Introduction to Slab Building with Clay with Tammy Vitale

Start at the beginning with a simple bas-relief tile, move through a simple wall sculpture, make an armature for slab sculpture, and make a mask using an armature. Minimum 3, Maximum 5, age 16 and up

This class is intended to introduce you to what’s involved in the craft of stained glass.  The finished piece will be a 12 x 12 Tiffany-style panel using the copper foil method.  Students will be shown how to recognize and fix problems with patterns, how to choose colors that work well together, and how to use all the tools that are on hand.  Cutting, grinding, soldering and final fabrication will be taught in this class.  All tools are provided.  If you are experienced in working with glass and the tools, come join us! No open-toed shoes for safety!

This class is for both beginners and those with experience that want to improve their skills. Beginners will receive step by step instruction on the pottery wheel so that you can create a simple and unique piece of pottery. For those with previous experience, this is an opportunity to practice and refine simple forms and explore more complex shapes. All materials provided. Following this class, students will have the opportunity to work on their own during open studio time. Please note that the minimum age to register for this class is 16.

True beginners will see the progress they can make with even one class with Diana. Students will learn which brush to use, the proper water to paint ratio, how to set up a palette, how to mix colors, and whether to use wet on wet or wet on dry techniques. Students will experiment with several techniques and produce a finished painting. Students will go home with a finished painting at the first class. No experience is needed! A list of materials will be available upon registering for the class.

Ceramics Open Studio is available to hobbyists and professionals who are not currently taking a class and would like to begin or work on their projects.  All the materials and tools are provided, so take a chance on getting dirty and have fun. Contact your instructor for details.

Mixed Level with Open Studio with Lillian Pennypacker

For those interested in an introduction to oil painting, participants will focus on technique, experimentation and play, and then dive into the indirect painting approach, which includes building the composition and under painting. incorporating glazing and shifts in temperature to bring a work to life will also be included. For intermediate and advanced painters, the instructor will work with you one on and you can use class time as studio time for your personal projects. All paint and supplies will be provided for intro students. Supplies are available for advanced students, but please provide tools and paint of your own.

Learn how to observe and draw objects from life, in a realistic style. In this workshop, your instructor will provide exercises which will offer you a step-by-step approach to learning observational drawing. Working in pencil and charcoal, you will learn skills to help you create a successful basic drawing.  Participants will learn to make accurate contour line drawings of objects, identify forms and shapes, understand the importance of object relationships and establish scale and other relationships between objects.

This class explores watercolor techniques including wet on wet and use of drawing gum. Students will practice learning different triad palette combinations and pulling and glazing watercolors using personal photographs and still life as inspiration. Use of gouache and egg tempera is acceptable. Painting experience is a must. Students work at their own pace with critique and suggestions. Still life is often provided along with painting from instructors’ photos or students’ own. Demonstrations and assistance will be provided by the instructor.

Beginning Soft Pastels with Cynthia G. Miles

Edward Degas, Mary Cassatt, Eugène Delacroix, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, James Whistler, Georgia O’Keeffe and Pablo Picasso all embraced pastels.  Learn through understanding basic tools, materials to use as surfaces, subject matter and storage from an instructor with 40 years’ experience with medium. Demonstrations will be provided.  Participants will paint from their own photos brought to class and from still life setups.  All materials are supplied but students are encouraged to bring an apron and handwipes and their own pastels if they have them.  Minimum of 4 maximum of 8 students.

Students will carve a decoy using a knife or more advanced students will power carve. All decoys are completed with paint. A $90 supply fee is payable to the instructor at the first class for the wood, eyes, and paint for the project. A list of additional supplies and power tools are available.

Looking for a family activity for Valentine’s Day?  We have it all planned!  Join us at DCA where we have a fun project planned.  All supplies provided. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Drop in, but you must arrive no later than 2:30pm.

With Spring just around the corner, join DCA for this fun family activity that will usher in the season.  All supplies provided. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Drop in, but you must arrive no later than 2:30pm.

These are a reprise of our popular workshops from two years ago. Each workshops features both the rising sun and the setting moon. Note that on March 16 the moon is at 97%, and on April 13 it is completely full. Instruction will be provided on the best settings and techniques for photographing the sun and the moon; in addition, we will provide tips on photographing the wildlife at the Blackwater Refuge. Minimum 3 and maximum of 8 students

This workshop is for photographers who have never really explored the capabilities of their DSLR or mirrorless camera, and who mostly use Auto or Program Mode when taking photos. It will combine classroom instruction with field shooting. You’ll learn, then immediately practice what you’ve learned. This will be repeated throughout the length of the workshop. We want you to immediately practice what you’ve learned so you don’t forget it.  Minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 students.

Material covered includes:

• An overview of your camera, with suggestions for settings you may not know about, DSLR vs. Mirrorless, RAW vs. JPEG, and recommended internet sites for learning more.
• How to use the different camera shooting modes, from Program mode to Manual mode.
• The exposure triangle: aperture, shutter, and ISO.
• Metering and white balance.
• How to set up and use autofocus, including back button focus.
• When to use manual focus.
• An introduction to good composition.

This two-day workshop will teach the art of up-cycling furniture. Through the magic of ideas, paint, glue and other materials, a shabby old piece of furniture will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Students learn how to decoupage and embellish with a variety of items, then seal the piece with polyurethane to last a lifetime and more. Students should bring a small piece of furniture; all other supplies will be provided. Participants take home their completed piece of furniture as well as an instructional printout of the process for future reference. Suggested furniture pieces: end table, small cabinet, or a small chair.  Furniture pieces need to be sanded prior to the class.