Information for Students

The Lillian Orlowsky and William Freed Museum School at PAAM serves students of all experience levels.

Always feel free to get in touch with Curator of Museum Education Ruby T., she’ll be happy to discuss any questions: rubyt@paam.org, 508-487-1750 x113.

POLICIES

All participants are expected to arrive on time and to cultivate an attitude of mutual respect towards others. PAAM is committed to providing all participants with meaningful and productive educational experiences. As a result, PAAM reserves the right to refuse admission to any workshop, or to deny further participation to anyone who may adversely affect the quality of the educational experience. Anyone denied access to the remainder of a session, at the sole discretion of PAAM, will not be granted a refund. No pets are allowed in our studios.

Students are welcome to leave personal items and art supplies in their assigned studio for the duration of their workshop time, but never overnight unless given permission by Museum School staff. Studios often host multiple workshops per day, and must be kept clear after hours. PAAM is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please do not store valuables in the classrooms.

MUSEUM SCHOOL HISTORY

In 1982 PAAM’s educational mission was furthered when the Museum School at PAAM was officially founded, with an onsite studio classroom. Modeled after the Art Students League of New York, the Museum School has provided students of all levels the opportunity to work with local, professional artists in a variety of settings and media—working en plein air and in the traditional, studio classroom environment.

Our Studios:

PAAM was renovated in 2003-05, creating greatly improved studios for the school which are naturally lit with skylights, ventilated, and handicapped accessible. The space includes a drawing studio, painting studio with moveable wall, and a non-toxic print studio featuring three printing presses.

Recognizing Greatness:

In 2009, the school was named to honor the late Lillian Orlowsky and William Freed, who were artists, teachers, and active members of PAAM and the Provincetown arts community for over 50 years.

Continued Change:

Over the past three decades, programming has evolved to year-round offerings, featuring four months of summer classes, as well as fall and spring workshops. Media covered includes Art History, Drawing, Film, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and more.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Choosing A Workshop

How can I decide if a workshop is right for me?
Read the course description and bio, check out the materials list to see if it includes items you use or would like to learn about, and go to the teacher’s website to learn more about them. If you have particular questions, let us know and we’ll get you in touch with the faculty member. Workshops are listed by Media and Date for easy searching.

I’m interested in studying one-on-one with a teacher, is that possible?
We are happy to set up tutorials whenever possible, please contact us.

How many students will be in the workshop?
Unless otherwise noted, workshops are ten students or less.

Is this workshop too advanced for me?
Workshops are open to all students unless otherwise noted in the course description. If you have a particular question about a workshop, let us know.

Taking A Workshop

I can’t make all the days of the workshop; can I still take it?
In most cases, students can take part of a workshop, though you should let us know so we can check with the teaching artist. In general, workshops are not pro-rated if you are unable to attend the entire session.

Where do workshops take place? Are they accessible?
The Museum School entrance is on the Bangs Street side of the building, to the left of the main museum entrance at 460 Commercial Street. Unless indicated in course descriptions, workshops will be held in our studio classrooms on the second floor at 460 Commercial. Access to studios can be obtained by elevator or stairs. The Museum School is fully accessible.

Where do outdoor workshops meet? Do I need a car?
Outdoor workshops often meet on the first day at PAAM. Subsequent locations will be determined in class and students can often carpool.

What if it rains during my plein air workshop?
Museum School studio classrooms are available in the event the weather does not cooperate.

Can I work in the studio during non-workshop hours?
This varies from workshop to workshop due to scheduling. Ask about your specific workshop to see if the studio is available during non-workshop hours.

Can I leave materials in the studio during the week?
This varies depending on the workshop schedule. Feel free to ask.

What time should I get to the workshop? We recommend you arrive 10 minutes before a workshop begins.

What will be going on during my time at PAAM?
In addition to the variety of workshops, The Chester I. Solomon Life Drawing program provides drop in drawing sessions on Tuesday and Friday, from 9:30-11:30am year-round. PAAM is a nationally recognized, year-round cultural institution that fuses the creative energy of America’s oldest active art colony with the natural beauty of outer Cape Cod that has inspired artists for generations. Integral to the community comprising the Provincetown Art Colony, PAAM embodies the qualities that make Provincetown an enduring American center for the arts, and serves as Cape Cod’s most widely-attended art museum. Make time to see the exhibitions in our galleries and don’t miss our outstanding lectures, concerts, panel discussions, special events, and openings. For more information, pick up a copy of the latest newsletter or go to the PAAM homepage.

Can I visit the Museum during my workshop?
Yes, students are encouraged to visit the Museum during their time here. Members receive unlimited free admission to the galleries. We invite you to view the galleries as our guest and then consider becoming a member for subsequent visits.

Is there food nearby?
Angel Foods is directly across the street, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lunch menus are available in the office or by walking over. For more significant food shopping, Stop & Shop is located on Shank Painter Rd (off of Bradford St) in the West End.

Kids And Young Adults

Are there workshops for kids?
Yes, we have a number of workshops for young people. For more information, please visit the Youth Education tab or contact Grace Emmet: gemmet@paam.org. In addition, we are happy to welcome kids in the museum. We have tables for kids in the galleries with activities to peak their interests. Other resources include the Provincetown Recreation Dept and the West End Racing Club.

My daughter/son is interested in taking an ‘adult’ workshop, is that possible?
This varies by workshop. Please let us know and we’ll check with the faculty member.

Payments

I registered online, now what?
You will receive an email letting you know that the registration went through and then will receive a confirmation letter and materials list via email.

Are scholarships available?
We’re proud to offer scholarships here at PAAM, read more here.

Can I get a discount on a workshop?
PAAM members receive a discount on tuition, read more about Membership Benefits here.

I’d like to give a workshop to a friend, is that possible?
Gift Certificates are available for specific workshops, in any denomination, and can be used in the school or museum.

What if I need to cancel or change my workshop?
Transfers can be made with no fee up to 14 days before a workshop start date. Cancellation within 14 days of a workshop start date results in the full loss of tuition. Workshops may be cancelled up to one day in advance due to under-enrollment. In this case, tuition will be refunded in full.

In the case that I am unable to attend a workshop, can I give my space to a friend?
Yes, though we ask that you please let us know if someone else will be taking your place in a workshop.

I’m a teacher, can I get Professional Development Points?
We are happy to assist you in receiving PDPs.

I’m a student, can I get credit for these workshops?
Students can often receive credits, though it depends on your specific institution. Contact the Registrar at your school for more information.

Materials and Supplies

Do I need to bring an easel?
We supply easels for classroom workshops. If you are taking an outdoor (plein air) painting workshop you may want to bring a French outdoor easel. PAAM also has a limited number of French easels available for rent for workshops. Call ahead to see if one is available.

What’s the difference between French outdoor easels and the others?
French outdoor easels are made to be portable, sturdy in case of wind, and with clips to hold boards and materials.

What items are supplied in the studios?
Studios are stocked with easels, stools, drawing benches, side tables, pencil sharpeners, and radios. Specific materials are also supplied for certain workshops such as printmaking.

If I have a question, can I get in touch with a teaching artist?
We’re happy to put you in touch with the instructor if we can’t answer something for you.

I don’t have everything on the materials list, do I need it?
It depends. We’ve asked faculty to consider what is needed so they’ve often listed the materials that are required versus encouraged. If you have a question, please don’t hesitate to ask.

I forgot something at home!
Come ask – we often have materials that students can use while here.

I’d like to work in a medium different than the one listed, is that possible?
It depends, though often it is not an issue. Check the materials list to see if the instructor has included that information. Otherwise, feel free to ask.

Can I drop off my materials before going to park my car?
Yes, we encourage students to pull into the staff parking lot on Bangs Street to drop off heavy materials. Please pull into a spot and put your blinkers on to signal that you are there temporarily. Materials can be left inside the school door, outside the elevator, or in your actual studio.

Is there somewhere close by that I can purchase materials?
Supplies can be purchased at Conwell Ace Hardware and Lumber, and Lands’ End True Value.

Provincetown

How can I find out what’s going on in town?
You will receive some information about events going on around town during your workshop orientation. Alternatively, the best resources in town for visitors are the Provincetown Chamber of Commerce or Provincetown Tourism Office. Provincetown Chamber of Commerce 508.487.3424
www.ptownchamber.com Provincetown Tourism Office 508.487.3298 www.provincetowntourismoffice.org

How should I get to Provincetown?
Provincetown is accessible by boat (Boston Harbor Cruises or Baystate Cruise Company), by air (Cape Air), by bus (Plymouth & Brockton Bus) or by car.

Do I need to bring a car?
Provincetown is pretty small so you can often manage without a car. Most people travel by bike. There are a number of places to rent bikes including Provincetown Bikes, Galeforce Bikes, Arnold’s Bikes, and the Bike Shack.

Is there parking?
There is no student parking. Students are encouraged to drop heavy materials off at the School before workshop, and to allow time to park and walk. Spaces on Commercial Street are free, however please be aware of Street Sweeping schedule on Tuesday mornings.

Is there handicapped parking near the museum?
Yes, there are two spaces in front of the museum on Commercial Street as well as one space in the staff lot on Bangs Street.

If someone wants to reach me during my workshop who should they call? Are there phones available at PAAM?
Anyone can call PAAM at 508.487.1750 if they need to get in touch. In the case of an emergency, one of the office phones can be utilized.

VIRTUAL + ONLINE WORKSHOPS

How will I receive meeting information?
You will receive an invite to your first meeting in your confirmation materials. The teaching artist will be in touch with you via email with subsequent invites if your workshop has more than one session.

What if I am new to Zoom and Google Meet?
Ruby T, our Curator of Adult Education, is happy to offer technology lessons for any student who would like one. Reach out to her at rubyt@paam.org

PLEIN AIR WORKSHOPS

What if it rains?
Your teaching artist will either have a covered location picked out, or a virtual lesson planned for that day. You can clarify with your individual teaching artist. Should weather impact instruction for 2+ day and it impacts your experience, full and partial refunds will be available.

Where are we meeting for the first session?
Your teaching artist will be in touch before the first session with directions and their contact information. Please always bring water, hat, sunscreen, and a snack!

---

Have a question we haven’t answered?
Feel free to give a call at 508.487.1750 or email Ruby T: rubyt@paam.org