A startling juxtaposition of ideas: sometimes that’s all it takes to kick-start creativity. How much easier it is to pick up a pencil when a teacher, instead of saying, “draw something,” offers the prompt: “draw a peanut butter sandwich resting on the ocean floor.” At Maud Morgan Arts, an epicenter of creativity unto itself, the spring session features classes that provide more than prompts; these courses stretch the imagination across multiple mediums to send students galumphing down new avenues of artistic expression in the belief that all students can surprise themselves with their own art.

During the April vacation workshop for 5th through 9th graders, “Drawing Out Poetry,” Cambridge Poet Laureate Toni Bee and artist Deborah Davidson will challenge students to write poetry in response to art and create drawings in response to poetry. Then students will deepen their appreciation for both art forms through music, movement, team-building activities and peer reviews.

Other classes use a more sequential approach for inciting the muse. In “Four Seasons/Two Masters: Spring,” a weekend workshop for adults, Pauline Runkel begins with techniques for arranging a floral display magnificent enough to paint, and then Jane Goldman guides students as they capture their bouquets in watercolor. This two-day workshop is one in a series of four workshops, each highlighting the natural wonders of a different season.

Finally, to keep the mix lively, Maud Morgan Arts welcomes new faculty member Roz Sommer, one of the 2nd place winners of Maud Morgan Arts’ 2012 2D Small Works Salon whose paintings were featured in a recent show at the Chandler Gallery, to teach two painting classes that delve dramatically into their respective mediums.

“Investigative Painting,” for children in grades 3-5, will introduce young artists to color mixing, pattern, texture, and composition through tempera paint, seeking inspiration from famous artists and diverse cultures.

“Painting: Line, Plane, Color,” will give middle-school students a solid foundation in acrylic painting, including lessons on observation, using a viewfinder to frame a composition, and various application techniques to get the most out of this unique medium.

Spring session classes run for eight weeks from April 8 through June 10. April vacation week classes run for four days from April 16-19. Preschool open studio and adult life-drawing classes are ongoing. Check www.maudmorganarts.org for specific dates for weekend adult workshops.