Blog

ONSITE: Lost-Wax Metal Casting

November 07, 2022

Learn to cast metal using the lost-wax technique to cast work in silver. By creating jewelry models of your own design, you’ll learn about model preparation, investing, burning out and casting with centrifugal and vacuum-casting machines.

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ONSITE: Introduction to the Figure

November 07, 2022

Conducting figure studies can improve your representation of the human body, as well as the way it interacts with light. We’ll use various media, including graphite, charcoal, sanguine and conte chalk, as we work through a series of quick-gesture and long-pose drawings. Enjoy demonstrations and discussions about anatomy and drawing techniques.

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ONSITE: Introduction to the Wheel (B)

November 07, 2022

Learn to throw clay on a potter’s wheel. We’ll cover the foundations of wheel work, including wedging and centering clay and forming cylinders, cups and bowls. Basic glazing information will help you finish your final forms.

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ONLINE: Introduction to Prose Storytelling

November 07, 2022

Whether you are interested in getting started telling your story in memoir, fiction, or some twisted combination of the two, this generative workshop will serve as a gentle and fun way to push yourself creatively. Through prompts, mini lectures, readings, supportive discussion, and maybe even prestidigitation, group members will work towards realizing their prose visions.

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ONSITE: Stone Setting Basics

November 07, 2022

In this 6 week course, students will learn a variety of basic stone setting techniques including bezel setting, tab setting, prong setting, flush setting, and bead setting. Each week we will introduce a new setting skill. Over the 6 weeks students will be asked to design jewelry that houses any of the stone setting techniques […]

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ONSITE: Beginner Hand Sewing + Embroidery

November 07, 2022

This course will teach you the basics of hand embroidery and hand sewing techniques. You will have time to experiment with different hand sewing and embroidery methods throughout the 6-week course. After establishing a foundation, you will have the opportunity to create one hand-pieced mini quilt and several embroidered patches and samples. Throughout the course, […]

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ONSITE: Intermediate Pastel Drawing (only offered a few times a year)

November 07, 2022

Continue building skills in soft pastels through a series of dynamic exercises on value, composition, underpainting, creating grey without black and white, and more. At the end of the session, you'll be able to bring together all you've learned in a project of your own choosing. Soft pastel experience required.

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ONSITE: Wheel Throwing Refresher (B)

November 07, 2022

Brush up on the basics! We'll review wheel throwing techniques and skills. Create and complete work during class with enough time to fire and glaze. This class is open to students who have previously taken wheel throwing classes. We will review and refresh our knowledge of wedging, centering, throwing, trimming and glazing. We will take […]

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ONSITE: Landscape in Oils

November 07, 2022

Create compelling landscapes in a series of paintings. Each week, we’ll focus on elements of the landscape including techniques for rendering sky, terrain, trees and water. We’ll also focus on palette development and color mixing. We'll cover seasonal themes and architecture while learning to use light and color to create depth. You'll practice layout and […]

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ONSITE: Kurinuki

November 07, 2022

Kurinuki is the Japanese technique of starting with a block of clay, developing the exterior, then hollowing it out. This class will create a box, bud vase, tea bowl and more. We will also explore images of Kurinuki work and talk about bottles, incense burners, pouring vessels and larger bowls.

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ONSITE: Markers, Comics + Zines

November 07, 2022

Learn how to construct a story narrative and pick what kind of drawing style you want to use to tell your story! Students will explore color palette and how to use markers to create clean illustrations for inking thier own compelling stories. These illustrations will be used to make a comic book and a zine! […]

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ONSITE: Introduction to Prose Storytelling

November 07, 2022

Whether you are interested in getting started telling your story in memoir, fiction, or some twisted combination of the two, this generative workshop will serve as a gentle and fun way to push yourself creatively. Through prompts, mini-lectures, readings, supportive discussion, and maybe even prestidigitation, students will work towards realizing their prose visions.

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ONSITE: Introduction to Letterpress (A)

November 07, 2022

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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ONSITE: Learn to Knit Socks

November 07, 2022

Move beyond the scarf and learn to knit cozy socks. We’ll cover skills like knitting in the round, using double–pointed needles, or the "magic loop" method. We’ll also talk about increasing, decreasing, picking up stitches and the fabulous Kitchener Stitch!

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ONSITE: WTF (Woman, Trans, Femme) Woodworking: Make a Box

November 07, 2022

This class is a safe space for women, trans, and femme folks to learn introductory woodworking techniques. You'll learn to make a keepsake box with a removable lid using a dado joint. Gain experience using the table saw, mitre saw, band saw, jointer and planer. We will respect marginalized identities, be patient with one another, […]

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ONSITE: Intermediate Wheel Throwing (A)

November 07, 2022

Expand your skills by learning additional throwing techniques and working on complex projects. We'll explore larger-scale pieces, throw platters, make sets, and add hand-built elements to our pieces. This class caters to individual interests, so we'll address specific techniques for your projects. Discussion on reduction firing in the gas kiln and glaze firing to cone […]

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ONSITE: Introduction to Darkroom Photography (A)

November 07, 2022

Learn to take 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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ONSITE: Introduction to Digital Photography (B)

November 07, 2022

Learn what all the buttons on your digital camera actually do. You’ll learn about things like white balance, resolution and megapixels. We’ll discuss how to capture an image, ensure proper exposure and create an effective composition. Weekly assignments coupled with in-class discussions will help you troubleshoot problems and develop a creative eye.

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ONSITE: Ceramic Surface Decoration

November 07, 2022

Learn expressive ceramic decoration techniques and tricks. Explore processes such as sgraffito, mishima, cricut stencils, tape resists, carving, and slip transfers. No drawing skills necessary— everyone can alter surfaces in a thoughtful way to take their clay creations to the next level.

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ONSITE: Drawing Fundamentals (C)

November 07, 2022

Learn the basic tenets of drawing and composition. We’ll cover line, shape, space and value. Hone your observation skills and use charcoal to translate what you see to paper.

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ONSITE: Introduction to Screenprinting (A)

November 07, 2022

Explore screenprinting, a process that allows artists to create hand-printed multiples of the same image. Translate your graphic design, photography, or drawings into vibrant, layered compositions. Learn a variety of ways to create screens that can be used to print onto fabric, paper or wood.

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ONSITE: Intermediate Hand Building

November 07, 2022

Learn new hand-building forms and construction methods, including slab-built forms and textured slabs. We’ll explore mold making and learn how to use personalized, slump molds to create a set of platters or dishes. We’ll also cover hollow wall construction, using tar paper supports and unique glazing techniques.

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ONSITE: Introduction to Metal Jewelry (B)

November 07, 2022

Learn how to transform metals into beautiful works of wearable art. We’ll cover techniques such as sawing, drilling, texturing, working with wire, filing, sanding and polishing. We’ll also cover riveting, soldering with a torch and basic stone setting. You’ll use these skills to make one finished piece of jewelry.

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