In this class, both parents and children experience the joy and magic of creating clay forms on the potter's wheel. You each work on your own pottery wheels while learning together and sharing the wonderfully tactile adventure of creating functional and/or decorative objects out of clay! Instructions will be included on the basics of wedging, centering, throwing, trimming, surface decorating, and glazing. Come with a playful spirit and wear clothes you don't mind getting messy! Price includes one adult and one child. 

This class is for ages 9+.

Creative fun for all, even if you think you are artistically challenged! Unleash your inner arteest and creative your very own unique piece of art. We supply everything you need from instructions and supplies, to a fun relaxing environment in which to create. All ages and levels are welcome. 

Session A:  Decorate a Thanksgiving Platter (Parent & Child)
You and your child will decorate your very own special holiday platter.

Session B: Mommy & Me Tea (Parent & Child)
You and your child will decorate your very own children’s seven piece tea set. 

Please Note: Session A: Price includes up to two parents, two children and one platter. Session B: Price includes one parent, one child and one tea set.

This class incorporates age-appropriate art materials and sensory experiences designed to stimulate your child’s natural desire to create. Toddlers and their accompanying parent/care giver explore a variety of art media including paint, markers, crayons, collage, play dough, and mixed media construction. Each session offers opportunities for both individual and group experiences. Dress to get messy and get ready to have fun!

Learn the fundamentals of drawing from observation and using color.  You study contour lines, value, proportion and composition while creating 2-dimensional artworks both on paper and canvas.  You have the opportunity to use various drawing materials including graphite, charcoal, watercolors, and acrylic paint. All materials included. 

Please Note: Session A is for ages 6-8 and Session B is for ages 9-12

Learn the art of wheel throwing in this basic/continuing class for those with a flair for functional pieces! Go over the basic techniques in wheel throwing and glazing.  Students may repeat this class, as only practice makes perfect and our instructors work with each student at their individual skill level. Wear old clothes - this one could get messy!

Create your own exciting graphic stories! With the guidance of professional comic artist, Jerzy Drozd, develop your drawing skills while exploring character design, writing the story, composition, penciling and inking your pages.

Explore how cartoonists use illustration and storytelling principles such as pose and viewing angle make their characters leap off of the page! Join cartoonist Jerzy Drozd in a hands-on workshop where you’ll create action scenes that will set your readers aquiver!

Please Note: Ages 9-17 are welcome!

Please Note: Age 9-17 are welcome!

This is an excellent class for beginning and returning students. You can NEVER have enough practice on the wheel!  Working with your skill level, the instructor focuses on wheel throwing, hand building and glazing in a creative and supportive atmosphere. Lab fee includes 25 pounds of stoneware clay and all firing, slips and glazes.  For the first class, students will need to bring a towel. New students need to purchase a basic pottery tool kit. These kits are available for $25 at the first class.  

Explore the world of the graphic novel.  Learn to create dynamic characters and invent a storyline as you hone drawing skills. Dive into the various aspects of creating a visual story including: composition, thumbnailing, penciling and inking.

Delve into the challenge for working from a clothed model and develop your skills of observation utilizing graphite pencil, charcoal and conte techniques. Learn the principles of contour, value, proportion, perspective and composition while developing your personal style.  This is a great class for developing a portfolio.

Explore, or continue to discover, the excitement of clay! You learn the basics of wheel throwing, handbuilding, slip/glaze application and the power of form.  The Lab Fee includes 30 hours of Ceramic Open Studio time outside of class time, 25 pounds of stoneware clay and all firing, slips and glazes.  New students need to purchase a basic pottery tool kit. These kits are available for $20 at the first class.

If you have taken at least two Art Center 100 level courses in the past two years (OR have previous clay experience and attended at least one class at the Art Center) you can work independently at the Art Center's ceramics studios. Wheel use is not guaranteed and instruction is not provided. Hours include the use of all equipment, glaze materials and a set amount of firing cubic feet.  Additional firing space can be purchased.  Only work made at the studio will be fired. Clay can be purchased at the Art Center.  Please contact the studio manager at spoulton@annarborartcenter.org with questions. 

* Please Note: Every student enrolled in Open Studios must contact the studio manager at spoulton@annarborartcenter.org for updated studio information and to schedule a studio orientation.

 OPEN STUDIO HOURS FALL 2010 TERM
 (9/20 - 11/24/2010):

• Mon, Wed & Thur   9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Saturday  4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Sunday     2:00 PM -  9:00 PM

  Mem: $66 (20 hr pass) NonMem: $73 (15 hr pass)

OPEN STUDIO HOURS SUMMER 2010 TERM 
(7/5 - 9/3/2010):

Build on your basic skills and knowledge of throwing and further your technical understanding of clay. More complex functional forms, refinement of throwing skills, and advanced decorative and glazing techniques will be demonstrated and discussed.  Learn about closed forms, lidded pots, combined forms, larger and altered forms. Lab fee includes 30 hours of Ceramic Open Studio time outside of class, 25 pounds of stoneware clay and all firing, slips and glazes.

This class is for students with no or little clay experience who are interested in learning basic skills at the potter's wheel for creating functional work. Demonstrations will cover wedging, centering, and forming shapes such as vases, mugs, bowls and plates. You will learn basic glazing and decorating techniques and be introduced to electric and gas kiln firing.  This course is a great introduction to the exciting process of wheel thrown ceramics. Lab fee includes 30 hours of Ceramic Open Studio time outside of class, 25 pounds of stoneware clay and all firing, slips and glazes. New students need to purchase a basic pottery tool kit. These kits are available for $25 at the first class.

If you have not taken a look at the very basic techniques of wheelthrowing in a while, this might just be the right time to revisit them. One of the main goals of this course will be to make your functional pieces more functional. Quality will be given a higher priority over quantity. This course will reinforce the techniques of forming and finishing pottery on the wheel. The basic skills of centering, opening, and pulling up the wall will be stressed as the stepping stones to a higher level of wheel work. More advanced techniques of trimming, forming spouts, lids and pulled handles will also be covered. Lab fee includes 30 hours of Ceramic Open Studio time outside of class, 25 pounds of stoneware clay and all firing, slips and glazes. 
Prerequisites: 100 Basic/Cont. Ceramics, 106 Wheelthrowing 101 or prior experience. 

This course will focus primarily on techniques of handbuilding with clay. Students will learn to make plates, cups, bowls, boxes, vases, rattles and more using primarily slab as well as coil and pinch methods. Additionally, students will create clay "stamps" to add texture, pattern and image to clay objects.  Tools for the class will be discussed during the first class.  New students need to purchase a basic pottery tool kit. These kits are available for $20 at the first class.  The Lab Fee includes 30 hours of out-of-class time during Open Studio hours, 25 pounds of stoneware clay and all firing, slips and glazes.

In this introductory course, you learn how to conceptualize, design, and produce your own decorative tiles. Discussion and demonstration includes design, working with wet clay, slab rolling and cutting techniques, surface decoration and glazing. Explore a variety of techniques including patterning, carved relief, molds, texturing and stamps in a supportive and relaxing environment. This course is for students of all skill levels. he Lab Fee includes 30 hours of out-of-class time during Open Studio hours, 25 pounds of stoneware clay and all firing, slips and glazes.  New students need to purchase a basic pottery tool kit. These kits are available at the first class.

This class is offered as a part of Washtenaw Community College's LifeLong Learning series. Class will be held at the Ann Arbor Art Center; however, registrations will only be taken through WCC at http://www3.wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning/ or by calling 734-973-3543.

Examine the beauty of the human form in class focusing on the figure.  A variety of drawing materials will be used and many techniques explored.  Working from a nude model, students will learn to build the figure from a simple line to a solid shape and mass to capture the spirit of the human form.  Bring a 18" x 24" newsprint pad, graphite stick and eraser to the first class. One previous basic drawing class is highly recommended.

Please Note: There will be no class on 10/6

Working from the still life and a live model, develop skills of observation utilizing graphite pencil, charcoal, conte crayon and ink techniques.  In addition to the drawing  elements of contour, value, proportion, perspective and composition, course discussions will focus on personal style, and drawing as a narrative language-the visual story.  Bring an 18" x 24" newsprint pad, kneaded eraser, HB, 2B and 2H pencils to the first class.

Please Note: There will be no class on 10/7

Work independently from nude models in a large, private studio space.  

Purchase a five session pass or drop in for $14 per session.

• Friday,   1:00- 3:30 PM 
• Sunday, 12:30 - 3:00 PM

NOTE- Summer Term OPEN FIGURE STUDIO HOURS extended through 9/12!

There is no Open Studio on 8/1/2010

• Sunday 12:30 - 3:00 PM

Please Note: This is an excellent workshop for educators & interested adults.

Learn basic dyeing techniques using pre-mixed Procion H dyes. Patterns and color depth are explored by using various folding and tying methods prior to applying dye. You transform blank white scarves into one-of-a-kind wearables. Using vinegar as the chemical activator and a microwave, scarves are heat-set and ready-to-wear at the end of class! Each student will dye two scarves. (No experience necessary; All levels welcome)

You learn the shibori pole wrapping technique "arashi" by using wine bottles. Blank white scarves are wrapped and tied around bottles prior to dyeing. You explore pattern layering and color depth by wrapping and dyeing the scarf multiple times. Pre-mixed Procion H dyes are used with vinegar as the chemical activator and heat-set in a microwave. You dye one 22" x 72" - great as a shawl, belt or twisted neck scarf. (No experience necessary; All levels welcome)

Open Studio is for Students who have taken beginning jewelry at the Art Center and would like to work independently. All equipment and benches are open on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Open Studio Hours FALL 2010 Term (9/20 - 12/1/2010)

• Monday   2:00-9:00 PM
• Saturday & Sunday  1:00-5:00 PM
  

Mem: $66 (25 hour pass) Non-Mem: $73 (20 hour pass)

NOTE: Open Studio Hours Summer 2010 Term (7/6-9/4)

*No session on 7/24

• Saturday 1:00-6:00 PM
• Sunday   12:30-5:30 PM

This is an advanced class for students who have taken the Introduction to Jewelry class. Students will have the opportunity to further refine techniques and learn advanced techniques, including casting. Students who wish to do casting exclusively may do so. Casting includes tools and supplies needed to begin to working with these processes.

This introductory jewelry class emphasizes the design concepts and fundamental techniques used to create metal jewelry. Students with previous experience have further opportunity to refine techniques and develop style. Please bring a sketchbook & pencil to the first class. Jewelry kits ($40 for new students, $10 for returning students; silver purchased seperately) includes tools to keep as well as most supplies needed for class projects. 

This introductory jewelry class will emphasize the design concepts and basic techniques used to create metal jewelry.  Students with previous experience will have further opportunity to refine techniques and develop style.  Please bring a sketchbook and pencil to the first class.  Jewelry Kits ($40 for new students, $10 for returning students; silver purchased seperately) can be paid for, with cash or check, and picked up the first day of class.

This class is offered as a part of Washtenaw Community College's LifeLong Learning series. Class is held at the Ann Arbor Art Center; however, registrations are ONLY taken through WCC at http://www3.wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning/ or by calling 734-973-3543.

Session C will not meet on Thursday, November 25 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Any fears you might harbor of a "white empty canvas" will disappear when you join this course. Students will become comfortable with the fundamentals of color and color mixing. Gradually, a painting "vocabulary" will develop as students progress. Students will be using oil or acrylic paints to create still life, portrait and landscape paintings. This course is geared to all experience levels. 

Learn to eloquently capture the rich tones of the Ann Arbor landscape in the fall. Paint on location, in the medium of your choice at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.  Emphasis is place on learning to simplify your landscapes, organize simplified form, value, and color. Discover tips to strengthen your drawings or paintings all while enjoying the scenic fall colors. In case of inclement weather, the class works in the Conservatory.   The first class meets on the front steps at Matthai Gardens and some classes are held off-site in other parks around Ann Arbor. Bring your preferred medium.

Join this course to explore the fundamentals of watercolor painting. Students of all levels will learn a variety of techniques, styles and tricks to enjoy the beauty of this most versatile and luminous medium.  Supplies will be discussed at the first class.

Dive in and explore the fundamentals of watercolor painting.  Learn a variety of techniques, styles, and tricks to enjoy the beauty of this most versatile and luminous medium.  Students with previous experience welcome also. Bring a notebook and pencil to the first class, at which required supplies will be discussed. 

This class is offered as a part of Washtenaw Community College's LifeLong Learning series. Class will be held at the Ann Arbor Art Center on Liberty St.; however, registrations will only be taken through WCC at http://www3.wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning/ or by calling 734-973-3543.

This unique course offers the beginner as well as the established artist to develop their individual creative expression. Refine your skills with the assistance of on an instructor to guide you through to finished works. A draped or clothed model and long poses is emphasized. The choice of painting and/or drawing medium is yours.

Learn about one of the 20th century's most ingenious and influential artists, Alexander Calder, in this fun hands-on family workshop.  You and your child work to create your own movable 3-D sculptures inspired by everyday materials that Calder used to make extraordinary art.  Children must be accompanied  by an adult. 

All materials included.

 * This workshop will be held at the U of M Museum of Art in the multipurpose room.

This class focuses upon drawing from observation---Modern abstract sculpture (Giocometti, Moore, Calder), bronze dancers by Rodin, African artifacts (nailed ritual objects, beaded hats, fertility figures), Thai Buddha and Indian Shiva figures, and Korean pottery.  Become acquainted with these exquisite objects while developing a sense of proportion, perspective, line quality, value, composition and personal style.  Approaches introduced include working on water-colored surface with white conte pencil and graphite pencil,  applying collage, or writing onto a drawing, unconventional juxtapositions if subject matter. To the first class, please bring:  HB, 2B, and 2H graphite pencils, an eraser and an 11“  x 14“ sketchbook. (All Levels Welcome)

If you've always wanted to try to draw and paint but never knew where to start then this is the course for you!  Come explore the fundamental principals of drawing and painting and how to transisiton from drawing into painting in the inspiring environment of the museum.  Lab fee includes basic painting materials.  Please bring 11 x 14 or larger drawing pad, HB, $B or 6B drawing pencils and kneeded eraser to the first class.  All levels welcome.  

Explore a different artist, artifact, art element or art movement one Saturday a month this fall at the University of Michigan's Museum of Art (UMMA).  Each workshop you will explore a different work, or group of works from either the permanent collection or temporary exhibits.  In response, you'l create your own masterpiece and learn a variety of art making techniques, including mixed media and collage.  Along the way expect gallery games, scavenger hunts, and fun!  Come with an open mind and a sense of adventure. (Take one workshop or all four.  All levels welcome!)

Each of these fun and informative hands-on workshops focus on the techniques from different art movements represented in the museum's collection.  Learn about important artists and movements while getting your hands dirty and exploring different pastel and /or acrylic painting techniques!

OCTOBER 2nd: Create a landscape pastel that captures the fresh colors and spontaneity of the Impressionist.

OCTOBER 9th: Disregard the traditional subject and explore the possibilities of the persona expression through creating a study inspired by the German ans America Expressionist movements and artist such as Jackson Pollock and Max Beckman.

OCTOBER 16th:  Delve into Minimalist Art and learn how artists in this movement focused on stripping objects down to their elemental and geometric forms.

(Take one workshop or all three; all levels welcome!)

* Workshop sessions will be held at the U of M Museum of Art in the multipurpose room.