New Experience in the New Year

Open your world by opening yourself to new experiences in the Jacksonville area. One way to do that is to take art classes. There you can learn a new skill and meet interesting people. Here are a few suggestions as to some of the of the upcoming art classes you can take at various institutions in the area.
Museums have education programs to help the general public get a hands-on art experience. Both the MOCA and the Cummer offer workshops, classes and lectures. The Cummer offers basic painting classes throughout the year, but they’re really strong in their classes for younger kids. The MOCA also offers a selection of art classes. Here’s what the MOCA currently has to offer for adults:
If you’ve worked will oil before and you’ve been frustrated by the long drying times, why not learn to paint with acrylic as an alternative. The Acrylic Essentials class is designed for a range or experience, from beginners to intermediate acrylic painters. Students who have taken Ali (Fuderer) Isabelle’s class before may use their same paint kit and just purchase new canvases. Wednesdays 6 – 8pm, January 30-March 5. $130 for members/ $150 for non-members at the MOCA.
The Go Beyond Figure: Drawing with Live Models class will focus on a natural approach to drawing that will allow individuals to accurately reproduce what they see, and not what they think they see. It will rigorously examine the human form through a variety of models and develop an understanding of the elements of visual logic. The instructor is Jonathan Lux Intended for adults 15-years old and up. Wednesday 6 – 8 pm, January 30-March 5. $150 for MOCA members/$170 for non-members. To register, call Marshall Adams, (904) 366-6911 ×204. Registration deadline is January 25, 2008. Spaces are limited!
Local galleries and art stores also often have classes as well. Ask at your favorite gallery/art store, or just use this list to get you started.
Basic drawing, painting and other group classes are available at the European Art Garage on Hendricks Avenue. Children’s group lessons are Saturdays 11 am to 1 pm, adults group lessons are on Saturdays from 2 pm to 4 pm. A single class session costs $28, but if you buy more than one, you’ll get a reduced rate. There are also private lessons available. Particularly popular are the couples portrait session, in which you and a friend paint portraits of each other. Call (904) 399-2773 or go to europeanartgarage.com/home.html for more info.
Reddi-Arts has a constantly rotating class schedule taught by local artists. Go online and check out their current line-up and schedule. Upcoming one day workshops include the $50 Sumi-e workshop (January 26th), in which students will learn the art of Chinese brush painting. One daytime regular weekday class currently on the docket is the Mixed Media Class, but you can also learn to paint as well. Call NUMBER to sign up.
3 Eclectic Chicks in San Marco is one of the few places that offer fiber art classes here in Jacksonville. Learn to knit, create quilt art and other works of fabric art. Classes on bead making techniques, glasswork, standard drawing and paper crafts are also available. Call (904) 306-0923 to sign up for any of their classes. Classes include Basic or Intermediate Knitting, Basic Crochet, Sewing and Quilting, Granny & 3-D Granny Squares, Basic & Intermediate Stained Glass, Basic & Intermediate Mosaics, Floral Arranging, Basic & Intermediate Watercolor, and Drawing & Pastels.
College art classes aren’t just limited to those already enrolled in school. Most colleges have art classes, programs and workshops specifically geared towards members of the local community. Contact ART for Art’s Sake at JU, Dana Chapman, Director 904- 256-7759 arts.ju.edu/art/afas/cont.htm to sign up for any of the following classes. Beginning Ceramics (4 week mini-session), Intermediate Ceramics (Lab Use), Beginning & Intermediate Glass Blowing, High School Glass, Beginning B/W Photography, Beginning Digital Photography (new), Intermediate Photo-Lab Use, Film Photo Workshop (new), Pinhole Photography, Darkroom Magic, Printing with Cyanotype, Printing with Van Dyke, and Portraiture.
Out in Ponte Vedra there are a few classes and events worth driving to at the Ponte Vedra Cultural Center. Classes include the Experimental, Mixed Media Workshop with instructor Sherry O’Neill, which includes lectures, hands-on instruction, critiques and individual instruction. The class designed for the beginner and the experienced artist wanting to get past “painter’s block.” when they face the blank canvas. This workshop will free you from that inertia and liberate you to loosen up and have some fun. You will learn techniques and formulas to create a dynamite abstract painting by releasing the right, creative side of the brain. Several methods will be introduced to create “grounds” on which to begin your painting. By including various textures through the use of collage and different mediums, the beginning of an abstract painting often is born. This workshop will include lectures, hands-on demonstrations, critiques, individual Workshop dates are February 27, 28 & 29 from 10 am-4 pm. Ponte Vedra Cultural Center Members $270, Non-members $360. $100 non-refundable deposit to hold space. Call to secure your spot at (904) 280-0614.