Valley Art Center
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      • 40th Juried Art Show Exhibit-Nov 4-Dec 14, 2011
      • Art Strikes a Pose-Sept 9-Oct 13, 2011
      • 2011 Student/Faculty Exhibit--Jun 24-Jul 28
      • Piecing It All Together: The Art of Collage--Apr 11-May 19, 2011
      • Celebration of Diversity: The New Face of Homelessness-Feb 11-Mar 17, 2011
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ADULT AND TEEN COURSE DESCRIPTIONS (alphabetical order)
Registration Form

Acrylics: Experimental
Judith Albert      Adult and Teen
Friday      10 am - 12:30 pm(Spring)      $120 nonmember/$108 member
Saturday      10am - 12:30pm pm(Summer)     $120 nonmember/$108 member

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Kindergarten for grown-ups! Can't draw? This class is for YOU! This class is designed for beginning artists who fear that blank white piece of paper or intermediate artists who want to loosen up and have fun. We'll discuss color and composition and plan to finish a painting each week. We'll be spraying acrylic inks, applying tissue paper, using rubber stamps and other texture techniques, gold leafing, mono printing and finish up creating a collage. We'll work in the studio and the teacher will do demonstrations and show some of her artworks. Most supplies for the 1st and 2nd classes will be purchased by the teacher. There is a $10 supply fee per student, payable to the instructor at the first class. SUPPLY LIST

Acrylics for the Fraidy Cat!
Susan Graham       Adult and Teen
Saturday      10 am - 12 pm      $80 nonmember/$72 member

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5 weeks- 4/20-5/18.
Acrylics are fun and easy to use. In this class you will learn how to mix your colors,
use your brushes, learn about different surfaces on which to paint, and how to apply
paint in the traditional manner. SUPPLY LIST
Teens by special permission.

Adult Couture Sewing
Liz Fincun     Adult
Wednesday    7 - 9:30pm     $120 nonmember/ $108 member

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Have some sewing skills (or none at all?) but are leery about taking on that big project of deconstructing that outdated muumuu, or you're able to see that sundress just waiting to be born out of those old bedsheets or curtains? Bring it along with your machine and let Liz Fincun be your support and guide. We have two machines to lend for those in need-- first-come, first-served!

The Art of Beaded Jewelry Design
Kim Mettee      Adult
Thursday      10 am - 1 pm      $144 nonmember/$130 member
Thursday      6-9pm                  $144 nonmember/$130 member

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This class is for beginning and more experienced students who want to create unique and personalized designs in wearable art. Kim will encourage individual direction while sharing basic and advanced techniques. Beyond learning the fundamentals, Kim inspires her students by teaching them how to tap into, channel and refine their intuitive creative sensibilities, i.e seeing, feeling, understanding and integrating colour, texture, pattern, light and line into their designs. Students learn to celebrate the fluidity of these elements and begin to appreciate the applicability in other aspects of their life. Illumination is an exciting process which requires patience and practice. Quality one-on-one attention is provided for any student who requires that extra sensitive guidance. Students are encouraged to utilize traditional components in addition to recycled objects such as buttons, hardware, old jewelry and items from nature. Attendance at first class is mandatory for beginners and a materials list will be provided at that time. Please feel free to bring something to nosh as nourishing the body promotes healthy creative flow. Call me directly with any questions: 216-906-0526.

Winter: The Art & Craft of Fiction
Scott Lax     Adult
Saturday      1 - 2:30 pm       $72 nonmember/$65 member

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Are you thinking about, or in the process of writing a short story or novel? Have you wondered how to make your story worthy of being read and appreciated? Writing instructor Scott Lax, a former Fellow in Fiction at the Sewanee Writers Conference, is the author of a novel that was named one of the 1998's best works of fiction by "The Denver Post," and is an award-winning short story writer. "The Art and Craft of Fiction" will cover the elements of creating believable characters, compelling plots, good dialogue, point of view, styles of fiction, creating suspense and more. Class members will also do a few fun and eye-opening writing exercises that can help unlock your fiction voice. This is a one-of-a-kind class, the goal of which is to take you to the next level of your fiction writing. It's also a good introduction to Scott's upcoming manuscript class.
Please note: Limit eight students. What to bring: notebook and pen or pencil (laptops permitted).

Concept Based Oil Painting
Bud Deihl Adult and Teen
Monday & Friday      10 am - 2 pm       $192 nonmember/$173 member

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This course, with a four hour format, is for serious artists of all levels from beginning through advanced. Guidance will be offered on issues such as composition, color, tools and techniques, but the emphasis of the course will be on thinking creatively. Individual attention will be available whenever needed. The course will conclude with a group discussion of the students’ works. A former abstract expressionist, the instructor’s current painting style is tightly controlled realism; he will be demonstrating and discussing his painting methods for those interested, but students will be encouraged to choose their own subject matter and painting style. IMPORTANT: Students will be responsible for bringing all necessary materials, including any desired photographic reference (not of someone else’s painting, please), beginning with the first class. And, don't forget your lunch. SUPPLY LIST

Digital Photography for the Fraidy Cat!
Tessa Dicker Adult and Teen
Tuesday     7-9:30pm     $96 nonmember/$86 member

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Learn the basics of digital photography. We will start with understanding what those
symbols on your camera mean. We will explore how to set your own film speed,
aperture and shutter speed. We will also learn when to use a flash. We will explore
taking taking action shots, landscape and portraits. In this class you will practice and
apply what you have learned using your camera!

Drawing for the Fraidy Cat!
Jeni Yonker Adult and Teen
Tuesday 6:30 - 8:30 pm $96 nonmember/$86 member
Thursday 10 am - 12 pm $96 nonmember/$86 member

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Everyone can draw! If you have ever wanted to learn how to draw or just want to refresh yourself in drawing basics then this is the class for you. This class will focus on building drawing skills through the use of line, value, perspective, and composition. Students will work on a variety of projects with different drawing mediums to develop their own personal style. SUPPLY LIST

Enamel on Metal
Sandy Richert Adult and Teen
Wednesday 1 - 3 pm $96 nonmember/$86 member

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This art form involves applying vitreous glass enamel to metal and kiln firing multiple times,
 each taking only minutes. Drawing skills are not required for this colorful and expressive
craft. Beginning students learn several basic classical techniques and those with experience
are guided in limoge, cloisonne, champleve or other techniques of choice. All equipment and
 supplies are included in first project fee of $8, payable to instructor at first class. Call the
 instructor with any questions at 440-449-5133 or e-mail at t-srichert@stratos.net with VAC
in the subject line.

Everything But the Kitchen Sink
Joan Rusek      Adult and Teen
Tuesday 7 - 9 pm $132 nonmember/$119 member (Spring and Summer)
Thursday 9 - 11:30 am $165 nonmember/$149 member (Spring)
Thursday 9 - 11:00am $132 nonmember/$119 member (Summer)
Friday 9:30 am - 12 pm $165 nonmember/$149 member (Spring and Summer)

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Learn wheel-thrown pottery and advanced hand building techniques to
create your own dinnerware safe pottery, gifts, and decorative sculpture
from a local award-winning potter. All skill levels are welcome. Materials
and tools are provided. Wear old clothes.

Handmade Pottery
Tracy Shea Adult and Teen
Monday 7 - 9:30 pm $165 nonmember/$149 member
Thursday 7 - 9:30 pm $165 nonmember/$149 member

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Enjoy making functional and decorative art for your home on the potter’s wheel and by hand.
Learn the basics of making pottery on the wheel and discover soft slab, coil, and pinching
techniques to make hand-built vessels or combine with your wheel work. We will make basic
forms like mugs, bowls, platters and decorative pottery. Students are also encouraged to explore 
their own designs. Experiment with glazing (dipping, pouring, brushing), decorating (stamping,
sgraffito, marbling clay) and learn about firing an electric kiln. All skill levels are welcome with
emphasis on helping beginners get great results. All supplies are included. Wear old clothes!

Impressive Impressions (Printmaking)
Judith Albert      Adult/Teen
Tuesday       10 am - 12:30pm     $135 nonmember/$122 member

"WOW!" "Ooooh!" "Ahhhh!" Listen to the oohs and aahs of your fellow students as your print has gone through VAC's new printing press and you lift your print off the plexiglass plate to show the world your unique monoprint! Learn what a ghost is! Use stencils to create shapes! Use tools to create textures! Learn to mix colored inks! Wear old clothes or an apron as oil based inks will be used. We will work as green-ly as possible. A $10 to $15 supply fee will be payable to the instructor.

Intermediate to Advanced Digital Photography
Michael Steinberg   Adult/Teen
Wednesday      3-5pm      $96 nonmember/$86 member (Spring)
Wednesday      4:30-6:30pm     $96 nonmember/ $86 member (Summer

Learn some advanced picture-taking techniques in a relaxed atmosphere with professional photographer, Michael Steinberg. Come with your special picture-taking challenges. This class is for the student who is fairly comfortable with their camera and has experience taking pictures. The instructor will then critique the pictures and demonstrate the editing process. You will need a camera that allows you to set the aperture and shutter speeds. An interchangeable lens is a plus! Check out Michael Steinsberg's work at: www.comphotography.com; www.weddingphotographercleveland.com.

Intermediate Digital Photography
Tessa Dicker      Adult/Teen
Wednesday      7-9pm      $96 nonmember/$86 member

Learn to go beyond the basics of digital photography. We will review film speed, aperture and shutter speed. We will also learn when to use fill flash. We will explore taking action shots on continuous mode, night time shots and portraits with background changes. In this class you will practice and apply what you have learned using your camera!

Jewelry and Metals
Cathy Davies Paetz Adult and Teen
Tuesday 6 - 9 pm $180 nonmember/$162 member

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Course offers instruction in design, sawing, hammering, soldering, stone setting,
and finishing to make your own jewelry pieces. Equipment provided. Many supplies
are available from instructor. Please email Cathy Davies Paetz at cdp@cdpdesigns.com
for a complete supply list.  All skill levels welcome!

Oil Painting
Rob Crombie    Adult and Teen
Monday 6 - 8:30 pm  $120 nonmember/ $108 member

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Instructor Rob Crombie is an Impressionistic painter. ALL STUDENTS MUST BE INTERMEDIATE TO
PROFESSIONAL AND KNOW HOW TO MIX COLOR AND HAVE SIGNIFICANT DRAWING EXPERIENCE,
PLEASE! Emphasis will be on nature, structures (homes, etc.) and still life. Work will be done from
photographs. There will be time for individual assistance as well as personal exploration. This
class is for those 18 and over. The supply list online. You may email Rob Crombie at: rcrombie@neo.rr.com
if you have any questions. SUPPLY LIST.


Pastels
Mary Senechal Adult and Teen
Thursday 7 - 9:30 pm $120 nonmember/$108 member

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Pastels are a versatile medium allowing you to use a combination of drawing and painting techniques. Colors used in pastel will not fade, crack or yellow allowing the freshness of your painting to remain for years to come. We will explore the medium using hard and soft pastels as well as pastel pencils for added line quality and expression. In class, exercises will focus on learning the various ways to layer pastel to create vibrant color, enhance your compositions, create mood and encourage your own unique style. Each class will include individual critiques with group discussion encouraged to further develop the understanding of how to create a successful painting. SUPPLY LIST

Photojournalism
Hope Kinchen     Adult/Teen
Tuesday      7-9pm      $96 nonmember/$86 member

Photojournalism- This is an intermediate photography class. Students will need a digital camera body that has a manual setting, an adjustable wide angle lens and a telephoto lens. Use of flash and zoom lenses are not mandatory, but would be helpful to have, as they will be covered in class and will help you obtain better photographs. 
This course will answer and discuss what is photojournalism. There will be lectures and discussions which will cover the history and the ethics of photojournalism. Students will learn what the various types of images are such as features, spot news and general news, environmental portraiture, sports action and sports features, two-picture packages, and picture stories. There will be on-location shoots, critiques and discussions about student work. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to learn to shoot more meaningful travel images, candids, and non-posed wedding photos and/or who has an interest in newspaper and magazine photography.

Photoshop for Photographers
Michael Steinberg     Adult and Teen
Wednesday      7-9pm      $96 nonmember/ $86 member

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Learn some of the basics of Photoshop software. Adjusting color, converting to black and white,
 digital dodging, burning, using masks, layers, actions, effects, channels, selections, and much more.
You may bring your lap top and work on your own or learn some of the basics of photography editing
by observing and asking questions.
see Michael Steinberg's work at: www.weddingphotographercleveland.com; www.comphotography.com

Polymer Clay for Adults and Teens
Joan Rusek      Adult and Teen
Wednesday      6:30 - 8:30 pm     $132 nonmember/$119 member

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Create colors, textures, and sculpt original beads, decorative items, and even small
 sculptures from polymer clay. Add small metal parts and turn it into funky Steampunk
 fashion! All materials are supplied, but you may bring objects from home to incorporate
into your pieces!

Precious Metal Clay Jewelry - All Levels
Cathy Davies Paetz Adult and Teen
Thursday      2 - 4:30 pm      $150 nonmember/$135 member
Thursday     6:30 - 9 pm       $150 nonmember/$135 member

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Create silver jewelry using Precious Metal Clay (PMC), a relatively new approach to jewelry
 making. Microscopic particles of fine silver are suspended in an organic binder with water,
 making a pliable, clay-like material which can be formed into jewelry. During kiln firing, the
binder burns away leaving a pure silver creation. Explore many different ways to express your
jewelry ideas. All levels (including beginners) are welcome. Advanced techniques are offered as
 students gain experience. Materials fee for your initial package of PMC is due to instructor at the
 first class (between $45-60 dependent on price of silver). Email the instructor at cdp@cdpdesigns.com
 to get A list for tools and supplies. Visit the artist’s website at www.cdpdesigns.com.   Supply list.

Watercolor
Jan Mettee    Adult/Teen
Tuesday     9:30 am - 12pm     $120 nonmember/ $108 member
Tuesday     1-3:30pm             $120 nonmember/ $108 member

Increase your knowledge of design from those first preliminary sketches to your watercolor paintings. Through demos and individual critiques, Jan will help you to "see" and build upon a style that is uniquely yours. Two classes are taught on Tuesdays, so spend the morning, afternoon or the entire day! Teacher will contact the students with the supply list. 

Watercolor All Level Intermediate
Darlene Jackson Adult and Teen
Tuesday    10 am - 12:30 pm      $120  nonmember/$108 member (Spring)
Tuesday              1 - 3:30 pm      $120  nonmember/$108 member (Spring)

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$80 nonmember/ $72 member (Summer- 4 weeks. June 18, 25; July 9, 16.)

This is for those of you who are not beginners and want to develop your own personal style.
We will be working through the elements and principles of design. Learn the importance of
your sketch book in working through your compositions. Demos and critiques will be part
of this class. Bring your lunch and stay for the afternoon class as well! SUPPLY LIST

Watercolor Intermediate to Advanced
Darlene Jackson Adult and Teen
Monday    10 am - 12:30 pm     $120 nonmember/$108 member (Spring)
Monday              1 - 3:30 pm     $120 nonmember/$108 member (Spring)

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$80 nonmember/ $72 member (Summer- 4 weeks. June 17, 24; July 8, 15)

Bring your own unique experience and personal and creative style to this class.
Create a painting in class from a still life, sketchbook; or work from photos you
have taken. Your paintings will be strengthened through the use of elements and
principles of design and composition making your creations more painterly. Demos
and critiques will be part of this class. Bring your lunch and stay for the afternoon
class! SUPPLY LIST

Watercolor Painting for the Fraidy Cat!
Darlene Jackson Adult and Teen
Wednesday            10 am - 12:30 pm            $120 nonmember/$108 member (Spring)

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$80 nonmember/ $72 member (Summer- 4 weeks. June 19, 26; July 10, 17.)

This class is for the novice or truly timid beginner. Learn the basic techniques
 and how to work with watercolors. Demos and critiques will be part of this class.
 We will learn from each other and build confidence. SUPPLY LIST

155 Bell Street Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Phone: 440-247-7507 Fax: 440-247-5803 Email: office@valleyartcenter.org
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Saturday (with exceptions for holidays and special events)