SAAC is turning up the creative energy this fall with a 2025 Arts Academy lineup packed with classes for all ages in visual arts, drama, ballet, computer arts, science, and more. From budding young artists to seasoned creatives, the new season offers something for everyone, taught by an inspiring roster of local talent.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES
Visual arts classes will welcome students from ages 4 through 12th grade, with options for both beginners and advanced artists. Local artists Katie Harwell, Nicole McAdams, Michaela Gross, Maria Botti Villegas, and Mike Means will bring their unique perspectives and expertise to create an environment where students can freely explore their creativity.
Michaela Gross will debut a new class for 7th–12th graders, guiding middle and high school students through the artistic process and helping them develop their own work, while continuing her popular class for younger students as well. Maria Botti Villegas will lead an Advanced Art Study course for grades 9–12. This class will offer individualized instruction, advanced drawing techniques, and guidance on college portfolios and competitions. Mike Means will teach computer arts courses, including graphic design as well as Art Meets Science class. He will also offer visual arts classes in pencil drawing and a new iPad-based digital drawing.
Cassie Hickman and Haley Phillips return to SAAC’s drama program to offer classes for students from ages 4 through 6th grade. Cassie will once again teach her popular “Littles Theatre” for ages 4 to 8, where pre-readers and emerging readers can learn to transform imaginative play into storytelling and performance. For older students in grades 3-4 and 5-6, Haley will lead drama classes where students will be exploring monologues, character work, and scenes, while also learning valuable skills for performance and public speaking. Additionally, students in grades 7-12 will have the opportunity to participate in a theatrical production through the Drama Club.
Cassie will also reinstate her popular every-other-Wednesday morning “Mommy and Me” classes, inviting babies, toddlers, and their adult companions to enjoy engaging art and music experiences together.
The ballet program, directed by the mother-daughter team Peppermint Rushing and Kara Rushing, along with Karis Flurry, continues to flourish, teaching dancers from ages 4 to 12th grade. This fall, a new Technique Ballet class has been added as a recommended accompaniment to Ballet 5 where dancers will focus on fundamental barre work, stretching, strengthening, and beginning pointe work. Ballet 4 students will work on refining their technique, building strength and control, and preparing for pointe work, with options to work in demi-pointe shoes or flats based on their readiness.
Also, for the first time, SAAC is expanding into adult evening programs, offering Adult Ballet on Mondays with Peppermint and Kara Rushing and Adult Art Classes on Tuesdays with Maria Botti Villegas, giving community members the chance to explore their creativity in a welcoming, supportive space.
SAAC warmly invites everyone in the community to join this exciting season of arts education. To register for classes, visit www.saac-arts.org or call 870-862-5474 for more information.