Blog

ONSITE: Kurinuki: Japanese Clay Hollowing

October 27, 2020

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: Blacksmithing: Hearts of Iron (B)

October 27, 2020

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, learn basic blacksmithing techniques by creating the universal symbol of love. We’ll start with a regular horseshoe, add fire, a hammer and a little sweat, and come away with a heart to keep or give to someone special. This is a great class for couples to take together!

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ONLINE: Pen + Ink Drawing

October 27, 2020

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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ONLINE: Wax Carving: Basic Band & Signet Ring

October 27, 2020

Use hard wax and carving tools that you already have on hand to learn and execute the basics or add to your repertoire of hard carving wax skills. You’ll learn the skills needed to carve a basic band and a signet ring.

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ONLINE: Freewriting Intensive

October 27, 2020

Let’s generate new work for the new year! Through intensive freewriting and class discussion, we will delve deeper and complicate our initial ideas. Open to all genres and levels. This class is for first-time writers, writers in the muddled middle of a longer project, and writers feeling directionless after time away from the page. Like […]

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ONSITE: Thrown + Altered Forms

October 27, 2020

Learn to create expressive ceramic pots by altering thrown forms. In addition to demonstrating the basics of wheel throwing, we’ll cover a variety of techniques used to alter forms like cups, vases, bowls, etc. We’ll also cover creative surface strategies.

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ONSITE: Intermediate Wheel + Hand Building

October 27, 2020

Learn to make functional forms such as bowls, mugs and lidded pieces. We’ll review the basics of wheel throwing and hand building—including pinch, coil, and slab construction methods—before building on what we know. We’ll also cover surface treatment and glaze techniques.

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ONLINE: Introduction to Paper Quilling: Snowflakes

October 27, 2020

Explore the history of paper quilling (quilling filigree) from the 18th century and how the art form has evolved in the hands of contemporary artists such as Yulia Brodskaya. You’ll learn how to use a quilling tool and techniques to manipulate paper into various shapes. Students will plan and map out their work and then […]

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ONSITE: Storytelling in Oil

October 27, 2020

Explore different ways of storytelling through paint! This course will broadly address the connection between narrative and painting. The class will be utilizing story and memory as a framework to make paintings. Each week we will look at and discuss painters, both abstract and representational, historical and contemporary, and how their work connects to narrative. […]

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ONSITE: Family Studio

October 27, 2020

Come and make art side by side as a family. Each week, families will explore a new medium and create a beautiful project together. This program is best suited for families with children aged 3 to 8, however, all family members are welcome.

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ONLINE: Intermediate Digital Photography

October 27, 2020

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: Introduction to Loom Weaving

October 27, 2020

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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ONLINE: Writing the Shadow

October 27, 2020

Explore 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.

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ONLINE: Close Reading Workshop: Fiction and Creative Nonfiction

October 27, 2020

Did you know that fiction and creative nonfiction often use similar elements of narrative design? For writers of fiction and/or creative nonfiction, this class will be part craft discussion, part workshop, part generative space. Each week, we will close-read an essay or short story and articulate the craft elements being used (for example: POV, subject […]

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ONSITE: Wheel-Thrown Teapots

October 27, 2020

Explore different techniques for throwing functional teapots. Learn how to make each component of a functional teapot including how to make and attach teapot spouts that do not drip or spatter during pouring. All demonstrations will focus on design considerations.

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ONSITE: Stained Glass (B)

October 27, 2020

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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ONLINE: Polymer Clay Jewelry at Home

October 27, 2020

While you’re stuck at home, why not adorn yourself with jewelry that you made? We’ll learn different building techniques using clay that can be baked in the oven. You’ll make pendants, earrings and beads to create bracelets and necklaces.

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ONLINE: Introduction to Adobe Lightroom: Editing Your Digital Photos

October 27, 2020

Do you sometimes wonder why your photos don’t look as snappy and vibrant as the original scene? Good news: It is all fixable with some easy steps. In this three-hour workshop, students learn effective and time-saving methods in the develop module of Adobe Lightroom. Crop and straighten crooked horizons, fix exposure and contrast, get rid […]

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ONSITE: Introduction to the Wheel (D)

October 27, 2020

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: Exploring Surface Decoration

October 27, 2020

Explore 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.

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ONSITE: Intermediate Stained Glass (B)

October 27, 2020

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: Family Studio

October 27, 2020

Come and make art side by side as a family. Each week, families will explore a new medium and create a beautiful project together. This program is best suited for families with children aged 3 to 8, however, all family members are welcome.

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ONLINE: Introduction to Interior Design

October 27, 2020

Explore 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.

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