Artist's Books Workshop

Part 1: 6 Wednesdays, 7-9:30pm, May 21- June 25
Part 2: 6 Wednesdays, 7-9:30pm, July 7- August 11

Create Books that are works of art in themselves. Part 1 focuses on accordions and folios. Part 2 advances to hand-sewn books, hybrids, and boxes. Learn in a hands-on "lab" environment. take one workshop or both.

Beginning Photography: Taking Better Pictures

6 Tuesdays, 7-9:30pm, May 20 - June 24

Become a better photographer! This 6-week workshop takes you from basic principles and camera controls through composition, color, and visual perception. Bring your camera. Open to teens & adults.

Visual Artist's Books from Start to Finish

8 Thursdays, June 5 - July 24

8 Thursdays September 23 - November 13

Artist books are an expression of creativity, and often have a recognizable theme, but sometimes in a purely abstract way. More than a journal for collecting thoughts or sketching ideas, an artist book is filled with visual experimentation and spontaneity. In this class you'll learn the basic concepts of creating an artist book, including demonstration of materials, design and composition, visual communication, and finalizing works. Class exercises will focus on the tools and techniques you need to create polished works combined with the inspiration you want as you digress from the norm. Open to students of all levels and medium, this class offers a place to develop your artistic process in a playful, supportive environment, and perhaps walk away with a finished series.

Artist's Books and Journal Making

4 Wednesdays in July 9 - 30

Explore the art of handmade papers and bookmaking while creating beautiful journals and artist's books. This workshop covers the basic techniques and materials for accordions, folios, and hand-sewn bindings with an emphasis on personal experimentation. Open to all levels of students and all media.

Basic Artist's Bookmaking

Explore the world of artist's bookmaking with this survey of techniques and applications. From basic single sheet constructions, accordions, sewn binds, and boxes to more complicated hybrids, this course covers all the materials and techniques needed to create personal artist's books. Daily discussions and critiques of students' works and contemporary artists compliment the in-class demonstrations and open lab.

Photo-based Mixed Media

For many contemporary artists, the journey into mixed media starts with the photographic image. This course will explore the possibilities within different techniques, concepts, and contexts. Hand coloring, collage, assemblage, monotype printing, and artist's bookbinding will focus on the elevation of the photographic image. Assignments centered on equivalents, series, and self-portraits will encourage personal experimentation. Open to all artists in any media and at any level who wish to expand their artistic process in a playful, supportive environment.

The Visual Journal

While many artists use a journal for collecting their thoughts, reflecting on their artistic process, or sketching ideas for future work, a journal can be the final piece of art as well. This course investigates the relationships between the artist, the journal, and the outcome. How does the daily interface with a journal change the artist's process, inform the artwork, and develop a greater meaning? This course encourages intensive, personal journaling during class, within assignments, and as the final project. Open to all artists in any media and at any level who wish to expand their artistic process in a playful, supportive environment.

Beginning Photography

Whether digital or traditional film, understanding the basics of photography is essential to great image making. From basic photographic principles and camera controls such as film speeds, shutter speeds, F-stops and depth of field to basic compositional tools and color theory, the course covers it all. Creative assignments and class demonstrations include photographing people, nature, architecture, still lives, macro photography, and flash photography.

Portrait Photography

Artistic and genuine portraits capture the essence of a person, expose the individual personality, and provide an intimate glimpse into his or her life. Learning the techniques, both in studio and outdoors, will free you from the technical worries and will allow for more artistic and emotional concerns. Topics include basic portrait equipment, lighting techniques, posing, gestures, location and environmental portraiture. Students will explore a variety of different approaches to photographing babies, pets, couples, families, and larger groups. Emphasis on creating a strong personal visual style will be combined with sharpening technical skills. Class critiques of work from photo assignments, lectures, and contemporary professionals will provide a forum to critically discuss the portrait in photography.

Identity in Photography

The artist's journey begins within. Our search for and struggle against identity are integral to many contemporary artists. This seminar and portfolio critique will investigate the ways photography can construct identity within gender, race, culture, politics, religion, and sexuality. Shooting assignments, readings, and discussions will focus on these areas within historical and contemporary contexts. Self-portrait assignments will help to illumination the universal relevance that own personal stories can share.

Introduction to Nude Photography

This course offers an environment for exploration of the art of photographing the human form. Live, supervised model shoots will provide ample opportunity to explore the techniques you will learn, while simultaneously building a portfolio of your work. Topics to be covered will include using the studio, lighting techniques, posing, the use props and many others. Lectures, readings, and class discussions will encompass a journey through the history, politics and philosophy of figure study as well as provide an opportunity for debate of related topics and contemporary artists' work. Practical shooting experience and in depth personal critiques combine to develop your understanding of the nude within art and society.

Advanced Nude Photography

As a continuation of "Introduction to Nude Photography", this course will delve deeper into photographing the human figure. Designed for the advanced student with some previous studio experience, the primary focus will be on artistic, conceptual, and contextual issues. Personal projects will combine with advanced critiques, related readings, and research to assist in portfolio development. Live, supervised model shoots are alternated with lecture/critique classes to provide ample time for personal progress.

Critique Group in Nude Photography

This course provides artistic and technical print critiques and portfolio feedback for photographers with an existing body of work. Refine an ongoing project, research a new concept, or strengthen your artistic style and cohesion. Discussions of related topics include nude theory, the nude in art history, and contemporary cultural contexts.