Course Listing

Kids CRE8! Wednesdays

Kids CRE8! Wednesdays is a youth arts program for kids 7-12.  CRE8! students will explore a variety of mediums throughout the program such as drawing, painting, fiber arts, basketry, pottery, and traditional arts.

CRE8! meets for 8 Wednesdays in June and July, 10-4 (no class July 3).

You can sign up for 8 sessions for $100 individual days at $15 each.

• Registration for the full 8 week Wednesday series begins May 1.
• Registration for individual Wednesday CRE8! sessions begins May 15.

Call us at (276) 236-3500 to register over the phone or stop by the school to register in person. Space is limited so register early - first come first served!

You can email us for more information at info@chestnutcreekarts.org, or by filling out the form on the Contact Us page.

Register Now

Glazes - What's In the Bucket?

June 20, 2013

Glazes - What's In the Bucket? with Ann Childress
Thursday, June 20
5:30 - 8:00 pm
Tuition: $31.25
Level: Beginner
Age: 16+

If you want to know a little more about what's in a glaze and why, then this class is for you.  This  2 ½ -hour long class will cover basic information about the components of Old Town Pottery's glazes and how they make the glaze 'fit' on the clay body.  Glaze terms frequently used in ceramic publications will be covered as well as how simple glazes are formulated. This 'snapshot' look at glazes will provide the basics of understanding glaze components and how they work together to make beautiful surfaces.  This is the first of a 2-part series on glazes and glazing.   This class and Glazing Tips & Tricks will cover different, but complementary material.  While it will be helpful to attend both, they are designed as stand alone classes.

Register by June 6 for a 10% tuition discount.

Register Now

Summer Plein Air Day

June 22, 2013

Summer Plein Air Day at Mt. Vale Vineyards
3222 Meadow Creek Rd, Galax, VA
June 22 (rain or shine)
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wine and Cheese Reception, Art Show and Wet-Paint Sale, 3:30 pm

Plein Air artists paint outdoors, working quickly to capture the light and complete their work in one day. The public is invited to come to this event to enjoy a glass of wine, stroll the grounds, and watch the artists paint.

There will be a wine and cheese reception,  art show and wet-paint sale of the work created that day beginning at 3:30 pm. This event is free and open to the public. Wine is available for purchase.

Artist registration begins at 8:00 am. The $15 registration fee includes lunch and a glass of wine.  Prizes are awarded during the reception. (1st-$150, 2nd-$100, 3rd-$50, People’s Choice-gift basket). There’s a wet-paint sale at the end of the day, so bring a frame!

This event is sponsored by Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, The Doctor's Inn, and Mt. Vale Vineyards.

Register Now

Kids CRE8! Saturdays

June 22, 2013

Kids CRE8! Saturdays is a youth arts program for kids 7-12.  CRE8! students will explore a variety of mediums throughout the program such as drawing, painting, fiber arts, basketry, pottery, and traditional arts.

CRE8! Saturdays will have 2 sessions on Saturday, June 22 and Saturday, July 13, 10-4. You sign up for each individually for $15 each day.

Registration will begin later in May once we have finalized the details. Once registration is open, please call us at (276)  236-3500 or stop by the school to register in person.

You can email us for more information at info@chestnutcreekarts.org, or by filling out the form on theContact Us page.

.        

Register Now

Glazing Tricks and Tips

June 22, 2013

Glazing Tricks and Tips with Ann Childress
Saturday, June 22
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Tuition: $31.25
Level: Beginner
Age: 16+

This 2 ½ -hour long class will cover  glaze application by dipping and pouring. Do your finished pots turn out looking very different even when you've glazed them with the same glaze?  This hands-on class will focus on learning how to apply glazes for more consistently successful results.   This is the second of a 2-part series on glazes and glazing.   While it will be helpful to understand the material presented in the first class, this second class is designed as a stand alone class.  Bring 3 to 5 clean, bisqued, waxed pots to class.

Register by June 8 for a 10% tuition discount.

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Hat Making

Hatmaking with Tatiana Rakhmanina
Thursday-Saturday, June 27-29 ,  9-5 each day
Tuition: $300
Material Fee: $60
Level: Beginner, Sewing Machine experience helpful
Age: 18+

Beautiful couture hats can be yours for the making! In this class you will learn to create cut-and-sew soft style hats, or you may choose to learn fascinator construction (ever wondered how in the world they stay on?!) Learn tricks of the millinery trade, shortcuts and uncommon use of materials such as found objects, vintage pieces, sticks, cloth pins, wire, etc. You will also learn to make hat decoration pieces, such as flowers and hat pins.

Skill level: all levels, although basic sewing machine knowledge would be helpful.

Materials: the instructor supplies all the necessary materials. Materials fee of $60 includes fabric and other supplies such as interfacing, wire, base materials, ribbons, feathers and such, enough to complete one hat. You may choose to buy extra supplies from the instructor.

It is advisable to bring your own sewing machine, if you have one.

Register by June 13 for a 10% discount on tuition.

When you click on "Register Now" for a multi-day class you will get a message telling you to choose a date to register. Click on the first date of the class, which will open the registration form. This registration is for the whole series, not an individual date.

Register Now

3D Glass Butterfly

June 29, 2013

3D Glass Butterfly with Emily Booth
Saturday, June 29, 9-4
Tuition: $75
Material Fee: $15
Level: Beginner
Age: Teen-Adult (12+)

Create a stained glass 3-d butterfly hung with wirework or made on a support to put in your flowerpot! Use a pattern, glass cutters, grinders, copper foil, solder, and a soldering iron. Take your project home with you that day! Materials are supplied so just bring your creativity!

Register by June 15 for 10% discount on tuition!

Register Now

Glazing Tips and Tricks

July 9, 2013

Glazing Tricks and Tips with Ann Childress
Tuesday, July 9
5:30-8:00
Tuition: $31.25
Level: Beginner
Age: 16+

This 2 ½ -hour long class will cover  glaze application by dipping and pouring. Do your finished pots turn out looking very different even when you've glazed them with the same glaze?  This hands-on class will focus on learning how to apply glazes for more consistently successful results.   This is the second of a 2-part series on glazes and glazing.   While it will be helpful to understand the material presented in the first class, this second class is designed as a stand alone class.  Bring 3 to 5 clean, bisqued, waxed pots to class.

Register by June 25 for a 10% tuition discount.

Register Now

Ceramic Garden Style

Ceramic Garden Style with Jessie Simpson
Thursdays, July 11 and 18
5:30-7:30 pm
Tuition: $50.00
Material Fee: $12.00 (payable to CCSA)
Level: Beginner
Age: All ages (under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)

Create a hand made windowsill planter in this beginner class.  Students will learn basic hand building and decorating techniques to craft a one-of-a-kind planter that can be used indoors or out.  Scrap pieces of clay won't be wasted: extra garden themed treats like plant markers and pot trays will be taught as well!  Children under age 12 need to be accompanied by an adult.

Register by June 27 for a 10% tuition discount.

When you click on "Register Now" for a multi-day class you will get a message telling you to choose a date to register. Click on the first date of the class, which will open the registration form. This registration is for the whole series, not an individual date.

Register Now

Painting On Location - Plein Air using Oils

 Painting on Location - Plein Air using Oils with Addren Doss
"The Color of Green"
Friday July 12 and Saturday July 13
8 am - 4 pm each day
Tuition: $200, + $15 fee (for lunch and beverages)
Material List Provided
Oil Painting Experience Required

This two-day course is an introduction to plein air painting - painting what you see in the out-of-doors, and finishing the painting in one day. Plein air is growing in popularity as more outdoor painting events are being scheduled all over the region.

Addren will discuss how to narrow down your focus when painting a scene, how to translate that scene to your painting, tips and tricks on how to deal with changing light and shadows throughout the day, and taking photo references to be used when you get back to the studio to finish the painting, or to use as a study for a studio piece.

The theme of this class is "The Color of Green" because there is so much green in the summer landscape, and seeing all the different shades and mixing them is a big part of plein air.  You will be working from a limited palette, and there will be NO green paint on it.

On Friday, the class will meet at Matthews Living History Farm Museum. Addren will do a demonstration in the morning, and students will have the rest of the day to work on their own paintings. The farm has great vistas, gardens, interesting buildings, and more, allowing each student to choose their own subject matter to paint.

On Saturday, the class will meet at another location at a private property in Grayson County to start another painting. This location will also have multiple points of interest to allow for individuality in painting subjects.

Register by June 28 for a 10% earlybird tuition discount!

Supply List – Plein Air Oil Painting Class 

I generally order my supplies from Jerry’s ArtARama (www.jerrysartarama.com) or Utrecht Art Supplies (www.Utrecht art.com).  Many of the supplies are also available at Cheap Joe’s Art Supply (www.cheapjoes.com).

Paint

I use Gamblin, Utrecht, and Rembrandt paint.  Windsor and Newton is also a very good brand.

• Alizarin Crimson
• Cadmium Red Light
• Burnt Sienna
• Indian Yellow (Gamblin only)
• Cadmium Yellow Light (Rembrandt or Utrecht) OR Cadmium Yellow Lemon (Windsor & Newton or Gamblin)
• Cobalt Blue
• Ultramarine Blue (French Ultramarine Blue)
• Titanium White – 2 small tubes or 1 large tube ( you use a lot of white)
• Optional -- Serves Blue (Rembrandt)

Brushes & Palette knife

I use filbert brushes and some flats -- Grand Prix by Silver Brush and Signet by Robert Simmons (both of these brands can be found at Jerry’s or Cheap Joes) You may use any good brand.  Your brush will directly impact how your paint lays down on the canvas.  I would recommend you start with Filberts and Flats.

• Get at least 2 in each size -- 2, 6, 8  Size 10 is optional.
• Your palette knife should be flexible (not the Liquitex brand).  I order mine from Jerry’s - Creative Mark size T-26.  This is a small diamond shaped blade about
• 1 ½ - 1 ¾ “ long.

Canvas and/or panels

For the plein air classes you need to use panels rather than stretched canvas.

• Size 9X12” or 8X10” is recommended until you are more experienced.  You will need several of these.
• You will need one 18X24” canvas to make a color chart -- this will be your homework after the class.

View Finder

I recommend the “Picture Perfect View Finder”.  It can be ordered directly from the manufacturer www.pictureperfectviewfinder.com  541-779-0723.

Paint Thinner/Medium

I do not use a separate painting medium, only odorless paint thinner - artist grade.

• You may choose between Gamsol or Turpenoid (can be ordered from Jerrys, Cheap Joe’s or Utrecht).
• If you choose Turpenoid get the silver/blue can, NOT the Turpenoid Natural in the green can (this is a good brush cleaner).

Palette

NO Paper Palettes.

• If using a French easel you may use the plastic box the paper palettes fit in, but put a piece of glass or plexi glass in the bottom (12X16”).
• I use a portable palette French Companion (small size) from Jerry’s, I also put a piece of glass with white drawing paper under it in these.

Miscellaneous

• A hat with large brim or a visor is a MUST
• Portable easel such as a French easel (full or ½ box) or pochade box with tripod**
• Paper Towels
• Small Glass Scraper
• Small palette cups or small tin cans for solvent
• Wet canvas or panel carrier (optional)
• Plastic bag for dirty towels (grocery bag)
• Baby Wipes
• Bug Spray
• Sun Screen

**If a student wants to take the class but does not have an outdoor easel it is possible to paint while sitting in a "beach chair" with your supplies spread around you on the ground.  You get a different perspective on the landscape, but that is OK.  I would not want the lack of a french easel or pochade box to stop someone who is truly interested.

Register Now

Painting on Location - Plein Air Watercolors with Kenneth Hobson

July 12, 2013

Painting on Location - Plein Air using Watercolors with Kenneth Hobson
Friday July 12
8 am - 4 pm 
Tuition: $100, + $7.50 fee (for lunch and beverages)
Material List Provided
Watercolor Painting Experience Required

This course is an introduction to plein air painting - painting what you see in the out-of-doors, and finishing the painting in one day. Plein air is growing in popularity as more outdoor painting events are being scheduled all over the region.

Ken will discuss how to narrow down your focus when painting a scene, how to translate that scene to your painting, tips and tricks on how to deal with changing light and shadows throughout the day, and taking photo references for future use.

The class will meet at Matthews Living History Farm Museum.  The farm has great vistas, gardens, interesting buildings, and more, allowing each student to choose their own subject matter to paint.

Register by June 28 for a 10% earlybird tuition discount!

More details coming soon on supplies and equipment you need to bring with you.

Register Now

Kids CRE8! Saturdays

July 13, 2013

Kids CRE8! Saturdays is a youth arts program for kids 7-12.  CRE8! students will explore a variety of mediums throughout the program such as drawing, painting, fiber arts, basketry, pottery, and traditional arts.

CRE8! Saturdays will have 2 sessions on Saturday, June 22 and Saturday, July 13, 10-4. You sign up for each individually for $15 each day.

Registration will begin later in May once we have finalized the details. Once registration is open, please call us at (276)  236-3500 or stop by the school to register in person.

You can email us for more information at info@chestnutcreekarts.org, or by filling out the form on theContact Us page

.        

Register Now

Glazes - What's in the Bucket?

July 13, 2013

Glazes - What's In the Bucket? with Ann Childress
Saturday, July 13
10:00 am-12:30 pm
Tuition: $31.25
Level: Beginner
Age: 16+

If you want to know a little more about what's in a glaze and why, then this class is for you.  This  2 ½ -hour long class will cover basic information about the components of Old Town Pottery's glazes and how they make the glaze 'fit' on the clay body.  Glaze terms frequently used in ceramic publications will be covered as well as how simple glazes are formulated. This 'snapshot' look at glazes will provide the basics of understanding glaze components and how they work together to make beautiful surfaces.  This is the first of a 2-part series on glazes and glazing.   This class and "Glazing Tips & Tricks" will cover different, but complementary material.  While it will be helpful to attend both, they are designed as stand alone classes.

Register by June 29 for a 10% tuition discount.

Register Now

Set Your Place

Set Your Place: Four Pieces to Use Everyday with Jessie Simpson
Tuesdays, July 16 -Aug 6
5:30-7:30 pm
Level: Intermediate (some throwing experience - comfortable centering clay)
Tuition: $100
Material Fee: $25 (payable to CCSA)

Learn to throw everything you need to set a place at the table: dinner and salad plates, bowl, and choice of tumbler or mug.  Each week will be devoted to one element of the table setting, with plenty of time at Open Studio to refine your work..and throw more!  The last class will be dedicated to glazing the finished pieces.  Students need to have some throwing experience, and be comfortable centering and working in a group setting.

Register by July 2 for a 10% tuition discount.

When you click on "Register Now" for a multi-day class you will get a message telling you to choose a date to register. Click on the first date of the class, which will open the registration form. This registration is for the whole series, not an individual date.

Register Now

It's About Time - Clay Clocks

It's About Time - Make a Great Clay Clock! with Ann Childress
Saturdays, July 20 and 27
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Tuition: $62.50
Material Fee: $5 (Payable to CCSA) + $8 (Payable to Instructor)
No Experience Required
Age: Teen-Adult (15+)

While it seems like a simple concept, clocks can be a little tricky to make.  This 5 hour class will provide easy solutions for placing numerals, determining center hole size and placement, and other elements that will make all your clocks easy to build, easy to read, easy to display and look great on the wall or desk. Students will make one clock each.

Register by July 6, 2013 for a 10% Earlybird Discount.

When you click on "Register Now" for a multi-day class you will get a message telling you to choose a date to register. Click on the first date of the class, which will open the registration form. This registration applies to the whole series, not just the date you clicked on.

Register Now

Make a Gourd Banjo

Make a Gourd Banjo with Jeff Menzies
Sunday-Saturday, July 21-27
Sunday, July 21, 7-8:30 pm - meet at CCSA, 100 N Main St, Galax for an orientation and discussion of design options
Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26,  9-5 each day at Matthews Living History Farm
Saturday, July 27, 9-11:30 at Matthews Living History Farm
Tuition: $550
Material Fee: $140 (payable to instructor)
Level: Beginner
Age: 18+

The banjo started out as a homemade instrument, often made from gourds with a tackhead construction. They have a beautiful deep sound, and are beautiful to look at as well. Jeff Menzies has been making gourd, tackehead and minstrel banjos for many years, and known also for his banjo-making workshops.

In this workshop, you will make a gourd banjo from start to finish. No woodworking experience is required - Jeff walks the class through each and every process in great detail.

This class will be held at Matthews Living History Farm Museum, 476 White Pine Rd, Galax.

Register by July 7 for a 10% Earlybird tuition discount.

When you click on "Register Now" for a multi-day class you will get a message telling you to choose a date to register. Click on the first date of the class, which will open the registration form. This registration is for the whole series, not an individual date.

Register Now

Basic Acrylics

July 27, 2013

Back to Basics - Acrylic Painting Techniques with Karen Sewell
Saturday, July 27, 9-4
Tuition: $75
Material Fee: $20 or list
Level: Beginner
Age: Teen-Adult (16+)

Work on a small painting while learning the basics of painting with acrylics, including perspective, value and composition, while playing with mediums and exploring color. Bring your own reference photos - landscapes or still-lifes. Wear old clothing.

Register by July 13 and receive a 10% discount on tuition.

Material List (bring your own, or pay the $20 fee to have the instructor provide them):

• Canvas or board up to 16x20
• Basic acrylic palette of colors:  white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, sap green, burnt sienna, cad or lemon yellow
• Brushes

Additional items to bring:

• 1 or 2 water containers to wash brushes
• paper towels
• reference photos

Register Now

Watercolor Pure and Simple - August 24

August 24, 2013

Watercolor Pure and Simple with Kenneth Hobson
Saturday, August 24, 10-4
Tuition: $62.50
Material list provided
Level: Beginner-Intermediate

Learn to paint landscape elements such as trees, mountains, water, buildings, birds, and leaves using watercolors, and incorporate them in your own landscape painting. Composition, focal point, value and color will be discussed. You may bring your own photos to use as reference material.

SUPPLY LIST:

Watercolors (tubes are best)

• Payne's Grey
• Burnt Sienna
• Cadmium Yellow
• Sap Green
• Cadmium Red
• Alizarin Crimson
• Ultramarine Blue

Paper

• 90 lbs or 140 lbs watercolor paper (Micheals has a Strathmore spiral bound pad with a brown cover this is quite reasonable with a coupon)

Brushes (minimum)

• #6 round brush
• 1/2" or 1" flat brush

Other Miscellaneous

• Pencil
• Eraser
• Palette - an inexpensive plastic palette, or a styrofoam dinner plate

Materials should be available from a store like Michaels, or online from Jerry's Artarama or Cheap Joe's.

Register by August 10 and receive a 10% discount on your tuition.

Register Now

Painting on Location - Plein Air using Pastels

Painting on Location - Plein Air using Pastels with Addren Doss
Friday September 27 and Saturday September 28
8 am - 4 pm each day
Tuition: $200, + $15 fee (for lunch and beverages)
Material List Provided
Pastel Painting Experience Required

This two-day course is an introduction to plein air painting - painting what you see in the out-of-doors, and finishing the painting in one day. Plein air is growing in popularity as more outdoor painting events are being scheduled all over the region.

Addren will discuss how to narrow down your focus when painting a scene, how to translate that scene to your painting, tips and tricks on how to deal with changing light and shadows throughout the day, and taking photo references to be used when you get back to the studio to finish the painting, or use it as a study for a studio piece.

On Friday, the class will meet at an outdoor location TBD. Addren will do a demonstration in the morning, and students will have the rest of the day to work on their own paintings. The location will have great vistas, flora, interesting buildings, and more, allowing each student to choose their own subject matter to paint.

On Saturday, the class will meet at another location at a private property in Grayson County to start another painting. This location will also have multiple points of interest to allow for individuality in painting subjects.

Register by September 13 for a 10% earlybird tuition discount!

More details coming soon on supplies and equipment you need to bring with you.

When you click on "Register Now" for a multi-day class you will get a message telling you to choose a date to register. Click on the first date of the class, which will open the registration form. This registration is for the whole series, not an individual date.

Register Now

Fall Plein Air Day

October 19, 2013

Fall Plein Air Day at Mt. Vale Vineyards
3222 Meadow Creek Rd, Galax, VA
October 19 (rain or shine)
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wine and Cheese Reception, Art Show and Wet-Paint Sale, 3:30 pm

Plein Air artists paint outdoors, working quickly to capture the light and complete their work in one day. The public is invited to come to this event to enjoy a glass of wine, stroll the grounds, and watch the artists paint.

There will be a wine and cheese reception,  art show and wet-paint sale of the work created that day beginning at 3:30 pm. This event is free and open to the public. Wine is available for purchase.

Artist registration begins at 8:00 am. The $15 registration fee includes lunch and a glass of wine.  Prizes are awarded during the reception. (1st-$150, 2nd-$100, 3rd-$50, People’s Choice-gift basket). There’s a wet-paint sale at the end of the day, so bring a frame!

This event is sponsored by Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, The Doctor's Inn, and Mt. Vale Vineyards.

Register Now