Classes in the Arts
Beginning Knitting Technique Class: How to cast on
Wednesday, February 5
10:00-12:00pm
In this 2-hour class you will learn different ways to cast on. First, you’ll cast on to knit a small swatch (that you can use to get gauge in the upcoming Norwegian class). Then we’ll practice casting on for a project on circular needles and/or double pointed needles.
We’ll review the long-tail method first and learn a variation of it. Then you’ll learn a knitted cast-on. You’ll also practice different ways to join your work in the round.
I strongly urge that you take this class if you are planning to do the Norwegian Mitten class in February.
The instructor will supply needles, markers, and yarn for this class. Bring something to write with and a small scissors.
Instructor: Diane Pearsall
Capacity: 10
Cost: $48 Nonmember, $44 Member
Space: Room 106
Registration deadline: January 27
Introduction to Painting – Still Life with Mark Daehlin
Mondays, February 10, 17
1:00-3:00pm
We will touch on basic concepts of drawing: perspective, ratios, composition, etc. We will paint from a still life I provide, but if you have a subject you want to paint from a photo, you can bring your own photo. We will learn about value, color hue and intensity, creating the illusion of 3 dimensions on a 2D surface. You can paint in oils, acrylics or watercolor, your choice.
Mark Daehlin, an award-winning fine artist, has been painting professionally since 1979. He’s mastered airbrush, acrylics, oil both in studio and in the field (Plein aire). He has taught beginners to professionals alike in dozens of classes over the years. Mark studied plein air painting under Rich Kochenash and Bryan Stewart. He has written several articles in professional journals and authored dozens of instructional videotapes. His work is collected across North America, Europe and Malaysia. He loves teaching and sharing the joys of discovery in the arts. www.markdaehlinart.com
(2 sessions)
Instructor: Mark Daehlin
Capacity: 12
Cost: $52 Nonmember, $44 Member
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: February 4
Let’s Knit a Pair of Selbu Mittens or Traditional Norwegian Mittens
Wednesdays, February 12, 19, March 5
10:00-12:00pm
In this 3-session class you’ll learn about the history of Norway’s famous Selbu mittens (patterned mittens from the Selbu region) and then knit your own customized pair. We’ll be using the 8-pointed star motif, a well- known symbol of Norwegian knitwear. The pattern is a very traditional one often made with black stars on a white background. The palm is done in a small, repeated pattern, and the cuff will be ribbed, as women’s mittens from Selbu usually are.
The instructor will supply wool yarn and needles. There will be homework between classes.
Skill level for class: Advanced beginner.
You should already know how to knit and purl, cast on and join in the round with either double points or two circular needles. It is also helpful, but by no means necessary, to have a little experience knitting with two colors in one row.
Techniques learned in this class:
- How to read a chart
- How to knit with two colors: stranding, dominance, tension, etc.
- How to knit the thumb gusset and later the thumb
- How to decrease for the tip of a traditional mitten
(3 sessions)
Instructor: Diane Pearsall
Capacity: 10
Cost: $85 Nonmbr, $79 Mbr
Space: Room 106
Registration deadline: February 5
Creating an Abstract Floral – Watercolor Painting
Thursday, March 27
1:00-4:00pm
Join Marty Amundson as you discover the beauty of watercolor painting. A step-by-step approach with demonstrations and explanation of basic watercolor principles are included in the lesson. Learn how to mix and vary paint consistencies, apply paint to paper (wet on wet, wet on dry, pushing, pulling) and select brushes/paper. Come and explore how to follow your intuition, loosen up and enjoy creating an abstract floral.
Materials are provided. If you prefer to bring your own watercolor paints and brushes, please do so.
Please view this video before attending the class:
https://youtu.be/VVJEidqyYWA?si=shvdgm8QjdJx31W9
Instructor: Marty Amundson
Capacity: max 15, min 8
Cost: $48 nonmember, $38 member
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: March 21
Make-Your-Own Collage and Card Elements
Thursday, April 24
1:00-4:00pm
If you’re a collage artist or enjoy card-making, you know that art supply stores are full of patterned paper. But why buy when you can make your own unique, painted papers!
During this class, you’ll have the chance to play with a variety of techniques.
** Stenciling: There will be lots of stencils to use to create layers using acrylic paints. Or try stenciling with water colors for a whole different look.
** Layers, layers, layers: Alternate colors of acrylic paint to create papers with depth and interest.
** Ink & Marbles: Dunk marbles in ink and then roll ‘em around on papers. You’ll love the look.
** Printing with vegetables and fruits: Don’t worry, we won’t be using potatoes like you did in elementary school. We’ll make dazzling papers printing with oranges, lemons, peppers, fennel, garlic, corn cobs and a few other bits of produce.
There will be time to create many papers so you’ll go home with a wide assortment. You also may want to swap papers with others for even more variety.
MATERIALS PROVIDED:
Assorted papers, acrylics watercolors, marbles, brushes, palette knives, brayers and sponges, assorted fruits and vegetables
*PARTICIPANTS – Please bring an apron, or wear clothes that you don’t mind getting some paint on.
Let that inner child out and have fun!
Instructor: Pat Jorstad
Capacity: 12
Cost: $45 Nonmember, $35 Member
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: April 18
