Winter Class Schedule 2010

The Center offers small classes and individual attention. Take a look and see what the Art Center has to offer you and your family!

Art Center hours: Tuesday through Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, closed Sundays and Mondays.

Meet the Teachers: Instructor Bios | Policy Information

Winter 2010 classes are as follows:

Registration begins Monday, December 7th

Adult/Teen Classes

Co-op: Independent Study Ceramics  (ac01) 
(Registration and payment must be made by Tuesday, January 5th)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 January 11 to March 8
Age: adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $75 members $90 non-members and $20 clay fee per bag

Stained Glass  (ac02) 
Students do not have to be beginners to take this class. Students will learn to develop a pattern, cut glass, assemble, solder, and apply patinas.  Complete a panel to enjoy! This class will take place at the Art Center. We welcome Lyndie back to the Art Center! 
Instructor: Lyndie  Parrish
Class length: 5 weeks
Time: 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Mondays February 1 to March 1
Age: adult
Class limit: 5 students
Course fee: $60 members $75 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 January 11 to March 8
Age: 17 to adult
Class limit: 7 students
Course fee: $90 members $110 non-members

Advanced Ceramics  (ac04) 
(Registration and payment must be made by Tuesday, January 5th)(Prerequisite for Independent Ceramics)
This class is for people who 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 January 11 to March 8
Age: adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $90 members $110 non-members and  $20 clay fee per bag

Fused Glass   (tc05)
Students will learn the fundamentals of fusing glass over the course of this six week class. Starting with basic fusing techniques using standard glass, students will advance to dichroic glass and the process of using molds and slumping glass. Students will be making jewelry out of some of their fused glass pieces as well as making some larger functional molded and slumped glass pieces. 
Instructor: Joe Takens    
Class length: 6 weeks
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Tuesdays January 12 to February 16
Age: 18 to adult
Class limit: 4 students
Course fee: $80 members $95 non-members plus $20 material fee

Picture This!    (ac06) 
(Students may sign up for one or for all)  
Students will art hop from art period to art period via a Powerpoint presentation to better understand times and trends in the development of modern art. Topics covered will be:

What made the “Dark Ages dark?” Understand the current belief that perhaps the Dark Ages in European History may not have been dark at all. Also, who took us into the Renaissance and beyond?

In and Out of Impressionism: Understanding the concept of Impressionism. The works of Cezanne and Gauguin will help students understand how these Post-Impressionist painters provided the first steps in the creation of Cubism.

A Peek at Picasso: look at how travel and invention changed late 19th century art and how Picasso further developed Cubism.  

Understand the Nonsense of American Dada art and other movements and how recognition of American art finally occurred in the international arena.

Instructor: Elaine Wells    
Class length: 4 weeks
Time: 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Tuesdays January 12 to February 2
Age: adult
Course fee: $40 members $50 non-members for the 4 weeks or $10 members $12 non-members per separate presentations.

Beginning Drawing   (ac07)
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. Students bring newsprint pad or white drawing pad at least 9 by 12 inch size.
Instructor: Bob Clouse  
Class length: 9 weeks
Time: 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm 
Tuesdays January 12 to March 9
Age: adult
Class limit: 7 students
Course fee: $90 members $110 non-members

Watercolor Painting  (tc08)
Students will learn new methods and techniques and will continue to improve their painting skills. Painting projects will be mostly seascapes and landscapes. Bring photos or pictures of places as subject matter. Call the Art Center for a list of watercolor supplies to bring the first day of class.
Instructor: Dorothy Rollert
Class length: 8 weeks
Time: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Wednesdays January 13 to March 3
Age: 18 to adult  
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $80 members $95 non-members

Metal Smithing Seminar 3: Forming and Texturing  (tc09) 
This class is meant to be taken in conjunction with the seminars 1 and 2, but this is not necessary to take the class. In this seminar students will learn the basic techniques for forming and texturing jewelry pieces. Projects completed will be a pendant or earrings.
Instructor: Carrie Hofmann-Cruce    
Class length: 3 weeks
Time: 6:30 pm to  9:00 pm
Wednesdays January 13 and January 27
Age: 16 to adult
Class limit: 7 students
Course fee: $40 members $50 non-members plus $18 material fee

Basic Metal Clay  (tc10)
This is an introduction to the exciting new material of metal clay. Students will have the opportunity to work with both bronze and silver metal clay. Learn the basics of rolling, forming, texturing, cutting, drying, finishing, firing, polishing and design. Complete a pendant or earrings. This medium is very suitable for arthritics.
Instructor: Carrie Hofmann-Cruce    
Class length: 3 weeks
Time: 6:30 pm to  9:00 pm
Wednesdays February 10 to February 24
Age: 16 to adult
Class limit: 7 students
Course fee: $40 members $50 non-members plus $25 material fee for metal clay 

Beginning Ceramics   (ac11)
(Registrations must be made by Wednesday January 6)
This class is an exploration of pottery techniques such as pinch and coil pots, sculptures, basics on the potters wheel. Students will learn basic glaze theory and application, plus firing of clay projects.
Instructor: Ron Carlson    
Class length: 9 weeks
Time: 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm 
Wednesdays January 13 to March 10
Age: adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $90 members $110 non-members plus $20 clay fee per bag

Painting   (ac12)
(Registration and payment must be made by Thursday, January 7th)
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 watercolor paper.
Instructor: Craig Bishop
Class length: 9 weeks
Time: 9:30 am to noon
Thursdays January 14 to March 11
Age: adult 
Class limit: 12 students
Course fee: $90 members $110 non-members

Fundamentals of Acrylic and Oils   (tc13)
Students will learn the basics of acrylic and/or oil painting. Please wear old clothes and bring photos or other images for inspiration. Students need to bring either oil or acrylic paints, a nylon assorted brush set, any size canvas panels or stretched canvas. For oil paints bring Liquin Original, Terpenoid for cleaning, soft rags, a palette knife, and palette. 
Instructor: Sue Trowbridge
Class length: 8 weeks
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Thursdays January 14 to March 4
Age: 15 to adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $80 members $95 non-members

Mixed Media Jewelry: Cold Connections 2      (tc14)
(Requirements for this class are Cold Connections 1 or prior experience with metal working/riveting)
This class will focus on more advanced cold connections including kinetics (putting some movement in your piece) cold connected hinges, and some tab stone (or other object) setting. Light work with the torch will be necessary but nothing too intimidating. Other techniques will be covered as needed including texturing and other finishing methods. Students will begin by making samples to become familiar with techniques and will then choose between making a box or a pendant/locket.
Instructor: Emily Pierce Wohlscheid    
Class length: 6 weeks 
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Thursdays February 11 to  March 18 
Age: 18 to adult
Class limit: 6 students
Course fee: $60 members $75 non-members 
plus $10 material fee  

Introduction to Glass Blowing   (ac15) 
(Choose between two time options)
Students will experiment with the artistic applications and properties of hand blown glass and of lampworked glass creations. Students will complete multiple glass projects over the course of the 6-week session. Safety and skill development will be practiced using specialized surface mix torches that liquefy glass at 2000-degree temperatures. Borosilicate colored glass rod and tubing will be the medium for projects including: beads, pendants, blown ornaments, sculptures and more.
Instructor: Joe Takens    
Class length: 6 weeks 
Time: 10:00 am to noon or 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Saturday January 16 to February 20
Age: adult
Class limit: 4 students
Course fee: $135 members $150 non-members 
(basic materials included in course fee)

Kid to Teen Classes

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

Kids and Clay   (kc01)
Pinch pots, coil pots, animals, you name it, kids will have a great time exploring, creating and learning with clay. Have kids come ready to play in the mud!
Instructor: Audrey Haddock
Class length: 6 weeks
Time: 4:30 pm to 6:00 
Monday January 11 to February 15
Age: 5 to 12 
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $60 members $75 non-members
plus $5 clay fee

Imagine Image    (kc02)
This is a drawing class geared for third through 6th graders. Self-expression will be emphasized through experimentation with collage, colored pencil, and pastel in creating images. Students will explore methods of creating value, texture, and creating the illusion of 3-d. Several drawings will be finished over this six week class. Students bring an ebony pencil, a set of colored pencils and an eraser.
Instructor: Kim Eberstein
Class length: 6 weeks
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm 
Tuesdays January 12 to February 16
Age: 8 to 12
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $60 members $75 non-members

Potter’s Wheel   (tc03) 

This class is great for the beginner and amateur  clay students. Learn the basics of wedging, centering and creating balanced pottery. Learn finishing clay pieces and the fundamentals of basic glazes.  Learn how clay is fired in a kiln.
Instructor: Karen May
Class length: 7 weeks
Time: 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm 
Wednesday January 13 to February 24
Age: 13 to 18
Class limit: 6 students
Course fee: $70 members $85 non-members
plus $10 clay fee

Art of Anime   (kta04)
Students learn about cartoon origins and the many types of cartoons such as newspaper strips, political, Anime, and comic books just to name a few. Create a cartoon caricature through the use of shape, perspective and  color and develop a story just like an author of a novel. Although the Funnies make you laugh and a one liner brings a smile to your face, cartooning is a serious and provoking art form that can be very powerful. Bring no. 2 drawing pencils and a drawing pad.
Instructor: Tom Garland
Class length: 8 weeks
Time: 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Wednesdays January 13 to March 3
Age: 10 to adult 
Class limit: 12 students
Course fee: $80 members $95 non-members

The Art of Airbrush   (ta05)
Airbrush allows one to apply paint on walls, wood, metal, cloth and most any surface. This is a brush with many possibilities. Students will learn the airbrush technique which is the freehand manipulation of airbrush, medium, air pressure and distance from the surface in order to produce a picture with or without shields or stencils. Learn how to handle the airbrush with ease!
Instructor: Tom Garland
Class length: 2 weeks
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Wednesdays January 27 and February 3 
Age: 13 to adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $25 members $35 non-members

Imagine Images Again   (tc06)
Students grades 7 through 10 will create images while exploring various modern artists and intermediate drawing techniques for the use of value, vaying surface quality, and creating the illusion of 3-d. Emphasis will be placed on self-expression and experimentation with charcoal, conte, ink, pastel and collage. Students bring an ebony pencil and eraser.
Instructor: Kim Eberstein
Class length: 6 weeks
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm 
Thursdays January 14 to February 18
Age: 13 to 16
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $60 members $75 non-members

Imagination Station (multi-media)  (kc07)
Children will create using various media and their imagination! Projects will include creating Dr. Seuss-like characters, sketching animals, create trees and make a tree collage, create melted crayon art stained glass; do painting and mono-prints. 
Children need to come dressed for a messy experience. Parents are welcome too, but this is not a requirement.
Instructor: Ronnie Woods
Class length: 5 weeks
Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Saturdays January 16 to February 13
Age: 5 to 9 
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $50 members $75 non-members

Teen/Adult Workshops

Colored Pencil Basics   (taw01) 
(This workshop is offered twice, Saturday, January 23rd or Saturday, March 6th) 
This workshop will focus on basic colored pencil techniques and drawing preparation, as well as how to create realistic textures and backgrounds. 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 and a sack lunch.
Instructor: John McNees    
Class length: 1 day
Time: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Saturday, January 23rd or March 6th
Age: 16 to adult
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $25 members $35 non-members

Kids Workshop 

Art Detectives   (ktw02)
(Multi-media)
Have you heard of Pablo Picasso or Paul Cezanne, Paul Klee or Vassily Kandinsky? Have you heard of Alexander Calder and Willem deKooning?  Frank Stella or Stuart Davis? After learning about the styles of these artists, Art Detectives will have an opportunity to create their own multimedia work in the manner of these modern masters.  
Instructor: Elaine Wells  
Class length: 4 weeks
Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am 
Saturday January 16 to March 6
Age: 10 to 14
Class limit: 10 students
Course fee: $40 members $55 non-members plus $5 material fee.

Meet the Teachers

Craig Bishop has taught elementary to adult students for the past 40+ years. He received his MA in Teaching Art from Western Michigan University. He has taught at Gull Lake Community Schools, Kellogg Community College, Western Michigan University and at the Art Center of Battle Creek. He has been primarily painting during this time.

Susie Blyvies started painting in both watercolor and oil at the age of eight. She had her own small art and craft business and sold her work in shows and shops throughout the state. Her success led to teaching adult education in Battle Creek, Lakeview, Marshall and Harper Creek school districts. She is very much influenced by gardening and beautiful outdoor landscapes. It has been said by an admirer of her talents that “if you look closely, you might see her footprints in every one of her paintings.”

Robert Clouse has a BA degree in Art Education from Western Michigan University and an MA degree from Michigan State University. He has presented numerous art workshops to county and local art societies and he’s had the privilege of taking pastel painting workshops with nationally known artists, Ben Konis and Albert Handel. 

Carrie Hofmann-Cruce Beginning with her childhood love of crafts and drawing, Carrie has made it her goal to pursue her lifelong passion for the arts. She dedicated her early studies to the Fine Arts with a focus in Graphics, Jewelry Design, and Sculpture and received her Associates of the Arts from the Grand Rapids Community College. Wishing to deepen her understanding of the origins of creativity and Arts from other cultures she went on to focus her studies in the area of Art History. She received her Bachelors of the Arts from the University Of Michigan with a focus in Asian, Indian and Islamic Arts. After college she studied Metal Smithing and Jewelry Making/Design. She feels jewelry forms a concrete bond between the artist and the wearer. She truly enjoys bringing concrete skills and knowledge to a wider audience through teaching.

Jack DiGiuseppe Clay Figurative Sculpture instructor, grew up in Detroit where he was awarded a scholarship to attend The Center for Creative Studies. After his schooling, Jack chose to pursue a career in advertising which led him to Chicago. In the Windy City he spent his career directing groups of creative people and winning various creative honors over the years from the Clio Awards to the coveted Cannes Film Festival Award. After thirty years, Jack retired as Executive Vice President, Creative Director of J. Walter Thompson, Chicago. He then moved to Kalamazoo. It is here where Jack discovered his passion for sculpture and began his study at the KIA where he joined the faculty as a sculpture instructor.

Kim Hosken Eberstein received her MFA in painting from Western Michigan University where she was also trained in paper making and printmaking. She taught for the School of Art at WMU for many years after graduation, teaching foundation drawing and design classes and now teaches K-12 grades for Battle Creek Public Schools.

Tom Garland knew at age eleven that art was his passion. He has studied formally with artists and on his own. Tom creates professional caricatures year round and donates his services to non-profit organizations to help raise funds for various causes. Tom is an Art Center ArtReach instructor for the VA Medical Center. He’s an exhibiting artist who has done several art hops and sells his work. He inspires all ages in his classes. The best way to describe Tom is an individual wanting to share his passion for life through the creative art of drawing.

Audrey Haddock is the art teacher for Bellevue High School. Before teaching secondary she was the elementary art teacher for the Bellevue School District. She is involved with the Crane Fest and the inspiration behind the colorful patterned Sandhill Cranes that welcome CraneFest visitors to the October event. She is a practicing artist. 

John McNees is a self-taught artist/illustrator, with an Associate Degree in Graphic Design. He is an instructor of Graphic Design at Kellogg Community College and a freelance artist. He is an Art Center ArtReach colored pencil drawing instructor for Marian E. Burch Adult Day Care Rehabilitation Center and Northpointe Woods. He has won several first place awards in drawing and 2-D design in juried art shows. Colored pencil is his favorite tool. John believes everything from line art to water color-like effects are possible and that a person can create photorealistic work and portraits plus many other subjects with the use of colored pencils.

Karen May has a BA degree in Ceramics from Western Michigan University. Her artwork has been diverse. She has been a seamstress for many years and she knits and crochets, paints, and sells her own designed jewelry. Karen is an Art Center ArtReach ceramics instructor for Marian E. Burch Adult Day Care Rehabilitation Center, Northpointe Woods, and the VA Medical Center.

Ken Murphy began his career in ceramics in 1980 under the direction of Dallas Shoesmith from whom he learned wheel throwing, sculpture, hand building, chemicals, glazes and firings. Having a passion for the Art Center, Ken has served on the Board of Directors and as a volunteer.

Lyndie Parrish has grown up with glass. She, and her late husband Gordy, had their own shop in Hillsdale, Michigan before moving to Marshall. She owns Lyndie’s Window Art Glass Studio north of Marshall which is housed in an old 1870’s barn. Here she carries a full line of art glass supplies, finished gift items, and does custom work.

Dorothy Rollert attended art school in Detroit where she studied all media. She was a student of two professional painting artists, June Gustavson and O. Jack Bond. Dorothy has taught watercolor for 40 years. She created commissioned paintings for Marshall Fields in Chicago. 

Dallas Shoesmith began his love for ceramics at a very early age making sculptures from clay found around the farm where he grew up. Dallas earned a BS degree in Education from Western Michigan University and did his post-graduate studies in ceramics at Michigan State University, University of Tennessee and San Diego State. He’s worked as a Lead Teacher for the United Arts Council - Arts for Learning Programs. He’s conducted many clay workshops, taken part in many exhibits and was honored as Outstanding Career Education Teacher for Branch, Barry and Calhoun Counties.

Joe Takens has a constant need to create. He’s been in the manufacturing world for thirty years which lends an industrial flair to his metal sculptures plus he is a Licensed Builder. Jewelry fascinates him and he has worked with lost wax casting and silver smithing. His inspiration for glass art began with glass artist Dale Chihuly. Joe fires and fuses dichroic glass pieces into his paintings and jewelry. His work has been displayed in Muskegon’s Hackley Art Museum and he sells his work in Michigan and Chicago.

Sue Trowbridge lives in Vermontville, Michigan with her family. She earned her Bachelors of Fine Art from the College of Creative Studies in Detroit and Masters of Divinity from Boston University. Sue has been painting her whole life.

Elaine Wells earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Michigan University’ Department of Fine Art where she majored in painting and history. Elaine joined the Charlotte County Art Guild Visual Arts Center where she resumed her work and studies as an artist. She is a practicing artist and interior designer. Her works have been accepted in juried national exhibitions. Through the course of the last several years, Elaine has taught art history and art appreciation to children and adults in a manner that is both interesting and fun.

Emily (Pierce) Wohlscheid is a Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate of Adrian College currently working in both metal and fiber. Her work in both of these media, is very deeply rooted in craft. She enjoys combining traditional, and modern techniques with new, found, and recycled materials to create garments, accessories, and jewelry from recognizable materials that are not obvious at first glance. These “surprise” elements create playful and familiar pieces for everything from everyday wear to evening elegance.

Ronnie Woods is an artist and photographer who enjoys creativity in acting, singing, poetry, and costume design. She’s studied liberal arts at Ferris State University, graduated from Kellogg Community College and is a member of ArtServe Michigan.

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Policy Information

Policies and General Information 

Payment: Registrations are accepted in person, by mail, or phone. Registrations are not accepted in the classroom. 

The following payments are accepted: 
In person: Cash, Check or Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard) 

Art Center Hours are: 
Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm 
Saturday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm 
Closed Sunday and Monday and major holidays 

By Mail: Check or Credit Card 

Art Center of Battle Creek 
Class Registration 
265 E. Emmett St. 
Battle Creek, MI 49017 

By Phone: Credit Card 
269-962-9511 

Registrations need to be made 5 days prior to the start of class. 

Refunds: Refunds will be given only when a student withdraws from a class up to one week after the first session. 

Cancellations: The Art Center reserves the right to cancel any class when there is insufficient enrollment. Students will be notified if a class or workshop does not run three days before the class starts. No checks or credit cards are processed until the minimum class size of five students has been met. 

Faculty absences: If for some reason an instructor is unable to teach a class, a substitute may take the teacher’s place or the class will be cancelled and an extension will be added to the end of the semester. 

Inclement weather: The Art Center classes will meet as scheduled regardless of school closings due to weather. If the Art Center finds it necessary to close as a result of severe weather conditions, the Art Center staff will call and cancel the class using the phone numbers provided. Class sessions cancelled by the Art Center will be rescheduled whenever possible. 

Wait lists: When a class fills quickly, the Art Center will offer students the opportunity to be placed on a waiting list. Wait list students will be called when space becomes available or if there are enough students to offer another class section. 

Promotional photography: The Art Center reserves the right to photograph activities that occur on its premises including students in class and student artwork for use in the Art Center promotional materials. If this is a concern, please notify an Art Center staff member or instructor prior to the start of class. 

Child drop-off/pick-up: For the safety of young students, the Art Center requires that parents do not drop children off more than 10 minutes prior to the start of class or pick them up later than 5 minutes following class. In case of an emergency or if a child cannot be picked up on time, please alert the Art Center immediately by calling 269-962-9511. 

Personal items: The Art Center is not responsible for personal items left in the classroom or artwork not picked up by the fourth week following the end of class. Please contact the Art Center if you need to make special arrangements. 

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Call the Center for more information. Art Center hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Thursday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, closed Sundays.