Handmade Tile
Rhoda Kahler, BFA, WCU, instructor
Learn the beauty and art of handmade tile. Students will work in Terra Cotta clay and design their own handmade tiles. Instructor will cover carving, stamping, sculpting, additive and subtractive methods as well as glazing. Materials fee of $20 payable to instructor first night.
AM101 Chester County Art Assn.... 2 sessions
Mon, 7 to 10 pm, 4/5 - 4/12............................ $60
AM101A Chester County Art Assn.... 2 sessions
Mon, 7 to 10 pm, 4/19 - 4/26......................... $60
Portrait Painting
Jonathan R. Ahern, instructor
This course will provide an introduction to portraiture using acrylic paint. Learn spatial relationship, value, color blocking and light as they apply to portrait painting. These classes are designed for the beginner. If you thought that stick figures were out of your reach, then this could be the class for you. Bring an 11 x 14 or 14 x 18 pre-stretched, blank canvas, a pencil and a photograph of your subject for the first class; supply list (approx. $50-$75) will be given for remaining classes.
AM110 Fugett M.S. ....................... 8 sessions
Mon, 6:30 to 9 pm, 3/15 - 5/10 ..................... $150
No class: 3/29
Miniature Landscape/Seascape in Colored Pencils
Eileen Rosen, instructor
Gather a selection of your favorite vacation spots (it can even be your own backyard) photographs. Using Prismacolor wax based pencils (approx. $48), you will learn a step by step process of: simplifying/eliminating unnecessary details, and mixing/layering colors. With individualized non-judgemental instruction, you'll leave this class with a vibrant and charming miniature portrait. No previous experience needed! First class must be attended. Supply list sent with confirmation.
AM114 Peirce M.S......................... 8 sessions
Thurs, 7 to 9 pm, 3/18 - 5/20......................... $150
No class: 4/1, 4/22
Acrylic Painting
Justin Phillips, instructor
Explore the dynamic process of creating art through the study of acrylic painting. We will start by setting up your paint palette and learning the importance of color theory. Next, we will study and paint a variety of still life arrangements and explore the exciting subject of abstract art. Beginners are welcome. Supply list provided with confirmation (approx. $40).
AM115 Peirce M.S......................... 8 sessions
Tues, 6:30 to 9 pm, 3/16 - 5/11..................... $150
No class: 3/30
Taming the Wild Watercolor
Chris Chadwick, instructor
Together, we'll work to tame the wild medium of watercolor, working step-by-step using a limited five-color palette. You'll start by experimenting with color and abstract design, leading to simple landscapes and later, still life arrangements. Drawing ability is helpful but not required. Bring sketchbook (9x12) and #2 pencil to first class; supply list will be given for remaining classes.
AM117 Fugett M.S........................ 8 sessions
Mon, 6:30 to 9 pm, 3/15 - 5/10...................... $150
No class: 3/29
Landscape Painting, Introduction
Jessica Durrant, instructor
Learn the basic techniques, applications, color mixing and paint effects used to create an intriguing and creative landscape painting of your very own. Step by step demonstrations will show you how to paint separate features of a landscape (i.e. skies, trees, mountains, flowers) and then the combinations of these elements into a lovely landscape painting. Course is open to the absolute beginner as well as the intermediate painter. Supply list will be sent upon registration (approx. $50). First class will be a demonstration by the teacher.
AM118 Peirce M.S......................... 8 sessions
Tues, 6 to 8:30 pm, 3/16 - 5/11..................... $150
No class: 3/30
Botanical Illustration with Watercolor
Frances Phaneuf, instructor
Discover the detail and beauty of painting flowers and plants. This course provides an introduction to the use of watercolor in creating botanical paintings. The instructor has studied botanical illustration at various institutes at home and abroad, and her botanical watercolors have been exhibited at the Philadelphia Flower Show, Morris Arboretum and the Delaware Horticulture Society. A supply list will be provided upon registration.
AM119 Patton M.S........................ 6 sessions
Tues, 6:30 to 9 pm, 4/13 - 5/18...................... $110
Landscape Painting: Exploring the Sea and Sky
Jessica Durrant, instructor
Designed for painters of every caliber. Step by step instructions and demonstrations each week will combine the basics of composition and color mixing with simple methods for painting surf, sea, skies, sand, waves and rocky shores. Students are encouraged to bring in photographs and images to create their own magnificent piece of artwork! The first class will be a demonstration.
AM120 Peirce M.S......................... 8 sessions
Thurs, 6 to 8:30 pm, 3/18 - 5/20 ................... $150
No class: 4/1, 4/22
Learning to be a World-Class Artist!
Eo Omwake, instructor
Whether you're just starting out or desire to go to the next level with your art, this class is for you! Internationally-acclaimed painter and professor Eo Omwake brings over 20 years' experience with the PA Academy of Fine Arts to help you hone your skills in basic drawing (charcoal, pencil, pastels) or painting (oil or acrylics). Lots of individual instruction; BYO art materials and easel.
AM121 Patton M.S........................ 8 sessions
Tues, 6 to 8:30 pm, 3/16 - 5/11...................... $150
No class: 3/30
Basic Drawing for People Who Can't Draw A Straight Line
Chris Chadwick, instructor
Turn that blank sheet of paper into a world of your own design. You'll work step-by-step with the instructor drawing a variety of subjects including landscape, still life and basic perspective (creating the illusion of 3-dimensional space). In addition to graphite, we'll also use colored pencils. Bring 9x12 sketchbook (not newsprint) and a #2 pencil to the first class; supply list will be provided at first class.
AM125 Chester County Art Assn..... 8 sessions
Wed, 6:30 to 9 pm, 3/17 - 5/12...................... $150
No class: 3/31
Drawing, Beyond Beginner
T. Mark Cole, instructor
Learn methods the professionals use to bring their sketches to life! Bring your sketch book and #2 pencils, and get ready to improve your natural talent by applying principles of composition, perspective, shading, and more. We'll practice croquis and cast drawing, work from 3-D models, and apply our new skills to an individual final class project.
AM125A Chester County Art Assn.... 8 sessions
Mon, 6:30 to 9 pm, 3/15 - 5/10...................... $150
No class: 3/29
The World of Andrew Wyeth and the Kuerner Farm
Brandywine River Museum Staff, instructor
Experience an in-depth look at the art work of Andrew Wyeth starting with a private guided tour of some of his well-known paintings at the Brandywine River Museum. The tour will also explore the art of Wyeth patriarch, N.C. Wyeth, known for his illustrations Treasure Island and Kidnapped. Includes a brief look at the work of son Jamie Wyeth. Following the gallery tour, you will travel by shuttle to the Kuerner Farm, where numerous works by Andrew Wyeth were drawn and painted. There are no refunds or credit vouchers issued for this class; however, you may send a substitute.
AM126 Brandywine River Museum 1 session
Thurs, 12:45 to 3 pm, 4/22............................. $14 SORRY, SOLD OUT
AM126A Brandywine River Museum 1 session
Thurs, 12:45 to 3 pm, 5/6 ............................. $14 NEW DATE JUST ADDED
The Art of Illustration
Brandywine River Museum Staff, instructor
Discover the art of renowned illustrators from the Brandywine Valley, such as Howard Pyle, Maxfield Parrish, and N.C. Wyeth during a private tour of the Brandywine River Museum. Includes a look at selected originals from various Caldecott Medal winners for excellence in childrens' books illustration. Explore the imaginative work of Robert McCloskey (Make Way for Ducklings), David Wiesner (Tuesday and Flotsam), and others in the museum's special exhibition: Drawing from a Story: Illustrations by Selected Caldecott Winners. There are no refunds or credit vouchers issued for this class; however, you may send a substitute.
AM127 Brandywine River Museum 1 session
Thurs, 1 to 2:30 pm, 4/15 ............................... $10
Come Draw With Us, Beg Drawing for Parent/Grandparent/Child
Patricia Mescher, instructor
The focus for this class is on fun. Students will be guided to produce original works of art. Young and old will be exposed to a variety of mediums, including prisma color markers, watercolors, soft pastels, mixed media, and clay. Child should be at least 5 years old and must be accompanied by a participating adult. Supply cost is $5 per person, payable to instructor first night. Note: fee is per child, there is no charge for adult.
AM132 Great Valley M.S.............. 4 sessions
Tues, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, 3/16 - 4/13; No class: 3/30
Parent & Child Fee: $60
History of 3 Major Art Movements
Fred Dixon, instructor
This course covers the Italian Renaissance and the years immediately preceding and following it (from 1300 to 1600). We'll also discuss French Impressionism, covering the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries, and the effects of the seven significant women in the life of Picasso on his art.
AM133 Patton M.S. ...................... 4 sessions
Tues, 7 to 8:30 pm, 4/27 - 5/18 ...................... $50
Discover Your Singing Voice
Debrah Stradley Moore, instructor
In a small group setting, learn about proper vocal, breath and posture techniques and repertoire selection. This class is open to all voice ranges and singing abilities. You need to be able to carry a tune and read music well enough to know which direction the tune is moving. Access to a piano for practicing is strongly recommended. You will need to purchase two books after first class, approximately $25.
AM140 Peirce M.S......................... 8 sessions
Tues, 7 to 8 pm, 3/16 - 5/11............................ $95
No class: 3/30
Introduction to Songwriting
Dan Reifsnyder, instructor
This class will take you through the process of writing a song from the early concept stages through pitching your song to a publisher or artist and creating a demo CD. We'll talk about common mistakes rookie songwriters make and how to correct them, along with what makes a song great. Also discussed will be tools to further your career. You are encouraged to bring manuscript paper and/or a recording device (MP3 recorder, tape recorder, etc) to class, in order to more easily record your own songs. Learn from a songwriter who recently won an honor in the Billboard World Song Contest!
AM141 Fugett M.S........................ 5 sessions
Mon, 8:30 to 9:30 pm, 3/15 - 4/19................... $60
No class: 3/29
Guitar, Beginning
Rob Dickenson, instructor
Students with little or no musical background will enjoy this introduction to the pleasures of guitar playing. Learn tuning, tablature, note-reading, some simple melodies and chord progressions. Bring your own instrument and a notebook. For students age 12 thru adult.
AM142 Fugett M.S........................ 8 sessions
Mon, 7 to 8 pm, 3/15 - 5/10 .......................... $115
No class: 3/29
AM143 Fugett M.S........................ 8 sessions
Mon, 8 to 9 pm, 3/15 - 5/10........................... $115
No class: 3/29
Blues and Jazz Guitar
Robert Hekking, instructor
For students who have mastered basic chords and songs and are ready to start improvising. Included would be a discussion of scales and their use from very basic application to more advanced concepts, music theory to demystify chord construction and progressions and analysis of well known songs to illustrate how it all comes together. There will also be discussion on the art of playing effectively with other players, so bring your guitar and get started!
AM144 Great Valley M.S............... 8 sessions
Tues, 7 to 8 pm, 3/16 - 5/11........................... $115
No class: 3/30
Banjo: Beginner Bluegrass 5-String
Don Foot, instructor
You'll learn to play popular Bluegrass tunes in just hours using strumming, forward, backward and square rolls, hammer-ons, slides and vamping. Bring two comfortable metal finger picks, a plastic thumb pick, a Bluegrass 5 string banjo and a strap. Check local music stores for banjo rental/purchase; also check Ebay for purchase of inexpensive banjos. Note: 30 minutes/day practice is necessary.
AM145 Fugett M.S........................ 8 sessions
Mon, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 3/15 - 5/10................. $125
No class: 3/29
Learn to Play the Harmonica
Seth Holzman, B. Music, Syracuse Univ.
Learn from a studio and performing musician. You will learn to play traditional folk songs and elementary blues on one of America's most popular, portable instruments. Basic techniques such as bending, rolling, tongue-blocking, vibrato and wah-wah will be covered. Individual attention given to each student. No musical background is required. Bring a 10-hole diatonic key of C major harmonica such as the Hohner Special 20, Hohner Pro Harp or equivalent to the first class. Required text may be purchased for $8 from the instructor the first night. Optional: bring a tape recorder and blank tape.
AM148 Peirce M.S......................... 8 sessions
Thurs, 6:30 to 7:50 pm, 3/18 - 5/20 ................ $95
No class: 4/1, 4/22
Harmonica 2
Seth Holzman, B. Music, Syracuse Univ.
For advanced beginner/intemediate players. We'll work with recordings and transcriptions of outstanding country, folk, blues and traditional songs like Amazing Grace, You Are My Sunshine, Shenandoah, Georgia, and more. We'll practice the skill of bending, which distinguishes great harmonica players from the rest. Lots of individual attention! Bring a 10-hole diatonic key of C-major harmonica. Text required; $8 payable to instructor first class.
AM151 Peirce M.S......................... 8 sessions
Thurs, 8 to 9:20 pm, 3/18 - 5/20 .................... $95
No class: 4/1, 4/22
Drumming for Fun and Stress Relief
Christine Campbell, instructor
If you've never drummed we'll show you how! If you're an experienced drummer, come out and play! If you want an energizing experience, come and join us! Learn a little about drums, drumming and maybe a little about yourself! No experience is necessary. You may bring your own drum or one will be furnished. Students will have fun learning rhythms and songs from around the world while rhythmically removing pent-up stress.
AM160 Temenos Retreat Center ..... 3 sessions
Wed, 7:30 to 9:30 pm, 4/7 - 4/21 .................... $60
Intro to Improv Comedy
Dan Stabb, instructor
Do you watch Whose Line is it Anyway and wonder how they do that? Chadds Ford improviser, Dan Stabb, will teach you the art of making it all up. You will learn the fundamentals of comedy improv, the art of characterization and storytelling, the power of agreement, and the ability to step out of your comfort zone to make bold, brave choices that extend well beyond the improv stage. All will be done in a fun, non-judgmental atmosphere. No improv or performance experience is required. Students should bring a notebook and wear comfortable clothing and sneakers.
AM168 Patton M.S........................ 6 sessions
Tues, 7 to 8:30 pm, 3/16 - 4/27....................... $70
No class: 3/30
Improvisational Acting
Don Elwell, instructor
From professional actors to wacky shows like "Whose Line Is It Anyway," improvizational acting techniques have been a great way to have fun, and build confidence and skills. Through exercises and theatre games, we'll explore improv acting in a fun, low stress environment. Suitable for adults and teens.
AM169 Great Valley M.S.............. 6 sessions
Tues, 7 to 8:30 pm, 3/16 - 4/27 ....................... $70
No class: 3/30
Getting Paid to Talk: Introduction to Professional Voiceovers
John Gallogly, instructor
This exciting class will explore numerous aspects of voiceover work for television, film, radio, audio books, documentaries and the internet. We will cover how to prepare the all-important demo and how to be successful and earn great income in this exciting field. You will have the opportunity to hear examples of demos recorded by professional voice actors, and you will even have a chance to record a commercial script under the direction of our Voicecoaches.com producer! This class is a great first step for anyone interested in voice acting professionally. To make an informed decision if this is the right class for you, visit their technical link at: http://www.voicecoaches.com/gptt
AM173 Fugett M.S.......................... 1 session
Mon, 6:30 to 9 pm, 5/10................................ $45
An Appreciation of the Movies
Ted The Fiddler, instructor
Movie buffs and nostalgia lovers alike will love this class! Starting with the Animated Cartoon, the Silent Era, and moving into the Studio System during the era's golden years, we'll look at films and clips from Ted's extensive personal film collection. The last class will run an extra half hour. Ted The Fiddler is Technical Director of the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville.
AM190 Fugett M.S........................ 4 sessions
Mon, 7 to 8:30 pm, 4/5 - 4/26........................ $60
Classical Guitar Concert with Malcolm Johnstone
Malcolm Johnstone, instructor
Classical guitarist Malcolm Johnstone will present "The Grand Solo," a solo classical guitar concert with commentary on how each piece influenced the evolution of guitar music. Program begins with music dating from the Renaissance period and progresses through traditional American styles. Of special note will be a performance of "The Grand Solo" by Fernando Sor, considered the first great piece written for the modern six-string guitar in the late 18th century. Other selections include "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" and how it was influenced by the ancient Sarabande; Spanish works including Malaguena; and Irish music by Mary Bailey and Carolan and how they influenced American styles. The evening will begin at 7 pm with a special light dinner and dessert (BYOB).
Note: The Lincoln Room is located in the lower level of The Lincoln Building, regarded as the oldest commercial structure in downtown West Chester. There are 10 steps that lead to the tea room & shop and may not be accessible to all individuals.
AM195 The Lincoln Room, WC .......... 1 session
Sat, 7 to 9 pm, 4/10 $30