Arts, Crafts & Photography

Abstract painting has been a genre in the art world for the last several centuries. Creating it can be both 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.

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.

Learn the timeless craft of crochet! Gain skill and understanding of techniques, terminology, materials, and patterns while creating a simple project. Over the course of three sessions, practice your new talent and take your skills further with guidance from instructor Tory Blackmon. A hook and skein of yarn will be provided for you as part of this course.

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.

Artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, Jean Dubuffet, and Pablo Picasso are known for their works that jumble together different images, textures, and patterns. Their chosen combinations allow these artists to convey moods, places, and even ideas! In this class, you’ll learn how to create collages, incorporating your own photos, fabrics, and objects, that will then become your reference for soft pastel or charcoal drawings. Expect to create partially abstract works that reflect your favorite things! A materials list will be given out at the first session. Instructor: Kara LaRose.

Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O’Keefe, and Claude Monet all chose floral subject matter throughout their careers because of the forms, textures, and colors unique to botanics. This course will teach you to replicate multiple organic forms and textures using charcoal and soft pastels. Plant and floral
imagery will be the focus of observational drawing and a variety of stylistic approaches will be covered. All levels of experience welcome. Limited enrollment. Register by October 11. Instructor: Kara LaRose.

Jennifer Littleton, founder of the Littleton School of Art, international award-winning water-colorist, exhibitor with the American Watercolor Society (AWS) and the National Watercolor Society (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.

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!

Develop a foundational knowledge of the history, safe practices, tool preparation, and basic design elements of this temporary body art style. You will participate in hands-on practice in mixing henna paste and creating a basic design, discuss strategies for creating a new revenue stream, and gain resources for expanding your practice of henna. Instructor: Tarsheka Thompson.

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.