Access At CVUHS

Join us as we discover best practices for figurative and scenic painting while having fun and connecting with other artists. Each session we will be examining two or more fundamental techniques, and we will each have a hand picked subject to work on: either figurative or scenic. Students will learn the Frank Reilly Palette for portrait painting; examine artists like George Bridgman. The first class we will do introductions and the instructor will do a portrait in real time along with the class week to week. Artists are encouraged to paint what they like and to ask questions of each other as well as the instructor as we paint as a group together and dig deeper into what goes into making a fantastic oil painting. This is an upper intermediate class so prior experience with oils is required. Session 1 - Go over tools, materials. Go over Reilly pallet Students will paint on canvas and we will gesso and sand our canvases. We will start our underdrawings. Session 2 - We will continue our underdrawings and finish ideally halfway through the session We will then “ ink ‘ our faces or scenes in a sepia tone raw umber. George Bridgman will be covered during the drawing component of the class. Session 3- We will do a first pass on our faces mixing our paint with Gambol which is a drying medium which also allows the paint to be applied in washes. We will go for an average color that we can see throughout the reference image. Session 4 - We will do the Form Pass in which we paint over our first coat using oil paint with no additives. Fat over lean will be covered and why we adhere to the Fat over Lean rule. Students are encouraged to view the room! Session 5 - We will continue to work on our faces, or scenes. Students are encouraged to continue to network and share ideas and approaches. Students, please bring your own painting materials together with photos, objects, or ideas of what you want to explore in paint. 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+

As the season moves from winter to spring, Vermonters begin to think about flowers and Vermont stitchers begin to think about including flowers into various needlework projects. This class will introduce stitchers to a variety of surface embroidery stitches that are ideal for creating flowers and leaves. During this 4-week class, stitchers will be introduced to: long-short, whipped spider, tulip, woven spider, woven wheel, double blanket, leaf, and fishbone stitches. There will be ample opportunity for developing embroidery skills and having fun embroidering flowers and leaves into a sampler. This course is designed for students (12 years or older) who have basic surface embroidery needle skills; including running, lazy daisy, outline, satin and cross stitches. Stitchers should bring a 7-inch or smaller embroidery hoop and scissors to the first class.

Perhaps you've tried needle felting, but have you heard of wet felting? Did you know you can felt by hand with wool, water and some patience? No needles required. ;) Come learn the ins and outs of wet felting with AnnMarie as you make a felted soap (or two) to take home. Wool roving, soap, and felting materials will be provided. No experience necessary. Ages 14 and up. Students aged 8-13 are welcome with a caregiver who should also register for the class.

Join Nick Rosato, professional woodturner and owner of Vermont Peppermill, for this hands-on and step-by-step introduction to wood turning! In this two-session class, you’ll learn how to safely and confidently use a lathe to create projects of your choice—no prior woodworking or lathe experience required. Learn essential lathe safety, tool techniques, and how to create balanced, symmetrical designs will be covered. Create beautiful, wearable art on the wood lathe as you turn your own wooden bangles. In this hands-on class, instructor Nick will guide you through the process of shaping, hollowing, and smoothing wooden bracelets, with attention to comfort, fit, and finish. Learn essential lathe techniques while experimenting with form and wood grain to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Fun, approachable, and surprisingly satisfying—these bangles make wonderful gifts or personal keepsakes. Bring your sketches, photos, and ideas! Each participant will have their own lathe to use during class, and wooden blanks (maple, birch or cherry) are included in the course fee. Feel free to bring your own wood if you want a specific or more pricey wood species. - Interested in a different project? With advance notice (email access@cvsdvt.org), students may use this class time to work on an alternate lathe project. - Experienced participants may work on targeted practice projects to advance their spindle turning tool skills and build confidence for independent work at home. Wear closed toed shoes, hat (hair tied back), and bring your own protective eye wear/goggles. No loose clothing, jewelry, or accessories! Note: Only 7 spots available per session. Min age: 16+

Join Nick Rosato, professional woodturner and owner of Vermont Peppermill, for this hands-on and step-by-step introduction to wood turning! In this two-session class, you’ll learn how to safely and confidently use a lathe to create projects of your choice—no prior woodworking or lathe experience required. Learn essential lathe safety, tool techniques, and how to create balanced, symmetrical designs will be covered. Explore the sculptural side of woodturning as you create elegant wooden vases on the lathe. This class focuses on form, balance, and hollowing techniques, with clear instruction from Nick every step of the way. Whether your style is modern or organic, you’ll enjoy transforming a solid block of wood into a graceful vessel. Bring your ideas, inspiration photos, or sketch. These make a perfect gift for Mother's Day or a birthday. Or, start a collection for your mantle and fill with dried grasses and flowers. Each participant will have their own lathe to use during class, and wooden blanks (maple, birch or cherry) are included in the course fee. Feel free to bring your own wood if you want a specific or more pricey wood species. - Interested in a different project? With advance notice (email access@cvsdvt.org), students may use this class time to work on an alternate lathe project. - Experienced participants may work on targeted practice projects to advance their spindle turning tool skills and build confidence for independent work at home. Wear closed toed shoes, hat (hair tied back), and bring your own protective eye wear/goggles. No loose clothing, jewelry, or accessories! Note: Only 7 spots available per session. Min age: 16+

In this 6- session course you will cover a variety of gouache painting techniques and will paint different subjects each week. The purpose of class is to have fun and learn something new using gouache as the medium. We will explore a variety of techniques and approaches that focus on how to make dynamic vibrant imagery using gouache paint. We will go over best practices using a fundamentals grid each week to explore two new techniques related to gouache. No drawing experience necessary and open to all levels. You will learn how to use a variegated wash to build up paint. You will also learn how to apply gouache wet on wet and wet on dry as well as brush techniques such as flat wash and dry brush. Gouache is a great medium to use when painting negative spaces as it lends itself from going from dark to light which is differs to watercolor. Lastly, we will use a fade out to layer shadows using color theory for a final piece. A list of materials to purchase prior to class will be provided after registration. Minimum age: 16+

This two-part mala knotting workshop invites participants into a focused, hands-on creative process rooted in tradition and intention. Across two sessions, participants will learn the art of hand-knotting a traditional 108-bead mala necklace using high-quality gemstones and materials. Each bead is individually knotted, creating space for presence, reflection, and mindful craftsmanship. A mala bead necklace is a 108-bead strand, originally used in meditation for counting mantras, that serves as both a mindfulness tool and a symbolic piece of intentional jewelry. Session One introduces the history and cultural context of malas, gemstone symbolism, and creative design. Participants will begin the knotting process while exploring how objects can serve as anchors for focus and personal clarity. Participants can bring their knotting tools home between sessions to finish knotting. During Session Two, we will complete the mala, finishing with a hand made tassel. We will also dive deeper into creating our own mantras and practicing using the malas together. Participants will leave with their custom hand knotted mala bead necklace and "The Malas, Mantras & Manifestation" pdf guide created by Laura to help participants dive deeper into their practice and create a 21 day ritual with their mala. Laura Neal of Malas & Mandalas will teach you about the different properties of gemstones as well as discuss mantras to use with your Mala necklace. All quality materials are included in the fee. "Laura was a great instructor! She included numerous “value-adds” to the class and I loved the selection of gems and stones. Lots of follow-up, handouts, etc. Excellent class!" Beads, Malas and Students!

Thinking about taking one of the woodworking classes but haven’t used power tools before? Have tools sitting at home that you’d like to learn how to use safely and confidently? This course is the recommended starting point. Designed for complete beginners, it focuses on getting you comfortable in the woodshop and confident with essential tools. It’s a great fit whether you’re preparing for a project-based class or simply want to make better use of the tools you already own. Who Should Attend: Adults 18+ with little to no experience in woodworking or shop environments — especially those planning to take future shop classes as well as anyone who wants to learn safe, effective use of basic tools for home or hobby projects. In this one-session course (2.5–3 hours), students will work with repurposed woods from pallets and old furniture, learning how to bring worn boards back to life and make them look new again. Students will also have the option to put those skills to use by making a small, simple project—such as a basic birdhouse—during the class. Along the way, you’ll be able to choose which tools you want to focus on, from basic hand tools to more advanced power tools, so the class aligns with your personal goals and comfort level. By the end, you’ll understand what different tools can do, how to use them safely, and how to select the right tool for the job. Tools Covered Basic Tools ●Measuring & marking tools (tape measure, square, pencil/marking knife) ●Power drill/driver ●Orbital sander ●Jig Saw ●Circular Saw More Advanced Tools (optional, introduced with supervision) ●Miter Saw (precision and angled cuts) ●Scroll saw (intricate shapes and detail work) ●Table saw (ripping and crosscutting boards) ●Band saw (curves, resawing) ●Drill press (precision holes) ●Planer & jointer (flattening and smoothing boards) Focus of the Class ●Shop safety and protective equipment ●How to set up, hold, and operate tools correctly ●Understanding what different tools can (and can’t) do ●Hands-on practice using repurposed pallet and furniture wood to transform rough boards into smooth, usable stock ●Flexibility for students to choose which tools they want to learn and practice with ●Building confidence for future woodworking or DIY projects While this class is not required for any other woodworking courses unless specifically stated, it does provides a solid foundation so you can step into future classes already comfortable with the tools and ready to focus on the project. "This was a really great class for people with no experience with woodworking but also some experience! It was such a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with machinery and woodworking. I feel really confident signing up for woodworking classes now, even excited about them!"

Come learn the basics of turning and make a rolling pin with professional wood turner Andrew Duling. This is an excellent introduction to lathe work. Choose your wood and learn the basics to complete a beautiful and functional keepsake. Bring home an individualized rolling pin you can cherish for years, or give as a gift to an avid baker! Each student will complete turning of one rolling pin. Designs such as a tapered French or a handled rolling pin will be discussed at the start of class. No prior woodworking experience required and all experience levels welcome! All materials and use of equipment included in the fee. Bring safety eye goggles and wear closed toed shoes. No loose clothing! Wear your hair tied back or wear a hat. Open to all ages 16+. Rolling Pin Success- Spring 2025

Graphite offers a broad range of values and practical uses for wildlife and natural history illustrators. This class will provide an overview and real-time practice of skill sets that empower participants to create realistic and detailed renderings of the natural world that surrounds us. Among the topics covered will be methods to transfer a preliminary sketch to a final drawing surface, techniques for rendering textures and materials such as fur, feathers, leaves and bark, and best practices for observation and research of subject matter. Strong focus will be placed on depth, details, composition and the most effective ways to bring life, character and accuracy into a graphite drawing. Recommended for ages 18+ with some drawing experience. A list of basic supplies will be emailed with your confirmation. Please bring these supplies to all classes. “In the five years I have collaborated with Charon Henning in her role as Art Director for March Mammal Madness I have been perennially impressed by her creative vision and professionalism. Charon’s illustrations are not only exquisite artistically, but meticulous in their scientific accuracy." - Prof Kate Hinde, PhD, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University

Tap into your inner artist and try a new style of painting using acrylic paint and wood as a canvas! During this 3 -session course, Fia will teach you the basic properties of acrylic painting and color application. 9'-12' Wood rounds will be used as the canvas for this project. This makes a great image to display or hang indoors or outside as a welcome sign. All materials are included in the fee. Please bring a box or container to transport your painting each session. Wear clothing that may get dirty, and feel free to bring a non-alcoholic beverage! or snacks to class. No previous art experience necessary. All levels welcomed! Minimum age: 16+

Spend a Saturday with us creating your very own modern Adirondack chair in this one-day intensive workshop, running about four to five hours. Everything you need is provided, and while some boards will be pre-cut, you'll have the option to do your own cutting if you'd like. This way, you can customize your level of hands-on involvement. Please note that while everyone is welcome, this class isn't really aimed at absolute beginners. We recommend that participants either take our Intro to Woodworking class first or be comfortable enough in a woodshop using basic home tools like drills, saws, and sanders. During the class, you'll cut, assemble, and sand a sturdy chair made from 2x4 and 2x10 boards. We'll also discuss finishing options so you can decide whether to leave it natural or finish it at home. By the end of the day, you'll have a durable Adirondack chair ready for summer lounging and a great introduction to more advanced woodworking projects. Please bring PPE equipment such as safety goggles and gloves. Dust masks are optional. Bring a measuring tape and wear closed toed shoes, hat and tie hair back. We will take a 30 min break- feel free to bring snacks and lunch.

Join Nick Rosato, professional woodturner and owner of Vermont Peppermill, for this hands-on and step-by-step introduction to wood turning! In this two-session class, you’ll learn how to safely and confidently use a lathe to create projects of your choice—no prior woodworking or lathe experience required. Learn essential lathe safety, tool techniques, and how to create balanced, symmetrical designs will be covered. Craft a collection of practical, satisfying projects for your kitchen or bar. In this hands-on class, you’ll turn everyday tools including cocktail muddlers, honey dippers, and wooden mallets. Nick will cover shaping for comfort and durability, proper sizing, and food-safe finishing techniques. You’ll leave with useful, well-crafted items—and the skills to keep creating at home. Bring your ideas, inspiration photos, or sketch. Each participant will have their own lathe to use during class, and wooden blanks (maple, birch or cherry) are included in the course fee. Feel free to bring your own wood if you want a specific or more pricey wood species. - Interested in a different project? With advance notice (email access@cvsdvt.org), students may use this class time to work on an alternate lathe project. - Experienced participants may work on targeted practice projects to advance their spindle turning tool skills and build confidence for independent work at home. Wear closed toed shoes, hat (hair tied back), and bring your own protective eye wear/goggles. No loose clothing, jewelry, or accessories! Note: Only 7 spots available per session. Min age: 16+

Charlotte Sylvester has been practicing stained glass since 2020 and is looking forward to guiding experienced students through this exciting 3D stained glass class. During this 2-session course, students will use the Copper Foil Technique to create two inspiring stained glass keepsake pieces. Students will select from a variety of stained glass colors and learn how to assemble a glass triangle. Students will also learn how to hang a prism or memento inside each triangle. All tools and materials are provided for use during this course*. *A prism will be gifted to each student as thank you gift. This targeted course is for intermediate or experienced students only as knowledge of the copper foil technique is mandatory. Students must be 18+. Requirement: Closed-toed shoes and pants. Safety glasses, gloves and mask are provided; please feel free to bring your own. Sign up early as there are limited spots available. Please note, this class is NOT recommended for those that are pregnant or breastfeeding due to the possible exposure of lead solder.

This four-session studio program is designed for intermediate to advanced artists who are ready to move beyond technique and focus on developing a cohesive body of work with individual voice, intention, and character. The course emphasizes portfolio development, encouraging participants to explore how personal style emerges through creative decision-making rather than prescribed outcomes. While all participants will work from the same source material and still-life objects, each artist will be guided to approach the work in their own way—experimenting with compositional planning, material selection, mark-making, and conceptual emphasis. Students will be encouraged to manipulate materials creatively, push beyond comfort zones, and take thoughtful artistic risks in pursuit of more expressive and personal drawings. Throughout the program, the instructor will provide individualized feedback and lead discussions on how professional artists develop and refine their visual voice over time. Group critiques will offer opportunities to reflect, articulate artistic choices, and gain insight from peers. By the end of the course, students will have produced a small but intentional portfolio that reflects both technical skill and emerging personal style. Prior experience with drawing and artmaking is strongly recommended, as this course is designed for artists ready to work independently while engaging in guided critique and creative exploration. All materials are included in the fee. Min Age: 15+ David Paarlberg-Kvam

This course will cover the basics of changing yarn colors in crochet, called colorwork. We will be using basic crochet stitches, but you must know the basics of crochet prior to taking this class. We will be focusing on colorwork, and students will grid out their own pattern for their placemat, then make the pattern come to life. The images shown are examples; come to class ready to get creative! Text, images, or funky patterns are all possible. For students aged 13 and older. Students aged 10-12 are welcome to join with a caregiver who is also registered. Please plan to purchase the following supplies ahead of time and bring them to the first class (the instructor's, Devon's, notes are in italics): Each student will need to bring at least two skeins/balls/or cakes of yarn, in as many colors as you plan to use for your project, at least two different colors. For this project, I recommend 100% cotton yarn, for example click here. A crochet hook. The yarn you purchase will also list the size hook that should be used with it; this blog post also has a helpful chart. I recommend using an aluminum crochet hook as the plastic ones can bend/break which is very frustrating. There are ergonomic hooks like this one, or just a simple aluminum hook like this one. You will also need scissors which you may have at home already. Just be sure they are sharp; they do not need to be very large. If you plan to purchase scissors, I recommend craft scissors like these. You will also need a tapestry needle like this pack. For tapestry needles, I do find the plastic ones are easier to work with, but that is a personal preference between plastic and metal.

Join Nick Rosato, professional woodturner and owner of Vermont Peppermill, for this hands-on and step-by-step introduction to wood turning! In this two-session class, you’ll learn how to safely and confidently use a lathe to create projects of your choice—no prior woodworking or lathe experience required. Learn essential lathe safety, tool techniques, and how to create balanced, symmetrical designs will be covered. Whimsical, charming, and endlessly customizable! Wooden mushrooms and trees are a joy to make! In this fun and creative lathe class, Nick will show you how to turn both caps and stems and trees. Experiment with proportions, and create smooth, polished finishes. Perfect for garden décor, tabletop or mantle displays, and gifts. These projects are approachable and guaranteed to make you smile :) Bring your ideas, inspiration photos, or sketch. Each participant will have their own lathe to use during class, and wooden blanks (maple, birch or cherry) are included in the course fee. Feel free to bring your own wood if you want a specific or more pricey wood species. - Interested in a different project? With advance notice (email access@cvsdvt.org), students may use this class time to work on an alternate lathe project. - Experienced participants may work on targeted practice projects to advance their spindle turning tool skills and build confidence for independent work at home. Wear closed toed shoes, hat (hair tied back), and bring your own protective eye wear/goggles. No loose clothing, jewelry, or accessories! Note: Only 7 spots available per session. Min age: 16+

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful jewelry using specific tools and techniques. This multi-week class focuses on building confidence with basic metalsmithing skills through the repeated making of silver stud earrings. Students will learn and practice sawing, surface texturing, and soldering while creating several pairs of earrings over the course of the class. Working through the same process multiple times allows techniques to settle in and become more familiar. Repetition helps students improve accuracy, control, and comfort at the bench, while small variations in design keep the work engaging and personal. The class is designed to meet students where they are. Beginners will be guided step by step, and students with prior experience may move at their own pace or explore additional surface treatments as time allows. By the end of this 4-week series, most students can expect to leave with multiple pairs of silver stud earrings they can wear and enjoy or gift. All materials, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome! Age: 18+

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear of gift. Cuff bracelets have a long history across many cultures and have been worn for centuries as adornment, symbol, and everyday object. In this class, students will design and make a cuff bracelet of their own choosing in silver, copper, or brass. Students will begin by designing their piece, considering width, proportion, and how it sits on the wrist. Cuffs may be wide or narrow, minimal or more expressive — the scale and character are left open to personal preference. Throughout the process, students will learn and practice sawing, forming, and surface texturing techniques. In the final stages of the class, students may choose to patina their cuffs, adding color and contrast to the metal’s surface through controlled oxidation. By the end of the workshop, students will complete a cuff bracelet and gain a stronger understanding of working with metal. Choose your metal of choice at registration- Silver, Copper, or Brass (Prices reflect raw metal costs). All materials, metals, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome! Age: 18+ Students Cuff Bracelets