C-17 Intro to Throwing-B

with Sarah Hurley

   Saturdays, 4 sessions

   Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8;

1:30-4 pm

Fee: $130 for non members

 

If you can center the clay on the wheel and pull up the sides, but need more beginner level instruction, this class is for you. Learn to throw various shapes and play with assorted surface techniques as you improve your throwing skills. At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to take the procedural test where you can go on to any of our advanced classes.

The fee includes access to firing, glazes, & 10 lbs of clay, Includes a shelf at the MCAC.

Does not include access to open studio hours.

Guest registration allowed for this option.

C-18 Intro to Throwing-B

with Sarah Hurley

   Sundays, 4 sessions

   Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9;

12:30-3 pm

Fee: $130 for non members

 

If you can center the clay on the wheel and pull up the sides, but need more beginner level instruction, this class is for you. Learn to throw various shapes and play with assorted surface techniques as you improve your throwing skills. At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to take the procedural test where you can go on to any of our advanced classes.

The fee includes access to firing, glazes, & 10 lbs of clay, Includes a shelf at the MCAC.

Does not include access to open studio hours.

Guest registration allowed for this option.

Calling all intermediate and advanced ceramic students! If you've taken multiple ceramic classes at the MCAC (3 sessions or a year working with clay) and you are looking to learn some new techniques that are more advanced, then this is the class for you! Join MCAC Instructor Erin Furimsky for this four-session class, you will receive one on one instruction along with learning from other advanced students.  We will focus on functionality in forms.

Class size is limited to nine to allow for individual instruction. Early registration is encouraged; seats typically sell out in advance. Student work is fired on-site by our ceramics studio assistant on Fridays, allowing everyone to take home finished pieces.

Enrollment in this class provides access to MCAC's kilns and our full range of ceramic glazes 10 pounds of clay and a large assortment of tools.

C-20 Holiday Projects

with Kirsten Heteji

   Thursdays, 6 sessions

    Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4, 11;

6:30-9pm

Fee: $195 for non members

Let's make gifts in the spirit of the holidays! We will be making a project a week that explores the basics of handbuilding with clay. You will be making projects such as ornaments, decorative trees, and cozy home lanterns. This is a great class for beginners but all levels are welcome!

The MCAC will have an open studio option for Advanced Ceramic MEMBERS with at least a year of classes at the McLean Co. Arts Center and at least one advanced class with one of our instructors. This is not an instructed time but you will have access to supplies and resources at the MCAC.

Completion of either the Beginning Enameling class

OR

the Beginning Liquid Enamels class at MCAC is required for enrollment.

Enamels & Jewelry Open Studio provides supervised work time for students with basic enameling and jewelry/metals skills.

Students will work on their own projects using any techniques and materials in which they have previously been trained during MCAC courses (instructor approval required for students with training received elsewhere). Nisa will be present each night for guidance and problem-solving, but no formal instruction or lectures will be scheduled except for orientation on the first night.

Tools and materials will be provided. Students may also bring their own and are encouraged to begin building their own palette of

enamels. The instructor will be happy to guide them in making their first purchases

of enamels, metals or tools.

C-22 Sculpting Fungi, Foliage, & Florals

with Rachel Gibson

   Wednesdays, 4 sessions

   Nov. 5, 12, 19 26;

6:30-9 pm

Fee: $130 for non members

 

Join Rachel in exploring nature through clay! During this four-week course you will play with organic elements to add to functional work or as stand-alone pieces.

Participants will leave with 2-3 sculpted and decorated pieces.

The fee includes access to firing, glazes, & 10 lbs of clay, Includes a shelf at the MCAC.

Does not include access to open studio hours.

Guest registration allowed for this option.

C-23 Create & Decorate Holiday Ornaments with Sarah Hurley

    Fridays, 2 sessions

    Nov. 7, 21 (skips 11/14);

6:30-9pm

Fee: $80 for non members

 Join Sarah for a festive ceramics intensive where you'll learn to hand build ornaments just in time for the holiday season! In this intensive, you will be guided through the process of shaping, carving, and decorating ornaments that will add a whimsical personal touch to your home for the holidays or a special gift.

You will leave with multiple ornaments!

The fee includes access to firing, glazes,  & clay.

Does not include a shelf at the MCAC or access to open studio hours.

Guest registration allowed for this option.

PH-4 Basic Camera Operations

With Dave Fulghum

 Saturday, 1 Session

Nov. 8th

Learn the basics of you DSLR or Mirrorless camera. We will discuss operating the camera in Manual mode and become well versed in the exposure triangle. If time allows we will also discuss photographic composition.

*Please bring your camera with you to class, it's not necessary to have a camera for the workshop but it will be helpful.

Community Mural Project - Workshop #31

with Doug Johnson

Tuesday, November 11th

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Free! No cost to attend

Join MCAC Executive Director, Doug Johnson for this free mural workshop, where you will create up to three approximately 8" x 10" grey-scale self-portraits on primed poly-tab material to be permanently affixed to McLean County Arts Center's exterior public space. 

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a permanent mural on the exterior of our buildings here at MCAC! By participating in this project, you will become part of something meaningful for our community. This mural will represent the diversity and creativity of our residents and will be a lasting testament to our community's collective spirit. 

We invite you to express yourself however you like with these self-portrait paintings. Whether it be realism, abstract, silhouette, or any other style that speaks to you, show us your creativity! 

This workshop is open to all skill levels; no prior painting or drawing experience is needed. All materials will be provided free of charge! 

If possible please: (1) come with a black and white print out of the portrait you will be drawing or (2) email a picture of yourself to info@mcac.org and we will print it out for you to maximize time during the workshop.

Participation Agreement: All finished self-portraits will be owned by McLean County Arts Center to be used for this Community Mural Project. 

For more detailed information on this project, please visit: https://mcac.wildapricot.org/Mural-Project/

Do you like the idea of being able to work on whatever painting or drawing you like but want a professional artist on hand to answer any questions that come up while you're working?

Then this is the class you want! 

Join artists of all levels for an evening of self-paced creating. You bring your project and our instructor will guide you with techniques, skills & tips catered to what you're working on.

Your subject matter, your pace, no stress, just fun! 

Come improve your art skills with us at the McLean Co. Arts Center.

*All materials are provided: paints, brushes, painting surfaces, palettes, palette knives, etc. Feel free to bring your own materials if you prefer options other that what we offer.

P-15 Wednesday Evening Painting/Open Studio 

with Amy Yeager

   Wednesdays, 6 sessions

 Nov. 12, 19, 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17;

6:30-9pm

Fee:$150

Do you like the idea of being able to work on whatever painting or drawing you like but want a professional artist on hand to answer any questions that come up while you're working?

Then this is the class you want! 

Join artists of all levels for an evening of self-paced creating. You bring your project and our instructor will guide you with techniques, skills & tips catered to what you're working on.

Your subject matter, your pace, no stress, just fun! Come improve your art skills with us at the McLean Co. Arts Center.

*All materials are provided: paints, brushes, painting surfaces, palettes, palette knives, etc. Feel free to bring your own materials if you prefer options other that what we offer.

C-24 Mushroom Jars Workshop 

with Kirsten Heteji

   Friday, 1 session

Nov. 14; 

6:30-9pm

Fee: $40  for non members

Join MCAC instructor, Kirsten Heteji, for this workshop where you will create mushroom jars for holding onto small objects out of ceramic clay.

This workshop is for all levels, no prior clay experience is needed. 

Students will leave with a jar or two.

All supplies provided.

  

Does not include a shelf at the MCAC and access to open studio hours. Guest registration allowed for this option.

P-16 Paint like Matisse: Basics of Fauvism with Meghan Moore

  Sunday, 1 session

Nov. 16;

12:30-3:30pm

Fee: $25 per person for non members 

Henri Matisse is known for his unique style of art characterized by its vibrant, non-naturalistic colors and bold brushwork! In this class, we will touch upon the basics of Fauvism, the art style Matisse is known for, and you will leave with your very own Matisse-esque painting in acrylics!

This workshop is for beginners and intermediate students, teen through adult.

Supplies provided but you are welcome to bring your own supplies if you prefer options other than what we offer.

 

C-25 Intro to Throwing-B

Claire Hedden

   Mondays, 4 sessions

   Nov. 17, Dec. 1, 8, 15 (skips 11/24);

1-3:30pm

Fee: $130 for non members

 

If you can center the clay on the wheel and pull up the sides, but need more beginner level instruction, this class is for you. Learn to throw various shapes and play with assorted surface techniques as you improve your throwing skills. At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to take the procedural test where you can go on to any of our advanced classes.

The fee includes access to firing, glazes, & 10 lbs of clay, Includes a shelf at the MCAC.

Does not include access to open studio hours.

Guest registration allowed for this option.

I-01 From Nature to Nib: Walnut Ink & Drawing Workshop with Doug Johnson

Saturday, 1 session

Nov. 22;

1:00-3:00pm

Fee: $10 per person

Join artist and MCAC Director Doug Johnson for a special hands-on workshop to  learn how to make walnut ink from walnuts gathered from outside the arts center. This centuries-old process transforms humble materials into a rich, earthy ink perfect for drawing, calligraphy, and painting.

During the session, we’ll explore not only how to prepare the walnuts, boil, strain, and refine the ink, but how to use it!

Each participant will leave with a container of their own walnut ink and a few drawings made with it. No prior experience necessary.

Participants should bring their own container for their ink. Small glass jars and bottles are best. All other materials provided.

C-27 Intro to Hand-building

with Sarah Hurley

   Saturdays, 4 sessions

   Nov. 22, 29, Dec. 6, 13;

1:30-4 pm

Fee: $130 for non members

 

Are you curious about clay? Are you looking for a creative outlet? Come and explore the world of clay. This 4-session class will introduce you to the MCAC ceramic studio and the basics of hand building. You will explore the world of pinch pots, coil construction and the intricacies of slab building. You will be supplied with all the materials needed to complete your projects. Learn basic techniques that will unleash your creative potential. See what the world of pottery is all about. 

Class size is limited to seven to allow for individual instruction time. Student work is fired on-site. by our ceramic studio assistant, allowing everyone to take home finished pieces. 

Included in the fee: A shelf, kiln firing, 10 lbs. of clay, tools, and glazes. 

Prerequisite: No experience necessary

Does not include access to open studio hours.

Guest registration allowed for this option.

C-28 Intro to Hand-building

with Sarah Hurley

   Sundays, 4 sessions

   Nov. 23, 30, Dec. 7, 14;

12:30-3 pm

Fee: $130 for non members

 

Are you curious about clay? Are you looking for a creative outlet? Come and explore the world of clay. This 4-session class will introduce you to the MCAC ceramic studio and the basics of hand building. You will explore the world of pinch pots, coil construction and the intricacies of slab building. You will be supplied with all the materials needed to complete your projects. Learn basic techniques that will unleash your creative potential. See what the world of pottery is all about. 

Class size is limited to seven to allow for individual instruction time. Student work is fired on-site. by our ceramic studio assistant, allowing everyone to take home finished pieces. 

Included in the fee: A shelf, kiln firing, 10 lbs. of clay, tools, and glazes. 

Prerequisite: No experience necessary

Does not include access to open studio hours.

Guest registration allowed for this option.

P-17 Paint like Munch: Basics of Expressionism with Meghan Moore

  Sunday, 1 session

Nov. 30;

12:30-3:30pm

Fee: $25 per person for non members 

Edvard Munch is well known for his iconic paintings that express the deepest emotions of our world! In this class, we will touch upon the basics of Expressionism, the art style Munch is known for, and you will leave with your very own Munch-esque painting in acrylics!

This workshop is for beginners and intermediate students, teen through adult.

Supplies provided but you are welcome to bring your own supplies if you prefer options other than what we offer.

 

The MCAC will have an open studio option for Advanced Ceramic MEMBERS with at least a year of classes at the McLean Co. Arts Center and at least one advanced class with one of our instructors. This is not an instructed time but you will have access to supplies and resources at the MCAC.

C-30 Decorate Holiday Ornaments with Sarah Hurley

    Fridays, 1 session

    Dec. 5;

6:30-9pm

Fee: $40 for non members

 Join Sarah for a festive ceramics intensive where you'll decorate ornaments just in time for the holiday season!  Add a whimsical personal touch to your home for the holidays or use as a special gift.

You will leave with multiple ornaments!

The fee includes access to firing, glazes,  & clay.

Does not include a shelf at the MCAC or access to open studio hours.

Guest registration allowed for this option.

P-18 Watercolor: How to Create in a Series with Jenni Bateman

Saturday & Sunday, 2 Sessions

Dec. 6, 7;

This two part workshop is intended for the emerging artist who seeks to  build a comprehensive body of work across various water mediums including watercolor, acrylics, inks, collage.

Materials provided, however students are encouraged to bring their chosen materials and critical thinking skills.

Join us and grow your skills!

TRYitOUT!

MATERIALS: Please bring your favorite watercolor supplies(paint, brushes, papers). Using materials you know and love will bring you the best results. 

Assorted papers, brushes, and paint will be provided for experimenting. You may just find a new favorite! Additional materials will be available for experimenting.

Questions? jennidesigns@gmail.com

Please join us for a fun-filled weekend event, creating beautiful enameled holiday ornaments.  Participants will learn different techniques to apply vitreous enamels, which are ground glass powders, to copper sheet or mesh, and then fuse the enamels in a kiln.  Patterns for various styles of ornaments will be provided, along with instructions in how to decorate them with colorful and unique patterns and motifs.  Each participant will take home a finished ornament, ready to hang or display in their home -- or to give as a gift!  

No previous enameling experience is necessary -- beginners and experienced enamelists are welcome.  All tools and materials provided.

C-38 Spinning Mugs & Spirits 

with Sarah Hurley

   Friday, 1 session

Dec. 12;

6:30-9pm

Fee: $40  for non members

Join MCAC instructor, Sarah Hurley, for this workshop where you will get to create a mug on the wheel while enjoying some spirits. 

BYOB (bring your own adult beverage 21 and older only)

This workshop is for all levels, no prior clay experience is needed.  Participants will leave with a handmade object.

All supplies provided.

  

Does not include a shelf at the MCAC and access to open studio hours. Guest registration allowed for this option.