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:

    • December 09, 2024
    • 9:00 AM
    • December 16, 2024
    • 12:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 2
    Register

    Instructor Jenni Bateman. Watercolor swatches


    P-15 Immersive Watercolor Intensive

    with Jenni Bateman  

    Mondays, 2 Sessions

    Dec. 9, 16;

    9am-12:30pm

    Fee: $50.00 (Non Member)


    Over the 2 weeks, we’ll build your existing working knowledge of GLAZING, further define elements of design like VALUE, explore how simple thumbnails help “map out” your paintings, and devote much of each class in solving your individual problem areas (like “muddy” paintings). We’ll mix it up and have fun learning how to add objective critique to your completed paintings!

    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

    *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).

    .  

    • December 12, 2024
    • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Instructor Jenni Bateman. Collage materials


    P-16 High Art Collage Creating Workshop

    with Jenni Bateman  

    Thursday, 1 Session

    Dec. 12;

    5-8 pm

    Fee: $35.00 (Non Member)



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

    Painting not your vibe? Can you cut paper? YES?  So start hoarding images…bring a few pages of a magazine, some ‘junk mailings’, and photos that will help tell your story!

    No experience needed!  All Levels welcome!

    TRYitOUT!

    *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).

    .  

    • December 14, 2024
    • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 5
    Register

    Instructor Dave Fulghum, example of painting with light with astronaut


    PH-5 Capturing Holiday Lights 

    with Dave Fulghum

    Saturday, 1 session

    Dec. 14th

    5-7 pm

    Fee: $25 (Non Member)


    Who doesn’t love the twinkle of the lights around the Holiday season? Ever try to capture them in your camera? Walk Downtown Bloomington with photographer Dave Fulghum and learn how to capture magical Holiday moments and make memories to share. Who knows, with what you learn here you could be making your own, uniquely yours, Holiday Cards from here on out.

    Minimal Needs: DSLR or Mirrorless camera and Tripod.


    • January 05, 2025
    • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 9
    Register
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. Hands shaping clay form


    C-1 Ceramic Studio Procedures: January

    with Marjorie Hauge

       Sunday, 1 session

    Jan. 5;

    12-2pm

    Fee: FREE!  


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

    You have completed our beginning pottery series.

    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*


    * or first available Sunday

    • January 06, 2025
    • 10:00 AM
    • January 31, 2025
    • 4:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    Register

    Colorful Ceramic Dishes


    C-2 Daytime Ceramic's OPEN STUDIO

    JANUARY

    (members only)

    Jan 6 through 31st (four weeks)

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

    no instructor on hand

    $130.00

    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.

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

    No guest option available

    "EXTRA OPEN STUDIO WEEK" DOES NOT APPLY

    Please observe the dates listed and only use the studio within those dates.  Showing up for open studio before or after dates specified could result in being banned from signing up in future daytime open studios.

    Weekends do not apply. Please let those registered in classes with instructors have room on the weekend for their open studio time slots.

    See Open Studio Policies for more information.


    • January 11, 2025
    • 4:00 PM
    • February 01, 2025
    • 7:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    Register
    Instructor Alanna Veitch. Bisqueware being glazed


    C-3 Ceramics Open Studio 

    with Alanna Veitch

       Saturdays, 4 sessions

    Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1;

    4-7 pm

    Fee: $130 for non members

    This is for advanced ceramic students only.  All students must pass procedural class before enrolling.

     This time will be proctored by Alanna. 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.


    • January 12, 2025
    • 3:30 PM
    • February 02, 2025
    • 6:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 6
    Register

    Instructor Jenni Bateman. Abstract work with pen and watercolor by Jenni


    P-1 Open Studio Watercolor Intensive

    with Jenni Bateman  

    Sundays, 4 Sessions

    Jan. 12, 19, 26 Feb. 2;

    3:30- 6 pm

    Fee: $100.00 (Non Member)


    For Students that have taken the basic/Intro to Watercolors class.


    OPEN STUDIO WATERCOLOR with Jenni Bateman Paint your own subject matter with a professional artist on hand to answer questions or help solve problems that come up while you paint. Self-paced yet in a community of watercolor painters! Bring watercolor supplies that you are experimenting with, otherwise all materials are provided.

    Students can expect to leave with additional guidance to help you move forward in your paintings


    Questions? jennidesigns@gmail.com



    .  

    • January 14, 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • January 28, 2025
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 5
    Register

    A Ceramic Teapot. Instructor Erin Furimsky

    C-4 Thrown Teapots with Erin Furimsky

       Tuesdays, 3 sessions

        Jan. 14, 21, 28;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $97.50 (Non Member)

    You will learn different techniques for throwing functional teapots. Erin will explain design considerations for teapots and techniques to make them as well as various ways to make and attach teapot spouts that do not drip or splatter during pouring. Erin will share a few ways to make handles that fit the design of the form and compliment all the elements of the teapot. You will learn how to make a lid that will not fall off from the teapot during pouring.

    This 3 week class will focus on throwing the teapot body and putting all the parts together.

    After 3 classes you should leave with 2 completed forms. No specific class time is set aside for glazing.

    Image: Alleghaney Medows

    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.


    • January 16, 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • February 20, 2025
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 4
    Register

    hands making a tall vase on the ceramic wheel. Instructor Claire Hedden in the Studio


    C-5 Intermediate/Advanced Throwing with Claire Hedden

       Thursdays, 6 sessions

        Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $195 (Non Member)


    Join instructor Claire Hedden for this ceramics course. You will be guided in techniques for throwing at the wheel.

     Build your skills on the pottery wheel by learning how to throw larger vessels, lidded and enclosed forms, different types of handles and spouts, and altering your thrown pots off the wheel.

    Students will be able to create larger cylinders and bowls, lidded vessels, and handled mugs and pitchers.

    All students must pass the Procedural class. See the requirements at the top of the registration page for the Procedural class.

    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.


    • January 18, 2025
    • 9:00 AM
    • January 19, 2025
    • 12:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 4
    Register

    enamel earrings and pendant. Instructor Nisa Blackmon



    M-1 Taste of Enamels 

    with Nisa Blackmon

    Saturday & Sunday, 2 sessions

    Jan. 18 & 19;

    9am-12pm, 

    Fee: $75 (Non Member)

    This two-session class will introduce students to the basics of using opaque enamels on copper. 

    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.

    Students will work with opaque enamels to create jewelry or small 2-D tiles and will be introduced to techniques such as sifting, stenciling, sgraffito, glass embellishments and kiln-firing.

    Suitable for those with no prior enameling experience.

    All tools and materials provided.



      

    • January 18, 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 8
    Register

    Instructor Dave Fulghum. Black and white photo of a mesa


    PH-1 Using Lightroom 

    with Dave Fulghum

    Saturday, 1 session

    Jan. 18th

    12:30-3 pm

    Fee: $25 (Non Member)


    No Experience Necessary

    An introduction to digital photo post processing in Adobe Lightroom.

    Minimal Needs: Something to take notes with.  You may bring one SD card with 4-6 image files in JPG or RAW format to edit in class


    • January 20, 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • February 24, 2025
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 1
    Register
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. A ceramic vessel with flowers


    C-6 Monday Evening Ceramics Open Studio 

    with Marjorie Hauge

       Mondays, 6 sessions

       Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $195 for non members

    This is for advanced ceramic students only.  All students must pass procedural class before enrolling.

     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.


    • January 22, 2025
    • 3:30 PM
    • February 12, 2025
    • 6:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Join waitlist
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. A ceramic bowl with blue stripes


    C-7 Intro to Throwing A

    with Marjorie Hauge


       Wednesdays, 4 sessions


      Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12;


    3:30-6 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.

    • January 22, 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • February 12, 2025
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 5
    Register
    Handbuilt ceramic bowls and lanterns in greenware. Instructor Kirsten Heteji


    C-8 Intro to Handbuilding

    with Kirsten Heteji

       Wednesdays, 4 sessions

       Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12;

    6:30-9 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.

    • January 24, 2025
    • 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 8
    Register
    Two views of ceramic incense holders shaped like houses. Instructor Kirsten Heteji


    C-9 Incense Houses with Kirsten Heteji


       Friday, 1 session


    Jan. 24;


    6:30-9pm


    Fee: $40  for non members

    Join MCAC instructor, Kirsten Heteji, for this workshop where you will get to design and create your own Incense burner shaped like a house.

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

    Students will leave with a handbuilt house to burn incense


    Fee includes all materials needed to complete the project. 

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

    • January 27, 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • March 03, 2025
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 6
    Register

    enamel pendants. Instructor Nisa Blackmon


    M-2 Intro Enameling Class

    with Nisa Blackmon

    Mondays, 6 sessions

    Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, Mar. 3;

    6:30-9:00 pm, 

    Fee: $225 (Non Member)


    Suitable for beginners and those with no prior enameling experience.


    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.  Students will work with both opaque and transparent enamels, learn sifting, stenciling, sgraffito, stoning and kiln-firing techniques, and how to embellish their creations with glass threads and beads.  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 the first two sessions without absences.



    • January 28, 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • March 04, 2025
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Join waitlist
    classroom of painters. Instructor Jeremy Langston


    P-2 Tuesday Evening Painting 

    with Jeremy Langston

       Tuesdays, 6 sessions

     Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4;

    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. 



    • January 29, 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • February 26, 2025
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 9
    Register

    Instructor Nisa Blackmon, patination jewelry examples


    M-3 Piercing and Patination:  Silhouette Metal Jewelry

    with Nisa Blackmon

    Thursdays, 5 sessions

    Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26;

    6:30-9:00 pm, 

    Fee: $125 (Non Member)

    If you've ever wanted to create your own jewelry designs or custom metal shapes for enameling, this is the place to start! Students will learn fundamental jewelry and metalworking skills (sawing, piercing, filing, sanding and patination) as they create elegant pieces based on the concept of silhouettes. Finished earrings or pendants will go home with each student, along with the knowledge of tools, materials and techniques necessary for them to continue making jewelry on their own.

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

    All tools and supplies needed will be provided.

      

    • January 30, 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • March 06, 2025
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    Register
    Instructor Amy Yeager. A watercolor and colored pencil draweing by Amy Yeager


    P-3 Thursday Evening Painting 

    with Amy Yeager

       Thursdays, 6 sessions

     Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6;

    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 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 skills with us at the McLean Co. Arts Center.


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



    • January 31, 2025
    • 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 5
    Register
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. chia pet sheep in field


    C-10 Chia Pets/Sculpture Workshop 

    with Marjorie Hauge


       Friday, 1 session


    Jan. 31;


    6:30-9pm


    Fee: $40  for non members

    Join MCAC instructor, Marjorie Hauge, for this workshop where you will get to design and create your own pinch pot chia pet or any sculpture. 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.

    • February 01, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 13
    Register


    a Gallery space filled with art

    L-1 Gallery Readiness Workshop

    with Amy Yeager and Jeremy Langston

    Saturday, Feb 1

    10am- 12 PM

    Fee: $25


    What does it mean to have work ready to hang?  How do you photograph your work for the web?  How to create packaging for 2d and 3d artwork.  How to store your art so it doesn't get damaged.

    In this two-hour workshop you’ll get the tips you need to work with galleries and art fairs in a professional and responsible way.  

    We will discuss both 2-D and 3-D artwork


    Presented by Amy Yeager and Jeremy Langston (MCAC's Curator and Eduction Director as well as practicing artists). 

    Bring some artwork that is ready to hang or photograph and a pad and paper to take notes with.

    There will be an opportunity to purchase frames or mat boards for your work.


    Workshop will be held in the Brandt Gallery, MCAC

    • February 02, 2025
    • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 10
    Register
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. Hands shaping clay form


    C-11 Ceramic Studio Procedures: February

    with Marjorie Hauge

       Sunday, 1 session

    Feb. 2;

    12-2pm

    Fee: FREE!  


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

    You have completed our beginning pottery series.

    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*

    • February 03, 2025
    • 10:00 AM
    • February 28, 2025
    • 4:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 6
    Register

    Colorful Ceramic Dishes


    C-12 Daytime Ceramic's OPEN STUDIO

    FEBRUARY

    (members only)

    Feb 3rd through 28th (four weeks)

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

    no instructor on hand

    $130.00

    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.

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

    No guest option available

    "EXTRA OPEN STUDIO WEEK" DOES NOT APPLY

    Please observe the dates listed and only use the studio within those dates.  Showing up for open studio before or after dates specified could result in being banned from signing up in future daytime open studios.

    Weekends do not apply. Please let those registered in classes with instructors have room on the weekend for their open studio time slots.

    See Open Studio Policies for more information.


    • February 07, 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • February 21, 2025
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 8
    Register
    A ceramic butter dish. Instructor Kirsten Heteji



    C-13 Butter Dishes Workshop 

    with Kirsten Heteji


       Fridays, 2 sessions


    Feb. 7, 21; (skips Feb. 14)


    6:30-9pm


    Fee: $65  for non members

    Join MCAC instructor, Kirsten Heteji, for this workshop where you will create a butter dish.

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

    Students will leave with a butter dish 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.

    • February 08, 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    Register

    Gouache Paintings by Dale Evans \ Instructor Dale Evans with a student holding work

     P-4 Awash in Gouache

    Saturday, 1 Session

    Feb. 8th 

    12:30- 4:00pm

    Fee: $30 (Non Member)


    Casein is one of the oldest kinds of paint. Today it is also known as "Milk Paint" and was used extensively by artists before the innovation of acrylic paints. Gouache us an opaque watercolor paint, also called tempera or poster paint. True tempera is made with eggs. Join Dale Evans, MCAC Painting and Watercolor Instructor, for a Saturday afternoon as we explore these forgotten mediums, and create something beautiful.

    This workshop is open to all, beginner to advanced can learn techniques, skills and ways to incorporate these mediums into today's paintings.


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


    • February 11, 2025
    • 3:30 PM
    • February 25, 2025
    • 6:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    Register

    Instructor Jenni Bateman. Abstract work with pen and watercolor by Jenni


    P-5 Open Studio Watercolor Intensive

    with Jenni Bateman  

    Tuesdays, 3 Sessions

    Feb. 11, 18, 25;

    3:30- 6 pm

    Fee: $75.00 (Non Member)


    For Students that have taken the basic/Intro to Watercolors class.


    OPEN STUDIO WATERCOLOR with Jenni Bateman Paint your own subject matter with a professional artist on hand to answer questions or help solve problems that come up while you paint. Self-paced yet in a community of watercolor painters! Bring watercolor supplies that you are experimenting with, otherwise all materials are provided.

    Students can expect to leave with additional guidance to help you move forward in your paintings


    Questions? jennidesigns@gmail.com



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    • February 11, 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • February 25, 2025
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 4
    Register

    Ceramic Sculpture by Erin Furimsky. A photo of Erin Furimsky

    C-14 Surface Exploration to Commitment with Erin Furimsky

       Tuesdays, 3 sessions

        Feb. 11, 18, 25;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $97.50 (Non Member)

    Use this as a designated time to learn more about glazes through a few rounds of glaze testing and sharing information and some indepth discussions led by Erin. Dust off those pieces you like so much that you can't decide on a glaze for. Lets use these three weeks to learn, explore, and commitment to some surfaces.

    Image:Erin Furimsky

    After 3 classes you should leave with a more complete understanding of low fire glaze techniques, some glaze test-tiles, finish off a piece or two you have been avoiding.


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


    • February 14, 2025
    • 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    Register
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. A ceramic flower vase with ceramic flower sculptures on it.



    C-15 Flower Power Workshop 

    with Marjorie Hauge


       Friday, 1 session


    Feb. 14;


    6:30-9pm


    Fee: $40  for non members

    Join MCAC instructor, Marjorie Hauge, for this workshop where you will get to design and create your own ceramic flowers as sculptures or painted on a vessel. This workshop is for all levels, no prior clay experience is needed.  Students will leave with a vessel with flowers decorating it.


    All supplies provided.

      

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

    • February 15, 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 9
    Register