Arts, Crafts & Photography

Acrylics are a relatively new type of paint that have become incredibly popular among professional painters and students alike because of their versatility. By using different mediums and techniques, the possibilities are endless! This course will cover a variety of methods and styles to help you create paintings both realistic and abstract. Beginners will learn the basics of acrylic painting, including prepping the canvas, mixing colors, brush techniques, designing compositions, and depicting dimension. Intermediate and advanced painters will review these elements and receive individualized instruction based upon their particular skillset, with a focus on choosing subject matter and conveying meaning. All skill levels are welcome. Materials list distributed and discussed at the first class. Estimated independent purchase cost is $20. Class size is limited, so register early. Instructor: Kara LaRose

Start from the very beginning! Learn digital camera operation, photographic principles and get some hands-on experience with your camera. Lunch will include a discussion of basic composition principles. Bring your digital camera (charged or with fresh batteries), its manual and a bag lunch to class. Instructor: Walter Calahan. Enroll early. Class size limited to 12.

Join educator and professional photographer Walter Calahan to learn and optimize the use of your smart phone. Create memorable images as you begin to understand various functions: exposure, focus, panorama, and high dynamic range. Experiment with composition and editing to enhance your photograph and improve your image.

Bring your smart phone (Apple or Android) and/or tablet and a snack or lunch.

Flash drive optional.

Learn and/or practice the basics of oil painting: prepping the canvas, mixing colors, brush techniques, composition, and the use of light and shadows. This course is suitable to both beginners and those with some experience, as the instructor can offer some individualized instruction. Bring to class a cutting board or thick cardboard wrapped in plastic or tin foil (your palette), a lidded glass jar, plastic knives, some dish  soap, paper towels/rags, ruler, pencil and an optional empty will be provided. Instructor Ann Wiker is an accomplished artist, lecturer and instructor with HCC, Towson University and the Johns Hopkins Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Experience the community aspect of a printmaking by experimenting with relief printmaking to create custom
t-Shirts. Select from a variety of uniquely carved images to create a one-of-a kind wearable, work of art. This takes your kids’ camp project to a much higher level! Bring three white t-shirts to class (often on sale in packages at local craft stores). Instructor Sarah Matthews is a graduate of the Corcoran School of Arts and Design from George Washington University.

Discover an elegantly simple drawing technique that inspires creativity and mindfulness. Develop beautiful, personalized art by combining repetitive patterns, taught one stroke at a time. Learn the basic steps of the Zentangle method to explore pattern and design to create non-directional, non representational works of art. This fun and relaxing workshop is ideal for novices and artists alike. All materials provided by the instructor, Julie Allison.

Learn about traditional printers’ ornaments for manuscripts and texts while creating Dingbatz in true Zentangle style! Using tangles as strings, practice new tangles and shading techniques to enhance these small, elegant works of art. These treasures are beautiful additions to journals, letters and so much more! Bring your Zentangle basic kit. Prerequisite: Zentangle Inspired Art or Zentangle Workshop.

Enhance your Zentangle® techniques as you use grids to harness tangle fragments. Create unique tiles as you explore new tangles and their variations with colored pizzazz! Prerequisite: Previous basic Zentangle course. Bring your basic Zentangle kit to class. Instructor: Julie Allison.