The following courses will be offered - summer 2008:

Acrylic Painting –  Linda Packard 

Learn to relax doing something that can bring you a lot of pleasure and satisfaction.  Try your hand at acrylic painting.  In this course you will be taught the basic steps to becoming an acrylic painter, things like: the elements of art, basic drawing skills, perspective and simple colour theory will be discussed and demonstrated.  Beginners and intermediate painters wanting to improve their skills, will find this course suitable. 

Beginning Watercolours – Betty Jenkins

Whether you want to explore this medium as a complete painting beginner or as someone with experience in oils or acrylics, this course will cover basic technique and composition through demonstrations and a fun hands-on approach.  You will learn to master that light and airy look of evocative watercolour painting and each day will leave with your own original work of art.  By the time the week is over, you will have mastered numerous  basic watercolour techniques and grown comfortable with this beautiful and challenging medium. (Materials list will be provided)

Ceramic Tile Mosaic – Tanya Sheridan

“Using scrap wood and recycling discarded or broken ceramic tile one can create an everlasting, eye appealing unique work of art. No skills are necessary, just a fascination with colour and form and appreciation for turning leftovers into your own personal treasure.” (T. Sheridan) Participants will complete several mosaic pieces, to display outdoors, use as points of interest in their gardens or homes. Making a lobster trap table with mosaic top will be offered as a larger project of choice.  Decorative tile mosaics also make great gifts. This will be the third year for the mosaic tile class.  We have had tremendous success with the projects the students have chosen.  They have created wall art, small table tops, wreaths, sunflower plaques and lobster trap coffee tables.  The lobster trap tables were introduced in 2007 and it will an option for students this year as well. (Most materials will be available in the class and some simple equipment will be required – list provided)  

Floorcloths - Margaret Millard

Painted floorcloths are an interesting and versatile part of our maritime history.  Early settlers used old sails as floor and wall coverings for insulation and to protect valuable wood floors.  Originally the patterns resembled their homelands and gradually became more intricate and personal designs.  Over the years these floorcoverings have evolved into having a more decorative function.  Using updated means and materials, but following the historical methods, participants will learn to stretch, cut, construct, design and complete a unique canvas floorcloth.  Personal floorcloths make a great addition to your home or a very special gift.  Make placemats, floorcloths, wall hangings etc. using this technique.  Mariner's Compass, a traditional design will be featured.  (A list of materials will be provided or participants can purchase canvas and paint from the artist)

Glass on Glass Mosaics - Laura Cole 

The course will include instruction in the "Glass on Glass" mosaic style of art, with the creation of several pieces of art ranging in size from a small 8x10 picture up to a full-sized window.  Participants will learn the entire process, including the assembly of frames and the preparation of windows, the cutting and grinding of glass, and assembly of a finished work of art.  This art form does not work from patterns and so a considerable amount of time is spent with the design process including colour and texture selection and creation of a design of choice.  Part of the session will also involve working with "found" items from the beach etc. (Most material will be available in class, & a list of suggested things to bring will be provided) 

More Fun With Watercolours - Betty Jenkins

For those who have previously taken an introductory level class in watercolour painting or have some experience in basic watercolour techniques. We will use our brains more than our brushes and push our ability to create by means of concrete lessons, utilizing theories of light and shadow, negative painting and colour composition - painting from photo references, plein air work and even our vivid imaginations. (Materials list will be provided)

Introduction to Clay and Raku Firing – Leslie Kwiatkowski & Josh Dyment

Sign up for this workshop to construct several finished Raku clay pieces, using three different construction techniques (including sculpture), use different glazing and finishing methods, build a kiln and fire your own works. It will, indeed, be a treat to learn the Raku procedure, in a hands-on way with our very experienced award winning Raku potter. Beginners as well as experienced potters will enjoy this course and participants will complete pieces for themselves or to be used as gifts. (There will be a nominal fee for clay)   

Journal writing is the only writing form that encourages total freedom of expression.  It is the best way to develop your true voice.  Using the journal/diary as a basic tool (whether you already keep one or wish to start now) we will explore, through guided writing exercises: four basic writing devices (catharsis, description, free intuitive writing, and reflection); seven special techniques (lists, portraits, map of consciousness, guided imagery, altered point of view, unsent letter and dialogue).  Together we'll demonstrate how those writing devces and techniques can transform your journal entries into other forms of writing of your choice such as: memoir, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, plays.

Watercolour, Fun and Fabulous - Alana Biasi

Fun filled and really informative!  This course is for the beginner painter and the somewhat experienced artist alike.  Offered are step by step instruction in: composition, colour theory, value studies, wet in wet painting and watercolour techniques.  The teacher inspires you to do your best work ever, in a very simple "hands-on" way.  You will learn to even amaze yourself as you express your own interpretation of Prince Edward Island - Canada's prettiest province.  Discover the joy of nature and self expression you will treasure for a lifetime.