Classes
Classes
Welcome to Farmington Valley Arts Center Classes and Workshops. Click on any area of interest below to find the classes you are looking for. ✵Members save 10% for a year on tuition.
Registration
Please register online by clicking on the "Register here" button or fill out the online form here and send a check.
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Payment
• Pay online with a click on the "Register here" button
• Send a check to FVAC, 25 Arts Center Lane, Avon, CT 06001
• Phone registration 860-678-1867
Exploring Abstract and Semi Abstract Painting
Learn the process to develop the freedom to create. Discover how exploring and “playing” with abstract painting is one of the best approaches to create non-objective artworks with an array of possibilities. In this class, we will learn some basic techniques and an easy way to apply the principles and elements of design to produce effortless, but well-structured art. If you like the works of Wassily Kandinsky, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, this class is for you. In addition, we will also discuss and learn why even to this day artists like these are still very important and relevant in the art world. Min. 3 / Max. 8 students. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: Beginners and Intermediates
Tuition: $215 Non-Members / 193.50 Members
6 Mondays, September 9 - October 14, 2019, 1-4PM
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Contemporary Acrylic Painting
Art lovers, explore your creative side in this contemporary beginner acrylic painting class. Learn a few easy painting techniques, composition and color and how to use them effectively. Very different from “Traditional painting” this class is very loose and geared to learn to create works that are not intended for accuracy but for an emotional punch. We will discuss artists like Richard Diebenkorn (see image), Frank Auerbach, Leon Gottlieb, and their works. Please be advised, this class might discuss paintings that contain imagery of the nude body. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: Beginners and Intermediates
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Mondays, September 9 - October 14, 2019, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
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All Medium Painting
Creativity is what it's all about! Whatever your level, you can improve your work with Deborah’s easy teaching style, tips, and guidance. Students will explore the flexibility of their preferred medium. Everyone has a unique style and in class, you’ll discover yours! Students will have the freedom to experiment and find satisfaction with their work. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Deborah Leonard
Level: All levels welcome
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Tuesdays, September 3 - October 15, 2019, 1-3PM (no class 10/8)
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Beyond Watercolor FUN-damentals
A watercolor class for students who have completed the 6 week Watercolor Fundamentals session and wish to greater enhance their skills. Students will focus on working from a mix of intricate still lives and personal projects they wish to complete. Mo will guide each student on their individual watercolor journey and help them reach their artistic goals. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Mo Myra Giannola
Level: Advanced and students looking to enhance their skills
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Tuesdays, August 20 - September 24, 2019, 7-9 PM
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6 Tuesdays, October 1 - November 5, 2019, 7-9 PM
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WATER MEDIA! Advanced
This class is for the intermediate to advanced student looking to sustain or improve their watercolor, acrylic or water-soluble oil painting techniques in a supportive environment. Min. 3 / Max. 10 students. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Carolann Dvorak-Brewer
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Tuition: $285 Non-Members / 256.50 Members
8 Tuesdays, September 3 - October 22, 2019, 9AM - 12PM
Waitlist call 860-678-1867
8 Wednesdays, September 4 - October 23, 2019, 9AM - 12PM
Waitlist call 860-678-1867
WATER MEDIA! Painting Basics
Learn to use watercolor, acrylic, and water-soluble oil paints, and decide which one is for you. Concepts such as shading, color mixing, subject selection, and composition will be demystified. We will also experiment with the historic casein paint that dates back to the 11th century! Min. 3 / Max. 9 students Download materials list here.
Instructor: Carolann Dvorak-Brewer
Level: Beginners
Tuition: $285 Non-Members / 256.50 Members
8 Wednesdays, September 4 - October 23, 2019, 12:30PM - 3:30PM
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OPEN EASEL STUDIO
FVAC’s Open Easel Studios are intended for students who are working on a painting or drawing at home and would like to receive some feedback from an instructor and reflect their goals with others. All skill levels and all types of mediums are welcome. Bring your painting/drawing and your own supplies. A professional artist/instructor will be in the classroom from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, and you will be able to use the studio until 4:00 pm. Drop-Ins welcome!
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: All levels welcome
Tuition: $285 Non-Members / 256.50 Members / Drop-In: $40/$36
8 Wednesdays, September 11 - October 30, 2019, 12:30 - 4PM
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Ways with Watercolor
Experience watercolor painting in all its exciting forms. Demonstrations by your instructor will take you along a journey from traditional to modern, from wet in wet to puddled paint, to drybrush, collage, and much more. Fun new techniques will be introduced each week. You will have opportunities to explore your personal vision with hands-on guidance. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Carolann Dvorak-Brewer
Level: All levels welcome
Tuition: $215 Non-Members / 193.50 Members (6 weeks)
6 Thursdays, September 5 - October 10, 2019, 9AM - 12PM
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Watercolor FUN-damentals BEGINNERS
Learn the fundamentals of exploring and playing with watercolors. Students will watch informative demonstrations, learn how to set up a painting from start to finish, and work from still life. Mo will also walk students through drawing challenges and show you how to check for accuracy before turning your work into a watercolor. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Mo Myra Giannola
Level: Beginners and students looking to enhance their skills
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Thursdays, August 8 - September 12, 2019, 7-9 PM
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6 Thursdays, September 19 - October 24, 2019, 7-9 PM
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Mastering Pastel
Learn how to dispel the myths and mysteries of pastel. This course will teach you how to design and plan your painting, visualizing shapes of light and shadow. Learn a variety of block-in techniques including watercolor, charcoal and the direct use of pastel. We will also learn how to vary strokes, render texture and reflections, and how to maintain freshness and vibrancy throughout the painting. Color and form interpretation from photographs will also be taught. The instructor’s demonstration and specific individual instruction will provide the student the understanding to become a confident pastelist. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Karen Israel
Level: All levels welcome
Tuition: $215 Non-Members / $193.50 Members
6 Fridays, October 18 - December 13, 2019, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
(no class 11/8, 11/22, 11/29)
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Painting Basics
Students wishing to work in Acrylic, Watercolor or Pastel are welcome. The basics of painting including: color mixing, paint application, drawing, and composition, will be addressed in this course. Subject matter will include landscape, still life, and portraiture. Students are encouraged to express creativity and personal vision. Min. 3 / Max. 9 students. Download material list here.
Instructor: Paul Iezzi
Level: All
Tuition: $285 Non-Members / 256.50 Members
8 Saturdays, August 10 - October 5, 2019 2-5 PM (no class 8/31)
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8 Saturdays, October 12 - December 7, 2019 2-5 PM (no class 11/30)
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Sketching Architecture
This class will introduce students to some of the basics of creating handmade architectural drawings. Students will learn about the principles and elements of design, perspective, how to work with the tools and the importance of observation. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Mondays, September 9 - October 14, 2019, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Urban Sketchers
On-Location drawing for sketchers who love to draw the towns and places where they live. We'll be focusing on three important areas, how to speak the language of sketching, the value between "practical seeing" and "learning to see as the artist sees", and how to apply the fundamentals of art and design to create sketches that say something. We'll be sketching mostly outdoors.
Materials: 5.5"x8.5" or 7"x10" sketch pad, #4b pencil, any waterproof black pen, any eraser, watercolors (your preference)
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: Intermediate and Advanced
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Wednesdays, August 21 - September 25, 2019, 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
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Figure Drawing
Learn to draw the human figure using a variety of media including charcoal, pastels, ink, and pencil. Hone or find your ability to "see" through an artist's eye working with a new live model each week. Personal growth and self-expression are developed through this beginner-friendly series of classes focused on lessons such as gesture, contour, and proportion. Please be advised: live nude art models are the focus of this drawing class. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Paul Iezzi
Level: All
Tuition including $35 model fee: $180 Non-Members / 165.50 Members
4 Wednesdays, August 21 - September 18, (no class 8/28), 7-10 PM
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4 Wednesdays, September 25 - October 16, 2019, 7-10 PM
4 Wednesdays, October 23 – November 13, 2019, 7-10 PM
4 Wednesdays, November 20 – December 18, 2019 (no class 11/27), 7-10 PM
Classical Drawing Skills
Experience an awareness of the necessary components needed to draw a successful three-dimensional, representational drawing using graphite, pen and ink, charcoal and/or pastels. Generate confidence in your drawing by having exciting interactive creative exercises each week. Working from still life, exploring the landscape, the human figure and capturing intriguing composition at all levels of experience. Empower your abilities to create by working alongside others encountering the same discoveries. Bring a sketchbook and draw with us! Min. 3 / Max. 10 students. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Carolann Dvorak-Brewer
Level: All levels welcome
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Thursdays, September 5 - October 10, 2019, 12:30PM - 2:30PM
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Basic Drawing Evening
This class is about learning the importance of knowing and understanding the difference between looking and observing to create and draw with accuracy. Students will learn some techniques absolutely necessary to observe and draw with almost perfect accuracy. Students will learn about the importance of understanding their subject and how to perceive it; how to make the fundamental mental shift vital to unleashing their creative side; how to stay in creative mode, connected and fully engaged with their subject. Students will also learn about the importance of measuring and how to do it. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: Beginners to Intermediates and painters in need of sharpening their drawing skills and improve structure.
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Thursdays, September 5 - October 10, 2019 , 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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Basic Drawing
This class is about learning the importance of knowing and understanding the difference between looking and observing to create and draw with great accuracy. Students will learn some techniques absolutely necessary to observe and draw with almost perfect accuracy. Students will learn about the importance of understanding their subject and how to perceive it; how to make the fundamental mental shift vital to unleashing their creative side; how to stay in creative mode, connected and fully engaged with their subject. Students will also learn about the importance of measuring and how to do it. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: Beginners to Intermediates and painters in need of sharpening their drawing skills and improve structure.
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Saturdays, September 7 - October 12, 2019, 10AM - 12PM
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NEW CLASS! iPhone Photography, Make It Work For You Part 2!
Students who have already taken the beginning iPhone class with Andy Mars will be eligible to take the new class. You will discover more artistic photo apps that will take your iPhone photos to the next level. Learn more advanced tips using some of the iPhone apps you have now. Students are required to have an iPhone 6/6S or later &/or an iPad with the option to purchase photo apps for a few dollars (average $2-5) for your devices. Bring your iPhone &/or an iPad (batteries charged and remember your Apple id/passwords for downloading apps).
Instructor: Andy Mars
Location: Studio 1B
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / $130.50 Members
6 Saturdays, September 21 - October 26, 2019, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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NEW CLASS! Create And Self Publish Your Own Photo Book
Art and photography students will be using Blurb’s BookWright software to create personal photo books. Give a unique gift for the holidays or special occasions. The book can serve as a portfolio to showcase your best work. You are required to bring a laptop to every class and preferably have the BookWright software installed by the first class. You will be choosing photos of a body of work. These can be a special event such as an anniversary or birthday party, travel images or your best artwork. We will discuss in class how to edit these images to use in your book! Additional cost for a 40 page, soft cover 8x10” book is ~$50. You will be charged directly once you place your order online.
Instructor: Professional Photographer Andy Mars
Location: Studio 1B
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / $130.50 Members
6 Saturdays, September 21 - October 26, 2019, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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The Basics of Digital Photography
Are you Digital Photography Challenged (DPC)? Take the test: Do you take cockeyed and boring photos? Are your photos off-center like some of your dearest friends? Are you clueless about how to edit a photo? Do you think shutter speed refers to how fast your window treatments close? If you have answered yes to any of these symptoms of DPC take this class! Is your camera (DSLR, Point & Shoot &/or Mirrorless) still in the box or you tried using it a few times and it ended up in the closet? Well, it’s time to blow off the dust! You will learn tips on photo composition and what the buttons do on your camera. You will get better quality images by learning about shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings. Discover simple editing techniques for the best exposure and how to pick out the most successful photos in your collection.
Instructor: Andy Mars
Location: Studio 1B
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / $130.50 Members
6 Sundays, September 22 - October 27, 2019, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Photoshop For Beginners
Do you want to make ordinary photos extraordinary? Learn how to edit your images adjusting contrast, highlights/shadows, hue/saturation, etc. so they look the best. Learn how to "tell a story" by using multiple images in a collage. Discover how to add textures to your photos by using masks, layers and blend modes for the wow factor!
Class requirement: A laptop with Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop subscription installed. (Note: After the class, you can cancel the monthly subscription, ~$10.) The photos you want to work within the class should be on your laptop.
Instructor: Andy Mars
Location: Studio 1B
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / $130.50 Members
6 Saturdays, November 2 - December 14 (no class 11/30), 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Interior Design
Learn the design principles used by professional decorators! This interactive class discusses space planning, furniture placement, color selection, furniture style and construction, lighting and accessories.
Session 1: Acquire the skill to measure and draw a floor plan to scale. Learn about ideal dimensions for furniture placement.
Session 2: We'll discuss walls, trim, floors and window treatments and how to consider them in your color scheme. What is your style? Modern, Contemporary, Minimalist, Industrial, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian, Traditional, Transitional...
Session 3: Donna explains the importance of lighting, patterns and textures and how to choose fabrics and fibers, leather, woods, veneers, and other materials. Be a designer and put together a room with examples of textiles and color samples.
Session 4: Tips and tricks on adding personality to your living space with accessories.
Instructor: Donna Miller
Level: All
Tuition: $120 Non-Members / $108 Members
Materials Fee: An optional step by step workbook to create successful, individual and beautiful rooms is available to participants for $20 (payable to instructor).
4 Thursdays, September 26 - October 17, 2019, 9:30 AM -11:30 PM
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4 Thursdays, September 26 - October 17, 2019, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Beading Techniques
This course is a 4-week introduction to a range of beading techniques. Learn how to graph and weave geometric or abstract patterns on a simple tabletop loom. Learn the basics of peyote stitch, a versatile needle and thread process. Explore a variety of bead embroidery techniques such as backstitch, couching, fringe. Experiment with bead mosaics, using polymer clay and glue. A $20 material fee is payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Participants will need to bring:
- Sharp Scissors
- Colored pencils
Instructor: Peggy Dembicer
Location: Classroom 9A (Building 27)
Tuition: $120 Non-Members/ $108 Members
Materials Fee: $20 payable to the instructor
Mondays, October 7 - November 4, 2019 (no class 10/14), 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
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Holiday Pop-Up Cards Workshop
Create your own unique pop-up cards in time for the holidays! This workshop will cover simple paper engineering techniques that can be converted into holiday-themed cards. Basic popup templates will be provided, and students are encouraged to embellish and create their own designs. Min/Max students: 3/15
Instructor: Yoojin Kim
Location: Classroom 3A
Tuition per Person: $45 Non-Members/ $40.50 Members
Materials Fee: $20 payable to the instructor
Sunday, December 1, 2019, 12-3 PM
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