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• Send a check to FVAC, 25 Arts Center Lane, Avon, CT 06001
• Phone registration 860-678-1867

PaintingDrawingPhotographyCeramicsWorkshopsArt PartiesGrouponYouth Classes

For those who enjoy both nature and painting, we have combined the two in our newest plein air watercolor class. Students will enjoy painting from the beautiful landscape surrounding the Farmington Valley Arts Center. Our final class will be held at the rose gardens in Elizabeth Park. Mo, an experienced watercolor plein air painter, will walk students through a painting from start to finish. We will discuss the importance of observing from life, learn about setting up a composition, watercolor application, paint mixing and finally painting critiques. Download materials list here.

Instructor: Mo Myra Giannola
Level: Beginners and students looking to enhance their skills
Tuition: $215 Non-Members / 193.50 Members

6 Mondays, October 29 - December 3, 9 AM -12 PM

The joy of painting abstract art begins with the process of exploring, “playing” and freeing your mind from representational tendencies. With a few easy techniques using shapes, contrast, color, texture and more, you will discover an array of possibilities to design and intuitively create artworks with structure and a voice of their own. If you like the works of Robert Motherwell, Lee Krasner, Helen Frankenthaler, this class is for you. In addition, we will also consider 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: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members

6 Thursdays, October 25 – December 6 (no 11/22), 7-9PM

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. Download materials list here.

Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: Beginners and Intermediates
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members

6 Mondays, October 15 – November 19, 2018, 7:00 – 9:00 PM



6 Mondays, November 26 – January 14, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
(no class 12/24, 12/31)

From still lives to photography, learn how to use the world around you to compose a beautiful painting. With the traditional medium of oil paint, this class will begin with still life observation. The first 3 classes will be dedicated to producing a completed painting (or two) from the provided still life. We will focus on dynamic compositions, color and application of paints. The last 3 weeks will be left up to the artist if they are interested in working from photographs or continuing from life. Either way, artists will meet their paintings with vigor and excitement. There is lots to discover about the rhythm of painting!
With a mixture of one-on-one time, class discussions, and readings, everyone will leave with a renewed sense of what motivates them to be an artist. This painting class welcomes all levels interested in expanding their painting practice or looking for new inspiration. Download materials list here.

Instructor: Julie Weaver
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Class maximum: 8 / class minimum: 3
Tuition: $180 Non-Members / $162 Members

6 Tuesdays, September 11 – October 16, 6:00 - 8:30 PM

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, November 1 – December 13, 7-9 PM (no 11/22)

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 5 - November 16, 9AM - 12PM (no class 10/26)

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, September 15 - November 3, 2-5 PM



8 Saturdays, November 17 - January 19, 2019 2-5 PM
(no class 11/24 & 12/29)

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. Download materials list here.

Instructor: Paul Iezzi
Level: All
Tuition including $35 model fee: $180 Non-Members / 165.50 Members

4 Wednesdays, October 17 - November 7, 7-10 PM



4 Wednesdays, November 14 - December 12, 7-10 PM no class 11/21

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, October 18 – November 29 (no 11/22), 12:30-2:30 PM

The intent of this class is to give the student a sound understanding of how creating lifelike and hyperrealistic drawings is done by using basic methods and theory. We will learn about the difference between Photorealism and Hyperrealism, the different processes of transferring images from photographs, how to use and apply the materials, techniques to render realistic forms, and how to create textures like hair and skin with a layering approach. We will cover tonal value relationship, drawing details and different kinds of contrast to achieve a balanced visual interest. Download materials list here.

Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members

6 Fridays, September 28 – November 2, 1-3 PM



6 Fridays, November 9 - December 21, 1-3 PM (no class 11/23)

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 unleash 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 intermediate and art students in need of sharpening their drawing skills.
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members

6 Saturdays, November 3 – December 15, 10AM - 12PM (no class 11/24)

Come experience the rewarding process of working with clay and creating unique pieces! Beginner students will learn the fundamentals like handbuilding techniques of pinch, coil, and slab. Advanced students explore more complex forms, both functional and sculptural. Applied textures, colored slips, and glazing applications will be demonstrated as well.

Instructor Mon, Tue: Pedro Centeno
Instructor Sat: Paola Evangelista
Experience Level: All Levels
Materials fee for 25 lbs clay, glaze and firing payable to instructor: $35.
Tuition: $225 Non-Members / 202.50 Members (tuition includes the use of the ceramic room during open studio hours as long as a student is enrolled in a clay class.)

6 Mondays, September 24 - October 29, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM



6 Tuesdays, September 25 - October 30, 6:00 – 8:30 PM



6 Saturdays, September 29 - November 3, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Looking for something new and fun to do on a Friday night with friends or a significant other? Always wanted to try your hand at clay, but without the commitment of an 8-week class? Then our Friday night clay session is for you. Come play with clay for two hours, learning basic handbuilding techniques in a fun and supportive environment. Bring a bottle of wine, some snacks, and get creative!

Instructors: Pedro Centeno
Tuition: $39 per person includes materials and firing of one piece
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Do you have a camera (DSLR, Point & Shoot &/or Mirrorless) that is 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
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / $130.50 Members

6 Wednesdays, October 10 - November 14, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Learn how to use your iPhone camera to take high quality photos and how to edit them with some of the best photo apps into stunning works of art! The instructor will teach you how to control your exposure by learning about shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings. You will also discover fun filters, textures, and apps that will help bring out your creativity. Students are required to have an iPhone 5/5S or later or an iPad. Photo apps will cost between $2 and $4.99 to download.

Instructor: Andy Mars
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / $130.50 Members

6 Saturdays, October 6 - November 10, 10 AM - 12 PM

Zentangle is a method of creating abstract art through structured patterns. The drawing of these repetitive patterns can be soothing and meditative while increasing creativity and confidence. Anyone can be an artist using this method! You will first learn basic Zentangle patterns and build upon the methods taught. You will also learn how to blend tangles like colors to create interesting and pleasing tiles that look intricate but are easy to create.

Instructor: Certified Zentangle Teacher Laura Marks
Level: All
Tuition: Non-Members $95 / Members $85.50
Materials fee: $20 payable to instructor for a Zentangle starter kit that includes official Zentangle tiles, pencil, micron pen, tortillioin and muslin pouch to hold supplies

4 Mondays, October 22 – November 12, 2018, 6-8 PM

In this introductory metalworking class, students will learn how to create folds, ripples, and waves in metal to transform 2D metal blanks into beautiful, unique 3D forms. A variety of blanks will be provided, from basic shapes to leaf patterns. Students will also learn how to add paint, wire and beads to turn their 3D forms into finished pendants, earrings, and charms. Please bring a pair of round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, and wire cutters to class. All other tools and materials will be provided. A $15 materials fee is payable to the instructor at the first class. Min students: 3; Max students: 8

Instructor: Lisa Pichnarcik
Tuition: $60 Non-Members / $54 Members

Tuesdays, October 23 & 30, 6:30-8:30 pm

Learn just how simple it can be to craft your own wine at home. This one-night workshop covers the process of winemaking from easy to use fresh California wine juice. In this demonstration we will sample some of the most popular California wine grapes, wines, and make your own custom wine labels for a bottle of wine that you will get to take home. Your labels will then be reproduced for a special batch of wine for future FVAC events. Max. 20 participants.

Instructor: Patrick Stauffer of Northeast Winemaking
Uncorking Event: December 1 from 2:00-4:00 PM
Location: Classroom 3A

Friday, October 26, 2018, 6-9 PM

This workshop will cover various paper engineering techniques- students will learn to translate pop-up models into cards or books. Templates will be provided so that everyone can explore various levels of complexity. There are lots of interesting movement and dimension that you can achieve with pop-up structures. At the end of the workshop students will be given the option to bind all pop-up models into a book to take home.

Please bring an x-acto knife, cutting mat, scissors and ruler to class.

Instructor: Yoojin Kim
Location: Classroom 3A
Min/Max students: 3/10
Tuition: $45 Non-Members / $40.50 Members
Materials fee: $10 payable to instructor

Sunday, October 21, 2018, 12-3 PM

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 a holiday themed cards. Basic pop-up templates will be provided, and students are encouraged to embellish and create their own designs.

Please bring an x-acto knife, cutting mat, scissors, ruler, and decorative paper (optional) to class.

Instructor: Yoojin Kim
Location: Classroom 3A
Min/Max students: 3/15
Tuition: $45 Non-Members / $40.50 Members
Materials fee: $15 payable to instructor

Sunday, December 2, 2018, 12-3 PM

A Fundraiser Class for The Camino Project

Keeping a sketchbook journal is a great way to capture the world around you through drawings and notes. Through this practice, you will create a stronger bond with places and events. You will more clearly remember sights and sounds, the people, the landscape, the food, the weather, the time of day and even how you felt. So instead of looking down at your phones and missing the world around you, try sketching which draws your gaze upwards and out into the world, where beauty and discovery await us.

Instructor: Jennifer Lawson www.jlawsonart.com
Level: All
Materials: All Supplies will be provided. Students only need to bring an image to draw.

Saturday, November 10, 2018, 2-4 PM

FVAC thanks artist Jennifer Lawson for donating her time and skills to teach this wonderful workshop!

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. An optional step by step workbook to create successful, individual and beautiful rooms is available to participants for $20 (payable to instructor).Click here for detailed course description.

Instructor: Interior Designer Donna Miller
Tuition: $120 Non-Members / $108 Members

4 Thursday, October 4-25, 2018
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Wednesday, October 3 and Thursdays, October 11, 18, 25, 2018
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM