Frequently Asked Questions
As for Certification:
Students can study as much as they want or complete the program. Students can study on their own, with a tutor, or in class and submit their work for grading. AFTER students complete the full program and all course work is graded, students are eligible to submit their Final Independent Study. Once a satisfactory presentation of their independent work is made, Certification can be achieved.
What benefit is certification?
Education and the assurance of the ability to exhibit botanically correct and esthetically pleasing art that botanists can rely on is the primary benefit. The Academy does not guarantee that the student can find employment after completing their program. Each student finds their way to applying the information gained in this program. Career opportunities are always available and it is up to the student to select their own path. The Academy program will help students achieve a level of expertise and present themselves to the professional world. The rest is up to the student.
What about Distance Learning with Tutor?
Students who study at home and on their own have access to a telephone tutor. This is especially helpful for the more advanced classes. Telephone tutors will be needed for Research on the Internet, Plant Morphology and for Marketing Your Art. The process of distance learning is simple. Students once registered with a tutor will set a schedule with the tutor at a mutually convenient time and pace. Telephone sessions are in most cases half-hour lessons. Additional tutor time can be purchased in half-hour increments.
How do I begin with the Academy?
Everyone enrolls and pays the ABA Yearly Student Enrollment fee of $50. It can be paid for online at this link: http://www.omartdesigns.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=O&Category_Code=ABAStuReg
Everyone starts with Drawing I and Course Pak 1. Whether a distance learner or a class/workshop attendee, students pay for books/paks/ and grade review fees.
Are Previous Experience Credits Available:
Often student’s previous work is eligible for credits. At the Academy we only offer previous experience credits toward elective credits. There is a three step process to achieve this experience credit. Once the course is approved and the work is reviewed, the Academy will advise the student of the amount of credits they are eligible to receive. The transfer fee is $5 per credit, plus $25 registration for each course transferred. Students can also use this transfer method for preapproved elective courses that the student may wish to take outside of the Academy offerings. The same rule applies and once the course is approved, and evidence of course completion is shown, students will follow the transfer process mentioned above.
May I Receive Core Or Elective Credits For Classes Taken In Florida Or Other Authorized Academy Workshops?
Yes, students will receive credits but only when students register the course they are taking and submit completed assignments together with the course grade review fee.
When do I receive my credits for classes taken?
After the assignments are handed in, a review of the work is made and a grade is applied. The student receives a Grade Report and the Credits are recorded in the student’s file. Students need to keep their copy of their grade reports.
How is the Artwork Submitted for Grading?
Students will follow the submission guidelines found in each Course Volume and Course Pak. Shipping must be done without the use of “peanuts” for packing. Refer to the Academy website store art supplies section and learn about “Clamshell” shipping and storage boxes which keep work safe during shipping.
What supplies do I Order first on the Academy Website?
Purchase Drawing I and Pak #1 and the Perplexi® for use in Drawing I. Refer to the Supply List on the Website Store. Note you will need to purchase a book on the supply list called, “Perspective Without Pain” by Phil Metzger.
If working with a tutor, purchase the Distance Learning Course for Drawing I which includes the Drawing I Book & Course Pak #1 and grading and review fee. Even if you purchase the Distance Learning course, you still need to refer to the Academy Marketplace supply list to check your supplies, to order supplies, and obtain the “Perspective Without Pain” book by Phil Metzger.
How can I pay for Classes with the Academy?
Your payment can be made by credit card, check or cash once you have determined which class you wish to take.
How to Register for Classes at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida?
Visit www.selby.org and go to education/art classes/Academy listings. Register online, or call Marilynn Shelley, Interim Director of Environmental Education at 941-366-5731 x 239.
What Hotels does the Academy recommend?
If accommodations are needed, please request the Director of the Academy you wish to attend to send information on Hotels.
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To Visit the Academy Market Place, please click here…
