Teaching Artist: Robert Sussna

Watercolor has the reputation for being difficult, but we are going to make it easier and maybe even fun. Take what you already know about putting paint on the paper and learn how to visualize and paint what you like. You will receive instruction on the simplification of subjects, value studies, and composition. We will learn to look at artists for inspiration, technique, and visualization of successful pictures including how to find a subject/picture. Your drawing skills will be enhanced as we go. Why do some paintings just look right? What makes a good painting? Don't buy a thing, just bring what you already have to start. The instructor will provide the students with what they need for the first class. A detailed list of materials will be available at Jerry's, Cheap Joe's, and Dick Blick for you to make sure you have or buy whatever you need for later classes. You will be guided to the proper and economical professional paints, paper, brushes, and palette that you will want. This class is for intermediate to advanced students with a basic knowledge of the watercolor medium.

***This is a five week class for the Spring II session. No class Memorial Day, May 27.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

Teaching Artist: George Apotsos

This visual art project provides participants with the opportunity to express and illustrate important personal life events that shaped their identities. The class will participate in story telling workshops that will assist in telling his or her life story and then select visual symbols that would represent important aspects of their lives. Participants will be assisted by teaching-artist George Apotsos in artistically fashioning together these symbols to form the face of a clock. A clock that tells the time of each person’s life. A clock was chosen for this project because it is a symbolic representation of the passing of time and as a means to channel one’s thoughts and ideas around. All levels of artistic experience welcomed. 

The body of the clock will be made from lightweight panel board and will include a battery-operated timepiece. These materials are included in your class registration fee and any other collage material and paint is the responsibility of the student. A $30 material fee was added to the cost of this class.
***This is a 5 week, 3 hour class. No class Memorial Day, May 27.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

Wendy Cacacie, student work in progress

Teaching artist: Jim Bongartz

You can easily learn the basics while using acrylic paints! Students will complete a paint-along study the first 3 weeks with the instructor. Afterwards, bring your laptops to paint from your own uploaded photographs or images captured off the Internet. Of course, printed images are suitable for use as source material too. Students will explore traditional blocking-in methods while developing subject matter using expressive color, contrast and brushwork. After observing demonstrations, students will start off creating studies to learn basic techniques in color mixing and applications for building volume and space. The instructor will offer critiques to assist with constructive problem solving while exercising our vocabulary for the painting process. Supplies are provided by the student and a list will be sent one week prior to the start of class. The bulk of the investment of supplies will include paints, a few brushes, a canvas (first canvas provided). Level: Beginner thru Intermediate. 

***This is a five week, 3 hour class for the Spring II session. No class Memorial Day, May 27.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

This class is also offered on Tuesdays, 1 - 3:30 pm.

Website: jamesbongartz.com

Teaching Artist: Dorothy Hoeschen

The fastest way to improve your painting (especially landscape painting) is to paint “en plein air” (in the open air). The richness of color and light our eyes see cannot be captured by a camera and there’s no substitute for the knowledge and experience you will gain! This class will explore the many possibilities of painting outdoors.

In addition to painting in general, we will discuss kinds of equipment, the supplies needed for painting in the great outdoors, time saving tips, ways to capture the mood and “sense of place” and the pitfalls and rewards of plein air. There is no need to have ever painted en plein air before, but a basic knowledge of painting in your preferred media is recommended. Oils, watercolor, pastel, and acrylic are all welcome. A basic supply list will be provided.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

Teaching Artist: Susan Winter

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

Wendy Cacacie, student work in progress

Teaching artist: Jim Bongartz

You can easily learn the basics while using acrylic paints! Students will complete a paint-along study the first 3 weeks with the instructor. Afterwards, bring your laptops to paint from your own uploaded photographs or images captured off the Internet. Of course, printed images are suitable for use as source material too. Students will explore traditional blocking-in methods while developing subject matter using expressive color, contrast and brushwork. After observing demonstrations, students will start off creating studies to learn basic techniques in color mixing and applications for building volume and space. The instructor will offer critiques to assist with constructive problem solving while exercising our vocabulary for the painting process. Supplies are provided by the student and a list will be sent one week prior to the start of class. The bulk of the investment of supplies will include paints, a few brushes, a canvas (first canvas provided). Level: Beginner thru Intermediate.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

This class is also offered on Mondays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm in the Spring II session.

Website: jamesbongartz.com

Teaching Artist: Cassaundra Flor

In this course you will be introduced to the multi-step process of reduction linocuts! You will begin by creating a register block for your linocut and learn to layer colors to create a beautiful print. Registration and carving techniques will be taught, leaving you confident in your skills to make multi-color prints. A supply list will be sent. This is a great process that welcomes print-makers of all levels and is easy to do at home!

Artist's website: www.cassaundraflor.com.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

Teaching Artist: Jessica Barnum

Bird lovers, this one is for you! Students will create life size sculptures of local birds. Students will learn to create a frame with recycled materials, then solidify their frame with paper maché. We will use water based paint and various painting techniques to create the coloring of feathers. Then we will cut out individual feathers in different sizes and shapes, glue them on to our frames to mimic the natural beauty of our birds. Students will end the 6 weeks with 1-2 life like bird sculptures that will add personality and local flavor to any mantel or book shelf.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

Teaching Artist: Nelly Kouzmina

Learn various techniques of making one of the oldest textiles in the world - felt using simple tools and natural fibers. Student will get start up kit with necessary supplies on the first day of class ($30 cash or check made payable to the instructor on the first day of class). Information on additional material to purchase will be provided. Extra materials will be available during class to share.

This class is also offered on Fridays, 9 am - 12 pm.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

Teaching artist: Jim Bongartz

This painting class is a follow up to the beginner painting class, "I've Never Painted Before In My Life!" Prerequisite class: "I've Never Painted Before In My Life!"
"... Let's Do More!" is an Intermediate class for students who have enjoyed repeating "I've Never Painted Before In My Life!" and wish to continue their painting journey using the blocking-in method. Students will continue to develop color mixing skills with a focus on value, mid-tones and underpainting techniques.
We will pursue completing one painting together and then you will be asked to work from your own references. Group and individual critique will help to examine which techniques are working and what could be explored further. Students are encouraged to use photos and/or laptops or pads to display imagery/reference material.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

Website: jamesbongartz.com

Teaching Artist: Devon Chebra

Spend your mornings in the garden at AOY learning an environmentally friendly process to print photos, drawings and more onto leaves! This experimental photography class focuses on the natural light-sensitivity of the plants that surround us. Learn the basics of photograms and the chlorophyll printing process, how to make "negatives" from your digital photos or other source materials, and bring everything together to create your own multi-layered masterpieces. Turn your collections of found objects and imagery into artwork that reflects your unique style and curious heart. Perfect for garden enthusiasts, collage artists, photographers, printmakers, visual poets and experimental artists of all skill levels! No darkroom or toxic chemicals needed, no water used in processing your prints. Come out and play, and leave (hehe) with everything you'll need to keep printing at home! A materials fee of $30 (cash or check made payable to the instructor) will be collected on the first day of class.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

Teaching Artist: Anne Gannon

A successful painting depends on good composition, proper perspective, tonal value, and the blending of colors. In this class students learn about these aspects, which are part of the creative process for all mediums. This class is for students with some experience in painting or drawing with oils, acrylics or pastels. Using a photo as the image source, the instructor will do a demo beginning with thumbnail sketches and then show how to choose from different elements in order to simplify the composition. These steps are followed by blocking in shapes and shadows with a grisaille (aka underpainting) and finishing with color. Students can follow along with the instructor or work from their own reference source: a still life setup, a photo, or an iPad. At the end of each class everyone participates in a positive critique - a chance to see their work through other's eyes and reflect on their journey as an artist. All levels (with some experience).

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

Image credit: Susan Wechsler

Teaching Artist: Renee Egan

We will be drawing from the nude model starting with short poses and then gradually using longer poses. Instruction is given on the first class as well students needing help during other classes. Modeling fee is included in the price.
A minimum of 4 students is needed for the class to run with a max of 7 students.
The four class dates are: May 2, May 16, May 30, June 6.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

Teaching Artist: Andie Olson

Color is powerful! Students will improve and inform their skills as painters by learning the importance of mastering color mixing formulas and by making effective color choices. They will develop deeper sensitivity to color through explorations of hue, value, intensity, proportion, and placement in their compositions. There will be investigations into the psychological effects of color. Presentations will include master painting examples that show how color can move us emotionally.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

Teaching Artist: Nelly Kouzmina

Learn various techniques of making one of the oldest textiles in the world - felt using simple tools and natural fibers. Student will get start up kit with necessary supplies on the first day of class ($30 cash or check made payable to the instructor on the first day of class). Information on additional material to purchase will be provided. Extra materials will be available during class to share.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.