Handcrafted Ceramic Vessels

In this class, rising middle and high school students will explore the art of ceramic vessel-making, focusing on form, texture, and functionality. Using hand-building techniques, students will create sculptural and functional pieces while learning essential skills in shaping, glazing, and finishing. Any functional pieces will be glazed with dinnerware safe glaze, and will be safe for eating, drinking, holding fresh flowers, etc. All student works will be kiln-fired. Pickup of some clay projects may be scheduled after projects are fired.

What You'll Learn:

• Hand-Building Techniques – Explore slab, coil, and pinch methods to construct unique pieces.

• Surface Design & Texture – Incorporate carving, stamping, and glazing to enhance visual appeal.

• Functional & Decorative Approaches – Create vessels suited for everyday use or artistic display.

This class is ideal for both beginners and experienced artists who want to develop their skills in ceramics while crafting one-of-a-kind vessels. Supplies are included in the registration $150 fee (clay, glazes, etc.).

Book Binding: Patchwork Leather Travel Journal

In this class, rising middle and high school students will learn the fundamentals of bookbinding while crafting their own travel journal or sketchbook. Using both traditional and modern techniques, they will explore the process of folding, stitching, and assembling a personalized book—perfect for capturing sketches or notes.

Students will also learn the patchwork leather wrap technique, a sustainable method that repurposes scrap leather into a durable and visually unique book cover. By arranging, bonding, and reinforcing leather pieces, they will create a custom mosaic-style cover that adds both strength and artistic character to their sketchbook. Sketchbook can also be made of canvas, cloth or other repurposed materials. 

What You'll Learn:

• Bookbinding Basics – Understanding materials, tools, and stitching techniques.

• Patchwork Leather Wrap – Designing and assembling a unique leather cover from scraps.

• Hand-Stitching & Finishing – Strengthening seams and adding decorative details.

• Personalized Customization – Exploring closure options, embellishments, and finishing touches.
  
  

This class is ideal for students interested in DIY bookmaking, journaling, and crafting a one-of-a-kind leather-bound sketchbook. Supplies are included in the $150 registration fee.

This project transforms traditional pet portraits into bold, colorful, and stylized artworks that celebrate each pet’s unique personality. Using a combination of intricate patterns, vibrant color palettes, and mixed-media textures, these portraits go beyond realism, offering a whimsical and artistic interpretation of beloved animals.

What You'll Learn:

• Bold Colors & Patterns – Explore dynamic color schemes and intricate motifs that bring each portrait to life.

• Expressive Line Work – Emphasize character and personality through detailed and stylized outlines.

• Abstract & Collage Elements – Integrate geometric and organic shapes to create visually striking compositions.

• Personalized Artwork – Capture the essence of each pet through creative interpretation rather than strict realism.

This project is ideal for rising middle and high school  who are pet lovers, art enthusiasts, and those seeking a unique, custom portrait that blends modern illustration with artistic expression. Supplies are included in the $130 registration fee.

In this class, rising middle and high school students will explore the fundamentals of figure drawing, focusing on proportion, gesture, and anatomy to create expressive and dynamic human figures. Using structured techniques, students will develop confidence in capturing movement, posture, and character through quick sketches and refined studies.

What You'll Learn:

• Human Proportions & Structure – Understanding basic anatomical forms and how they relate to movement.

• Gesture Drawing – Capturing the essence of motion with quick, expressive sketches.

• Simplified Figure Construction – Using basic shapes and lines to build the human form.

• Character & Expression – Developing unique characters through pose and form.

This class is perfect for students interested in character design, animation, comics, or improving their ability to draw the human figure with accuracy and style. Supplies are included in the $130 registration fee.

In this class, rising middle and high school students will learn the fundamentals of portrait drawing, focusing on accurately capturing facial structure, expression, and detail. Through step-by-step guidance, students will explore proportions, shading techniques, and facial features, developing the skills needed to create realistic and expressive portraits.

What You'll Learn:

• Facial Proportions & Structure – Understanding measurement techniques for accuracy.

• Drawing Facial Features – Breaking down eyes, nose, lips, and ears into simple forms.

• Shading & Depth – Using light and shadow to create realism and dimension.

• Expressive Portraits – Capturing personality and emotion through subtle details.
  
  

This class is perfect for students interested in developing strong observational skills, refining their portrait techniques, or exploring personal artistic expression. Supplies are included in the $130 registration fee.