The Evening Arts Program extends the artistic and creative possibilities by providing a wide range of arts-based classes after dinner. It is an opportunity for students to try something entirely new or to delve more deeply into an art form for which they have already developed a passion. While active participation is required, these classes are ungraded. The classes meet from 7:30-9 PM either once or twice per week, and students are required to participate at least two evenings per week. The Evening Arts program operates in two sessions: Fall and Winter/Spring. Unless otherwise noted, classes run during both sessions.
Animation
If you have ever wanted to create your own short animation, this workshop will give you the tools and experience you need. A willingness to let your creative mind run free is required, along with a bit of patience. Participants will create two short projects using a variety of techniques, including drawn animation, stop-motion, and computer animation. Students will also watch short animated films each week, and create soundtracks for their films.
Blacksmithing
In the Evening Arts blacksmithing class the traditional hammer-and-anvil method of shaping hot metal is taught, using tools and techniques whose origins go back a thousand years or more. The objects we make range from the functional to the artistic, the commonplace to the whimsical. There's an emphasis on craftsmanship but also on imagination. Class size is limited to six students per session, as this ensures a high level of student-teacher interaction. A lab fee will be charged for materials used, financial aid is available.
Book Arts
This activity will introduce students to the fundamentals of bookbinding using basic hand tools. We will explore the characteristics of paper and how to fold and sew it into a text block. Looking at a range of books, from historic models to modern pop-ups, we will apply various techniques to create pamphlets, books and other enclosures. A small lab fee will be charged for materials used, financial aid is available.
Comic and Graphic Novels
This is a studio class exploring techniques of drawing and story telling in the comic/graphic novel format. Students develop work on different themes to create short stories using pictures, panels and words. Class work is printed to make a compilation book. Advanced students work with their own characters and ideas and produce their own complete comics.
Creative Writing
Explore self-expression through an informal writers' workshop. We will dabble in a variety of genres, including fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Prompts and exercises will be offered as a way to get started, or you may work on your own project. Participants should be prepared to share their writing from time to time with the group.
Video as Artform
The video class covers a variety of concepts in video production from camera handling, visual composition, basic lighting techniques, storyboarding, shot-planning, to editing the final cut. Participants in the class will be invited to experiment with various different styles and methods so that they may find their own expression through the medium. There will be an emphasis on artistry and innovation as well as technical skill and method. By the end of the semester each of the participants will have worked on a production in which they will be guided through the steps of making a music video, oral history, micro-documentary, or even an abstract short film.
Figure Drawing
Devoted exclusively to drawing the human form directly from observation. Students will observe and express the structure, gesture, anatomy and form of the live model in a variety of drawing and printmaking media. We will look at precedents in art history and add substantially to college and art school portfolios.
Jewelry
The emphasis in this activity is on making silver jewelry, but students may make other objects as well. We will also work with other metals such as brass, copper, and materials that can be combined. Students will acquire skills in basic hammering, sawing, and forging as well as setting stones in bezels, and finishing techniques. A small lab fee for materials will be charged for materials used, financial aid is available.
Knitting
Students will increase their competency while they enjoy a congenial evening. All levels welcome, though an emphasis placed on beginner and intermediate levels.
Literary Magazine
Help make the fall edition of the Literary Magazine a reality. Join a team of writers, artists, photographers, and editors who will design our magazine and publish a variety of creative talents from our community. You will help recruit, promote, select, lay out and produce our stellar and well-loved bi-yearly publication