MCAC Adult Classes & Workshops:


Whether you're looking to take a one-time workshop or to join a class that meets weekly, MCAC offers a variety of affordable opportunities to exercise your creativity! 

We believe in small class sizes and quality instructors.

Basic supplies are always included in our course fees. 

Registration Policies: Your class registration is not complete until your payment is processed. (Registration will be canceled if payment has not been received within 15 minutes of registering.) This helps us offer open spots to our community.

  •  Class registration may be cancelled up to 7 days before the start of class for a full refund.  
  •  Class registration may be transferred or given credit within 7 days before the start of class.
  •  No registrations or refunds are allowed after the start of a class except with special approval from the McLean County Arts Center. 

CLASS FEES are calculated using a class rate times the number of sessions

Ceramics=$32.50/session    Painting/Drawing/Metal/Fabric= $25/session

(workshops and intensive costs may vary)

Classes In Ceramic Classroom Have Light Gray Background

Classes In Painting/Drawing/Fiber/Jewelry Classroom Have Light Blue Background 

Classes Off Campus Have Light Orange Background



SPECIAL NOTE TO NEW CERAMIC PATRONS:

Sequence to qualify for Ceramics Open Studio & Advanced Ceramic Courses:

Due to the popularity of our open studio option we have streamlined the prerequisites to qualify for that option.

In order to ensure the best experience for all of our patrons by keeping the studios clean and safe we ask that you follow one of these pathways towards qualifying for open studio access and advanced classes.

First identify which circumstances apply to you and then fulfill those requirements.

When the requirements are fulfilled you will be ready to enroll in any of the open studios or any of the advanced classes that come with open studio access.

Are you completely new to Ceramics and MCAC?- if yes

Enroll in these four classes: Throwing Part A, Throwing Part B, Beginning Hand building & Studio Procedures

Do you have some ceramics experience but are new to the MCAC? - if yes,

Enroll in the experience you’re lacking: Beginning Hand building or Throwing Parts A &/or B, plus Studio Procedure

Are you well trained in both hand building and Throwing but are new to the MCAC? If yes,

Enroll in the Studio Procedure orientation

(1st Sunday of each month- free! From 12-2pm and pass the short test)


Throwing Part A

4 sessions

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. (No Open Studio Access.)


Throwing Part B

4 sessions

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. (No Open Studio Access.)


 Beginner's Hand-building (any beginning hand-building class offered)


Ceramic Studio Procedures (FREE)

2 hours in length (1 session offered the first Sunday of each month)

Description: 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 class, after you pass a short quiz, you will be eligible to take any of our advanced courses (which come with open studio access) except Daytime Open Studio; that requires 1 advanced class completed.


EVENTS OFFERED:

    • February 19, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • March 25, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Registration is closed
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. Hands shaping clay form


    -C10-Monday Night Ceramics Open Studio 

    with Marjorie Hauge

       Mondays, 6 sessions

        Feb. 19, 26, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $195 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.


    • March 08, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • March 29, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 3
    Registration is closed
    Hand Trimming wet clay. Instructor Kirsten Heteji


    -C14-Friday Night Ceramics Open Studio 

    with Kirsten Heteji

       Fridays, 4 sessions

       Mar. 8, 15, 22, 29;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee $130 for non members

     This session on Friday nights is open to ceramic students 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 time will be proctored by our Ceramic Instructor Kirsten Heteji.

    This is not an instructed time but you will have access to supplies, resources and the advanced experience of Kirsten and of the 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.

    • March 09, 2024
    • 9:00 AM
    • March 30, 2024
    • 11:30 AM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Registration is closed
    Ceramic Bowls. Instructor Sarah Hurley

    -C15-Intro to Throwing 

    with Sarah Hurley

       Saturdays, 4 sessions

       Mar. 9, 16, 23, 30;

    9-11:30 am

    Fee: $130 for non members

     

    Learn how to wedge, center, throw, and glaze your next functional piece of art!  Join Sarah on Saturday mornings as she guides you through the basics of throwing on the wheel. This class is perfect for anyone looking to get their hands on clay for the first time or brush up on their skills.



    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.

    • March 09, 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • March 30, 2024
    • 7:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    Registration is closed
    Ceramic texture tiles bisque. Instructor Alanna Veitch


    -C16-Texture Tiles with Alanna Veitch

       Saturdays, 4 sessions

    Mar. 9, 16, 23, 30;

    5- 7:30 pm

    Fee: $130 for non members

    Through a series of flat and wall tile projects, we will be using textures and layering to experiment with physical and visual depth. Get ready to explore sgraffito, underglaze work, layering glazes, stamping with everyday objects, etc.


    Open to any experience level


    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.


    • March 12, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • April 16, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Registration is closed
    classroom of painters. Instructor Jeremy Langston


    -P6-Tuesday Night Painting 1

    with Jeremy Langston

       Tuesdays, 6 sessions

      Mar. 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee:$150

    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. 



    • March 13, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • April 24, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 2
    Registration is closed
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. Hands shaping clay form


    -C17-Beginners Hand Building

    with Marjorie Hauge

       Wednesdays, 6 sessions

        Mar. 13, 20, 27, Apr. 10, 17, 24;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $195 for non members

    Are you curious about clay? Are you looking for a creative outlet? Come and explore the world of clay. This 6-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.  Come and see what the world of pottery is all about.  


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


    Access to open studio hours does not come with this class.


    Guest registration allowed for this option.

    • March 18, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • April 22, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    enamel pendants. Instructor Nisa Blackmon


    M-3 Beginning Enameling Class

    with Nisa Blackmon

    Mondays, 6 sessions

    Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22;

    6:30-9:00 pm, 

    Fee: $150 (Non Member)

    This six-week 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 on permanently in a kiln.  Designs are built up using several layers with separate firings for each layer.  Enameling is an exciting and versatile medium, colorful, durable and full of design opportunities -- great for 2-D artists who want to expand their media horizons, and for beginners who want to learn about this ancient method of combining glass with metal.  We will be working with opaque and transparent enamels, learning test-tile making, sifting, stenciling, sgraffito, wet-packing, stoning, and kiln-firing techniques. All tools and materials provided; it is strongly recommended that students be able to attend at least the first three to four sessions without absences.

    • March 19, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • April 23, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    hand built owls and other ceramic vessels. Instructor Erin Furimsky

    -C18-Hand-Building for Everyone 

    with Erin Furimsky

        Tuesdays, 6 sessions

         Mar. 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23; 6:30-9pm

    Fee: $195 (Non Member)

    This class is great for those that are beginning their journey with clay or expand upon basic hand-building skills. Erin Furimsky, will guide you through the entire ceramic process from wedging, too building and carving, and last step, glazing. This class will have an emphasis on blending function with sculptural decorative elements. Using the pinch method to create hollow forms that can then be transformed into small abstract or representational sculptures, such as animals or figures and small sponge holders. Using the slab method to create trays, plates, and wall hangings.


    Class size is limited to eight 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. (not including the wheels)


    • March 20, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • April 24, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 5
    Register
    Instructor Amy Yeager


    -P7-Wednesday Evening Painting 

    with Amy Yeager

       Wednesdays, 6 sessions

       Mar. 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, 24;

    6:30-9 pm

    Fee: $150 (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.


    • March 21, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • April 25, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 3
    Register

    Hands throwing a vase. Instructor Claire Hedden


    -C19-Advanced Throwing  with Claire Hedden

       Thursdays, 6 sessions

      Mar. 21, 28, Apr. 4, 11, 18, 25;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $195.00 (Non Member)


    Join instructor Claire Hedden for this six-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.


    • March 21, 2024
    • 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    Register

    Instructor Dave Fulghum, example of painting with light with astronaut


    Light Painting Workshop

    Thursday, March 21st

    6:30-9 pm

    Fee: $40.00 (Non Member)


    Learn how to capture light on film in order to create light paintings!

    The workshop will be help off campus, but within the Bloomington/ Normal area.  Enrollees will be notified of where to meet before the event.


    *Please bring a camera capable of manual control shutter speeds for long exposures (30 seconds) and a tripod with you.

    • March 21, 2024
    • 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington, IL 61701
    • 2
    Register
    needle felted flowers, instructor Heather Evert

    F-2 NEEDLE FELTING SPRING FLOWERS WORKSHOP

    Thursday, March 21st

    6:30-9:00 PM

    Fee: $35 (Non Member)

    Spring flowers needle felting

    Celebrate the arrival of spring by sculpting some flowers with wool! Stabbing the wool over and over again with a barbed needle meshes the wool fibers together, creating a firm, textile object. Instructor Heather Evert will teach 1) using a cookie cutter or stencil to make a one-piece flower and 2) creating a more realistic bloom by felting individual petals and joining them together on a stem.

    Beginners welcome, great for adults and teens.

     

    • March 23, 2024
    • 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 2
    Register

       casein painting, Instructor Dale Evans

    Mixed Media Workshop with Dale Evans

    Saturday, March 23rd

    12:30- 4:00 PM

    Fee: $45


    Combining a variety of wet media - inks, watercolor, etc, with drawing ingredients - charcoal, graphite, and pastels, students will have a chance to explore landscapes utilizing provided and student supplied images. Bring an image you would like to recreate or use one provided by instructor Dale Evans.

    This is a workshop for intermediate to advanced students, strong drawing skills needed.


    *All materials are supplied for this class. Please fell free to bring your own drinks and snacks to this workshop.


    • March 25, 2024
    • 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    instructor Jenni Bateman/ watercolor crane


    P-15

    Watercolor Workshop 2 with Jenni Bateman  

    Monday, March 25, 2024

    12:30-3:30 pm

    Fee: $35.00 (Non Member)



    Workshop designed for those interested in trying their hand at watercolor for the first time or a painter who wants to gain additional skills with watercolor. Experience how to mix paint on paper, how to load your brushes, how to translate what you see onto paper, how to build values…and so much more!


    *All basic materials will be supplied by the MCAC

     (certainly feel free to bring any supplies you may have and unsure of how to use them).

    .  

    • March 26, 2024
    • 12:30 PM
    • April 16, 2024
    • 3:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 3
    Register

    Insructor Dave Templeton. Still life drawing

    -D1 - Beginning Drawing

    with Dave Templeton

       Tuesdays, 4 sessions

       Mar. 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16;

    12:30-3pm

    $100 for Non Members


    Join MCAC instructor Dave Templeton for this four-week beginner drawing class. Dave will teach you all the basics of drawing and students will practice depicting line, form, tone and texture. Projects will emphasize one-point and two-point perspective in order to produce drawings which accurately represent three-dimensional forms.

    This class is recommended for anyone wishing to start their drawing journey, and for painters who would like to create more accurate sketches before beginning to paint. No experience necessary! Students will be asked to complete simple homework assignments in a sketchbook that is provided by the MCAC.


    Drawing syllabus.pdf

    Click the link above to get your syllabus


    • March 28, 2024
    • 12:30 PM
    • April 18, 2024
    • 3:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 9
    Register

    Instructor Dave Templeton. Collage drawing of baseball player



    -D2- Advanced Drawing

    with Dave Templeton

       Thursdays, 4 sessions

      Mar. 28, Apr. 4, 11, 18;  

    12:30-3pm

    Fee: $100 for Non Members


    Join instructor Dave Templeton for this four-week advanced drawing class. There’s a very specific process to drawing well. If you use all necessary stages in your drawing process, you’ll have control over the entire drawing, which means you’ll be able to produce a finished work that's close to achieving the effect you want. This is what Dave will teach in our class and you will practice these vital skills throughout the advanced drawing course refining your ability to discern the basic shapes in any object and to accurately render the play of light and shadow on the objects you draw.


    This class is for students who have taken at least one full class (four sessions) from Dave or another instructor at the MCAC. Students will be asked to complete simple homework assignments in a sketchbook that is provided by the MCAC. 


    • March 30, 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Join waitlist


    Tonal Paintings. Instructor Doug Johnson

    P-17

    Managing Color with Paint Workshop

    with Doug Johnson:

    Bringing a sophisticated color understanding

    to your palette

    Saturday, March 30th 2024

    10am-3pm

    Fee: $65.00 (Non Member)


    Join Doug in this one day workshop where he will teach you how to work with dominant, subdominant, and subordinate color relationships to capture light and build a full composition.


    Feel free to bring a lunch.


    *All basic materials will be supplied by the MCAC


    .  

    • April 01, 2024
    • 10:00 AM
    • April 26, 2024
    • 4:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    Register

    Colorful Ceramic Dishes


    CERAMIC'S DAYTIME OPEN STUDIO

    weeks 14-17

    (members only)

    APR 1st- APR 26th

    10am-4:30pm access (Mon.-Fri. only) 

    no instructor on hand

    $150.00

    The MCAC will have an open studio option for 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.

    The fee includes a shelf, kiln firing, 10 lbs of clay, and glazes.

    No guest option available

    See Open Studio Policies for more information.


    • April 05, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • April 26, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 4
    Register
    Instructor Alanna Veitch. Bisqueware being glazed


    -C20-Friday Night Ceramics

    Open Studio 

    with Alanna Veitch

       Fridays, 4 sessions

    Apr. 5, 12, 19, 26;

    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.


    • April 06, 2024
    • 9:00 AM
    • April 27, 2024
    • 11:30 AM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 3
    Register
    Ceramic Bowls. Instructor Sarah Hurley

    -C21-Intro to Throwing 4

    with Sarah Hurley

       Saturdays, 4 sessions

       Apr. 6, 13, 20, 27;

    9-11:30 am

    Fee: $130 for non members

     

    Learn how to wedge, center, throw, and glaze your next functional piece of art!  Join Sarah on Saturday mornings as she guides you through the basics of throwing on the wheel. This class is perfect for anyone looking to get their hands on clay for the first time or brush up on their skills.



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


    Does not include access to open studio hours.


    Guest registration allowed for this option.

    • April 06, 2024
    • 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 5
    Register


    Camera Operations Workshop

     Saturday, July 1st, 2023

    12:00-4:00pm

    Fee: $40.00 (Non Member)


    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.

    • April 07, 2024
    • 9:00 AM
    • April 21, 2024
    • 11:30 AM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 10
    Register
    CEramic Tic Tac Toe Games. Instructor Kirsten Heteji


    -C22-Tic Tac Toe Boards 

    with Kirsten Heteji

       Sundays, 2 sessions

     Apr. 7th & 21st;

    9- 11:30 am

    Fee $65 for non members

     

    Make a unique tabletop game to play with friends and family with a handmade twist. This project is great introduction for beginners who want to experiment in ceramics, open to any experience level.

    Open to any experience level- hand builders or wheel throwers

    Enrollment comes with access to kiln firing and glazes.


    Does not include Open Studio access or a shelf.

    • April 07, 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 8
    Register

    Instructor Jenni Bateman. Collage materials


    P-16

    Collage Workshop 2 with Jenni Bateman  

    Sunday, April 7, 2024

    2-5 pm

    Fee: $35.00 (Non Member)



    PROJECT COLLAGE: The High-Art of telling your unique story with paper

    Collage art is largely defined by humor and playfulness challenging the boundaries between art and reality.  In this workshop, you’ll cut, rip, and paste your way to unique works of art as your story unfolds.

    Three basic steps of paper collage

    FOCAL POINT: Gain an understanding&appreciation of collage called the “fussy-cut”.

    BACKGROUND: Learn the difference between a busy and a calm background and how to bring

    attention to the FOCAL POINT.

    DETAILS: How to finish with details designed to bring it all together.

    I look forward to leading you through the process PROJECT: COLLAGE made famous by the likes of Picasso! START HOARDING IMAGES and come to the workshop with magazines, photographs, packaging…anything you can sacrifice to the collage!


    *All basic materials will be supplied by the MCAC

     (certainly feel free to bring any supplies you may have and unsure of how to use them).

    .  

    • April 08, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • April 22, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 10
    Register
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. chia pet sheep in field


    -C23-Chia Pet Workshop 

    with Marjorie Hauge


       Mondays, 2 sessions


    Apr.8, 22;


    6:30-9pm


    Fee: $65  for non members

    Join MCAC instructor, Marjorie Hauge, for this 2-session workshop where you will get to design and create your own pinch pot chia pet. This workshop is for all levels, no prior clay experience is needed.  Students will leave with a sculpture of their choice and the seeds and information to sprout their creation at home.

    ceramic chia pet sheep and pasture  

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

    • April 11, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • April 25, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington, IL 61701
    • 6
    Register

    F-3 JAPANESE TEMARI EMBROIDERY INTENSIVE

    Thursdays, April 11th, 18th, & 25th, 

    6:30-9:00 PM

    Fee: $75 (Non Member)

    Temari is an art form with hundreds of years of history in Japan. Ladies at the Imperial Court once made them to play games and compete on their embroidery skills. Before rubber balls, children used them for outdoor play. Modern temari are beautiful gifts for special occasions. 

    This three session class is open to beginners or those with some temari experience. There will be a little homework between sessions. Over the three weeks, learn a bit of the history of temari in Japan, and get practice, design guidance and feedback as you create your embroidery patterns. Week 1: lay down guidelines on a ball and how to wrap a new ball; Week 2: designs with wrapped bands and interlocking shapes; Week 3: decorating negative space and the classic kiku (chrysanthemum). All materials are supplied for this class by the MCAC.

    Heather is certified with the Japan Temari Association and was an MCAC Artisan Workshop Resident in November 2018 and 2019. 

    • April 14, 2024
    • 9:00 AM
    • April 28, 2024
    • 11:30 AM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 8
    Register
    Ceramic Bird Feeder. Instructor Kirsten Heteji


    -C24-Bird Feeders with Kirsten Heteji

       Sundays, 2 sessions

     Apr. 14th & 28th;

    9- 11:30 am

    Fee $65 for non members

     

    Let’s celebrate spring by making in ceramics! We will make a bird feeder for the springtime birds. This project is great introduction for beginners who want to experiment in ceramics, open to any experience level.

    Open to any experience level- hand builders or wheel throwers

    Enrollment comes with access to kiln firing and glazes.


    Does not include Open Studio access or a shelf.

    • April 20, 2024
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 5
    Register

    Instructor Dave Fulghum, Studio photography set up


    Studio Photography

    Saturday, April 20th

    12-3 pm

    Fee: $40.00 (Non Member)


    Learn how to photograph your artwork for web and products.  Topics discussed will be: set up, lighting, and exposure and other camera settings.

    This event is held off campus but within the Bloomington/Normal area.  Enrollees will be notified of where to meet before the event begins.


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

    • May 05, 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 13
    Register

    L-1  Sunday, May 5 th

    1:00- 4:00 PM

    Fee: $75


    What does it mean to establish yourself as an artist?  How do you write an artist statement, promote your artwork, establish pricing, market  to the public, create a website/social media presence, have exhibitions, create a legal business entity, apply for festivals and juried exhibitions, pay taxes, deduct expenses, develop a career, and keep from getting ripped off?  In this three hour workshop you’ll get the strategies you need to position yourself in the marketplace, develop your business plan, and begin the process of finally getting serious about your life as an artist.  

    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.


    Lecture will be held in the Brandt Gallery, MCAC


Mission Statement: We encourage and promote the appreciation, study, cultivation, development, and practice of art for the benefit of all the people, cultures and communities of McLean County. 


    
        "This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts"

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