“Mono-printing with leaves” instructor Chelsea Lindner

Class date:   Friday July 24th, 2015 

Class time:  11:00am-3:00pm (with a half hour lunch break)

Skill Level:  Beginner to Intermediate, ages 17+

Required sign up by:  Monday July 20th, 2015 

Class fee:  $40.00 per student, some materials provided *see materials list below.

Chelsea will show a variety of inspiring examples and help you find your favorite way to design your own lovely organic pressed leaf mono-print. She will also take you through the steps –braying out the ink to the correct consistency on the background and inking the leaves as well as “shadow” and layering effects.

Materials list: (please bring)

*Pressed, partially dried leaves/flowers or other small flat items you may want to try to print

1 rubber brayer

1-2 sheet of Stonehenge paper (your choice of color –Not black)

Speedball water-soluble block printing ink:

one each of red, yellow and blue, from these you can mix nearly anything

Wear studio –friendly clothes

(test-print paper, graphite pencils, and Plexi-glass inking plates will be provided.)

(*collect your own leaves and press between layers of Blotter paper for at least one day, but not more than 2 weeks, or they will be brittle! If you are unable to collect your own, there will be some leaves available at the class for your use.)

 Parking for class will be on side of building.

Refund Policy :

Please sign up early for classes. This gives us time to order the correct amount of supplies and prevents us from canceling the class if there doesn’t seem to be any interest. Full refunds will not be given for class cancellations. If you need to cancel, 50% will be returned in the form of store credit and 50% will go to the teacher. If Artists’ Mediums needs to cancel for any reason, you will receive a full refund.

Journal Jam Class

   

Journal Jam with Gretchin and Kim Gifford
Date:  Saturday, May 2nd
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Registration deadline:  4/25/15
Class cost: $75.00
Age: 10+

Journal Jam is a 3‐hour workshop that combines beginner art and writing exercises to spark creativity, celebrate the documenting of life moments, and inspire us to make our own mark, without fear of failure. The art portion of the workshop demonstrates basic journaling techniques for creating backgrounds on our pages, by covering the paper with color and abstract shapes. The writing portion of the workshop leads the group through a series of writing exercises that encourage jammers to come up with words and phrases to describe life moments, their home, a loved one, or a special object.

Materials list:
-8”x5.5” Spiral bound journal with watercolor paper
-Watercolors, Sharpies, Pencils & pens
Parking for class will be on side of building.

Refund Policy :
Please sign up early for classes. This gives us time to order the correct amount of supplies and prevents us from canceling the class if there doesn’t seem to be any interest. Full refunds will not be given for class cancellations. If you need to cancel, notify us 5 days before the class. 50% will be returned to you in the form of store credit and 50% will go to the teacher. If Artists’ Mediums needs to cancel for any reason, you will receive a full refund.

http://www.makeARTvt.com

‘Improve your Drawing’ Workshop

Instructor:  Joe Arcovitch
Saturday January 3rd 2015
Class time: 11:00am-4:00pm
Skill level: Intermediate, advanced
Registration deadline December 27th, 2014
$35.00 per student, supplies additional

FEATURED ARTIST: LIBBY DAVIDSON

Q&A With Libby Davidson

Exhibiting at Artists’ Mediums:  May – July 2014

Plein Air Demonstration: May 9th (4:00-6:00)

Reception: June 5th (4:30-6:30)

1. How long have you been practicing art and was there something/someone that prompted you?

I always knew I wanted to be an artist. My dad taught art at college, high school and elementary levels, so there were art materials in front of me all the time. I loved visiting his studio up on the third floor at Vermont College and seeing his large abstract paintings. I equated the smell of the oils, acrylics and turpentine with creativity and happiness. Up in his studio, he’d give me big pieces of paper to draw on (and plenty of encouragement to go with them) as I perched high up on a stool. In high school and college, Andrew Wyeth’s watercolors, which were preliminary sketches for his more “finished” oil paintings, held my attention. I marveled at how he could create such gorgeous landscapes with splatters, scrapes and minimal brush strokes. Georgia O’Keefe’s bold paintings also intrigued me.

“Mansfield Sky” watercolor 14 x 18″ $500.

2. What is your favorite medium, and how did you come to discover it?

At the moment, I’m loving watercolors. I love the fact that they are so portable, affordable, and easy to clean up. When I first started with watercolors, I used them in a very controlled style, but I now enjoy painting plein air (out of doors) in a much quicker manner. (I also love the bright colors of acrylics for mural painting. Both acrylics and watercolors dry quickly, and I find it a good challenge to speed up my painting process.)

3. What do you think sets your art apart from others?

I spent many years as an illustrator of the natural world creating with pen & ink. This helped me hone my composition and rendering skills and concentrate on line and value. Delving into color was another world entirely, so it was great to tap into my years of drawing experience as I branched out into paint. I’m currently interested in capturing landscapes in a more loose, painterly style with watercolors.

“Willow Pond Birdhouse” watercolor 11 x 14″ $230

4. Can you briefly describe the process in which you make your art?

Last year I challenged myself to paint 50 plein air watercolors in my 50th year. I invited friends and family to join me on my excursions. I had my easel and supplies packed at all times, ready to head outdoors when the weather and schedule allowed. Once at a painting location, set-up time takes me about 15 minutes, then I quickly sketch in my composition. My watercolor paper is already taped to backing board ahead of time. I try to get into the paint as soon as possible and use as big a brush as I can to keep me from getting too picky. I tend to favor large flat brushes, but switch to rounds and a rigger brush for gestural details. Average paint time is 2 hours and I try to finish as much as I can out in the field.

5. Do you have any advice for artists that are just starting out?

For years I worked alone in my studio. It helped me when I joined the Essex Art League 7 years ago to make vital connections with other artists. This helped me try new styles, get inspired by others, and receive encouragement and networking opportunities.

6. Where can one find your work?

My blog on my website at www.starflowerstudio.com shows the process of some of my 50 Project paintings. You can find my original watercolors at Artists Mediums in Williston, Bryan Gallery in Jeffersonville, Creative Space Gallery in Vergennes, Phoenix Books in Essex and Trattoria La Festa in Stowe. My cards and kids’ products at Apple Mountain Gifts on Church St, Burlington, Birds of VT Museum in Huntington, Emile Gruppe Gallery in Jericho, Flower a Day in Colchester, Green Mountain Club Visitors Center in Waterbury Ctr, Old Mill Craft Shop in Jericho, and WREN Gift Shop in Bethlehem, NH. You can also find me painting at the Jericho Plein Air Festival this July 19, 2014 at the Emile Gruppe Gallery in Jericho.

“The Rocks at Shelburne Bay” watercolor 9 x 18″

Mandala Drawing Class

MANDALA DRAWING CLASSES:
     In Sanskrit Mandala literally means circle or center.  Its traditional design
often utilizes the circle--symbol of the cosmos in its entirety--and the square--symbol
of the earth or of the man-made world.
     The universality of the Mandala is in its one constant--the principle of the center.
It can represent the Mind of God or Eternal Potential or the Source from which all
proceeds.  Very simple, very profound.
     Drawing mandalas can be a very relaxing, therapeutic vehicle for self-expression;
a good way to get to know yourself better! It's all done with circles, symbols and shapes.
     No specific artistic talent is needed to create a mandala!  If you can write your name,
you can create a mandala.

 
     Each session will start with a short meditation to "get you in the mood".  There will be
some discussion of participant's mandalas, but only as you feel comfortable in doing so. There will be group projects and more individualized ones as we move along. 
  I have been known to give small amounts of "homework" for subjects that take more quiet reflection!

ADULT MANDALA CLASS: Ages 17 and up.
Creating our own personal Mandalas from scratch, we'll use colored pencils and pens for the most part, but for anyone wanting to try other media we will discuss that as well.

Instructor:  Sabina Evarts, Certified Art Teacher    
Cost: $120. per person
Materials: 9x9 Deluxe Bee or similar square sketch book, sketch paper for testing ideas.
HB or 2B pencils, Prismacolor pencils, markers: black and colored markers, rulers 12" and shorter. (compass optional)
Six 2 hour sessions- for six weeks on Saturdays - September 14th, 21st,28th, Oct 5th, 12th, and 19th 2013 - from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

 

CHILDREN'S MANDALA CLASS: Ages 5-8
     This class will teach children about "drawing in a circle or mandala".  Projects will be
chosen that best fit the personalities of the class.  Each one is different and special!
    Using colored pencils, markers, stencils, IDEAS and WORDS, we'll explore both our
personal world and the BIG world out there! 
   Classes will begin with a short meditation to help everyone focus on what the mandala
wants to say.

Instructor:  Sabina Evarts, Certified Art Teacher   
Cost: $60.  per person
Materials: Crayons, Colored Pencils, Markers Graphite pencil and eraser, and sketchbook
Four sessions 1 1/2  hours long, weekly - Tuesday's after school - September 10th, 17th, 24th and Oct. 1st from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

 If you have further questions about what this class will entail: please call Sabina at (802) -985-4099.
To register call us at Artists' Mediums at 1-802-879-1236

Art or art therapy? (A plea for the real world)

In this day of digital everything, I'd like to make a plea for a little bit of the real world.

I've had several conversations lately with manycustomers about some interesting technological developments.
 

I've been told that in an effort to reduce the use of paper, many school systems will soon have children using a tablet for every bit of school work from an early age through high school. From now on kids will e-mail homework, and have the ability to access a huge variety of technology. In essence, I am not against this. I just wish there were a bit more balance.

Another complaint I have heard several times this summer, is that many of the upcoming generations can no longer read hand written cursive, or calligraphy. I know that some of it never was legible. Still it seems a shame. Some of you may be glad, if so I'd love to hear why.

There is this wonderful new world of digital art, which puts so many applications at your fingertips that you can paint, draw, airbrush, and animate images without even knowing how to hold a paint brush. You don't even need to know how any of it happens, and you can change colors without having to squeeze out another tube of paint.

Why would you ever want to buy all those art supplies, if one tablet can do it all? Why would you ever want to do more than just push buttons? Why would you want to have to put down a drop cloth, or make a mess?

Besides, digital art can be and often is - quite beautiful.
 

I just worry that something indescribable is lost here.

 Do you remember the silky softness of finger paints squishing between your fingers.

Art can have a physical visceral edge to it, and that can be part of the process.
   The sound of scissors munching through a creamy cotton paper, the soft deckled edge of watercolor paper, or the press of your hand into soft clay.
There is a magic to it.

Old masters mixed paint from the elements and were almost considered alchemists.
 Like the block print with it's subtle variations for each pull of the print. The happy accident of a double print that gives new movement, magic, and life to an image.
  Art has the vitality of life.

The element of surprise when the translucent watercolor flows into an unexpected and wonderful shape.

The more cynical folks (assuming anyone is even still reading at this point,) will say “Of course! She's just trying to make money selling her art supplies – she has a motive here!”

You're right. I do scratch out my living from a local art store. Art inspires me and keeps me sane.  Also, I am honored to employ a few wonderful, kind and knowledgeable local artists. We try to encourage emerging artists and sell their work through the store. (The local Artists get 70% Artists' Mediums Inc. gets a 30% commission.)

 Yes, I'll encourage you to buy art, framing, or even art supplies. The truth is, art supplies don't have to be expensive. You don't have to spend a lot of money to find your creativity.
Start simple.
 First there is the pencil. It costs less than a cup of coffee, will write on most porous surfaces, it is easy to transport, and operates beautifully even in zero gravity. It will draw when the power goes out, so when your pencil breaks, you still have the art!
 Just sketch!

-Chelsea Lindner

manager

Artists' Mediums Inc.

Vermont

 

 

Is Photography ART?

Artists Mediums, is helping to organize an "Is Photography Art" Debate? Maybe three debaters on each team. Maybe something for the dead of winter in the middle of January? Ken Signorello of the Darkroom Photography Gallery plus "The Art in Photography" will organize the pro debate, Who is willing to argue the con side?

Those artists using photos to work from raises another issue. Is a painting made from a projected photo, art or is the photo the art? 

 This raises another question: is a photograph of an art object art? Then, if you really want to make your head spin: is a still life image, made by photography or other medium art or is the assembled object the art? We could really put together a thought provoking program that could be very popular, and may even need to be a series.  I don't think I have seen this sort of thing done in the area.  This could put Williston/Essex on the art map. 

Tamiya Paints

  

 In order to help out local hobbyists we have just brought in a brand new selection of Tamiya Acrylic Modelling paints.

We were very sorry to find out that Vermont Toy and hobby had to close doors after so many years.

Please don't let this happen to the remaining local creative stores!  



There is a lovely transparent red



We can special order Estes rockets and other unique products, that although you will not find them on our salesfloor, just give us a call with a week or two of lead time, and we'll get the special items you need for Boy scouts events and other projects.

 

Kathleen Bergeron's Watercolor on Golden Absorbent Ground

(I love to see the projects our wonderful customers create,

so I was thrilled to see this piece brought into the store. -c)

Kathleen Bergeron stopped by to show us a wonderful piece she is just about to varnish.  It can act as an architectural detail even though it's painted in Watercolor!

Kathleen wanted to keep a wet, loose look, and she's achieved it in this bright and cheerful piece which she will have over a door. Golden's Absorbant Ground makes it possible to create a pourous surface to hold watercolor on just about any surface you can imagine. Thank you Kathleen!

The Art Room with Sherri Hiller Artist / Teacher

First Art Room session for 2013:

SCULPTURE EXPLORATION

Using various materials and your creativity!

January 22 - February 14, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Students ages 7 - 14

3:15 pm - 5:15 pm Class time (drop off at 3:00)

Cost of class: $240

You can register in person or by phone with Artists' Mediums: 

(800) 255-1290 or (802) 879-1236

 

After School Program Purpose:

 ·The programs will provide young artist with the tools to explore, imagine, create, and experience self-discovery in a supportive, nonjudgmental art studio environment.

About Sherrie Hiller the teacher and artist:

Working with art and mixing the experience with children is a passion. I started teaching after school art classes at The Art Studio at Sanford Barn in Hamden, Connecticut in 1999 in addition Alice Peck Elementary School, (Hamden Public School District) in 2003. I taught workshops for Minds and Motion the Connecticut Association for the talented and gifted. In 2003, which I conceived and implemented Kindergarten and First grade art workshops. Moving to Vermont in 2006 I taught mixed medium art classes and jewelry making at Edmunds Elementary and Middle Schools in Burlington.

Before and during the time I was involved with instructing art classes I served as Visual Artist and Production Coordinator for the International Arts and Ideas Festival in New Haven, Connecticut. I worked on neighborhood projects and art in public places.

In June of 1999 I was appointed a position on the Hamden Arts Commission. I was the chair for the Family’s Saturday Afternoon Series. This committee planned ongoing enrichment and entertainment programs. I was on many committees to promote the arts and educate the community.

Testimonials:

September 10, 2012

“When I went to Sherrie’s art camp, I thought it was fun and I think she has a lot of character!”

-- Willa Harrington, age 13

It was our good fortune to have our daughter enrolled in art classes with Sherrie Hiller. Sherrie is a dedicated art educator who finds innovative ways to support learning through the arts. Sherrie embraces the thriving Burlington arts community, and this enthusiasm naturally spills over into her teaching. Her classes are safe, nurturing; a place where artistic ability blooms through careful tending and encouragement of the creative spirit.

I was impressed with Sherrie’s creative use -- and offerings for her students -- of recycled and natural materials to draw, paint, sculpt, and create books and portraits.

Our daughter responded positively to Sherrie due to her patience, her ease with working with her, her love of art, and her sense of humor. Sherrie thoughtfully guided our daughter while simultaneously encouraging her to develop and grow her own skills and talents.

A talented teacher of the arts, Sherrie’s commitment, dedication and support of art education programs also make her an inspired addition to any arts organization.

Ann Harrington, M.Ed.

Special Educator

Old Clothes or Smock are strongly recommended

Only registered students can attend the class

No electronic devices

Cell phones must be turned off and out of sight during class instruction

Please no snacks, (unless needed for health reasons) Water bottles are welcome