Colored Pencil Illustration
Colored pencils are an extremely versatile medium that can produce a wide variety of illustration types from the charismatic cartoonish, to photo realistic illustration. In the class learn about how using simple techniques of layer, hatching, and blending can produce realistic and colorful images full of depth and character. Students are encouraged to bring objects or photos of things they like to inspire them or to reproduce in this exciting medium. Students should have colored pencils (Prismacolor or Derwent are recommended). Limit 15 students, ages 12 and up. ​Kaijusensei@gmail.com Periods 3 & 4 ~ Kelsey Wailes

The Open Road: Smartphone Photography
This class is for smartphones only – no exceptions. Students will travel to different locations to photograph. Emphasis will be on composition, graphic impact, level of storytelling, and unique vision. Learn to use the post-production app Snapseed and possibly several others. Interested students can learn to use the app Caption for creating “photoons” (photos with talking and thought balloons). The Open Road is always unpredictable as we explore our nearby environment. Students are required to have the app Snapseed installed on their phone. The app is free and suitable for iPhone or Android devices. Students are also requested to have an active Facebook account which will be used to privately share photos with classmates and Phil through a secret FB group. Students are encouraged to wear long pants and “substantial” footwear for working in “rough” locations. Limit 8 students, ages 16 and up. ​pix4u@qis.net Periods 1 & 2 ~ Phil Grout

Photographs that Tell a Story
Learn how to go beyond snapshots to create compelling photographs that tell a story, whether it’s a portrait of a family member or a vacation shot. The class explores various aspects of visually conveying an idea, including creative use of aperture, shutter speed, posing, composition, etc. A DSLR is preferred, but some information can be tailored to a smartphone or pocket camera. Students should plan on printing costs of about $15. Students should have a DSLR camera and a manual, if needed, tripod (if available), and a flash drive. Post processing, such as Lightroom, Photoshop, or phone apps, is outside the scope of this class. Limit 12 students, ages 16 and up. Periods 3 & 4 ~ Alexandra Lane

Creating Portraits Using Your iPhone
Students will use their iPhones in creating portraits. We will look at portraiture in general but concentrate on how a stunning portrait can be made with the iPhone. We will use techniques in posing, depth of field, light availability, and composition. Learn to use your phone masterfully! NOTE: This course is restricted to iPhones only. Students should have an iPhone, cables, external drive or flash/thumb drive. Limit 10 students, ages 16 and up. sue@suebloom.com Periods 1 & 2 ~ Sue Bloom

Drawing Fundamentals
This short course will cover several important drawing skills and concepts to help students learn to draw accurately from observation of such subjects as animal skulls, vegetables, flowers, and other organic objects. Proportion, measuring, and the functions of line will be among the concepts covered using charcoal and pencil. Instruction will involve directed exercises, demonstrations, critiques, and examples from master artists. Suitable for beginning and intermediate students, AP Studio Art, or college portfolio. Students should have one 11”x14” pad of heavy drawing paper, package of 3 vine charcoal soft or medium, 2 pencils (one 2b and one 4b), one soft eraser, and a can of hairspray for charcoal fixative. Limit 12 students, ages 14 and up. leenewman6@gmail.com Periods 3 & 4 ~ Lee Newman

The Open Road: Smartphone Photography
This class is for smartphones only – no exceptions. Students will travel to different locations to photograph. Emphasis will be on composition, graphic impact, level of storytelling, and unique vision. Learn to use the post-production app Snapseed and possibly several others. Interested students can learn to use the app Caption for creating “photoons” (photos with talking and thought balloons). The Open Road is always unpredictable as we explore our nearby environment. Students are required to have the app Snapseed installed on their phone. The app is free and suitable for iPhone or Android devices. Students are also requested to have an active Facebook account which will be used to privately share photos with classmates and Phil through a secret FB group. Students are encouraged to wear long pants and “substantial” footwear for working in “rough” locations. Limit 8 students, ages 16 and up. pix4u@qis.net Periods 1 & 2 ~ Phil Grout

The Painted Screen: A Baltimore Folk Art
The Baltimore painted screen was not art for art’s sake. It was a very practical solution to the close quarters of row house living. It afforded privacy and air circulation. This course will provide an overview of the history of the painted screen folk art and profiles of some of the iconic artists. We will paint screens that you will be able to take home to adorn your home. You have the option of bringing a screen window or door to the class or using a screen box or an antique screen frame and new screening provided. If you bring a screen we will change out the screening in the window. Please have a photograph, painting, or sketch of a composition you would like to paint. There will be a variety of compositions provided if you do not have one in mind. In particular there will be some classic painted screen compositions you can use to recreate a twentieth century screen. Please check out the Painted Screen Society webpage for more information about this iconic folk art. Students will need gray acrylic paint for priming, foam brushes (variety of sizes), finish brushes (fine point), a mix of acrylic paint colors reflecting the colors of your chosen composition, palette, colored chalk, charcoal, and large sketching paper. Limit 8 students, ages 14 and up. NOTE: Students should contact the instructor upon completing registration for information about getting a screen. mvs21214@gmail.com Periods 1 & 2 ~ Michael Seipp

Watercolor Monoprints
We will paint with watercolors on plexiglass and then print the pieces from the plates in a variety of subject matter and watercolor techniques. Students will not only learn watercolor skills but also learn about monoprint and basic printing skills. They will be able to use drawn images, photographs, and non-objective imagery as subjects. Students will be encouraged to create a series of images into a panoramic print series. Students may use their own watercolor sets and brushes and watercolor pencils if desired. Limit 12 students, ages 16 and up. NOTE: Students should contact the instructor upon completing registration. susan.maseth@fcps.org Periods 1 & 2 ~ Sue Maseth

Found Object Rotomation
Build characters and creatures out of found objects and create your own stop motion animation to show at the end of the week. Materials fee: $40. Students should have a camera, tripod, duct tape, screwdrivers, vice grips, nuts, bolts, toys, magnets, a snack, anything you want to animate. Clay is quite popular too. Limit 16 students, ages 16 and up. elijahvanaver@gmail.com shilohv@gmail.com Periods 4 & 5 Elijah Vanaver, Shiloh Vanaver

See video composite work by Elijah Vanaver HERE.
See animation work by Shiloh Vanaver HERE.

Life Drawing: The Human Figure **NEW TIME**
Over a period of five days, students will draw directly from the live model. Emphasis will be on developing each student’s unique line through timed and protracted studies. This class is useful for both beginning and more experienced students. Lab fee between $25-40 to cover modeling fees. Students should bring: one 18” x 24” newsprint pad, one 18” x 24” charcoal pad, jumbo vine or willow charcoal, non-toxic workable fixative. Limit 15 students, ages 17 and up. kenecker@earthlink.net Periods 1 & 2 ~ Ken Ecker

The Open Road: Smartphone Photography
This class is for smartphones only – no exceptions. Students will travel to different locations to photograph. Emphasis will be on composition, graphic impact, level of storytelling, and unique vision. Learn to use the post-production app Snapseed and possibly several others. Interested students can learn to use the app Caption for creating “photoons” (photos with talking and thought balloons). The Open Road is always unpredictable as we explore our nearby environment. Students are required to have the app Snapseed installed on their phone. The app is free and suitable for iPhone or Android devices. Students are also requested to have an active Facebook account which will be used to privately share photos with classmates and Phil through a secret FB group. Students are encouraged to wear long pants and “substantial” footwear for working in “rough” locations. Limit 8 students, ages 16 and up. pix4u@qis.net Periods 1 & 2 ~ Phil Grout

Pastels as Mixed Medium
Departing from detailed realism but still observing nature, this class will offer opportunities to create mixed medium works using watercolors, charcoal, pastel, ink and your imagination. Working with drawing/painting techniques using underpainting in free form abstract process and finishing with pastels, charcoal, ink for details inspired by nature. Limit 12 students, ages 16 and up. See materials list below. lharrisonparsons@gmail.com Periods 3 & 4 ~ Linda Harrison-Parsons

Intro to Everyday Life Mosaics
Create simple or elaborate intro mosaic works to adorn the inside and outside of your home. Students will learn to design, execute, and install larger, more elaborate functional projects while having lots of fun! All mosaic students will experience more challenging techniques, such as direct, reverse, and indirect techniques that will allow them to create unique garden, household mosaics, picture frames, stools, and furniture pieces! Materials fee: $55. Students should bring a sketchbook, 2b pencil, eraser, apron or over-sized shirt, sectioned snack/food tray, 2-4 yogurt containers, work gloves with rubber palms, hand lotion, and old rags/towels. Limit 15 students, ages 14 and up. NOTE: Students should contact the instructor upon completing registration. rebeccadrayer@gmail.com Periods 3 & 4 ~ Rebecca Quattrone Drayer

Ukrainian Egg Decorating – The Art of Pysanky
Come explore this ancient and colorful art of decorating eggs and the rich symbolism behind the motifs. Eggs are not painted, but are dyed using a wax-resist method. Students will learn about the cultural origins of this art and folklore behind the intricate designs. Various designs will be demonstrated and discussed, ranging from basic to more detailed, and students will complete several eggs in class. Advanced or returning students will be encouraged and guided to develop their own motifs that incorporate significance to their own lives or their families. Students will leave with the supplies and knowledge necessary to continue the art at home and create a new tradition within their own families. Materials fee: $20. Students should bring a pencil, a roll of absorbent paper towels, an egg carton, and 4-6 clean white chicken eggs. Limit 12 students, ages 12 and up. NOTE: Students should contact the instructor upon completing registration. ​mandy.chappell@yahoo.com Periods 3 & 4 ~ Amanda Chappell

​Bead Embellished Rock Paperweight
Cover an irregularly shaped rock with beadwork in single needle right angle weave. Optional brick stitched lines and simple design elements may be incorporated into the right angle weave pattern. End result is small sculpture or paperweight. Materials fee: $45. All supplies provided. Students may opt to bring magnifying glasses or a personal light. Limit 12 students, ages 16 and up. ​​NOTE: Students should contact the instructor upon completing registration. jbast@jbast.com Periods 3 & 4 ~ Joanne Bast

Public Sculptures: Process Lecture
Thomas Sterner will teach about the process of applying for, presenting, winning, navigating the approval steps, designing, building, and installing public sculptures. This is an informative class, taught by an artist who has created four monumental-size public sculptures in 2019 and 2020. His large public sculptures can be seen in Havre de Grace, Westminster, and Frederick. Period 4 ~ Thomas Sterner

Splint Woven Basketry
Beginning students will learn the basics of basket construction by creating a round spoked apple basket and a woven base rectangular market basket. They will learn the techniques of woven and color patterns as well as attaching a handle. Returning students will create a twill market basket that incorporates both color and woven designs. Materials fee: $50. Students should bring scissors to cut reed, spring clothespins, flat head screwdriver, old towel, large bucket, spray bottle. A small wood plane or box cutter is optional. Limit 15 students, ages 16 and up. ​NOTE: Students should contact the instructor upon completing registration. kctaylo@hotmail.com Periods 3 & 4 ~ Keith Taylor​

Sculpture from Found Objects 
Take a journey through the art of assemblage and build-up as sculptural processes. Re-purpose objects for their inherent unique content, their visual form or both. Learn the many ways of joining including use of different glues, riveting, bolting, welding, brazing, sewing, etc. Discover methods of pulling disparate forms together into a unified sculptural object. Making sculpture from found objects can be a great way to achieve beautiful or significant art forms with a minimum of costs. It is particularly good for a school or camp program operating with a low budget. The goal will be to create one finished work “in the round” and another “in relief.” Students should have an assortment of found objects. Limit 8 students, ages 16 and up. jpaulsen@towson.edu Periods 3 & 4 ~ Jim Paulsen

Seat Weaving with Shaker Tape
Learn the basics of seat weaving by creating a foot stool seat. Experiment with patterns both in color and in weave. Students are encouraged to bring in a follow-up project of their choice (additional cost for foam and shaker tape). Materials fee: $65. Students should bring scissors, two 1- or 2-inch spring clamps, flat head screwdriver, tape measure, and small hammer. Limit 12 students, ages 16 and up. NOTE: Students should contact the instructor upon completing registration. kctaylo@hotmail.com Periods 1 & 2 ~ Keith Taylor

Accessories Galore!
SO—you already have a costume but you need wings, or a piece of armor, goggles or cool hat or a crown—we can do that here. This class can be taken in tandem with Remixed Regalia but is not required (because maybe all you need is the right accessory). No sewing experience necessary-honest-I can teach you and help you make something lovely from leftovers (or splendid from scraps). Students should bring items from thrift stores, closets such as old prom dresses, ladies’ blazers, tablecloths, and curtains. Students should bring a sewing machine, shears/good fabric scissors, hand sewing needles, thread, and chalk or marking pencils. A limited number of sewing machines are available in the classroom – contact the Common Ground on the Hill office to reserve. Limit 10 students, ages 16 and up. NOTE: Please contact the instructor for specific supplies and to discuss project ideas! ​klapietra@gmail.com Period 5 ~ Katherine La Pietra

Beggining Knitting
Gain the foundation needed to complete a beginner project. You will learn yarn and needle basics, pattern reading and basic stitches used in knitting. Students need to have: 1 pair of US size 13 straight knitting needles and 2 skeins of any chunky or bulky yarn (super bulky will not work). Limit 12 students, ages 12 and up. mckenzienancy@comcast.net Periods 1 & 2 ~ Nancy McKenzie
NOTE: Nancy is replacing Angela Muller due to injury.

Braided: Intricate Hair Designs 
Discover the history and importance of braiding in different cultures as well as the basics of creating different types of French braids. Beginners welcome! Students with experience will learn more advanced styles and variations of basic braids. Students should have hair ties and a mirror. Limit 8 students, ages 16 and up. cferguson05@gmail.com Period 5 ~ Carly Miller

Freeform Peyote Modular Necklace
Construct a one-of-a-kind necklace or bracelet using peyote stitch and glass beads. Rapid increasing and decreasing as well as variation in bead sizes provide a free form sculptural quality. Short fringes and shaped beads such as teardrops, magatamas, fringe beads (tiny magatamas), discs, leaves and/or flower shaped beads provide surface texture. The necklace or bracelet will be constructed in units with loop in loop hinges and/or braided areas to provide movement and relieve stress. Large accent beads may be incorporated if desired but are not necessary. Materials fee: $10. Materials fee includes color copied instructions. Scissors, pliers, and bead glue will be provided for sharing. All materials will be available for optional purchase in class but student may choose to bring his/her own. Cost will vary according to student choices. Optional bead soups as well as complete kits will be available for purchase, prices vary. (Soups $2-$6; complete kits $60-90-the more expensive ones include handmade artist beads). Supplemental materials to be brought for optional sale by instructor include beads in a variety of sizes and shapes, some handmade artist beads, needles, thread, glue, findings. 
See complete materials list below. Limit 12 students, ages 16 and up (ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult). NOTE: Students should contact the instructor upon completing registration.  jbast@jbast.com Periods 3 & 4 ~ Joanne Bast

Hand Stitching
We will stitch together – literally!  Learn basic hand sewing and embroidery stitches, especially as they relate to visible mending. The fashion industry focuses too much on disposable clothing, but with a few simple stitches and ideas, you can get years of life out of your favorite torn or worn clothes. Stitch your way to a sustainable wardrobe! Students will need items to mend and cloth to stitch on - 2-3 pieces total. For those wishing to purchase from the instructor, materials kits can be provided for $10 plus shipping and handling. NOTE: It is recommended that students contact the instructor after completing registration. weaverdun@aol.com Periods 3 & 4 ~ Melissa Weaver Dunning

Braided
Discover the history and importance of braiding in different cultures as well as the basics of creating different types of French braids. Beginners welcome! Students with experience will learn more advanced styles and variations of basic braids. Students should have hair ties and a mirror. Limit 8 students, ages 16 and up. cferguson05@gmail.com Period 5 ~ Carly Miller ​

Needle Felting Animals
Students will learn the amazing sculptable properties of wool by needle felting a simple beginning project (hedgehog) and move to building a wire armature to create a needle felted Market Bunny sculpture. This is a whimsical/realistic bunny carrying a large vegetable or fruit of your choice. Materials fee: $40. Students should bring small wire cutters, small needle nose pliers, small scissors, seam ripper, lap top (optional), printed pictures of hedge hogs and bunnies. Limit 8 students, ages 14 and up. NOTE: Students should contact the instructor upon completing registration. gemathues@yahoo.com Periods 1 & 2 ~ Gayle Mathues​

Remixed Regalia - Costumes for Everyone
Yes, you can remix a bridesmaid dress and a curtain, or combine a thrift store garment with a placemat, or mesh a blazer plus a quilt and produce a glorious re-creation suitable for Halloween, a school play, Cosplay, a Steampunk gathering, Ren Faire or other festive occasion. This class will take conventional and unconventional items you have around your house, in the basement, the garage or find at a garage sale and help you make them magnificent (and useful again). No sewing experience necessary – honest! I will teach you and help you fabricate costumes from castoffs. Collect old prom dresses, ladies’ blazers, tablecloths, and curtains from closets, thrift stores, etc. Students should have shears/good fabric scissors, hand sewing needles, thread and chalk or marking pencils plus fun ideas, creativity and a willingness to experiment. Limit 15 students, ages 14 and up. ​NOTE: Please contact the instructor for specific supplies and to discuss project ideas! klapietra@gmail.com Periods 3 & 4 ~ ​Katherine La Pietra

Creative Reuse: Handcrafts with Textiles and Plastics
Create beautiful and useful items from materials that would otherwise be thrown away. Instructions and examples of timeless handcrafts - such as crochet, weaving, Amish knotting, rug twining, coiling, quilting, and hand sewing - will be offered. Make samples of several techniques or focus on one - the possibilities are endless! Recycling and transforming past-use materials into new pieces are so satisfying - rescue and refabricate!  Students should gather 5-10 “past-use” articles to cut apart (e.g., clothing of any size, pattern and color, but nothing too heavy, as well as sheets, towel, t-shirts, cottons, flannel, sheers will work, etc.), approx. 20-30 lightweight plastic bags (e.g., newspapers or grocery bags, in as many colors as possible), and fruit and vegetable net bags. Nothing of perfect condition should be used, as one of the main goals of the class is to promote recycling. Limit 8 students, ages 12 and up. judithschonebaum@gmail.com Periods 1 & 2 ~ Judith Schonebaum

Introduction to Metalsmithing and Jewelry
Learn the fundamentals of jewelry fabrication to create a forged or form folded cuff bracelet, hammered or fold formed earrings, and a chain necklace. Techniques such as piercing, drilling, sawing, stamping, annealing, and simple soldering will be covered. Ideal for the new or novice jeweler, this class will emphasize safety, tool mastery, and skill development while supporting students through the completion of original jewelry pieces. Students with more experience can refresh basic skills and move to the next level of design and construction. Materials fee: $20. McDaniel lab fee: $10 for consumables. Students should bring notebook, pen, pencil, sharpie, safety glasses, earplugs, safety mask. If students want to work in silver, they should bring the metal that support their projects. Sterling can be purchased from Linda Van Hart at wholesale prices. Limit 8 students, ages 16 and up. NOTE: Students should contact the instructor upon completing registration. copanzzi@hotmail.com Periods 3 & 4 ~ Gina Copanzzi

​Jewelry: Fiber and Funky Junque
The act of creating can heal and soothe the place inside us that words don't often reach. This class can help you develop skills to expand your creative process.  

Treat yourself to delightful studio sessions each morning filled with playful exploring and assembling of diverse, unique materials. Create a series of unique and recycled pieces built with wire, beads and found elements for body adornment or sculptural delight.  Explore through color studies to create statement pieces or thematic work. And again, the act of creating itself can heal and soothe, this class can help you advance your skills for the creative process. 

Each student should create a home studio for the week with a large table or folding table that can be set up and left with work in progress ready when inspiration hits you. A piece of cloth or placemat will keep beads from rolling loose.  Please collect these things from around your home: pliers, wire cutters, permanent glue, glue gun, drawing materials for sketches, scissors, needle & thread, yarns and scraps of fabric that appeal, colorful broken bits or small treasures. Small containers to group themes as you work are helpful. 

Your $20 materials fee establishes a Funky Junque supply kit to be sent before class starts. This includes jewelry hardware (earring wires, head pins, jump rings and clasps) and an assortment of wires for projects. Various beads and recycled jewelry elements will be selected by instructor after phone interview with student for preferred colors and aesthetic choices. We will also each have a "Challenge Bag" with elements to be assembled and a collection of fibers for free spirit.  

Students should supply their own pliers. Jewelry pliers don't have teeth that mar the metal when you grip and turn. A pair of round nose and flat nose are primarily what we use. Projects can be done with needle nose pliers if that's what you have. You can also gather recycled elements from clothing or jewelry, fun bits of fiber or small broken items that need a new life. Beads or parts of projects that could be included in larger statement piece. 

We will have a creative adventure together! NOTE: Please contact instructor after registration. smurphy2@bcps.org Periods 1 & 2 ~ Sara Murphy

Painterly Needle Felted Landscapes
Painting with wool! Fun, fast, portable, two dimensional but with texture and relief aspects. Make work to hang on the wall or embellish a natural fiber garment. Needle felting takes advantage of the microscopic scales on the surface of wool fibers and a special needle to push them into a background fabric. Materials fee: $25. See below for materials and sources. Limit 16 students, ages 14 and up. NOTE: Students should contact the instructor upon completing registration. lenora@lenorastudio.com Periods 3 & 4 ~ Lenora Kandiner

Sock Monkey Making 
Start with a super fun, colorful pair of socks and end up with quite the character. Learn basic monkey design and construction techniques while exploring variations on the theme of sock monkey making! Discover many joys from the process of creating sock sculptures.

Materials needed include an assortment of socks, various yarn colors, yarn needle, buttons, regular needle and thread, fabric scissors and stuffing. For a $10 materials fee, a kit can be put together based on student needs and sent prior to class. If you have them, small props and accessories for monkey characters add to the fun. 

NOTE: Please contact instructor to discuss supply kit after registration is complete. smurphy2@bcps.org Period 5 ~ Sara Murphy

Weave Bands, Belts, Bookmarks and More
Create a one of kind woven bands to use as a belt, pet collar/leash, or musical instrument. You can also weave narrow bands for bracelets, key fobs, neck wear, or add to clothing, totes, or hats. Students will learn basic rigid heddle weaving techniques to create woven bands using cotton or rayon/linen. After completing the woven band, you will have the skills needed to make more. Materials fee: $12 (Option #1 includes use of loom, plus yarn) or $55 (Option #2 includes purchase of loom, warping peg, shuttle, and yarn). If you want to create more bands after taking the class consider purchasing Option #2. Students should bring scissors. Limit 10 students, ages 16 and up. NOTE: Students should contact the instructor upon completing registration. maverickson0@gmail.com Period 5 ~ Margery Erikson

Contemporary Native American Philosophy & Religion in the Southeast
This course creates a foundation for understanding the vibrant Southeastern Native American Cultures of today and their philosophy. It includes an introduction to Native languages, ceremonies and their public and private roles, the Great Duality of life and its many expressions, and, the spiritual nature of foods, herbs and healing. We will touch on art, music, death & dying, family life and child-rearing. Time and interest permitting, we’ll try our hand at dance, crafts, gain a taste of ceremony and food. This class is often very interactive and hands-on with related text materials provided to all students. If taken for credit, please contact the instructor in advance for selected reading materials. There is no course fee, but contributions are welcome to offset the cost of materials and foods to be sampled. Period 2 ~ Sakim

Native American Tribal Arts: Motifs, Techniques and Meaning
Pre-Contact North America had over 355 native language families and hundreds more tribal communities—more diversity than most places on earth. Yet despite such wide differences in almost every area of human life, there are identifiable common elements in their artistic traditions. This course begins with the archaic and paleo foundations of native expressions. Discover and explore six major cultural areas and their traditions, tools and techniques, motifs and meaning, the materials utilized, and, finally, the what, why, how and purposes of native arts. This year's class will begin with the west coast native peoples and work our way eastward to the Atlantic and Southeast. You may bring a native item for discussion. If you plan to take the class for credit, please bring a good book on American Indian Art and Architecture for your class text and reference. Period 3 ~ Sakim

Stories, Customs and Traditions of the Woodland First Nations
Pun Plamondon, a master Ottawa storyteller and tradition bearer, will facilitate a review of Great Lakes and Eastern Woodland First Nations practices from the ancient to the contemporary. This class has no homework, handouts or power points. Period 5 ~ Pun Plamondon