ALIVE WITH ART.
VECCA is sponsoring a series of workshops that enables community members deeply impacted by the pandemic to experience the healing nature of art. Alive with Art is led by local VECCA artists, writers, and musicians to provide a variety of creative arts workshops that are sure to inspire. All supplies are provided thanks to a "Support of Local Arts Grant through Virginia Commission of the Arts & Shenandoah County." Please use the form below to sign up for a workshop. Participants must be 18 years or older to participate. VECCA expects a waiting list, therefore signing up is a commitment. If you become ill or have an emergency, please give VECCA 24-hour notice before the scheduled workshop so that we can notify someone on the waiting list.
DESCRIPTION OF WORKSHOPS
SILVER SOLDERING FOR BEGINNERS (JEWELRY-MAKING) with Kent Harper
Monday, April 10, 1-5 p.m.
In this class, you will learn to permanently join two pieces of metal together using a torch to melt bits of silver solder to make a joint. Build a pair of earrings, a pendant, or bring your own idea to class. Instructor, Kent Harper, will have a few samples available to give you ideas, but the designs will be yours - so, bring your creativity as well. We will be working with 1-inch wide sterling silver plate and wire. Class size is limited to 6.
Monday, April 10, 1-5 p.m.
In this class, you will learn to permanently join two pieces of metal together using a torch to melt bits of silver solder to make a joint. Build a pair of earrings, a pendant, or bring your own idea to class. Instructor, Kent Harper, will have a few samples available to give you ideas, but the designs will be yours - so, bring your creativity as well. We will be working with 1-inch wide sterling silver plate and wire. Class size is limited to 6.
BLOCK-OUT POETRY with Sarah E N Kohrs
Saturday, April 29, 9-11:30 a.m.
Do you enjoy word-smithing? Or, perhaps poetry feels intimidating, but you would love to learn how to create poems of your own? Award-winning, local poet, Sarah E N Kohrs, guides you through creating artistic expressions using a set of words that can inspire your poetic voice. This workshop also uses illustration pens to create a work of art based on your writing that will encourage you from the day to day. Class size is limited to 12.
Saturday, April 29, 9-11:30 a.m.
Do you enjoy word-smithing? Or, perhaps poetry feels intimidating, but you would love to learn how to create poems of your own? Award-winning, local poet, Sarah E N Kohrs, guides you through creating artistic expressions using a set of words that can inspire your poetic voice. This workshop also uses illustration pens to create a work of art based on your writing that will encourage you from the day to day. Class size is limited to 12.
DRAWING FROM NATURE with August Hoerr
Friday, May 12, 2-5 p.m.
Nature is a timeless source of inspiration. This workshop will cover some basic techniques, and explore drawing natural forms as a path towards self-expression, better mental balance, and connection to one’s environment. In addition during the class, participants will be able to use art materials made from local sources, like grapevine charcoal. Class size is limited to 10.
Friday, May 12, 2-5 p.m.
Nature is a timeless source of inspiration. This workshop will cover some basic techniques, and explore drawing natural forms as a path towards self-expression, better mental balance, and connection to one’s environment. In addition during the class, participants will be able to use art materials made from local sources, like grapevine charcoal. Class size is limited to 10.
ART JOURNALING FOR PEACE, REFLECTIONS, & FUN with Rachel Tusing
Monday, May 15, 2-5 p.m.
In this workshop, instructor Rachel Tusing will show basic art-journaling techniques that can inspire future art-journal entries. These include: different ways of creating a background in one's journal, from watercolor washing to tissue paper painting, scrapbooking, and scribbling with water soluble markers; as well as common techniques for creating the foreground or theme of the entry, from mandalas to free writing, and much more. Come, experiment with art, and start your own art journal journey. Class size is limited to 12.
Monday, May 15, 2-5 p.m.
In this workshop, instructor Rachel Tusing will show basic art-journaling techniques that can inspire future art-journal entries. These include: different ways of creating a background in one's journal, from watercolor washing to tissue paper painting, scrapbooking, and scribbling with water soluble markers; as well as common techniques for creating the foreground or theme of the entry, from mandalas to free writing, and much more. Come, experiment with art, and start your own art journal journey. Class size is limited to 12.
THE ART OF BOOKCRAFT: HAND-PUBLISHING FOR THE NOVICE & SERIOUS WRITER with John Berry
Friday, June 2, 4-7 p.m.
Shenandoah Valley author, John Berry, teaches the method he uses to self-publish handmade books of poetry and prose. The method is easy, inexpensive and accessible, requiring no special publishing software, complicated tools or skills. The class is 3 hours, during which he teaches how to format, print, fold, bind and trim attractive handmade books from manuscript to finished product. Each student receives our manual, The Art of Bookcraft, and will make a blank journal during class to take home. While in itself a practical, even profitable solution to self-publishing, the class gives the student access to a way of expressing their creativity many may have though unattainable or even impossible and is a hands-on demonstration of the power of DIY. An artist is sometimes all an artist needs. Class size is limited to 6.
Friday, June 2, 4-7 p.m.
Shenandoah Valley author, John Berry, teaches the method he uses to self-publish handmade books of poetry and prose. The method is easy, inexpensive and accessible, requiring no special publishing software, complicated tools or skills. The class is 3 hours, during which he teaches how to format, print, fold, bind and trim attractive handmade books from manuscript to finished product. Each student receives our manual, The Art of Bookcraft, and will make a blank journal during class to take home. While in itself a practical, even profitable solution to self-publishing, the class gives the student access to a way of expressing their creativity many may have though unattainable or even impossible and is a hands-on demonstration of the power of DIY. An artist is sometimes all an artist needs. Class size is limited to 6.
THE IMPRESSION OF POTTERY by SENK
Saturday, June 17, 1-4 p.m.
The moldability of clay is a delight. Whether you are pressing patterns or smoothing it into a handbuilt vessel, clay also makes an impression on us. This workshop will enable you to experience the therapeutic qualities of clay and create forms that will be fired and returned to you in a durable state that you can enjoy for years to come. You will make: a pocket charm, a spoon rest or small dish, and a piece of your choice. This workshop will create stoneware pottery and use underglazes for incorporating color on wet clay. The instructor will clear-glaze all pieces after a bisque firing to make sure the pieces are waterproof and food-safe. Class size is limited to 12.
Saturday, June 17, 1-4 p.m.
The moldability of clay is a delight. Whether you are pressing patterns or smoothing it into a handbuilt vessel, clay also makes an impression on us. This workshop will enable you to experience the therapeutic qualities of clay and create forms that will be fired and returned to you in a durable state that you can enjoy for years to come. You will make: a pocket charm, a spoon rest or small dish, and a piece of your choice. This workshop will create stoneware pottery and use underglazes for incorporating color on wet clay. The instructor will clear-glaze all pieces after a bisque firing to make sure the pieces are waterproof and food-safe. Class size is limited to 12.
MEMOIR MAKING with Cara Achterberg
Thursday, June 22, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Learn how to get your story on the page, mining your memories for nuggets that not only entertain, but share universal truths. Memoir writing is not for the faint of heart - it requires bravery and creativity, but will reward you with new avenues to your soul. Bring your own laptop, or VECCA will have a notebook and pen for you as we explore the story only you can tell. Whether you are writing for yourself, your family, or publication, writing memoir helps you discover meaning and purpose, and helps you find healing and hope for the life you are living.
Process: through presentation, discussion, and examples we will look at what memoir is and isn't, how it can be structured, how to decide what to write about, and resources available to help. Participants will engage in writing exercises and have the opportunity to share if they would like. Class size is limited to 10.
Thursday, June 22, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Learn how to get your story on the page, mining your memories for nuggets that not only entertain, but share universal truths. Memoir writing is not for the faint of heart - it requires bravery and creativity, but will reward you with new avenues to your soul. Bring your own laptop, or VECCA will have a notebook and pen for you as we explore the story only you can tell. Whether you are writing for yourself, your family, or publication, writing memoir helps you discover meaning and purpose, and helps you find healing and hope for the life you are living.
Process: through presentation, discussion, and examples we will look at what memoir is and isn't, how it can be structured, how to decide what to write about, and resources available to help. Participants will engage in writing exercises and have the opportunity to share if they would like. Class size is limited to 10.
HEARING OUR HEARTBEAT THROUGH DRUMMING with Martha Hoerr
Saturday, July 1, 5-7 p.m.
Participants will learn from drumming instructor, Martha Hoerr, about the universal language of drumming that represents a heartbeat. Settled in a large circle, the group will find their voice through the drum, listening and playing different rhythms. In addition to learning different drum names and hand patterns, this workshop will incorporate call and response, as well as drumming as one. Class size is limited to 12.
Saturday, July 1, 5-7 p.m.
Participants will learn from drumming instructor, Martha Hoerr, about the universal language of drumming that represents a heartbeat. Settled in a large circle, the group will find their voice through the drum, listening and playing different rhythms. In addition to learning different drum names and hand patterns, this workshop will incorporate call and response, as well as drumming as one. Class size is limited to 12.
COLLABORATING WITH THE SUN: CYANOTYPE PRINTING with Emma Olgilvie
Thursday, July 13, 5-8:30 p.m.
Cyanotype prints are made by utilizing the reaction between certain UV-sensitive chemicals and the light of the sun. Local artist, Emma Olgilvie will guide participants through the process to create their own cyanotype prints. Class size is limited to 10.
Thursday, July 13, 5-8:30 p.m.
Cyanotype prints are made by utilizing the reaction between certain UV-sensitive chemicals and the light of the sun. Local artist, Emma Olgilvie will guide participants through the process to create their own cyanotype prints. Class size is limited to 10.
STAINED GLASS MOSAIC COASTER with Sue Somerville and Ann Heap
Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The repetitive nature of mosaic can be soothing and contemplative. In this workshop, participants will select materials, choose a pattern, glue tesserae in place, then grout and sign their work of art. Patterns will be provided to reduce stress and facilitate timeliness. Glue will be non-toxic and participants will have access to disposable gloves and masks, if desired. Class size is limited to 10.
Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The repetitive nature of mosaic can be soothing and contemplative. In this workshop, participants will select materials, choose a pattern, glue tesserae in place, then grout and sign their work of art. Patterns will be provided to reduce stress and facilitate timeliness. Glue will be non-toxic and participants will have access to disposable gloves and masks, if desired. Class size is limited to 10.
Questions? E-mail VECCArts@gmail.com.