Every core teacher and special guest artist at the IMC is a highly experienced working artist . We are thrilled that over the last 11 years The IMC has trained people and built community connections through our program for hundreds of creators currently thriving today-many of whom made their first important contacts and / or artistic break throughs at the IMC. In art you compete with the whole world of other artists. Therefore we believe that by always providing the best teaching experience we give you the best chance for success!
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THE IMC 2020, June 8-14th- Amherst College Campus
Fayerweather Hall at Amherst College, Houses all the IMC studios and the Lecture Hall
IMC PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID PALUMBO
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Contents:
Travel Information
General Housing and Dining Information
Amenities, Safety, and Student Accommodations Information
Bringing Your Own Supplies: Traditional/Digital
Art Supply Stores and Print Shops
Shipping To/From Campus
Frequent Questions
(Once enrolled you will be sent a password for the New Student Portal webpage)
Travel Information:
Traveling to the Amherst College campus/shuttles/trains/car:
www.amherst.edu/visiting/transportation
General Housing and Dining Information:
Dormitory Information:
Students who choose to purchase “on campus housing” in the dorms (which will be made available for purchase Jan. 31st – March 1st) will be staying in a dormitory close by to where the art studios and lecture hall is on campus. Amherst College dorm rooms. They come equipped with a dresser, closet, desk, chair, an XL Twin bed, 1 pillow, and 1 basic blanket.
Linens ARE NOT provided. Students will need to bring sheets, towels for showering, and a pillowcase. A mattress pad is also recommended as the mattresses are very firm.
The dorms are also not air-conditioned, but we do provide box fans at Check-In for those who desire them. Most floors do remain fairly cool, however, as they are big ol’ brick buildings in the Northeast so even in June they’re decently comfortable for sleeping. If you have medical issues related to heat, however, please contact IMC staff prior to arrival and we’ll make sure to place you on a lower level.
Showers and toilet facilities are dorm-style shared and the majority are gender-inclusive (meaning they are not divided into male or female bathrooms). Each toilet and shower has it’s own private stall within the shared spaces. These facilities are maintained and cleaned by Amherst college staff. Please contact THE IMC staff prior to arrival if you would prefer to be placed on a floor with gender-specific bathrooms (meaning the bathrooms are divided into male and female ones).
Local Lodging Off Campus:
Students may decide to forego purchasing the “on campus housing” and instead stay off campus nearby. If “on campus housing” has not been paid for a student by March 1st, it will be assumed that student is staying off campus and is responsible for securing their own housing and any transportation needed to get to campus from their housing.
Here are a few links to help guide folks in researching and/or finding a place off campus:
https://www.amherst.edu/visiting/lodging
https://www.airbnb.com/s/Amherst--MA
Dining Hall Information:
A meal plan is included for every student in the BASE Tuition cost. Each student will receive a meal card at Check-In and have access to three meals a day provided by the campus dining hall, which is well equipped with bountiful meal options for vegetarian, vegan, and meat eaters alike. There is a $10 replacement fee for lost meal cards.
Dining Hall Daily Meal Hours:
Breakfast - 7:00am-9:00am
Lunch - 11:00am-2:00pm
Dinner - 5:00pm-7:00pm
For Food Allergen Concerns Click Here
Amenities, Safety, and Student Accommodations Information:
Amenities For All Students:
- Parking: Parking near campus in designated lots (which will be disclosed during Check-In) will be available to all students with vehicles staying for the whole week. Parking permit information will be made available on THE IMC website no later than June 1st.
- Internet: Wi-Fi will be available campus-wide with connection information provided during check-in.
- Wolfe Fitness Center: Students will have access to the Wolfe Fitness Center which has both gym and pool facilities during the week, Mon-Fri 6am-7pm. (granted no unforeseen maintenance or other programs rental of those facilities impedes access)
General Safety Regulations and Campus Police:
- Please limit smoking to designated areas outside.
- Firearms are not permitted on the Amherst College campus.
If there is an emergency while you are on campus:
Emergency Services (24 hours a day): emergency only—fire, police, medical
Campus Police (campus phone) 2111
Cell and Pay Phone** (413) 542-2111
**Important: when calling from your cell phone, please use the number listed above for emergencies; if you dial 911 on your cell phone, you may get emergency services in your hometown, which could waste precious time while transferring your call.
For non-emergency questions such as problems with your building, call the campus police at:
413-542-2291
It’s recommended you program both the campus emergency number and the non-emergency number above into your cell phone prior to arrival.
Accommodations for Students:
All buildings are wheelchair accessible and have elevators. Dorm rooms are pre-assigned for all those staying on campus. We accept dorm requests ONLY for medical reasons (i.e please place me in the dorm closer to the studios because I have difficulties with mobility), a desire to be placed on a gendered bathroom floor (most are gender-inclusive), OR for if you want to be placed in a double room with another IMC attendee. Everyone automatically has a room to themselves, but some people prefer to share with spouses or close friends who are also attending. Simply email [email protected] for any of the above requests concerning the dorms as soon as possible.
Bringing Your Own Supplies—Traditional, Hybrid, and Digital:
- Art supplies are not included in THE IMC program and are to be brought by the students.
- The mediums you work in (either traditional or digital) fall under the category of “art supplies”
- If you intend to work traditionally, you will need to bring your own paints, paper, canvas, pencils, mediums, etc. What supplies you bring are completely up to your discretion, but it is recommended you use materials you’re already comfortable with to get the most out of the program.
- If you intend to work digitally, a computer lab is not available to us so you will need to bring your own setup. Primarily, you’ll want to bring a computer of some form already loaded up with the appropriate painting programs that you use (i.e. Photoshop, Corel Painter, etc.) and a digital pen and surface of some kind (i.e. Wacom/Cintiq) if you would like to work digitally while you are here.
- All faculty can instruct students working in either digital, traditional, or mixed methods.
Art Supply Stores:
Michaels The Arts and Craft Store (3 miles away from studios)
Address: 325 Russell St. Unit B Hadley, MA 01035
Phone: (413) 586-6343
Website: http://www.michaels.com/
The Guild (7.5 miles away)
Address: 102 Main St. Northampton, MA 01060
Phone: (413) 586-6343
Website: http://newenglandart.com/
Printing Services:
It is recommended you print out any reference images or digital sketches (for the critique wall) you have BEFORE arriving at THE IMC. However, if needed, there are a few places within walking and short driving distance of the college that can print images from an email or flash drive. We unfortunately do not have access to a computer or print lab on the campus. We also do not provide transport to these locations.
Print Shops:
Collective Copies (1/2 mile away)
Website: https://www.collectivecopies.com/
This local print shop can print out oversized images on their architectural printer for the mounting on masonite technique. Their wide format printer can print up to 36 inches wide in black, or up to 19 inches wide for color. Their machines can also handle some custom types of paper if you bring them, but they can’t be any heavier than card stock or 100lb watercolor paper.
Staples’ Copy and Print Center (1.5 miles away)
Website: https://stores.staples.com/ma/hadley/125-westgate-center-drive
This print shop can print a bit larger than Collective Copies if needed. Their wide format can print black up to 48 in wide and up to 42 in wide in color.
Shipping To and From Campus:
If you need to ship supplies prior to class because it would be difficult or impossible to travel with the items otherwise, you can ship things to the address at the college for holding below. Please do not send packages earlier than two weeks prior to the class.
*Make certain that all shipping information on your packages is clear and correct so that the college knows that it is for The IMC and goes to the correct place for storage until your arrival.
UPS/FedEx Mailing Address USPS Mailing Address
[Your Name] [Your Name]
THE IMC THE IMC
Summer Programs Summer Programs #2270
Amherst College Amherst College
32 College Street P.O. Box 5000
Amherst, MA 01002 Amherst, MA 01002
For Return Shipping Home:
Please be aware as you are making your travel plans that it would be best to factor shipping your artwork or supplies back (should you choose) on MONDAY June 15th. Saturday and Sunday will be full working days and most shipping places are typically closed on Sundays.
Shipping Locations:
- FedEx drop box at Collective Copies (which can accommodate shipping up to a 13x19 in. packed piece of art- we know this from experience)
- UPS store approximately 1.5 miles from campus (open Monday – Saturday)
- Amherst United States Post Office located approximately 1.5 miles from campus (open Mon-Sat)
Shipping Assistance:
We encourage students to try and ship their artwork and/or supplies back themselves via one of the above methods, but we will offer assistance if that is not possible.
If you have over-sized boxes that will not fit in the FedEx drop box, you can get pre-paid stickers for your boxes from UPS online or from the UPS Store during the week and we can facilitate dropping boxes off for you after classes end. Please speak with The IMC staff during the week if you need to use this option.
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Frequent Questions about THE IMC:
"I am interested in this workshop, but am unsure of my skill level or any prerequisites."
Regardless of your abilities, exposing yourself to new and professional ways to problem solving and image making will help you objectively assess your own methods and provide positive development in understanding what you wish to say in your own art.
It is not necessarily about your current level or ability in art, but about where you want to go with it and what you want to learn.
This workshop represents a wonderful cross section of the best professional talent in the science fiction and fantasy genre with crossover into gallery art. If you are serious about pursuing a profession in illustration or art, an intensive class like this is a rare opportunity to receive fresh and varying views on art, discuss current trends in the field, and receive focused time from some of the industry’s best known creators.
"Is there a portfolio review?"
No- We get the most motivated students by offering a first come first serve basis for spots. We get pros, semi pros, and aspiring artists all in the same student body each year and it makes for fantastic results because everyone is 100% motivated.
"I'm already a professional artist working in the industry, is the IMC still right for me?
A part of our student body every year consists of professionals seeking to try new things within their technique, meet other artists, network with art directors who come for portfolio reviews and simply spend the week getting even better at the thing that they love to do most: ART!
Past students and attendees have gone on to forge into amazing places within their area of illustration and work with wonderful companies, writers and directors like Wizards of the Coast, Jane Yolen, Cassandra Clare and Guillermo del Toro, Simon & Schuster, TOR, Hasbro,and show in prominent galleries such as La Luz de Jesus, Roq La Rue, Arcadia Contemporary and Jonathan Levine.
"Can I photograph or video tape during the lectures?"
Without express permission from the lecturers, all photography, video, and audio recordings are prohibited during the lectures as many materials have confidentiality and copyright sensitivity.
Part of the special quality of this program is in the personal exchange of professional information that is not widely available on the internet.
Still photos and personal video of other students working is fine in the studios and elsewhere on campus (outside of the lecture hall) in documenting your experience of the week. If you are ever in doubt whether something can be photographed or recorded, simply ask and we are more than happy to clarify.
"Can I work digital or is it just traditional?"
While we have a strong emphasis on traditional mediums, we welcome digital artists with open arms and critique them to the same high standard of composition, anatomy, concept, etc.
Every year about 1/3 of the students are digital artists and they bring their own systems to work with.
"Do you provide materials?"
No- all paints, painting surfaces, and computers are brought by the students. We provide tables, easels, and the outstanding faculty.
“Are there scholarships for THE IMC?”
We are not an accredited institution with an endowment, so we are unable to offer any official scholarships. However, http://www.muddycolors.com/ run by faculty member Dan Dos Santos, often sponsors an art competition with scholarships to THE IMC as awards. Please visit and contact that site for more info.
"What does the schedule look like?"
You may request a sample schedule from last year's IMC to see how the lectures, demos, and studio time break down. There is an enormous portion dedicated to studio time and lectures information given throughout the week informally as well via faculty demos and one on one time.
"I am interested in this workshop, but am unsure of my skill level or any prerequisites."
Regardless of your abilities, exposing yourself to new and professional ways to problem solving and image making will help you objectively assess your own methods and provide positive development in understanding what you wish to say in your own art.
It is not necessarily about your current level or ability in art, but about where you want to go with it and what you want to learn.
This workshop represents a wonderful cross section of the best professional talent in the science fiction and fantasy genre with crossover into gallery art. If you are serious about pursuing a profession in illustration or art, an intensive class like this is a rare opportunity to receive fresh and varying views on art, discuss current trends in the field, and receive focused time from some of the industry’s best known creators.
"Is there a portfolio review?"
No- We get the most motivated students by offering a first come first serve basis for spots. We get pros, semi pros, and aspiring artists all in the same student body each year and it makes for fantastic results because everyone is 100% motivated.
"I'm already a professional artist working in the industry, is the IMC still right for me?
A part of our student body every year consists of professionals seeking to try new things within their technique, meet other artists, network with art directors who come for portfolio reviews and simply spend the week getting even better at the thing that they love to do most: ART!
Past students and attendees have gone on to forge into amazing places within their area of illustration and work with wonderful companies, writers and directors like Wizards of the Coast, Jane Yolen, Cassandra Clare and Guillermo del Toro, Simon & Schuster, TOR, Hasbro,and show in prominent galleries such as La Luz de Jesus, Roq La Rue, Arcadia Contemporary and Jonathan Levine.
"Can I photograph or video tape during the lectures?"
Without express permission from the lecturers, all photography, video, and audio recordings are prohibited during the lectures as many materials have confidentiality and copyright sensitivity.
Part of the special quality of this program is in the personal exchange of professional information that is not widely available on the internet.
Still photos and personal video of other students working is fine in the studios and elsewhere on campus (outside of the lecture hall) in documenting your experience of the week. If you are ever in doubt whether something can be photographed or recorded, simply ask and we are more than happy to clarify.
"Can I work digital or is it just traditional?"
While we have a strong emphasis on traditional mediums, we welcome digital artists with open arms and critique them to the same high standard of composition, anatomy, concept, etc.
Every year about 1/3 of the students are digital artists and they bring their own systems to work with.
"Do you provide materials?"
No- all paints, painting surfaces, and computers are brought by the students. We provide tables, easels, and the outstanding faculty.
“Are there scholarships for THE IMC?”
We are not an accredited institution with an endowment, so we are unable to offer any official scholarships. However, http://www.muddycolors.com/ run by faculty member Dan Dos Santos, often sponsors an art competition with scholarships to THE IMC as awards. Please visit and contact that site for more info.
"What does the schedule look like?"
You may request a sample schedule from last year's IMC to see how the lectures, demos, and studio time break down. There is an enormous portion dedicated to studio time and lectures information given throughout the week informally as well via faculty demos and one on one time.