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.
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.
Ceramics
In this activity, which is open to all levels, students are encouraged to explore a variety of methods that are possible for the means of expression with clay. Starting with basic hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques, students have the opportunity to move on to increasingly complex projects of their choosing. Along with the different construction methods, students are introduced to a range of surface decoration possibilities such as texturing, carving, painting with slips and stains and glaze application. Students’ work is high-fired in a gas kiln. A modest lab fee is charged for materials.
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 and 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.
Digital Film Making
What does it take to be an indie filmmaker? Get hands on with all the gear you need to make films, learn how to write a convincing script and pitch it, then dive in and see how to get great acting performances on set while making your movie guerrilla-style with a small, tight-knit crew. This is a class with plenty for both experienced filmmakers and relative newcomers to the field.
Digital Illustration and Design
Students will learn the basics of illustration and design using programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. They will develop visual communication skills as they work through a variety of projects in groups and individually.
Photography: Digital
After achieving an understanding of exposure and camera operation, this class will lead you on a journey of digital photographic discovery. You will learn Photoshop skills to create digital art that explores a variety of concepts, such as layering imagery and photomontage. In addition to capture and composition skills, you will learn basic digital processing techniques to help your photos better reflect your artistic vision. Exploration of specialized techniques such as time-lapse, light painting, B&W, or HDR can also be undertaken by interested students. Digital SLR cameras are available for student use.
Drawing for Painting
Using a variety of materials; walnut ink, charcoal, pencil, gouache, we'll focus on mark making, form and developing a personal vision with a minimum of tools. Making small and large-scale projects, we'll have assignments and collaborative projects, but also a lot of opportunities to loosen up and follow your own path.
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.
Figure Sculpture
Students will work from live models. Students will create a series of pieces in oil based clay or wax. The focus of this class is on the making and not objects made. All wax and clay works will be recycled at the end of the class.
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 lab fee will be charged for materials used.
Knitting
Students will increase their competency while they enjoy a congenial evening. All levels welcome, though an emphasis placed on beginner and intermediate levels.
Leather Work
Students will learn the basic concepts of working with leather while developing skills for designing and utilizing patterns, materials, tools, sewing and finishing techniques. Wallets, bags, and pouches are only the first step.
Literary Magazine
Help make 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 yearly publication
Metal Sculpture
If you have the urge to express your creative self by cutting, bending, denting, grinding, welding and polishing metal, then you may have a future as a metal sculptor. Take this activity to confirm the suspicion and you won’t be disappointed. A small lab fee may be charged.
Painting
The activity is designed to introduce new students to painting and will afford more experienced students the opportunity for further practice, growth, and development. We will explore color theory, painting from observation and from imagination, and materials and mediums. We will look at work that interests us and try to understand the techniques employed to achieve the desired results. A small lab fee may be charged.
Photography: B&W
Explore the world of film photography. Students in Evening Photography learn to use a 35mm camera, process film and print in the school’s darkroom. We also explore experimental techniques and alternative cameras. For those with a background in traditional photography, this activity is an opportunity to investigate the medium further. Having a 35mm camera is helpful, but the school has cameras to loan if needed. Film and photographic paper are available in the school bookstore.
Sculpture: Plaster/Clay/Wax
The first sculpture project will be in plaster. The emphasis will be to create a non-representational free form sculpture. Students will also work in wax and various types of clay. The class will study figure sculpture and develop ways of abstracting the figure. Students will probably complete four to six sculptures.
Printmaking
In this printmaking class students will work with a variety of etching techniques. They will explore hard ground and soft ground etching, aquatint, spit bite, sugar lift, and white ground. Depending on experience, students will make many small plates, using a different technique on each plate, or make one image that incorporates all the techniques. Students will be encouraged to explore the various possibilities of printmaking and image making. A small lab fee will be charged for materials used.
Robotics
Have you ever wondered how robotics worked, or wanted to learn how to build your own robotic creation? If you’ve ever been fascinated by the world of tech, but have been daunted or haven’t had the right opportunity, this is for you. In this activity, we’ll learn some basics of coding, using Scratch and Arduino, and using tools to build with sensors and motors, then brainstorm what sort of robot(s) we’d like to build. This activity will be collaborative and creative and it is open to anyone regardless of experience.
Sculpture
Sewing and Quilting
This activity will cover a variety of basic sewing skills. Students can choose to focus on quilting techniques or learn to sew clothing from commercial and original patterns. Instruction in embroidery, alterations and embellishments will also be offered. All levels of experience are welcome. A small lab fee may be charged for materials used.
smART Objects
Students build, sew, and hack electronics into everyday objects for the purpose of artfully designing tools that explore interaction with the world. This interdisciplinary offering introduces embedded computing, basic electronics, and some mechanical engineering. No experience necessary.
Stained Glass
Glass unleaded! We will be exploring stained glass using lead free solders and copper foil. You will learn to cut glass, break and grind it, wrap with foil and solder together to complete a beautiful work of art. After some experience with this process 3D formats are also an option to create sculptural mobiles and small boxes. A small fee may be charged depending upon materials used.
Weaving
Students will learn the fundamentals of weaving by designing and creating individual projects on 4 and 8 harness floor looms. Projects may include scarves, clothing, blankets, rugs or tapestries. Other fiber related techniques can also be explored including spinning, dyeing and knitting. Beginners are welcome. A small fee may be charged depending on the size of projects and materials used.
Woodworking
Instruction and suggestions are offered on design, construction techniques, and the uses of both hand and power tools. Everyone must complete at least one project by the end of the semester. Beginning and experienced woodworkers are welcome. A small lab fee may be charged.