Blog

Polymer Clay Jewelry

July 09, 2024

Learn how to mix, sculpt, and cure polymer clay into one-of-a-kind jewelry. We’ll learn to use oven bake clay with cookie cutters, in pasta rollers, mixed with acrylic paint and gold leaf and more to create beautiful effects and textures. In addition to using polymer clay, students will learn the basics of jewelry making to […]

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Introduction to Flat Pattern Making for Clothing Construction

July 09, 2024

This course will cover the fundamental skills of flat-pattern design, the process of using “blocks” or “slopers” to create sewing patterns for apparel design. Students will learn how to take body measurements for pattern making and introduce them to the two methods of dart manipulation. Students will use these methods skirt slopers in order to […]

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Introduction to Letterpress (B)

July 09, 2024

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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Chain Making: Expand Your Jewelry Making Repertoire

July 09, 2024

Learn to make cable, loop-in-loop, and woven chains. Using the skills mastered you will make your own unique chain designs. We will work in copper and Silver. Leave class with lots of samples and as many finished chains you can make!

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The Prose Poem

July 09, 2024

Explore the possibilities of the prose poem. Each week, we'll read and discuss examples of prose poems (historic and contemporary), then use these conversations to inspire us as we write prose poems of our own.

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Writing the Shadow

July 09, 2024

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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Secrets of Classical Drawing: The Still Life

July 09, 2024

Learn skills taught in ateliers and academies in centuries past and put them to use to create your own fresh artwork. You'll learn tricks of the trade and classical drawing techniques like proportion, value and form-building in two dimensions. These skills can be used to capture traditional subjects like figures and nature scenes, or they […]

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Wheel Throwing Refresher (A)

July 09, 2024

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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Stitched Shibori with Indigo

July 09, 2024

Stitching and Indigo make a magical combination. Students learn a variety of stitched resist dye techniques to produce samples on a variety of fabric types and work on elaborate combinations to make uniquely patterned fabrics suitable for quilting, home decorating and garments.

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Introduction to Digital Photography (C)

July 09, 2024

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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Flameworking: Marbles + Sculpture (A)

July 09, 2024

Students will focus on using the torch to create one-of-a kind marbles out of Italian glass. Several designs will be taught and we will discuss how these tools and techniques can also be used to make simple sculptures like ornaments and plant decorations. Students will also learn the science and theories of making glass objects […]

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Introduction to Stained Glass

July 09, 2024

Students will learn the fundamentals of building a stained glass panel or 3D object from start to finish. Lessons will encompass pattern design, glass scoring/breaking, grinding, foiling, soldering, framing, and applying various patinas. Each student will have made at least one piece they can bring home and immediately display at the end of the class.

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Glass Fusing + Slumping for the Absolute Beginner

July 09, 2024

Learn to fuse and slump glass in the kiln. We'll create designs by cutting colored sheet glass, using glass stringers, rods and frits. By layering patterns and firing glass in kilns, students can create tiles, bowls, plates and panels. No previous experience needed.

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Stained Glass (B)

July 09, 2024

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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Silver Metal Clay Jewelry

July 09, 2024

Learn 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 and […]

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Abstract Painting in Acrylic

July 09, 2024

Do you want to introduce abstraction to your paintings? Learn new ways to approach composition, color and process while finding new modes of painterly expression. We’ll work on new paintings in acrylic in a self-directed manner, leaving plenty of time for one-on-one discussion and in-class critiques.

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Charcoal Portraits

July 09, 2024

Dive deep into the art of representational portraiture with this charcoal drawing class. We will closely study the facial features, anatomy, proportion, structure, representing light and shadow, texture, facial expressions, and likeness. Some lessons will be done from a live model and others will be done from photographic references. Through hands-on demonstrations, experimentation sessions, and […]

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Low-Tech Fabric Printing

July 09, 2024

Use low-tech printing techniques such as stencil, stamp and texture plates to print fabric. Learn about repeats and compositional printing. We will work with dye and discharge paste. Perfect for beginners or experienced fiber students. Your finished fabrics can be used in home furnishing, clothing, and quilting projects.

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Clay as Canvas: Surface Decoration on Bisqueware

July 09, 2024

For ceramic artists who want to further develop their creative voice through their work. Enhance your bisqueware by learning to apply bold design, graphic pattern, illustrative drawings and paint techniques. Consider how color theory, mark making and form play integral roles in design. Day 1, students learn different underglaze materials, tools, and techniques. Day 2, […]

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Intermediate Sewing

July 09, 2024

Improve sewing skills with guided practice during class time. After weekly demonstrations, students can work on individual projects and explore more advanced techniques. Demonstrations include sewing zippers and buttonholes, specialty seams and finishes, making fit adjustments to sewing patterns, and other student requests.

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Riverside Art: Connecting with the James

July 09, 2024

In this class, artists of all levels can explore the natural world through creative expression, finding inspiration and solace in the rhythms and beauty of the river. Through a series of guided exercises, meditative practices, and artistic techniques, students will learn how to capture the essence of the river in their artwork, allowing them to […]

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Writing the Memoir

July 09, 2024

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 with writing prompts and timed writing exercises, and […]

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