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:

    • September 14, 2024
    • 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 8
    Register

    Instructor Dave Fulghum. camera dial



    PH-2 Basic Camera Operations

    With Dave Fulghum

     Saturday, 1 Session

    Sept. 14th

    12pm-3:30pm

    Fee: $25 (Non Member)


    Learn the basics of you DSLR or Mirrorless camera. We will discuss operating the camera in Manual mode and become well versed in the exposure triangle. If time allows we will also discuss photographic composition.


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

    • September 16, 2024
    • 11:30 AM
    • September 23, 2024
    • 3:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 5
    Register

    Instructor Jenni Bateman. Watercolor swatches


    P-2 Immersive Watercolor Intensive

    with Jenni Bateman  

    Mondays, 2 Sessions

    Sept. 16,23;

    11:30am-3pm

    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).

    .  

    • September 16, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • October 21, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 3
    Register

    enamel pendants. Instructor Nisa Blackmon


    M-2 Beginning Enameling Class

    with Nisa Blackmon

    Mondays, 6 sessions

    Sept. 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21;

    6:30-9:00 pm, 

    Fee: $225 (Non Member)

    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.


    • September 17, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • October 22, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Join waitlist
    classroom of painters. Instructor Jeremy Langston


    P-3 Tuesday Evening Painting 

    with Jeremy Langston

       Tuesdays, 6 sessions

      Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22;

    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. 



    • September 18, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • October 23, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Join waitlist
    Instructor Amy Yeager



    P-4 Wednesday Evening Painting

    with Amy Yeager

       Wednesdays, 6 sessions

    Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23;

    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.


    • September 19, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • October 10, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 1
    Register

    liquid enamels earrings. Instructor Nisa Blackmon



    M-3 Beginning Liquid Enamels Class

    with Nisa Blackmon

    Thursdays,  4 sessions

    Sept. 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10;

    6:30-9:00 pm, 

    Fee: $150 (Non Member)

    Liquid form enamels are colored glass powders that are ground finely enough to suspend in a medium, allowing them to be used in ways similar to paints.  As with sifted enamels, they are fired onto metal in a kiln to produce vibrant, color-fast, durable art or jewelry pieces.  In this 4-week class, we will explore the basics of liquid form enamels and learn dipping, brushwork, sgraffito, stoning, printing 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.


    It is strongly recommended that students not miss the first session!

    • September 22, 2024
    • 9:00 AM
    • September 29, 2024
    • 12:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 1
    Register

    Instructor Jenni Bateman. Watercolor and ink sketch


    P-5 Foundations of Urban Sketching Intensive

    with Jenni Bateman  

    Sundays, 2 Sessions

    Sept. 22, 29;

    9am-12:30pm

    Fee: $50.00 (Non Member)


    Calling all doodlers, drawers, painters, and sketchers! This class is designed to merge your travels and life’s mundane into “documentary drawings”. We’ll sketch out preliminary shapes, then add detail with both pens and glazes of watercolor.

    At the end of your 2 weeks, you’ll have a “working journal” of your line work, doodles, and sketches, and LOTS of notes to help in your Urban Sketching. Together we’ll explore those hard artist’s decisions: WHAT TO PUT IN and WHAT TO LEAVE OUT! 

    NOTE: Previous foundations of drawing, sketching, and watercolors will highlight personal success.

    TRYitOUT!

    MATERIALS: Please bring black and white inspirational photos of places you’ve been: perhaps your own backyard, summer in the mountains, or winter by the shore. 

    NOTE: Please bring your watercolor supplies (paint, brushes, fine liner pens, papers).

    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).

    .  

    • September 25, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • October 09, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 9
    Register
    ceramic masks. Instructor Guinevere Chapin


    -C-12 Mask Workshop with Guinevere Chapin

    Wednesdays, 2 sessions

    Sept. 25 & Oct. 9;

    6:30- 9:00 pm

    Fee: $65 for non members

    Masks are objects that for centuries now have been used as disguises, as protection, in religious rituals, and in performance as entertainment. The word conjures up the smell of rubber and plastic Halloween costumes, the glamour of Venetian carnival, and the mystery of an egyptian sarcophagus. In this two session workshop, we will make our own decorative ceremonial masks that, when complete, can be hung on the wall.
    The first session will be dedicated to the construction of the mask. The following week, we will glaze the bisqued masks.

    Masks will be available for pick-up after glaze firing

    All mask making materials will be supplied and all skill levels are welcome.

    This workshop does not include a shelf at the MCAC or access to open studio hours.





    • September 28, 2024
    • 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 3
    Register
    stormy clouds in watercolors. Instructor Dale Evans



    P-6 Sky's the Limit (Watercolors)

    with Dale Evans

       Saturday, 1 session

       Sept. 28;

    12:30-4 pm

    Fee: $25 (non members)

    Join Dale Evans, MCAC Painting and Watercolor Instructor, in taking traditional watercolor in different directions. This workshop will focus on painting sky and clouds and is open to intermediate to advanced water colorists, previous experience is recommended.


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


    • September 30, 2024
    • 10:00 AM
    • October 25, 2024
    • 4:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 6
    Register

    Colorful Ceramic Dishes


    C-13 Daytime CERAMIC'S OPEN STUDIO

    OCTOBER

    (members only)

    Sept 30 through Oct. 25th (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 timeslots.

    See Open Studio Policies for more information.


    • September 30, 2024
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 2
    Register

    instructor Jenni Bateman/ watercolor crane


    P-7 Watercolor Workshop

    with Jenni Bateman  

    Monday, 1 Session

    Sept. 30;

    12-3pm

    Fee: $25.00 (Non Member)



    Ready for an introduction to the BASICS of WATERCOLOR?

    This 3 hour workshop will help you understand this medium, and how to use the basic Elements of Design in your painting. Clear the mystery of painting methods such as ‘wet-on-wet’, ‘wet-on-dry’, and ‘dry-on-dry’. Lots of class time will be devoted for you to experiment, practice with various paints and papers, and complete several paintings. Chances are you’ll be ready to set up your own studio. 

    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).

    .  

    • October 02, 2024
    • 2:30 PM
    • October 23, 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 9
    Register
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. chia pet sheep in field


    C-14 Gnome Intensive 

    with Marjorie Hauge


       Wednesdays, 3 sessions


    Oct. 2, 9, 23;


    2:30-5pm


    Fee: $97.50  for non members

    Join MCAC instructor, Marjorie Hauge, for this 3-session intensive where you will get to design and create your own garden gnome. This workshop is for all levels, no prior clay experience is needed.  Students will leave with a fully glazed sculpture .  (skips oct. 13th)

      

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

    • October 04, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • October 25, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 10
    Register
    Instructor Alanna Veitch. Bisqueware being glazed


    C-15 Ceramics Open Studio 

    with Alanna Veitch

       Fridays, 4 sessions

    Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25;

    6:30-9 pm

    Fee: $130 for non members

    This is for advanced ceramic students only. This session on Friday 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.


    • October 12, 2024
    • 9:00 AM
    • October 19, 2024
    • 12:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 8
    Register

    Instructor Jenni Bateman. Watercolor swatches


    P-8 Immersive Watercolor Intensive

    with Jenni Bateman  

    Mondays, 2 Sessions

    Oct. 12, 19;

    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).

    .  

    • October 12, 2024
    • 9:00 AM
    • November 02, 2024
    • 11:30 AM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Join waitlist
    Ceramic Bowls. Instructor Sarah Hurley


    C-16 Intro to Throwing A

    with Sarah Hurley

       Saturdays, 4 sessions

       Oct. 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2;

    9-11:30 am

    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. No Open Studio



    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.

    • October 14, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • November 04, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 8
    Register
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. Hands shaping clay form


    C-17 Monday Evening Ceramics Open Studio 

    with Marjorie Hauge

       Mondays, 4 sessions

       Oct. 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4;

    6:30-9pm

    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, 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.


    • October 16, 2024
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 9
    Register

    people hiking in the woods. Instructor Dave Fulghum


    PH-3 Fall Color Photo Hike

    Wednesday, 1 session

    Oct. 16th

    12-3 pm

    Fee: $25 (Non Member)


    Join photographer Dave Fulghum on an enjoyable day capturing the beautiful fall colors found in nature. This hike should spark new ideas and you may just learn a few new techniques along the way. 

    Minimal Needs: DSLR or Mirrorless camera and Tripod


    • October 17, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • December 05, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 3
    Register

    enamel set up on stilts. Bags of powdered enamels. Instructor Nisa Blackmon



    M-4 Enamels Open Studio Class

    with Nisa Blackmon

    Thursdays,  6 sessions

    Oct. 17, 24, Nov. 7, 14, 21, Dec. 5;

    (skips weeks of Halloween and Thanksgiving)

    6:30-9:00 pm, 

    Fee: $225 (Non Member)

    Completion of either the 6-week Beginning  Enameling class

    OR

    the 4-week Beginning Liquid Enamels class at MCAC is required for enrollment.

    This six-week class will provide supervised work time for students of enameling as we continue to build our supportive, enthusiastic community of enamelists here at MCAC! Students will work on their own projects using any enameling techniques and materials in which they have been trained.

    Nisa will be present each night for guidance and problem-solving, but no formal instruction or lectures will be scheduled except for orientation on the first night.

    Enrollment in this class gives students access to all basic enameling tools, the kiln, shelf space and our library of enamels. Some copper sheet/shapes and pre-enameled steel sheet will be provided.

    Students are encouraged to begin building their own palette of enamels and the instructor will be happy to guide them in making their first purchases of enamels and or copper &  steel.

    • October 20, 2024
    • 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-18 Ceramic Studio Procedures

    with Marjorie Hauge

       Sundays, 1 session

    Oct. 20;

    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*


    * or first available Sunday

    • October 20, 2024
    • 3:00 PM
    • November 17, 2024
    • 5:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 3
    Register
    Ceramic Bowls. Instructor Sarah Hurley


    C-19 Intro to Handbuilding

    with Sarah Hurley

       Sundays, 5 sessions

       Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17;

    3-5:30 pm

    Fee: $162.50 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.

    • October 22, 2024
    • 12:30 PM
    • November 12, 2024
    • 3:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 5
    Register

    Insructor Dave Templeton. Still life drawing



    -D1 - Beginning Drawing

    with Dave Templeton

       Tuesdays, 4 sessions

      Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12;

    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


    • October 23, 2024
    • 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 10
    Register
    glazed sugar skull bank. Instructor Kirsten Heteji



    C-20 Sugar Skull Banks Workshop with Kirsten Heteji

       Wednesday, 1 session

    Oct. 23;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $25 for non members

    In the spirit of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos, we will be decorating skull banks with repeating colors and patterns in the traditional folk art form from southern Mexico. Pick up will be the following week.

    All Levels welcome


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


    Enrollment in this class does not come with access to a shelf or  open studio hours.


    • October 24, 2024
    • 12:30 PM
    • November 14, 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

      Oct. 24, 31, Nov. 7, 11;  

    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. 


    • October 24, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • December 12, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Join waitlist

          handbuild vase. Instructor Claire Hedden   

      

    C-21 Advanced Handbuilding

    with Claire Hedden

    Thursdays,  6 sessions

    Oct 24, Nov. 7, 14, 21, Dec. 5, 12;

    6:30-9:00 PM

    Fee: $195 (Non Member)

    Join instructor Claire Hedden for this six session ceramics course (skips weeks of Halloween and Thanksgiving).

     This class is for ceramic students who have taken at least one hand building class with an MCAC Instructor. In this class Claire will expand on the hand building basics and show you new techniques to enhance your ceramic work and perfect your style


    Enrollment in this class provides access to MCAC's kilns and our full range of ceramic glazes, plus tool and 10lbs of clay. Enrolled students may also work on their own during open studio hours, at no additional charge. 

    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. 
    • October 26, 2024
    • 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 3
    Register
    Autumn Trees in Watercolors. Instructor Dale Evans



    P-9 Autumn Trees (Watercolors)

    with Dale Evans

       Saturday, 1 session

       Oct. 26;

    12:30-4 pm

    Fee: $25 (non members)

    Join Dale Evans, MCAC Painting and Watercolor Instructor, in taking traditional watercolor in different directions. This workshop will focus on painting Autumn trees and their glorious colors and is open to intermediate to advanced water colorists, previous experience is recommended.


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


    • October 28, 2024
    • 10:00 AM
    • November 22, 2024
    • 4:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    Register

    Colorful Ceramic Dishes


    C-26 Daytime CERAMIC'S OPEN STUDIO

    NOVEMBER

    (members only)

    Oct 28 through Nov. 22nd (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 timeslots.

    See Open Studio Policies for more information.


    • October 28, 2024
    • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 6
    Register

    Instructor Pamela Cather. Photograph of a Crested Fisher bird


    PH-6 Shots in The Dark

    Mondays, 1 Session

    Sept. 4;

    6:30-8:30pm

    Fee: $25 (Non Member)


    Low light photography is always a challenge.  Pamela will lead us in a review of the best ways to add light to our sensor and how to improve our focusing. We’ll take a closer look at the dreaded noise problem by discussing the real cause of noise and how our histogram can help.  


    All you need to bring is something to take notes with. 


    • October 29, 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • December 10, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 2
    Register

    Instructor Erin Furimsky. ceramic objects

    C-22 Advanced Throwing with Erin Furimsky

       Tuesdays, 6 sessions

        Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3, 10;

    (skips week of Thanksgiving)

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $195 (Non Member)

    This class is suited for students who have completed two or more wheel courses at MCAC. Working under Erin’s guidance, develop your clay voice through advanced demos and projects. Student will propose their own goals while troubleshooting their throwing skills, and balance having a plan and going with the flow. We will address strategies for throwing larger amounts of clay, throwing off the hump, making lids, tap centering when trimming, and some advanced glaze combinations and application.

    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.


    • October 30, 2024
    • 6:00 PM
    • November 06, 2024
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 10
    Register