Natalie Ehorn, a sophomore English major, began posing for the Life Drawing class at the beginning of this semester when she learned that the art department was short on models.

“When hearing the word nudity, most people immediately think of pornography, but that is not the case. With this Life Drawing class, nudity actually benefits people and helps them learn. It’s rewarding,” Ehorn said.

The class is composed of approximately fifteen students stationed around the room with their easels and art supplies, a professor walking around for assistance, and a model posed in the front of the class.

Ryan Stripens, a senior art education major, has an emphasis in painting and drawing classes.

“This class has helped me develop the way I see things and goes hand in hand with drawing,” Said Stripens.

Professor Jenny Chi has been teaching this class at Eastern since 2002.

Chi said, “Figurative artwork is my passion, and I want the community to know that it is a positive thing. I know it is positive because I have students coming back every semester.”

Yolanda Pilch, a senior art major, is taking this class for the third time. “I have definitely learned a lot since the first one I took. This class, out of all of them, has helped me progress the most,” Pilch said.

Chi believes figurative art is important because the human figure is the ultimate challenge. It is key for people to take a step and at least experience it.

Chi taught this class in Florida years ago and was openly attacked by the surrounding community because they disagreed with the objective of the class. Chi fought to keep the class going because she firmly believes that it helps students learn craft, techniques and respect, not only for themselves but also for others around them.

Chi explained that the art students are very mature and professional; therefore it is easy for the model to become comfortable and relaxed.

Ehorn explained that her first time modeling for the class was awkward at first.

“I walked up there and thought, ‘what am I doing?’ But shortly after class started I felt comfortable and everyone was respectful and pleasant,” she said.

Ehorn knows it is for art and that it is a learning experience and definitely plans to continue modeling.

Taylor Bennett, a sophomore 2D art major, started modeling last year.

“I was actually pretty excited. I was only nervous for about the first five minutes or so. After that I was fine,” she said.

Bennett said that she really enjoys coming in to see how the students draw her because they all have different styles and the pieces turn out beautifully.

Both Ehorn and Bennett have asked students for copies of their work.

Bennett explained that the art department is always looking for new models to add variety, and they accept applications throughout the year for anyone interested.