Access At CVUHS

With 35 hours of instruction and 14 sessions, Ginny will supervise this studio style class and help you master your watercolor techniques! Improve your color palette and brush techniques as you work on more challenging class projects as well as your own projects. Each 2.5 hour session will take place in the visual art space at CVU. This course is designed for artists who have taken watercolor classes previously and are comfortable working independently. Some guided instruction and supervision will be available as you progress throughout this course. This is also great class to connect, gather and learn from other watercolor enthusiasts within our artistic community! Please bring your own watercolor paint, brushes, and paper to class. "Ginny creates a warm, constructive and friendly atmosphere. Terrific class. I've been taking it for over a dozen years."- Student "Ginny Joyner’s watercolor studio class is fabulous! She introduces new techniques to try, provides assistance to her students, and makes learning a fun process!"- Student

Calling all oil painting enthusiasts! This class is a wonderful opportunity for those artists with experience in oil painting who would like to advance their skills as well as enjoy the weekly camaraderie of fellow artists with a keen interest in oil painting. Led by artist, Emily Moore, this 8-week course will elevate your painting skills and color knowledge. The beginning of the first three classes, I will start with a brief presentation of the following topics: Week 1: Color (we will never stop talking about color!) Week 2: Contrast of temperature, value, & size. Week 3: Mark-making & Edges. Weeks 4- 8: As you paint, Emily will walk through the class answering questions and/or giving advice. The last 40 minutes of class we will be a group discussion and observation about each individual piece. “What is working ? What is not working?” Students, please bring your own painting materials together with photos, objects, or ideas of what you want to explore in paint. A comprehensive suggested materials list will be provided at the time of registration. Table top easels are available for use during class. (Note: Only odorless solvents are allowed in the CVU building such as Terpenoid or Gamsol) Recommended age: 18+ This class will take place inside CVU. Please check in at the front entrance of CVU on your first day of class.

If you are just beginning your wheel throwing journey, or if you have some experience, but want to learn more while you work independently, then join us for Mixed Level Wheel Throwing with Jessica LaBonte, owner of Cedar Tree Pottery. During these 12 weeks you will learn new skills, or refine your techniques, and create beautiful ceramics with as much instruction as you need. At the CVU ceramics studio, we offer and welcome a fun and judgement-free collaborative environment for potters of all levels. Only 10 spots available! Students will each receive a 25lb bag of stoneware-mid-fire clay, Cone 6. All clay, glazes (brushed and dipped), use of the studio, tools, as well as firing costs are included in the fee. NOTE: Only studio glazes and clay will be allowed. BONUS: Free access to "Open Studio" on Monday evenings 5pm-8pm starting 2/10-6/9 (no open studio on 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/31, 4/21, 5/26). Wheel usage is on a first come basis. Please be sensitive to those waiting to use the space. Recommended minimum age: High School. "I really loved taking Beginner Ceramics with Jessica. This was my first time taking an Access Class at CVU and it was a wonderful experience and I really enjoyed myself. I am looking forward to taking more Access Classes in the future." CP

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear of gift. Participants will design a cuff bracelet inspired by shapes and patterns found in nature. Students will imprint metal with steel tools and hammers to create unique and organic textures. Then, we will use a jeweler’s saw to pierce the metal. Finally, students will form their cuff to fit their wrist using a specialized hammer and anvil. Choose your metal of choice at registration: Silver, Copper, or Brass All materials, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome! Students Cuff Bracelets

This technical hands-on course is designed for those with no welding experience, as well as those who want to improve their skills and learn how to weld using proper methods. The course will cover welding of carbon steel using Oxy-Acetylene torches, SMAW (arc or stick welding), GMAW (MIG or wirefeed welding) and GTAW (TIG welding). Welding of stainless steel and aluminum can be covered as students progress in their abilities. Oxy-Fuel cutting and plasma cutting will also be introduced during the course. There will be the option to weld a small project of your own during the class. All equipment and consumable materials are included in the fee. Recommendations and Requirements: Students must always wear safety toe leather boots, cotton pants and long sleeved cotton shirts. Turtlenecks are recommended for shirt type. All apparel should not have any holes or frays. Students should consider purchasing their own PPE prior to class, such as safety glasses, ear plugs, and welders caps. Students can purchase welding PPE locally at either Haun Welding Supply or Airgas, which are both in Williston, VT. Mention you are a taking an Access class for 10% off! The shop has welding PPE to borrow, but it may not fit properly and is used a fair amount by all students. Minimum age requirement: 16+ "The welding class was terrific, and the instructor Wes was truly passionate about his craft. I went into the session knowing nothing, and walked out five courses later having learned four different welding styles, and I even completed a couple of projects on my own. I'll definitely be continuing this adventure." "Wes was very detailed in his explanation and demonstration of welding techniques. By the second class we were all practicing welding with one on one instruction from Wes. I feel confident enough to tackle a welding job after taking this course."- Brian

Join us to learn how to make two featured earring designs – one using wire and one utilizing chain. Participants are welcome to bring their own beads, though plenty will be provided along with the wire, earring hooks, and chain. The goal will not be to create earrings that exactly match those in the photos, but to learn transferable jewelry-making techniques. This will also allow participants to use beads better suited to their tastes. Those who complete the two pairs before the class’s conclusion will have extra materials to practice their methods and make more pairs. This class is one in a series on making jewelry with wire, chain, and beads. If you have a set of flat nose/chain nose, round-nose (super fine preferred), and cutting pliers, please bring them to class. Or we will have them available to borrow.

Come learn about fused glass and make a pair of coasters while you’re at it. This workshop will include instruction on using hand tools to cut the glass, using a grinder to get the shape you want and how to make crushed glass (frit) to create your design. Micaela will take your finished product after the class and fire them in a glass kiln; they will be available for pick-up at CVU a week later. All materials are included in class fee. No experience required. For students ages 13 and older. Students aged 8-12 are welcome; they should register with an adult who is also registered for the class, and plan to have one dedicated adult for each child attending. This class will meet inside CVU.

In this 6- session intro to oil painting course we will explore the many techniques of working with this beautiful medium to create landscapes. Perfect for the novice just getting into Oil Painting, we will go over the fundamentals of Oils from the perspective of a landscape painter and focus on simple graphic shapes while having fun building dynamic beautiful scenes. We will go over shape language, value, color, and mixing color. The main thrust of the class is to get you to have fun and develop an appreciation for the medium of Oil Paint while learning to think graphically. Bring a landscape photo or picture to the first class. A list of materials to purchase prior to class will be provided after registration. Minimum age: 16+ "The teacher was very helpful and supportive of the whole class. He had a very positive attitude and helped people achieve an improvement in their skills with oil painting."

Celebrate St Pat's with Folding O' the Green (dollar bill). Need some formal wear? Try a dollar bill bow tie! Instead of giving a gift card, how about bills folded into a shirt and pants. Need to keep some kids amused? Fold up some green jumping frogs! Bring at least 7 crisp dollar bills. This class is open to all experience levels, including beginners. For students aged 13 and older. Younger students are welcome to join with a caregiver who is also registered.

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear of gift. Rings can be fabricated using wire and sheet. In this class, students will be using sterling a silver sheet to make a ring band that is 4mm or wider. First, we will use hammers and other tools to create interesting and unique textures. Once the band is textured, we’ll being designing and shaping the ring band. Then, we will saw and pierce the ring using a jeweler’s saw. Finally, students will anneal (soften), form, solder, shape, patina, and polish the rings. Depending on the complexity of the project, students may have the opportunity to make a silver ring out of wire as well! All materials, silver, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome! Textured Silver Ring Band (example)

Join us for an exciting new course led by woodworker Tony Hashem! This hands-on, two-session workshop offers a unique opportunity to craft a beautifully designed end table with shelves using repurposed pallets and a variety of fine woods. Under Tony’s guidance, you’ll create a timeless, visually stunning piece that can be cherished for years to come. Students will have the chance to select from a wide range of new and repurposed woods, including maple, oak, poplar, and pine, to personalize their project. For added customization, you’re welcome to bring your own wood for the table’s top shelf, while the structure and remaining shelves will be crafted from durable pine. The finished table will measure approximately 18" x 10" x 30", but students can adjust the dimensions within reason to ensure a perfect fit for their space. This course is designed for those with some prior experience using power tools, particularly power saws, as the process will involve measuring, cutting, gluing, drilling, and clamping. All materials and tools are provided, so you can focus on honing your skills and creating a functional, one-of-a-kind piece. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a seasoned craftsman and take home a handmade treasure! Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today! Please bring safety glasses and a dust mask if you have one. We have a small supply on hand. Long hair will need to be tied back and no open toed shoes. (Photo is likeness only)

Learn the art of needle felting and create a lucky charm in honor of St. Patrick's Day! We'll use metal cookie cutters, a special barbed needle, and a foam block to create a wool shamrock sculpture without using water. You can turn your finished piece into a keychain or hang it from a backpack, a car rearview mirror, or wherever you like! Needles, wool roving, cookie cutters, and other felting materials will be provided. No experience necessary. Ages 12 and up. Students aged 8-11 are welcome with a caregiver who should also register for the class.

Join us to learn foundational techniques in making wire, chain, and beaded necklaces and bracelets. Participants will learn how to secure clasps and jump rings to wire using crimp beads, make necklaces using a mix of chain and beads, stylistically space out bead clusters on a wire using crimp beads, and connect several necklaces (or bracelets) to make two- or three-strand necklaces (or bracelets). Participants are welcome to bring their own beads, though ample will be provided along with the beading wire, bending wire, and chain. The goal will not be to create necklaces that exactly match those in the photos, but to learn transferable jewelry-making techniques. This will also allow participants to use beads better suited to their taste. This class is one in a series on making jewelry with wire, chain, and beads. If you have a set of flat nose/chain nose, round-nose (super fine preferred), and cutting pliers, please bring them to class. Or we will have them available to borrow.