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MCAC Adult Classes: 17+

Whether you're looking to take a one-time workshop or 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. Supplies are always included in our course fees. 

Registration Policies:

Your class registration is not complete until your payment is processed. Lack of timely payment (24 hours) will result in your partial registration being deleted. 

Class registration may be cancelled up to 7 days before the start of class for a full refund. 

Class registration may be transferred up to 7 days before the start of class. Only one transfer is allowed, per registration/payment. 


Registration for Summer 2020 (June-August) begins:

MCAC Members - Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 12 PM 

Nonmembers - Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 12 PM


Spring 2020

  • Ceramic Students- Bag of Clay

    • April 22, 2020
    • 10:15 AM (CDT)
    • June 30, 2020
    • 4:45 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 31
    Registration is closed
                
          

            


    April & May 2020

    Bag of Clay Body- $12.50

    While our Studios are closed during the "Shelter In Home" orders we are happy to offer loading dock pick ups of bags of clay body for our ceramic students. Once you purchase bags we will set up a date and time for pick up. If you have any questions please contact Krystal Lyon at krystal@mcac.org

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  • P1 - Monday Pastels with Mandy Roeing

    • June 08, 2020
    • 6:30 PM (CDT)
    • June 29, 2020
    • 9:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 6
    • 2 registrants
    Register




    Mondays, June 8-29, 2020

    6:30 - 9:00 PM

    Fee: $100

    Join instructor Mandy Roeing for this four-week pastel course. This course is appropriate for beginners and those with some pastel experience. Students will learn basic pastel techniques and will practice painting both still life objects and landscapes. All supplies are included.

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  • W1 - Daytime Watercolor with Dale Evans

    • June 10, 2020
    • 12:30 PM (CDT)
    • July 15, 2020
    • 3:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    • 1 registrant
    Register



    Wednesdays, June 10 - July 15, 2020

    12:30 - 3:00 PM

    Fee: $148

     

    Join instructor Dale Evans for this six-week all-levels watercolor course. This course is appropriate for those with no experience painting on their own, as well as those who wish to expand upon their skills. All supplies are included.

    This course covers a variety of watercolor fundamentals: wash techniques, glazing, layering, brush work, and masking. Students will work with transparent still life objects and paint landscapes using photo references. 
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  • Ph1 - Introduction to Photography with Doug Bergeron

    • June 11, 2020
    • 6:30 PM (CDT)
    • July 16, 2020
    • 9:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St., Bloomington, IL 61701
    • 7
    • 1 registrant
    Register


    Introduction to Photography


    Thursdays, June 11 - July 16, 2020


    6:30 - 9:00 PM

    $115

    Join instructor Doug Bergeron for an introduction to your DSLR camera utilizing the most creative mode - manual. At the conclusion of this six-week class, participants will know how to control aperture and shutter speed, will know what the ISO is, and will understand how to use the exposure meter. Students will also learn about depth of field and the basics of composition and lighting, including the opportunity to work with constant and flash lighting systems. You'll also begin to unravel the mystery of all those lenses. Students will participate in a class photo shoot and learn how to critique images. Conventional DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are encouraged. 

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  • PM1 - Saturday Monotype Workshop with Amber Gravett

    • June 20, 2020
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 6
    • 2 registrants
    Register

         

    Saturday Monotype Workshop with Amber Gravett

    Saturday, June 20, 2020

    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    Fee: $75

    *Lunch Included

    This workshop will explore the mototype print. These are one of a kind prints made by printing from ink on plexiglass. Images are made by wiping away ink from plexiglass, layering stencils over ink, and printing layers of different colors. Monotypes are a single image, but students are allowed to make as many as they want during the workshop. 

    Amber Gravett, Amber was born in Bloomington and graduated from Normal Community High School. She earned an Associates of Art at Heartland Community College and was the first ever recipient of the Joseph E. McCauley scholarship. At Illinois State University she earned a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts with a concentration in drawing. Amber uses drawing as a foundation for all of her artwork, which ranges from animation and illustration to ceramics and printmaking.


    *Please select a sandwich option during the registration process. Choices are: vegetarian, turkey or ham.     


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  • FA1 - Japanese Temari Embroidery Workshop with Heather Evert

    • June 27, 2020
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    • 1 registrant
    Register


    Saturday, June 27, 2020

    1:00 - 4:00 PM

    Fee: $35

    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. 

    During the class session, students will learn how to make the sphere base, mark guidelines for stitching, and practice several types of patterns to use in their own temari. Previous sewing or embroidery experience helpful, but not required. 

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






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  • FA3 - Plein Air Workshop with Jeremy Langston

    • June 30, 2020
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington, IL 61701
    • 5
    • 3 registrants
    Register

    Plein Air Workshop with Jeremy Langston 

    Skill Building: Painting Architecture, Landscapes, & Sunset colors.

    Tuesday, June 30, 6:00-8:00pm

    Fee: $25 

    Join instructor Jeremy Langston for a two hour painting workshop. The class will meet at MCAC and head outside to the lawn outside the BCPA to paint from the surrounding landscape. The instructor will discuss various ways to look at the landscape to translate it to paper as well as color mixing strategies. Paint, brushes, and small canvas board supplied.

    Required materials: Easel and palette with thumb hole

    We will be right next to MCAC for water/cleanup and bathrooms. Wear appropriate clothes for the weather and expect some cooling to occur since we will be out at the golden hours for the most dramatic lighting possible. 

    Instructor Jeremy Langston has taught experienced and budding artists from children to the university level, join him in this workshop to help fine tune your acrylic painting skills.


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  • Ceramics Open Studio: July 2020

    • July 01, 2020
    • 10:15 AM (CDT)
    • July 31, 2020
    • 4:45 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 19
    • 1 registrant
    Register
                
                  

    July 2020

    Monthly Fee: $125 


    Open Studio Schedule

    Sunday/Monday: No access

    Tuesday: 10:15am - 6:45pm

    Wednesday: 10:15am - 4:45pm

    Thursday: 10:15am - 4:45pm

    Friday: 10:15am - 4:45pm

    Saturday: 12:15pm - 3:45pm

    Open Studio Ceramics is for intermediate and advanced students only. Participants must have taken at least two ceramics classes at MCAC or be able to demonstrate comparable ceramics experience.

    Participants have unlimited access to the ceramics studio during MCAC's regular business hours. There is no supervising instructor. Failure to follow studio rules, including complete and timely clean-up, will result in open studio privileges being revoked.

    Amenities include: wheels, tools, glazes, small storage shelf, and firing. Kiln is fired to Cone 04. Participants must purchase their own low-fire clay from MCAC: $20 per 25 pound bag.
        
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  • D3 - Intermediate Drawing with Dave Templeton

    • July 06, 2020
    • 12:30 PM (CDT)
    • July 27, 2020
    • 3:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 8
    • Be the first
    Register



    Tuesdays, July 6-27, 2020

    12:30 - 3:00 PM

    Fee: $93

    Join instructor Dave Templeton for this four-week intermediate drawing class. Participants will expand their skills utilizing several different drawing media including graphite, colored pencil, charcoal, and pen and ink. Studies will be mostly still life. Participants should have a basic knowledge of drawing (how to see the world around them, perspective, line, and shade) developed through basic drawing classes or independent exploration. Students will be asked to complete simple homework assignments in a sketchbook.  

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  • O1 - Evening Water-Mixable Oils with Jeremy Langston

    • July 14, 2020
    • 6:30 PM (CDT)
    • August 18, 2020
    • 9:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 5
    • 2 registrants
    Register


    Tuesdays, July 14 - August 18, 2020

    6:30 - 9:00 PM

    Fee: $140

    Interested in trying oils but are too intimidated or worried about toxic fumes?  Give water-mixable oils a try! All skill levels welcome in this class taught by Jeremy Langston, MFA. Bring a photo to paint or practice drawing from life with a still-life set up in class. Learn the work flow of how to work with oils, color-mixing, and different techniques of using oils (alla prima, glazes, etc.) Students can expect to leave with a finished painting or two! Get the experience of working with oils with the worry-free, water-only ease, of working with acrylics. All materials are provided.

          
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  • C5 - Tuesday Evening Ceramics with Kirsten Heteji

    • July 14, 2020
    • 6:30 PM (CDT)
    • August 18, 2020
    • 9:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    • 1 registrant
    Register
                
             

    Tuesdays, July 14 - August 18, 2020 

    6:30-9:00 PM

    Fee: $155

     

    Join instructor Kirsten Heteji for this six-week ceramics course. No experience is necessary, all skill levels are welcome. Students have the option of working on the potter's wheel, using hand-building techniques... or both!  

    Enrollment in this class provides access to MCAC's kilns and our full range of ceramic glazes. Enrolled students may also work on their own during open studio hours, at no additional charge. Please check the bulletin board outside of the classrooms for our most current open studio schedule. 

    Class size is limited to eight to allow for individual instruction time. Early registration is encouraged; seats typically sell out in advance. Experienced potters are welcome to join this class to experiment and learn new techniques. Student work is fired on-site by our ceramics studio assistant, allowing everyone to take home finished pieces. 


     
        
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  • Evening Portrait Painting with Dale Evans

    • July 16, 2020
    • 6:30 PM (CDT)
    • August 27, 2020
    • 9:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    • 1 registrant
    Register


    Thursdays, July 16 - August 27, 2020

    6:30 - 9:00 PM

    Fee: $140

    Join instructor Dale Evans  for this six-week portrait painting course. Experience with still life utilizing oils (traditional or water-mixable), acrylic, watercolor, and/or gouache is required to take this class. Strong drawing skills are also recommended. Classroom study will utilize live models and photo references. Students will practice with materials and techniques to achieve painterly likeness. All materials are provided: paints, brushes, painting surfaces, palettes, knives, etc. 

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  • FA3 - Drawing with Thread Workshop with Heather Evert

    • July 18, 2020
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington, IL 61701
    • 8
    • Be the first
    Register

     

     

    Saturday, July 18, 2020

     1-4 PM

    $35


    Instructor Heather Evert will lead this fiber art workshop. Using needles, thread and cloth, participants will discover how "drawing with thread" is a little like drawing with a pencil, but with added possibilities of colors and texture of stitches. Students will learn several basic embroidery stitches to combine in making their own designs.


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  • PM2 - Saturday Linocut Workshop with Amber Gravett

    • July 25, 2020
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 6
    • 2 registrants
    Register

         

    Saturday Linocut Workshop with Amber Gravett

    Saturday, July 25, 2020

    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    Fee: $75

    *Lunch Included

    Join instructor Amber Gravett for making linocut prints! A linocut is a type of printmaking which involves cutting into linoleum with carving tools to make a relief image. The image is printed either by running the carved block through a press or by rubbing the back of the paper with a spoon. Multiple layers can be used to make different colors in the same image. Once the carving is complete, the linoleum can be used to make an infinite amount of prints.

    Amber Gravett, Amber was born in Bloomington and graduated from Normal Community High School. She earned an Associates of Art at Heartland Community College and was the first ever recipient of the Joseph E. McCauley scholarship. At Illinois State University she earned a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts with a concentration in drawing. Amber uses drawing as a foundation for all of her artwork, which ranges from animation and illustration to ceramics and printmaking.


    *Please select a sandwich option during the registration process. Choices are: vegetarian, turkey or ham.     


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  • FA2 - BYOB Naughty Stitching Night with Heather Evert

    • July 31, 2020
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 8
    • Be the first
    Register


    Friday July 31, 2020

    6:00 - 9:00 PM

    Fee: $35

    Join instructor Heather Evert for night of R-rated fun making your own embroidery message that's sassy or rude. Cursing in cross-stitch? Sure! Mature language surrounded by fancy embroidered flowers? Yeah! Bring your own wine and snacks, and have a fun night out with friends. Adults 21+ only.

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






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  • P3 - Saturday Intermediate Pastel with Mandy Roeing - Skill Building: Black Paper

    • August 01, 2020
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 4
    • 4 registrants
    Register

         
    Saturday Intermediate Pastel with Mandy Roeing 
    Skill Building: Painting on Black Paper

    Saturday, August 1, 2020

    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    Fee: $75  

    *Lunch Included

    Join instructor Mandy Roeing for this five-hour pastel painting workshop. This workshop is appropriate for those who have taken class(es) with Mandy in the past, have studied with a different instructor, or have been exploring pastels on their own. This workshop is NOT appropriate for students who have never worked with pastels. 

    Learn different approaches to working on a dark surface and how it changes our perception of value. Students can expect to take home two small painting studies. Materials and lunch provided.

    *Please select a sandwich option during the registration process. Choices are: vegetarian, turkey or ham.     


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  • C6 - Wednesday Ceramics with Erin Furimsky

    • August 05, 2020
    • 6:30 PM (CDT)
    • August 26, 2020
    • 9:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 4
    • 3 registrants
    Register
                
             

    Wednesdays, August 5-26, 2020 

    6:30 - 9:00 PM

    Fee: $110

    Join instructor Erin Furimsky for this four-week ceramics course. No experience is necessary, all skill levels are welcome. 

    Students have the option of working on the potter's wheel, using hand-building techniques... or both!  

    Enrollment in this class provides access to MCAC's kilns and our full range of ceramic glazes. Enrolled students may also work on their own during open studio hours, at no additional charge. Please check the bulletin board outside of the classrooms for our most current open studio schedule. 

    Class size is limited to eight to allow for individual instruction time. Early registration is encouraged; seats typically sell out in advance. Experienced potters are welcome to join this class to experiment and learn new techniques. Student work is fired on-site by our ceramics studio assistant, allowing everyone to take home finished pieces. 

     
        
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  • C7 - Thursday Ceramics with Claire Hedden

    • August 06, 2020
    • 6:30 PM (CDT)
    • August 27, 2020
    • 9:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    • 7 registrants
    Join waitlist
                
             

    Thursdays, August 6-27, 2020

    6:30 - 9:00 PM

    Fee: $110

     Join instructor Claire Hedden for this four-week ceramics course. No experience is necessary, all skill levels are welcome. 

    Students have the option of working on the potter's wheel, using hand-building techniques... or both!  

    Enrollment in this class provides access to MCAC's kilns and our full range of ceramic glazes. Enrolled students may also work on their own during open studio hours, at no additional charge. Please check the bulletin board outside of the classrooms for our most current open studio schedule. 

    Class size is limited to eight to allow for individual instruction. Early registration is encouraged; seats typically sell out in advance. Experienced potters are welcome to join this class to experiment and learn new techniques. 

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

     
        
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  • A2 - Saturday Acrylic Workshop with Jeremy Langston: Zoom!

    • August 08, 2020
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 5
    • 2 registrants
    Register

         

    Saturday Acrylic Workshop with Jeremy Langston: Zoom!

    Saturday, August 8, 2020

    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    Fee: $75

    *Lunch Included

    Artists will work on a painting that takes something small and zooms in to paint it at a large scale.  Realism and details need room to make the magic happen.  Learn to see the smaller shapes and tones that make up a larger whole while sensitizing your perception and judgement of color. This class will give you the opportunity to focus in on subtle details and effects that will push your realism to the next level.  Jeremy has taught experienced and budding artists from children to the university level, join him in this workshop to help fine tune your acrylic painting skills.
    *Please select a sandwich option during the registration process. Choices are: vegetarian, turkey or ham.     


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  • FA3 - Embroidering With Text Workshop With Heather Evert

    • August 15, 2020
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington, IL 61701
    • 8
    • Be the first
    Register

     


    Embroidering With Text Workshop

    Saturday, August 15, 2020

     1-4 PM

    $35

    From classic cross-stitch alphabet samplers to modern-day movie quotes and "Keep Calm and [fill-in-the-blank]" slogans, embroiderers frequently stitch letters to add messages to their pieces. Bring a favorite quotation, name, slogan or text message and we'll find the right font and stitch for expressing it. Patterns will be on hand for several lettering styles, or students can learn a simple backstitch to free-stitch what they want to say.

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


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  • PM3 - Saturday Stamp Making Workshop with Amber Gravett

    • August 22, 2020
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (CDT)
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 8
    • Be the first
    Register

         

    Saturday Stamp Making Workshop with Amber Gravett

    Saturday, August 22, 2020

    1:00 pm - 4:00 PM

    Fee: $35

    In this workshop, students will explore making images through custom made stamps. Stamps are made by drawing onto a Speedball speedy carve block and cutting away a relief image. Students can make different objects and patterns, and experiment with using different ink colors. Stamps can be taken home to keep after the workshop!

    Amber Gravett, Amber was born in Bloomington and graduated from Normal Community High School. She earned an Associates of Art at Heartland Community College and was the first ever recipient of the Joseph E. McCauley scholarship. At Illinois State University she earned a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts with a concentration in drawing. Amber uses drawing as a foundation for all of her artwork, which ranges from animation and illustration to ceramics and printmaking.

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  • PA2 - Saturday Plein Air Workshop with Mandy Roeing

    • August 29, 2020
    • 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM (CDT)
    • Miller Park
    • 7
    • 1 registrant
    Register

         
    Saturday Plein Air Workshop with Mandy Roeing 
    Skill Building: Drawing From Nature

    Saturday, August 29, 2020

    8:30-10:30 AM

    Fee: $25 

    Join instructor Mandy Roeing for a two hour drawing workshop. The class will meet at Miller Park for guided sketchbook work from the surrounding landscape. The instructor will discuss various ways to look at the landscape to translate it to paper as well as key elements to consider if one were plein air painting. Students will need to bring their own materials.

    Required materials: Sketchbook (or appropriate drawing surface) and a Pencil

    Optional materials: portable chair (or blanket to sit on); kneadable eraser; charcoal, graphite, or other drawing medium; rubberbands or clips to keep pages secure; viewfinder; water; hat &/or sunscreen; travel size packet of wipes; camera

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