When one thinks about an art class, an image of artisans and virtuosos huddled over their respective crafts comes to mind. With FHSU's "Approaches to Creativity" offered online in fall 2010, Fort Hays State University is turning that image on its head.

"The class teaches students how to be creative by learning about contemporary artists and their non-traditional approaches to art making," said Amy Schmierbach, associate professor of art and design.

Schmierbach will use blogs to connect students in the class to facilitate the discussion that is so important to any art class.

"When the class is taught on campus, there is a lot of hands-on and discussion," said Schmierbach. "When we learn and discuss with others, we learn more about ourselves and others, which in turn makes us more creative."

Approaches to Creativity isn't just a class for art majors, either.

"It's a great class for all students," she said. "It teaches how to be creative in life."

The final project for the class is to develop a project to benefit their communities.

"Interaction with the community is important," she said. "I think students who give back will get a lot out of the class."

For more information about the class or the Department of Art and Design at FHSU, call (785) 628-4247 or visit the website at http://www.fhsu.edu/artanddesign