Explore the basics of clay. We’ll cover the proper use of studio tools, equipment and materials. You’ll learn about slab construction, coil building and combined techniques. We’ll also demonstrate wheel throwing and discuss how various clays and glazes respond to each other.
read moreStudy experimental comics of the past and present. We’ll explore different artistic mediums and methods of storytelling to make our own comics.
read moreExplore the design and production of multi-layer, reductive color woodcuts. We’ll use letterpress equipment to print an edition of beautiful multicolor prints. This class is designed for students with some experience in relief printmaking.
read moreThink outside the font and create your own custom lettering designs by hand. We’ll explore hand lettering from the sketching phase to a polished, finished piece. We’ll be using both traditional and digital tools to explore the basics of lettering. Students will leave the class with a few finished lettering projects, knowledge of lettering and […]
read moreLearn new techniques to improve your functional and non-functional ceramic forms. Try raku, cone 10 reduction glazes and soda firing. Learn new surface design processes using slips, underglazes, terra sigillata and the spray booth application of both underglazes and overglazes.
read moreExplore key concepts of interior design: continuity, scale, proportion, balance, color and light. We’ll use slide presentations and class discussions to prepare you to investigate and analyze the interiors of your choice.
read moreExplore surface decoration for functional pottery. Each week, we’ll cover new surface techniques such as slip transfer, screen printing, underglaze processes, decals, lusters and more. We’ll also discuss visual concepts to facilitate a greater understanding of design and make thoughtful decisions when finishing a piece.
read moreLearn new techniques to improve your functional and non-functional ceramic forms. Try raku, cone 10 reduction glazes and soda firing. Learn new surface design processes using slips, underglazes, terra sigillata and the spray booth application of both underglazes and overglazes.
read moreExplore 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 […]
read moreLearn to carve and print designs into a linoleum block to create a relief surface. We’ll begin by carving background patterns, which we’ll print in various colors and combinations. Then, we’ll carve a strong final image to print overtop the patterns. You’ll learn about design, carving techniques, printing and paper selection and finish the class […]
read moreExplore the world of flameworking and sculpting with glass. You’ll learn basic sculpting and forming techniques for borosilicate glass on the torch and gain an understanding of welds and connections by constructing flowers and other organic forms.
read moreCreate a totebag while learning to sew with a sewing machine. We’ll cover machine basics, fabric usage, how to measure yourself and choose projects and discuss resources that may help you in the future. If time allows, we will also learn to sew zippers into a pouch.
read moreClarissa 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 […]
read moreLearn 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 to […]
read moreThomas 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 […]
read moreDesigned as a quick intro to jewelry and metalsmithing, this class will teach the basic skills needed to create a simple ring or pendant, such as sawing, soldering, and polishing. It’s a great starting point for students to get their feet wet with the tools and medium to decide if they’d like to pursue further […]
read moreDo you want to make things move? Enter into the realm of claymation where everything is alive. Create your own unique characters, intricate sets, foley or musical sounds, and piece together your imagined world through the hands-on process of stop-frame animation.
read moreDiscover handbuilding techniques in sculpting the figure! Students will work to create a figure from head to toe utilizing hollow building skills. We will explore every aspect of the figure using reference photos and mirrors to examine our own unique features. We will discuss the figure as a composition and explore the use of posture […]
read moreLearn 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.
read moreLearn 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.
read moreLearn the basics of aquatint, the process by which we can etch tones, and then get funky with it. We’ll cover step etching, sugar lift, open bite, spit bite, water bite, white ground and photo transfers (and yes, you will know what all of those mean by the end of the class). Dunk copper in […]
read moreLearn techniques of colored pencil drawing including: blending and layering of colors, burnishing through dense saturate of color and composition of color schemes. We’ll also explore other techniques using underpainting and solvents. Expect demonstrations all of these processes as well as time to practice them. You’ll complete a colored pencil drawing of your own subject.
read moreIn this class, we’ll focus on carving and drawing techniques to help you create compelling portrait prints. We’ll practice white line and black line approaches to hatching and crosshatching to create subtle gradients of tone. Each student can expect to leave class with two small editions of woodcut portraits!
read moreExplore the dark self, what Carl Jung called the “shadow” part of our psyche. Sometimes we see it in our dreams, sometimes it appears in dark imaginings. We’ll learn what the shadow can add to our creative writing by experimenting with timed writing, dream journals, guided imagery and Active Imagination.
read moreLearn all of the basic skills you need to develop and print your own etchings. We’ll cover plate development techniques like hard and soft grounds, as well as printing techniques like hand wiping, culminating in a final edition of prints.
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