Spring / Summer Class Schedule 2008

Yes, Art is Here! The Art Center of Battle Creek has Children, Adult and
Teen classes and workshops set to begin Monday, April
21st. New classes and workshops have been added. There
is something here for everyone. Take a Look!

Art Center hours are Mon. through Fri. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed  Mondays after Dec. 22nd, but may call the Center to register),  Sat. 11:00 to 3:00 pm.

Click here for printable PDF version

Adult and Teen Classes

Independent Study Ceramics (AC01 ) (AC02)                                       
Choose from two class times! Students choosing Independent Study Ceramics must have advanced skills in construction and glazing methods. Students must be able to work without an instructor and be willing to
share tasks and do individual demonstrations. Advanced knowledge in chemicals and glaze formulas, ability to load kilns, and knowledge in firing temperatures, is necessary.
Facilitator: Dallas Shoesmith   
Class length: 9 weeks
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Mondays  April 21 to June 23 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Wednesdays April 23 to June 18 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Age: Adults
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $75 members $90 non-members and $20 clay fee

Stained Glass (TC02)
Students will learn to draw a pattern, cut glass, fit to detail, foil, solder, and antique the finished product. The instructor can furnish patterns. Supplies
bought from the teacher can be from $30 on up to setting up your own studio.  Complete a panel to enjoy! This class will take place at Lyndie's Studio, outside of Marshall. Call the Art Center for directions.
Instructor: Lyndie  Parrish
Class length: 6 weeks
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Mondays April 21 to June 2
Age: 16 to adult
Class limit: 6 students
Course fee: $90 members $110 non-members

Pastel Painting (TC03)
This class is an introduction to pastels, painting surfaces and related art materials. The focus will be on exploring various pastel application techniques
while developing an individual painting style. Concepts covered will include composition, color, color schemes, value and intensity, perspective, etc.
Advanced students will continue to practice techniques while striving to develop a personal style of expression. Call the Art Center for a material list. Bring materials and a picture or photo of your chosen subject for the first class.
Instructor: Bob Clouse     
Class length: 9 weeks
Time: 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Mondays  April 21 to June 23
Age: 16 to adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $90 members $110 non-members
*SB-CEU certified for teachers

Advanced Ceramics  (TC01)
(prerequisite for Independent Ceramics)
This class is for people who feel that they have the basics and are ready to move forward. Create with clay in your chosen method of hand building or potters wheel. The instructors will work with students individually according to student needs. There will be a Raku workshop the last day of class. 
Instructors: Dallas Shoesmith/Ken Murphy
Class length: 9 weeks
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Mondays April 21 to June 23
Age: 18 to adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $90 members $110 non-members and  $20 clay fee
*SB-CEU certified for teachers

Beginning Drawing (TC05)
This class will focus on visual concepts and terminology that lead to realistic drawings. Methods that will be used are vase/face drawing, blind and
modified contour drawing, negative space, grid drawing, portrait and gesture drawing. The knowledge of drawing is basic to all other art forms. This is an
excellent class for those who say they can't draw a straight line.
Instructor: Bob Clouse  
Class length: 9 weeks
Time: 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Tuesdays April 22  to June 17
Age: 16 to adult
Class limit: 7 students
Course fee: $90 members $110 non-members

Jewelry and Silversmithing (TC07)
Create items such as band rings, necklace pendants, and belt buckles! Students will learn fundamental skills such as soldering, filing, and how to work with a hand saw, and propane torch. Students will be encouraged by the teacher to take their time on the projects in order to get a good grasp on smithing skills. Students will determine which projects to create and in what order. Experienced students will continue to expand their creative horizons. Individual attention will be given each student in order to maximize his/her experience.
Instructor: Charis Fitzpatrick   
Class length: 4 weeks
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays
May 13 to June 5
Age: 15 to adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $80 members $95 non-members
plus $10 material fee

Beginning Ceramics (TC04)
This class is an exploration of pottery techniques including hand building and thrown forms. Students will learn basic glaze theory and application.
Instructor: Karen May   
Class length: 9 weeks
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Tuesdays April 22 to June 17
Age:17 to adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $90 members $110 non-members plus $20 clay fee

Intro to Mosaics (TC06)
Students will learn the mosaic basics, pattern making, glass cutting, assembling, and grouting. Using the mosaic technique, students will create a panel for your home or garden. This class will take place at Lyndie's Studio, outside of Marshall. Call the Art Center for directions.
Instructor: Donna Norman/Lyndie  Parrish
Class length: 3 weeks
Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Tuesdays April 22 to May 6
Age: 16 to adult
Class limit: 6 students
Course fee: $40 members $65
non-members

Beginning and Intermediate Watercolors (AC03)
In this painting class, students will learn about watercolors, mixing paints, various techniques and ways to improve skills. Painting projects will be
mostly landscapes and seascapes. Bring along photos or pictures of places you would like to paint. Students are asked to call the Art Center for a list of
watercolor supplies.
Instructor: Dorothy Rollert   
Class length: 8 weeks
Time: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Wednesdays April 23 to June 11
Age: adult
Class limit: 11 students
Course fee: $80 members $95 non-members

Colored Pencil Basics (TC08)
This eight week class will focus on basic colored pencil techniques and drawing preparation, as well as, how to create realistic textures, backgrounds, and more. Students will discover the versatility of colored pencils and be able to create a finished work by the end of the class. Bring Crayola or Prismacolor pencils 12 or 24 pack and large drawing pad.
Instructor: John McNees   
Class length: 6 weeks
Time: 6:00 pm to  8:00 pm
Wednesdays May 14 to June 18
Age: 15 to adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $60 members $75 non-members

Painting (AC4a)
This class is designed for students of any skill level who desire to express personal ideas in their artwork using a variety of painting media. Painless critiques will take place each week followed by a voluntary potluck lunch. Bring brushes, tools, paper, canvas and paint. The Art Center does provide some acrylic and oil paint materials, and watercolor paper.
Instructor: Craig Bishop
Class length: 9 weeks
Time: 9:30 am to noon
Thursdays April 24 to June 19
Age: adult
Class limit: 12 students
Course fee: $90 members $110 non-members

Tapestry Woven Jewelry (TC9)
Students will explore many tapestry stitches creating a wonderful one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. Each student will be encouraged to explore color and
texture while learning this wonderful form of painting with yarn. Materials to bring the first night are a sturdy small box about 8" x 10" x 2,"  and a few
beads, if desired, to work into the project.
Instructor: Kathy Berlincourt
Class length: 6 weeks
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Thursdays April 24 to May 29
Age: 18 to adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $60 members $75 non-members plus materials fee $10

Meditative Painting (TC10)
After meditative focus on soothing music for twenty minutes, students will paint what was seen in the mind's eye or felt in the heart. All are welcome,
though this is especially appropriate for those who have wanted to paint and felt that they "can't." Students bring acrylics, brushes, canvas/es board or
stretched.
Instructor: Laurel Design-Hayes   
Class length: 6 weeks
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Thursdays May 15 to June 19
Age: 14 to adult
Class limit: 11 students
Course fee: $60 members $75 non-members

Introduction to Glassblowing, Beadwork, and Glass Fusing (TC11)
with Cliff Curtis (*Due to the demand for this class, the class is filled. Call the Art Center if you would like to put your name on a waiting list.)
Class length: 8 weeks
Time: CLASS I -10:00 am to noon, CLASS II -12:30 to 2:30
Saturdays July 12 to August 30
Age: 16 to adult
Class limit: 6 students each class
Course fee: $80 members $95 non-members plus $10 lab fee

Students will learn fundamental lampwork techniques from an instructor with over 30 years experience in glassblowing. Safety and skill development will be practiced using specialized surface mix torches that liquefy glass at 2000-degree temperatures. Borosilicate colored glass rod, tubing, and sheet
glass will be the medium for projects including: beads, pendants, earrings, blown ornaments, animal sculptures, and more. Students will experiment with
dichroic glass, glass fusing, and annealing of lampworked glass creations. Students will complete multiple glass projects over the course of the 8 week
session.

Children's Classes

Registration fee for each additional child in a family is $20 per individual.

Drawing Skills For Kids (KC01)
In drawing class, students will explore making marks with charcoal, chalk, pastels, markers, and pencils. Students will learn many skills such as value, scale, line, shape, form, overlapping, texture and more! This is a beginning class to building a solid foundation in drawing. Bring an 8-1/2 x 11" sketchbook, number 2 pencils or drawing pencils, and an eraser. 
Instructor: Kelly Parker
Class length: 6 weeks
Time: 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm
Wednesdays April 23 to May 28
Age: 5 to 14
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $60 members $75 non-members

Kids Clay (KC02)
This class is an introduction to clay and hand-building. Beginning students will experiment with pinch pots and coil building, and slab rolling methods to create one-of-a-kind items. Some potter's wheel work will be demonstrated.  Surface decoration will be explored with stamps, glazes and other items. The last class will explore collaborative work with all the students creating a bowl together for the Empty Bowl project for the South Central Michigan Food Bank. The bowls will be on sale in June at the Cereal Festival. Have kids come ready to play in the mud!
Instructor: Kelly Parker
Class length: 6 weeks
Time: 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Wednesdays April 23 to May 28
Age: 5 to 14
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $60 members $75 non-members
plus $5 material fee 

Ceramics for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts (KC03)
This class is designed to prepare scouts for the Ceramics Merit Badge.  Handbuilding methods will be taught and pinch pots, coil bowls, and other projects will be created. Karen is a registered Merit Badge counselor with Boy Scouts.
Instructor: Karen Mays   
Class length: 4 weeks
Time: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Wednesdays June 4 to June 25
Class limit: 12 students
Course fee: $50 members $65 non-members plus $5 clay fee

Fiber Arts For Kids (KC04)
In this class, the students will gain several fiber art skills and will be introduced to weaving and weaving terms. Students will learn about the inkle loom, warping, weaving and designing. Projects that will be created are braided hot pad mats, shoe laces, and tapestry weavings (wall hangings), IPod or cell
phone cases.
Instructor: Kathy Berlincourt   
Class length: 8 weeks
Time: 4:30 pm  to 6:30 pm
Thursdays April 24 to June 19
Age: 10 through teen
Class limit: 8 students
Course fee: $80 members $90 non-members
plus $15 material fee

Cartoon Drawing From Start to finish (KC05)
This class is set up according to student's (kids and adults) needs and interests. Previous cartooning and animation students work on your next step. Anything in cartooning class is possible. Create your own character, make comic strips, caricatures, and animation. Supplies to bring are number 2 pencils, colored pencils, and a drawing pad.
Instructor: Tom Garland   
Class length: 8 weeks
Time: 10:00 am to noon
Saturdays April 26 to June 14
Age: 7 to adult
Class limit: 12 students
Course fee: $80 members $95 non-members

Children,  Teen and Adult Workshops

Airy Fairy Scarf (TW1)
Wrap the scarf around your neck and it's warm and stunning or tie the scarf around your head for that"bohemian look." Students will be wet felting a cobweb type scarf out of wool. Bring your towels!
Instructor: Jone Rakoski   
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Wednesdays April 30
Age: 17 to adult
Class limit: 6 students
Course fee: $20 members $35 non-members
plus $25 material fee

Family Fun Night Fabric Flowers (KW1)
Bring the family and make one-of-a-kind spring flowers out of fabric. This class is good for all ages above six years old. Cloth flowers will be made that can be used in a bouquet or an adornment for clothing or pony tail holder.
Instructor: Kathy Berlincourt   
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Wednesday May 7
Age: 6 through adult
Class limit: 20 students
Course fee: $10 members $15 non-members
plus $5 material fee

Educators Workshop (AW1)
Teachers will explore PVC loom weaving and fun simple fiber projects using reclaimed materials. Participants will leave the workshop with at least three easy, fun projects that can be created in the classroom using free or almost
free reclaimed materials. The projects can be tailored to meet the childrens' needs from elementary to high school age.
Instructor: Kathy Berlincourt   
Time: 4:30 to 6:30
Wednesday May 14
Age: adult
Class limit: 20 students
Course fee: $10 members $15 non-members

Basic Fused Glass (TW4)
Create that one-of-a-kind glass piece! The basics of fusing glass will be explained and demonstrated. Students will create a pair of earrings and a necklace using dichroic glass.
Instructor: Jone Rakoski   
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Thursday May 1
Age: 17 to adult
Class limit: 8 students
Course fee: $20 members $35 non-members plus $15
material fee

Felted Jewelry (TW5)
Basic needle and wet felting will be taught. Art Fair envy? Say, no more! Students will be creating earrings, a necklace and/or a bracelet out of colorful wool. You will  be the talk of the town!
Instructor: Jone Rakoski   
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Thursday May 8
Age: 17 to adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $20 members $35 non-members
plus $10 material fee

Very Basic Bead Making (TW2)
Ever wondered how those beautiful beads at art shows are made? Do you love fire in a controlled atmosphere? If so, this may be your next hobby. Class will start by discussing torch setup, glass selection and safety. The teacher will demo throughout the class with everyone watching. Students will then have supervised torch time to practice making several basic bead shapes along with dots, stripes, and squiggles. Class fee includes everything. Students use torches, fuel, and we supply the glass for these exciting classes.
Instructor: Tracy Bell   
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Thursday June 5
Age: 16 through adult
Class limit: 6 students
Course fee: $30 members $45 non-members

Double Viking Knit Bracelet (TW3)
Students will discover how fun it can be to weave this incredibly beautiful chain. The piece created in class will be a bracelet, but the bracelet can also be made into a necklace. Once started, this technique is repetitive, goes quickly, and is appropriate for either a man or a woman. Beautiful end caps will give the finished piece a very professional look. For class students will be using copper but the chain can be made with most any type of wire including fine silver. Students bring good reading glasses, if needed. this is small close up work, chain-nosed pliers, needle nose pliers, and a ruler.
Instructor: Tracy Bell   
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Thursday June 12
Age: 16 through adult
Class limit: 8 students
Course fee: $30 members $45 non-members plus $10
material fee for a kit that will include copper wire,
dowel, prodder, end caps, and toggle clasp.

Colored Pencil Workshop (TW6)
This two hour workshop will introduce you to the versatility of the colored pencil and it's many applications. Different techniques, such as color building, burnishing, and many others will be explored and explained. Too long have colored pencils been looked at as a "child's medium". This class is designed for those interested in learning to use colored pencils to their maximum potential. Small projects will be worked on during the workshop so please bring: colored pencils (at least a 12 pack) and drawing paper.
Instructor: John McNees   
Time: 10:00 am to noon
Saturday May 3
Age:13 to adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $20 members $35 non-members 

Beginning Spinning (TW2)
Making yarn is a truly fascinating craft! Explore this ancient craft (at least 10,000 years old) and learn how our ancestors made yarn and how to make our own yarn today. Join us for a day of learning how to spin yarn. Students will learn how to scour wool to get it clean and prepare it for spinning, how to spin on a drop spindle and on the instructor's two spinning wheels, and what to do with the yarn once it is finished. Once students know how to spin yarn, the possibilities for knitting, weaving, basket making, felting, and more are endless!
Instructor: Carina Gunnerson   
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Saturday May 10
Age: 15 to adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $30 members $45 non-members and $40
material fee that covers the cost of a handmade drop
spindle from Spinsanity on Etsy, several different
fibers to spin with more to take home, and handouts.

Childrens Workshops

Make and Believe  (two sessions, one for age 2 to 4 and second session for age 5 to 8) (KW2a) (KW2b)
This class takes storytime to a whole new level! Children will be going under the sea. Come listen to some fishy stories, act like a fishy and make fun fishy artwork.
Instructor: Karen Mays   
Age and Times:
(age 2 to 4) 10:00 am to 10:45 am
(age 5 to 8) 11:00 am to noon
Saturday May 17
Class limit: 12 students
Course fee: $10 members $20 non-members

Jackson Pollock Splatter Painting (KW3)
Warning: This will be a messy workshop! Abstract Expressionism with artist Jackson Pollock will be explored through splatter painting using various tools. The children will use tempra paints and glitter. Be prepared to take home your child's drippy expressed creations. Children need to be dressed for a mess including shoes and parents may bring clothes for children to change into when going home.
Instructor: Karen Mays   
Time: 10:00 am to 11:15 am
Saturday May 31
Age: 5 through 9
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $10 members $15 non-members

To register, visit the Art Center of Battle Creek at 265 E. Emmett St. next door to Greensmith Florist/Addington Hills Cafe or call the Center at 269-962-9511. Art Center hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, closed Sundays and Mondays.