This six-session course will provide beginning students with a basic foundation in the art of enameling.  Vitreous enamels are ground glass powders that are applied to metal and fused permanently in a kiln.  Designs are built up in layers, each one fired separately.  Enameling is an exciting medium, colorful, durable and rich in design opportunities!  It’s great for 2-D or ceramic artists who want to expand their media horizons, and for anyone who wants to learn about this ancient method of combining glass with metal.  We will be working mainly with opaque enamels, embellishing with glass threads, beads and jewel lumps and learning sifting, stenciling, sgraffito, stoning, and kiln-firing techniques.  Students can create pieces such as earrings, pendants, charms or two-dimensional tiles.  All tools and materials provided. 

It is strongly recommended that students be able to attend at least the first two sessions without absences.

C-10 Monday Evening Ceramics Open Studio 

with Marjorie Hauge

   Mondays, 5 sessions

   June 17, 24,  July 1, 8, 15;

6:30-9pm

Fee: $162.50 for non members

This is for advanced ceramic students only. This session on Monday nights is open to ceramic students with at least a year of classes at the McLean County Art Center AND at least one advanced class with one of our instructors. This time will be proctored by our Ceramic Assistant, Marjorie Hauge. This is not an instructed time but gives you access to supplies, resources, and the wonderful, advanced community of ceramicists at the MCAC. 

Enrollment in this class provides access to MCAC's kilns and our full range of ceramic glazes, plus tools and 10lbs of clay, a shelf, and access to open studio hours.

No guest registration allowed for this option.

P-8 Tuesday Evening Painting 

with Jeremy Langston

   Tuesdays, 5 sessions

  June 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16;

6:30-9pm

Fee:$125

Do you like the idea of being able to paint whatever subject matter you like but have a professional artist on hand to answer any questions that come up while you're painting?

Then this is the class you want! 

Join painters of all levels for an evening of self-paced painting.  You bring in photos that you'd like to paint or set up a still life in person and our instructor Jeremy Langston 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 painting skills with us at the McLean Co. Arts Center.

*All materials are provided: paints, brushes, painting surfaces, palettes, palette knives, etc. 

P-9 Wednesday Evening Painting

with Amy Yeager

   Wednesdays, 5 sessions

   June 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17;

6:30-9 pm

Fee: $125 (non members)

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

Then this is the class you want! 

Join artists of all levels for an evening of self-paced painting and drawing.  You bring in photos that you'd like to paint or set up a still life in person and our instructor Amy Yeager 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 painting and drawing skills with us at the McLean Co. Arts Center.

*All materials are provided: paints, brushes, painting surfaces, palettes, knives, etc.

In this five-session class, students will learn fundamental metal-working skills such as sawing, piercing, filing & sanding, patination and tab-setting.   We will also create tiny, original collages and design metal settings for them, resulting in one-of a kind pieces of jewelry.  This course will result in at least one piece of finished jewelry and can serve as a foundation for further jewelry classes.(cont. on next page)

Students may bring to the first session any materials, of their choice, that can be cut up to make mini-collages (examples:  decorative papers, paper memorabilia, vintage paper ephemera, fabric scraps, paintings, drawings or sketches, photos, illustrations or text, prints, pressed flowers, etc., etc.!).  Plenty of collage materials will be provided by the instructor as well, along with all tools, metals and metal-working supplies.

EXCLUSIVE AND RARE OFFERING AT A BARGAIN PRICE!

Presented by Doug Johnson (MCAC Executive Director and working artist), Doug Johnson has been a practicing artist for more than 35 years, he has exhibited in Chicago with the Peter Miller Gallery, the Addington Galleries, and the Chicago International Art Exhibition.  His artwork has appeared in the Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, and is in many public, corporate, and private collections.

Class will be held in the Brandt Gallery, MCAC

C-13 Intro to Throwing B

with Sarah Hurley

   Saturdays, 4 sessions

   July 13, 20, 27, Aug. 3;

9-11:30 am

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.

D-1

How To Draw What You Want To Draw with Ilse Miller  

Fridays, 6 Sessions

July 19, 26, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23

I would like to help you draw what you are interested in drawing! I will provide brief skill lessons at the start of class, but the purpose of the class is to help you more easily draw what you would like. Skills that will be introduced include perspective and value. Students will be asked to bring in ideas, reference photos, and inspiration. I will help you make what you want more easily! If you would like to work in paint, I would encourage you to use whichever medium you prefer.

D-2

Animation Workshop with Ilse Miller  

Saturday, 1 Session

July 20

Dive into the exciting world of animation with our flip book workshop! Over the course of three hours, you'll learn the fundamentals of creating captivating animations using the timeless technique of flip book animation. We will explore the principles of motion, timing, and storytelling, as you bring your drawings to life one page at a time. All experience levels are welcome, but smartphones are required as that’s what we will use to film our projects. Join us and discover the magic of animation through the art of flip books!

C-14 Intro to Throwing A

with Marjorie Hauge

   Wednesdays, 4 sessions

July 24, 31, Aug. 7, 14;

6:30-9 pm

Fee: $130 for non members

Join us to explore the wonderful world of wheel thrown ceramics. This is a class for beginners to experience our MCAC community, the facility, and the wonder of creating a piece on the wheel. Learn the basics of creating a piece from beginning to end in the 4-week introductory course. No experience is necessary. 

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.

PH-3 Portraiture Photography Workshop

 Saturday, 1 Session

July 27th

Raise your portrait game from simple snapshots to gallery worthy art pieces. Learn how to capture the true essence of your subject. Topics discussed will include lighting, posing, background choice and the distinction between  formal portraiture and candids, and the value of each.

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

C-15 Monday Evening Ceramics Open Studio 

with Marjorie Hauge

   Mondays, 5 sessions

    July  29, Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26;

6:30-9pm

Fee: $162.50 for non members

This is for advanced ceramic students only. This session on Monday nights is open to ceramic students with at least a year of classes at the McLean County Art Center AND at least one advanced class with one of our instructors. This time will be proctored by our Ceramic Assistant, Marjorie Hauge. This is not an instructed time but gives you access to supplies, resources, and the wonderful, advanced community of ceramicists at the MCAC. 

Enrollment in this class provides access to MCAC's kilns and our full range of ceramic glazes, plus tools and 10lbs of clay, a shelf, and access to open studio hours.

No guest registration allowed for this option.

P-11 Tuesday Evening Painting 

with Jeremy Langston

   Tuesdays, 5 sessions

  July 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27;

6:30-9pm

Fee:$125

Do you like the idea of being able to paint whatever subject matter you like but have a professional artist on hand to answer any questions that come up while you're painting?

Then this is the class you want! 

Join painters of all levels for an evening of self-paced painting.  You bring in photos that you'd like to paint or set up a still life in person and our instructor Jeremy Langston 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 painting skills with us at the McLean Co. Arts Center.

*All materials are provided: paints, brushes, painting surfaces, palettes, palette knives, etc. 

P-12 Wednesday Evening Painting

with Amy Yeager

   Wednesdays, 5 sessions

July 31, Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28;

6:30-9 pm

Fee: $125 (non members)

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

Then this is the class you want! 

Join artists of all levels for an evening of self-paced painting and drawing.  You bring in photos that you'd like to paint or set up a still life in person and our instructor Amy Yeager 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 painting and drawing skills with us at the McLean Co. Arts Center.

*All materials are provided: paints, brushes, painting surfaces, palettes, knives, etc.

Join instructor Claire Hedden for this five-week ceramics course. You will be guided in techniques for throwing at the wheel. For students who have already taken a 2 or more wheel classes at MCAC.

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

Enrollment in this class provides access to MCAC's kilns and our full range of ceramic glazes, plus tools and 10lbs of clay, a shelf, and access to open studio hours.

P-13 Oil Pastels Workshop

with Dale Evans

   Saturday,  Aug. 3rd, 4th;

12:30-4 pm

Fee: $90.00

Join MCAC Instructor Dale Evans for a wonderful workshop exploring  this exciting medium. If you are familiar with chalk pastels and oil painting, this medium will open new possibilities for you!  

This workshop is great for beginners and advanced art students. 

*All materials to begin this fun (and affordable) adventure are supplied by the McLean Co. Arts Center. The MCAC does not supply drinks or snacks for the workshop, please fell free to bring your own.

C-25 Ceramic Studio Procedures

with Marjorie Hauge

   Sundays, 1 session

August 4;

12-2pm

Fee: FREE!  

Familiar with clay but haven’t taken any classes at MCAC?

You are an experienced ceramicist but not knowledgeable about this studio?

Maybe you need a refresher on our updated space.

Join us for a 2-hour introduction to the ceramic studio at MCAC. At the end of the session, after you pass a short quiz, you will be eligible to take any of our advanced courses except Open Studio. That requires 1 advanced class.

Repeats on the first Sunday of each month

C-23 Intro to Hand-Building

with Sarah Hurley

   Sundays, 5 sessions

  Aug 4, 11, 18, 25, Sept. 1;

3-5:30 pm

Fee: $162.50 for non members

 

Discover the timeless art of hand-building in an engaging and creative introductory class! Perfect for beginners and those looking to explore new techniques, this class will guide you through the fundamental methods of crafting beautiful, unique pieces with just your hands and a few simple tools. Learn the essential techniques of hand-building, including pinch pots, coil construction, and slab building.  Whether you're looking to start a new hobby, expand your artistic repertoire, or simply enjoy a creative outlet, our Introduction to Hand-building class is the perfect place to begin your journey.

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.

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.

Embrace the season's spirit with an intensive designed to inspire and challenge. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant energy of summer, explore unique designs that reflect the season's beauty. From intricate patterns to bold, organic shapes, let the warmth of summer infuse your creations. This intensive is ideal for those with prior wheel-throwing experience who are eager to push their boundaries and create exceptional 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-21 Friday Evening Ceramics

Open Studio 

with Alanna Veitch

   Fridays, 4 sessions

Aug. 9, 16, 23, 30;

6:30-9 pm

Fee: $130 for non members

This is for advanced ceramic students only. This session on Monday nights is open to ceramic students with at least a year of classes at the McLean County Art Center AND at least one advanced class with one of our instructors. This time will be proctored by our Ceramic Assistant, Alanna Veitch. This is not an instructed time but gives you access to supplies, resources, and the wonderful, advanced community of ceramicists at the MCAC. 

Student work is fired on-site by our ceramics studio assistant, allowing everyone to take home finished pieces. 

Enrollment in this class provides access to MCAC's kilns and our full range of ceramic glazes, plus tools and 10lbs of clay, a shelf, and access to open studio hours.

Unlock the secrets of sustainable ceramic practices with our hands-on workshop on reclaiming clay. Perfect for eco-conscious artists looking to reduce waste. Sarah will guide you through the process, from collecting and storing to rehydrating and kneading it back to perfection. 

The fee includes access to 10 lbs of clay.

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

Guest registration allowed for this option.

PH-4 Camera Operations Workshop

 Saturday, 1 Session

Aug. 1oth

Intimidated by the manual setting on your camera? Manual is where the magic happens! Join MCAC instructor, Dave Fulghum for an afternoon exploring all the photographic possibilities in the manual settings of your camera. We will spend the majority of our time discussing the exposure triangle and manual operations of your individual cameras. Once you gain a good understanding of how to operate in manual mode the creative world of photography becomes far more accessible. We will also spend a little time on composition and a brief talk about post production (editing) and there will be time for questions and demos on your cameras. 

This will be primarily targeted at DSLR and Film camera users. Many aspects of the class may be applied to any type of camera where you have control over ISO, f stop and shutter speed. 

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