Fisher Gallery – Photographer’s Eyes

Photographer’s Eyes is FVAC’s first juried exhibit of three for 2013. Patricia Hickson, Emily Hall Tremaine Curator of Contemporary Art at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum, Hartford, selects entries that captures the beauty, banality and the everyday; images that make the unseen visible through light, exposure and the photographic frame.  Prizes will be awarded at the opening reception and public is invited to vote through the duration of the exhibit for a People’s Choice Cash Award.

Fisher Award of Excellence – Forgotten Shadow, Elaine Nord

2nd Place Winner – Garage, George Hale

3rd Place Winner – Manhattan Corner, Michael Sacks

Drezner Visitors’ Gallery – Artists in Residence Exhibit, Traces.

Two of FVAC’s AIR (Artists in Residents) will be featured in the Drezner Visitors’ Gallery exhibit, Traces. Anita Balkun and Stephanie Lauretano, both area school art teachers, will present works developed during their residences within the FVAC AIR Program, providing studio space in which emerging artists can expand the parameters of their chosen medium, explore new directions in their work and enhance their creative vision, and at the same time advance FVAC’s goal of educating the public through seeing and participating in the hands-on creation of art.

Anita Balkun Imprint detail

Stephanie Lauretano Skein
The exhibits can be viewed during gallery hours Wednesday – Friday from Noon – 4pm and Saturday 10am– 4pm, and by appointment.  The Arts Center also invites art teacher’s to bring their students to view these exhibits; call the Arts Center at 860.678.1867 or schedule a tour of the exhibits and our campus of studio spaces

Photography works selected by Patricia Hickson, The Emily Hall Tremaine Curator of Contemporary Art at the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford

Submission due April 19 & 20 to the Fisher Gallery.

FVACPhotographyCallforEntry.

Each summer, the Farmington Valley Arts Center’s picturesque and inspiring Avon campus becomes a place where young artists unleash their creativity and develop confidence in their abilities to express their ideas. Working with professional teaching artists in a setting where talented studio artists create year-round, kids ages 6 to 15 enjoy a variety of exercises in visual arts, ceramics, sculpture and photography. With themes each week, and sessions run daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids learn from and inspire each other, too, as they work independently and collaboratively outdoors and inside the FVAC’s classrooms and galleries.
$225/wk Members

$250/wk Non-members

$60/day
2013 Dates
July 1-5     Puppet Parade/America the Beautiful

July 22-26     Animal Kingdom/Superheroes and Villains

August 5-9     Sculpting with Clay

August 12-16     Abstract Impressions and Masterpieces

Download Registration Form Here

What parents and families say about Summer Arts Adventures:
“My child couldn’t pick a favorite activity! He loves the variety; the classes were all so different from a typical summer art classes.”
“This was a phenomenal alternative to my son’s typical sports camps. We saw a whole new side of him emerge.”
“Your daily schedule is perfect. I never heard the word ‘boring’.”
“This is an excellent, well-organized, diverse program. I thought it was an excellent camp.”
“I loved how super-organized this camp was and how staff always knew where the campers were. I felt that this was a safe place.”
Summer Arts Adventures Daily Schedule
9:00 Morning Greeting and Sign In

9:15-10:45 Period 1

10:45-11:30 Recreation Activity Break

11:35­-12:45 Period 2

12:45-1:00 Clean-Up Sign-Out and Good bye
The Registration Process
You can register by phone or mail by downloading a registration form. Once your registration is complete, including tuition payment, you can expect a registration packet in the mail soon after throughout the spring.
The registration packet is full of information for Summer Arts Adventures families including schedules, forms, contact information and details about our sessions.
Note that all registrations are first-come first-serve. Our youth classes are limited in size. To insure participation to specific dates of enrollment, please contact FVAC as soon as possible.
The Summer Arts Adventures staff puts a lot of thought into our curriculum to ensure that all Summer Arts Adventures classes are engaging, fun and exciting learning experiences.

Students form greater Hartford area schools have the opportunity to submit work for display in a state of the art gallery with an opening reception on April 6, 3-6pm.

Pieces including paintings, drawings, prints, photography, collage, mixed media and sculpture  must be framed or with mechanics/hardware ready to hang and mount for display. Participants may also choose to make their entries available for sale yet not required.

Fisher Gallery Hours, Wednesday – Friday, Noon – 4:00pm, and Saturday 10:ooam – 4:oopm and by appointment: 860.678.1867

2013 Award of Merit Winners

C. Hart – Avon, CT.  A Chilly Walk, Acrylic

K. Goldberg – Avon, CT.  Tyler The Creator, Acrylic

A. Patel – Avon, CT.  Meadowlark, Acrylic

C. Novak – Hebron, CT.  Spring Scents, Mixed Media

S. Sparkowski – Simsbury, CT.  Identity, Soldered Glass

K. Barch – Simsbury, CT.  Tired Twins, Clay

B. Dyer – Avon, CT.  Depressed Snapple, Paint

Tea Time, Acrylic, Y Shin

Tyler The Creator, Acrylic, K. Goldberg

2012 People Choice Award - Field Of Dreams, Oil by M. Parreira

Reporting to the Board, the Executive Director will help to shape, implement and enhance the organization’s strategic goals, lead fund raising initiatives, develop program activities, lead the day-to-day administrative and financial functions for the FVAC education programs, galleries and studio artist initiatives, and ensure that staff is in place to meet operational needs.

Cover letter and resume should be sent to fvacsearch@gmail.com

Download the job description:  FVAC Executive Director Job Description

Whether you’re the parent of a preschooler or a teen, you’ll find classes in our line-up will foster your child’s artistic abilities. Download the Course Catalog for complete listings, including these exciting new offerings for 2013:

Claymation for Aspiring Directors
Mixed Media Art from Nature
Abstract Painting
Mixed Media/Painting, Collage, Assemblage
Let Them Eat Cake! Still Life Techniques

MONDAY

WATER MEDIA! Painting Basics for Everybody with Carolann Dvorak-Brewer

This is the class for EVERYBODY who’s ever wanted to paint, EVERYBODY who used to paint, EVERYBODY who likes to paint now, and EVERYBODY else, too. Learn to use watercolor, acrylic, and water-soluble oil paints, and decide which one is for you. Concepts such as shading, color mixing, subject selection, and composition will be demystified. This is a terrific beginner opportunity and an excellent refresher, too.

4 weeks: April 1 – 22 or April 29 – May 20. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Tuition: $144

Screen Printing Techniques with Elizabeth Uryase

Explore a variety of screen-printing techniques including photo emulsion, screen filler and block, stencils, and multi-layering designs and images. Work with all the necessary supplies to capture the Warhol in you! Fifteen minutes of fame NOT included.

6 weeks: April 15 – May 20. 6-9 p.m.

Tuition: $216, Materials fee: $34

Begin Oil Painting with Susan Brereton

Learn oil painting basics with an experienced instructor who will set you on your path. Once you begin, there is no stopping! Color theory, composition, under-painting methods, and problem solving are just some of the topics discussed. Those looking to try painting or those aiming to become masters will have successful experiences. Materials list available upon enrollment.

5 weeks: April 1 – 29 or May 6 – June 10 (no class may 27), 6-9 p.m.

Tuition: $180

TUESDAY

WATER MEDIA! Painting Basics for Everybody with Carolann Dvorak-Brewer

This is the class for EVERYBODY who’s ever wanted to paint, EVERYBODY who used to paint, EVERYBODY who likes to paint now, and EVERYBODY else, too. Learn to use watercolor, acrylic, and water-soluble oil paints, and decide which one is for you. Concepts such as shading, color mixing, subject selection, and composition will be demystified. This is a terrific beginner opportunity and an excellent refresher, too.

4 weeks: April 2 – 23 or April 30 – May 21. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Tuition: $144

Fashion Sketching with Rosalia Lee

Have a dream to create for the runway? Or want to design your own ideas in garments? Draw a croquis (fashion figure), from face and hands to handbag and shoes. Then, glam up your figure as you explore the basics of drawing fabric and applying different textures, such as lace, fur, velvet, and plaid.

6 weeks: April 16 – May 21, 1-3p.m.

Tuition: $144

The Watercolor Monotype with Melissa Meredith

Create painterly prints using watercolor, watercolor crayons and pencils on smooth acrylic plates.  Participants may elect to compose landscapes, portraits or abstract pieces of many sizes with endless possibilities.  Plates are then passed through a press to transfer paintings to paper creating the ‘Monotype.’

2 weeks: April 16 and 23, 1-4pm

Tuition: $75, Materials fee: $25 (paid to the instructor)

Chine-collé Collage Monoprint with Melissa Meredith

Chine-collé roughly translates from French chine = tissue, and collé, meaning glue or paste. As a continuation to the monotype session listed above, participants will create collage prints on paper with monotype plates and a press.  Choices to create landscapes, portraits or abstract works are up to participating individuals.

2 weeks: May 7 and 23, 1-4pm

Tuition: $75, Materials fee: $25 (paid to the instructor)

Pet Lovers Draw with Susan Brereton

Interested in drawing your pet, but don’t know how to start? Gain a solid foundation and understanding of the basics of drawing animals, then capture that special friend for all time! Working from your own photo reference, you’ll gain an understanding of how to break down your pet into basic shapes and then transform your drawing into a finished work of art by exploring the use of line, creating volume through shading, and establishing a mood and feeling through composition and lighting. Great class for beginners, as well as advanced students.

5 weeks: April 2 – 30 or May 7 – June 4. 3-5 p.m.

Tuition: $180

Watercolor Techniques with Paul Iezzi

A course designed for the beginner or advanced artist consisting of a series of exercises enabling the student to gain a solid foundation in watercolors. Subjects and exercises to include color, still life, and landscapes. The student’s personal creativity and growth will be encouraged.

6 weeks: April 9 – May 14 or May 21 – June 25. 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Tuition: $216

WEDNESDAY

Acrylic/Oil Painting Boot Camp with Zbigniew Grzyb

This course offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced artists a chance to learn the basics of acrylic or oil painting. Study principles of composition, light and shade, color mixing, and painting techniques, with individual instruction at every level. Students with some experience will be encouraged and guided to develop their own distinctive look. Materials and an idea for a painting are required at the first class.

6 weeks: April 3 – May 8. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Tuition: $144

Pen & Ink Illustration on Paper with Joan Shackford

Learn techniques of the pen presented through demonstrations and guided exercises. Focus on creating your own style, exploring cross-hatching, stippling, and experimental approaches to this age-old medium. Create a colorful portfolio of pages utilizing the techniques learned.

4 weeks: April 24 – May 15. 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Tuition: $96

Clay Hand Building with Jim Brunelle

Learn basic slab and coil hand building techniques. Use your techniques to create functional or decorative ceramic pieces that will be glazed and fired. Sessions appropriate for all levels of experience and ideal for those looking to discover clay techniques. Firing and materials fee payable to instructor at first class.

6 weeks: April 10 – May 15. 1-3:00 p.m.

Tuition: $216, Materials fee: $34

Figure Drawing with Paul Iezzi

Learn to draw the human figure using a variety of media including charcoal, pastels, ink, and pencil. Hone or find your ability to “see” through an artist’s eye working with a new live model each week. Personal growth and self-expression are developed through this beginner-friendly series of classes focused on lessons such as gesture, contour, and proportion.

6 weeks: April – May 8 or May 15 – June 19, 7-10 p.m.

Tuition: $240, Model fees also apply

THURSDAY

Classical Drawing Skills with Carolann D’vorak-Brewer

Experience an awareness of the necessary components needed to draw a successful three-dimensional, representational drawing using graphite, charcoal and/or pastels.  Generate confidence in your drawing by having exciting interactive excesses each week.  Working from still life, exploring the landscape, and capturing intriguing composition at all levels.  Empower your abilities to create by working along side others encountering the same discoveries.  Have sketchbook?  Draw with us!

4 weeks: April 4 – 25 or May 2 – 23. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Tuition: $144

Funky Collage with Dorota Rzepecki

Ready to cut loose? This mixed media collage class requires no experience: Just arrive with an open mind and a smile, and get ready to mix it up using magazines, paint and markers, old photos, found objects, glitzy accents, and glitter. There’s no end to the possibilities as you explore ways to assemble “funky” collages. At the end of each class, students will share their inspirations and creative experiences in a supportive and joyful way.

6 weeks: April 11 – May 16. 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Tuition: $144

Mixed Media Drawing with Rosalia Lee

Graphite, charcoal, pen & ink – Oh My!  Now that you have your sketchbook, and have made a commitment to submit your work before the April 2013 deadline for exhibiting in the Sketchbook Project July 2013 Exhibit, you need to get drawing!  These creative exercises in experiential drawing with mixed media are a great vehicle for adding a variety of color and subject to your many pages of sketches.

4 weeks: April 11 – May 2 or May 9 – 30. 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Tuition: $96

Become a Better Photographer: Intermediate/Advanced Elements of Composition with Mallorie Ostrowitz

You have the equipment: Now, it’s time to work on your photography skills. These sessions cover the elements of composition that make for better photographs. Types of lenses and how they affect the resulting image; subject selection and placement; and use of line, color, pattern, and texture as they relate to the photograph are covered. Bring your camera to the first session.  Use inspiration from the Fisher Galley to capture images for discussion.

2 weeks: Date May 2 & 23. 7-9 p.m.

Tuition: $48

Cooking Demonstration and Food Styling with Rosalia Lee

What’s for dinner? Learn to create affordable and healthy, stylish and easy dishes to serve your family and friends. “Food should be delicious both to the mouth and to the eye,” claims instructor/Chef Lia Lee guiding you with an assortment of unique dishes that will wow the palate and can even be created without a kitchen. Learn a variety of dishes, including appetizers, main courses, and desserts. At the end of each class, you will get to taste your creation.

6 weeks: April 11 – May 16, 6:30-8:30pm

Tuition: $144, Materials fee: $40 (paid to instructor)

FRIDAY

The Art of Photoshop with Kathy Smits

Download a free, 30-day trial of Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, and bring your laptop to learn the creative side of this photo-editing software. Learn the basics of layers and making selections, as well as how to enhance images, create collages, and even paint with electronic brushes. Free WiFi is provided for this session, held in the inspiring setting of the Fisher Gallery.

6 weeks: May 17 – June 21. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Tuition: $180

Watercolors Are for Everyone with Dorota Rzepecki

Gain confidence as you translate real observations into expression by developing watercolor composition skills. Techniques emphasized include mixing colors for value and intensity. Choose your own subject, and create a masterpiece.

6 weeks: April 12 – May 17. 1-4 p.m.

Tuition: $216

SATURDAY

Painting with Acrylics or Oils with Paul Iezzi

Participants at all levels can get a fresh start on a new piece, or bring a work in progress to this series of sessions designed to advance students’ painting skills. Turn off the TV, forget the laundry, and spend your Saturdays immersed in exercises in the study of color, subject, still life, landscapes, and abstraction. Students are encouraged to express personal vision and creativity.

5 weeks: April 6 – May 11 or May 18 – June 15. 2-5 p.m.

Tuition: $180

Basic Digital Photography Demystified with Mallorie Ostrowitz

A great refresher or introduction for those new to digital photography, this session for adults and teens covers photography vocabulary, equipment, cameras, lenses, and filters. Discover how cameras function and how features affect the photograph. You’ll also learn how to transfer images from camera to desktop to print. Bring your camera and manual.

1 week: Date May 11. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Tuition: $35

WEEKEND WORKSHOPS

Introduction to Encaustic Painting with Gregory Wright

Learn the ancient medium of encaustic. This beeswax-based art form lends luminous and textural qualities to any imagery and sensibility. This introductory workshop will cover all the information needed to start painting in encaustic, either on your own or in advanced workshops. Demonstrations of basic techniques will be performed along with group and individual guidance of practical application. Safety practices will be discussed and adhered to throughout the workshop. Gregory is an exuberant teacher who is nationally recognized as a master of encaustic painting and will lend his patient and gentle teaching style to this informative and fun workshop.

Saturday and Sunday, April 13 & 14. 9a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tuition: $400, Most materials included, except for visual references and additional collage materials

Simple Pearl/Bead Stringing with Phyllis Cohen

Fascinated by the variety of color available in cultured pearls or have a string of pearls handed down from previous generations?  B working with pearls or beads and the guidance to string as a professional jeweler, you can wear the pride knowing you have created a timeless masterpiece.

Sunday, April 28. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Tuition: $30, Materials fee: $30-$40 per project selected

Glass Fusing with Dennis Peabody

Spend a Sunday learning the basics of cutting and hot fusing colorful, shining, luminescent glass. You’ll create beads, pendants, and cabochons suitable for stringing or attaching to findings. Experienced students who own glass grinders, scraps, jewelry findings, cutters, pliers, and safety goggles should bring them to class. Beginning jewelry makers may use tools supplied by the instructor and FVAC.

Sunday, May 5. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tuition: $75, Materials fee: $25

Experience Zentangle® with Cheryl Cianci

Created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, Zentangle® is an intuitive pen and ink art form described as meditation through doodling. Working with a certified instructor alongside both professional artists and curious beginners, participants will create beautiful abstract images on paper tiles from repetitive patterns. You’ll find your own voice as your personal Zentangle expressions emerge. All supplies are provided.

Zentangle Basics: Saturday, April 20. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Tuition: $35, Materials fee: $5

Zentangle Beyond Basics: Saturday, May 4. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Tuition: $35, Materials fee: $5

ART CLASSES FOR KIDS & TEENS AGES 8-17

MONDAY

Mixed Media Art from Nature with Dorota Rzepecki

During walks and outdoor activities, students will glean inspiration from natural surroundings and scout ideas from what they observe. Students should bring a small sketchbook. Wildlife, botanicals, architecture, and vistas will provide ideas for drawings, paintings, and sculptures in a variety of media and materials.

6 weeks: April 12 – May 17, 4-6 p.m.

Tuition: $144

TUESDAY

Watercolor painting with Rosalia Lee

Learn to work like a Master with inspiration from references to the Masters.  All supplies are included to get painting portraits of people and animals, landscapes or illustration of your personal interest.  Students choose the topic while instruction zeroes in on getting good work complete.  Session is ideal for building portfolio pages for those pursuing art school.

6 weeks: April 16 – May 21, 4-6 p.m.

Tuition: $144

Printmaking with Jim Brunelle

This class for students in grades 6 and up will focus on the fine art of printmaking using a variety of techniques, tools, inks, and papers. Gain deeper appreciation through looking at the work of great printmakers past and present. Techniques taught will include printing plates made of linoleum and foam as well as collographs, stamps, and monoprints. Come away with a collection of colorful, artistic imagery that will add to your basic understanding of design and composition as you continue to work in other media.

6 weeks: April 18 – May 23. 4- 6 p.m.

Tuition: $144

Introduction to Fashion Sketching with Susan Brereton

Draw a croquis (fashion figure), from face and hands to handbag and shoes. Then, glam up your figure as you explore the basics of drawing fabric and applying different textures, such as lace, fur, velvet, and plaid.

5 weeks: April 2 – 30 or May 7 – June 4. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Tuition: $180

WEDNESDAY

Introduction to Drawing with Pen and Ink with Joan Shackford

Select a project that inspires you, and represent it in pen and ink. Bring an object, photo, or other inspiration to the first class. After a brief discussion/demonstration about options on how to transfer designs onto paper, you will work them in with ink. Discover ways to apply pen and ink to various projects: field sketching, journaling, botanical and technical illustration, and relaxation doodling.

6 weeks: April 10 – May 15. 4-6 p.m.

Tuition: $144

THURSDAY

Sketchbook Drawing with Susan Brereton

Interested in the FVAC Sketchbook Project, but don’t know how to start? Gain a solid foundation and understanding of the basics of drawing. Working from your own photo references, you’ll gain an understanding of how to break down your drawings into basic shapes and then transform your drawing into a finished work of art by exploring the use of line, creating volume through shading, and establishing a mood and feeling through composition and lighting. Great class for beginners, as well as advanced students.

5 weeks: January 10 – February 7 or February 14 – March 14. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Tuition: $180

Portfolio Class for Teens with Deborah Sacks

The objective of this class is to develop a professional portfolio that will be a well-rounded representation of the student’s artistic ability. To assess weaknesses and strengths, students should bring prior work to the first class. Drawings will be completed both in and out of class. These assignments will be based on direct observation and explore various media and subject matter. The portfolio class is also designed to help students with the college selection and application process.

6 weeks: April 11 – May 16. 4-6 p.m.

Tuition: $144

FRIDAY

Mixed Media/Painting, Collage, Assemblage with Jeff Poole

Art can be created from practically any materials! Students will take inspiration from masters such as Picasso, Krasner, and Bearden, then create unique works using recycled materials, paint, collage, and assemblage techniques. Discussions on process, color theory, and design elements and principles will guide the manifestation and execution of unique pieces.

4 weeks: April 12 – May 3. 4-6 p.m.

Tuition: $96

Claymation with Jeff Poole

Aspiring directors will create imaginative clay characters, sets, and story lines, then capture the action on video and with still photography. In the process, students will learn about video production, story genres, scripting, story boarding, camera operation, lighting, camera moves, and terms. In post-production, students will learn how to edit video and will create soundtracks and titles for their movies.

8 weeks: April 12 – May 31. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Tuition: $192

Painting and Collage with Dorota Rzepecki

Create multimedia compositions showing multiple views of various objects while gaining an understanding of collage. Paint with acrylics to create a variety of textures, and include additional collage elements to inject interest and add contrast.

8 weeks: April 12 – May 31. 4-6 p.m.

Tuition: $196

This week, the Farmington Valley Arts Center found itself “victimized” by studio artists gone rogue. (Or maybe they just thought those trees looked a little chilly and ought to put on a sweater.)

Plan to visit the Fisher Gallery at the Arts Center to find the most extraordinary gifts for the favored folks on your list.

Fisher Gallery hours:
Wednesday & Friday, Noon – 4pm,
Thursday, Noon – 7pm (special holiday evening hours)
Saturday, 10am – 4pm

Thanks to all who purchased a candle to add to our glowing collaborative art installation. Each year, the Arts Center is illuminated by the warmth of our community here in the Farmington Valley. We are grateful for your ongoing support.