Discover how to design, tile, and grout pottery mosaics for display at home or in the garden. A variety of colorful glazed pieces will be provided and you are welcome to bring in any chinaware you would like to include in your artworks. If you\\\'re a potter, have fun smashing up your own failed glazeware to incorporate into your design. Bring an old towel and we will supply the rest.

8 Mondays: April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, June 3 (No class 5/27)

This course is for students who are comfortable with the basics and want to continue their development in wheel-throwing, hand- building and glazing techniques.  Explore new ways of combining thrown and handbuilt forms, and experiment with different materials. Experienced students may work at their own pace with individual assignments. The lab fee includes firing and glazing costs, 24 hours of Open Studio hours and 25 lbs of stoneware or porcelain clay. Students will need to bring their own tools and towel.

8 Mondays: July 8, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26, September 9 (No class 7/15 or 9/2)

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, patterns, and images to clay objects.  Tools for the class will be discussed during the first class.  New students need to purchase a basic pottery tool kit available for pickup at the first class.  The lab fee includes 24 hours of Ceramic Open Studio hours out of class time, 25 pounds of stoneware clay, and all firing, slips and glazes.

8 Tuesdays: April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, June 4 (no class 5/28)

This course is a great introduction to the exciting process of wheel thrown ceramics. Developed for students with little or no clay experience, the class covers basic skills at the potters wheel for creating functional work. Demonstrations will cover wedging, centering, and forming shapes such as vases, mugs, bowls and plates. Learn basic decorating and glazing techniques and get an introduction to kiln firing. The lab fee includes 24 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 $20 at the first class.

8 Tuesdays: July 9, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20, 27

Explore, or continue to discover, the excitement of clay! For beginners, learn the basic and advanced techniques of wheelthrowing, hand building, slip/glaze/stain/wash/terra-sigilata application, and the power of form. In addition, learn brush and drum making. For continuing students, you will focus on surface decoration techniques with the brush and developing new skills.The lab fee includes 24 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 available for $20 at the first class. 

8 Wednesdays: July 10, 24, 31, August 7, 14, 21, 28, September 4 (no class 7/17 due to Art Fair)

Explore how to sculpt in clay with this class for beginners. Learn the basic sculpting techniques needed to create many types of 3D images including solid sculpting, hollow sculpting, and how to create internal structures for larger work. Abstract, geometric, and figurative work will all be explored in this course. New students need to purchase a basic pottery tool kit available for pickup at the first class.  The lab fee includes 24 hours of Ceramic Open Studio hours out of class time, 25 pounds of stoneware clay, and all firing, slips and glazes.

8 Wednesdays: April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, June 5 (no class 5/29)

Explore the possibilities of clay in this class for beginners. Learn the basic techniques of wheelthrowing, hand building, slip/glaze/stain/wash/terra-sigilata application and brush making, and the power of form. Students will also learn about the art and science of the clay body and the firing process.   The lab fee includes 24 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 available for $20 at the first class. 

8 Wednesdays: April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, June 5 (no class 5/29)

In this introductory class, 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.

The lab fee includes 24 hours of Open Studio hours outside of class time, 25 pounds of stoneware clay and all firing, slips and glazes. New students will receive a basic pottery tool kit. These kits are included in the WCC pricing, and will be available at the first class. 

This class is offered as a part of Washtenaw Community College LifeLong Learning series. Register through the WCC website starting in mi-March, copy and paste: http://tinyurl.com/bq5nloy

8 Thursdays: May 16, 23, June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18 (no class 5/30 or 7/4). This class is held at the Ann Arbor Art Center.

Do you want to learn how to make your own glazes, or learn more about glaze formulation and color development? Would you like a better understanding of why glazes are successful or problematic?

Material Scientist Dave Weber will share his knowledge of ceramic materials and glaze formulation. His experience in industrial ceramics at Kohler and as a glaze expert at Motawi Tile Works has given him an extensive repertoire of glaze knowledge to guide this class through the complexities of glaze making and testing. 

3 Wednesdays: June 12, 19, 26

This workshop is co-sponsored by Rovin Ceramics

This course is for students who are comfortable with the basics and want to continue their development in wheel-throwing, hand- building and glazing techniques.  Explore new ways of combining thrown and handbuilt forms, and experiment with different materials. Experienced students may work at their own pace with individual assignments. The lab fee includes firing and glazing costs, 24 hours of Open Studio hours and 25 lbs of stoneware or porcelain clay. Students will need to bring their own tools and towel.

8 Mondays: July 8, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26, September 9 (No class 7/15 or 9/2)

This course is a great introduction to the exciting process of wheel thrown ceramics. Developed for students with little or no clay experience, the class covers basic skills at the potters wheel for creating functional work. Demonstrations will cover wedging, centering, and forming shapes such as vases, mugs, bowls and plates. Learn basic decorating and glazing techniques and get an introduction to kiln firing. The lab fee includes 24 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 $20 at the first class.

8 Tuesdays: July 9, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20, 27

Explore, or continue to discover, the excitement of clay! For beginners, learn the basic and advanced techniques of wheelthrowing, hand building, slip/glaze/stain/wash/terra-sigilata application, and the power of form. In addition, learn brush and drum making. For continuing students, you will focus on surface decoration techniques with the brush and developing new skills.The lab fee includes 24 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 available for $20 at the first class. 

8 Wednesdays: July 10, 24, 31, August 7, 14, 21, 28, September 4 (no class 7/17 due to Art Fair)

Have you made enough bowls and cups yet? Here’s your chance to increase your form catalog by practicing narrow necked forms, joined forms, lidded vessels, altered forms and more. Alyssa Westenbroek-Koster currently of Rovin Ceramics, formally of Heartside Gallery and Studio of Grand Rapids will bring her years of production pottery experience to guide you through experimentation and the development of an individual aesthetic. Independent study will be encouraged. The lab fee includes 24 hours of out-of-class time during Open Studio hours, 25 pounds of stoneware clay and all firing, slips and glazes. 

8 Thursdays: July 11, 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, September 5 (No class 7/18)

Through centuries of history the pinch pot has continued to be reimagined and utilized as a basic clay construction technique. This 4 day workshop will focus on this most simple and ancient form of pottery and inspire advanced form development and decoration. Techniques covered will include faceting, carving, patterning, smoothing techniques and Alex’s personal clay marbling method. Students will produce cups, bowls and vases. Lab fee includes 12.5 pounds of stoneware clay, and all firing, slips, and glazes.

August 5-8, Mon-Thurs

Develop your drawing skills with a live model in this class for both beginning and advanced students. Group demonstrations will be given on a weekly basis, and tailored individual instruction will support each student\'s needs. Explore gesture line and shape building techniques, the muscular and skeletal systems, shading methods, and understand proportional measurements of the body and face. Group and individual critiques will be given in each class to help students achieve their best work. Please bring a sketch pad and pencil to the first class. A materials list will be distributed and discussed at that time.

8 Mondays: April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, June 3 (No class 5/27)

This class will be structured to accommodate both the beginning and advanced level student. Develop and strengthen fundamental drawing skills, including one and two-point perspective, shading techniques, and how to visually represent light and depth. We will work from life to explore architecture, still objects, and organic forms. Weekly group demonstrations combined with one-on-one instruction and regular critiques will help every student improve his or her drawing ability in a positive atmosphere. Materials will be discussed at the first class.

8 Thursdays: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, June 6 (no class 5/30)

See the beauty of color pencil in a new light. In this class for students of all skill levels, learn how to mix color pencil through layering and blending. Draw from collaged photography, create abstract compositions and sumptuous still life arrangements, and discover new sources for inspiration and content. Develop a visual and verbal grasp of color theory while simultaneously pursuing an expressive personal style. Please bring a set of Prismacolor Premier Color Pencils (24 pencils), a graphite pencil, and a sketchbook to the first class meeting.

8 Fridays: April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, June 7 (no class 5/31)

Spend your Sunday drinking the best coffee in town, meeting new friends, and tapping into your creative side. Learn the basics of drawing or improve your technique in a relaxed atmosphere at RoosRoast Coffee. Bring a sketchbook and pencil. This class is held at RoosRoast Coffee, 1155 Rosewood St. Suite B, AA, 48104. Learn more about RoosRoast at roosroast.com 

5 Sundays: April 14, 28, May 12, 26, June 9

Discover the potential of soft pastels in this class for beginning and continuing students. Learn layering and mixing techniques to explore value, intensity, and color relationships. Working from still life and other sources, experiment with color theory exercises to achieve works of art that have depth, simplicity, and dynamic visual impact. Please see the attached materials list for needed supplies by the first day of class.

8 Tuesdays: April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, June 4, 11 (no class 5/28)

Continue perfecting your drawings skills in this extension course for our popular Drawing in Pubs class! We\'re continuing the course at Grizzly Peak for former students from the spring semester. Exercises include drawing glassware, people, and investigating the play of light and shadow. The first class will meet at Grizzly Peak. Please bring your sketchbook and preferred drawing materials.

We\'re taking a cue from the Impressionists who sketched in Paris cafes with this social drawing class held at Grizzly Peak Brewing Company. Sip on a drink and make new friends while you learn the basics of drawing, including shading, texture, perspective, and form. Exercises include drawing glassware, people, and investigating the play of light and shadow. The first class will meet at the Ann Arbor Art Center, and then the group will walk over to Grizzly Peak. Please bring a sketchbook and pencil for the first class.

6 Tuesdays: July 23, 30,  August 6, 13, 20, 27

Learn how to draw the portrait from life in this course for beginners. Students will become familiar with anatomy, muscles of expression, lighting, shading, and developing personal style. Group and individual instruction will be given with emphasis on building observational skills. Classes will include an art vocabulary, which will be used throughout the course. Positive critiques will be given to encourage students to make their drawings be the best they can be. Materials will be discussed on the first day of class.

6 Wednesdays: July 31, August 7, 14, 21, 28, September 4

This four week workshop will explore techniques for creating color and texture on fabric surfaces, whether as part of works of art or to put your own creative embellishment on personal or home items.  Using embroidery and hand stitching methods, appliqué and other techniques, we will work from drawings and photos to beautifully transform a variety of fabric surfaces. All basic materials covered by the lab fee.

4 Sundays: May 12, 19, June 2, 9 (no class 5/26)

Learn the basics of crewel embroidery, a free form hand stitch technique with a modern aesthetic. In this casual but informative workshop, we\\\'ll discuss materials and introduce stitches over the best cup of coffee in town at RoosRoast. All materials will be provided. This class is held at RoosRoast Coffee, 1155 Rosewood St. Suite B, AA, 48104. Learn more about RoosRoast at roosroast.com 

Using the fun and soggy process of wet-felting and kool-aid dying, we\'ll create colorful, soft baubles and string them into bracelets and necklaces. No prior experience necessary, and all materials will be provided. 

This class for beginners will emphasize the design concepts and basic techniques used to create metal jewelry. Students with previous experience may also join to refine techniques and develop style. Please bring a sketchbook and pencil to the first class. The lab fee includes 24 hours of Jewelry Open Studio time outside of class. Jewelry kits that include needed materials and tools ($45 for new students, $30 for returning students, silver purchased seperately) will be available for purchase the first day of class.

8 Tuesdays: April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, June 4 (no class 5/28)

This introductory class will emphasize the design concepts and basic techniques used to create metal jewelry.  Students with previous experience may also join to refine techniques and develop style. Please bring a sketchbook and a pencil to the first class. Tuition includes a basic jewelry kit and 24 hours of Jewelry Open Studio time outside of class, but additional materials may need to be purchased.

This class is offered as a part of Washtenaw Community College LifeLong Learning series. Registration is processed on the WCC website starting in mid-March, copy and paste:  http://tinyurl.com/cu7rla4

8 Tuesdays: May 14, 21, June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 9, 16 (no class 5/28 or 7/2) OR 8 Saturdays: May 18, 25, June 8, 15, 22, 29, July 13, 20 (no class 6/1 or 7/6)

Designed for students with previous experience, this class will introduce new techniques and help you develop a personal style. Prerequisite: Intro to Jewelry Making & Metalsmithing. Tuition includes a returning student jewelry kit and 24 hours of Jewelry Open Studio time outside of class, but additional materials may need to be purchased.

This class is offered as a part of Washtenaw Community College LifeLong Learning series. Registration is processed on the WCC website starting in mid-March, copy and paste: http://tinyurl.com/chmrleu

8 Thursdays: May 16, 23, June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18 (no class 5/30 or 7/4). This class is held at the Ann Arbor Art Center. 

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 Pass is for 24 hours. Hours may not be transferred or carried over to the next term. Multiple passes can be purchased per term.

Jewelry OPEN STUDIO Hours for SUMMER 2013
Wednesdays 5-9PM
Saturdays & Sundays 1-5 PM

This class is for students with some experience with watercolor painting who want to grow in their mastery of the medium and further develop their individual style. The class will include instructor guided projects as well as self directed work, supported by class discussions and individualized instruction.  Students will be able to expand their horizons in watercolor through trying unconventional and experimental techniques.  These activities will alternate with sessions in which students can work on their own projects. Please bring watercolor supplies and some examples of your work to the first class. 

8 Tuesdays: April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, June 4 (no class 5/28)

This class is specifically designed for intermediate to advanced level student artists who have previous experience drawing and painting from life, but wish to deepen their basis of studio inquiry and material mastery through structured demonstrations and concentrated one-on-one instruction. While there are no shortcuts for developing beautiful figurative paintings, there are however, a number of simple, observation-based material processes that will transform the way you think about light, color, and the human form. Please see the attached document for a more in-depth course description, a supply list, and to find out more about the teaching philosophy and work of instructor Nick Farrell.

8 Thursdays: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, June 6 (no class 5/30)

This course offers beginning students as well as established artists the opportunity to focus on the figure and work from nude models in a long pose. With guided instruction, strengthen your ability to effectively express your creative point of view, and develop beautiful, well-finished works. The choice of painting and/or drawing medium is yours, suggested supplies will be discussed at the first class.

6 Mondays: July 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26 

Discover the fresh and transparent medium of watercolor in this class for beginners. In a fun and relaxed atmosphere, students will learn the basics about pigments and papers, color and value, and glazes and washes.  Each session will feature a series of exercises that build skills and confidence, and students will learn a variety of techniques. Classes held at the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, 3941 Research Park Dr., AA, 48108.

This class is made possible through a partnership with the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (CIL), and all materials are included. The CIL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the success of children, youth and adults with disabilities at home, at school, at work and in the community. The class is open to all, and hopes to connect a broad range of people interested in art.

Learn more at annarborcil.org

6 Saturdays: April 13, 20, 27, May 18, 25, June 1 

Learn to beautifully capture the plants, flowers, and landscape in one of Ann Arbor’s premier gardens this spring. Work in the medium of your choice for six weeks on location at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.  Emphasis is placed on learning to simplify your compositions while organizing form, value, and color. Discover tips to strengthen your work all while enjoying the abundance of color. Class meets indoors in case of inclement weather. Bring your preferred medium, supplies, and a portable easel. Please note that all day parking at the Botanical Gardens is $5, so we\\\'ve reduced the cost of the class to cover your out of pocket expense.

Students meet on the front steps of the Gift Shop at Matthaei Botanical Gardens on Dixboro Rd.

6 Wednesdays: May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5 

Learn how to master the medium of oil in this class for both beginning and advanced students. Group demonstrations will be given on a weekly basis, and tailored individual instruction will support each student\'s needs. Explore oil painting techniques associated with different time periods in art history, and learn about under painting, layering, painting objects and the figure from life, and landscape techniques. Group and individual critiques will be given in each class to help students achieve their best work.

This class is offered as a part of Washtenaw Community College LifeLong Learning series. Registration is processed on the WCC website in mid-March, copy and paste: http://tinyurl.com/buycnhh

8 Tuesdays: May 14, 21, June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 9, 16 (no class 5/28 or 7/2).This class is held at the Ann Arbor Art Center. 

Learn how to master the medium of acrylic in this class for both beginning and advanced students. Group demonstrations will be given on a weekly basis, and tailored individual instruction will support each student\'s needs. Explore under painting, layering, painting objects and the figure from life, and landscape techniques. Group and individual critiques will be given in each class to help students achieve their best work. Supplies will be discussed at the first class.

This class is offered as a part of Washtenaw Community College LifeLong Learning series. Registration is processed on the WCC website in mid-March, copy and paste: http://tinyurl.com/c8zy3x5

8 Wednesdays: May 15, 22, June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 10, 17 (no class 5/29 or 7/3). Class is held at the Ann Arbor Art Center.

This course is an introduction to the basic tools and techniques of the medium of watercolor and will include topics such as color, texture and composition.  Classes will include informal lectures and demonstrations, practice techniques, in class painting time and critiques.  Students will be encouraged to be self expressive while experimenting with various techniques and working from still life.  Students will also have the option to work on self directed projects. An initial supply list will be sent out before the start of this class, and additional materials will be discussed on the first day.

8 Saturdays: July 13, 27, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, September 7 (no class 7/ 20 due to Art Fair)

Using the landscape as a jumping off point, this class will look at the landscape, compositional issues, and visual languages that venture into abstraction.  Students will develop their own vocabulary of mark making along with the tools of non-representational painting traditions.  While this class will focus primarily on the use of painting with oils, some drawing, collage, and mixed media will also be explored. We will look at artistic traditions and art historical reference points to better understand the abstract elements found in the landscape, and students will make paintings and preparatory drawings from sites both chosen by them as well as the instructor. Demonstrations will be given on a weekly basis along with tailored individual instruction, and   group and individual critiques will help students achieve a better understanding and more nuanced approach to discussing their work. This class is for students who have a basic understanding of both drawing and painting. Please see the attached supply list. Additional supplies will be discussed in class.

8 Sundays: July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25, September 1

This course offers beginning students as well as established artists the opportunity to focus on the figure and work from nude models in a long pose. With guided instruction, strengthen your ability to effectively express your creative point of view, and develop beautiful, well-finished works. The choice of painting and/or drawing medium is yours, suggested supplies will be discussed at the first class.

6 Mondays: July 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26 

Bring your walking shoes for this class on the move. For each session, we will first meet at the Art Center and make a short walk to a new location in and around the edge of downtown Ann Arbor to paint and/or draw the urban environment. Explore aerial perspective, nature and architecture, and investigate new spaces with your brush.  Students will have the freedom to experiment with and choose different mediums to work with. Please come prepared with an easel or something else to work on, as well as the drawing and painting media of your choice. 

6 Thursdays: July 25, August 1, 8, 22, 29, September 5 (No class 8/15)

Learn how to master the medium of acrylic in this class for both beginning and intermediate students. Group demonstrations will be given on a weekly basis, and tailored individual instruction will support each student\\\'s needs. Become comfortable with the fundamentals of color, color mixing, composition, underpainting, layering, and brush handling.  Group and individual critiques will be given in each class to help students achieve their best work. Supplies will be discussed at the first class.  

6 Thursdays: July 25, August 1, 8, 22, 29, September 5 (no class 8/ 15)

In this six week course students will explore a variety of painting media such as oil and acrylic and learn how to incorporate photography and collage to produce interesting abstract works. Students will also become familiar with contemporary artists and relevant movements in art history. Group and individual instruction will be given with emphasis on building personal style. Classes will include an art vocabulary, which will be used throughout the course. Positive critiques will be given to encourage students to make their paintings be the best they can be. Materials will be discussed in class.

6 Tuesdays: July 30, August 6, 13, 20, 27, September 3

This workshop introduces the joys of rubber block carving.  Rubber blocks are easy and satisfying to carve and produce beautiful prints on many materials.  Cards will be provided but feel free to bring your own items to print on such as t-shirts, canvas bags, home textiles, journal covers, and more. This is a great introduction to block printing that provides foundational skills used in linoleum & wood block printing as well. All materials will be provided.

Fractals are beautiful forms created by repeating, self-similar shapes at varying magnifications. This workshop introduces basic information on fractals, how to identify them, and will show examples of work by the Surrealists, many of whom used them in their work.  Students will then experiment with the fractal process known as decalcomania, where monoprints are created with various types of paper using different pulling techniques. Colored pencils, paint and erasers will be used to enhance the prints that the students make. All materials will be provided.

Join Amy Farnum, the Art Center\'s Gallery Shop Director and Nathan Rice, Exhibitions Manager for a lecture and Q&A that will help prepare you for approaching galleries and shops to sell or exhibit your artwork. Topics will include  presenting a consistent body of work, photography, web presence, developing a brand, and communication etiquette. This workshop is a 1 1/2 hours long lecture with a 1/2 hour Q&A. Artists can also schedule a 15 minute portfolio review session that will followr the workshop (be sure to email Amy at afarnum@annarborartcenter.org after purchasing the porfolio review option).