Art Matters: Summer 2020

ART MAT TERS

Magazine of The Art Center of Western Colorado Volume 5, Issue 3 Summer 2020

First Fridays Studio Colorado Presented by: Sponsored by:

Michael Neste, MD

Our Mission: Family Health West is a Fruita-based, non-profit organization dedicated to providing compassionate, cost-effective, high-value health care which enhances the quality of life for our community.

300 W Ottley Ave • Fruita, CO 81521 (970) 858-3900 fhw.org SERVICES PROVIDED BY

FAMILY HEALTH WEST

Art Matters

Director’s Letter About The Art Center Announcements Exhibitions Contemporary Clay 2020 Rocky Mountain Collage Society: Paper Trails The Cutting Edge Student Instructor Show

Events Art Center Benefit: Paint the Town

Youth & Teen Education Youth Programs Teen Programs Youth & Teen

Extras Art Hacks Adult Education 2D Classes Ceramics How to Enroll

4 5 6-9 10-11 12-13 14 15 16-17 18-21 22 23 24 25 26-29 30-34 35

On The Cover: Seth Green, Domical Jar with Buttress Handles Art Matters Summer 2020 gjartcenter.org

Hello friends, I hope you and your loved ones are doing as well as possible during these difficult and somewhat surreal times. It’s a bit challenging to see a silver lining in all these dark clouds. But silver linings are there, make no mistake.

I have been heartened by the outpouring of kindness and generosity exhibited by so many people. Sure, there’s a lot of divisiveness in our country right now. But there’s also a lot of love and goodwill, too.

The Art Center, like so many businesses around the world, is facing some troubled financial waters. But several generous supporters have been coming forward with contributions – everything from ten dollars to several thousand dollars - and each one of those contributions, large and small, helps a great deal. Individuals who are not in a position to help financially have still been helping by sharing our social media posts and emails with their friends and family. It’s humbling to witness the selflessness, support, and generosity shown by so many people, not just for The Art Center, but for other nonprofits, and for each other – even random strangers.

These tough times have also brought about a number of other positive side effects. For instance, The Art Center staff has learned a great deal about improving our online presence and have started offering virtual gallery tours and demos, classes and tutorials. We rolled out our new brand and website. We even had our first ever online auction, since our annual benefit had to be postponed. We’ve started several programs to reach out to parents and children providing at-home art lessons and materials. There are too many new programs, initiatives, and partnerships to mention here, but we’re inspired by how much we’ve learned and at all the new possibilities we see.

Building these new programs has been exciting. But one of the challenges has been determining how to turn these programs into dollars that will help us to continue to carry out our mission, especially right now when so many of our friends and neighbors are also encountering financial hardships. But, as I said, we’ve had some financial support from generous donors, and we hope more will step forward. Also, we were able to secure a Small Business Administration Payroll Protection Program loan which has so far allowed us to avoid furloughing employees and let us keep The Art Center staff on payroll during the shutdown.

Another bright and shining silver lining was a production of the play “ART,”

by Yasmina Reza, performed online as a fundraiser for The Art Center by three CMU professors of Theatre Arts – Mo LaMee, Jeremy R Franklin, and Ben Reigel (each in isolation at their homes). Not only did it raise money for The Art Center, but it allowed us to explore another way to present the arts online. I'd like to thank Mo, Jeremy, and Ben for donating their time and talent to this project.

These are tough times, but there are a lot of silver linings if you look for them. Dickens said it well - “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” I think we, as a community, can figure out how these can be the best of times. I have no sage advice or wisdom. But I will ask you to remember this – the arts can be a panacea. The arts have the power to heal a weary soul, to inspire a troubled mind, and speed healing of physical ailments. When things look darkest, there is light to be found in the beauty of the arts.

Stay safe and healthy, my friends.

Lee Borden, Executive Director 4|

WELCOME

Our Mission: The Art Center of Western Colorado is a regional arts organization dedicated to enriching lives by promoting the enjoyment and understanding of the arts.

Board of Trustees

Art Center Staff

Jeremy R Franklin - President Lee Borden Executive Director Ronya Anna - 1st Vice President Matt Jones Dr. Michael Neste - 2nd Vice President Curator, Programs & Exhibitions Terri Chinn - Treasurer Rachel Egelston Anita Pisciotte - Secretary Youth & Special Needs Education Director Joseph Gonzales Terry Shepherd Artist-in-Residence, Ceramics Director Jack Griggs Keith Brewer Kari Henning Membership & Gift Gallery Coordinator Pavia Justinian Haley Van Camp Kendra McDaniel Design and Communications Manager Karen Moore Charley Gordon Lynne O’Connell Facilities Manager Sheri Ray Mykan White Cathy Zippert – Art Center Guild President Michael Davis - ex-officio WCCA Endowment Foundation

Art Center Hours

9am to 4pm Tuesday through Saturday Admission $3 (free to members and children under 12) There is no charge to visit the Gift Gallery Tuesdays are free to everyone thanks to a generous sponsorship by Home Loan & Nationwide Insurance

Operational funding provided in part by

ABOUT US

|5

BE A HERO

While at The Art Center, be a hero and please: Do not visit The Art Center if you or anyone in your household is ill or has been ill recently Wash those

hands frequently

Wear a protective cloth face-covering

Maintain a minimum six-foot distance between yourself and others not in your party

Follow posted occupancy limits for each gallery/ classroom

Do not shake hands or engage in unnecessary physical contact with others Use provided hand sanitizer when entering the building 6 | ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Look You may have noticed that The Art Center has a new look! Our website has a fresh, sleek makeover with new features that make for a functional and user-friendly experience. Our new brand and logo complement the website while incorporating Art Center traditions with contemporary design. We’ve been working on redesigning our website and rebranding for over a year and are excited to roll them both out. We guess you could say one upside of the pandemic is that it has given us time to pause and work toward these goals.

We would like to acknowledge and give a huge thanks to The Art Center Guild for raising and donating money to have our website redesigned.

They made our new website dreams possible and we are truly grateful for their support. We would also like to thank Martin Wiesiolek and Webcreate.com LLC for creating our website. They have gone above and beyond and we cannot thank them enough.

As some of you may know, we partnered with CMU professor Eli Hall and two of CMU’s talented students from the Mesa Emerging Designers (MED) program, Gabrielle Bode and Bree Belle, for our rebrand. We’d also like to thank them for their hard work and for sharing their talents with us! The Art Center is thrilled to have rebranded, and proud to say it was because of another successful collaboration with CMU.

About the Logo If the prominent, triangular graphic in our new logo looks vaguely familiar to you, you’re not alone. The design was inspired by the sculpture on the east side of our building, visible as you travel down 7th Street. This sculpture is titled The Climb by Brian Bain and is part of The Art Center’s Permanent Collection. The Art Center’s mission is to enrich lives by promoting the enjoyment and understanding of the arts. With this, we are constantly taking steps (climbing) to achieve our mission, which is represented in the stairstep-like lines on the right side of this dynamic design. Triangles are known for being the strongest shape due to the supportive base. This represents our integral support system of The Art Center’s board of trustees, our donors, members, volunteers, students and instructors.

ANNOUNCEMENTS | 7

Update on The Art Center's Docent Program Due to COVID-19, the docent program is currently on hold.

To all of those who have signed up to become a docent, thank you for your participation and enthusiasm for the arts within our community. We will release further information as our organization opens more to the public. If you are interested in becoming a docent or volunteering for The Art Center, please sign up via our website using the Volunteer tab. gjartcenter.org/get-involved/volunteer Again, we thank you for your support!

8 | ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thank you to our major supporters!

Gallery sponsors: Gould Gallery - Chuck & Robbie Breaux Studio Colorado - Michael Neste & Family Health West North Gallery - Your Name Here Atrium Gallery - Your Name Here

Exhibition 2019-2020 sponsors: McBride Family Foundation Chuck and Kendra McDaniel Chuck and Robbie Breaux Dean and Mary Harris

Most recent Friend, Supporter, Champion, and Title Supporters: The Art Center Guild Kay and Lee Ambrose Judy Axthelm Chuck and Robbie Breaux Gaynell Colaric Patricia Feinberg

Dean & Mary Harris Ken Johnson Pat Kephart Max Krey Chuck & Kendra McDaniel Don Meyers Carole Moritz

Peggy Pretti Jim Sebela Judy Vanderleest Carolyn White Wilson Family Tonya Wren

Colorado Creative Industries Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture Grand Junction Junior Service League Home Loan & Investment McBride Family Foundation Rocky Mountain Health Foundation Western Colorado Center for the Arts Endowment Foundation William & Mai Robinson Charitable Trust

If you haven't already, become a supporter of The Art Center by joining us at the $100 level or higher! More information on all membership and supporter levels is available on our website at gjartcenter.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS | 9

CONTEMPORARY CLAY

10 | EXHIBITIONS

Seth Green, Lidded Jar

Juror Bill van Gilder June 5-27 View reception details on The Art Center website Juror workshop cancelled Since 2006, The Art Center has hosted a biennial exhibition of nationally recognized ceramic artists juried by a working professional established in the ceramic art community. This year’s juror, Bill van Gilder, has put together an exhibition showcasing a variety of dynamic forms, surfaces, firing styles, and contemporary techniques.

Fifty-three works will be represented from all over the nation.

Van Gilder is well known and respected in the ceramic community as a leading professional in the world of production pottery and has been influential in the development of modern studio practices.

His insights into American Folk Art have been fundamental in the progression of countless styles and various artistic techniques.

"If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all."

- Michelangelo

Ashtonn Means, Good Morning, Darling

EXHIBITIONS | 11

Paper Trails May 11 – June 27 View reception details on The Art Center website The Rocky Mountain Collage Society will present its 6th Biennial Members Exhibit from May 11 through June 27. Collage and mixed media works synthesize a unique artistic vision through creative use of many different materials and techniques. Artists as diverse as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse have worked in this medium.

12 | EXHIBITIONS

The exhibit will feature individual 2-dimensional collage and mixed media works as well as 3-dimensional assemblage works. Materials used span a wide range, from found images and artist-created papers, to ephemera and objects and materials from everyday life.

Gayle Gerson

"I think a painting is more like the real world if it is made out of the real world."

- Robert Rauschenberg Becky Zook There will also be a group collage consisting of 29 individual collages illustrating the exhibit’s theme, “Paper Trails.” The 38-member Society, with members across Colorado, aims to encourage appreciation, understanding, and usage of collage and mixed media as fine art forms by promoting educational and exhibition opportunities for members.

A highlight of the Biennial will be the third Collage and Mixed Media Expo which will be held at The Art Center and is a free community event.

Member artists will demonstrate and facilitate creation of artworks by Further information: gaylestarr48@gmail.com

community attendees. Support for the Expo has been provided by the Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture. Due to COVID-19, this event has been postponed. Keep an eye out on our website for when the expo will be held.

Associated with the Biennial will be a two-day workshop entitled “Experimental Collage - Expand Your Vocabulary” by noted Santa Fe-based author and artist Sandra Duran Wilson on June 6 and 7. She describes her work as representing “a beautiful blending of sounds, nature and science.” Ms. Duran will also act as judge for the Biennial Exhibit.

EXHIBITIONS | 13

THE CUTTING EDGE June 5 – June 27 View Reception details on The Art Center website Old things always have a way of coming back into style. This exhibition features works from The Art Center’s Permanent Collection.

We are showcasing art that was on the cutting edge of artistic style and expression at the time it was created. Works representing specific eras have been selected

14 | EXHIBITIONS

to illustrate cutting edge subject matter, techniques, and mediums.

Each decade brought with it a unique style that influenced the art of that time, and we hope with this exhibition the transitions are highlighted in a fun, dynamic, and hip manner. We’re bringing it back with “The Cutting Edge."

Daniel Sprick, Pots & Pans

STUDENT

INSTRUCTOR July 3 – August 1 View Reception details on The Art Center website Every year The Art Center honors its students and instructors by giving the community a glimpse of what’s going on in the studios. Each of our students’ explorations through paint, ceramics, sculpture, drawing, and mixed media provide insights into the creative elements of our artists. Guided by professional artists and educators within the Grand Valley, Art Center students

push the limits of creativity within each given medium.

This exhibit also highlights working professionals’ and educators’ influences on student production with a broad range of abilities.

The Student Instructor exhibition features beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners within multidisciplinary art forms.

"Without tradition art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Without innovation it is a corpse."

- Winston Churchill

Ajay Gustafson, Oranges

EXHIBITIONS | 15

aint the Town

A Night in Paris - Take Two! An Art Center Benefit Rescheduled to: Saturday, September 26

16 | EVENTS

Doors open at 5pm

Tickets: $30 for one, $50 for two

Preview on Friday, September 25 9am-4pm

Let’s try this again! Don un costume ou une robe for a night of French cocktails, live music, and theatrical performances at this year’s Art Center Benefit.

Take a walk down the cobblestone streets of Paris.

Let your imagination guide you into a world of lavish cheese, French wines, and delectable pastries. View the broad range of artworks available at our Live, Secret, and Silent Auctions, and step into The Art Center's Moulin Rouge.

The Art Center Benefit (formerly the Fine Art Auction) is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser of the year and is an opportunity for artists, art-lovers, and enthusiasts to show their support of the exhibitions and initiatives we offer to the residents of the Grand Valley. Every year, The Art Center invites artists and collectors to donate work for a fine art auction to sell in support of The Art Center’s work and mission. Come help us celebrate and support the arts in the community!

Generously sponsored by: EVENTS | 17

Summer Art Camp A unique experience every week Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm Tuition $110 member / $135 non-member per week, per child Ages 5-12 years old Need-based scholarships available Don't forget to bring a snack, a lunch, and a water bottle!

Summer Art Camp gives the community’s children the opportunity to explore art in all its forms and encourages those students to explore their own creativity. Summer Art Camp hires both professional and certified art teachers. Every week is unique and ends with a punch-and-cookie reception; families and friends are invited into The Art Center to see the work that the campers have accomplished during the week, socially distanced, of course.

The Summer Art Camp collaborative community project, “Rainforest,” that runs throughout June, builds friendships, co-operation, and a feeling of contributing to something bigger than one’s self. The “Rainforest” project will be displayed in the July Student Instructor Exhibit.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS for Y O U T H & T E E N S

18 | YOUTH

• All staff and visitors will be wearing protective cloth face-coverings.

• Classroom space will be sanitized every 2 hours and there will be frequent handwashing sessions.

• Students will be issued a private box of materials to use during their time at The Art Center.

• Classroom seating will be in 6-foot increments.

• Students will have their temperature checked with a no-touch forehead thermometer during morning drop off.

• Any student with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be sent home.

• All staff will adhere to same temperature monitoring as students.

Week-by-week descriptions: May 26 – 29 (skipping Memorial Day): Art Smarts – $88 member / $108 non-member • Sculpture, printmaking, collage, drawing, and painting • Tomorrowland: how to change the world by using art • Learn how to build a painting • Mixed media projects • Community installation June 1 – 5: The Great Outdoors (Camp will be at The Botanical Gardens Wednesday, June 3) • Clay coil-built planter complete with plant!

• Nature Through Art: Pressing, drawing, painting, pastels, learn types of leaves and plants • Create Collaborative: Andy Goldsworthy-style sculptures, garden art, suncatcher and windchimes • Discuss conservation groups such as Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife and do related art projects • Community installation June 8-12: STEAM • Cyan printing and chlorophyll painting • Acrylic pouring with dish soap, milk marbling • Bottle space rocket, engineering challenges • What are your art materials made out of and how to make your own materials • Community installation June 15-19: Creativity • Art inspired by children’s books: “Design Your Own Monster,” “Zany Zentangles,” “Giving Shape to Shel Silverstein Poems” • Drawing and illustration projects, learn the art of storytelling • Create artwork on how I will change the world • Use color pencil, pastel, and watercolor • Community installation June 22-26: Animal Week Returns • Learn how to draw visiting live animal models • Watercolor seascapes and aquatic fish and mammals • Create artwork like Laurel Birch cats and The Blue Dog • Collage animal faces and more…

• Community installation YOUTH | 19

June 29- July 3: Culture Week • Slab clay-built pagodas • Kumihimo bracelets • Japanese Art: Origami, sumi-e ink wash painting, gyotaku fish printing, daruma wishing figurines, African mud, cloths, piñatas, Swedish color drawing • Celebrate 4th of July art and crafts July 6-10: Open Mic Week • Performance art • Clay whistles, make a felt whistle bag • Ode to the Blue Man Group: Create your own instruments • Making masks and puppets • Students will perform a concert on Friday, July 10, at 3:30pm.

July 13-17: Grab your cape and escape to planet IMAgination • Create your own superhero • Human Spirograph • Traditional drawing and creating a story board • Discover the amazing van Gogh, Picasso, and Hopper July 20-24: Discover the Art of Medieval Times • Visiting knights will teach about their art of swordplay and do a dubbing ceremony with the students • Art and craft project from medieval times • View the art created during this period • Learn to draw the human figure and painting • Using primitive art equipment to create a drawing

COVID-19 Precautions on page 18

20 | YOUTH

July 27-31: Construction and Design • At the Drive-in: Collaborative art project using recycled cardboard to create cars, then pulling in to watch a movie and eat popcorn!

• Art of Architecture: Pop-up houses, found-object buildings, drawing big community buildings • Robots, paper clay bugs • Aerial and one-point perspective August 3-7: “A Little of Everything” • Clay • Paper bead making, paper making • Drawing, painting, oil pastels • Tie-dye bandanas And more All youth classes address the Colorado Model Content Standard for visual arts. Content standards used in class will be provided upon request. Students and parents are assured of a unique classroom and project experience whether it be in fall, holiday, winter, spring, or summer sessions.

Classes are taught by art teachers and teaching artists.

COVID-19 Precautions on page 18

YOUTH | 21

Teen Art Council The Art Center is starting a Teen Art Council which will create a space for young people to share their voices and opinions with The Art Center.

High school students across the valley will meet twice a month to immerse themselves in exhibitions, plan programs for teens, meet local artists, and cultivate a creative community. Facilitated by local university studio art major students. If interested and to get more details contact Rachel Egelston, regelston@gjartcenter.org, 970-243-7337 x7.

Teen Studio Art Workshops Monday – Friday, 12:30-4:30pm Tuition: $67 member / $72 non-member per week, per student Need-based scholarships available Don't forget to bring a snack, a lunch, and a water bottle!

Expand your creativity and artistic awareness, build your portfolio, or simply spend time with peers and professional artists.

June 8 – 12: Creature design /Animation Learn fundamentals and techniques of animation and creature design with Brooke Safken-Bartholomew (Instructor at Colorado Mesa University, MA Illustration).

July 20-24: Outdoor Sculpture Phase 1 Collaborate on a large-scale outdoor sculpture which will be entered into Art on the Corner, our community's public sculpture exhibit. Students will also create a smaller sculpture to keep. Instructor: teaching artist and former Art on the Corner award recipient Pavia Justinian.

July 27-31: Outdoor Sculpture Phase 2 Collaboration continues on the large-scale outdoor sculpture which will be entered into Art on the Corner with teaching artist Pavia Justinian.

Saturday, June 27, 12:30-4:30pm: Manga Tuition: $20 member / $27 non-member Learn the distinctive style of Japanese cartooning used in anime films.

Perspective, background design, facial expression, and body language will be covered. Instructor: teaching artist Mary Carmen (working Illustrator).

COVID-19 Precautions on page 18

22 | TEEN

ART IN MOTION Art Project in a Box: Clay Kit $25 member / $30 non-member

Here is a chance to get your creative juices flowing! The Art Center of Western Colorado understands the challenges during these uncertain times, so we would like to give you different opportunities to be creative. An Art in Motion box will give you a hands-on fun opportunity to create a piece of art!

5 lbs of clay 1 scoring tool 1 sponge 6 underglaze colors Slip 1 paint brush Project and instruction sheets Link to tutorial video Boxes are available to order on our website under Youth Classes or by calling 970-243-7337 ext 2. After your purchase is made, we will deliver the Art in Motion box to your front porch (no contact). Please allow 48 hours for processing.

Feel free to work at your own pace on your clay piece. Once pieces are completed and glazed, repack them in original box for pick up.

We will let you know once your pieces are fired and you can decide if you would like them delivered to you, or if you would like us to hold them for pickup.

YOUTH & TEEN | 23

Musings Central High School’s Art Instructor and owner of Omnia Contemporary Gallery Joseph Gonzales gave an inspiring speech at The Art Center’s March First Friday event featuring works by Colorado Mesa University’s Art and Design students. As the juror for this exhibition, Gonzales shared insights into his selections and provided advice for aspiring artists.

A Word from the Wise Every artist was first an amateur.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Art Critic: The First Artist Written & Illustrated by Matt Jones Digital Color by Haley Van Camp

THIS WILL REVOLUTIONIZE COMMUNICATION AS WE KNOW IT!

24 | EXTRAS

...WHAT IS IT?

Have you ever wondered how to simulate the look of a foot on a ceramic pot without having to trim it?

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ART HACKS | 25

Plein Air Painting with Jody Ahrens Jody Ahrens Tuesdays 8:30am-12:30pm, June 9 – August 4 $160 member / $205 non-member Supply list available This class will take you through every phase of creating a painting, from preparing hardboard panels, choosing a subject and blocking in a dynamic composition to finishing with brushstrokes that turn mediocre work into a professional, eye-catching piece.

You will learn to master the power and versatility of transparent colors, and gradually transition to adding opaque pigments for impact.

Demonstrations will be provided along with discussions about techniques and methods from a safe distance. Together we will work to discover and nurture your personal, distinctive style of painting. Together but safely apart, we will work close to our cars. We will not be hiking to locations.

Locations to be provided

Jody Ahrens, Corn Lake 26 | CLASSES

Mixed Media Boot Camp Gayle Gerson Wednesdays 4pm-7pm & Saturdays 9am-12pm, July 1 – August 1 (skipping July 4) $ 140 member / $185 non-member Supply list available Spend some creative time during the summer honing your mixed media skills in this two-day-a-week class at The Art Center. Participants will do journaling pages and easel work to create a series of mixed media artwork exploring a common theme of their choosing. Wednesday afternoons will be devoted to journal work illuminating the theme and Saturday mornings will be spent working on a presentation piece in some form of mixed media practice (collage, assemblage, painted papers, etc.)

Space is limited to 6 participants.

The World is Our Open Studio Plein Air (Offsite/Zoom) Facilitator: Nancy Lewis Tuesdays June 9-July 28, 9am-12:30pm (8 weeks) $160 member / $205 non-member This plein air class is geared towards intermediate and advanced students.

Enjoy the outdoors at the tip of a brush in this prompt-based plein air class facilitated by Nancy Lewis. Students will be given a prompt at the beginning of every class and time to paint on their own. The prompts are meant to encourage thoughtfulness for the artist as they create and explore the wonders of the landscape. At the end of each class Nancy will lead a discussion about the the process and how the prompts affected each artist's experience.

Tai Chi in the Park Sifu Matthew Jones Canyon View Park Wednesdays 9am-10am, June 10 – August 5 $90 member / $135 non-member This Tai Chi class is geared towards beginning/intermediate students. Sifu Jones will guide students through the beautiful and elegant movements of the classical Chinese Yang Style Tai Chi form. Increase the flexibility, agility, and balance of both the body and the mind.

CLASSES | 27

Sketchbook (Offsite) Instructors Aaron and Emmi Farris Sundays 9am-12pm, June 14 – August 9 $ 140 member / $185 non-member Supply list available Keeping a sketchbook is a great way for recording your experiences, generating new ideas, and keeping your skills sharp. There is an unbound sense of creativity inherent in maintaining a sketchbook. Sketchbooks lack the pressure associated with creating works of art, yet the freedom of a pencil or pen to form blank spaces into cathedrals of thoughts and ideas.

The instructor will provide prompts for the students to think about at each location and apply to their sketchbook page. For example, one prompt may be “the little things.” At the end of class there will be a short discussion on how the prompt affected each artist's experience. This course will encourage students to see the unseen, to experience things that would have otherwise been overlooked.

Survey of Art History: Prehistory to Modern (Online) The Art Center Curator Matthew Jones Mondays 6:30-7:30pm, June 8 – August 3 $90 member / $135 non-member Peer through the annals of Art History. This is a lecture-based class conducted via Zoom with PowerPoint presentations, online lectures, and discussion groups. Each class will explore the key developments and styles associated with different regions and cultures. This survey of Art History will delve into prehistoric pictographs, Byzantine, Renaissance, impressionist, and modern art.

Aaron Farris 28 | CLASSES

“It’s ironic that people speak of artists as dreamers.

I think they are the most grounded people around. Conscious and present. As an artist, you really see life, connect with its beauty, and create something that shares those observations with others. You notice things.”

- Danny Gregory

Aaron Farris CLASSES | 29

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS in THE CERAMICS STUDIO We are working hard to ensure your safety as we begin classes in the ceramics studio. Below are the things we will do for you: • Wheels (and students) are limited to 5 at a time. Wheels are 6 feet apart.

• We will have adequate paper towels in case you don’t want to use a towel.

• Sponges will be cleaned daily utilizing bleach or other appropriate cleaner.

• All wheels, handles, doorknobs, and tables will be cleaned between classes.

• We will supply gloves for those who want them.

• Signups for Open Studio will be conducted through SignUp Genius.

You will receive an email with a link upon enrollment.

To ensure we are all safe, we need your help with the following: • EVERYONE must wear a mask at all times while in the studio.

• Aprons and towels are available, but we ask that you choose one and “make it your own” for now. Please take aprons and towels home and clean them there.

• Procedures will be in place to clean tools and bats between use.

We will update this list as new information is received. Our primary focus is your safety.

30 | CERAMICS

Fundamentals in Wheelthrowing Beginner/Intermediate $223 member / $263 non-member All sessions of Fundamentals include Raku, a fun and quick firing technique.

Robbie Breaux Tuesdays 1-4pm, June 9 – August 4 Fridays 9:30am-12:30pm, June 12 – August 7 This course is for both beginner and intermediate students. Beginners focus on simple forms (bowls and mugs with handles), glazes, and glazing techniques. Intermediate students receive instruction on techniques they want to hone, such as lidded vessels, plates, or stacked forms. Throughout the session, students are introduced to different surface designs to enhance one’s work. Instruction will be tailored towards the students' interests!

Instructor email: chuckrobbiebreaux@gmail.com

Gary Andrews Tuesdays 6:30-9:30pm, June 9 – August 4 Escape into the world of clay. Students learn the basics of hand-building, then dive into the skills needed to throw fundamental forms which have been used through the ages. At times Gary will provide pre-thrown pots for students to practice glazing. Come relax and tap into your right brain.

Bob Jappe Thursdays 6:30-9:30pm, June 11 – August 6 Give your wheel-throwing skills another perspective. This course offers students of varying abilities the opportunity to explore and improve their command of the clay medium. The class will focus largely on specific vessels students would like to create during the session with instruction designed to broaden their range of clay techniques, problem-solving, and best practices.

Sharing of design ideas, texture enhancement, and glazing techniques will be robust throughout the session. Command the fundamentals, learn new techniques, and begin to develop your individual style as a potter.

Included in every ceramics tuition is one, 25-lb. bag of clay and 3000 cu. in. of glaze firing (firing fee after 3000 cu. in. is 2 cents/cu. in.)

CERAMICS | 31

Ashtonn Means Mondays 6:30-9:30pm, June 8 – August 3 $223 member / $263 non-member This course is designed for both beginning and intermediate students. The projects and demonstrations will be geared toward the skill level and interest of each student. Throughout this course students will learn techniques for wheel-throwing and glaze application, while forming a strong understanding of materials and firing practices associated with the medium. We will discuss in detail, during demonstrations and projects, the design principles for functional ceramics, the fundamentals of form and form alteration, as well as aesthetic surface design techniques. Beginners will be encouraged to focus on basic forms as a method for gaining comfortability with the materials.

Intermediate students can continue to explore these forms or stretch their abilities with more complex pieces and techniques.

Instructor email: potterybyashtonn@gmail.com

Surface, Form, and Philosophy: Expanding Your Creative Process (Studio/Online Hybrid) Ashtonn Means Tuesdays 6:30-8:00pm (online), June 9 – August 4 Studio access scheduled through SignUp Genius $200 member / $243 non-member

Join this first ever Art Center Zoom-based ceramics demonstration and discussion course with instructor Ashtonn Means. This course will be held via Zoom allowing you to attend from the comfort of your own home studio space.

This class includes demonstrations on wheel throwing, altering, and surface design techniques with in-depth discussions to assist students in further expanding their creative practice and artistic philosophy. This course will focus on sleek contemporary functional aesthetics and intricate surface design techniques. Students will be given prompts weekly encouraging thoughtful discovery about their work going beyond technique; demonstrations will connect with the discussion topics and the concepts, forms, surface work students are wanting to explore.

This course is geared towards intermediate to advanced ceramic students who have the ability to produce work at home and then utilize the facilities at the Art Center for firing and glazing. Any questions, feel free to email Ashtonn at potterybyashtonn@gmail.com.

32 | CERAMICS

Ashtonn Means, Deep Within Series Ashtonn Means slip trailing

CERAMICS | 33

Terry Shepherd Thursdays 1-4pm, June 11 – August 6 This course is for entry level beginners and intermediate students with some previous experience in throwing and hand-building. Students will focus on the fundamentals of technique in throwing forms and explore handbuilding skills and surface design including decorative slip techniques and a wide variety of surface design approaches. Instruction in glaze application and material properties of glaze elements and firing process will be studied.

Basic vessel forms for mugs, bowls, pitchers, oil bottles, and other forms will be studied in detail. Instruction is tuned to the individual to help students develop confidence in exploring the boundless and curious potential of clay and ceramic process in their pursuit of creative expression! Students will make work for a Raku firing scheduled for the 8th week of class. Students will engage in constructive critique and challenge themselves in order to improve their skill level. Notebook and basic pottery tool kit are required.

Instructor email: tshepherd@gjartcenter.org

Intermediate Wheelthrowing Terry Shepherd Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, June 10 – August 5 $223 member / $263 non-member

Take this course if you are confident when it comes to wedging and centering, can throw a 6-8" cylinder using 2-3lbs. of clay, and have experience with basic hand tools and slab rollers. Techniques like altered throwing are introduced.

Come with an open mind, ready to engage in constructive critique and explore and develop a more in-depth approach to ceramics.

Instructor email: tshepherd@gjartcenter.org

Advanced Wheelthrowing Terry Shepherd Wednesdays 6:30pm-9:30pm, June 10 – August 5 $223member / $263 non-member Take this course if you meet the requirements for intermediate ceramics, have confidence when it comes to throwing a 10-14" cylinder using 5-10lbs. of clay, and have a desire and willingness to acquire a deeper understanding of the material properties of different clays (such as cone 10 stoneware and porcelain) and glazes, as well as alternative firing processes. Students engage in constructive critique and challenge themselves in order to improve their skill level.

Instructor email: tshepherd@gjartcenter.org 34 | CERAMICS

The Nitty Gritty Summer registration opens Tuesday, May 26 Students must register three days before the start of a class to secure a spot.

Registration: Registration can be completed online at gjartcenter. org, over the phone, or in person at The Art Center. For phone registration, call 970-243-7337, x. 2. To register in person, stop by during gallery hours, TuesdaySaturday 9am-4pm.

within 14 days of the start of the class or workshop. If you register for a class or workshop within the 14-day period, you will receive no refund or class credit for cancellation. Sorry, no refunds or class credits for no-shows.

This registration policy helps instructors plan and prepare for Payment: Payment can be made upcoming classes, ensuring you

by American Express, Visa, receive ample notice if a class has Mastercard, Discover, check, insufficient registration. or cash. Class space will not be reserved without full payment. Art Supplies: Supply lists for each Please be aware that classes require class are available on our website. a minimum number of students Unless otherwise specified, and are subject to cancellation. the student is responsible for The best way to ensure that the purchasing art supplies. Some class you are interested in does not supplies are available at The Art get canceled is to register early, Center Gift Gallery. and don’t forget to urge a friend to sign up!

Tuition for ceramics classes includes one, 25-lb. bag of clay Cancellation Policy: To cancel and 3000 cu. in. of glaze firing a class or workshop registration, (firing fee after 3000 cu. in. is 2 notify The Art Center at least cents/cu. in.) Ceramics students 14 days before the start of the will need a pottery tool kit, not class or workshop. If given the covered by tuition and available required 14-day notice, The Art from The Art Center Gift Gallery Center will issue class credit in for $20.99 plus tax. full or will refund your payment minus the registration fee ($15 Need-based scholarships are for adults and $5 for children). available. Visit our website’s No refunds or class credit will scholarships page for more be issued for cancellations made information!

We love early registration!

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