Parkersburg Art Center announces classes
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By WAYNE TOWNER
wtowner@newsandsentinel.com
PARKERSBURG -- With the start of 2019, the Parkersburg Art Center is offering a variety of programs for all ages to get people interested and involved in the arts.
"This winter we are offering a new class series featuring some old favorites, like Pottery on the Wheel and Mini-Monet classes but also introducing new courses like Animal Sculpture and Beer Brewing," said Managing Director Jessie Siefert.
Online registration and more information is available at www.parkersburgartcenter.org. at the front desk during regular hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or by calling 304-485-3859.
Starting Jan. 5 and running through March 9, the art center will be hosting "Arty Parties" each Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon. These are open to children with an adult at no cost, thanks to donations from the Virginia L. Neptune Charitable Foundation.
Each week will feature a different art or craft experience designed for children ages 4-12 with an adult. A sample of that week's activity will be posted on the art center's Facebook page on Fridays. Families are also welcome to play with Legos and tour the galleries.
The series will culminate with Art-O-Rama from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 16, which will feature multiple art and cultural stations throughout the art center and is made possible by the PARS Foundation.
The children's classes include:
* Mini-Monet: With instructor April Jenkins, the class is designed for little ones aged 18 months to 3 years, with an adult. New materials and experiences will 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 Mondays from Jan. 7-Feb. 4 (skipping Jan. 21) from 10-11 a.m. There will be other sessions of this class starting in February and March.
* Baby Van Gogh Go: A music and art class for babies and their parents or caregivers. Each week participants will sing, dance, read books and do an age appropriate art project. The class is designed for babies 6 to 18 months with an adult. Class will meet Thursdays from Jan. 10-31 from 10-11 a.m. More sessions will be coming in February and March.
* After School Art: During this four-week session children will use a variety of art materials to create works of art while using creative thinking skills and learning about some famous artists. The class is designed for kids in Kindergarten through third grade and will meet on Thursdays from Jan. 10-31 from 4:30-6 p.m. Another session will start in February.
* Preschool Picasso: The class will feature art instruction/experiences, songs, story time, and a little bit of creative play. 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. Classes will meet Jan. 11-Feb. 15 from 12:30-2 p.m. 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 from Feb. 4-25 from 4:30-6 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.
* Sculpting Animals for Teens: Students will join Rick Austin in the clay studio to sculpt animals from clay. Glazing techniques will also be part of the process. This class is designed for teens ages 12 and up. All materials and supplies are included. Class will meet Thursdays, Feb. 7-28, from 6-8 p.m.
A variety of classes are also available for adults, including:
* Pottery of the Wheel: An introduction to making or "throwing" ceramic vessels on a pottery wheel. The class will meet Thursdays from Jan. 3-24 from 6-9 p.m. The 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. An emphasis on individual interests 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 from Jan. 7-28 from 6-9 p.m. Additional sessions of this class will start each month February through May.
* Watercolor Portraiture: Teaching the keys to painting portraits with watercolors. Basic painting skills will be addressed along the way. The class is for teens and adults (beginner to intermediate). It will meet Tuesdays from Jan. 8-Feb. 12 from 6-7:30 p.m. Another session of this class will begin Feb. 19.
* Sculpting Animals: Students 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. The class is for high school students and adults of all ages and no previous experience is needed. All materials and supplies included. The class will meet Tuesdays from Jan. 8-29 from 6-8 p.m.
* Ready, Set, Draw: Jonathan Seymour will present the beginner/intermediate course on Thursdays, Jan. 10-Feb. 14 from 6-7:30 p.m. The class will start with some basic exercises then move onto still-life drawing and end with drawing the human face. The art center will supply the materials for the first class and the students will then be given a supply list so they will have the tools to continue at home.
* Clay Fairy House/Birdhouse/Bird Feeder: In the first session students will be given a step-by-step instruction as they build their choice of a fairy house, bird house or bird feeder. Basic hand-building techniques will be used. No previous knowledge is necessary. This two-part class is open to adults and teens and is taught by Joyce Tharp and Tina Allen. Class will meet Thursday, Jan. 10, for construction and Thursday, Jan. 31, for glazing from 6-9 p.m. each evening.
* The Art of Brewing Beer – Understanding What You're Drinking: Ian Reid, a seasoned home-brewer, will teach a basic course explaining how brewing works. An overview of equipment needed will be provided. Tasting various styles will also help develop the palate. During each class, participants will assist in making a batch of beer. This is a two-session series on Jan. 18 and Feb. 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. Participants must be 21 or over.
* Watercolors for Beginners: Samantha Roberts will present the class on Thursday, Jan. 24 and 31, from 6-8 p.m. Students will learn how to paint with watercolors in this beginners' class. They will learn about supplies and all the basic techniques needed to get started. During the two-week series, they will complete a simple painting to learn more about the technique of layering with watercolor.
* Photography 102 – Intro to Photoshop: Briton DePriest will present a class designed for or anyone who took the 101 class or has interested in learning Photoshop. Each week there will be examples and discussion on how to achieve different looks and styles of work. The class will meet Thursdays, from Feb. 21-March 28, from 6-7:30 p.m.
* Beginning Guitar: Learn fretting, picking techniques, an introduction to chords and begin to play a few songs. These are half-hour private lessons for students ages 12 to adult. Call 304-485-3859 to reserve a day/time. (No discounts on this class.)