Access At CVUHS

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

In this 4- session intro to oil painting course you will cover a variety of oil painting techniques and will work on one landscape painting over the course of the workshop. 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."

Tap into your inner artist and try a new style of painting using oil paints and palette-knives! During this one-night course, Fia will teach you the basic properties of oil painting and color application. Using only a palette knife, you will create a modern round impressionist-style painting, "September on Lake Champlain" Grab a friend for this fun evening and take home a masterpiece! All materials, including oil paints, are included in the fee. Option to paint an 8" round or 8X8 square will be available. Please bring a box or container to transport your masterpiece as oil paints take a long time to dry. Wear clothing that may get dirty, and feel free to bring a non-alcoholic beverage! No previous art experience necessary. All levels welcomed! Minimum age: 16+ "I had fun painting with oil! It’s so forgiving compared to other styles. I would recommend this class to others!"

If you are just beginning your journey in pottery, or if you have some experience, but want to learn more while you work independently, then join artist, Lisa Bresler on Wednesday's and get ready to create! During these 10-weeks you will learn new pottery skills, refine your techniques, and create beautiful ceramics with as much instruction as you need. Focus will be mostly wheel throwing, but for those that prefer hand-building you will have all the support 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 have access to 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 the provided glazes and clay are allowed in the studio. BONUS: Free access to "Open Studio" on Monday evenings 5pm-8pm starting Sept 29-Dec 22. No open studio on 11/24. Recommended minimum age: High School.

Looking for a striking and gorgeous way to decorate for Autumn (and Halloween) that doesn’t involve carving fresh pumpkins? Using only sharpies and craft pumpkins, this class will show you how to use different Zentangle “tangles” to adorn your pumpkin. Zentangle combines drawing intricate lines, curves, and orbs and uses them in repetitive patterns. Encourage your creative expression with this fun and relaxing method of drawing. You will be shown how to draw a variety of tangles then choose the ones you like to use on your pumpkin. Previous Zentangle experience is not required. All materials are included in the fee. Min age: 14+

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear of gift. Riveting is a process where two or more pieces of metal are connected without heat. There are several types of rivets. This class focuses on the basic rivet; a metal pin with a shank and two nail heads that holds two or more pieces of metal together. Once the basic rivet is secured with a hammer, the parts are permanently immobilized. In this class, students will create a sterling silver pendant. In addition to riveting, students will learn how to saw using a jeweler’s saw, file, sand, anneal (soften metal), apply texture and patina. On the last day of class, we will discuss the students’ finished projects as a group. We’ll also discuss creating a setup for those who wish to continue practicing their riveting skills at home. Students will leave this class with handmade jewelry, a better understanding of basic riveting, the resources needed to order the proper materials and the knowledge to create a small riveting set-up of their own. All materials, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome! Age: 18+ (Photos are examples of designs using the riveting process)

Have fun creating a trio of small decorative pumpkins using needle felting tools and techniques. No experience necessary! Felting is a great way to unwind and encourage your creativity – come have some fun with felt! Includes all materials. An assortment of wool colors will be available to choose from. Participants will go home with 3 needle felted pumpkins. For ages 13 and older. Please be advised that needle felting requires the use of very sharp needles.

Watercolor 2 continues your foundational skill-building in mixing colors, layering washes, and design composition. If you have some knowledge of watercolor, but want to "brush" up on you skills then this 10 session (20 hour) course is for you! Ginny will use guided photos and content for this class. If you would prefer to use your own projects, that is possible as well, or you can join Watercolor Studio on Wed evenings. All ages and levels welcome! Quality materials are important in watercolor and we can supply you with brushes to keep and a reasonable amount of paint and paper. If you need a supply kit, please choose the option, "Including Supply Kit," when registering. "Ginny Joyner is that rare combination -- she is both an excellent artist AND and a skilled teacher. This "I don't have an artistic bone in my body" old lady had an amazing experience and learned to love painting. Ginny creates an atmosphere where all sorts of unexpected growth just happens!" - student "Not only do Ginny's classes help foster a regular practice of creativity, but she's an incredibly gifted teacher. She creates a supportive, inclusive environment that helps folks of all abilities / styles discover their creativity and learn new watercolor techniques. I've taken her classes multiple times and will definitely be back for more!" Ginny Joyner- Fall

Thinking about taking the Charcuterie Board class but never used power tools before? 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. Whether you’re preparing for a project class or simply want to learn how to safely use basic tools at home for just about any DIY project, this class will give you the foundation you need. Focus of the Class:hop 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 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. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to choose which tools you want to focus on — from basic hand tools to more advanced power tools — so the class meets 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) Router or trim router (edge profiles, grooves) Table saw (ripping and crosscutting boards) Band saw (curves, resawing) Drill press (precision holes) Planer & jointer (flattening and smoothing boards) 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, baseball hat is recommended, and no open toed shoes. This class is for ages 18+ with little to no experience in woodworking or shop environments — especially those planning to take the Charcuterie Board class, as well as anyone who wants to learn safe, effective use of basic tools for home or hobby projects.

Do you have plant in your home that could use some elevation? A perfect and beautiful solution is a macramé plant hanger! Make them for yourself as well as learn how to craft them for gifts. Overall measurement is 48" and will hold am 8-10" pot. In this 2-session workshop, learn basic knowledge of materials and how to read a macramé pattern. Natural colored cord will be used for this workshop and is included in the fee. However, should you prefer a colored cord feel free to purchase 1 of the 4mm x 109Yards HERE. Age 16+ Macrame Plant Hanger

Join the barn quilt movement! Immerse yourself in this hands-on class and learn to make your own Painted Mini Barn Quilt for inside your home or office! Ever wonder how it’s done? Well, now’s your chance to find out! Kelley Robie, of Horsetail Herbs, will provide the tools, materials, and techniques for making this creative project. Choose your pattern and paint colors, then get to work creating your unique piece of barn quilt therapy on a primed wooden 10-inch by 10-inch board. Kelley will also provide a selection of dried herbs to adorn your quilt. Barn quilts add coziness and character to any space, whether in your home, on the porch, on a shed, or on the barn! Get ready to have some fun and get creative!

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear of gift. Over the course of-4 sessions, you will learn the basics of jewelry making and maybe leave with not only a beautiful ring, but also new hobby! Rings can be fabricated using wire and sheet. In this class, students will be using a sterling 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. Only 6 spots available! Age: 18+ Textured Silver Ring Band (example)