Art Class etiquette for Senior Citizens

B

Becky Sharpe

New Member
I take an Art Class at a local community college along with a few other seniors. It is a regular for-credit class and most of the other students are late teens-early 20's. I am there to learn how to draw and paint, but the other seniors are more interested in visiting. I don't want to seem unfriendly, but I am not interested in engaging in conversations with them (unless it is about art) or in participating in their out-of-class activities. How can I avoid them and not be rude?
 

I agree with Bea, just let them know you're there to learn all you can and take the lessons seriously. If they have any manners, they'll leave you alone.
 

They just won't take hints. Every time they try to start a conversation, I just reply with a noncommittal "That's nice," and go on about my business. She keeps on. One of them insists on sitting next to me. I got to class early one day, and moved her chair and easel and table three feet away. When she got to class, she moved them back. You are right about manners--obviously missing. I guess that is why I am so hesitant about being downright rude.
 
If she is that persistent, you may have to be a little tougher.

I would tell her you need to move the easel and chair as you cannot work comfortably with another so close as it is distracting and you are really keen to learn. I would add you work better when still and quiet, so tend to blot other folks out a bit and further adding you feel sure she will understand. Play up the artistic temperament. If she starts to chat, at first I would ignore here, and look concentrating, if she persists,just lift one finger, wave it a little and stare deep into your painting, you could even utter a barley audible ssh noise. Pretend you are at a spot that you don't want to be interrupted on .She should pick up on the concentration thing and back off.

Don't engage in conversation with her or you have lost the chance. I might even go so far as to be seen meditating for a moment or two before you begin, after that you are gone gal and not tuned in to the others in the room, she will get the point.
 
Yes, after the last class when she left, I moved two tables between us. Also, beginning to feel a little sorry for her. She is obnoxious. If she sees anyone having a conversation, she races over and butts in, bringing the conversation around to herself. And if anyone asks a question--no matter who the question is directed to, she answers. It's like she's afraid that someone will think she doesn't know the answer to everything. Maybe she doesn't get enough attention at home.
 
The teacher needs to say no talking while we are drawing and painting. It interrupts the creative thought flow. Maybe you could ask the teacher to say that.
 
Unfortunately, in the environment of the community college of today, the instructor can only suggest the students work quietly. If she is not careful, the immature students will run to the Chancellor and complain about how mean she is. The students are believed and the instructor is called on the carpet, and not allowed to face her accuser. A close friend just retired from this college and this is what happened to her. Students in a computer lab next to the instructor's class, were screaming and making a lot of noise. The instructor went into the lab and I heard her say in a calm tone of voice, "Would you please keep the noise down? My students are disturbed by the noise." As soon as she walked off, the students went and complained that she screamed at them and cursed at them. Yes, I have heard these students make up many lies about instructors, and as I said, there is no defense. Yes, these students are extremely immature--so I don't know if this is the case elsewhere.
 

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