Photo-based Mixed Media

Wednesdays, 5:45pm - 7:45pm, 8 sessions, September 28 - November 16

For many contemporary artists, the journey into mixed media starts with the photographic image. Photo-based mixed media inspires new insights into the power of the photograph within other artistic contexts. In this course, you will use hand coloring, collage, assemblage, monotype printing, and artist's bookbinding to explore elevation of the photographic image. Experimenting with varied techniques and concepts, you will apply your personal creativity to self-portraits, series, and repeated images or themes. This course is open to all students in any media (except oil paints) at any level who wish to expand their artistic process in a playful, supportive environment. A materials fee of $25 is payable to the instructor in the first session. Limited to 12

Basic Artist's Bookmaking

Wednesdays, 8 - 10pm, 8 sessions, September 28 - November 16

Explore the world of artist's bookmaking with this survey of techniques and applications. From basic single sheet constructions, accordions, sewn binds, and boxes to more complicated hybrids, this course covers all the materials and techniques needed to create personal artist's books. Daily discussions and critiques of students' works and contemporary artists compliment the in-class demonstrations and open lab. A materials fee of $25 is payable to the instructor in the first session. Limited to 14.

Handmade Journals with Marbled Papers

Wednesdays, 10am - 1pm, 4 sessions, August 10 - August 31 $140

This 4 week intensive will cover several techniques of paper marbling including traditional and Japanese suminagashi, as well as more experimental styles with chalk and shaving cream. Those beautiful papers will then be used as the cover materials for handmade journals using a Japanese puncture binding. Beginning through advanced bookmakers are welcome. $15 materials fee is payable to instructor in the first session.

Handmade Journals with Paste Papers

Wednesdays, 10am - 1pm, 4 sessions, August 10 - August 31 $140

This 4 week intensive will start with the decorative paper technique of paste paper. As one of the earliest forms of decorative papers, it was commonly used for bookbinding, as well as calligraphy, printmaking, collage, stamping, and origami. Our beautiful papers will then be used as the cover materials for handmade journals using a hand-sewn binding with exposed stitching along the spine. Beginning through advanced bookmakers are welcome. $15 materials fee is payable to instructor in the first session.

Techniques in Decorative Paper

Personal decorative papers can come from traditional techniques like paper marbling and paste papers to more contemporary styles using wax resist, tie-dying, rubbings and handmade stamps. Experiment with a wide range of materials, colors and papers to create unique designs. $15 materials fee is payable to instructor in the first session.

Wednesdays, 6pm - 9pm, 4 sessions, August 10 - August 31 $140

Paste Paper - Decorative Paper Technique

Sunday, 1 - 5pm, 1 session, October 30

Mix pigments into a paste, apply it to dampened paper, then create decorative patterns on its surface. This method of making one of bookbinding's earliest decorative elements, is beautiful for end-papers and wonderful in artists' books. $10 materials fee.

Beginning Camera - Taking a Better Picture - adults

Mondays, 7 - 9:30pm, 6 sessions, September 19 - October 31 (no class 10/10)

Understanding photography's basics is essential to making great images. Start with basic photographic principles and camera controls and expand to composition, color theory and issues of visual perception.

Intermediate Photography - Photography Portfolio - adults

Mondays, 7 - 9:30pm, 6 sessions, November 7 - December 12

Review camera basics, then delve deeper into photography. Build your skills, your eye and your personal style, developing your own photography portfolio. Continue through multiple semesters if you wish. Prerequisite: Basic photography or equivalent skills. Limit 10 students.

Photographing Your Portfolio

Thursday, 6:30 - 8:30pm, 1 session, October 27

This is a discussion-based workshop that will teach students the affordable way to photograph their work. Lighting, seamless backgrounds, and good color are all important aspects to sending out excellent images. Are you ready for art school? Want to submit work for an exhibition? Learn a few techniques that will improve your images and enhance your art!

Image Transfer Techniques

Thursdays, 6 - 9pm, 2 sessions, November 3 & 10

An image transfer is, to put it simply, the act of transferring an image from one source to another. Depending on the method, some transfers create a lovely aged and distressed image due to the natural imperfection of the technique. Acrylic gel transfers, packing tape transfers, and a healthier version of solvent transfers will be covered. Plenty of sample images will be provided for experimentation, however, it's recommended that you bring your own images and text to transfer as well. A variety of source materials is best - from laser copies, ink jet prints, and toner-based xeroxes in either color or black & white to magazine and newspaper clippings.

Visual Journals

Wednesdays, 6 - 9pm, 2 sessions, December 7 & 14

While many artists use a journal for collecting their thoughts, reflecting on their artistic process, or sketching ideas for future work, a journal can be the final piece of art as well. This course investigates the relationships between the artist, the journal, and the outcome. How does the daily interface with a journal change the artist's process, inform the artwork, and develop a greater meaning? Please bring an unused, store-bought journals to the first class along with any personal photos, writings, scrap papers or personal ephemera to add to your journal. All other supplies will be provided. $5 materials fee.

Photo-based Mixed Media

Thursdays, 6 - 9pm, 4 sessions, August 4 - August 25

Photo-based mixed media inspires new insights into the power of using photographs in a variety of ways. In this course, you will use hand-coloring, collage, assemblage, monotype printing, and artist's book-binging to explore elevating the photographic image. Experimenting with varied techniques and concepts, students will apply their creativity to self-portraits, series, and repeated images or themes. This course is open to all students in any media (except oil paints) who wish to expand their artistic process in a playful supportive environment. $20 materials fee.

Bookmaking for Printers

Thursdays, 9:30am - 12:30pm, 12 sessions, September 15 - December 15 (no class on 9/29 and 11/24)

Bookbinding and printmaking are perfectly paired for this class. Whether binding previously made prints or creating a new series during this course, we'll complete 3 different book structures. Printmaking techniques will be alternated with the bookmaking instruction, and we will cover gelatin printing, carved styrofoam, plexiglass plates, and paste papers to contribute to book contents and to cover materials. Open to all levels of artists hoping to expand their artistic process in a playful, supportive environment. Materials fee $30

Getting to Know Your Digital Camera

Mondays, 1 - 4pm, choice of 7 sessions, September 12 - October 31 (no class 10/10), 6 sessions, November 7 - December 12, or take both as a full course and save tuition

This course is an excellent jump-start into digital photography whether using a point-and-shoot or DSLR camera. Understanding photography basics is essential to making great images. We'll start with basic photographic principles and camera controls and expand to composition, color theory, and issues of visual perception. Creative assignments and in-class photo sessions will get you capturing light in new ways.

Basic Artist's Bookmaking

Explore the world of artist's bookmaking with this survey of techniques and applications. From basic single sheet constructions, accordions, sewn binds, and boxes to more complicated hybrids, this course covers all the materials and techniques needed to create personal artist's books. Daily discussions and critiques of students' works and contemporary artists compliment the in-class demonstrations and open lab.

Photo-based Mixed Media

For many contemporary artists, the journey into mixed media starts with the photographic image. This course will explore the possibilities within different techniques, concepts, and contexts. Hand coloring, collage, assemblage, monotype printing, and artist's bookbinding will focus on the elevation of the photographic image. Assignments centered on equivalents, series, and self-portraits will encourage personal experimentation. Open to all artists in any media and at any level who wish to expand their artistic process in a playful, supportive environment.

The Visual Journal

While many artists use a journal for collecting their thoughts, reflecting on their artistic process, or sketching ideas for future work, a journal can be the final piece of art as well. This course investigates the relationships between the artist, the journal, and the outcome. How does the daily interface with a journal change the artist's process, inform the artwork, and develop a greater meaning? This course encourages intensive, personal journaling during class, within assignments, and as the final project. Open to all artists in any media and at any level who wish to expand their artistic process in a playful, supportive environment.

Beginning Photography

Whether digital or traditional film, understanding the basics of photography is essential to great image making. From basic photographic principles and camera controls such as film speeds, shutter speeds, F-stops and depth of field to basic compositional tools and color theory, the course covers it all. Creative assignments and class demonstrations include photographing people, nature, architecture, still lives, macro photography, and flash photography.

Portrait Photography

Artistic and genuine portraits capture the essence of a person, expose the individual personality, and provide an intimate glimpse into his or her life. Learning the techniques, both in studio and outdoors, will free you from the technical worries and will allow for more artistic and emotional concerns. Topics include basic portrait equipment, lighting techniques, posing, gestures, location and environmental portraiture. Students will explore a variety of different approaches to photographing babies, pets, couples, families, and larger groups. Emphasis on creating a strong personal visual style will be combined with sharpening technical skills. Class critiques of work from photo assignments, lectures, and contemporary professionals will provide a forum to critically discuss the portrait in photography.

Identity in Photography

The artist's journey begins within. Our search for and struggle against identity are integral to many contemporary artists. This seminar and portfolio critique will investigate the ways photography can construct identity within gender, race, culture, politics, religion, and sexuality. Shooting assignments, readings, and discussions will focus on these areas within historical and contemporary contexts. Self-portrait assignments will help to illumination the universal relevance that own personal stories can share.

Introduction to Nude Photography

This course offers an environment for exploration of the art of photographing the human form. Live, supervised model shoots will provide ample opportunity to explore the techniques you will learn, while simultaneously building a portfolio of your work. Topics to be covered will include using the studio, lighting techniques, posing, the use props and many others. Lectures, readings, and class discussions will encompass a journey through the history, politics and philosophy of figure study as well as provide an opportunity for debate of related topics and contemporary artists' work. Practical shooting experience and in depth personal critiques combine to develop your understanding of the nude within art and society.

Advanced Nude Photography

As a continuation of "Introduction to Nude Photography", this course will delve deeper into photographing the human figure. Designed for the advanced student with some previous studio experience, the primary focus will be on artistic, conceptual, and contextual issues. Personal projects will combine with advanced critiques, related readings, and research to assist in portfolio development. Live, supervised model shoots are alternated with lecture/critique classes to provide ample time for personal progress.

Critique Group in Nude Photography

This course provides artistic and technical print critiques and portfolio feedback for photographers with an existing body of work. Refine an ongoing project, research a new concept, or strengthen your artistic style and cohesion. Discussions of related topics include nude theory, the nude in art history, and contemporary cultural contexts.