COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: ADULT SPRING I 2008

PHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITAL ARTS

Supervised Open Darkroom
Staff
For people with previous darkroom experience. Students should have their own film and printing paper, chemistry provided.
Mondays, 6:15-8:45pm

Introduction to Digital Photography
Bruce McKaig
This entry-level class is designed for those with little to no experience in the world of digital photography.  Activities will cover the basics of camera use, scanning, image manipulation and basic printing, and using Photoshop and other appropriate software.  Students will need their own digital camera and paper to print-to be discussed in class.
Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm

Photoshop Basics
Ed Wieland
In this class, the students will be made familiar with the Photoshop desktop and use of some of the more common tools needed to manipulate and alter photos. Students will work with selection tools, filters and various views of a photo in order to fix such common problems as brightness, contrast, red eye, scratches and other noise. These skills are useful in restoring heirloom photos that have faded and been damaged from being stored in boxes and junk drawers. Students will also begin to work with layers and text tools in order to begin building the skill sets required to start simple design work. At the conclusion of this course, students will have the basic knowledge to build collages, import images from one photo to another and begin to build on the necessary skills required to tackle more advanced techniques that will be encountered in more advanced Photoshop instruction. File formats, resolution, camera settings and other topics will also be covered so that the students can make intelligent choices while using a digital camera and a scanner.

Photo Composition (Film and Digital)
Joe Yablonksy
This class will cover techniques guaranteed to make your photographs better.  We'll cover the rules of composition, when to break the rules, quality of light, how to design a photograph, and close-up photography. Students would be required to purchase a set of close-up filters ($30) for this class (http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/241663863msk.htm). Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm

Portfolio Development
Bruce McKaig
A portfolio is a selection of images that represent a person’s creative work. This class is designed for photographers, either digital or darkroom, with some experience and a growing stock of images, who want to organize and present a portfolio of their work. The class will work on perfecting individual images and defining criteria for what images to include in the selection. The class will also discuss appropriate protocol to present a portfolio (galleries, museums, publications, festivals) and students will work on the complementary tools for a presentation (an artist statement, a resume, a proposal, copy slides or jpegs). Students will work in CHAW’s digital lab. The class does not include darkroom time, but for photographers who do not have their own darkroom, CHAW has an Open Darkroom policy to facilitate your work. Students should have a basic understanding of photography and a growing body of photographs. Assignments will include making new images.
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm

Web Design for Artists
Philip Hutinet
This entry-level class is designed for the artists who wish to build a web presence for themselves.  Activities will cover essential X/HTML, page layout using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), making pictures web-ready and uploading pages to a Web server.  Lectures will also touch on the fundamentals of Web marketing, blogs, computer networking and web Security.  Basic working knowledge of computers is assumed.
Wednesdays, 6:45-8:45pm

HOLGA Black and White Photography
Joe Yablonsky
This class will introduce students to medium format black and white photography using plastic HOLGA cameras.  HOLGA's are inexpensive cameras (under $30), which introduce unique effects such as soft focus, light leaks, and vignetting into your photographs.  Students will also learn how to develop their own film and print enlargements in this class.  Bring your HOLGA and 2 rolls of 120 B&W film, ISO 400, to the first class.
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm

CERAMICS

Beginning Handbuilding
Twylene Moyer
This class, which is ideal for beginning clay enthusiasts as well as those with experience, focuses on the discovery and exploration of forms through hand-building techniques—the very root of ceramic tradition. While simple to master, pinching, coiling, slab-building, and extruding, alone and in combination, offer an infinitely rich vocabulary for expression. Demonstrations and group exercises are designed to encourage experimentation with shape and surface in individual projects. Students with previous experience/basic knowledge of the wheel are welcome to add thrown components to their creative mix. Fee includes one 25-lb bag of clay, kiln firing, glaze, and tools.
Mondays, 6:30-9:00pm

Advanced Functional Wheel
Joy Bridy
This class is designed for students with previous wheel experience. Students will focus on projects using the potter’s wheel such as plates, cups, pitchers and bowls.
Tuesdays, 6:15-8:45pm

Ceramic Vessels and Sculpture
Twylene Moyer
Designed for students with previous ceramics experience, this class focuses on the acquisition of new skills and the creation of a new, or expanded, personal clay repertoire. Students will concentrate on individual projects—hand-built and/or wheel-thrown sculptural and one-of-a-kind functional forms—in addition to assignments designed to expand creativity. Eccentric shapes, formal alterations and modifications, and carving and raised relief additions are all encouraged. Students should come prepared with an idea of what they want to accomplish during the class and be ready for a concentrated, and fun, creative experience. Fee includes one 25-lb bag of clay, kiln firing, glaze, and tools.
Wednesdays, 6:30–9:00pm

Beginning Wheel
Amanda Stulz
This is a class for students interested in learning to use the potter’s wheel. Students will explore the processes of forming clay objects on the wheel. Fee includes one 25-lb bag of clay, kiln firing, glaze, and tools.
Thursdays, 6:15-8:45pm

Supervised Independent Study
Joy Bridy
This course is designed for students who wish to tackle independent clay projects with guidance from experienced clay professional. Students will have free use of the ceramics studio.  Fee includes one 25-lb bag of clay, kiln firing, glaze, and tools.
Saturdays, 9:30-11:30am

MUSIC

Adult Drumming
Jensen Kvarnes
Students will work on conga style drums learning how to vocalize, play and identify different rhythms.  Using those rhythms as a foundation, students will improvise and enhance the rhythms and create their own as they progress. Simple forms of reading and writing rhythms will be taught. Drums are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Drumming is a fun relaxing way to connect with music, release tension and interact with others.
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm

CREATIVE WRITING

Memoir Writing
Charles Sharman
Memoir writing is a wonderful way to interpret experience. Left to their own devices, our memories can be counted on to mediate our experiences through the prism of self-image, which - like an unseen editor - distorts them to its own ends, perhaps preventing us from appreciating their full power. In memoir writing, we develop an awareness of this unseen editor and his agenda, become more mindful of the way she works on us - backwards - through our memory processes. With some effort, we can give our memories a different "editorial slant," perhaps unlocking a power hidden in them to teach, comfort, change or heal us - and the friends and family with whom we want to share them.
Fridays, 12:00-2:00pm

KNITTING

Beginning Knitting
Olivia Harrison
Knitting can look baffling but is easy once a few basic skills have been mastered. The goal of this class is to demystify knitting and to launch each student onto a productive knitting path. Beginners will learn basic skills: the knit stitch, the purl stitch, cast-on, bind-off, increase, decrease, and basic cables. Additionally, students will learn to repair mistakes and dropped stitches. Intermediate students can refresh their basic skills, but will focus on a knitting project that will advance their knitting knowledge/skills, with the support of the instructor.
Mondays, 6:30-8:00pm

VISUAL ARTS

Introduction to Oil Painting
Ellen Cornett
This class is an introduction to painting in oils for students who have already had some drawing instruction. During the semester, students will paint from still life and the figure. Students will learn the mechanics of how to stretch a canvas, keep workspace and materials clean and in working order, and receive instruction about paints and solvents. We will concentrate on color theory and paint mixing, brush handling and control, and value theory. We will look at masterworks, and discuss the history and theories of painting. Students will be encouraged to see local art exhibits and maintain a sketchbook. Students should come to the first class with a sketchbook and pencil and Flair pen for taking notes and making sketches. A complete supply list will be distributed and discussed at the first class.
Mondays, 6:45-8:45pm

Drawing: Open Studio
Self-directed
This class is designed for students wishing to take advantage of open studio hours.
Tuesdays, 10:00am-1:00pm

Watercolor: Painting What You See
Gina Clapp
This class is open to both beginning and more accomplished students. Beginning painters will learn the basics:  how to use a brush, set up a palette, manipulate paint on paper, and make paintings. They will also be encouraged to learn to “see” as an artist. More experienced painters will concentrate on developing their ability to “see” the subject clearly and then paint it with skill and originality. We will also look at how other artists have handled similar artistic problems.  A materials list will be provided at the first class.
Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00pm

Watercolor: Communicating Through Painting
Gina Clapp
This class is open to students with several years of experience with transparent watercolor. We will begin with a review of the basics essential to a skillful use of watercolor.  However, we will concentrate on increasing the students’ level of skill as well as their originality:  their ability to interpret a theme, and/or develop a creative or unique viewpoint in their work. Looking at the work of other artists, as well as classroom critiques, will be essential parts of the class.
Wednesdays, 10:00 am-1:00pm

Introduction to Drawing
Carolina Mayorga
In this class, students learn the fundamental concepts of drawing and 2D media. Observation, one of the most important elements in drawing, will be stressed through different techniques and experimentation with several materials. The class will be complemented with theory (composition, perspective, proportions) and examples in art history. Materials list will be provided at the first class.
Wednesdays, 6:45-8:45pm

Life Drawing
Ellen Cornett
For centuries, art students have drawn the human figure both as an end in itself and as a means of developing observational and drawing skills. In this class, we will work from the nude model beginning with gesture exercises and moving into longer, sustained poses with the goal of developing accuracy and expressiveness. Students will begin the semester drawing in charcoal, but are encouraged to discuss use of other media in the class. Students will be encouraged to see local art exhibits and maintain a sketchbook. Lively conversation about art theory and history are part of the evening. Some previous drawing instruction is recommended. Students should come to the first class with an 18x24 newsprint pad of paper, 18x24 Strathmore Drawing pad, vine charcoal, one or two sticks of compressed charcoal and a kneaded eraser.
Thursdays, 6:45-8:45pm

Painting the Nude in Oil
Ellen Cornett
This class is designed for students with previous life drawing experience. The class will begin with review of gesture and contour drawing and value studies from the figure. Students will be instructed in a “direct painting” approach to painting the figure. Emphasis will be on expressive use of color and brush handling with the goal of painting lively and exciting figures. Students will be encouraged to see local art exhibits and maintain a sketchbook. Students should come to the first class with painting supplies, a sketchbook and pencil and Flair pen for taking notes and making sketches.
Saturdays, 9:30am-12:30pm

Kilncarving Glass
Brian Costner
Kilncarving adds depth to your designs in glass by creating a slightly raised (bas relief) or incised image. Explore the possibilities of this technique during the first class by making a set of small test pieces. During the second class, you'll create a project such as a bowl, wall tiles, or window ornaments. The final project can be adapted to yourparticular interest. This is a great workshop for beginner to intermediate students. The class fee includes your choice from several standard projects. You may create additional projects for an additional materials fee or discuss larger project ideas (which also may involve additional fees) with the instructor.
Saturdays, (2/16 and 2/23) 10:00-12:30pm

PERFORMING ARTS

Playwriting: The One Act Play
Jacqueline E. Lawton
What makes a play theatrical? What constitutes a theatrical moment? What makes an audience lean forward as they watch? What keeps them in their seats to begin with? What makes a character’s journal memorable … effective? This course is designed to challenge beginning playwrights to write a one-act play and to help them to define and refine what they believe constitutes theatricality and what makes a play engaging. From that starting point, playwrights will be asked to create stage plays that explore and expand their theatrical visions.  The course is rooted firmly in practice.  The focus will remain on the creation of the playwright’s own work for the stage.
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm

Cabaret for Adults
Dean Reichard and Amy Conley
Students explore all aspects of building a successful cabaret act through assigned reading and performing for classmates, instructors, and others.  Topics include selecting material that's right for you, song performance, creating patter, and marketing your act.  Course culminates in a showcase featuring small "sets" developed by the students throughout the course. Enrolled students are strongly encouraged to invest in Bob Harrington’s The Cabaret Artist's Handbook (available through various online sources).  Students are expected to come to the first class with a prepared song of their choice.  
Saturdays, 10:00 am-12:00 pm

DANCE & MOVEMENT

Beginning Tap
Heather Whyte
An introduction to tap for adults. Learn to shuffle, flap, and all the basics to get you moving. Students should have tap shoes and wear comfortable clothes.
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00pm

Beginning/Advanced Beginning Ballet
Heather Whyte
This class emphasizes the fundamentals of ballet and encourages ballet as a means of improved body awareness, poise, grace, musicality, flexibility, and self-expression. Classes are structured to include warm-up exercises, barre technique and center floor work. Ballet shoes and comfortable clothes are recommended.
Tuesdays, 8:00-9:00pm

Prenatal Yoga
Michelle Cohen
Enjoy a gentle vinyasa yoga class geared for women in all stages of pregnancy.  This practice of movement, breath work and meditation, designed specifically for expectant mothers, will help you: build strength and flexibility; bring awareness to the changes in your body throughout pregnancy; physically, mentally and emotionally prepare for labor, childbirth and life as a parent; relax and empower you as you embark on your transition into motherhood.  Please consult your physician or midwife prior to class participation. 
Wednesdays, 11:00am-12:00pm

Pilates
Roberta Rothstein
This Pilates course, designed for all levels, strengthens and streamlines your body without building bulk or stressing your joints.  The class is a mat-based Pilates class emphasizing the lengthening of your torso and graceful movements while improving your overall balance. Pilates coordinates your mind, body and breathing techniques to develop strong abdominal muscles, and long back and full body alignment. Mats are provided.
Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm

Ballroom and Latin Dance
Charles Jones
Develop confidence and style on the dance floor while learning the basic styles of Ballroom and Latin Dance!  This course includes beginning footwork, simple turns and the principles of leading and following. Great for beginners and intermediate dancers!
Thursdays, 7:30-9:00pm