Local art instructor Anthony Stenberg wants to “build community through art and literacy,” and he’s starting with his new nonprofit business venture, the Morgan Hill Art School.
“We’re starting small,” said Stenberg, who taught at various public schools over the last 13 years from pre-kindergarten to college. “As a nonprofit school, we can really go out and help the community.”
The 42-year-old artist and educator earned his Bachelor’s degree in art at San Jose State University before acquiring his teaching credential and Master’s in education from National University. Before deciding to open his own art school, Stenberg created the art curriculum for one school district he was employed at and helped open an art charter school in San Jose called Ida Jew Academy, where he taught for six years.
“I took some time off. I thought about opening an art gallery,” said the Morgan Hill resident who returned to teaching last school year while he “was trying to figure out what direction to go in” on his own.
Stenberg noticed that in town there were a number of music schools and performing arts schools, but not any visual art schools with their own studios. He also researched how nonprofits work and realized becoming one could help him keep his class prices down and offer a lot more to locals.
He’s already worked out a partnership with Jackson Academy of Math and Music for some afterschool art classes and is looking at more schools to do the same. Stenberg, who has been in contact with HOPE services, also wants to do outreach to work with some assisted living communities to teach art to individuals with disabilities.
For starters, Stenberg’s art school, which opened its doors this week, with two studios occupies a 1,280 square foot, second-floor space in the shopping center at East Dunne Avenue and Condit Road. The school offers beginner art classes for ages 5 and up in drawing, painting, ceramics and art exploration, as well as intermediate levels for older students. Stenberg has designed a cross-curricular program that relates to math, science and history.
“We are starting as a little school and we will try to grow from that,” said Stenberg, who also wants to seek accreditation as well so he can provide art classes for home-schooled students, as well as traditional students wanting more art, so they can receive credits. He also envisions partnering with public trusts and local businesses to help promote art within the community.
These are modest beginnings for the art enthusiast who had one student scheduled for the Sept. 5 opening day and three others for Sept. 6. Each class is between 90 minutes and two hours long. Each class, which comes in six-week sessions, consists of an art history element, aesthetics and critique.
Those interested can sign up for classes at morganhillartschool.org or by calling (669) 888-3622. Stenberg also has public pages on Facebook and Instagram.
“We have a much more enriched art curriculum here,” said Stenberg. “We are hoping for eight to 10 students in each class so that everybody gets a lot of individualized attention.”
Along with Stenberg, the art school has one other instructor, Patty Curtis, who teaches art one day a week at P.A. Walsh Elementary School.
“The earlier children get exposed to art, the more opportunities they’ll have to appreciate it,” Stenberg said. “It’s important for adults, too. It’s a good break from everyday life and a good way to keep the brain active, especially for the elderly.”
Where: 1295 E. Dunne Ave., Suite 210
When: Daily classes in painting, drawing, ceramics
Who: Art instructor/owner Anthony Stenberg
Contact: morganhillartschool.org or (669) 888-3622
