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Farmington Valley Arts Center News - September 13, 2022

Arts and Entertainment

September 14, 2022

From: Farmington Valley Arts Center

Writing Workshop with Dana Meachen Rau

Pause, Play, Repeat

Date: 6 Thursdays, September 15 to October 27, 2022 (no class 10/20)

Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Instructor: Dana Meachen Rau

Tuition: $ 145

Register Here

In an ideal world, when the muse arrives, writers pause our responsibilities and scribble away. In reality, we instead must schedule “creative time.” That may seem counterintuitive to the freedom of expression, but it’s necessary to prioritize writing practice.

This six-week workshop will offer writers a pause from personal and professional obligations to play with words, with a promise that we will repeat it as a habit. Once a week, as we sit down together, I’ll present an inspirational reading, image, or activity to give our brains (and muse) somewhere to settle. We’ll let that prompt us to write for 45 minutes of uninterrupted time to see what bits of ourselves escape onto paper. Then we’ll reconvene to discuss. We won’t critique each other’s work. Instead, we’ll offer encouragement and gratefulness for any bit of voice we’re willing to share.

About Dana Meachen Rau

Dana Meachen Rau has written more than 350 books for children in a variety of genres. She graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, with degrees in both creative writing and art history, and has worked in the publishing world as an editor, author, and illustrator. Since attending Vermont College of Fine Arts for her master’s degree in Writing for Children and Young Adults, she has also taught writing and literature classes at the University of Hartford, the Highlights Foundation, and the Mark Twain House. Dana lives in Burlington, Connecticut. Visit Dana's website.

Also...

Pastel & The Still Life with Karen Israel

Date: 5 Mondays, Sept 19 to Oct 24, 2022 (no class 10/10).

Time: 12:30 PM – 3:30 P

Instructor: Karen Israel

Level: All

Tuition: $180

Register Here

Join us for five creative Monday afternoons and learn the characteristics of a vibrant still life put up by the instructor. This may include some of the following elements: fabric, glass, metal, fruit, and or flowers. Karen will discuss still life composition, setup, and lighting, followed by a quick demo addressing students' questions and concerns. Learn a variety of techniques to create your fresh and dynamic still life painting.

About Karen Israel

Karen Israel is an award winning pastel artist. Her paintings are created as a celebration of light and color that aim to delight the eye and engage the mind. Karen’s paintings are representational but symbolism and abstraction are constantly emerging in the frame. Her work can be found in many collections throughout the Northeast and Canada.

Among her many awards, in 2020, she placed Fourth in Pastel Journal Magazine’s top 100 juried competition; in 2012 and in 2014, Third Place in the top 100 and she received an Honorable Mention in this same competition in 2018. She was recently designated the honor of Maxima *** lade with the American Artists Professional League.

Visit Karen's website.

Digital Photography with Andy Mars

Date: 6 Saturdays, Sept 24 - Nov 5 (no class 10/1)

Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Instructor: Andy Mars

Tuition: $145

Register Here

Is your camera (DSLR, Point & Shoot &/or Mirrorless) still in the box or you tried using it a few times and it ended up in the closet? Well, it’s time to blow off the dust! You will learn tips on photo composition and what the buttons do on your camera. You will get better-quality images by learning about shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings. Discover simple editing techniques for the best exposure and how to pick out the most successful photos in your collection.

About Andy Mars

Andy Mars is a freelance photographer, photo artist & instructor: She photographs events (formerly specialized in weddings), people, and pets. She is a photography instructor teaching classes & workshops in digital photography, iPhoneography, mixed media photography, and computer file organization & workflow. Her work has been exhibited at the Memorial Arts Museum in Rochester, NY, Manhattan, CT galleries, and various Soho Gallery restaurants. Visit Andy's website.

Handbuilding Ceramics with Monica Hewryk

Date: 8 Thursdays, Oct 6 - Dec 1 (no class 11/24)

Time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Instructor: Monica Hewryk

Tuition: $310

Register Here

Experience the rewarding process of working with clay and creating unique pieces! Beginner students will learn fundamental hand-building techniques like pinch, coil, and slab methods. Advanced students explore more complex forms, both functional and sculptural. Applied textures, colored slips, and glazing applications will be demonstrated as well. Tuition includes the use of the ceramic studio during an active session.

About Monica Hewryk

Monica Hewryk graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a Master's in Fine Arts in ceramics in 2021. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Central Connecticut State University with a concentration in ceramics in 2014. Monica previously worked as the University Assistant at Central Connecticut State University, an intern at Wesleyan Potters, and a Resident Potter at Guilford Art Center. She has been exhibiting work in juried exhibitions and group shows since 2013. Monica maintains a private studio at home and continues to exhibit her work nationally. Visit Monica's website.

Little Night Studio Workshops

Playing With Floating Ink | Suminagashi

Friday, October 7, 2022

6:30 – 8:30 PM

Barbara Hocker

Register Here

Autumn Mug | Hand-Built Ceramic Mugs And Pattern Transfer

Friday, October 14, 2022

6:30 – 8:30 PM

Erika Novak

Register Here

Fused Glass Ornaments

Friday, December 2, 2022

6:30 – 8:30 PM

Phoebe Katzin

Register Here