Blog

Sculptural Basketry

November 03, 2024

Learn the basics of basketry with an emphasis on using the techniques to make 3D sculptural forms. We will cover the basics of weaving and dyeing with reed, coiling with raffia, and looping with waxed thread. We will use these skills as the starting point for thinking about baskets as sculptures. Plan to leave class […]

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Linocut Printmaking

November 03, 2024

Students will learn how to create a single-color linocut print from start to finish! We will talk about contemporary linocut artists, learn about carving tools and safe handling, determine ways to transfer an image to block, try different carving techniques, and different methods of printing the carved image. Students will leave the class with a […]

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Woodworking: Make a Picture Frame (B)

November 03, 2024

Get introduced to the basics of woodworking as it pertains to picture framing. You'll learn woodworking techniques like measuring and calculating dimensions, cutting and joining molding, reinforcing a miter joint with splines, and basic woodshop safety. We'll also cover the framing process including matting art or floating with spacers, putting together the frame, and installing […]

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Stained Glass (B)

November 03, 2024

Learn the basics of glass cutting, foiling, soldering and framing in order to embellish your home with stained glass panels, decorative mirrors or handmade lampshades. By the end of the class, beginners will have learned the fundamentals and completed a panel. Returning students will be able to explore more advanced techniques.

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Silver Metal Clay Jewelry

November 03, 2024

Learn to work with metal clay, a malleable, metal-bearing material that is perfectly suited for creating jewelry. Use your hands to shape it and a variety of tools to add detail and texture. You’ll fire the metal clay to transform it into a silver object. Add a new skill to your repertoire each week and […]

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Unblock Creativity: Make Your Own Digital Coloring Sheets

November 03, 2024

If you have felt stuck creatively this class is for you. Franchell teaches one of her methods for unblocking creativity. Using group discussion, students will identify creative blocks. Students will learn how to take a drawing and creating a coloring page from it on iPads, and use coloring books designed by Franchell. Students will create […]

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Inspiration From Queer Poets

November 03, 2024

There have been queer poets as long as there has been poetry! In this class, we’ll read works from talented queer poets that explore topics such as identity, authenticity, finding your voice, and love. We’ll learn from the very best of poetry, and in discovering the poet’s voice, we will also discover our own.

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Pattern Weaving on a Frame Loom

November 03, 2024

Learn how to create simple patterns using a frame loom. Students will review some frame loom weaving basics, including warping and plain weave. Weaving will include two shuttles to create twill and chevron patterns, exploring how small variations can create different pattern effects.

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Introduction to Black + White Darkroom Photography (A)

November 03, 2024

Learn to take black and white photographs using 35mm film, process the film, and print photographs in a darkroom. Enjoy lots of technical guidance and aesthetic feedback, whether you’re just getting started or expanding your portfolio and skill set.

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Watercolor Your Home

November 03, 2024

In this beginner class, you will learn basic drawing techniques that will enable you to draw your home or another building. We'll dive into our watercolor paints and bring your drawing to life. Learn multiple watercolor techniques as we paint together each week!

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Intermediate Black + White Darkroom Photography

November 03, 2024

For students with previous experience in the darkroom, this is an opportunity to explore more in-depth darkroom printing processes and gain new tools for experimentations and creativity. Students will cover a variety of skills, from how to fine-tune contrast in printing, mastering multiple exposure techniques, solarization, and more. Option to learn print toning, spotting, and […]

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Learn to Knit

November 03, 2024

Learn the ancient craft of knitting! You will learn to cast on, knit, purl and cast off to make a beginners project. We'll also cover pattern reading, abbreviations, yarn and needle selection.

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Collage, Draw + Screenprint

November 03, 2024

Explore the screen-printing process combined with collage and drawing in this unique multimedia class. In this weekend workshop, we will begin by cutting and pasting magazine images into a collage. We will then hand trace the collage onto a transparent paper with an opaque paint pen. This transparent drawing will be used to expose the […]

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Trust Your Gut: Make Your Own Intuition Cards

November 03, 2024

In this class, you'll create a set of cards containing words and imagery that can assist you when you need help problem solving or a sweet little push of intuition. Sketch, write, and explore a tiny bit of the history of oracles to discover what resonates with you. Then, you'll get down to the fun […]

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Introduction to Letterpress

November 03, 2024

Explore the letterpress printing process, which dates back to the 15th century and the time of Gutenberg. We’ll cover typesetting, inking, printing and paper selection as you become familiar with the terminology and VisArts’ presses. You’ll have time to create multiple pieces and trade work with classmates, which will help you build a small collection […]

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ONLINE: Editing the Digital Photograph in Adobe Photoshop

November 03, 2024

Adobe Photoshop is one of the leading editing programs for photographers. In this course, we will dive into both editing basics in Camera Raw and applying tools. In this four-week class, students will learn how to import images, navigate folders and collections, filter and rate photos, fix exposure and color casts, export images for various […]

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Sculptural Ceramic Containers

November 03, 2024

Explore the world of hand-built clay structure. Designed for all skill levels, students will delve into fundamental techniques over eight sessions. They will craft unique functional ceramic containers, disguised as sculptures, like castles, beehives, or houses. Participants will learn the basics of slab and hand-building techniques, how to create lids with a keyhole locking mechanism, […]

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Introduction to Watercolor

November 03, 2024

Get introduced to watercolors or refresh your knowledge of the medium. We’ll explore our materials, then cover application methods like wet–on–wet, glazes, blocks, resists and lifts. We’ll also cover work area set–up, composition set–up, lost and found edges, transferring imagery and methods for controlling the paint. With an emphasis on value as a way to […]

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Introduction to Crochet

November 03, 2024

Learn how to crochet! We will learn basic stitches through projects that the students can take home with them. Starting with the most basic single crochet, all the way to fancier stitches like the lemon peel stitch and linked double crochet. You'll learn how to stitch in a straight line, over a 3-D object, and […]

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Improvisational Quilting

November 03, 2024

Improv quilting is quilting with freedom in mind. Beginning a quilt with no real concept, quilters will spin the fabric into an ever-evolving fabric tapestry. We’ll dive into improv quilting blocks of our own while talking about the pioneers of this technique (Rosie Lee Tompkins, Quilters of Gee’s Bend, Etc.)

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Introduction to Acrylic Painting (A)

November 03, 2024

In this acrylic painting class for all levels, you will learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting and discover your own style of painting as you advance through the class. We will learn how to paint in three dimensions, learn about color theory, facial anatomy and how to paint from life. More advanced students will […]

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Drawing Science Fiction in Procreate

November 03, 2024

Discover the art of creating futuristic characters and landscapes on the iPad in the app Procreate. In this course, you'll design captivating sci-fi worlds, focusing on both character design and environmental scenes. Learn how to seamlessly integrate characters into landscapes to craft cohesive, imaginative scenes.

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ONLINE: Journaling for Artists, Writers + Photographers

November 03, 2024

This course is designed for anyone interested in the techniques and development of visual journaling. We'll review the contributions of visual diarists such as Dan Eldon and Frida Kahlo. Each session will begin with a short presentation on a visual diarist, technique, or significant artist with follow up time for guidance, feedback, and group discussion.

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Sketchbook: Exploration + Daily Practice

November 03, 2024

Learn how to fuel creativity and form a habit of sketchbooking. We'll do collaborative sketchbook activities and overcome the fear of getting started. We'll explore lots of drawing, collage and comics exercises. Making art is fun, and it's for everyone! This class is heavily inspired by such luminaries as Lynda Barry and James Gurney.

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