Special to The Oak Ridger
Appalachian Arts Craft Center in Clinton is offering the following arts and craft classes in January and February.
For additional information, call (865) 494-9854 or visit the website at appalachianarts.net.
- Introduction to Rug Hooking with Lara Beard — Thursday, Jan. 20 and 27, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. (two sessions): In this beginners’ class, students will learn techniques to create original works of art using wool yarns and textiles. Students will complete a small mat and will learn multiple ways to finish and display their piece. No experience is required. Students need to bring a 10-inch embroidery hoop (slip-proof is best), black Sharpie, and scissors. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The material fee is $25 (paid directly to instructor) includes rug hook, wool strips, yarn, burlap mat, binding tape. The registration deadline is Jan. 13
- Learn to Sew with Janet Donaldson — Jan. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m.: In this class, students will learn how to use a sewing machine and practice sewing techniques. Students can bring their own sewing machine or use one that is provided. All levels are welcome. No experience is necessary. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. The registration deadline is Jan. 17.
- Beginning Handbuilding with Clay with Janet McCracken — Fridays, starting on Feb. 4 and concluding on Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (four sessions): Students will learn the basics of creating forms out of clay covering pinch pots, the slab roller, coil pots, creating textures and more. This class is suitable for those who have never taken a class in clay and for those with some clay experience who would like to continue to explore the many facets of working with clay. Beginners are welcome. The cost is $125 for members and $135 for non-members. The materials fee is $30 (includes $25 pounds of clay, glazes and firings). The registration deadline is Jan. 28.
- Bead Weaving a Bracelet with Sharon Wilcox — Saturday, Feb. 12 and 19, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. (two sessions): In this beginners; class, students will learn how to make a bracelet using the embellished latter stich. All materials are included. No experience is required. The cost is $45 for members and $55 for non-members. The registration deadline is Feb. 5.
- Underglaze 101 with Rebecca Buglio — Sunday, Feb. 20 and March 6, from 1 to 5 p.m. (two sessions): In this two-part class, students will create a ceramic tray while learning the ins and outs of underglaze. We will talk about chalk, pencils, semi-moist under glazes (smug), and of course the traditional velvet underglazes. On Day One of the class, students will build a simple clay tray while creating test tiles of underglazes. Day Two will allow students to see their experiments fired and allow them to decorate their trays. No experience is required. Buglio was born in Chicago. She is an alum of the Rhode Island School of Design with a MFA in ceramics and an alum of Berry College, where she obtained her BA in art with concentrations in art education K-12 and studio art: ceramics . She enjoys teaching children and adult ceramic courses on a variety of techniques when time allows. Buglio currently resides in the Smoky Mountain region of Tennessee working at Arrowmont School of Arts of Crafts as the program and studio manager. The cost is $100 for members and $110 for non-members. The material fee is $30. The registration deadline is Feb. 13.
- Glass on Glass with Penny James — Thursday, Feb. 24 1 to 4 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon: In this beginners’ class, students will learn how to complete a trending mosaic glass style project, glass on glass. The instructor will have a variety of patterns and materials to choose from. No experience required. The cost is $45 for members and $55 for non-members. The material fee is $25 (paid directly to instructor). The registration deadline is Feb. 17.
- Alcohol Ink Painting with Barbara Beatty — Saturday, Feb. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m.: Alcohol inks are intense color pigments that are dissolved in isopropyl alcohol and can be used on any non-porous surface such as ceramic tile, glass, and special non-porous paper. In this class students will complete up to three paintings while learning a variety of techniques utilizing various materials to texturize their paintings. Students are encouraged to wear old clothing or an old T-shirt because alcohol inks are “permanent,” only removable with isopropyl alcohol. Beginners are welcome. No experience is necessary. Barbara Beatty, the instructor, is an accomplished watercolor artist, has been painting with alcohol inks for five years, has had her art accepted in juried art shows, and sells prints of her works. Beatty is not a “realistic” painter, and paints in a loose, fun, and free manner, with mistakes turning into successes. The object of her style of painting is to have fun with the gorgeous colors available. The cost is $35 for members and $45 for non-members. The materials fee is $10. The registration deadline is Feb. 19.