Fall Classes

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KinderArts: Movement, Music, and Art with Ryan Strobel

Grade K
11 or 5 weeks

Morning Session:  Tuesdays,
Sept 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18,
Dec 2, 9, 16, 9:00 -11:00am

Afternoon Session:  Tuesdays, Sept 30, Oct 7,
14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18, Dec 2, 9, 16,
11:20am -2:40pm

Early Bird Special: 
Sign up by September 26th!
5 week Morning Session: Sept 30-Oct 28 - $75.00 11 week Morning Session: Sept 30-Dec 16 - $155   5 week Afternoon Session: Sept 30-Oct 28 - $125

11 week Afternoon Session: Sept 30-Dec 16 - $235

*prices go up after September 26th

Maximum 10 Students

Afternoon students will be picked up by Ryan at Stowe Elementary after their morning Kindergarten class and brought back to the Helen Day, or students can be dropped off directly at the art center. During this 3 hour, 20 minute afternoon class, students will have lunch, create art, and enjoy story time and indoor or outdoor group activities.  Afternoon students can either be picked up at the Helen Day or can be escorted back to Stowe Elementary to take the bus. All supplies and snacks are provided.  Smocks are encouraged and can be stored at the Helen Day.  Afternoon participants must bring a bag lunch.

ARTventures with Ryan Strobel

Ages 3-6 Mondays, 10:00am-11:30am 8 weeks

Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17, and Dec 1

Maximum 10 Students Explore and travel the world looking for adventures through art!  Students and their parents will visit different continents, oceans, and more with music, theater, 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional art.  Show and tell each week will encourage sharing, and young artists will have the chance to work individually and collaboratively. Experience sights and sounds from all over the world together, while learning about different cultures.  Snacks and materials included! $120 for 8 weeks,

$115 Early Bird Special $65 for 4 weeks, $60 Early Bird Special $25 drop-ins

(Early Bird Deadline: Friday, September 26th)

More Mini Masters with Liz Kauffman

Grades 1 & 2

Thursdays, 3:00-4:30pm 5 weeks - Oct 16, 30, Nov 6, 13, and 20 

Maximum 10 Students

A brand new session of our popular spring 08 class. Get to know the masters! Liz will introduce students to all new influential artists of the past and present, and help them to create their own masterpieces.  Through mixed media, students will learn about the history, life, and styles behind these famous artists, and get a chance to join in the fun by becoming artists themselves.  Snacks also included! $110 Supplies Included!

$100 Early Bird Special (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, Sept 26th)

Favorite Story Book Characters: Clay Class with Mame Ramey McKee

Grades K-2 Tuesdays, 3:15-4:45pm 5 weeks - October 7, 14, 21, 28, and Nov 4

Maximum 8 Students

Students will learn hand building techniques and create characters from the books they bring in. Working from the illustrations, we will make characters like Clifford, The Cat in the Hat, or Dora the Explorer! We will read the stories and talk about the characters as we exercise our imaginations!  Students will also have the chance to explore and experiment with clay.  Our clay classes are designed for school aged children regardless of art experience and are tailored to each participant's artistic goals. Includes clay, tool access & 1 1/2 hours of instruction weekly. $120 Supplies Included!

$110 Early Bird Special (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, September 26th)

Great Games:  Clay Class with Mame Ramey McKee

Grades 3-5

Tuesdays, 3:15-4:45 pm

4 weeks, 5th week optional

November 18, 25 (optional)

December 2, 9 and 16

Maximum 8 Students

While experimenting with basic hand building techniques students will explore different games and learn how they are created.  Using clay and other mediums they will then create their own game parts instructions and playing fields. The real test will be how well their parents and friends can follow the instructions!  Students will also have the chance to explore and experiment with clay.  Our clay classes are designed for school aged children regardless of art experience and are tailored to each participant’s artistic goals.  Includes clay, tool access, snacks, and 1 1/2 hours of instruction weekly. $110 Supplies Included! ($30 fee for optional November 25th)

$100 Early Bird Special (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, September 26th)

GRAND VISIONS: Drawing and Painting LARGE with Mallory Breiner

Grades 3-6

Tuesdays, 3:15 -5:00pm

6 weeks, Oct. 28, November 4, 11, 18, December 2 and 9

Maximum 10 Students

Do you have big ideas for your artwork?  Tired of drawing in your little sketch pad?  Get ready to draw big with Mallory.  Learn about the inspiration and techniques behind modern drawing installations and public art, and be inspired to draw and paint on a large scale.  You will also get to experiment with charcoal, pencil, oil pastels, acrylic, watercolor and more!  Snacks also provided.  $120 Supplies Included! $110 Early Bird Special (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, September 26th)

African Masks with Cacky Peltz

Grades 3-5 Wednesdays, 3:00-4:15pm 6 weeks

October 8, 15, 29, November 5, 12, and 19

Maximum 12 Students

Join Cacky after school to make marvelously magnificent masks!  Students will be making two different masks while learning about their importance in African Art.  After exploring the different uses and meanings behind African masks, students will create their own spirit mask using cardboard and natural materials.  The second project will be more personal as students will be able to mold their own facial mask using plaster and then embellish them with a varety of materials.  Snacks included! $100 Supplies Included!

$90 Early Bird Special (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, September 26th)

Animation with Harlan Mack

Grades 3-8

Thursdays, 3:00 - 4 p.m.

6 weeks, Oct. 9, 16, 30, Nov 6, 13 and 20

Maximum 10 Students

Enjoy the satisfaction of making your artwork and favorite objects come to life with this course on stop-motion animation. You can learn to draw or sculpt your own characters to come to life and animate found objects with the use of digital photography and basic digital video editing.  This course incorporates, drawing, sculpting, set design, set decoration, storytelling, digital photography, digital photo editing, digital audio, and digital video editing.  Each member of the class will take home a DVD of the entire class’s work as well as CD’s of their own individual work and photography.  Snacks included! $150 Supplies Included!

$140 Early Bird Special (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, September 26th)

Shabby Chic Remix with Jess Graham

Grades 6-9 Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30pm 6 weeks

Nov 4, 11, 18, Dec 2, 9, and 16

Maximum 10 Students

This edition of Shabby Chic will continue with the essential concept of using discarded materials to make magically delightful, tactile art.  We’ll build a treasure chest of ideas in our sketch journals at the beginning of each class, guided each week by a word or concept to stretch our creative minds.  Then, we’ll develop a sense of rhythm, color and design using stencils and other collaging techniques.  We’ll get crafty making bottle-cap magnets; we’ll invent alien stuffed creatures and create glass mosaics. After this class, you might even be able to celebrate the holidays by gifting your custom, handmade creations.  Snack also included! $140 Supplies Included!

$130 Early Bird Special (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, September 26th)

The Wheel Deal:
Wheel Throwing Workshop with Mame Ramey McKee

Grades 6-9 Saturday and Sunday October 25 & 26, 9:00am-12:00pm

Maximum 4 Students

Get messy on the potter’s wheel with Mame!  Learn the basics of wheel throwing and get creative making pots, plates, mugs, anything you want!  Then explore the options of decorating your masterpieces with different techniques. Students will also have the chance to explore and experiment with clay.  Our clay classes are designed for school aged children regardless of art experience and are tailored to each participant’s artistic goals. Includes clay, tool access, snacks, and 6 hours of instruction. $135 Supplies Included!

$125 Early Bird Special (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, September 26th)

Deck the Halls!  Family Decoration Design Workshop with Mags Bonham

Artists of all ages welcome. Kids please bring an adult! Sunday December 7 1:00-4:00pm

Maximum 12 Students

Kids bring an adult and spend an afternoon making your own holiday decorations!  Through demonstration and hands-on experience each pair of participants will make 2 polymer clay ornaments using basic polymer clay techniques and methods.  Polymer clay is a fascinating medium that offers an abundance of artistic variations and can be mixed like paint.  Polymer Clay can also be manipulated in such a way as to mimic ivory, wood, jade, and other materials.  All materials and tools will be supplied by the instructor.  Prior experience with polymer clay is not required. $100 for 2 participants, Supplies Included! $90 for 2 Early Bird Special (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, September 26th)

ADULT CLASSES

A Weekend on the Wheel:
Wheel Throwing Workshop with Mame Ramey McKee

Ages 16 and up Saturday and Sunday October 25 & 26, 1:00-4:00pm

Maximum 4 Students

Learn the art of wheel throwing with Mame!  Learn the basics of wheel throwing and get creative making pots, plates, mugs, anything you want! Then explore the options of decorating your masterpieces with different techniques. Students will also have the chance to explore and experiment with clay.  Our clay classes are designed for aspiring artists regardless of art experience and are tailored to each participant’s artistic goals. Includes clay, tool access & 6 hours of instruction. Beverages and snacks are provided to assist with focus. $135 Supplies Included!

$125 Early Bird Special (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, September 26th)

Light Up Your World: Hand Building Clay Workshop with Mame Ramey McKee

Ages 16 and up Saturday and Sunday, September 20 & 21, 1:00-5:00pm

Maximum 8 Students

Whether you enjoy straight lines and rich earth tones or wavy profiles with wild colors join us as we explore, design and create lighting using basic hand building methods. Bring your own design ideas or brainstorm with Mame to make electrified sconces, accent lighting or candlescape centerpiece on Saturday. Sunday the work will be detailed and refined then decorated with slips. Great for a gift (even to yourself)! Be ready to roll up your sleeves and get messy.  Beverages and snacks are provided to assist with focus. $160 Supplies Included!

$150 Early Bird Special (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, September 26th)

Masters Figure Drawing Workshop with Marie LaPre Grabon

Ages 16 and up, Saturday November 15, 10:00am-4:00pm

Maximum 10 Students

This workshop is designed to enhance drawing skills and develop personal expression through figure drawing.  The morning session will cover the basic principles of figure drawing, and will focus on pictorial composition and creating visual space.  The afternoon session will concentrate on personal expression. Participants will be encouraged to draw upon past experiences and personal responses to create individual and personally expressive drawings of the human form.  Students who have had introductory and advanced experience drawing the figure will benefit from this daylong workshop.  Some experience drawing the figure is recommended. $85 Supplies Included!

$75 Early Bird Special (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, September 26th)

Chinese Brush Painting with Chengzhi Mao

Ages 16 and up Saturday, October 18, 1:00-4:00pm

Maximum 10 Students

Enjoy the ancient art of Chinese brush painting with renowned Chinese artist, Chengzhi Mao.  Chengzhi will help you produce your first paintings or advance your previous brush painting skills.  Discover the rapid, oriental brush strokes that enable you to capture the sweep of pure and energized freedom in a robust and exhilarating form.  Learn about the history of Chinese Ink Brush Painting, which places a heavy emphasis on nature, and paint your own bamboo and landscape scenes.  Each student will get step-by-step painting lessons and plenty of personal attention. Previous experience is not required. $45 plus $15 materials fee

$40 plus $15 materials fee Early Bird Special

(Early Bird Deadline:  Friday, September 26th)

Polaroid Transfer Workshop with Sandra Shenk and Lisa Dimondstein

Ages 16 and up Saturday, November 1, 10:00-4:00pm

Maximum 10 Students

Learn the magic of manipulating your own slide images using Polaroid transfer and emulsion-lift techniques.  Polaroid transfers offer exciting, artistic possibilities. It is the process of exposing a 35 mm slide onto Polaroid film, peeling apart the film and then transferring the image onto watercolor paper or another medium. Due to the nature of the process each print is an original and it is unlikely that you could ever get exactly the same result twice, giving you one-of-a-kind pieces.  This cross over art form offers an opportunity for unique, creative expression and experimentation.  Bring your own slides. $135, Supplies Included!

^{$125 Early Bird Special}

(Early Bird Deadline:  Friday, September 26th)

Holiday Decoration and Ornament Workshop with Mags Bonham

Ages 16 and up Saturday December 13, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Maximum 15 Students

Homemade holiday gifts!  Each participant will make 2-3 polymer clay ornaments using basic methods and techniques.  Polymer clay is a fascinating medium that offers an abundance of artistic variations. The color is inherent to the clay, but can be mixed like paint. Polymer Clay can also be manipulated in such a way as to mimic ivory, wood, jade, and other materials.  Instructor will demonstrate various techniques while the students work on their pieces. Participants will be able to choose from selected designs for their projects or may follow their own creative vision. Some experience with polymer clay is helpful, but not required.  All materials and tools will be supplied by the instructor. $65 Supplies Included!

$60 Early Bird Special (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, September 26th)

Fall Foliage Photography Workshops with Paul Rogers

Ages 16 and up

Workshop#1:  Fri. and Sat. October 3 and 4 – Fri. 6:00-9:00pm and Sat. 8:00am-4:00pm

Workshop#2:  Fri. and Sat. October 10 and 11 – Fri. 6:00-9:00pm and Sat. 8:00am-4:00pm

Workshop#3:  Fri. and Sat. October 17 and 18 – Fri. 6:00-9:00pm and Sat. 8:00am-4:00pm

Maximum 10 Students

Workshops may be taken individually or as a series.  Your choice!

Join our group of enthusiastic photographers (all skill levels) as we explore the art and craft of photography during Stowe’s spectacular autumn foliage season. Our Friday evening sessions will be in the classroom-sharing tips & techniques for successful landscape photography, viewing a fall foliage slideshow, and getting to know the equipment. Saturday’s field work will begin in Stowe village and broaden to include surrounding natural areas such as Moss Glen Falls and Smugglers Notch. Limited class size will ensure that your instructor has one-on-one time with everyone during the day as we concentrate on compositional techniques for both broad landscapes and intimate details. Saturday ends with a sharing of the day’s images in the classroom. Digital cameras of all levels may be used. Film capture is acceptable, though processing in time for daily class discussions may be impractical. Requirements:   Participants are required to bring their own digital or film camera and appropriate memory cards or film. Recommended gear includes: accessory lenses, tripod, sturdy footwear, raincoat, sweater, cap, sunscreen, water, bag lunch. $140 per workshop

$130 per workshop Early Bird Special

(Early Bird Deadline:  Friday, September 26th)

$330 for all 3 workshops save $90!

Photoshop Classes with Tom Thamm

Ages 16 and up

Mondays, 6:00 -8:30pm

Photoshop 101: 5 weeks October 6, 13, 20, 27, and Nov 3

Advanced Photoshop:   6 weeks, November 10, 17, Dec 1, 8, 15, and 22

Maximum 6 Students

Take classes individually or as an 11 wk course

Photoshop 101: Do you think channels are what you change on the TV? Do you only worry about curves when you pull on your jeans? Are you licensed to operate a USB cable?  Tom will get you sorted out in a jiffy.  Start with the basics of digital images and your computer, then cozy up to Adobe’s Photoshop, your new best friend.  Not only will you learn all the amazing things you can do with this program, but you will have fun while doing it.

Advanced Photoshop:

Take your Photoshopping to the next level.  This class is designed for the casual Photoshop user who would like to use Photoshop for more demanding work, such as preparing files for print and web, advanced color correction, and more.  How far can you go? $250 for Photoshop 101 $275 for Advanced Photoshop $425 for Photoshop 101 and Advanced Photoshop save $100!

Early Bird Special!  $25 off signup fee if you sign up by September 26th!

Teacher Bios

Mags Bonham is a self-taught artist who began working in the versatile medium of polymer clay upon moving to Vermont in 1999.  Mags is known for her high quality fanciful boxes, imaginative jewelry, and functional art handcrafted from Polymer Clay.  She works out of her studio - Vermont Hearts & Crafts in Bolton, VT and will be teaching the ornament making workshops this winter. www.vtcrafts.net

Mallory Breiner is a painter who received her BA in Fine Arts from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, with supplemental study at the California College of Arts and the Lorenzo de’Medici School of Arts in Florence, Italy. Her senior thesis piece “Evolve” was given first place in Burlington’s Art Hop Original Juried Show last year. Currently she is exploring large-scale, multi-media pieces from her home in Stowe.  Mallory will be teaching the youth drawing class this fall.

Lisa Dimondstein and Sandra Shenk met at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography in 2003 where they both attended a three-month intensive program.  They have been working as photographers individually as well as teaching and exhibiting together.  They have taught photography classes together through CPS and the Firehouse in Burlington and have many years of teaching experience behind them.  This fall they are teaching the Polaroid Transfer Class. sandrashenkphotography.com

Jess Graham a native of Morrisville, is a full-time painter and part-time educator.  She makes off-kilter mixed-media art to show in coffee shops, offices and galleries.  Jess relishes the opportunity to share some of her wisdom, tricks and love for art with local youth.  Jess will be teaching Shabby Chic. www.jessgrahamstudio.com

Liz Kauffman has been a resident artist and staff artist at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, VT since 2005.  She is currently teaching art to home-school students in Johnson.  She received her B.A. in Fine Art from the College of Wooster in Ohio, and has taught many classes here at the Helen Day.  This fall she will be teaching Mini Masters.  lizkauffman.com

Marie LaPre’ Grabon is a visual artist who has exhibited her work extensively throughout the Northeast.  She earned a Master’s Degree in Drawing and Painting from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT, and has been teaching Life/Figure Drawing for the past 20 years.  Marie will be leading this fall’s Master’s Figure Workshop.

Harlan Mack is a sculptor and painter from Washington, Vermont.  He graduated in 2007 with a BFA from Johnson and is currently in their MFA graduate program. Before moving to Johnson in 2002 he worked in the art department on a number of independent films in San Francisco, Ohio, and Rutland, Vermont.  Harlan will be teaching our Animation class this fall. http://harlanmackart.com

Chengzhi Mao, originally from China and currently residing in Burlington, learned Chinese Brush Painting from the originator of the Ling Nan style, artist Junbi Huang. He adapted ancient brush skills which can be traced back to before the tenth century. His painting combines the grace of the ancient style with a modern approach to strokes and color.  Chengzhi will be teaching our Chinese Brush Painting Workshop.

Mame Ramey McKee of Duxbury is a teacher, artist, Vermonter and landscaper.  As the owner of Schoolhouse Pottery, formerly in Moscow, Mame is well known to area families teaching all levels of clay courses for more than a decade. Her own art journey includes an apprenticeship with Trevor Tait, and she currently creates her own photography, writing, pastels and, of course, clay. Mame will be the instructor for the clay workshops for youth and adults at her new, expanded facility, Seminary Art Center, in Waterbury Center.

Cacky Peltz has worked in art education for over 25 years.  She began a small cultural arts exchange between Vermont students and students in Africa. Last Spring, Cacky spent a month in Kenya working with orphans and vulnerable children making art.  She received her BFA from the University of California, Berkeley in painting and printmaking and lives in Woodbury with her husband Peter.  This fall, Cacky will be teaching the African Masks class.

Paul Rogers is a native of Stowe and a graduate of the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences at R.I.T. Photojournalism assignments have taken him abroad several times, though he works mostly in Vermont photographing natural history, fine art, and commercial subjects.  This fall Paul will be teaching our Fall Foliage Photography Workshops. www.paulrogersphotography.net

Ryan Strobel received his bachelor’s degree from Saint Michael’s college where he was introduced to ceramics, his artistic focus.  He entered the world of art education as a teacher for Burlington City Arts, and enjoys working in the mediums of clay, printmaking, photography, writing and storytelling.  Ryan will be teaching the pre-school and Kindergarten class.

Tom Thamm has taught people all over the world how to use computers.  He was the creative Director at Small Dog Electronics in Waitsfield, VT, and runs North 100 Designs with his wife in Moretown, VT.