Class Schedule
2008 Adult Classes
Earth, Water & Fire Pottery Class (Ages 15 & up)
Thursday evenings, 6-9pm, June 12 - July 17
Beginning to intermediate levels. Various techniques of wheel throwing, hand building and glazing will be taught by Master Potter, Jim Reinert of Owosso. Bring your tools, a notebook and an old towel. An apron is optional. Individual development is of primary importance. Come experiment with clay! 25 lbs. of clay, glazes and firings are included. Dress for mess.
Cost: $115 Member $145 Non-member
Fundamentals of Blacksmithing
The Shiawassee Arts Center will again be offering the Blacksmithing class with Arthur Johns, instructing.
Beginning Saturday, April 26 - June 7. (No class on May 24).
This six week course will offer a comprehensive, hands on, overview of the art of Blacksmithing. Students will be introduced to basic forging and metal working techniques. These will include stock manipulation (both bar stock and sheet metal forming), basic tool making, traditional joinery and finishing techniques. It will also offer insights into design development and execution. Students will be making some of their own tools, functional objects, and design and build their own individual projects. Students are required to furnish for themselves proper safety gear (safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves and appropriate footwear). Classes will be held at Arthur John's Forge & Design Studio, north of Elsie. If you register for this class, you will be furnished with directions to the studio. Arthur is an artist/blacksmith, with a Master of Fine Arts degree and primarily works in forged iron or steel, as a sculptor.
The cost is $150 for a SAC member and $165 for a non-member.
Introduction to Fine Metalsmithing and Jewelry Making is also taught by Arthur Johns. The class is held at the historic Paymaster building in Curwood Castle Park, next to the Arts Center. This will be a six week class to introduce students to some of the most fundamental processes involved in working with precious and semi-precious metals. Some of the techniques covered are saw piercing, simple metal forming, soldering, hand polishing and finishing, as well as simple tool making. Students will be encouraged to develop individual projects. There will be demonstrations each week. Students will need to purchase a material package from the instructor. (This is expected to be under $50).
Wednesday evenings, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. This weeknight is flexible with the students who may register.
The cost is $150 SAC Member and $165 non-member
Micro Folded Earrings/Pendant
Saturday, May 10, 9am - Noon
Making pea pod earrings and pendants while learning the basics of microfolding (actually folding metal!) and forging metal with various hammers and tools. Bring in any hammers you have lying around the house. No experience required! NO SOLDERING! All materials and tools provided.
Deborah Marie Fehrenbach, instructor.
$45 Member $55 Non-member
April 19 – "Inventor Artists"
Children's art is about new ideas and new discoveries.
Artistic recycling is inventing new uses for everything. It could be something functional, like a new gadget or something sculptural, like a huge bug or creature. We are counting on your imaginations! Start saving items.
Kathryn Gehrs-Pahl, Instructor
$8 Member $10 Non-member
April 26 – "Matryoshka Nesting Dolls"
Parent/Child Workshop
*1-4pm One Class all Ages
Learn the history and culture of the Russian nesting dolls and paint your own set. It could be a set of animals or people. Early registration and payment is necessary for shipping of materials. Instructor TBA
$16 Member $18 Non-member
Saturday, May 3 - Drawing Creative Animals
Learn techniques of texturizing, blending, lifting and shading while creating your own fantasy world of animals.
Kathryn Gehrs-Pahl, Instructor
$8 Member $10 non-member
Saturday, May 10 – Mother’s Day Gift Class
Make a copper tooled bookmark. Texturize, add words or messages. Custom design your gift for mom. Bring a hammer. K-3rd students may also bring their dad along to help!
Deb Fehrenbach, jewelry designer, will be instructing. Please register early so adequate materials will be on hand.
$10 Member $12 non-member
Saturday, May 17 – Open Studio Art Ventures
(Last Saturday session until fall)
Come join us in the fun of experimenting with a variety of art materials. Discover where creativity can take you when working with pastels, watercolors, tempera paints, printmaking, colored pencils or stamping. Dress for mess!
Instructor TBA
$8 member $10 non-member
Please register early. Payment is due at registration. Registrations may be mailed, phone, faxed or by coming into the art center, located at 206 Curwood Castle Drive, Owosso. The Arts Center phone number is (989) 723-8354. The open hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5:00 pm and Sunday, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Closed on Monday.
For more information or registration, contact the Arts Center at 989.723-8354, E-mail lindar@shiawasseearts.org or in person at 206 Curwood Castle Drive, Owosso, Tuesday - Saturday, Noon - 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm. The Arts Center is closed on Monday. Visa, MasterCard or Discover may be used to register by phone.