Class Descriptions:
ART
Stay tuned for NEW Class Descriptions
"My son has LOVED the many art classes he has taken at Encore! I really love that we have so many pieces he has done hanging in our home!" --Amy V
BEGINNING DRAWING SKILLS / DRAWING 101
(Instr: Lisa Cheney, North Gill) In this foundation drawing class, youth will learn the basic principles of drawing and will begin to understand how artists see the world and how they translate what they see onto the paper. The class will focus the 7 Core elements of Design in their drawings: Line, Shape, Form, Value, Space, Texture, and Color. They will also learn about contour shapes, patterns, and composition, and will have the opportunity to work with a range of drawing media, including pencil, pen, marker, colored pencil, and ink. |
INTERMEDIATE DRAWING
(Instr: Lisa Cheney) In this intermediate drawing class, youth will build upon the foundation of drawing skills that they have learned in a beginner's class and will gain more confidence in their ability to create realistic drawings. The class will focus on helping students translate what they see onto the paper through both their intuition and feelings, as well as practical drawing foundations. They will learn about perspective, proportions, composition, contrast, shading, texture, fine detail, and the difference between expressive and representational drawings. |
ADVANCED DRAWING
(Instr: Lisa Cheney) This advanced drawing class is designed for teenagers who have a strong foundation in drawing and are looking to take their skills to the next level. The class will focus on helping students further their confidence in their drawing and shading skills, and will explore a variety of techniques and concepts that will help them create more realistic drawings. These will include perspective, proportions, composition, contrast, shading, tonal values, texture, fine detail, and the difference between expressive and representational drawings. Students will be required to keep a sketchbook for homework and will be encouraged to practice the skills learned in class in order to strengthen their drawing skills and confidence. |
DRAWING COMBO: PEN, PENCIL, PASTELS
(Instr: Carrie Walker) This class offers a sampling of several art mediums for young learners to grow and experiment uniquely through pen and ink, pencils, markers, illustration, and more. Students will learn color theory, drawing techniques, value, shading, and scale. |
CARTOONING AND CARICATURING
(Instr: Timothy Gerrety) Description coming soon! |
DIGITAL DRAWING
(Instr: North Gill) Description coming soon! |
CLAY ARTS
(instr. Sharon Lucas) Description coming soon! |
HAND SCULPTING
(Instr: Rachel Kitzmiller) In this class, we will develop an understanding of the fundamentals of what clay can and cannot do in its various stages, while making sophisticated, functional pieces of art. We will learn how to build upon a frame and construct personalized sculpture(s). In addition to group instruction, each student will have enough one-on-one instruction with the teacher within classes to plan, form, and refine their own chosen design. We will prepare our projects for final firing and decorating. Students will also have the opportunity to learn to use underglaze on their pieces before the firing. |
MIXED MEDIA SCULPTURE
(Instr: Timothy Gerrety) Description coming soon! |
POLYMER CLAY
(Instr: Sharon Lucas) Create your own beads and figurines while learning about color properties and clay techniques, including marbling, millefiori, and miniature sculpture. |
POTTER'S WHEEL
(Instr: Sharon Lucas) Description coming soon! |
TACTILE CRAFTS SAMPLER
(Instr: Lynette Claypool) In this class, Students have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of mediums such as paint, clay, fabric, metal, wood, silicon, leather, and more while also learning multiple studio techniques. Students will develop: ● Fine motor skills with improved hand eye coordination and manual dexterity ● Identification of shapes, color, texture, and technique with hands on activities Creativity and imagination are encouraged with the exploration of individual ideas. Art and craft activities give kids a sense of achievement and this creative class experience allows students to take pride in their work, which leads to improved confidence. The exploration of arts and crafts provides a safe opportunity to discover that it's okay to make mistakes, and sometimes getting things seemingly “wrong” can lead the student to discover an entirely new and unique technique! |
COSTUME AND FASHION DESIGN
(Instr: Carrie Walker) In this exciting fashion design and illustration class, students will embark on a creative journey that combines the art of fashion design with the skills of illustration. Throughout the course, students will learn to breathe life into their designs by mastering the art of sketching fashion figures, clothing, and accessories. From understanding body proportions to experimenting with various fabrics and style sketching, students will gain hands-on experience in dreaming up their unique fashion visions. Whether aspiring to become a fashion designer or simply desiring a creative outlet, this class offers a comprehensive foundation for students to explore their passion for fashion, refine their drawing techniques, and transform their design ideas into stunning visual representations. |
COSTUME AND PROP MAKERSPACE
(Instr: Kristin Jenkins) Description coming soon! COSTUME AND PROP MINI MAKERSPACE |
COSTUME DESIGN AND SEWING
(Instr: Kristin Jenkins) Description coming soon! |
SEWING AND TEXTILE ARTS
(Instr: Kristin Jenkins) Description coming soon! |
CROCHET AND KNITTING
(Instr. Athena Watkins) Create your own wearable, customizable, and adorable pieces of art! In this class, students will learn the foundations of stitching, following a pattern, and creating amazing finished products. Pick up a relaxing new hobby and make heartfelt gifts for your loved ones (or yourself)! No prior experience needed. |
PROP AND SET DESIGN
(Instr: Kristin Jenkins) Get a backstage look at theatrical design! Learn practical artistic techniques to create a world and the items within it. Unleash your creativity, and see your work featured onstage at the finale showcase! Art supplies will be provided. |
LEGO AND STORYTELLING
(Instr: Megan Case) Students will exercise their creative minds within the limits of bricks to not only follow but also make their own patterns and designs, engineering art and moving parts while narrating the stories of the builds they are creating. |
PUPPET MAKING AND ACTING
(Instr: Athena Watkins) Young creatives will make several fun puppets, and create their own stories to act out together! Students will explore their characters' emotions through their designs and behavior, learning valuable vocabulary along the way. |
MERCH MAKERSPACE
(Instr: Kristin Jenkins) Description coming soon! |
STAGE AND SCREEN MAKEUP
(Instr: North Gill) Description coming soon! |
MIXED MEDIA WATERCOLOR
(Instr: Lisa Cheney) In this mixed media watercolor class, students will learn different ways that watercolor can be used in combination with other mediums, such as ink, colored pencil, watercolor pencils, markers, and more. The class will be divided into two parts. During the first half, students will be introduced to watercolors and will learn to become comfortable with the medium through creating their own personal color chart and experimenting with different techniques for creating textures. They will then apply what they have learned by creating a stunning painting that incorporates ink and colored pencils. In the second half of the class, students will explore more non-traditional techniques and will learn how to mix in additional mediums to create rich and dynamic compositions.in additional mediums to create rich and dynamic compositions. |
MIXED MEDIA WITH THE MASTERS
(Instr: Lisa Cheney) Our young artists will embark on an exciting journey through the world of art by exploring the lives and works of renowned artists from history. Learning Objectives: Introduction to Art History: Students will be introduced to famous artists from different time periods and cultures. They will learn about the significance of these artists and their contributions to the art world. Hands-On Exploration: Through various artistic mediums such as drawing, painting, and sculpture, students will have the opportunity to create their own artworks inspired by the techniques, styles, and themes of the featured artists. Cultural Awareness: Students will gain an understanding of different artistic movements, styles, and cultural contexts by studying the works of artists from diverse backgrounds. Creativity and Self-Expression: This class encourages students to express themselves creatively and develop their artistic skills while gaining inspiration from the masters. |
PAINTING COMBO: ACRYLICS, OILS, AND WATERCOLOR
(Instr: Carrie Walker) Feel welcome in our nurturing and inspiring art studio! Whether you're new to painting or re-awakening a passion, these classes offer a unique fear-free method that teaches beginners to paint and seasoned painters more advanced approaches, tips and tricks to painting in oils. In the first half of the course we'll cover basic techniques in a step-by-step, easy to learn method. The second half of the season we'll move to a painting of choice that's either an animal or still life to utilize those skills you just acquired! |
MUSIC AND ART COMBO
(Instr: Sharon Lucas) Description coming soon! |
VISUAL JOURNALING
(Instr: Lisa Cheney) Visual journaling is a form of self-expression and reflection through the use of art, writing, and other creative mediums. In this class, students will learn how to create a personal visual journal or sketchbook where they can record their thoughts, ideas, and observations through drawings, painting, collages, mixed media, mandalas, and other visual media. Students will also have the opportunity to experiment with different art materials and techniques, and learn how to use journal prompts and writing to enhance their visual journaling practice. This class will focus on helping students use visual journaling as a means of self-exploration and personal growth, and will encourage them to express their creativity and emotions through their journals. By the end of the class, students will have created their own unique visual journal(s), filled with their own original artwork and writing. |
WILDCRAFT
(Instr: Carrie Walker) Use nature and other materials to create projects such as nature weaving, nature stamp designs, and natural jewelry, etc. |
