Arts, Crafts & Photography

Abstract painting has been a genre in the art world for the last several centuries. Creating it can be challenging and
exciting. This course will teach the basics and enable you to create your own work of art. Learn how to start, how
to apply paint and how to recognize when your painting is complete. Using acrylic paint, you will learn multiple abstract techniques including pouring, splatter painting and broken brushwork to create multiple small works. All levels of experience welcome. Instructor: Kara LaRose.

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

Fashion designer Venus Khosravani will take you through sewing basics, from operating your sewing machine correctly, identifying different types of fabrics, selecting and reading a commercial pattern, and completing a pair of
casual pants. No prior sewing experience needed. Just bring your portable sewing machine to learn a new skill and create something you can proudly wear. A materials list will be distributed and discussed at the first class. Estimated cost is $25. Bring pencil and notebook. Class size is limited, so register early.

This course is a study of the technical, realistic skills of drawing. It is suitable for beginner to intermediate levels. Upon completing the class, you will be able to center a composition, render objects reasonably in proportion and perspective, and execute the four elements of shading. With still-life as the subject matter and graphite pencils as the media, you will learn how to begin and complete a large finished drawing. The first class is devoted to a detailed lecture, with examples, of the entire drawing process from development to review. A supply list will be provided and discussed as well. Instructor Jennifer Littleton is a graduate of MICA, experienced teacher, founder of the Littleton School of Art, and member of the Charcoal Club of Baltimore. Note: Cost of supplies estimated at $50. Enroll early, class size is limited to 10.

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.

Jennifer Littleton, founder of the Littleton School of Art, international award-winning water-colorist, exhibitor with the AWS and NWS and MICA graduate, will guide you through an intensive study of realistic watercolor. The first class is devoted to a detailed lecture, with examples, of the entire painting process from development to review. A supply list will be provided and discussed. In the following weeks, through discussion, demonstration and practice, you will learn to render a detailed line drawing, transfer it to watercolor paper, and practice flat washes with flat and round brushes. You will create one monochromatic painting. Materials list will be distributed at the first class. Enroll early, class size limited.

Note: Cost of supplies estimated at $100.

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.

Create beautiful, wearable works of art using fusible glass, dichroic glass, frit and mosaic pieces. Join Pat Stein, an experienced instructor in all things glass, to make jewelry for yourself and/or to give as a special holiday gift. Materials and supplies will be provided and the instructor will fire pieces and arrange for a pickup at Hickory Ridge. Class size limited, so register early. Absolutely no experience is needed!

In this course, you will develop the professional sewing techniques used in the fashion industry. Learn and practice
a variety of stitches and finishing techniques for different types of fabric, put in a zipper, attach a set-in sleeve to a
bodice, and insert a pocket, while putting together a sewing sample book. The Basic Sewing course (XE-548) is a
suggested prerequisite, but if you are familiar with your sewing machine and have previous sewing experience, this
course will enhance your skills. Bring your portable sewing machine. A supply list will be distributed and discussed at the first class. Estimated independent purchase cost is $25. Class size is limited, so register early. Instructor: Venus
Khosravani.
 

This introductory course is designed for photographers who want to learn how to use Adobe Lightroom photo cataloging and image processing software. You will learn the proper organizational methods for storing images on a computer, how to add metadata to photographs for fast search and retrieval, how to use the powerful post-production image editing tools, and how to properly print directly from Lightroom. Instructor Walter Calahan is a professional photographer and an instructor at Howard Community College and Stevenson University.

For would-be designers looking for the perfect fit, let designer Venus Khosravani teach you “Pattern Drafting,” a system of pattern making that relies on the measurements taken from a figure to create basic patterns. Basic patterns are developed without design features and are used as the
base to create design patterns. You will learn how to take body measurements and to create a five-piece basic pattern set, consisting of front and back bodice and skirt, and a long sleeve, based on those measurements. No prior patternmaking experience required. For those with no prior sewing
experience, taking the Basic Sewing course simultaneously is highly recommended. Bring paper, pencil and a measuring tape to the first class and wear comfortable, but not boxy, clothing. Materials list will be distributed and discussed the first night of class. Estimated cost is $25. Class size is limited, so register early.

Fashion designer Venus Khosravani will offer instruction in flat pattern making techniques, a system of pattern making that is dependent on previously developed patterns. Through classroom demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and projects, you will learn how to create design patterns for different clothing styles by manipulating basic patterns. Pattern Making I is a suggested prerequisite unless you have had experience working and sewing with commercial patterns. Bring a notebook and pen to class and wear close fitting attire (not loose). A supply list will be distributed and discussed at the first class. Estimated independent purchase
cost is $25. Class size is limited, so register early.
 

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.

Using watercolor markers, create a piece of whimsical, representational Zentangle® inspired art. Learn two techniques using watercolor markers. Learn three new tangles, as well as filler tangles, to add depth and dimension to your work. As a finishing touch, add motifs as 3-D embellishments. Bring your Zentangle basic kit, small scissors, eraser, pastel color set of 10 Tombow dual pens. Prerequisite: Previous introductory Zentangle course. Instructor: Julie Allison

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.

Continue your Zentangle® journey and skills as you focus on the use of colored ink and tiles. Create personal one-of-a-kind tiles using new tangles, while exploring highlight and lowlight shading techniques. Prerequisite: Previous
basic Zentangle course. Bring your basic Zentangle kit to class. Instructor: Julie Allison