Back to Holyoke Creative Arts Center Home Page Holyoke Creative Arts Center ADULT CLASSES Students may sign up for classes in either one or both of the Spring and Summer, Fall and Late Fall 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 - Susan McNamara, M.A. Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor
FABRIC & FIBER ARTS CLASSES:
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.
FASHION DESIGN Learn the basics of flat pattern drafting to create an original design to your figure. Course will cover pattern drafting of skirts with emphasis on fit and style. Original ideas and sketches will be tested and interpreted into a finished garment. Requirement: Knowledge of basic sewing and finishing of garments. Advanced level will learn pattern drafting of bodices, sleeves and collars. Instructor - Kim Rosner
FLORAL CREATIONS
HAND-PAINTED SILK SCARVES
HOME DÉCOR 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.
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.
NEEDLEWORK Materials: Students may bring a project of their own choosing or contact the Instructor to help design a project.
NUNO RIBBON FELT SCARVES
INTRODUCTION TO PATTERN MAKING 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
QUILTING – BALTIMORE ALBUM APPLIQUE Baltimore Quilting (hand-sewing) leaves the sewing machine behind and enters the liberating world of 19th century hand appliqué. You will learn ruching, and several hand applique techniques including needle turn and the use of freezer paper, paper cuts, fine stems and baskets, to name a few. Some hand sewing experience is helpful but not required. Ask for a supply list when you register.
QUILTING – CIVIL WAR QUILT Create a quilt with 12 Block designs from the 1861 – 1865 era with instructions and direction from an experienced quilter in a community of quilters. Book on quilt is available at Southampton Quilts "A Civil War Legacy" Kaye England Ask for supply list when registering. Instructor - Marsha Molloy
QUILTING - Journey Home You pick the fabric for your quilt done in the Journey Home pattern. Fat quarters for the background, sashing is already part of the block, once your blocks are done in dark and medium with your block design in light color or your background in lights with your block design done in dark colors, your top is done. Size 70"x80" Materials: Block 2 1/4 yards, Background 20 different fat quarters, Border 1 1/4 yards backing 5 yards and Binding 7/8 yard. Instructor - JoAnn Parisi
SEWING – MIXED LEVELS In this mixed-level class you work at your own pace and ability level. You'll receive individualized attention and work on projects of your own choosing. Beginners - learn to sew and create clothes that flatter your coloring, style, and figure. Learn to read patterns, cut, fit, assemble and finish items and insert zippers, darts, hems, etc. Intermediate & Advanced students – create a special outfit, interchange pattern pieces and add that special detail. Sewing machines are available for student use.
SEWING - 4 SPOOL SERGER CLINIC Learn the technique of the four-spool overlock, threading the machine, and the different stitches offered. Each student must bring in their own overlock machine and instruction booklet to class.
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.
UPHOLSTERY – Cushions, Cornices, blinds, etc. If you can make it with fabric we have the class for you. Learn how to make cushions, cover those dining room chairs, make roman shades and put together a cornice to finish off that look for your curtains. Instructor - Gary Clarke
VISUAL ARTS CLASSES:
ABSTRACT PAINTING Abstract Painting - Over the eight-week course the class will look to some of the most influential artists of the twentieth century such as Picasso, Matisse, Pollack and Mondrian. Students will be encouraged to experiment in their paintings, to attempt things that more traditional painters wouldn't dare. We will explore the various mediums and effects they can have on a painting. Moving away from traditional techniques can be liberating. Instructor - Chris Gray
CALLIGRAPHY – Fun With Pens Learn Romans starting with skeleton letter forms using those Speedball "B" and "D"-style nibs. We will follow up with built up Romans. Beginners to advanced students. Supplies available from Instructor.
CALLIGRAPHY – Italic Letters Learn to create Italic Letters using broad edge pens. Beginners to advanced students. Supplies available from instructor.
CALLIGRAPHY – Celtic Letters Learn to create the Celtic Letters and decorate them. Learn Knot work and Animals from the Book of Kells. We will use broad edged markers and gold gel pens. Materials fee: about $10. Supplies can be purchased from instructor. Beginners to advanced students.
COLLAGE, STAMPING. DECOUPAGE, TRANSFERRING, PAINTING AND MORE Be creative in mixed media. Learn the techniques for decorating boxes, furniture and other objects with direction from our talented instructor. Instructor – Suzanne Graham
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.
DECORATIVE PAINTING This diversified art form uses a variety of techniques to achieve artistic self-expression and creativity. Pre-drawn or free hand designs are used so there is no academic training necessary. Produce pieces in folk art, traditional, country or contemporary design in either acrylic or oils. Contact HCAC for list of materials to bring to class
DECORATIVE PAINTING Produce pieces in folk art, traditional, country or contemporary design in either acrylic or oils. Materials costs will be no more than $20. Beginners’ art supplies should cost no more than $25. Ask for a supply list when you register.
FIGURE DRAWING A class devoted to the human figure and basic drawing techniques. Utilize pictures and photos both realistic and imaginative to draw your own figures. A live model may be available if time permits. Instructor – Philinda Shepley
STAMP A STACK OF HOLIDAY CARDS Get your holiday cards completed in one day! We will stamp 20 cards, five different designs, four of each using a variety of holiday stamps (whimsical, elegant, religious and fun), finishing them off with hand-stamped envelopes as well. Don’t be overwhelmed, these will be simple cards that are easy to complete but will look like they cost a small fortune! Instructor Michelle Downie
GHOSTS & GOBLINS, OH MY!
In this workshop we will stamp several Halloween projects including a few cards and a little goodie or two, perfect for those little goblins in your life. Perhaps a scrapbook page and a few all occasion cards too! Designer paper, fun ribbons, brads and many more accessories will be used.
MATTING Learn to cut and measure mats for single, double, or triple matting to display photographs, paintings and other works of art. Learn about the mat board, color selection and combining attaching artwork & simple framing. $10.00 Materials fee payable to the instructor. Instructor Barbara Cohen
MIXED MEDIA (Summer Only) Work in any medium you choose – pencil, watercolor, oil, pen & ink. The instructor will provide individualized guidance in drawing, application of media, and composition to achieve a successful work of art.
OIL PAINTING Join a classically trained artist to create beautiful oil 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.
OLD MASTERS - OIL PAINTING STYLES Learn from the Old Masters - how they used color, light and composition -- to better develop your own painting style. In this class we will use art books and prints of paintings by DaVinci, Rembrandt, Sargeant, Monet and others to better understand how we see color, and how to paint subjects and backgrounds. You will learn color and composition both through observation and discussion, and then by creating your own Old Masters reproductions in a style that interests you, using oils or other media. The class will be held at Debra Barboza’s painting studio in the Canal Gallery. Ask for directions and a supply list when you register. Instructor - Debra Barboza
OPEN STUDIO in OILS & MIXED MEDIA – CANAL GALLERY Join Debra Barboza in her Canal Gallery studio for an open studio class painting at standing easels. Subjects will include a mix of still life studies, live model studies and work on your own projects. You may paint in oils or other media of your choosing.
PASTELS PLUS! Pastel is a fine arts medium that is pure pigment (not chalk). It combines the feel of drawing with a coloring stick rather than brush and liquid paint, with the rich color palette that never fades. Practice your drawing and composition techniques while you enjoy the "instant gratification" this gorgeous medium provides. If you wish, you can also experiment with other media (charcoals, pen, pencil and paint) in this class also. Contact HCAC for list of materials to bring to class.
PEN AND INK DRAWING Learn the proper techniques for utilizing pen and ink to create or embellish works of art under the guidance of an experienced artist. Instructor – Anne Mueller
Digital Photography I (for Beginners) This 5-week course will familiarize students with the basic functions of their digital camera. We’ll discuss some quick tips for taking better photos; demonstrate how to get pictures into your computer and what to do with them afterwards. Sample photos are provided for practicing photo editing techniques using a variety of editing software. The course is a lightly structured program where the general direction of each session may be determined by the questions presented by class participants. Students interested in taking this course should have a basic knowledge of Windows passed computers. A digital camera is desirable, thought NOT required. Bring accompanying connecting cables. Printed materials are included. Instructor: Denis Bessette
"PLEIN AIR" OUTDOOR ART CLASSES & DEMONSTRATIONS (Summer Only) Also known as "Alla Prima", or painting from life. Paint on location for 3 hours on Thursday afternoons at various outdoor sites around Holyoke for four weeks. You will learn brushwork techniques, to see like never before, problem solve, how to enrich your work, make your paintings glow and capture the viewers attention. For beginner and advanced painters. If it rains we will work on indoor still life studies. Contact the Center for a supply list.
WATERCOLORS Beginners This introduction to watercolor will provide instruction in basic watercolor techniques for the novice. Learn how to paint a graded wash, painting wet-on-wet, dry brushing, and the use of masking fluid are some of the techniques that will be taught.
WATERCOLORS Intermediate contrast and texture and more. Ask for a supply list when you register.
WATERCOLORS & OILS - Advanced Mixed Media Take your technique to the next level and learn new approaches to the medium of your choice.
BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE WATERCOLOR
This class is for students with basic knowledge of the medium. 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.
WATERCOLORS - Beginning & Intermediate Learn or continue to work in this medium. Use the tricks of the trade under the direction and guidance of an experienced artist. Instructor – Madeline Calabrese
COMPUTER CLASSES: Some semesters have combined classes (COMPUTERS - 7 classes - BEGINNING WINDOWS and USING A PC AND WINDOWS) or Microsoft Office - 10 classes (Word/Excel/PowerPoint) See Schedule for details COMPUTERS - BEGINNING WINDOWS This class is for the person who is new to computers and is looking to build the
basic skills and take the fear out of using a PC. In a relaxed, non-threatening
atmosphere, you will learn how to properly start and shut down a computer, the
proper use of the keyboard and all of its keys, the mouse and cursor and when to left,
right and double click, editing text, selecting text and other objects, locating and
moving the insertion point, edit concepts including copy, cut and paste, opening windows,
including moving, resizing, maximize, minimize and restore, running programs,
using scroll bars, using dialog boxes and controls, and printing basics.
No prior computer experience required. 3 classes.
Prerequisite: None
USING A PC AND WINDOWS The goal is to learn the characteristics of a PC that apply to all Windows programs. This course prepares and enables the user to concentrate on features common to Windows programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photo Editing, QuickBooks, etc. Topics include a review of keyboard, mouse and editing features, selecting techniques, examples of Windows applications and various ways to launch them, dealing with the windows in which programs run, understanding dialog boxes, the Start Menu, Task Bar and Desktop properties. Students will also learn file creation, association, handling and shortcuts, the PC’s folder structure, along with hardware terminology, maintenance and backups. Computer viruses are discussed. 4 classesPrerequisite: Beginning Windows Instructor - Keith Davis COMPUTERS - WORD PROCESSING
Create professional documents and stunning presentations by learning the many
elements of the modern word processing program. Features include formatting and aligning
text, setting tabs and indentations, importing data, using tables, making columns,
headers and footers, inserting symbols, clipart, pictures and other graphics.
You’ll learn about printing on envelopes and labels and how to use drawing tools,
borders and shading, plus much more.
COMPUTERS - SPREADSHEETS These versatile programs started the PC revolution in the 1980s. Students will
learn all about creating their own spreadsheet files by making column and row headings,
entering data and using formulas. You will use many valuable features, such as sorting
data, creating and printing charts and graphs, inserting comments, clipart, pictures
and other graphics, hiding, protecting and sizing columns and rows, plus much more.
You will see demonstrations of complex formulas, functions and features, such as 3-D
spreadsheets.
COMPUTERS -- INTERNET AND EMAIL
Classes begin with a discussion of Internet history, structure and the many ways
of getting connected. You’ll learn features and controls of Internet Explorer, or
the ‘browser’. We’ll visit many web sites and use Search Engines and do research with
the myriad of available tools and web sites. We’ll also visit several interesting sites
and download files and install programs that are helpful or necessary in surfing the Web.
There will be discussions about computer viruses and other browsing hazards.
Finally, you will learn and use all aspects of Email.
COMPUTERS -- PHOTO EDITING
In this class, we'll review the many ways of getting digital images from your
camera to the PC (cabling, memory card, etc). We'll also acquire picture images from
a scanner. Camera settings for picture size are discussed. Organizing pictures on a
PC is important, so we'll look at the folder structure and create our own folder 'tree'
where images can be stored in 'albums.' Different photo editing programs are used to
crop, resize, lighten, darken and otherwise fix imperfections in pictures. Special
effects are reviewed and we'll add text to a photo. Tools for 'layers,' 'burn,' 'dodge,'
drawing shapes, fill, etc. are reviewed. We'll make a collage and discuss printing issues.
COMPUTERS -- POWERPOINT
Need to put on a slide show presentation? In this introduction to PowerPoint class,
we'll create presentations using various background styles and textures and layouts.
Text, pictures, clip art, graphs, etc. are added to the presentation. Transitions between
slides and effects for objects coming into and leaving each slide are reviewed. Sound can
be added to enhance the experience. We'll edit the presentation by adding and removing
slides and get the presentation ready to show.
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.
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.
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