Blog

Writing the Memoir

July 07, 2020

Thomas Larson writes that “memoir is most successful when it is not the ‘story of a life,’ but a focused part of that life—a dozen summers spent working on a grandfather’s farm, a long relationship with a dying relative, the first year of law school.” You’ll work on writing prompts and timed writing exercises, and […]

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Introduction to Digital Photography (B)

July 07, 2020

Learn how to effectively and creatively use your digital camera and leave the auto button behind! You’ll learn the fundaments of photography and image capture, including aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and composition. We’ll also cover tips and tricks like choosing the right lens for your image. Weekly assignments, critiques and discussions will help […]

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The Creative Spark

July 07, 2020

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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Earth Art

July 07, 2020

Design your own earthworks art either inspired by Andy Goldsworthy’s work or based on your own idea. While designing and creating an outdoor installation, students will be encouraged to use grasses, leaves, flowers, rocks and other natural materials from nature to create contrasting colors and textures.

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ONSITE: Documentary Photography

July 07, 2020

Learn the basics of documentary photography. Though it’s often associated with journalism, documentary photography can be driven by the ideas and inspirations of the individual artist. You’ll be introduced to some of the masters of the form and complete your own project outside of class. During class, you’ll edit your photos and participate in group […]

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Pinching Platters – NEW!

July 07, 2020

Learn the hand-building techniques of pinching and coiling to create unique platters and serving dishes. Pinching is a technique used to squeeze out clay as a means of forming larger forms. We will also practice refining techniques and adding features like handles and feet to complete our forms.

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Drawing with Colored Pencils

July 07, 2020

Learn the characteristics of color for mixing and identification through practice with hues, value and intensity. We will mix and layer varied amounts of individual color together on paper. The mixing process will occur by blending colors with techniques through methods of gradation (with or without a colorless blending tool and various solvents), instruments for […]

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ONSITE: Intermediate Pastels

July 07, 2020

Build on your basic knowledge of soft pastels and work on your own projects with one-on-one guidance from the instructor. We’ll also explore drawing from a photograph.

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Drawing on Your iPad – NEW!

July 07, 2020

Use your iPad to expand your digital art skillset! We’ll use the Procreate app to create digital drawings and illustrations. You’ll leave class with all the skills you need to create finished digital pieces for print or web.

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Ink, Watercolor + Gouache

July 07, 2020

This two-hour studio course is designed for painters who are familiar with the fundamentals of water media and who are interested in the development of the subject matter, style and content of their painting. Each session will begin with a short presentation on an artist, technique or exhibition with follow up time used for guidance, […]

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Cell Phone Photography

July 07, 2020

Explore the fundamental vocabulary and techniques of digital photography while developing your personal artistic vision. You’ll learn how to use your smart phone as a photographic tool, display an understanding of the elements of design, the exposure triangle, and advanced editing techniques through apps. While there will be a focus on technical skill building, we […]

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ONSITE: Sewing for the Absolute Beginner – NEW!

July 07, 2020

Explore the basics of sewing in a supportive atmosphere with other beginners who are new to VisArts or new to sewing as a medium. We’ll cover how to use a sewing machine and problem solving techniques. You’ll create a pillow cover in order to practice. We’ll discuss resources to help you in the future and […]

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Acrylic + Oil Painting – NEW!

July 07, 2020

This two-hour studio course is designed for painters who are familiar with the fundamentals of color and basic acrylic + oil techniques and who are interested in the development of the subject matter, style and content of their painting. Each session will begin with a short presentation on an artist, technique or exhibition with follow […]

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Scientific Illustration – NEW!

July 07, 2020

Explore innovative and technical approaches to scientific illustration through pen and ink. Students will learn different types of line-making techniques and ink washes and will create their own scientific illustration with botanical and animal specimens.

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Drawing for Comfort, Memory + Meaning

July 07, 2020

Rediscover objects that you come into contact with everyday. We’ll explore ways of interpreting through drawing, focusing on what holds meaning, good memories and importance in our surroundings. The instructor will demonstrate pencil drawing techniques, show visual subject ideas and examples. Students will work through a new drawing assignment each week.

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Video Editing With Adobe Premiere – NEW!

July 07, 2020

Learn the technical skills of digital film editing as you explore creative possibilities through several short exercises. Students will be introduced to both conventional and alternative editing strategies and theory that can be applied towards narrative, non-fiction, and experimental cinema. All media will be provided for you, with the option of supplying your own. An […]

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Synclastic Rings: Domes – NEW!

July 07, 2020

Create a synclastic (domed ring). By the end of the workshop you’ll be proficient at single seam soldering, sheet fabricating and forming, along with basic surface embellishing.

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Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator + InDesign for Beginners (A)

July 07, 2020

Students will learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, to help them create, revise and update documents. Using their own Mac or PC computers and software, students will share files from the instructor, and work together on several projects. Photoshop: We’ll select, adjust and work with photos. Illustrator: We’ll build a shape-based graphic […]

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Patterns, Mindfulness + Infinity – NEW!

July 07, 2020

Learn three techniques for creating infinite visual patterns. In spiritual traditions across the world, mandalas, labyrinths and other repeating patterns are used to help us calm and center ourselves, and get in touch with our interconnectedness with each other and the natural world. While we learn new drawing and design skills, we’ll also be learning […]

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Frame Weaving with Found Materials

July 07, 2020

Create a weaving that is ready to display on the same picture frame you use to weave it. Learn two selvedge warping methods for frame weaving as well as multiple tapestry techniques. We will be embedding flowers or other organic materials that can be found just outside your front door to create unique, woven artwork.

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Journaling for Artists, Writers + Photographers – NEW!

July 07, 2020

This two-hour studio 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 […]

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Design Basics: Working with Color – NEW!

July 07, 2020

Working with Color: Harness the power of color to make your designs stand out. We’ll look at color theory, how to build a color palette and the best practices of using color in graphic design. We’ll also explore the technical aspects of color in industry-standard design programs to make sure color stays true in print […]

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Embroidery (B)

July 07, 2020

Learn basic embroidery stitches and what they’re used for, then delve into some freeform creativity. Students will design their own pattern and may sew on clothing, totes, or cut fabric (the latter of which can then be attached to anything they want).

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