Press ReleaseAre you going to make a New Years resolution to try something new? The Parkersburg Art Center has something for you! Starting in January, the Art Center will be offering art classes focusing on different mediums and available for various age groups.
“We have a class called “Baby Van Gogh Go” for infants with a caregiver and a beer brewing class for the adults who want to learn more about craft brew styles and how to make their own,” says Jessie Siefert, Managing Director of the Art Center which is located at the corner of 8th and Market streets in downtown Parkersburg. “We have worked hard to design a class roster that has something that should appeal to just about everyone.”
Another great gift idea is an Art Center membership or gift certificate that can be used for classes, the gift shop or in the Framing Gallery at the PAC. With an Art Center membership, you get a 20% discount on all classes and a 20% discount in the Framing Gallery at the PAC.
You can go to http://www.parkersburgartcenter.org and click on the “classes” tab for all of the information and for online registration at any time. The Parkersburg Art Center will be open through December 22nd if you want to stop in and pick up a gift card or membership. The Center is closed the week of Christmas but will reopen on January 2nd. If you have any questions during the holiday break, email info@parkersburgartcenter.org.
MINI-MONET
Let’s play with art! Join instructor April Jenkins for this class designed for little ones aged 18 months to 3 years with an adult. Dress for mess and be prepared for fun! New materials and experiences with be introduced each week. The class will end with time for a story and play in the “Big Room.” The “Big Room” will remain open after class for an additional hour. Class will meet Monday, January 7 – February 4 (skipping January 21), 10:00-11:00 a.m. There will be other sessions of this class starting in February and March.
BABY VAN GOGH GO
Baby Van Gogh Go is a music and art class for babies and their caregivers. Each week you will sing, dance, read books and do an age appropriate art project. This class is designed for babies 6 to 18 months with their caregiver. Class will meet Thursdays, January 10 – 31, 10:00-11:00 a.m. More sessions will be coming in February and March.
AFTER SCHOOL ART
During this four-week session your child will use a variety of art materials to create works of art while using creative thinking skills and learning about some famous artists. This class is designed for kids in Kindergarten – 3rd grade. Class will meet on Thursdays, January 10 – 31, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Another session will start in February.
PRESCHOOL PICASSO
Drop your child off for an afternoon of art instruction/experiences, songs, story time, and a little bit of creative play too with Miss Summer! Children (ages 3-5 and toilet trained) will be introduced to a variety of mediums and styles of art. They will have a gallery show of their work at the end of the six weeks. Class will meet January 11 – February 15, 12:30-2. There will be another session starting in March.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Fourth through sixth graders can join Tracy Love for Arts and Crafts on Mondays, February 4 – 25, 4:30-6:00 p.m. By the end of this four week series, students will have created four original works of art as they explore a variety of artistic styles, materials and techniques.
ARTY PARTIES
January 5 – March 16 from 10:00 – 12:00 each Saturday we will offer a variety of FREE art/craft experience for kids/families ages 12 and under. Parents must stay with their children.
POTTERY ON THE WHEEL
This course is an introduction to making or “throwing” ceramic vessels on a pottery wheel. Students will learn to center clay, create cylinders and produce small functional forms like bowls, saucers, and mugs. Students will also learn foot trimming, handle making, simple decorative carving, and glaze application. Class will meet Thursdays, January 3 – 24, 6:00-9:00 p.m. Class is for teens and adults. There will be more sessions of this class starting in February and March.
HAND BUILDING POTTERY
Learn the fundamentals of building clay projects by hand. This class will cover pinch, soft slab and coil construction, providing step-by-step instruction on each project. An emphasis on individual interest will be encouraged while covering techniques. Glazing will be covered and multiple projects will be completed during this class. Teens and adults can join Joyce Tharp and Jan Wittman for this four-week session on Mondays, January 7-28 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Additional sessions of this class will start each month February through May.
WATERCOLOR PORTRAITURE
If you’ve ever wanted to learn the keys to painting portraits with watercolor this is the class for you. Let Allen help guide you towards producing excellent portraits and improve your skills in this challenging medium and subject. From the most basic of skills and problem will be addressed and worked throughout the course. This class is for teens and adults (beginner to intermediate). This class will meet Tuesdays, January 8 – February 12, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Another session of this class will begin February 19.
SCULPTING ANIMALS
Join Rick Austin in the clay studio to sculpt animals from clay. You will learn to build a clay platform, body core and then cut away to form small animal sculptures. Glazing techniques will also be part of the process. This class is for high school students and adults of all ages and no previous experience needed. All materials and supplies included. Class will meet Tuesdays, January 8 – 29, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
READY, SET, DRAW
Join Jonathan Seymour for this beginner/intermediate course on Thursdays, January 10 – February 14 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Jonathan will teach you how to draw what you see. The class will start with some basic exercises then move onto still-life drawing and end with drawing the human face. We will supply the materials for the first class. You will then be given a supply list so you will have the tools to continue at home.
CLAY FAIRY HOUSE/BIRDHOUSE/BIRD FEEDER
In the first session you will be given a step by step instruction as you build your choice of a fairy house, bird house or bird feeder. Basic hand-building techniques will be used. No previous knowledge necessary. These always turn out so individually unique and adorable. This two-part class is open to teens and adults and is taught by Joyce Tharp and Tina Allen. Class will meet Thursday, January 10 for construction and Thursday, January 31 for glazing from 6:00-9:00 p.m. each evening.
THE ART OF BREWING BEER: UNDERSTANDING WHAT YOU’RE DRINKING
Many of us enjoy a refreshing beer now and then. From a light Pale Ale to a dark Guinness, each style has its own flavor profile, color, and alcohol content. Ian Reid, a seasoned home-brewer, will teach a basic course explaining how brewing works. An overview of equipment needed to make your own batch will show you how easy the process really is. Tasting various styles will also help develop your palate and make you look knowledgeable the next you head to your local brew pub. During each class, participants will assist in making a batch of beer. Bottoms up! This is a two session series January 18th and February 22nd, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Participants must be 21 or over.
WATERCOLORS FOR BEGINNERS
Join Samantha Roberts for this class on Thursday, January 24 and 31, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Learn how to paint with watercolors in this beginners class! You will learn about supplies and all the basic techniques to get you started. During this two-week series you will complete a simple painting to learn more about the technique of layering with watercolor.
SCULPTING ANIMALS FOR TEENS
Join Rick Austin in the clay studio to sculpt animals from clay. You will learn to build a clay platform, body core and then cut away to form small animal sculptures. Glazing techniques will also be part of the process. This class is designed for teens 12 and up. All materials and supplies are included. Class will meet Thursdays, February 7-28, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
PHOTOGRAPHY 102- INTRO TO PHOTOSHOP
Create artwork with your camera! Join Briton Depriest in this class designed for or anyone who took the 101 class or has interested in learning photoshop. In this class you will discuss the experience of taking a photo from your camera and finishing it for print, show, or making simple touch-ups. Each week there will be examples and discussion on how to achieve different looks and styles of work. This class will meet Thursdays, February 21 – March 28, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
BEGINNING GUITAR
Learn fretting, picking techniques, an introduction to chords and begin to play a few songs too! Jonathan Seymour has played guitar most of his life and has been teaching for twenty of those. These are 1/2 hour, private lessons for students ages 12 – adult. Please call 304-485-3859 to reserve your day/time. No discounts on this class.
FINETIME: ORNERY CAT
Join Jessie Siefert on Friday, January 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m. for this Ornery Cat FineTime. Jessie will guide you in painting a portrait of a frisky feline on canvas. Bring a photo of your own cat if you would like to personalize your painting.
FINETIME: SNOWFLAKE PLATTER
Join Joyce Tharp on Friday, January 18, 6:00-9:00 p.m. in the clay studio for this FineTime with pottery. You will construct a shallow platter from a slab, then sponge paint glaze and decorate with a snowflake theme. Platters may be individualized by adding handles or other decorative embellishments.
FINETIME: VALENTINE
Join Jessie Siefert on Friday, February 8, 6:00-8:00 p.m. for a Valentine themed FineTime. Paint something special for you or your valentine. Canvas, paints and instruction provided. Feel free to BYOB and toast the ones you love.