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.

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.

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.

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.

Liquid enamels are colored glass powders that are ground finely enough to suspend in a medium, allowing them to be used with various painting techniques.  Like sifting enamels, they are fired onto metal in a kiln to produce vibrant, color-fast, durable art or jewelry pieces.  In this two-day workshop, we will explore the possibilities of liquid form enamels and learn dipping, brushwork, sgraffito, stoning and marbling techniques.  Students will create small two-dimensional enameled steel tiles which can be mounted as wall art or used with magnets to adorn refrigerators and/or bodies! 

All tools and materials provided.

D-3

Perspective Workshop with Ilse Miller  

Saturday, 1 Session

August 31

Join us for an immersive three-hour drawing workshop focused on mastering perspective. In this class, you'll explore the fundamentals of one and two point perspective drawing and learn essential techniques to bring depth and realism to your artwork. We will learn the basics of sighting in order to boost your confidence in capturing spatial relationships accurately. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop offers a supportive environment for artistic growth and offers tangible skills to make drawing more satisfying for you. Students will be asked to bring 3-5 reference photos to practice applying perspective techniques. Let me help you draw what you see!

C-2 Ceramic Studio Procedures

with Marjorie Hauge

   Sundays, 1 session

Sept. 1;

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*

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-3 Intro to Throwing A

with Marjorie Hauge

   Wednesdays, 4 sessions

  Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25;

3-5:30 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-1 Photo Organization in Lightroom

Wednesdays, 1 Session

Sept. 4;

As photographers we love to shoot photos.  But what do we do with them?  Which ones do we keep? And most importantly - How in the world do I find that one photo I took a few years back? 

We will be working with Lightroom Classic to organize our photos.   Using hands-on exercises, I’m going to explain to you where I store my photos on my hard drive and how I get them there. I’ll show you how I use the rating stars and colors to select what to keep and what to delete, allowing me to cull my images very quickly. I’ll explain the keyword hierarchy I use, making keywording easy and allows for quick image retrieval. 

My goal will be to give you as many tips and tricks as possible along the way, so that when you leave you’ll be ready to use my system or devise one of your own. 

What to bring:

You will need to bring a Laptop with the most current version of Lightroom Classic already loaded on it.  Many of the ideas, but maybe not all, will transfer to use in Lightroom, Lightroom Mobile and older versions of Lightroom Classic.  But, if you want to follow along you will need the most current version of Lightroom Classic on a laptop. 

To follow along you will also need to bring approximately 100 photos on a Flash drive.  There must be at least 3 different types of photos (animals, people, buildings, landscapes, etc) AND they must be from at least 3 different locations and dates. 

_____________________________________________________________

If you’re not already using the most current version of Lightroom Classic…..

You can get a free 7 day Trial.  

READ THIS VERY CAREFULLY Go to the link below and download the free trial for the $19.99 a month - 1T Lightroom and Photoshop plan. Then download Lightroom Classic onto your laptop before coming to class. I suggest that you don’t do this until the day before the class so you have a few days of use before the trial is over. 

Once the class is over you can either keep it, cancel it or switch to the $9.99 a month - 20gb plan that I use.  

DO NOT. I repeat DO NOT download the Lightroom only plan.  It does not contain Lightroom Classic. 

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

C-4 Paper Clay with Alanna Veitch

Wednesdays, 4 sessions

Sept. 4,  11, 18, Oct. 2;

(Skips week of 9/25)

6:30-9 pm

Fee: $162.50 for non members

Get ready to be intricate! Using paper clay, we will be sculpting forms to experiment with the material, creating many things from smaller intricate work to bigger flowing forms. We will also experiment with different techniques to create textures by stamping, carving, and accentuating the forms of the object with different finishing/glazing techniques. A sculpting class for intermediate to advanced students.

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 during the duration of your class plus one extra week beyond the last class session.

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.