ADULT CLASSES

Adults furnish their own supplies. For most classes, instructors provide a list of supplies at the first class meeting. Please bring basic supplies to the first class. Model fees and material fees are due at time of registration unless otherwise indicated.

*Evening Course     ($) = Tuition cost for members   No classes November 24–28
Principal, Brennan, and Richards are names of studios at the Art Center. All classes held at the Des Moines Art Center unless otherwise indicated.

Drawing
Calligraphy
Painting
Printmaking
Metals/Three-Dimensional
Ceramics
Photography
Art for the Intimidated
Adult Workshops

Registration Information
Printable Registration Form
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DRAWING

BEGINNING DRAWING

Draw from observation using pencil or charcoal, learn basic techniques and elements of composition, value contrasts, and line variations. This class is a recommended prerequisite for students who want to study painting, watercolor, or figure drawing. Previous students may join the course for advanced instruction.

*C511 Wednesday 7 – 9:30 pm (13 weeks)
C511 is FULL
September 16 – December 16
(No class November 25)
Michael Lane, Brennan Studio 1
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 12 students
Two hours AEA credit available

C512 Thursday, 9:30 am – 12 pm (13 weeks)
C512 is FULL
September 17 – December 17
(No class November 26)
Melinda Kabel, Studio 2
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 12 students
Two hours AEA credit available

C513 Thursday, 1 – 3:30 pm (6 weeks)
November 5 – December 17
(No class November 26)
Stan Miller, Studio 2
Tuition $78 ($62), Limit 12 students
One hour AEA credit available

MIXED MEDIA CREATIVE FIGURE DRAWING

Focus on the expressive aspect of figure drawing, working in a wide variety of dry and wet media. Work with a range of long and short poses throughout the term. Figure Drawing is recommended before taking this class.

*C514 Wednesday, 7 – 9:30 pm (13 weeks)
C514 is CANCELED
September 16 – December 16
(No class November 25)
Tracy Duran, Visiting Artist, Studio 2
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 16 students
Model fee $55, due at registration
Two hours AEA credit available

FIGURE DRAWING ANATOMY

Students study the figure’s internal components and structure to see how they relate to design elements. Every level of student is invited to come to a better understanding of the figure to enhance expressive drawing. A continuum is provided for the returning student.

*C515 Thursday, 7 – 9:30 pm (13 weeks)
September 17 – December 17
(No class November 26)
Jack Wilkes, Studio 2
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 16 students
Model fee $55, due at registration
Two hours AEA credit available

OPEN STUDIO: THE FIGURE

Use oils, acrylics, pastels, or drawing media as you master drawing and painting from the nude model. Work with a range of long and short poses throughout the term. Beginning Drawing is a prerequisite for this class.

*C516 Tuesday, 7 – 9:30 pm (13 weeks)
September 15 – December 15
(No class November 24)
Tracy Duran, Visiting Artist, Studio 2
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 16 students
Model fee $55, due at registration
Two hours AEA credit available

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CALLIGRAPHY

BEGINNING CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY

In this introductory class become familiar with the materials, inks, and papers used in calligraphy. Learn the art of writing simple Chinese characters in a relaxing and meditative environment. Material fee includes brush, paper, and ink.

*C517 Thursday, 6:30 – 8 pm (6 weeks)
September 17 – October 22
Hui Hua Lin, Richards Studio 3
Tuition $78 ($62), Limit 6 students
Material fee $35, due at registration

INTERMEDIATE CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY

Begin to master the four basic painting techniques for depicting bamboo in a relaxing and meditative environment. Beginning Chinese Calligraphy is a prerequisite for this class.

*C518 Thursday, 6:30 – 8 pm (6 weeks)
October 29 – December 10
Hui Hua Lin, Richards Studio 3
Tuition $78 ($62), Limit 6 students
Material fee $35, for those who need supplies

THE ART OF PENMANSHIP

Explore creative ways to express yourself using a variety of tools and the alphabet. Choose from italic, black letter, uncial or any of the script styles. Beginner friendly markers as well as dip pens and ink are provided. Open to all levels.

C519 Tuesday, 1 – 3:30 pm (6 weeks)
November 3 – December 15
(No class November 24)
Jean Wilson, Principal West 5
Tuition $78 ($62), Limit 12 students
Material fee $10, due at registration
One hour AEA credit available

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PAINTING

ACRYLIC PAINTING FOR ALL LEVELS

Explore ways to start a painting by working from ideas, sketches, or still life. Experiment with techniques and materials, and paint with acrylics. Beginning Drawing is recommended before taking this class.

*C521 Tuesday, 7 – 9:30 pm (6 weeks)
C521 is FULL
November 3 – December 15
(No class November 24)
Stan Miller, Brennan Studio 1
Tuition $78 ($62), Limit 12 students
One hour AEA credit available

OPEN STUDIO: PAINTING

This is your opportunity to study color theory as you work in your favorite medium of watercolor, pastel, or acrylic painting. The instructor is available to assist you in your journey to becoming a better artist.

C522 Wednesday, 1 – 3:30 pm (13 weeks)
September 16 – December 16
(No class November 25)
Kathy Glenn, Studio 2
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 12 students
Two hours AEA credit available

FIGURE PAINTING

This course is focused on figure painting from the nude model and how to paint flesh tones. Work on mastering the skills of traditional figure painting in oils. Beginning Painting and Figure Drawing are recommended before taking this class.

C523 Tuesday, 9:30 – 12pm (13 weeks)
September 15 – December 15
(No class November 24)
Tracy Duran, Visiting Artist, Studio 2
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 16 students
Model fee $55, due at registration
Two hours AEA credit available

ADVANCED PAINTING AND DRAWING

The focus of this class is to help you develop work that is more personal through painting and/or drawing. Work closely with the visiting artist to create art that speaks to issues pertinent to you. Beginning Drawing and Beginning Painting are recommended before taking this class.

*C524 Thursday, 7 – 9:30 pm (13 weeks)
C524 is CANCELED
September 17 – December 17
(No class November 26)
Tracy Duran, Visiting Artist, Brennan Studio 1
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 16 students
Two hours AEA credit available

BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE WATERCOLOR

Learn the foundations for making successful watercolor paintings, including color mixing, paper, and brush selection. An introduction to composition and various techniques is presented. Beginning Drawing is recommended before taking this class.

*C526 Tuesday, 7 – 9:30 pm (7 weeks)
September 15 – October 27
Kathy Glenn, Brennan Studio 1
Tuition $91 ($73), Limit 12 students
One hour AEA credit available

C527 Wednesday, 1 – 3:30 pm (13 weeks)
C527 is CANCELED
September 16 – December 16
(No class November 25)
Melinda Kabel, Brennan Studio 1
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 12 students
Two hours AEA credit available

INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED WATERCOLOR

For this course you need some background and experience in watercolor. Master transparent color relationships as you develop strong compositions. Beginning Watercolor is recommended before taking this class.

C528 Tuesday, 9:30 am – 12 pm (13 weeks)
September 15 – December 15
(No class November 24)
Melinda Kabel, Brennan Studio 1
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 16 students
Two hours AEA credit available

C529 Tuesday, 1 – 3:30 pm (13 weeks)
September 15 – December 15
(No class November 24)
Melinda Kabel, Studio 2
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 16 students
Two hours AEA credit available

WET WORK AND MORE! AN EXPERIMENTAL WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP

Watercolor is sometimes viewed as a demanding medium, but it is also a very flexible, even forgiving tool. Investigate new strategies or employ experimental approaches to watercolor, an interesting and old medium. A continuum is provided for the returning student.

*C5210 Thursday, 6:30 – 9 pm (7 weeks)
September 17 – October 29
Janet Hart Heinicke, Principal West 5
Tuition $91 ($73), Limit 16 students
One hour AEA credit available

PASTELS

Open to all levels, this class covers a thematic assortment of techniques used with pastel as well as color theory. Paper choice, prep work, and the underlying properties of pastel, contι, and oil pastel are discussed.

C5211 Wednesday, 9:30 am – 12 pm (13 weeks)
C5211is CANCELED
September 16 – December 16
(No class November 25)
Mary Madison, Brennan Studio 1
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 16 students
Two hours AEA credit available

C5212 Thursday, 12:30 – 3 pm (13 weeks)
September 17 – December 17
(No class November 26)
Mary Madison, Brennan Studio 1
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 16 students
Two hours AEA credit available

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PRINTMAKING

ETCHING WORKSHOP AND OPEN STUDIO

This class engages both new and experienced printmakers with the methods used to create intaglio prints, from line etchings to soft grounds, aquatints, sugar lifts, and more. Find how rich and varied etching can be as a means of expression.

*C551 Wednesday, 7 – 9:30 pm (13 weeks)
C551 is FULL
September 16 – December 16
(No class November 25)
Catherine Dreiss, Principal West 5
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 12 students
Material fee $30, due at registration
Two hours AEA credit available

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METALS/3-DIMENSIONAL

OPEN STUDIO: STONE SETTING

Learn how to incorporate prong and cabochon settings in creatively constructed rings, earrings, or pendants. Basic fabrication techniques are presented to the beginning student as well as more advanced techniques for the returning student.

C561 Tuesday, 1 – 4 pm (10 weeks)
September 15 – November 17
Sheena Thomas, Principal East 6
Tuition $156 ($125), Limit 12 students
Material fee $30, due at registration
Two hours AEA credit available

OPEN STUDIO: REPOUSSE TECHNIQUES

Learn the ancient art of embossing or pressing shapes into metal to create a design in pendants, bracelets, or small objects. This process has been used for thousands of years to make everything from jewelry to the mummy mask of King Tut.

*C562 Tuesday, 7 – 9:30 pm (13 weeks)
C562 is CANCELED
September 15 – December 15
(No class November 24)
Carrie Herndon, Principal East 6
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 12 students
Material fee $30, due at registration
Two hours AEA credit available

OPEN STUDIO: BASIC JEWELRY TECHNIQUES

Learn the basic techniques of cutting, filing, bending, soldering, annealing, and forming to create jewelry. Make simple mountings (rings, pendants, pins, or earrings) in order to set gemstones in cabochon settings.

*C563 Wednesday, 6:30 – 9 pm (13 weeks)
C563 is FULL
September 16 – December 16
(No class November 25)
Larry Niday, Principal East 6
Tuition $169 ($135), Limit 12 students
Material fee $30, due at registration
Two hours AEA credit available

GLASS BEAD MAKING

Lampwork bead making is the process of shaping glass rods in the molten state over a torch to create amazing, distinctive, wearable glass beads. Studio setup, safety equipment, and multiple bead-working techniques are presented.

*C564 Tuesday, 7 – 9:30 pm (6 weeks)
November 3 – December 15
(No class November 24)
Ferzana Hashmi and Karin Smith
Principal West 5
Tuition $78 ($62), Limit 12 students
Material fee $125, due at registration
One hour AEA credit available

MOSAICS

This ancient technique is often considered painting without paint, the execution of designs by setting small tiles into wet concrete. Using broken tile, ceramics, and/or found objects, design and make a project of your choice. Bring ideas to the first class.

*C591 Tuesday, 6:30 – 9 pm (6 weeks)
September 15 – October 20
Tom Whitehead, Principal West 5
Tuition $78 ($62), Limit 12 students
Material fee $20, due at registration
One hour AEA credit available

STAINED GLASS

Capture the beauty of light and colored glass. In this class you can make a stained-glass window, night-light, stepping stone, or lampshade. Both leaded and foiled stained-glass techniques are explored.

*C565 Thursday, 6:30 – 9 pm (6 weeks)
September 17 – October 22
Jerry Goodrich, Principal East 6
Tuition $78 ($62), Limit 12 students
Material fee $65, due at registration
One hour AEA credit available

BOOKBINDING BASICS

This introduction to bookbinding covers the fundamental tools, materials, and various sewing and construction techniques. Starting with pamphlets, you work toward the binding of two hardcover books. Advanced students are invited to use the class as open studio with an opportunity to review skills.

C566 Tuesday, 9:30 am – 12 pm (7 weeks)
C566 is CANCELED
October 27 – December 15
(No class November 24)
Peggy Johnston, Principal East 6
Tuition $91 ($73), Limit 12 students
Material fee $25, due at registration
One hour AEA credit available

*C568 Thursday, 7 – 9:30 pm (7 weeks)
October 29 – December 17
(No class November 26)
Peggy Johnston, Principal East 6
Tuition $91 ($73), Limit 12 students
Material fee $25, due at registration
One hour AEA credit available

SURFACE DESIGN ON FABRIC

Using a variety of surface design techniques, create yardage to make original scarves, pillow covers, tote bags, and simple clothing. Learn direct painting techniques, relief printing, silk-screen processes, and dyeing and discharging.

*C510 Thursday, 7 – 9:30 pm (6 weeks)
C510 is FULL
November 5 – December 17
(No class November 26)
Kari Heath, Principal East 5
Tuition $78 ($64), Limit 8 students
Material fee $35, due at registration

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CERAMICS

ALLOWING THE FIGURE TO SPEAK

Explore figurative sculpture using hand building techniques. The class includes information on facial features and whole body proportions as well as body gestures. Found object impressions, mark making, and carving in wet earthenware clay help develop surface and story. Decoration techniques include a painterly approach to slips, oxide, under glazes, and glazes.

C571 Tuesday, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm (13 weeks)
September 15 – December 15
(No class November 24)
Linda Lewis, Studio 7
Tuition $252 ($202), Limit 12 students
Material fee $97, due at registration
Two hours AEA credit available

BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE WHEEL THROWING

Discover the satisfaction of making pots on the potter’s wheel as you learn techniques for throwing basic forms, such as bowls, cups, and vases. Experiment with a variety of glazes and techniques to finish your pots. This class is open to beginners as well as students who want to improve their skills.

*C572 Tuesday, 6:30 – 9:30 pm (13 weeks)
*C572 is FULL
September 15 – December 15
(No class November 24)
Nancy Briggs, Studio 7
Tuition $252 ($202), Limit 12 students
Material fee $97, due at registration
Two hours AEA credit available

INTRODUCTION TO CERAMICS

This class is designed to help you learn the fundamental techniques of hand building, wheel throwing, and raku ware. This is an opportunity to expand your knowledge of clay, slip, and glaze solutions.

C572 Wednesday, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm (13 weeks)
C572 is FULL
September 16 – December 16
(No class November 25)
Nancy Briggs, Studio 7
Tuition $252 ($202), Limit 12 students
Material fee $97, due at registration
Two hours AEA credit available

*C573 Wednesday, 6:30 – 9:30 pm (13 weeks)
C573 is FULL
September 16 – December 16
(No class November 25)
Larissa Jung, Studio 7
Tuition $252 ($202), Limit 12 students
Material fee $97, due at registration
Two hours AEA credit available

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PHOTOGRAPHY

FUNDAMENTALS OF SLR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

From shutter speeds to apertures and histograms to white balance, this class is designed to help you master the single-lens reflex digital camera. Bring your digital camera to class and learn how to use it to take great photos.

*C592 Tuesday, 7 – 9 pm (6 weeks)
C592 is FULL
September 15 – October 20
Rachel Merrill-Schwaller, Levitt Auditorium
Tuition $78 ($62), Limit 12 students

*C593 Tuesday, 7 – 9 pm (6 weeks)
C593 is FULL
October 27 – December 8
Rachel Merrill-Schwaller, Levitt Auditorium
Tuition $78 ($62), Limit 12 students

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ART FOR THE INTIMIDATED

Do you want to try an art class but are afraid of getting in over your head? Explore drawing, painting, watercolor, and collage with other beginners in an encouraging environment. Come away with a better understanding of what medium suits you best.

C541 Tuesday, 9:30 am – 12 pm (6 weeks)
C541 is FULL
November 3 – December 15
(No Class November 24)
Jean Wilson, Principal West 5
Tuition $78 ($62), Limit 12 students

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ADULT WORKSHOPS

CALAVERAS (SKULLS)

Create hand built clay skulls to be incorporated in an installation piece for the Day of the Dead Celebration at the Art Center, November 1. Each participant makes at least three life-size skulls, which are pit-fired, displayed in the Adrienne and Charles Herbert Galleries at the Art Center, and then claimed by the participants.

C594 Sunday, September 20, 12:30 – 3:30 pm
Pam Dennis, Studio 7
and Sunday, October 11, 2 – 5 pm
Pam Dennis’ Studio, Ogden
Admission $55 ($44), Limit 12 students
Material fee $15, due at registration

PLEIN AIR PAINTING

Join California artist and Iowa native, Teresa Heger Onoda, to paint plein air at a farm outside Des Moines. Plein air painters work on location to quickly capture the fleeting light effects that occur in nature. Meet on location and bring your oil or acrylic painting supplies and a sense of adventure. Open to all levels. Directions to the farm are given upon registration.

A5213 Saturday, October 3, 10 am – 2 pm
Sunday, October 4, 10 am – 2 pm
Teresa Heger Onoda, on Location
Admission $88 ($70), Limit 12 students

FINGER PAINTING FOR ADULTS

Return to your early artistic roots and give finger painting a fresh look. Use your fingers and simple tools to explore some lessons in design. Create art works that are highly-styled and beautiful.

A595 Sunday, 1 – 3:30 pm (2 weeks)
November 8 and 15
Jean Wilson, Principal West 5
Admission $50 ($40), Limit 12 students
Material fee $15 due at registration

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