Putnam arts Council - Adult Classes and Workshops

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Adult & Teen (15+)
Classes & Workshops
Click here for registration form.

Summer Classes

Jeanne Demotses, North of Riverfront Green, Acrylic

PAINTING & DRAWING

Watercolor with Jeanne Demotses
All Levels - Class covers principles of watercolor. Students will develop skills necessary to produce finished paintings. Demonstrations in composition, focal point and design will be covered. Bring any watercolors, brushes and paper you have. Materials list provided by instructor at the first class.

6 Fridays July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9 &16 1- 3pm
$145/$140 PAC members

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Saturday’s in the Park with Jeanne Demotses
Paint the landscape of the Hudson Valley with Jeanne Demotses in Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor or Pastel. Students will visit 5 different locations in Putnam and Westchester Counties to try to capture the beauty and variety the landscape has to offer. The workshop will include demonstrations, techniques in various media and offer students individual critiques. A list of materials and locations will be provided upon registration. On rain dates, we shall meet in the Belle Levine Art Center to paint from photos supplied by the instructor.

5 Saturdays July 13, 20, 27, August 3 & 10 9:00 am to noon
$195/$190 PAC members

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TRY A CLASS with Jeanne Demotses
New students with Jeanne - Try a class for $20.00, which can then be applied towards tuition for a full class.

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DRAWING FUNDAMENTALS & TECHNIQUES with James Sparks
Drawing is a natural human endeavor and this hands-on class will stress understanding perceptual drawing from life as well as fantasy and imagination. Graphite, charcoal, and conte’ crayon will be used to explore perspective, composition, design and volumes in space. Interiors, landscape and figure studies will round out a class geared to both beginners and intermediates. Even those with no experience in drawing will benefit from this all-inclusive introduction to drawing fundamentals. Materials list available upon registration.

6 Sundays July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11 & 18 10:00am – 12:00 noon
$145/$140 PAC members

POTTERY

Pottery with Gina Keidong
Hand-building of pottery and sculpture (coil, pinch, and slab-roller techniques), throwing on the wheel, and lead-free glazing are all covered in this course. Independent projects are encouraged. Weekly demonstrations and personalized instruction in all areas of pottery. All levels welcome. Three hour class!

6 Tuesdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6 &13 6:30 - 9:30 pm.
$210/$205 PAC members
Each final product is measured and materials and firing fees are charged at 4 cents per cubic inch.

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"OPEN STUDIO” For Adult Pottery Students
Sundays 10 am.- 1 pm. Fee: $10 - per visit (cash or check).
Currently enrolled adult pottery students may also enjoy open studio time. Students should feel free to use this time to work on current projects or to be creative beyond the normal limits. All equipment will be available for use. All work will be charged materials and firing fees. Each final product is measured and materials and firing fees are charged.4 cents per cubic inch.
Non-enrolled potters may contact the office to discuss open studio opportunities.

PHOTOGRAPHY

UNRAVELING THE MYSTERIES OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Individual Instruction You Can Afford with Dr. Bernie Kessler --Taught in the Artist’s Studio--
Come in and learn about any phase of digital photography that interests you, from buying a camera to printing, and everything in-between. Receive clear, uncomplicated instruction. Your creative journey begins with a two hour session held in Bernie Kessler's studio in Yorktown. It is equipped with printers, iMac’s and PC laptops. Come alone or in a small group, no larger than 4 to insure individual attention.

Monday - Friday, 2-6pm
Please call (845) 803-8622 to register.
Three Sessions @ $135 Total. Single Session @ $50.*

YOGA

Yoga with Liz Carey - A great way for your mind and body to start the week!
Drop - ins are welcome but space is limited so enrolling assures you a spot - Each class will work on yoga basics including balancing and stability, while working on muscle strength and expanding individual yoga skills - hands-on guidance and alignment is part of each session. The evening concludes with 25 minutes of guided relaxation as Liz transports you to a wonderful far-away place.
Teacher Liz Carey is volunteering her instruction to benefit the Putnam Arts Council. Ms. Carey’s bio can be found at www.recharge-retreat.com. .

Current session runs through 6/24 NO CLASS 5/27 6:30 – 7:45 May 20, June 3, 10, & 17
Summer Session begins 8/5 Suggested donation to PAC $10

ONE & TWO DAY WORKSHOPS

MONOPRINT WORKSHOP with Jeanne Demotses
PLACE: Tilly Foster Farm, Brewster:
If you've always wanted to learn about monoprints and how to make them on a press as well as by using everyday tools, this workshop is for you. Each is a one-of-a-kind work of art offering effects which are unique and are not produced by direct painting.
After viewing some monoprints made by the instructor, and watching demonstrations using simple techniques, each participant will have the opportunity to make their own prints. All materials, including a small etching press, plexiglass plates, paper, brushes and paints will be available for use by participants (at no extra cost).
Wednesday, June 12, 9:30 – noon $60.

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NEW! EXERCISING YOUR CREATIVITY with Jeanne Demotses & Joann Zwolski
This workshop is for you if you feel you have no time for art or can’t draw a straight line. Using a variety of approaches and techniques, such as 1 minute sketches, with several familiar media, this is a workshop that will help you to loosen up and expand your creativity. Materials list provided upon registration.

Monday June 17, 9-noon
$60.

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NEW! ART JOURNALING WORKSHOP – in 3 PARTS with Karen Herbst
An artist's journal is a safe place to experiment with new art techniques, whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, you'll enjoy these process - oriented workshops.
Take one, two or all three!
3 Friday’s August 2, 9 &16 10am – noon
each: $50

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WORKSHOP I - Backgrounds: In this introductory workshop we will work with different types of paints and application methods to create rich pages to journal on. We will discuss and experiment with different papers for journaling.

Friday August 2, 10 – noon

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WORKSHOP II: In this workshop we will create vivid and detailed new images from old images. We will work with various collage, photo altering and printmaking techniques.
Friday August 9, 10am - noon

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WORKSHOP III: This workshop will focus on lettering and writing, what to write and how to write it. There will be experimentation with a variety of mediums and pens.

Friday August 16, 10am - noon

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NEW! POTTERY - CLOSED FORMS with Deb Lecce
Learn how to raise the wall and completely close a piece on the potter’s wheel. From there many other forms can be created such as salt & pepper shakers, boxes, tea pots and sculpture. The possibilities are endless! Basic skills on the wheel necessary.

Saturday & Sunday August 10 & 11 10am – 1pm
$110/$105 PAC Members.
Plus Materials/firing fee: each final product is measured and fees are charged at 4 cents per cubic inch.

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DIGITIAL PHOTOGRAPHY MADE SIMPLE with James Sparks
This informative and entertaining class will explore in a hands-on manner basic camera function, lighting techniques, accessory lenses, composition & design. Landscapes, interiors and portraits will be explored with the goal of inspiring confidence in handling any photo situation. Supplies needed – a good quality point & shoot with zoom lens or a digital single lens reflex camera (preferably).

2 Hour workshop, Sunday August 4 1 – 3 pm $35

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STUDIO RENTALS - Call us for details, fees 845.803.8622

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PORTFOLIO REVIEW with Jeanne Demotses
A preliminary assessment will be made covering past art courses taken, work done independently, student's strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations, as well as a review of quantity and quality of work needed to prepare a portfolio for presentation to colleges and art schools.

A series of exercises and projects will be designed to assist the student with the development of pieces needed for portfolio presentation for individual colleges. Work will be done one-on-one with the instructor as well as independently.

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PRIVATE LESSONS

PRIVATE LESSONS AVAILABLE IN PAINTING AND DRAWING - Call for rates & details.

Click here for registration form.
* Classes are registration driven so last minute registrations can create difficulties or even cancel a class unnecessarily. For this reason we strongly encourage you to register as early as possible. Registration payment which is not received 5 days prior to the first day of class will incur a $5 surcharge.

Check weekly for additions to the schedule

INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTRATION
Click here for registration form.

NOTE ABOUT MATERIALS:
Adult Classes: all materials are included in the cost of the course unless the listing indicates that there is a list of materials for you to buy. Lists may be obtained upon registration.
All materials are included with Youth classes.

REFUND POLICY:
A 100% refund may be granted prior to the first class (minus a $20 administration fee). NO REFUNDS WILL BE GRANTED AFTER THE FIRST CLASS MEETING. 100% refunds are issued for classes cancelled by the Putnam Arts Council.
(This does not apply to Great Expectations, which has a separate refund policy.)

CLOSINGS:
It is the policy of the Putnam Arts Council to close the building if the Mahopac schools are closed due to inclement weather (days). Otherwise Radio station WHUD (100.7 FM) will have our closing info

TO REGISTER:
Registration can be made by mail, phone or in person. We accept, checks, money orders, cash, MC and Visa. Charge cards can be taken by mail, phone or (preferably) in person.
Call 845.803.8594, 845.803.8622, or 845.216.0636 .
Drop by the Art Center during office hours Tuesday through Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Advanced Registration required for all classes & workshops. Classes are registration driven and can only take place when minimum number of students is reached, so please register early to avoid cancelling a program. Do not appear for a class if not registered in advance

Classes WILL be held during the Winter vacation week – February 20-26 as well as a special program for children. If you have plans to be out of town that week and would miss your class, please tell your instructor on the first day of class (or call the office) and we either find a makeup time for you or cancel the class that week.

Our Faculty of Teaching Artists

Elizabeth Barksdale
Elizabeth is a local artist with a great love for creating art and sharing the joys of creating with others. She makes art in a variety of methods and media. She feels that when an artists allows themselves to experiment, interesting things begin to happen. It is often in these times of open experimentation that ones creativity can surprise even the experienced artist. Elizabeth Barksdale received her masters of the Fine arts in Statesboro, GA. She is an exhibiting artist, an art instructor, and has worked on and written several arts grants.

Liz Carey
Liz is a 200-hr Yoga Alliance-Certified teacher. She has practiced yoga for twelve years, and became a certified teacher in 2009. When not training yoga teachers, she designs and facilitates innovative training programs that help people develop awareness, authenticity, presence, and practical skills for deeply connecting with others and living a freer, happier, life. She has studied Shambhala Buddhism and meditation, and has a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Liz brings encouragement and acceptance to all of her work, and has a gift for helping people reconnect with and trust their own wisdom and intuition.

Michael Cole
Michael, a resident of Mahopac since 1997, took a pottery class in August 2011 and has quickly developed a new passion for throwing pottery on the wheel. A “Recovering Actor” (having performed in musical theatre productions in New York and across the country), he makes his living as personal assistant to Stephen Schwartz, composer and lyricist of the Broadway shows GODSPELL, PIPPIN and WICKED (among others). Mr. Cole’s voice can be heard on the soundtracks of the DreamWorks animated feature Prince of Egypt, the Wonderful World of Disney television special Geppetto and Disney’s live-action feature Enchanted. Other passions include home improvement and waterskiing.
On pottery: "I'm particularly drawn to the idea of altering the basic wheel-thrown form, the sculptural aspects of pottery and juxtaposing finer elements with the more 'earthy' bisque-ware."

Jeanne Demotses
Jeanne's primary medium is oil. She also often works in watercolor, acrylic, pastel, monotype and collage. She experiments in making her own paper to use as a ground for her pastel work, and uses the paper as a collage element. Her work ranges from the figurative to the abstract and often combines aspects of both. Jeanne's paintings are in many collections in the U.S. and in Europe. She maintains a studio in Peekskill and is a member of that community's growing artist district. In addition to her classes at the Putnam Arts Council, she also teaches oil and watercolor painting at other schools, and portrait painting in her studio. Jeanne studied art at Hunter College, the Art Students League and the Westchester Art Workshop.

Cathy Faiella
Cathy has been a very popular teacher at the "Express Yourself" summer program for years and teaches at a variety of art centers and other children’s programs in the area. Students flourish under her energetic and patient teaching style. She is a graduate of Connecticut College.

Sarah Gilchrist
A working visual artist and educator, Sarah introduces children to style and medium by showing them the work of great artists through history and then she encourages them to develop their own techniques, in pastel, watercolor, collage and other media, with light, fun, and playful presentations and activities. She has a Master of Arts degree in education from Manhattanville College and she studied in Italy as well.

Jennifer Hench Craig
Jennifer believes that teaching is about building relationships and meaningful connections. She has most recently been teaching art at Fox Lane and Bethel Middle School’s and Bethel High School. She completed a Master’s Certification in Visual Arts Education (K-12) after working 15 years as a graphic artist following her Master in Fine Arts.

Gina Keidong
A practicing artist and art teacher, formally trained at SUNY New Paltz in Art Education with a focus in ceramics, she currently teaches in Croton-Harmon High School. Gina has been working with clay as a medium for over 10 years. From throwing to hand building Gina takes a holistic approach to teaching ceramics reaching out to her students individually, taking them from the point they are at to the next stage in creating.

Dr. Bernie Kessler
Bernie Kessler has been an award winning photographer for over 50 years, exploring and celebrating the beauty of nature, including human nature. His images have been exhibited internationally and are in corporate and private collections. He is recognized as an outstanding teacher. His ease of style creates a non-threatening learning environment. Students have fun and feel very personally inspired as they improve their photographic skills.

Amy Menasche
A long-time Mahopac resident, Amy has a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from New York University and Masters of Arts in Teaching from Manhattanville College. She currently teaches art, including three levels of ceramics and sculpture, at Byram Hills High School in Armonk, NY.

James Sparks
Jim is a prolific painter and photographer whose work has been shown and collected country-wide. His special talent and energetic style as a teaching artist is widely known. His experience ranges from elementary level on up, with particular emphasis on college level instruction in art history, drawing, photography and painting (College of Mt. Saint Vincent, Bronx Community College, Connecticut Institute of Art and others). His BFA in Painting is from Washington University and MFA from the University of Southern California.

Alek Ustin
Alek grew up in Kent. NY influenced by his natural surroundings and their functions from a very early age. During his adolescence he discovered his appreciation for fine arts and ceramics and continued to explore this expression while studying Art Education in Fine Arts at the Art Institute of Boston. Since, he has lived in various US cities pursuing national environmental campaigns with Greenpeace while managing to never overlook his creative side. His work, a combination of wheel-thrown., hand building and varied glazing techniques focuses on functionality through elegance and strength, while taking keynotes from the natural world which has influenced him so greatly. He currently teaches at Katonah Art Center, as well as managing their ceramics studio, and at Silvermine Art Center in Ct.

Joann Zwolski
Joann works with a wide variety of mediums. Her work visually expresses a passion for line and color. Her palette is full of brilliant hues from a wide spectrum. She combines both abstract and thematic elements in her "works on paper". She has exhibited through solo and group shows in the tri-state area and Delaware.

Joann received her BFA from Pratt Institute and her MA from the College of New Rochelle. She has taught art for over thirty-five years to students from kindergarten to high school and has been teaching adults drawing for the past several years in a variety of places.

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Watch For Additional Visual Arts Classes And Workshops To Be Announced Soon - For Adults And Children.

PRIVATE
PORTFOLIO REVIEW

Student rate $50, all others $100

Call for additional information

PAC’s programs and services are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and NY State Legislature. Public support is also provided by Putnam County Government.
Additional revenue is generated by the Putnam Arts Council through membership, educational and creative programs, fundraising efforts and through donations from the public and private sectors.