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Holyoke Creative Arts Center Class Schedule |
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Holyoke Creative Arts Center
ADULT CLASSES
Students may sign up for classes in the Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter I or Winter II semesters. Use the links for semester schedules, prices and registration information. Students who are also members are entitled to take classes at the member tuition rate.
Some of the following classes are not offered each semester. Also, not all classes that are running have a description on this page. See Schedule for class tuition costs and details.See the link for Center Policies for further details on registering for classes.
DANCE & MOVEMENT CLASSES:
YOGA FOR STRESS
Men and women of all ages and fitness levels are welcome to join this gentle yoga class. During our time together you will learn basic yoga postures as well as breathing and relaxation techniques all designed to develop strength, flexibility and the ability to relax and feel at ease in your body. Come learn how this ancient practice can have a direct impact in your life, helping you to experience greater well-being in your body and in your life. Wear loose comfortable clothing and dress in layers. Materials: Bring a yoga mat. A blanket for relaxation is optional.
Instructor - Claudia Johnsen
BEGINNER SOCIAL BALLROOM DANCING I
An adult class for couples or singles to learn the basic moves in the Waltz, Single Swing, and Mambo. The basic rhythms and techniques for leading and following will be covered, as well as some styling. The course will promote flexibility, muscle tone, and cardiovascular health. It is great for stress relief, a date night with someone special, or for socializing and making new friends! The method of teaching will make learning simple. This class is taught at the Jitterbugs School of Social Dance in Chicopee, MA.
Instructor: Jitterbugs Staff Member
SOCIAL BALLROOM DANCING II
Taking session I is not required to attend this class. This course will cover the Foxtrot, Rumba and Triple Swing. It will also feature the basic steps, dance positions and timing for these dances. This class is taught at the Jitterbugs School of Social Dance in Chicopee, MA.
Instructor: Jitterbugs Staff Member
BEGINNER HIGH ENERGY DANCING I
Get ready to move! This high-energy course is deisgned for couples or singles. It features a concentration in two very popular dances. The Merengue and Salsa are fun and fast-moving. This course will add some sizzle into your week and give you the basic steps, frames, and rhythms for these dances. This class is taught at the Jitterbugs School of Social Dance in Chicopee, MA.
Instructor: Jitterbugs Staff Member
BEGINNER HIGH ENERGY DANCING II
Taking beginner social ballroom dancing is NOT required to take this beginner course in the Foxtrot, Rumba, and Triple Swing. This course will also feature the basic steps, dance positions, and timing for these dances. Blow off some steam, make some new friends, or have a special time with a special someone. This class is taught at the Jitterbugs School of Social Dance in Chicopee, MA.
Instructor: Jitterbugs Staff Member
FABRIC & FIBER ARTS CLASSES:
HAND PAINTED SILK SCARVES
Learn the serti technique to create a stunning scarf. Drawing fine lines of gutta resist onto silk to outline the design, then "coloring in" with various dyes. Beginner friendly. See photo of a Hand-Painted Silk Scarf here
Materials fee: $35.00 payable to the instructor due at first class.
Instructor: Nancy Dorian
HOME DECOR DESIGN
Have fun designing and making your own drapery, valances, roman shades, bedspreads, shams, bed skirts & coordinating pillows, you'll be so proud! Sewing machines & sergers are available for student use.
Instructor- Joan Marsh
KNITTING OR CROCHETING
Create a beautiful sweater, afghan or mittens by enrolling in knitting or crocheting. Learn the basics, choose a pattern and yarn, learn to read and understand patterns, and assemble your project, or work on a project you have set aside for a rainy day.
Materials: Beginning knitters bring #8 size needles and a skein of light colored worsted wool yarn. Beginning crochet students bring a Crochet H hook and a skein of light colored worsted wool yarn. Advanced students can bring your own projects and patterns.
Instructor - Ellie Sambrook
KNITTING OR CROCHETING
Create a beautiful sweater, socks or mittens by enrolling in knitting or crocheting. Learn the basics, choose a pattern and yarn, learn to read and understand patterns, and assemble your project, or work on a project you have set aside for a rainy day.
Materials: Beginning knitters bring #8 size needles and a skein of light colored worsted wool yarn. Beginning crochet students bring a Crochet H hook and a skein of light colored worsted wool yarn. Advanced students can bring your own projects and patterns.
Instructor- Nancy Dorian
NUNO RIBBON FELT SCARVES
Join us for a class inspired by the Ribbon Tunic project in Chris White's book Uniquely Felt. Using Nuno felting techniques, be prepared to be elated as you transform layers of silk, wool roving, ribbon and novelty yarns into gorgeous flowing fabric. Over the course of four weeks, we will cover layout, felting, fulling and finishing creating your own art to wear just in time for the holidays! No felting experience necessary.
See photo of a Nuno Scarf here
Materials cost: $35.00 payable to instructor to cover cost of silk yardage, felting kit and wool roving.
Instructor - Nancy Dorian
SEWING:BEGINNER BASICS
This class will introduce novices to the basics of sewing: using the sewing machine, following a pattern, layout, cutting, marking, construction techniques, pressing, tools and notions. Each week will consist of a lecture/demo with time to work on a kimono style robe during class. Supply list will be sent once payment is received.
Instructor - Sue Bennett
SEWING:CHOOSE YOUR OWN PROJECT
This sit and sew class is for those students who have mastered basic sewing skills. You'll work on your own project with help as needed from the instructor. Each class will feature a short lecture/demo on a subject applicable to all.
Instructor - Sue Bennett
INTRODUCTION TO PATTERN MAKING
Do you have a head full of designs but can't find the styles you want in the pattern books? This class is for you. You'll learn the basics of patternmaking using half scale slopers and flat pattern techniques. We'll cover bodices, skirts, sleeves, collars, pants and more. These skills will not only empower you to create patterns for your original designs, but also allow you to re-style and improve upon commercial patterns.
Instructor- Sue Bennett
SEWING: MAKING A LINED VEST
Learn to make a fully lined vest with crisp, perfect edges. The lining will be "bagged". This is a technique used in the garment industry. After your first vest, you'll want to make more for all the "Mad Men" in your life. Suggested pattern and supply list will be sent once payment is received.
Instructor: Sue Bennett
SEWING: BEYOND THE BASICS
Now that you know the basics, it's time to move onto a more challenging project. In this class you'll make a blouse and learn professional methods to sew darts, set in sleeves, apply collars, cuffs, make buttonholes and more. Pattern suggestion and supply list will be sent once payment is received.
Instructor: Sue Bennett
HAND SEWING TECHNIQUES
In this class the student will learn techniques for a number of hand stitches and when to use them. We'll cover various hem stitches, the slipstitch, catch stitch, overcast stitch, prick stitch, buttonhole stitch, saddle stitch, running stitch, basting stitch and thread tacks. Lecture/demo followed by practice samples.
Instructor: Sue Bennett
CREATING FABRIC FLOWERS
It may be winter, but you can still have a garden. Learn to make beautiful flowers to embellish your lapel, neckline, hemline, bags, pillows, hair bands...you name it. In this hands-on workshop you'll make Dior roses, calla lilies, gardenias and more. Bring your hand sewing needles, thread, scissors, fabric scraps and a notebook.
Instructor: Sue Bennett
QUILTING
Would you like to hug someone in fabric? Make a quilt! This unstructured quilting class, for beginners and experienced quilters alike, allows you to learn to quilt while you learn about tools and techniques that make quilting fast and fun! Start a project of your own choosing, or bring a project you are already working on, or ... if you are undecided, a beginner project is ready to welcome you to the satisfying art of quilt making. A supply list includes the yardage needed for the beginner project. Sewing machines are available for your use during class.
Instructor - Marsha Molloy
LANDSCAPE QUILTS
Learn simple techniques in sewing and working with color to create your own little landscape. Sewing machine experience required. Kits can be purchased from the instructor for $5 each. Let the office know at registration if you would like to reserve one of these kits.
Instructor- Marsha Molloy
STRESS FREE QUILT!
Do you like the look of a contemporary art quilt but don't know where to start? This class is for you! A simple strippy pattern designed by our own Marsha Molloy makes the process "stress free"! Pattern to be purchased at first class. Sewing machine experience required.
Instructor- Marsha Molloy
THE "RAJAH QUILT" BLOCK OF THE MONTH
We will be making our own original reproduction of Australia's most famous textile. This quilt was made in 1841 by women prisoners aboard the ship "Rajah" bound for Hobart, Australia. It is constructed in a medallion style, popular in the 18th century England and Ireland, featuring both applique and piecing. It will finish approximately 94" square, much smaller than the original which measures 129"!!!!!! Sewing machine experience required.
Instructor- Marsha Molloy
SWEATSHIRT JACKET
Make a simple unfitted patchwork jacket using a one-size larger basic sweatshirt as your pattern. Simple and fun! A great way to use up orphan quilt blocks, an unfinished quilt top or design your own. Machine quilting experience required.
Instructor- Marsha Molloy
MACHINE QUILTING
Learn the art of quilting using your sewing machine. You will learn how to use a walking foot, free motion foot and ideas for quilting designs and more! Come and get those quilt tops quilted and finished! Sewing machine experience and some prep work required.
Instructor- Marsha Molloy
QUILT 'TIL YOU WILT!
Need to get away... for a day? Join us for an all day quilting party. Bring your own project and a dish to share. Enjoy a day of no phones, no laundry... no other distractions that keep you from quilting! It is YOUR day!
Instructor- Marsha Molloy
Block of the Month "Jane Austen Quilt"
Create a chapter in fabric by making your own copy of the quilt that Jane, her sister Cassandra, and their mother made in 1811. We will be working with the book by Linda Franz, "Jane Austen Patchwork". It is a simple repeated diamond design; however, Jane made it her own by making the right side of the quilt a mirror image of the left. We will be fussy cutting the diamonds and sharing afternoon tea as we make our Jane Austen quilt together. Purchase of book is required as well as sewing experience.
Instructor- Marsha Molloy
VISUAL ARTS CLASSES:
COLOR PENCIL DRAWING
The color pencil is one of the most versatile and easy to use media available today. Learn the basic elements and techniques of sketching, composition and positive/negative space, shading using color pencil or charcoal by enrolling in this class. Ask for a supply list when you register.
Instructor - Debra Barboza Dunphy
OIL, ACRYLIC, MIXED MEDIA AND THE DECORATIVE ARTS
Get professional guidance in design and composition. Handle lights and darks to create the illusion of three dimensional space. By building a solid core of techniques, brilliance and luminosity can be achieved. Pre-drawn or free hand designs are used so there is no academic training necessary. Contact HCAC for list of materials to bring to class
Instructor - Pat Welch
OIL PAINTING/ADVANCED WATERCOLOR
Join a classically trained artist to create beautiful oil or watercolor paintings. Instruction includes drawing and mixing of colors, as well as techniques of layering paint and glazing to achieve maximum lights and darks. Individual instruction at your own pace for beautiful results. Contact HCAC for list of materials to bring to class.
Instructor - Anne Mueller
BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE WATERCOLOR
Each lesson is inspired by one of Carol Aubrey's finished paintings and a photo to aid the student as they paint. Working on the same project we learn from each other as well. Carol demonstrates techniques such as dry brushing, how to create texture, use of masking fluid and the importance of negative shapes.
Instructor: Carol Aubrey
BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE WATERCOLOR
Beginners turn basic techinques to frame-able art. Experienced students will learn new techniques and improve their ability to express emotion in their art.
Instructor- Madeline Calabrese
FURNITURE REFURBISHING:
CHAIR SEATING
That chair you found at a tag sale for only so few $$s, but needed a new seat, can be transformed to perhaps a valuable antique. Learn the proper caning method (cane, rush, splint, or tape) appropriate for each chair. Chair should be of good structure, fixed or refinished if needed prior to first class.
Materials: Bring in chair 2 weeks prior to class so that Instructor can help you order your supplies.
Instructor - Kathy MacLean
UPHOLSTERY
Don't throw away that favorite worn-out, threadbare chair. Re-upholster it at a fraction of the cost of a new chair. Chairs must be sturdy and of good structure and not taken apart prior to first class. Learn to replace webbing and padding, tie springs, make buttons, welt cord, cover in muslin and then final material to produce a quality chair. Items to be upholstered also include dining room chairs, trunks, headboards, footstools, cornices, screens, etc.
Equipment: Bring your chair to the first class and speak with the instructor about the specific tools you will need for the type of chair you are working on. Measure your chair in the first class to determine your fabric needs before taking it apart.
Instructor - Gary Clarke
ETCETERA:
CREATIVE WRITING
Workshops can challenge writers on many levels-breaking them out of their comfort zone. An exercise "prompt" is given to the group to inspire writers to a different time and place. After 10-15 minutes of writing, the writer has the option of reading their work to the group. Feedback is kept to what flows in the piece and all material is kept inside and confidential with group participants.
Instructor: Jan Lamberg
FLORAL ARRANGING
Learn the art of floral arranging, both fresh and silk, for home decor use. These monthly workshops will focus on arrangements for the fall/holiday/winter seasons. See the schedules in this brochure for a list of the specific workshops. Flora included in tuition fee.
Instructor Tony Raschilla
JEWELRY MAKING
Learn to make a necklace, bracelet or earring. Bring a beading tray, needlenose pliers and your ideas. Beads, wires and other supplies can be purchased from the instructor, or bring your own.
Instructor: Trudy Monson
WOODCARVING
Create sculpture with wood. Class includes chip carving, relief carving, sign carving, and/or decoy carving. A great class for beginners, though students of all experience levels are welcome. Students can bring their own projects or work on one of Ed's award winning designs. Carve your own project -- a mirror, whale sculpture, animals, etc.
Materials costs: $45 for a basic project and $15 for knife. Materials from sandpaper to finishing oil are included.
Instructor - Ed Cope
EXERCISING TO JAZZ
Each session will start with warm-ups and stretches geared for adults. With a few basic jazz steps soon your inner child will dancing toward better health while listening to great music and having lots of fun. This class is held at the Center.
Instructor - Barbara Raschilla
ALTERED BOOK
What is an altered book? Consider it a recycling project for saving hard cover books from the landfill! With the use of acrylic paints, fibers, photographs of family & friends, embellishments,rubber stamps and a collage technique we will transform a book into a work of ART. A supply list will be sent once payment is received.
A $10.00 materials fee to be paid to the instructor at the first class.
Instructor: Judy Novak
NANTUCKET BASKET WEAVING
You will gain a hands-on appreciation of this native craft as well as its cultural significance while completing your own unique 6" round traditional lightship basket. Students are assured to experience a bit of anguish, a bit of relaxation and a whole lot of fun.
A $45.00 materials fee is to be paid to the instructor at the first class for all supplies, including rental of basket form.
Instructor: Karen Novak
FLORAL SUGAR ART
In this four week session learn to make realistic flowers from sugar gum paste and make your next cake an edible centerpiece. A supply list will be sent once payment is received.
Instructor: Jeanette Crumb
NEEDLE PUNCH EMBROIDERY
This is an old Russian technique,which uses embroidery floss to create on of a kind pieces of art. This four week class will focus on design, material choices and the techniques used to make beautiful pillows, wall hangings and miniature rugs.
Punch needle can be purchased from teacher for $15 at first class.
Instructor: Barbara Morris
MAKE-UP ARTISTRY
This series of classes is designed to teach students the universal law of color, as it applies to the use of cosmetics, the techniques and tools for make-up application and proper color selection. The palettes of Jane Iredale's make-up will be available from the instructor, but the students can bring their own make-up to class.
Instructor: Carol Marnelakis
JUST ADDED!!!!!
Vintage Holiday Ornaments/Decorations
Create heirlooms pieces with the collage technique and your imagination.
November 20th from 10-1P
$17 member/$20 non-member