worth $200, and inclusion in AU’s online community of artists.
Check out the introduction video to Acrylic University here:
Many young people have great artistic potential but do not have access to art instruction and supplies. Public education’s focus on the core subjects of math, English and science, and its value of athletics often means that these young people’s artistic potential is not encouraged. The cost of private art lessons and art supplies make the cultivation of young people’s artistic gifts available exclusively for the wealthy. Acrylic University aims to make access to art accessible for young people, especially youth from low income families. Access alone to art instruction and supplies is not enough. These young people need the encouragement and critique, nurture and support of a community for their artistic gifts to flourish.
The Mission
The mission of AU’s Access to Art program is to provide artistically gifted youth a two-year access to art instruction, art supplies and a supportive art community.
The Vision
Over the next decade to raise up gifted, successful artists who share beauty with the world by providing the Art for Access Program to over 100 students.
The Program
Acrylic University believes access to art instruction, art supplies, and a supportive art community is the key to unlock the artistic potential of young people. Our program is aimed at providing this access to youth 13-22 years of age, and is especially geared towards youth from low-income families.
Art Instruction: Acrylic University provides online instruction in acrylic painting from Master artist Jed Dorsey. Jed’s engaging, encouraging instruction style allows for youth to learn “over his shoulder and through his heart.” Much of what we learn is from watching someone else, learning from them. Acrylic University offers classes beginning with 101, the most basic class to more advanced classes. Because the instruction is on-line, the student can watch the lessons from his/her phone, or a computer at the library or at home.
Art Supplies: Acrylic University ships a backpack with all the necessary art supplies to begin painting. See list below. It also includes a supply list for the student so that he/she can have a guide to purchase supplies in the future. It is important that all of the supplies fit in a backpack because many of these youth live transient lives, moving from apartment to apartment and they need to be able to carry their mini-art studio with them.
Art Community. Enrollment in AU’s Access to Art community immediately connects the artistically gifted youth into a supportive, encouraging community. This starts with an “Advocate” who knows the youth’s potential and pledges to support them in their journey. The advocate is someone who knows the student and is in their lives. It might be a parent, grandparent or guardian, or a teacher. After filling out an application and acceptance into the program, the youth is connected to a multi-generation community of artists facilitated by a “Coach” who provides support, encouragement, and critique.
The Process
An “Advocate” identifies a youth aged 13-22 who has artistic potential and on the application form pledges to support that youth in their journey.
The youth applies to
the Access to Art Program. The application includes the signature of the
Advocate. After acceptance into the program, the youth is placed on the waiting
list for an Access to Art Program Grant (see below).
After receiving the
Access to Art Grant, AU (1) ships the backpack of art supplies to the Advocate
who gets them to the student, (2) registers them for the online instruction portal,
and (3) connects them to the online art community.
At this point the
youth is considered a member of Acrylic University and welcomed to participate
in all of the programs of AU including submission of art to the annual juried Acess
to Art (online) Art show (see below).
After the youth
graduates from the two year Art Access program of Acrylic University. They can
choose to (1) continue in Acrylic University by paying the regular fee, (2)
apply for being a AU “coach” and receive the AU instruction as their
reimbursement for being a coach.
Online Art Show
Entering artwork in a show, having your art juried, selling and shipping artwork, and paying a gallery commission are vital steps to grow and to be affirmed as an artist. In Partnership with Sunnyshore Studio, AU provides an online Art Art Show where Access to Art Students can showcase and sell their artworks. A 10% commission on student’s artwork that is sold will be taken to cover administrative and promotional costs of the online art show. Advocates play an important role in this art show by promoting their student’s artwork via social media and with their network of friends, and by helping walk the student through the shipping of artwork that is sold (if shipping is required).
Program Cost and Access Grant
The cost of providing access for one youth in Acrylic University is $350. We are looking for generous supporters who want to help youth have access to art. If you are interested in supporting a youth in the Access to Art program contact Jason Dorsey (see information at the bottom of this link). You can pay for all, or part, of a student’s access to art. The cost is broken down in this way:
$100 = Art for Access “Student Rate” for online instruction
In Partnership with Sunnyshore Studio, Acrylic University is launching the pilot Access to Art Program in October, 2019. Jason Dorsey, Artistic Director of Sunnyshore Studio will be working with advocates to identify ten artistically gifted youth. After the youth have are accepted into the Access program, they will be eligible to receive the Access Scholarship. In October 2019, Jed Dorsey will have a solo art show at Sunnyshore Studio. Sunnyshore Studio is donating 5% of the commission and Jed and Renae Dorsey are donating 5% to raise Access Grants to fund the ten students. In the fall of 2020 show, artworks by the students who are a part of the Access Program will be showcased in an online Art Show.
Advocate Commitment
Advocates are vital for AU’s Access to Art Program. They serve in three
important ways.
First, the Advocate
identifies a gifted young artist (age 13-22) and works with them to complete
and turn in an Access to Art Application.
Second, once the
student receives a grant, AU ships the backpack and art supplies to the youth.
The Advocate ensures that the youth receives the art supplies.
Third, the Advocate
supports the student as they showcase their work on the online Art Show
including (1) sharing the student’s participation in the online show via social
media and with his/her network of friends, and (2) helping youth ship artwork
to purchaser if this is required.
The Timeline
August 15, 2019: Applications Due
September 1, 2019: Art Access Pilot Program Members Announced
October 2019: Jed Dorsey Art Show and Art Access Fund-Raiser
November 1, 2019: Pilot Program Begins
October 2020: Paintings of Access to Art Pilot Program Members online Art show
Art Supplies
The following art
supplies will be provided for Access to Art Students along with a backpack to
carry them in.
23 Canvases
9
Tubes of Paint (warms and cools of primary colors, plus gray, white and black)
Paint box (for holding
paint)
Palette (Masterson
Sta-Wet Palette – mini version)
Set of 10 brushes
Sketchbook
Set of 6 pencils with
sharpener
Tabletop Easel
Spray Bottle
Masking Tape
Value Finder
Note: Students and
advocates will need to provide water buckets for cleaning brushes, and paper
towels (or rags). Hair dryer and hydrogen peroxide are optional (used for
helping Sta-Wet Palette stay fresher for longer).
Applying to AU’s “Access to Art” Program
We are only taking 10 students in the pilot Access to Art Program.
Applications must be post-marked by August 15, 2019 (or e-mailed by August 15)
Applications will be evaluated in the order in which they arrive.
Youth who are not admitted into the pilot program will be placed on a waiting list.
If you would like to apply for the pilot Access to Art program, please request an application by sending your name and e-mail address to Jason Dorsey. You can contact him via phone at 317.209.6768 or e-mail: j.dorsey23@gmail.com.
You can check out the web site at the bottom of this page.
Acrylic University was created by Jed and Renae Dorsey – with strong assistance from Dan Ericson and Peter Stout – to make acrylic instruction and creative community accessible to everyone.
Features
Acrylic University features high quality painting instruction by Jed, an expanding course list with comprehensive supply list for each course, a library of paint along videos where you can learn looking over Jed’s shoulder and through his heart, and connection to an on-line artistic, creative, encouraging community.
Jed and Renae emphasize the community aspect of Acrylic University. They dream of the community platform connecting a bibrant community of artists and creative people who share a love of life and learning and beauty and art. In other words, Acrylic University is not just about painting. It is about community!
Pricing
There is a two week window to sign up to get the best rates! From today until June 20th, 2019: the monthly price of $45 is offered $33 a month. The yearly regular fee of $397 is cut in half! The two week launch price is $197. If you buy the yearly at this reduced rate, it comes to only $17 a month.
And in case you’re just not sure it’s worth the coin, you have 30 days to try the site out. If you don’t love it there is a 100% money back guarantee.
Access to Art Pilot Program
Sunnyshore Studio’s Artistic Director, Jason Dorsey, is working with Jed and Renae to develop Acrylic University’s “Access to Art” program. This program is geared towards giving youth, especially low income and disenfranchised youth, access to art instruction, art supplies and creative community.
The Need
Many young people have great artistic potential but do not have access to art instruction and supplies. Public education’s focus on the core subjects of math, English and science, and its value of athletics over art, often means that these young people’s artistic potential is not encouraged or cultivated. The cost of private art lessons and art supplies make the cultivation of young people’s artistic gifts available exclusively for the wealthy. Acrylic University aims to make art accessible for young people, especially youth from low income families. However, access to art instruction and supplies is not enough. These young people need the encouragement and critique, nurture and support of a community for their artistic gifts to flourish.
The Mission
The mission of AU’s Access to Art program is to provide artistically gifted youth access to art instruction, art supplies, and a supportive art community.
The Vision
Over the next decade to raise up many gifted, successful artists who “share beauty” with the world by providing the Art for Access Program to hundreds of students.
The Program
Acrylic University believes access to art instruction, art supplies, and a supportive art community is the key to unlock the artistic potential of young people. Our program is aimed at providing this access to youth 12-22 years of age, and is especially geared towards youth from low-income families.
Art Instruction: Acrylic University provides online instruction in acrylic painting from Master artist Jed Dorsey. Jed’s engaging, encouraging instruction style allows for youth to learn “over his shoulder and through his heart.” Much of what we learn is from watching someone else, learning from them. Acrylic University offers classes beginning with 101, the most basic class to more advanced courses. Because the instruction is on-line, the student can watch the lessons from his/her phone, or a computer at the library or at home.
Art Supplies: Acrylic University ships a backpack with all the necessary art supplies to begin painting. This includes easel, brushes, acrylic paint, palette, and canvases. It also includes a supply list for the student so that he/she can have a guide to purchase supplies in the future. It is important that all of the supplies fit in a backpack because many of these youth live transient lives, moving from apartment to apartment and they need to be able to carry their mini-art studio with them.
Art Community. Enrollment in AU’s Access to Art community immediately connects the artistically gifted youth into a supportive, encouraging community. This starts with an “Advocate” who knows the youth’s potential and pledges to support them in their journey. The advocate is someone who knows the student and is in their lives. It might be a parent, grandparent or guardian, or a teacher. After filling out an application and acceptance into the program, the youth is connected to a multi-generation community of artists facilitated by a “Coach” who provide support, encouragement, and critique.
If you’re interested in sponsoring a young person in this pilot “Access to Art” program please contact Renae Dorsey: hello@acrylicuniversity.com
Here’s the link to the web site that’s just gone live:
