CLICK HERE to read our COVID-19 Policies and Protocols for all our In- Person Classes.
Fall 2021 at ALAC!
Children and Teen Programs
Allens Lane Art Center is offering in-person classes, workshops and performances in ceramics, visual art, dance and theater following all recommended CDC guidelines for safety.
SATURDAY CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
Drawing Together (outside-weather permitting)
Instructor: Mia Rosenthal
Ages: 6-11 with a caregiver
Time: 10:00-11:30 am
8 Weeks: Sept 18th to Nov 13th (no class Oct 23rd)
Cost: $155 (material fee included)
Have fun making art together in this observation-based drawing class; we will meet outside at Allens Lane Art Center, only moving indoors in cases of inclement weather. Participants will learn new skills and experiment while making individual and
collaborative drawings. We will be looking, seeing, sketching, tracing, collaging, scaling and swapping. For any
skill level -- just come ready to try something new!
Teen and Adult Intro to Pottery
Instructor: Janice Strawder
Ages: 12+
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
8 weeks: Sept 25th to Nov 13th
Cost: $150 (clay available to purchase, does not include open studio)
Enjoy a creative start to your weekend! This project-based class is designed to
introduce students to a variety of techniques in clay. Projects will include functional
pottery, garden art, and decorative tile. We will use the potter’s wheel as well as hand
forming techniques in our investigations of clay forms and surface decorations.
Kidz-n-Clay - Four Fun Workshops!
Instructor: Zipora Schulz
Ages: 6-11
Time: 9:30-11:00 am
4 Sessions:
Cost: $30 per session
Nov 13 - Creative Tiles
Create a tile in the third dimension! Participants will create a tile with real dimensional relief and lots of color! Projects will be kiln-fired and available for pick up within two weeks of the workshop date.
Nov 20 - Coil Creations
Coils + balls + buttons + squiggles = awesome pots! Participants will choose from a variety of shapes to create wonderful woven clay vessels perfect for gracing any table, or just for fun! Projects will be kiln-fired and available for pick up within two weeks of the workshop date.
Dec 4 - Fun Face Mugs
Create character mugs with unique personalities! This one-day project nurtures creative expression and is a fun challenge for problem solving skills. Projects will be kiln-fired and available for pick up within two weeks of the workshop date.
Dec 18 - Clay Mobiles & Chimes
Let’s make moveable kinetic art! Participants will create their personalized mobiles and chimes using slab clay, cookie cutters, and underglaze paints! We will pre-assemble in the classroom then sketch the arrangement before handing the pieces over to the kilns to be fired and glazed. All parts will be made from clay. Instructions for assembly will be included with your finished pieces. Projects will be kiln-fired and available for pick up within two weeks of the workshop date.
AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES
Creative Hands: All Media!
Instructor: Zipora Schulz
Ages: 5 - 8
Day/Time: Mondays / 4:15 – 5:30 pm
8 Weeks: Sept 20th to Nov 8th
Cost: $155 (material fee included)
Children will explore a variety of art mediums to create wonderful works of expressive art. We’ll start a journal of our ideas and observations from the world around us. Mediums for exploration will include clay, collage, printmaking, papier-maché, and works on paper.
Printmaking! - Registration Closed
Instructor: Julie Zahn
Ages: 9-11
Day/Time: Mondays / 4:15 – 5:30 pm
8 Weeks: Sept 20th to Nov 8th
Cost: $155 (material fee included)
A fun class in white-line woodcut printmaking! This engaging technique entails drawing, transfer of image, carving and painting. Students will produce a small edition of prints.
Fun with Clay - Registration Closed
Instructor: Deborah Williams
Ages: 9 - 11
Day/Time: Wednesdays / 4:15 – 5:30 pm
8 Weeks: Sept 22nd to Nov 10th
Cost: $155 (material fee included)
Learn the basics of the potter’s wheel AND make fun projects on the tabletop through hand building with clay. Our clay creations will include a variety of forming techniques and surface decoration. Be prepared for squishy clay and bright colors!
ADULT CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
Allens Lane Art Center (ALAC) is offering in-person classes, workshops and performances in ceramics, visual art, and theater following all recommended CDC guidelines for safety.
Introduction to Figure Drawing - New Demo Class!
Instructor: Julie Zahn
Ages: 18+
Time: Mondays / 5:45-6:45 pm
Two Sessions: Session 1: Sept 20th, 27th, Oct 4th and Oct 11th
Session 2: Oct 18th, 25th, Nov 1st and Nov 8th
Cost: $40 for a 4 class session
Each class will begin with a demonstration of drawing from the model. Students will work from direct observation and learn the basic fundamentals of gesture, contour, outline, and tonal modeling as it relates to drawing from a life model.
Figure Drawing Open Studio | Session 1
Monitor: Julie Zahn
Ages: 18+
Time: Mondays / 7:00-9:30 pm
Session 1: Sept 20th, 27th, Oct 4th and Oct 11th
Cost: $60 for a 4 night session
This monitored open studio allows participants to draw from the model and work independently. No instruction is provided.
Fun with Watercolor Techniques
Instructor: Rebecca Hoenig
Day / Time: Thursdays / 7:00-9:00 PM
8 weeks: Sept 23rd to Nov 11th
Cost: $150
If you have always wanted to paint with watercolors, but have been afraid to try, this is the perfect place to start. Geared towards beginners, learn several tricks for creating beautiful watercolors even if you have never tried painting before. Each session will begin with a demo of a different watercolor technique followed by time to paint. In a relaxing and safe setting, students will experiment and have fun while learning valuable lessons on color mixing, brush strokes and composition. By the end of 8 weeks, you will feel comfortable with both basic, and some more advanced watercolor techniques.
A supply list will be mailed to students after they register.
Creative Handbuilding & Tile Making
Instructor: Janice Strawder
Day / Time: Tuesdays / 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
10 weeks: Sept 14th to Nov 16th
Cost: $310
Enjoy pottery making using various techniques for hand forming, including slab, pinch, coil and tile making. Students will explore surface treatments using a variety of texturing tools, colored slips, and glaze decorating techniques. Demonstrations and visual inspiration will be presented weekly. Group discussion and individual feedback will be provided. Bring your own ideas, or work along with the class with weekly projects.
Pottery Hand & Wheel Basics
Instructor: Deborah Williams
Day / Time: Tuesdays / 6:30-9:30 PM
10 weeks: Sept 14th to Nov 16th
Cost: $310
Try your hand at the potter’s wheel and learn techniques for handbuilding on the table. Students will be introduced to a variety of clay forming methods and surface treatments including texture, colored slips, and glaze decorating. Demonstrations and visual inspiration will be presented weekly. Group discussion and individual feedback will be provided. Bring your own ideas, or work along with the class with weekly projects.
Handbuilding: Functional to Sculptural
Instructor: Deborah Williams
Day / Time: Wednesdays / 1:00-3:00 PM
8 weeks: Sept 22nd to Nov 10th
Cost: $150 (clay available to purchase, does not include open studio)
Try your hand at handbuilding, to create functional or sculptural works in clay. This class will provide a solid foundation for students to develop unique, expressive works! Each class session will start with an Instructor demonstration. Students will work on projects of their choosing with assistance and guidance from the Instructor. Bring your ideas! Bring a sketchbook! All levels welcome.
Pottery Hand & Wheel Advanced
Instructor: Janice Strawder
Day / Time: Wednesdays / 6:30-9:30 PM
10 weeks: Sept 15th to Nov 17th
Cost: $310
Continue honing your skills on the potter’s wheel and through handbuilding. Students will be encouraged to further their explorations of form, surface treatments, and glaze decorating techniques. Demonstrations and visual inspiration will be presented weekly. Group discussion and individual feedback will be provided. Bring your own ideas, or work along with the class with weekly projects.
Pottery Hand & Wheel All Levels
Instructor: Janice Strawder
Day / Time: Thursdays / 6:30-9:30 PM
10 weeks: Sept 16th to Nov 18th
Cost: $310
This class is designed for all levels, whether you’re new to clay or have previous experience. Students will learn the basics of the potter’s wheel, as well as basics for handbuilding. Surface decorating techniques will include carving, slip painting, and glaze combining. Demonstrations and visual inspiration will be presented weekly. Group discussion and individual feedback will be provided. Bring your own ideas, or work along with the class with weekly projects.
Wheel Throwing All Levels!
Instructor: Nathan Willever
Day / Time: Thursdays / 10:00 am -1:00 pm
10 weeks: Sept 16th to Nov 18th
Cost: $310
Emphasis will be on developing strong wheel throwing techniques from basic centering and pulling, to more complicated multi-part pieces. A variety of surface decorating techniques will be introduced to include carving, slip painting, and glaze combining. Demonstrations and visual inspiration will be presented weekly. Group discussion and individual feedback will be provided. Bring your own ideas, or work along with the class with weekly projects.
Teen and Adult Intro to Pottery - Registration Full! All new registrations will be added to our waitlist
Instructor: Janice Strawder
Ages: 12+
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
8 weeks: Sept 25th to Nov 13th
Cost: $150 (clay available to purchase, does not include open studio)
Enjoy a creative start to your weekend! This project-based class is designed to
introduce students to a variety of techniques in clay. Projects will include functional
pottery, garden art, and decorative tile. We will use the potter’s wheel as well as hand
forming techniques in our investigations of clay forms and surface decorations.
Ceramic Open Studio
Days/Times: M & TH 6:30-9:30 pm, and T, TH, & Sat 1-4 pm
Session: begins Sept 14th
Cost:Comes with full 10-week class registration at no additional charge or $200 - 10 visit pass. Must have taken one full 10-week class session in Ceramics at ALAC. 10-week pass is good for 10 visits in 12 weeks. This monitored open studio allows for additional time in the studio to work independently. No instruction is provided. Clay must be purchased through ALAC.
Porcelain Workshop: Try It! You Might Like It!
Instructor: Natalie Needham
Day / Time: Saturday / 10:00 am -3:00 pm
Session: December 11th
Cost: $90
Gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics and challenges of this unique clay: It’s beauty, it’s fussiness, and it’s affinity for luscious glaze results! In this hands-on throwing workshop Natalie will demonstrate, then assist participants in techniques to successfully throw porcelain on the potter’s wheel. She will share with you tips, as well as possible foibles, to better help you navigate your way with this beautiful clay.
The workshop will conclude with a demo of some basic glazing techniques, and with examples of finished glaze pieces for discussion. Participants may bring 2-3 small pieces of their own bisqued, cone 6 porcelain to try out various glaze applications. (Make sure to bring clay brand and temp rating.) We will fire in a cone 6 electric glaze kiln for you to pick up at a later date, or, you can choose to take your raw glazed pieces with you. A tools list will be sent to you in advance of the workshop.
RAKU Workshops
Sunday Raku Workshop
Instructor: Janice Strawder
Day / Time: Sundays / 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sessions: Sept 19th, Oct 17th
Cost: $60 per Session
Experience first-hand the fast firing process of RAKU. Participants will be guided through the process of glazing, kiln loading, firing, and post-reduction cooling. Your beautiful lustrous pottery will be ready to take home that day. Bring 3-5 bisque pieces with you. An assortment of glazes will be available for your use at the ALAC studio.
No experience in Raku technique needed.
Friday Night Clay Dates
Instructor: Janice Strawder
Day / Time: Fridays 7:00-9:00 pm
Cost: $40 per person/session, materials and tools included
Bring a friend, a date, or come and make new friends. Discover your hidden talents or renew your creative flair. Our master instructor will present an introductory lesson in the wonderful medium of clay. Bring an apron or dress accordingly. Guaranteed success and fun!
4 Sessions-
Sept 17 - The Potter’s Wheel
Put yourself in the driver’s seat and take a spin on the potter’s wheel. Learn basic techniques of pottery making on the wheel including centering, pulling, and soft alterations of the clay. Enjoy a demonstration on trimming and glazing and play a round of pottery trivia! Projects will be kiln-fired and available for pick up within two weeks of the workshop date.
Oct 15 - Festive Steins & Mugs
Sink your fingers into a lump of clay and let the magic begin! Create a personalized mug, tumbler, or tea bowl, using slabs of clay and texture tools. Your creations will be kiln fired and glazed with a glaze of your choice. Projects will be kiln-fired and available for pick up within two weeks of the workshop date.
Nov 12 - Serving in Style
Impress your friends and family with a beautiful or funky serving plate for your special dinner or holiday occasions. Use a variety of tools to mark, impress, or adorn, to make this platter uniquely yours. Projects will be kiln-fired and available for pick up within two weeks of the workshop date.
Dec 10 - Holiday Ornaments
Create holiday ornaments to celebrate and decorate your home, your windows, and for small gift giving. Explore the possibilities of this medium through rolling, coiling, stamping textures, and painting with bright colored underglazes. No limit to the creative possibilities!
Projects will be kiln-fired and available for pick up within two weeks of the workshop date.
