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WCAC, Blue Ridge ArtSpace Continues to Offer Creative Opportunities, Summer Workshops

The Watauga County Arts Council’s Summer Workshop Series may be more than half-way through, but there are still plenty of fun and creative opportunities awaiting you at the Blue Ridge ArtSpace!

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Local participants show off their finished products after a recent art party at the Watauga County Arts Council’s Blue Ridge ArtSpace.

Visit the arts council online for pricing, sign-up information and examples of the art you can make. Stop by the Blue Ridge ArtSpace at 377 Shadowline Drive in Boone or call 828-264-1789 for more information.

People Portraits in Watercolor — Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Raney Rogers, known for her fun and effervescent style of teaching, will be teaching “People Portraits in Watercolor”.   The seductive and entrancing medium of watercolor can present unique challenges for some artists while others find it second nature.  Whether you’re a beginner watercolorist or you have advanced skills, you’ll enjoy letting Raney Rogers guide you as you focus on portrait painting technique. In this class you’ll learn how to build layers of warm and cool washes over a preliminary drawing to create naturalistic skin tones and build the illusion of three dimensional form, creating lively and expressive portrait paintings.

Stained Glass — Thursday, Aug. 6, 1-3:30 p.m.

The mysteries of creating stained glass will be solved in a workshop led by Marianne Rooks. This four session workshop will lead you through four projects where you will learn the techniques of soldering, cutting (scoring and breaking) glass, grinding, and foiling.

Wire-Wrapping Basics — Thursday, Aug. 6, 6-8 p.m.

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Participants recently enjoy an art party at the Watauga County Arts Council’s Blue Ridge ArtSpace.

In only two fun sessions, learn how to make your own wearable art! Anita Sirak will teach you how to use wire-cutters, a file, and bail-making, flat nose, and round-nose pliers to turn simple washers and wire into gorgeous jewelry. You’ll even learn how to use a ball peen hammer and a jewelry anvil to hammer and texture wire.  You’ll learn how to do spiraling and wrapping and then you’ll wire-wrap a pendant and adorn it with beads.  Then you’ll also learn how to turn wire into links which can be fashioned into a chain or bracelet.

Decorative Designs in Watercolor — Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is a wonderful opportunity to polish your watercolor skills, play with creative designs, and experiment with the many facets of watercolor, itself. Join Raney Rogers as she helps you find a whole new angle on your creativity.

Beginning Jewelry Making — Thursday, Aug. 20, 6-8 p.m.

Make a pair of earrings and a bracelet or necklace while learning the basic skills needed to create (and even repair) your own jewelry. Anita Sirak will be teaching this three session course. You can take any of the three sessions – or all three!

Background Painting and Collage — Saturday, Aug. 22, 1-5 p.m.

 This limited sized workshop led by Marion Cloaninger is always in high demand so register right away to ensure your spot! Have fun learning how to paint a colorful and creative background. Explore collage and experiment with placing collage elements on your painted background. Everyone should wear old clothing and bring a water bucket, roll of paper towels, and a hair dryer. Feel free to bring a favorite brush, too!

East Asian Brush Painting — Tuesday, Sept, 8, 2-4:30 p.m. or 6-8:30 p.m.

East Asian Brush Painting focuses on the beauty and simplicity of nature. The artist’s brush lays a path of ink leading to inner serenity. In this six-week class led by Dawn Wicklow, you will learn the age-old brush strokes of the Chinese masters as well as mounting techniques for cards and completed paintings. Relax in the meditative and calm atmosphere as you learn brush strokes for the “Four Gentlemen” which are: Bamboo, Wild Orchid, Plum Blossom, and Chrysanthemum. You will also learn how to use the “Four Treasures” which are: Ink Stone, Ink Stick, Rice Paper, and Chinese Brushes.   A year ago Lori Waters took this same workshop, having never painted before, and in July her work is featured in the Open Door Gallery of the Blue Ridge ArtSpace! If Lori can do that, you can too!

Knitting for Advanced Beginners — Wednesday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to noon

Master Knitter Shirley MacNulty will lead this 3 session workshop which is for those who already know how to knit, but would like help advancing beyond scarves.  In this class you’ll learn increasing, decreasing, yarn-overs, cables, changing colors, and other tricks of the trade. If you would like, you may bring in a project you are already working on and Shirley will help you with it.