Monday, November 22, 2010

We are now taking registrations for Winter Classes


Kids' Winter Classes - register here
Magical Mosaics
Get ready to shimmer and shine. Use beads, gems, jewels and sea glass to make fantastical mosaic creations such as a sorcerer's box for spells, a mirror fit for a king or queen and magic pools for a frog prince and garden fairy. 
 
Computer Game Designers Workshop
Learn how to create your own basic computer game! Students will program the games in "Scratch", a visual, easy to learn programming language create at MIT for kids. Students will learn basic computer programming concepts in a fun and creative environment while creating their own original computer games.

Make Friends with Your Sewing Machine II
If you are already a bit friendly with your sewing machine but would like to become "Best Friends," then this is the class for you! We will explore sewing hems, lace, smocking, and embroidery. You may be surprised to discover the possibilities. There will be plenty of time for personal project guidance so come with your own ideas. This is a great class to learn the more complex things you and your sewing machine can create together! You are welcome to bring your own machine to class or use one of the machines we have at the studio.


Preschool Art
Looking for a unique, high quality activity for you and your child? This class is designed for children to attend with a participating adult. We will explore art through watercolor, printmaking, acrylic painting, collage, sculpture and much more. Each class session will have five or six engaging art and craft activities. Adults are welcome and encouraged to make their own art along with their preschooler.


Ancient China
Explore the rich culture of ancient China and create a wonderful array of Chinese inspired art. Learn the art of papermaking (invented by the Chinese), make your own useful and beautiful abacus, sculpt a terracotta warrior from clay, paint on paper, silk cloth, and stone as you learn Chinese brush painting techniques and calligraphy. Enjoy delicious Chinese food at our reception.


Write and Illustrate a Book
Each author will be supported in developing characters and plot for a short story or chapter book. You will be able to choose from a wide variety of art materials for your illustrations (acrylic, watercolor, pastels, pen & ink, printmaking, paper or fabric collage, etc.). Your original book will be color-copied and bound with beautiful papers or fabrics and hand stitching. At the conclusion of the class we will have a reception for the authors, complete with book readings.


Journey to Africa
Make an elaborate piece of art inspired by an African animal headdress or a ceremonial mask. You will be able to incorporate many interesting materials into this wall hanging such as beads, wood, shells, plant material, feathers & textiles. Learn to create intricate patterns on cloth using batik or printmaking techniques. In addition you will also construct and decorate an African inspired musical instrument. Possibilities include a conga drum or a 'shekere.'

Extraordinary Sculpture
If you like to work in three dimensions you will love this innovative class. We will make abstract and representational sculptures using a wide variety of materials. Create a clay sculpture, a wire sculpture, a soft sculpture figure, a faux glass and a faux bronze sculpture. Our reception will feature edible art sculptures created by students and their guests.


Cartoon School
If you've ever wanted to try your hand at drawing comics and cartoons, here is your chance. You'll have the opportunity to create your own original cast of characters. You will learn to draw your characters from many views and with a range of expressions and poses. You can match captions or dialogue with your illustrations. Add color or shading to make your drawings pop. By the conclusion of this class you will have created your own comic book.

Funky Quilts
Get cozy this winter with your very own hand crafted funky quilt. In this class you will learn how to piece, stitch, and embellish a quilt in your own funky, fun and personal style. Participants are invited to bring in old clothes, fabrics, and interesting trimmings or chose from the selection we have on hand. Quilt batting, backing fabric, and sewing machines will be provided.

Acrylic Painting
Create bright, bold and beautiful paintings. Learn painting & color mixing techniques. Use a variety of tools: brushes, palette knives, sponges, etc. for interesting effects. Paint several full color paintings on quality artists' paper & one painting on a large-sized canvas.

Rock 'n Roll, Snip & Sew
Get ready to rock out in your own fabulous one of a kind rocker gear! In this class we will listen to upbeat music while turning plain t-shirts, jeans, shoes, and accessories into hip, retro, rock star style fashions. Use a sewing machine and learn some creative hand sewing techniques. The only previous experience needed is to be able to thread a needle and tie a knot.

Inventors Workshop: Tinkering DaVinci Style
Leonardo DaVinci was a man who created hundreds of ideas and inventions, (including even the helicopter, centuries before it became a reality!) What are you interested in inventing? In this class, we will seek to make your inventions a reality, as you become explores, seekers, inventors and artists, coming up with new and creative ideas to make some fun artworks. We will create our own artist's journals, brainstorm, sketch, collaborate, and build/create inventions of our own, using all sorts of various processes and materials. Come explore your own ideas, and become your own true Renaissance person!

Tea for Two
Create a family treasure by coming to this class with your daughter, son, granddaughter, auntie, sister, etc. The two of you will work together to make your own serving plates, cups, saucers, etc. from clay. These will be painted, glazed and fired in a kiln. You will also have the opportunity to make beautiful hand printed & embellished placemats and napkins. Join us a few weeks later for a festive mad hatter tea party using your beautiful pieces. (Each student will make a hat the day of the tea party... be sure to bring your camera.)

Individualized Art
If you are passionate about exploring your art in depth, this class will provide you with studio time and support. You will focus on a particular category of art of your choice, select your materials, and produce several quality pieces. You'll write an artist's statement and have the opportunity to show your work in Davis Studio or another public venue. Six week class (no reception, but invited to display work at Art Hop, in September) Note: This is an-going class. Students are encouraged (though not required) to take more than one, six-week session throughout the year in order to develop a body of work.

Santa's Workshop
Students will make five quality holiday gifts in our "Secret Santa Workshop." (No parents allowed inside or that would spoil the secret.) Gifts will be appropriate for Christmas gift giving or for birthdays, etc. throughout the year. Students will also create their own wrapping paper and cards.


Adults' Winter Classes - register here
 
Mixed Media Painting
Learn tricks and tips for using a wide variety of interesting materials to create unique and exciting paintings. In this mixed media class you will have the opportunity to explore working with materials such as watercolor, ink, acrylic, pastels, fabric, tissue paper and much more. Find out how to combine materials for surprising and wonderful results in your artwork. Explore the amazing possibilities while completing several finished pieces.

 
Make Friends with your sewing machineMake Friends with Your Sewing Machine II
If you are already a bit friendly with your sewing machine but would like to become "Best Friends," then this is the class for you! We will explore sewing hems, lace, smocking, and embroidery. You may be surprised to discover the possibilities. There will be plenty of time for personal project guidance so come with your own ideas. This is a great class to learn the more complex things you and your sewing machine can create together! You are welcome to bring your own machine to class or use one of the machines we have at the studio.


Batik PaintingBeginning Batik Painting
In this class, we will learn the fundamentals of batik and silk painting. Each student will design, batik and paint a few silk pieces. You will learn various techniques, such as blending, layering, and using salt & sugar. Students will leave this class with all of the skills to continue to use silk as a medium along with a completed silk batik project.


Printing on PillowsPrinting on Pillows & more
Want to freshen up your home decor? Try printing on fabric. Learn how to effectively use stencils, carve your own linoleum blocks, and even print with potatoes to create unique, sophisticated or whimsical designs. You can print onto pillow cases, dish towels, placemats, curtains and anything else you can dream of! You will leave this workshop with lots of ideas and carved printing blocks that you can use again and again. These projects will also make excellent gifts for friends and family. We will provide a number of pillowcases and dish towels, etc. and we encourage you to bring items from home as well.

Designer JeansDesigner Jeans
Learn to embellish jeans by focusing on applique, stitching, sewing and printing techniques to create a one of a kind pair of designer jeans! Bring in the jeans in your life that need a little lift. We will provide all other necessary materials.

Photography ClassesCatch the Shutterbug
Working with your digital camera, whether or not it is a simple, point and shoot, or a fancy-schmancy DLSR can be overwhelming, or exciting, depending on how much you know about your camera itself. Once you know that, your creativity is the limit! Awaken your inner shutterbug by learning the basics of how to use your digital camera to take visually compelling pictures and begin to create a visual voice of your own. You will compile an online library of beautiful imagery, and receive a photo book of your best pictures.


Quilt MakingQuilt-Making Made Easy
Get cozy this winter with your very own hand crafted quilt. In this class you will learn how to piece, stitch, and embellish a quilt in our own personal style. Participants are invited to bring in old clothes, fabrics, and interesting trimmings or chose from the selection we have on hand. Quilt batting, backing fabric, and sewing machines will be provided. You are also welcome to bring your own sewing machine if you prefer.


Open StudioOpen Studio Painting
If you have always wanted to try painting or if you've painted in the past but you're feeling "rusty" - this is a great class for you. Explore and create in a relaxed environment. Complete beginners are encouraged to attend. Paint with either acrylic or watercolor. Select subjects of your choice & receive individualized technique tips, encouragement & support to begin your painting adventure. Up to three canvases as well as all paint and materials are included in the cost of this class.

Drawing Classes 
Making Your Mark
Have you ever had the desire to draw, but don't know where to begin? In this class we will awaken your creativity by mixing up our drawing tools, our subject matter, and our styles of working. One day, we will explore india ink and washes for making marks, in another class we will get messy with charcoal and explore portraiture, or we may just sit down and take a walk with a simple 6B pencil and some exercises done by the Old Masters. This class has room for those completely new to drawing, as well as those who may have been drawing for awhile, but just want to mix things up a little. 


Individualized Art
If you are passionate about exploring your art in depth, this class will provide you with studio time and support. You will focus on a particular category of art of your choice, select your materials, and produce several quality pieces. You'll write an artist's statement and have the opportunity to show your work in Davis Studio or another public venue. Six week class (no reception, but invited to display work at Art Hop, in September). Note: This is an-going class. Students are encouraged (though not required) to take more than one, six-week session throughout the year in order to develop a body of work