Click HERE to register!

‍Tuition: $200 includes all 4 sessions

Tuesdays from 7 - 8:30 PM: Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18

Join Christopher Phoenix James for four weeks of the Blues! We will learn and play classic Blues songs from greats such as Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters, Mississippi John Hurt and BB King while honing your skills for playing in a group. Playing the Blues together will improve your rhythm and groove, give you simple and fun approaches to soloing and improvising, and teach you to recognize patterns in 12 bar and 8 bar Blues progressions. Bouncing between learning and playing you will get to apply simple new ideas to expand your music palette.

All instruments and levels are welcome. Bring your questions and let's play the Blues together!

Building and room number will be emailed to participants following registration.

While still in his teens Christopher James headed south to live in the land where blues began performing with various blues groups from Clarksdale, Mississippi to Dallas, Texas. Returning to Maryland, James founded his own group, won the Baltimore Blues Society's Blues Challenge, and was a finalist in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. He has released five albums. Out of Wooden Boxes (2008) received two WAMMIE nominations from WAMA for Best Blues Recording and Best Blues Vocalist. The Maryland State Arts Council presented James with two Individual Artist Awards in 2012 for performance on his CD When the Moon Gets High Tonight: The Blues Mandolin Experience, recorded with GRAMMY® nominated producer Professor Louie and in 2016 for composition of new unreleased works. In 2015 Chris played mandolin and guitar on Guy Davis' album Kokomo Kidd.

Click HERE to register!

‍Tuition: $200 for 2 full-day sessions

DATES: Sat. & Sun., Nov. 22 & 23 (9 AM - 4 PM)

Reticulation is known as Depletion Gilding and also "painting with a torch". Granulation can be classically geometric but we will practice random granulation as a texturing technique. Students will practice these techniques then fabricate stunning wearable designs Forging and repoussé will also be demonstrated to stimulate design possibilities. Previous torch experience is helpful. Bring metals and any tools that you have or prepare to buy supplies at wholesale prices from the instructor estimate $40+.

Materials fee: Approx. $40 if purchasing from the instructor. $10 lab fee for consumables.

Linda Van Hart is passionate about creating things of beauty and inspiring others to do the same. She is a Tool Queen and revels in the making, use and modification of hand tools to create body and architectural adornment.  Her metal work spans size from ½” to 8’. Linda has developed and administered the Visual Arts portion of Common Ground On The Hill since its inception.  She is a founding member of Carroll County Arts Council, and a founding partner at Off Track Art in Westminster and NOMA Gallery  in Frederick: both artist cooperatives. Linda shows at a half dozen high end East Coast craft events annually. Check her out at  www.tollhousestudio.com. Contact her at 443-340-0955  or lindavanhart@earthlink.net.

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Click HERE to register!‍

$30 for a single session; $55 for 2 sessions; $75 for three sessions.

Individual studio session dates/times:

• Thursday (6 - 9 PM): Dec. 11
• Saturdays (9 AM - 12 PM): Nov. 22 and Dec. 13
• Saturdays (1 - 4 PM): Nov. 22, Dec. 13
• Sundays (9 AM - 12 PM): Nov. 23, Dec. 14
• Sundays (1 - 4 PM): Nov. 23, Dec. 14

Book a session to work on your own projects in the Jewelry Studio at McDaniel College. The Jewelry Jams run concurrently with workshops (Reticulation, Granulation, Fabrication; and Balled Wire Rings, Bracelets, Clasps & Beaded Link Chains) but the instructor will oversee but will NOT be working with you. This is an opportunity for you to practice skills independently or work on your own project in the studio.

Linda Van Hart is passionate about creating things of beauty and inspiring others to do the same. She is a Tool Queen and revels in the making, use and modification of hand tools to create body and architectural adornment.  Her metal work spans size from ½” to 8’. Linda has developed and administered the Visual Arts portion of Common Ground On The Hill since its inception.  She is a founding member of Carroll County Arts Council, and a founding partner at Off Track Art in Westminster and NOMA Gallery  in Frederick: both artist cooperatives. Linda shows at a half dozen high end East Coast craft events annually. Check her out at  www.tollhousestudio.com. Contact her at 443-340-0955  or lindavanhart@earthlink.net.

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Click HERE to register!

Tuition: $250 includes all 3 sessions.

DATES: Thurs., Dec. 11 from 6-9 PM, Sat., & Sun., Dec. 13 & 14 from 9 AM - 4 PM

Learn to set stones in jewelry with metalsmith Stephanie Schaub.

Max 6 students, ages 18 and up.

LOCATION: The Jewelry Room (Rm. 101) in the Art Studio, McDaniel College, Westminster, MD 21157

$10 lab fee for consumables payable on the first day.

Materials fee: approximately $35-$35 depending on student choices. Materials available at wholesale prices, payable to the instructor.

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Stephanie Schaub is a metalsmith based in historic downtown Frederick, Maryland. She studied at Towson University graduating with a BS in 3D Object Design and in 2016 she opened her online jewelry business, The Dwelling Gem. Her wearable art captures the essence of whimsy, drawing inspiration from both earthly treasures and celestial wonders. Crafting from precious metals, stones, crystals, and even unexpected found objects like seashells, Stephanie forges one-of-a-kind jewelry that exudes a captivating mystique, inviting wearers to adorn themselves with pieces that reflect both the beauty of this world and the allure of the beyond.

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Click HERE to register!

‍Tuition: $250 includes 3 sessions

DATES: Thurs., Dec. 11 (6-9 PM); Sat. & Sun., Dec. 13 & 14 (9 AM - 4 PM)

Meet the torch! Using predominantly 14 gauge sterling, students will become comfortable with or review torch skills while balling wire for bracelets, rings and clasps. Adjustable or soldered, these make affordable sterling gifts!

Students will learn to make beaded wire link chains for their newly made  clasps and findings. Many functions will be explored from necklace, to  French or cascade ear threads &  earrings, bracelets, anklets and belly chains to ear cuffs and hat bands. You may incorporate your collections of  travel trinkets, beads , buttons, and gems or purchase at wholesale prices from the instructor.

Materials fee: Approx. $40 if purchasing materials from the instructor. $10 lab fee covers cost of consumables.

Linda Van Hart is passionate about creating things of beauty and inspiring others to do the same. She is a Tool Queen and revels in the making, use and modification of hand tools to create body and architectural adornment.  Her metal work spans size from ½” to 8’. Linda has developed and administered the Visual Arts portion of Common Ground On The Hill since its inception.  She is a founding member of Carroll County Arts Council, and a founding partner at Off Track Art in Westminster and NOMA Gallery  in Frederick: both artist cooperatives. Linda shows at a half dozen high end East Coast craft events annually. Check her out at  www.tollhousestudio.com. Contact her at 443-340-0955  or lindavanhart@earthlink.net.

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