Classes
Most of our faculty live and work in the Bluegrass regional, but we occasionally are able to bring in well-known national and international artists and writers. Our offerings change frequently. Don’t see what you are interested in? Give us a call with your requests or suggestions for specific classes you’d like to take and teachers you’d like to learn from.
Notan: Exploring the Interaction of Dark and Light
Instructor: Karen Riggins
Saturday, October 1, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
FEE: $25 includes most materials
Skill level: Beginner, high school through adult
Maximum number of students: 11
Call 859-879-0320 to register.
Notan is the Japanese word for the interaction of dark and light. All artists, no matter the medium, must balance dark and light in their designs. Working with black paper, white paper, scissors and glue, students will explore the relationship of dark and light or positive vs negative spaces by creating expanded squares. We'll start with a few basics and then create, create, create. No experience needed. High school through adults.
Supply list: Student should bring sharp scissors and a glue stick. We will supply all papers.
Altered Books: Pockets and Niches
Instructor: Deborah Moore Knittel
Tuesday, October 4, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Fee: $27.50 includes most materials
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate, teens to adults (Altered Books 101 helpful but not required)
Maximum number of students: 8
Call to register
Supply list: Student should bring the following items: sharp long blade scissors, Exacto or other similar craft knife with new blades, glue stick (prefer Extra Strength), small cutting mat if you have one (we will provide mat board if you do not have), metal ruler if you have one, one hard bound book of 250 pages or more in good condition with strong, sewn binding (no glossy paper pages or old books with crumbling or fragile pages). Used novels and non-fiction books may be purchased at the local library book sale for 25 cents each.
Foil Relief / 3-D Collage
Instructor: Judy Greer
Friday, October 7, 7:00 – 9:00 pm (for adults)
Saturday, October 8, 1:00 – 3:00 pm (for grades 4th through 8th) KIDS CLASS!
FEE: $20.00 includes materials
Skill level: Beginners
Create a three dimensional “picture” by using bits of textured paper, aluminum foil, cardboard, strings, bags, plastic, and other objects. Truly a fun project to make and display.
Invoking the Scribe Within
Instructor: Normandi Ellis
3 Saturdays: October 8, November 5, and December 3 - from 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
FEE: $35 per class
Skill level: Beginner through advanced, high school to elders
Maximum number of students: 10
Call to register.
This course is based on Normandi’s forthcoming book, Invoking the Scribes of Ancient Egypt: Writing as Spiritual Practice (November 2011, Inner Traditions). This workshop uses journal and poetry writing prompts based on the hieroglyphic books of ancient Egypt. Students will create poetry and prose based on personal experience, the use of deep image, and “hieroglyphic thinking” (meditation and musing on images). The writing is not seen as a religious practice, but as a spiritual practice that invokes both the spirit and the muse. Participants will come out of the workshop with 10 new pieces of writing. Possible exercises include discussions and use of gratitude journal writing, stepping stones of a life, recorded dreams, alternate universes, and “swimming with crocodiles” (life challenges and how we overcome them). Students should bring a notebook or journal and pen or pencil. Bring a brown bag lunch.
Cartoon Camp
Instructor: Stephen Moore
Monday, October 10, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
FEE: $25 includes materials. KIDS CLASS! Woodford County School Fall Break Week
For 6th grade through high school
Maximum number of students 10 per class
Call to register.
This course will prepare you for creating your own funny and entertaining cartoons and comics. We will cover basic creative story writing and then transition into how to depict these stories by "drawing words and writing pictures". We will cover how to organize a comic strip on a page, how to create interesting characters and how to give them realistic and dramatic emotions.
Drawing Nature in the Outdoors
KIDS CLASS! Woodford County School Fall Break Week
Instructor: Stephen Moore
Tuesday, October 11, 2:00 – 5:00 pm (for 6th grade through high school)
FEE: $25.00 includes materials
Skill level: Beginners
Call to register.
Learn to draw from the world around you better focusing on lines, shapes, light, shadows and movement. Students will draw everyday outdoor subjects such as trees, small plants, buildings and each other. Enter the world of rich pigments by experimenting with pastels where blending and values will be covered. All skill levels are welcome, but especially suited for beginners. Supply list: handouts and materials are supplied, but students should bring a folding chair and drawing board to work on.
Sci-Fi and Space Vehicles
KIDS CLASS! Woodford County School Fall Break Week
Instructor: Stephen Moore
Wednesday, October 12, 2:30 – 5:30 pm (for 5th, 6th and 7th grades)
FEE: $25.00 includes materials
Skill level: Beginners
Call to register.
Design, build and paint your own sci-fi and space vehicles from recycled materials.
Collage Techniques: Creating Visual and Tactile Texture
Leader: Deborah Knittel
Thursday, October 13, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
FEE: $25 includes materials
Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate, teens through adults
Maximum number of students: 8
Call to register.
Learn a variety of techniques to create visual and tactile textures on paper using recycled materials, paints and inks through using a brayer, stamping, stenciling, cutting, layering and other easy techniques. Useful for collage, altered books, art journals, cards and other paper arts and crafts. Students will learn new skills and techniques to create their own samples and ideas for their use and will leave with a small, finished collage.
Supply list: Student should bring a permanent pen such as a Sharpie in fine or medium point, sharp scissors, Exacto knife or other similar craft knife with sharp blade and glue stick (prefer Extra Strength). You may wish to bring a journal and pen or pencil to record ideas as we go through class.
Pen and Ink with Oil Rouging
Instructor: Bessie Bain
Saturday, October 15 -- 9:00 am 2:30 pm
FEE: $40 includes all materials
Limit: 10 students
Call to register.
Learn pen and ink drawing techniques and color your drawing of the Brown County House with oil rouge. You will leave the class with a drawing suitable for framing. This class is recommended to those who have wanted to try an art class but never have. Suitable for beginners and those with a bit more experience. Teens through adults will enjoy this class. There will be self help techniques to get you started quickly. with one-on-one attention for all students. It is recommended that you bring a brown bag lunch and beverage for the brief lunch intermission.
Hand Applique and Reverse Applique with Hat Patterns
Instructor: Rebekka Seigel
Sunday, October 16, 1:00 am to 4:00 pm
Fee: $65 includes all materials
Skill level: Beginners to intermediate, adults
Maximum number of students: 10
Call to register.
Each student will choose 1 of 12 patterns, designed by Rebekka, based on fashionable headgear for ladies from the 20‘s through the 60’s. Each pattern will incorporate both the techniques of appliqué and reverse appliqué and offer ample opportunity for embroidery or embellishment if desired. Instruction in color choice and placement will be given along with technique instruction. One pattern is included in the class fee with the option to purchase any or all of the other 11 patterns if students wish to complete the whole quilt top in the future. Adults.
Supply list: Bring a basic sewing kit [scissors, thimble, assorted “sharp” needles, straight pins, measuring tape] an assortment of cotton threads and a black Sharpe marker. Instructor will supply patterns, tracing paper, fabrics and light box. Bring your own fabrics if you prefer. Bring a brown bag lunch.
Everything You Need to Know to Start Drawing Now!
Instructor: Christine Kuhn
Saturday, October 22, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
FEE: $55
Skill level: Beginner, teens and adults
Maximum number of students: 10
Call to register.
Learning to draw like a master can take a lifetime, so you’d better start NOW! This workshop will teach you everything you need to know to get started. Then, it is up to you to practice. Bring a brown bag lunch.
Supply list: Black Sharpie markers in large and regular points, at least 8 sticks of compressed charcoal (maybe purchased from Kennedy’s bookstore, Schumaker’s, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s), a kneaded eraser, a “pink pearl” eraser, a gum eraser, an eraser pen (you may want to buy one “fine” and one bigger tip), a chamois for drawing, a set of stumps (be sure to buy several sizes), the largest sketchbook you can find (spiral bound works best), and a sketchbook you are comfortable carrying with you every day, and other drawing stuff that speaks to you: drawing pencils, charcoal pencils, pencil sharpener, pencil case, other pens that interest you. Let your preference be your guide! If you have any questions about supplies, please contact the instructor, Christine Kuhn.
SketchCrawl
Leader: Deborah Knittel
Saturday, October 29, 9:00 am (cancelled if raining).
FREE! No registration required — just show up!.
All ages and skill levels welcome.
Location: to be determined
Sketch crawls are popular all over the USA and Europe. They provide regular opportunities to begin or practice sketching skills and encourage the development of a community of artists with similar interests. The Art Village is going to give local residents the chance to enjoy this event right here in Woodford County. Bring your sketchbook or journal and your favorite pen, pencil or watercolors. We will make introductions and lay out a route suggesting interesting areas to sketch architecture, people, landscapes, cemeteries and more. We will fan out and work on our own, then gather back together at noon to share our experiences… and maybe lunch.
Everything You Need to Know to Start Painting Now!
Instructor: Christine Kuhn
Saturday, October 29, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
FEE: $55
Skill level: Beginner, teens and adults
Maximum number of students: 10
Call to register.
This workshop will teach you all that you need to know to begin a painting practice. Come to class prepared, stay focused, and by the end of the day you will have your first acrylic painting completed. Bring a brown bag lunch.
Supply list: A stretched canvas at least 18”x24” (bigger is better), a standard set of acrylic paints including at least the following colors: red, blue, yellow, brown, a large tube/bottle of white, a small tube of black. If you like purple, buy a pre-mixed shade that suits you since it is hard to mix a nice purple. If you buy other colors, choose colors that appeal to you! There is no “right” or “wrong” color choices. Make sure your paints represent a wide range of values, from dark to light. You can also experiment with metallic and fluorescent paints if you want. Follow your interests when choosing paint and materials-get materials you really like.
Buy a set of Chinese made (inexpensive) long-handled artists’ brushes that contains both flats and rounds. A spray bottle filled with water. Some means of transporting all this to class such as a tackle box, wheeled craft case or large tote bag. If you have any questions about supplies, please contact the instructor Christine Kuhn.