Submitted by Barbara Nair
(September 25, 2023) — Classes and Workshops are held online or at Spectrum Gallery at 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, with safety protocols followed. Register and pay at spectrumartgallery.org. Spectrum Membership starting at $45 per year provides 10% discounts on art instruction and select Artisan Store items. The following programs will be offered during October 2023:
Natural Soapmaking Workshop
Make two facial soaps, a thyme facial bar and a chamomile oatmeal.
Spark your creativity with this safe craft for all ages. Working with a premade vegan base, you will learn how to add beneficial locally grown herbs and flowers safely and effectively to your soap. See how to extract the skin soothing and healthful components from your favorite botanicals. Using natural colorants, essential oils, and a variety of molds, we will create soaps that are as beautiful to look at as they are to smell. Soaps must sit in molds overnight so arrangements for pickup at the gallery can be made during class. Sunday, October 1, 2023. 1:00-4:00 p.m. $50. $10 material fee paid to instructor. Members save $5.
Gongs and Art Workshop
We start with a meditation featuring gongs to assist in relaxation and leaving daily stress behind. Guided by what has been experienced in the meditation, create a whimsical series of feathers using watercolors, ink, Posca pens, Caran d’Ache watercolor pastels, stickers, ribbons, and gold leaf. Beginners welcome. All materials supplied. Sunday, October 8, 2023. 1:00-3:00 p.m. $45 with $12 material fee paid to instructor. Members save $4.50.
Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil Workshop
Create beautiful illustrations in colored pencil. Learn the techniques of colored pencil application including color observation, color mixing and layering. Each week focus on a different color palette and botanical subject. Leave this four-week course with frameable art and the skills to create future masterpieces! No experience necessary. Materia list available upon registration. Saturdays, October 14, 21, 28; November 4, 2023. 1:00-3:00 p.m. $130. Members save $13.
Painted Fall Flower Glass Vase Workshop
Capture summer’s essence in this easy-to-do painting on glass workshop. First, create a simple sketch of your floral design on paper and do a few practice strokes. Learn how to apply brush strokes to the glass, color mixing and layering techniques as you build a lovely floral scene on a glass vase. Keep for yourself, give to your favorite gardener or someone you love. Two vases plus supplies included. Sunday, October 15, 2023. 1:00-4:00 p.m. $50 with $12 material fee paid to instructor. Members save $5.
Fluid Painting—a Painting Improvisation Workshop
Fluid painting involves layering acrylic paints of different densities and incorporating certain additives (i.e. silicone, dimethicone, alcohol, Dawn dish soap (etc.) which can result in gorgeous combinations of paint, cells, and lacing. Techniques include the flip cup and the dirty pour. Each participant will make 4 coasters as a gift for themselves or as a hostess gift for others. No experience necessary. Sunday, October 29, 2023. 1:30-4:00 p.m. $40 with $20 material fee paid to instructor. Members save $4.
Photo provided by Spectrum Gallery
