Blog

ONSITE: Introduction to the Wheel (C)

February 06, 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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ONSITE: Kurinuki: Japanese Clay Hollowing

February 06, 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: Hand-Built Ceramics

February 06, 2022

Work on functional or sculptural forms using hand-building techniques and slabs with guidance and demonstrations from the instructor. Demonstrations could include: making textural tools to personalize work, how to use the spray booth and how to use the sand blaster. Students will have ample time to practice their craft with the benefit of having a […]

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ONSITE: Bustin’ Out

February 06, 2022

Learn how to sculpt a figure bust in clay with slab construction in this multi-week class. We’ll work together to simplify the construction process while studying facial proportions. Students can choose to explore wall-mounted or free-standing sculpture.

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ONSITE: The Creative Spark

February 06, 2022

Clarissa Pinkola Estes writes about el duende, “the goblin wind,” that can breathe the creative spark into fire. The goal of this creative writing class is to fan your ideas and inspirations into flame. We’ll use timed writing, dream journals, guided imagery, Active Imagination, and anything else we can think of to get in touch […]

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ONSITE: Drawing Pet Portraits

February 06, 2022

Capture your pet's personality in a beautiful charcoal portrait! We will learn techniques for creating realistic textures, from fluffy ears and white whiskers to wet noses and soulful eyes. The rich blacks and subtle nuances achieved with charcoal on paper create pieces with beautiful depth and striking contrast. While you will have the liberty to […]

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ONSITE: Intermediate Stained Glass

February 06, 2022

This class is for students who have previously taken a stained glass class at VisArts. Use this class to finish working on projects already started or begin a new project. This is a great opportunity to reinvigorate your creative practice with glass!

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ONSITE: Introduction to Acrylic Painting (A)

February 06, 2022

Get an introduction to acrylic painting including technical aspects, material handling, pursuit of creative directions, and experimentation with expressive elements. The course is intended to help students develop control in painting from observation as well as invention.

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ONSITE: Intermediate Hand Building

February 06, 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: Photo Printing with Sunlight: Alternative Processes

February 06, 2022

Before the invention of film and enlargers, photographers would make images and prints with sunlight. In this workshop, students will learn two alternative-process photographic techniques that allow you to produce photographic prints outside of the darkroom– lumen printing and cyanotypes. Each image made is one of a kind, handmade and vividly colored. Students will learn […]

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ONSITE: Drawing Fundamentals (C)

February 06, 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 the Figure (A)

February 06, 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 technique.

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ONSITE: Building the Abstract Figure in Clay

February 06, 2022

Build an abstract figurative sculpture. Students will refine hand-building skills while also refining and developing glazing and surface design techniques. We will develop test tiles for experimentation using glazes, underglazes, and stains. Students will develop contextual themes that translate into sculptural form while exploring contemporary artists that use figurative sculptures in their work.

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ONSITE: Make it Riveting! Cold Connections in Metals

February 06, 2022

Make jewelry with no soldering. Apprehensive about using a torch? This is a great way to get your feet wet in metals. Learn how to make and design with rivets for bracelets, pendants, brooches and even rings! Experienced students will learn to refine their riveting skills and learn new ways of including riveting in their […]

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ONSITE: Wheel Throwing Refresher (C)

February 06, 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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ONLINE: Intermediate Digital Photography

February 06, 2022

Take your photographs to the next level! You know how to use your digital camera, but have creative ennui. In this five week class, students are encouraged to discover their personal style with weekly assignments. We will discuss self-portraiture, night photography, still life and documenting daily trivia (at home). Students have the opportunity to share […]

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ONSITE: Pen + Ink Drawing

February 06, 2022

Learn how to draw using black India ink, a dip pen and brush. We’ll cover techniques such as cross-hatching and stippling. You’ll learn the ins and outs of using a dip pen and brush, then we’ll go over drawing fundamentals such as value, perspective and line. We’ll also study the history of ink drawing by […]

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ONSITE: Learn to Knit Socks

February 06, 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: Intermediate Metal Jewelry (A)

February 06, 2022

Take your metal jewelry making to the next level. We’ll focus on design execution, complex stone setting as well as fabricating and soldering with sterling silver. You’ll also advance your polishing skills for finishing pieces.

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ONSITE: Multi-Media Creative Drawing

February 06, 2022

This is a great class for intermediate students who love to draw and want to experiment with new media and immerse themselves in a variety of drawing techniques and methods. Each week the instructor will present a new theme that helps you gain a new understanding of materials and mark-making. As the class goes on, you’ll break into more self-directed projects. We will focus on representational art […]

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ONSITE: Painting with Color

February 06, 2022

In this 10-week course, students will complete exercises to enhance their ability to mix and compose colors, finishing with two medium-sized paintings. One painting will be representational and made through color matching a photograph. The other painting will be abstract and generated through a series of colored paper collages focused on principles of color interaction..

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ONSITE: Frame Weaving

February 06, 2022

Learn to weave on a portable frame loom. We’ll introduce a range of warping techniques, with an emphasis on experimental weaving. We’ll also explore color striping, blending, basic shape construction, eccentric weft and rya knots. You’ll construct your own frame loom, which you can keep for future projects.

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ONSITE: Introduction to Loom Weaving

February 06, 2022

Learn to weave on a floor loom. You’ll enjoy warping demonstrations and plenty of practice time, along with tips for achieving smooth selvages and an even beat. Plan to design and complete at least one plain weave project—a rag rug, a scarf or a table runner. Returning students will take on more complex projects.

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