OTHER ARTS CLASSES
FALL & WINTER 2015-16 Poetry is Everywhere: Finding Poetry in Your Everyday Life
Students will learn to find and create original poetry using common words and visuals from their daily lives. Everything from grocery shopping lists to newspaper articles to photography can inspire a poem. Students will be encouraged to search for poetry in their lives, finding the beauty in everyday language and images. Basic instruction on writing poetry will give students of all experience levels and abilities the tools needed to turn their inspirational findings into poems. The class will end with a community poetry reading where students will be encouraged to share their work. Instructor: Sarah Bradley Location: CREATE Thursdays: October 8, October 15, October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12, 4:005:00 pm - $200
Beeswax Candle - Rolling and Intro to the World of Honeybees* Honeybees and beekeeping has become one of the hottest topics in today's world news. This class focuses specifically on how honeybees create beeswax in the hive, and how a beeswax candle can bring more health and joy into your life! It's not just a candle, it's a beautiful slower & cleaner burning air purifier! You will roll one to two candles, depending on size you choose. Come have fun and learn some new things about the honeybees! Instructor: Sharyn Farrell Location: CREATE Saturday: November 7, 10:00-11:30 am - $50
Collaborative Fiction: Writing a “Story in the Round”* Students will come together as a group to create an original fictional story. Following a "round robin" style format, students will each take turns contributing story ideas, dialogue, plot twists and more until a completed story has been written. At the end of the class, the instructor will read the story out loud back to the group so they can hear how their work has come together. Instructor: Sarah Bradley Location: CREATE Friday: November 13, 3:00-5:00 pm - $50
Turning Memories into Memoirs* Do you have an interesting story to tell? Maybe you've traveled to another country, overcome a personal obstacle or learned an important life lesson. Writing a memoir of your experience is a great way to record your memories and share them with others. In this workshop, students will learn useful tips for recalling, writing down and organizing their memories in a meaningful way. Instructor: Sarah Bradley Location: CREATE Saturday: December 5, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
Make your own Beeswax Perfume!* Honeybees for the Holidays? Honeybees create hive products that are not only natural and healthy but treasured all over the globe! This class focuses specifically on how honeybees create beeswax in the hive, and how beeswax and pure essential oils can be easily blended to create a unique and nurturing perfume for yourself, or as a gift for those you love. Essential oils are known to have therapeutic properties that support emotional well-being in many ways. Students may have more than one scent to choose from in order to meet their personal taste. You will leave with two .3 ounce jars of beeswax perfume! Instructor: Sharyn Farrell Location: CREATE Saturday: December 19, 10:00-11:30 am - $50 * One-time Workshop
REGISTER FOR CLASSES... Vista Arts Center Locations Vista Arts Center: 107 Bradley Road, Madison, CT
* One-time Workshop
CREATE*: 712 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT
*Come visit the retail store Creations, a Vista Social Enterprise, at the same address. CREATE is located in the back of this space. You can enter through the back entrance which is handicap accessible.
www.vistavocational.org
OUR INSTRUCTORS Sarah Bradley is a creative writing instructor from Branford, Connecticut. She has offered fiction, poetry and memoir workshops at several local libraries and adult education centers. Her fiction won first place at the Trumbull Arts Festival in 2014.
Jean Scott Brookman earned her BFA in painting from The Maryland Institute, College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore. She has conducted art classes with children and adults in a variety of settings. Jean lives and works in Branford, CT and exhibits in the New Haven area. Jared D’Auria is enthusiastic and energetic with a passion for creative imagery. He possesses a 17 year photo background with 10 years of professional commercial experience. His work ranges from production stills for feature films in Los Angeles to assisting on fashion editorials in New York City. This will be Jared's third year teaching at Vista and he is very excited about it!
VISTA ARTS CENTER
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS Our Mission: To provide quality arts programming to a diverse, adult population that promotes self-expression and learning in a nurturing, non-competitive environment.
Jennifer Davies grew up in Rochester, NY and graduated from Edinboro University with a Bachelors degree in Art Education. She ran the art department at the Grove School in Madison for 7 years and is now teaching art at the Joshua Center in the Shoreline and the Tracy Art Center in Old Saybrook. Carolyn Engle is a professional cellist, pianist, and organist and teaches music in public and parochial schools as well as privately in her home. Carolyn is a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, writes children's books, and loves roller coasters. Sharyn Farrell, with over 12 years of dance experience in choreographing, teaching and being a student herself, has a passion for dance! Sharyn is excited to share her enthusiasm and passion for dance with the Vista Arts Center and get everyone moving in creative ways! Noah Golden is a lifelong Shoreline resident and graduate of Quinnipiac University. A video producer and writer by day, Noah has also been involved in the arts all his life. As an actor, singer and drummer, Noah has been involved with dozens of productions and concerts across CT. Noah is excited to bring many years of experience and training to the Vista community. Rebecca Harper is a Middlebury College alum where she received her Bachelor's in Fine Art, majoring studio art and minoring art history. While at Neighborhood Music School's Audobon Arts summer program she worked as Art Director for 4 years. Her work primarily focuses on the interaction between line, space and abstraction with a strong influence in Mexican folk art. Walter Lesco has been teaching private guitar lessons for 20 years, specializing in improvisation, theory, and songwriting. He has been writing, recording and performing original material for over 15 years while expanding his personal musical education. Walter has taught hundreds of guitar players, and he offers patient instruction, encouragement and support for all his students. Danielle Schmitt is an avid storyteller and visual artist. She has experience teaching art in public schools and is a published children's book illustrator. She looks forward to sharing her love of storytelling and art making with the Vista community.
Apollo Smile has over 35 years in the Performing Arts, has danced with Alvin Ailey in NYC, been the recipient of a Gold record as a recording artist, appeared as a stuntwoman for numerous film and tv shows and has been a voice actress for animation and video games. Currently she is Co-Director/Choreographer for GY&FS Family Theatre, teaches Musical Theatre Enrichment programs and has been a dance instructor for Vista for the past 7 years. Pat Souney is a consultant, teacher and award-winning director with both BFA and Masters Degrees in theatre. She has worked with Vista for almost 10 years leading various performing arts clubs, teaching for the Vista Arts Center, directing variety shows and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Wizard of Oz. Pat has staged over 350 plays and musicals for various community, educational and college theatres. She is a member of Dramatists Guild and a Life Member of the New England Drama Council.
FALL & WINTER 2015-16
CLASSES OPEN TO EVERYONE
For more information about the Vista Arts Center or to register for classes, please visit www.vistavocational.org or contact Amanda Roberts, Arts Program Manager:
[email protected] or (860)399-8080
VISUAL ARTS CLASSES Story Art (Ancient Art Edition) Have you ever wanted to learn the fine arts of the ancients? Let's explore ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman mythology through story and art! We will combine a variety of art techniques to create an Egyptian portrait, design a Greek story vase, and design a Roman coin out of clay. Instructor: Danielle Schmitt Location: Vista Arts Center Tuesdays: October 20, October 27, November 3, November 10, November 17, November 2, 10:00-11:00 am - $200
Labyrinth* In the studio, students will draw labyrinths using the "seed" method. This will be a template for what we'll do outside. Outdoors, we'll center our starting point and use our bodies (arm's lengths) to measure out path widths. Then we'll align ourselves radiating from the center and walk in alignment, emptying seed from the bottles as we go to mark the paths. When we've all completed the circuit, the labyrinth will be drawn. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: Vista Arts Center Wednesday: October 28, 3:00-5:00 pm - $50
Digital Photography This course is designed to be for photographers of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious beginner this course will allow you to find or reinvent your creativity. As a member of this class you will be encouraged to shoot both in and out of the classroom. Sharing your techniques with others while learning from those around you is designed to broaden the lens you already see through. Sharing and displaying your images regularly in the classroom is also a fun and helpful way of seeing your own work in a different way. Together we photograph anything from simple landscapes to complex abstract imagery. Instructor: Jared D’Auria Location: CREATE Wednesdays: November 4, November 11, November 18, December 2, December 9, December 16, 6:00-7:00 pm - $225
How Artists Learn to Draw: Blind Contour Drawing* You'll be amazed at your own ability when you pay attention to what you want to draw instead of how it looks on paper. This is a great exercise for calming and centering yourself as well as developing advanced drawing skills. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Sunday: November 8, 12:00-2:00 pm - $50
Handbuilding with Clay - Holiday Decorations! Enjoy some creative time with friends this holiday season! Make classic clay hand painted ornaments to give as gifts or to decorate your own tree. Instead of ornaments you can also choose to make snowflakes, candleholders or other holiday gifts and decorations! Instructor: Jennifer Davies Location: CREATE Saturdays: November 21, December 12, 9:00-11:00 am - $75
Wrapping Paper* Learn how to make your own papers, bags and packages for wrapping gifts - or for giving as gifts! We'll use a variety of techniques, including printmaking, faux finishing and simple construction, working individually and in production teams. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: December 5, 1:00 –3:00 pm - $50
Abstract Expressionism A group of artists starting in the early to mid-20th century, such as Jackson Pollack and Marc Rothko, resisted sharing a cohesive style and instead focused on using abstraction to depict strong emotional and expressive content. In this class we will examine various works by Abstract Expressionists and concentrate on their use of abstraction, color, line, and technique to inspire and form our own work. Instructor: Rebecca Harper Location: CREATE Sundays: December 6, December 13, December 20, 12:00-2:00 pm - $200
Digital Photo Editing This class is designed to teach the techniques of digital photo editing. Students will experience the broad range of possible expression achieved through digital photo manipulation. This class will help students bridge the gaps between image capturing and image display. With the help of Aperture and Adobe Creative Suite 5 students will learn how to properly apply the concept of "shooting to edit." Instructor: Jared D’Auria Location: CREATE Wednesdays: January 6, January 13, January 20, 6:00-7:00 pm - $100
Monotypes* Try this fun and fast form of printmaking-- every picture is a surprise! Students will use additive and subtractive techniques to make one-of-a kind prints. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: January 9, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
Touchy Feely: How Artists Show Textures/How Artists Show Emotions Part 1: Students will looks at illustrations and handle various objects, then use drawing to show what different surfaces would feel like if we could touch them: smooth, rough, hairy, pebbled, cratered, gritty, wet, etc. Techniques will include stippling, shading, highlighting and more. Part 2: Students will explore techniques artists use to express emotion. We'll consider works ranging from Rembrandt to everyone's favorite example (Munch's The Scream) and much more. Students will experiment with using line, texture, color, and collage to show joy, anger, fear, sadness, etc. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Sundays: January 10, January 17, 12:00-2:00 pm - $75
Digital Photo Sharing and Social Media Workshop*
Explore a world you can hold in the palm of your hand! Students will make larger-than-life drawings inspired by some of Nature's small miracles. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Sundays: November 22, November 29, 12:00-2:00 pm - $75
Taking beautiful photographs has never been so easily accessible or instantly gratifying. Programs like Facebook and Instagram have changed the landscape of social interaction forever. This two hour workshop is designed to illustrate and expound upon the the vast options of today's social media landscape. Regardless of your current photography experience this class will allow it's members to see how easy and enjoyable it is to share photographs with family and friends. Participants are encouraged to join this workshop with specific aspirations. Instructor: Jared D’Auria Location: CREATE Saturday: January 30, 3:00-5:00 pm - $50
Make a Mandala*
FUNdamentals of Composition*
Micro to Macro: Drawing from Natural Objects
Enjoy this active form of meditation while making a beautiful object for contemplation. Students will learn a step-by-step process they can then perform on their own anytime. Note: Pre-printed mandala "blanks" will be available for students who prefer to focus on applying color. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: November 28, 10:00 am-12:00 pm- $50
Silkscreen Day 1: Students prepare screen by making or tracing a drawing onto the screen and stopping out negative space with glue or ModPodge. Screen dries overnight. Day 2: Students transfer their designs onto paper or fabric by squeegeeing ink through their prepared screens. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Thursdays: December 3, December 10, 5:00-7:00 pm - $75
What makes one artwork dramatic or compelling to look at, and others kind of boring? Students will look at a variety of artworks, experiment with cropping and collage and practice using their own framing devices to learn how artists organize elements of a drawing, painting or photo for maximum effect. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: February 6, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
Put it in Perspective* Students will learn how artists show space and dimension using overlapping, one-point and two-point perspective. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: February 20, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES Creative Movement Students will participate in warm-ups, cool downs and basic dance techniques for physical support and health. Participants will also have an opportunity to explore different methods of self-expression through creative games and exercises to inspiring music while being exposed to a variety of dance genres. Instructor: Sharyn Farrell Location: Vista Arts Center Wednesdays: October 7, October 14, October 21, October 28, November4, November 11, November 18, 2:45-3:45 pm - $250
Vista Voices Participants in Vista’s choral group receive professional voice and song instruction. The group will work on a program to be shared with the community. These performances are guaranteed to be enjoyable for both singers and audiences. Singing experience is not required. Instructors: Carolyn Engle / Noah Golden Location: Vista Arts Center Thursdays: October 15, October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12, November 19, December 3, December 10, 7:00-8:15 pm - $250
Make a Scene* This interactive theatre class offers students the opportunity to create characters, action and dialogue using basic improvisation skills. Instructor: Pat Souney Location: Vista Arts Center Saturday: November 7, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
Kung Fu Hip Hop Kick, punch and dance your way to fitness and fun with this innovative program. Kung Fu Dance is a high energy mix of martial arts, acrobatics and hip hop dance for men and women. Participants will learn how to use foam nunchucks and perform kick and punch combinations. Along with the Kung Fu, participants will perform basic hip hop and jazz movements and some light acrobatics. No special equipment is necessary, just come ready to have fun! Instructor: Apollo Smile Location: Vista Arts Center Mondays: November 9, November 16, November 23, November 30, December 7, December 14, December 21, 11:45 am-12:45 pm - $225
Play in a Day* Using improvisation games, students will work together to create an original play! In addition to creating the characters, action and dialogue, they will have an opportunity to use sound effects, costumes and other production elements. Suggested Schedule: 10 am-12 pm/create the play, 12-12:40 pm/working lunch (brown bag) to discuss production elements, 12:40-1:40/rehearse and integrate selected production elements, 1:40-2 pm/perform. Instructor: Pat Souney Location: Vista Arts Center Saturday: November 14, 10:00 am-2:00 pm - $100
Dancing with the Stars Beginner steps of Swing, Waltz and Tango are learned and practiced in a supportive atmosphere. This class effectively prepares participants for social events as well as incorporating the following benefits: exercise, focus, dynamic relationship skills, communication, trust, compassion and collaboration. Emphasis is on enjoying all parts of the experience! Instructor: Sharyn Farrell Location: Vista Arts Center Wednesdays: January 6, January 13, January 20, January 27, February 3, February 10, February 17, 2:45-3:45 pm - $250
Music Therapy and Songwriting Music therapy and songwriting will help students explore their inner musical talents while enriching their quality of life through music. Students will be introduced to song components and write their own structurally sound lyrics. Musical guests will also perform and explain the creative process behind their music and lyrics. Instructor: Walter Lesco Location: Vista Arts Center Thursdays: January 7, January 14, January 21, January 28, February 4, February 11, 4:00-5:00 pm - $200 * One-time Workshop
REGISTER FOR CLASSES...
www.vistavocational.org Amanda Roberts, Arts Program Manager
[email protected] 860.399.8080 ext.255
VISUAL ARTS CLASSES Story Art (Ancient Art Edition) Have you ever wanted to learn the fine arts of the ancients? Let's explore ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman mythology through story and art! We will combine a variety of art techniques to create an Egyptian portrait, design a Greek story vase, and design a Roman coin out of clay. Instructor: Danielle Schmitt Location: Vista Arts Center Tuesdays: October 20, October 27, November 3, November 10, November 17, November 2, 10:00-11:00 am - $200
Labyrinth* In the studio, students will draw labyrinths using the "seed" method. This will be a template for what we'll do outside. Outdoors, we'll center our starting point and use our bodies (arm's lengths) to measure out path widths. Then we'll align ourselves radiating from the center and walk in alignment, emptying seed from the bottles as we go to mark the paths. When we've all completed the circuit, the labyrinth will be drawn. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: Vista Arts Center Wednesday: October 28, 3:00-5:00 pm - $50
Digital Photography This course is designed to be for photographers of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious beginner this course will allow you to find or reinvent your creativity. As a member of this class you will be encouraged to shoot both in and out of the classroom. Sharing your techniques with others while learning from those around you is designed to broaden the lens you already see through. Sharing and displaying your images regularly in the classroom is also a fun and helpful way of seeing your own work in a different way. Together we photograph anything from simple landscapes to complex abstract imagery. Instructor: Jared D’Auria Location: CREATE Wednesdays: November 4, November 11, November 18, December 2, December 9, December 16, 6:00-7:00 pm - $225
How Artists Learn to Draw: Blind Contour Drawing* You'll be amazed at your own ability when you pay attention to what you want to draw instead of how it looks on paper. This is a great exercise for calming and centering yourself as well as developing advanced drawing skills. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Sunday: November 8, 12:00-2:00 pm - $50
Handbuilding with Clay - Holiday Decorations! Enjoy some creative time with friends this holiday season! Make classic clay hand painted ornaments to give as gifts or to decorate your own tree. Instead of ornaments you can also choose to make snowflakes, candleholders or other holiday gifts and decorations! Instructor: Jennifer Davies Location: CREATE Saturdays: November 21, December 12, 9:00-11:00 am - $75
Wrapping Paper* Learn how to make your own papers, bags and packages for wrapping gifts - or for giving as gifts! We'll use a variety of techniques, including printmaking, faux finishing and simple construction, working individually and in production teams. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: December 5, 1:00 –3:00 pm - $50
Abstract Expressionism A group of artists starting in the early to mid-20th century, such as Jackson Pollack and Marc Rothko, resisted sharing a cohesive style and instead focused on using abstraction to depict strong emotional and expressive content. In this class we will examine various works by Abstract Expressionists and concentrate on their use of abstraction, color, line, and technique to inspire and form our own work. Instructor: Rebecca Harper Location: CREATE Sundays: December 6, December 13, December 20, 12:00-2:00 pm - $200
Digital Photo Editing This class is designed to teach the techniques of digital photo editing. Students will experience the broad range of possible expression achieved through digital photo manipulation. This class will help students bridge the gaps between image capturing and image display. With the help of Aperture and Adobe Creative Suite 5 students will learn how to properly apply the concept of "shooting to edit." Instructor: Jared D’Auria Location: CREATE Wednesdays: January 6, January 13, January 20, 6:00-7:00 pm - $100
Monotypes* Try this fun and fast form of printmaking-- every picture is a surprise! Students will use additive and subtractive techniques to make one-of-a kind prints. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: January 9, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
Touchy Feely: How Artists Show Textures/How Artists Show Emotions Part 1: Students will looks at illustrations and handle various objects, then use drawing to show what different surfaces would feel like if we could touch them: smooth, rough, hairy, pebbled, cratered, gritty, wet, etc. Techniques will include stippling, shading, highlighting and more. Part 2: Students will explore techniques artists use to express emotion. We'll consider works ranging from Rembrandt to everyone's favorite example (Munch's The Scream) and much more. Students will experiment with using line, texture, color, and collage to show joy, anger, fear, sadness, etc. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Sundays: January 10, January 17, 12:00-2:00 pm - $75
Digital Photo Sharing and Social Media Workshop*
Explore a world you can hold in the palm of your hand! Students will make larger-than-life drawings inspired by some of Nature's small miracles. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Sundays: November 22, November 29, 12:00-2:00 pm - $75
Taking beautiful photographs has never been so easily accessible or instantly gratifying. Programs like Facebook and Instagram have changed the landscape of social interaction forever. This two hour workshop is designed to illustrate and expound upon the the vast options of today's social media landscape. Regardless of your current photography experience this class will allow it's members to see how easy and enjoyable it is to share photographs with family and friends. Participants are encouraged to join this workshop with specific aspirations. Instructor: Jared D’Auria Location: CREATE Saturday: January 30, 3:00-5:00 pm - $50
Make a Mandala*
FUNdamentals of Composition*
Micro to Macro: Drawing from Natural Objects
Enjoy this active form of meditation while making a beautiful object for contemplation. Students will learn a step-by-step process they can then perform on their own anytime. Note: Pre-printed mandala "blanks" will be available for students who prefer to focus on applying color. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: November 28, 10:00 am-12:00 pm- $50
Silkscreen Day 1: Students prepare screen by making or tracing a drawing onto the screen and stopping out negative space with glue or ModPodge. Screen dries overnight. Day 2: Students transfer their designs onto paper or fabric by squeegeeing ink through their prepared screens. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Thursdays: December 3, December 10, 5:00-7:00 pm - $75
What makes one artwork dramatic or compelling to look at, and others kind of boring? Students will look at a variety of artworks, experiment with cropping and collage and practice using their own framing devices to learn how artists organize elements of a drawing, painting or photo for maximum effect. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: February 6, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
Put it in Perspective* Students will learn how artists show space and dimension using overlapping, one-point and two-point perspective. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: February 20, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES Creative Movement Students will participate in warm-ups, cool downs and basic dance techniques for physical support and health. Participants will also have an opportunity to explore different methods of self-expression through creative games and exercises to inspiring music while being exposed to a variety of dance genres. Instructor: Sharyn Farrell Location: Vista Arts Center Wednesdays: October 7, October 14, October 21, October 28, November4, November 11, November 18, 2:45-3:45 pm - $250
Vista Voices Participants in Vista’s choral group receive professional voice and song instruction. The group will work on a program to be shared with the community. These performances are guaranteed to be enjoyable for both singers and audiences. Singing experience is not required. Instructors: Carolyn Engle / Noah Golden Location: Vista Arts Center Thursdays: October 15, October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12, November 19, December 3, December 10, 7:00-8:15 pm - $250
Make a Scene* This interactive theatre class offers students the opportunity to create characters, action and dialogue using basic improvisation skills. Instructor: Pat Souney Location: Vista Arts Center Saturday: November 7, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
Kung Fu Hip Hop Kick, punch and dance your way to fitness and fun with this innovative program. Kung Fu Dance is a high energy mix of martial arts, acrobatics and hip hop dance for men and women. Participants will learn how to use foam nunchucks and perform kick and punch combinations. Along with the Kung Fu, participants will perform basic hip hop and jazz movements and some light acrobatics. No special equipment is necessary, just come ready to have fun! Instructor: Apollo Smile Location: Vista Arts Center Mondays: November 9, November 16, November 23, November 30, December 7, December 14, December 21, 11:45 am-12:45 pm - $225
Play in a Day* Using improvisation games, students will work together to create an original play! In addition to creating the characters, action and dialogue, they will have an opportunity to use sound effects, costumes and other production elements. Suggested Schedule: 10 am-12 pm/create the play, 12-12:40 pm/working lunch (brown bag) to discuss production elements, 12:40-1:40/rehearse and integrate selected production elements, 1:40-2 pm/perform. Instructor: Pat Souney Location: Vista Arts Center Saturday: November 14, 10:00 am-2:00 pm - $100
Dancing with the Stars Beginner steps of Swing, Waltz and Tango are learned and practiced in a supportive atmosphere. This class effectively prepares participants for social events as well as incorporating the following benefits: exercise, focus, dynamic relationship skills, communication, trust, compassion and collaboration. Emphasis is on enjoying all parts of the experience! Instructor: Sharyn Farrell Location: Vista Arts Center Wednesdays: January 6, January 13, January 20, January 27, February 3, February 10, February 17, 2:45-3:45 pm - $250
Music Therapy and Songwriting Music therapy and songwriting will help students explore their inner musical talents while enriching their quality of life through music. Students will be introduced to song components and write their own structurally sound lyrics. Musical guests will also perform and explain the creative process behind their music and lyrics. Instructor: Walter Lesco Location: Vista Arts Center Thursdays: January 7, January 14, January 21, January 28, February 4, February 11, 4:00-5:00 pm - $200 * One-time Workshop
REGISTER FOR CLASSES...
www.vistavocational.org Amanda Roberts, Arts Program Manager
[email protected] 860.399.8080 ext.255
VISUAL ARTS CLASSES Story Art (Ancient Art Edition) Have you ever wanted to learn the fine arts of the ancients? Let's explore ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman mythology through story and art! We will combine a variety of art techniques to create an Egyptian portrait, design a Greek story vase, and design a Roman coin out of clay. Instructor: Danielle Schmitt Location: Vista Arts Center Tuesdays: October 20, October 27, November 3, November 10, November 17, November 2, 10:00-11:00 am - $200
Labyrinth* In the studio, students will draw labyrinths using the "seed" method. This will be a template for what we'll do outside. Outdoors, we'll center our starting point and use our bodies (arm's lengths) to measure out path widths. Then we'll align ourselves radiating from the center and walk in alignment, emptying seed from the bottles as we go to mark the paths. When we've all completed the circuit, the labyrinth will be drawn. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: Vista Arts Center Wednesday: October 28, 3:00-5:00 pm - $50
Digital Photography This course is designed to be for photographers of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious beginner this course will allow you to find or reinvent your creativity. As a member of this class you will be encouraged to shoot both in and out of the classroom. Sharing your techniques with others while learning from those around you is designed to broaden the lens you already see through. Sharing and displaying your images regularly in the classroom is also a fun and helpful way of seeing your own work in a different way. Together we photograph anything from simple landscapes to complex abstract imagery. Instructor: Jared D’Auria Location: CREATE Wednesdays: November 4, November 11, November 18, December 2, December 9, December 16, 6:00-7:00 pm - $225
How Artists Learn to Draw: Blind Contour Drawing* You'll be amazed at your own ability when you pay attention to what you want to draw instead of how it looks on paper. This is a great exercise for calming and centering yourself as well as developing advanced drawing skills. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Sunday: November 8, 12:00-2:00 pm - $50
Handbuilding with Clay - Holiday Decorations! Enjoy some creative time with friends this holiday season! Make classic clay hand painted ornaments to give as gifts or to decorate your own tree. Instead of ornaments you can also choose to make snowflakes, candleholders or other holiday gifts and decorations! Instructor: Jennifer Davies Location: CREATE Saturdays: November 21, December 12, 9:00-11:00 am - $75
Wrapping Paper* Learn how to make your own papers, bags and packages for wrapping gifts - or for giving as gifts! We'll use a variety of techniques, including printmaking, faux finishing and simple construction, working individually and in production teams. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: December 5, 1:00 –3:00 pm - $50
Abstract Expressionism A group of artists starting in the early to mid-20th century, such as Jackson Pollack and Marc Rothko, resisted sharing a cohesive style and instead focused on using abstraction to depict strong emotional and expressive content. In this class we will examine various works by Abstract Expressionists and concentrate on their use of abstraction, color, line, and technique to inspire and form our own work. Instructor: Rebecca Harper Location: CREATE Sundays: December 6, December 13, December 20, 12:00-2:00 pm - $200
Digital Photo Editing This class is designed to teach the techniques of digital photo editing. Students will experience the broad range of possible expression achieved through digital photo manipulation. This class will help students bridge the gaps between image capturing and image display. With the help of Aperture and Adobe Creative Suite 5 students will learn how to properly apply the concept of "shooting to edit." Instructor: Jared D’Auria Location: CREATE Wednesdays: January 6, January 13, January 20, 6:00-7:00 pm - $100
Monotypes* Try this fun and fast form of printmaking-- every picture is a surprise! Students will use additive and subtractive techniques to make one-of-a kind prints. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: January 9, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
Touchy Feely: How Artists Show Textures/How Artists Show Emotions Part 1: Students will looks at illustrations and handle various objects, then use drawing to show what different surfaces would feel like if we could touch them: smooth, rough, hairy, pebbled, cratered, gritty, wet, etc. Techniques will include stippling, shading, highlighting and more. Part 2: Students will explore techniques artists use to express emotion. We'll consider works ranging from Rembrandt to everyone's favorite example (Munch's The Scream) and much more. Students will experiment with using line, texture, color, and collage to show joy, anger, fear, sadness, etc. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Sundays: January 10, January 17, 12:00-2:00 pm - $75
Digital Photo Sharing and Social Media Workshop*
Explore a world you can hold in the palm of your hand! Students will make larger-than-life drawings inspired by some of Nature's small miracles. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Sundays: November 22, November 29, 12:00-2:00 pm - $75
Taking beautiful photographs has never been so easily accessible or instantly gratifying. Programs like Facebook and Instagram have changed the landscape of social interaction forever. This two hour workshop is designed to illustrate and expound upon the the vast options of today's social media landscape. Regardless of your current photography experience this class will allow it's members to see how easy and enjoyable it is to share photographs with family and friends. Participants are encouraged to join this workshop with specific aspirations. Instructor: Jared D’Auria Location: CREATE Saturday: January 30, 3:00-5:00 pm - $50
Make a Mandala*
FUNdamentals of Composition*
Micro to Macro: Drawing from Natural Objects
Enjoy this active form of meditation while making a beautiful object for contemplation. Students will learn a step-by-step process they can then perform on their own anytime. Note: Pre-printed mandala "blanks" will be available for students who prefer to focus on applying color. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: November 28, 10:00 am-12:00 pm- $50
Silkscreen Day 1: Students prepare screen by making or tracing a drawing onto the screen and stopping out negative space with glue or ModPodge. Screen dries overnight. Day 2: Students transfer their designs onto paper or fabric by squeegeeing ink through their prepared screens. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Thursdays: December 3, December 10, 5:00-7:00 pm - $75
What makes one artwork dramatic or compelling to look at, and others kind of boring? Students will look at a variety of artworks, experiment with cropping and collage and practice using their own framing devices to learn how artists organize elements of a drawing, painting or photo for maximum effect. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: February 6, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
Put it in Perspective* Students will learn how artists show space and dimension using overlapping, one-point and two-point perspective. Instructor: Jean Brookman Location: CREATE Saturday: February 20, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES Creative Movement Students will participate in warm-ups, cool downs and basic dance techniques for physical support and health. Participants will also have an opportunity to explore different methods of self-expression through creative games and exercises to inspiring music while being exposed to a variety of dance genres. Instructor: Sharyn Farrell Location: Vista Arts Center Wednesdays: October 7, October 14, October 21, October 28, November4, November 11, November 18, 2:45-3:45 pm - $250
Vista Voices Participants in Vista’s choral group receive professional voice and song instruction. The group will work on a program to be shared with the community. These performances are guaranteed to be enjoyable for both singers and audiences. Singing experience is not required. Instructors: Carolyn Engle / Noah Golden Location: Vista Arts Center Thursdays: October 15, October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12, November 19, December 3, December 10, 7:00-8:15 pm - $250
Make a Scene* This interactive theatre class offers students the opportunity to create characters, action and dialogue using basic improvisation skills. Instructor: Pat Souney Location: Vista Arts Center Saturday: November 7, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
Kung Fu Hip Hop Kick, punch and dance your way to fitness and fun with this innovative program. Kung Fu Dance is a high energy mix of martial arts, acrobatics and hip hop dance for men and women. Participants will learn how to use foam nunchucks and perform kick and punch combinations. Along with the Kung Fu, participants will perform basic hip hop and jazz movements and some light acrobatics. No special equipment is necessary, just come ready to have fun! Instructor: Apollo Smile Location: Vista Arts Center Mondays: November 9, November 16, November 23, November 30, December 7, December 14, December 21, 11:45 am-12:45 pm - $225
Play in a Day* Using improvisation games, students will work together to create an original play! In addition to creating the characters, action and dialogue, they will have an opportunity to use sound effects, costumes and other production elements. Suggested Schedule: 10 am-12 pm/create the play, 12-12:40 pm/working lunch (brown bag) to discuss production elements, 12:40-1:40/rehearse and integrate selected production elements, 1:40-2 pm/perform. Instructor: Pat Souney Location: Vista Arts Center Saturday: November 14, 10:00 am-2:00 pm - $100
Dancing with the Stars Beginner steps of Swing, Waltz and Tango are learned and practiced in a supportive atmosphere. This class effectively prepares participants for social events as well as incorporating the following benefits: exercise, focus, dynamic relationship skills, communication, trust, compassion and collaboration. Emphasis is on enjoying all parts of the experience! Instructor: Sharyn Farrell Location: Vista Arts Center Wednesdays: January 6, January 13, January 20, January 27, February 3, February 10, February 17, 2:45-3:45 pm - $250
Music Therapy and Songwriting Music therapy and songwriting will help students explore their inner musical talents while enriching their quality of life through music. Students will be introduced to song components and write their own structurally sound lyrics. Musical guests will also perform and explain the creative process behind their music and lyrics. Instructor: Walter Lesco Location: Vista Arts Center Thursdays: January 7, January 14, January 21, January 28, February 4, February 11, 4:00-5:00 pm - $200 * One-time Workshop
REGISTER FOR CLASSES...
www.vistavocational.org Amanda Roberts, Arts Program Manager
[email protected] 860.399.8080 ext.255
OTHER ARTS CLASSES
FALL & WINTER 2015-16 Poetry is Everywhere: Finding Poetry in Your Everyday Life
Students will learn to find and create original poetry using common words and visuals from their daily lives. Everything from grocery shopping lists to newspaper articles to photography can inspire a poem. Students will be encouraged to search for poetry in their lives, finding the beauty in everyday language and images. Basic instruction on writing poetry will give students of all experience levels and abilities the tools needed to turn their inspirational findings into poems. The class will end with a community poetry reading where students will be encouraged to share their work. Instructor: Sarah Bradley Location: CREATE Thursdays: October 8, October 15, October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12, 4:005:00 pm - $200
Beeswax Candle - Rolling and Intro to the World of Honeybees* Honeybees and beekeeping has become one of the hottest topics in today's world news. This class focuses specifically on how honeybees create beeswax in the hive, and how a beeswax candle can bring more health and joy into your life! It's not just a candle, it's a beautiful slower & cleaner burning air purifier! You will roll one to two candles, depending on size you choose. Come have fun and learn some new things about the honeybees! Instructor: Sharyn Farrell Location: CREATE Saturday: November 7, 10:00-11:30 am - $50
Collaborative Fiction: Writing a “Story in the Round”* Students will come together as a group to create an original fictional story. Following a "round robin" style format, students will each take turns contributing story ideas, dialogue, plot twists and more until a completed story has been written. At the end of the class, the instructor will read the story out loud back to the group so they can hear how their work has come together. Instructor: Sarah Bradley Location: CREATE Friday: November 13, 3:00-5:00 pm - $50
Turning Memories into Memoirs* Do you have an interesting story to tell? Maybe you've traveled to another country, overcome a personal obstacle or learned an important life lesson. Writing a memoir of your experience is a great way to record your memories and share them with others. In this workshop, students will learn useful tips for recalling, writing down and organizing their memories in a meaningful way. Instructor: Sarah Bradley Location: CREATE Saturday: December 5, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
Make your own Beeswax Perfume!* Honeybees for the Holidays? Honeybees create hive products that are not only natural and healthy but treasured all over the globe! This class focuses specifically on how honeybees create beeswax in the hive, and how beeswax and pure essential oils can be easily blended to create a unique and nurturing perfume for yourself, or as a gift for those you love. Essential oils are known to have therapeutic properties that support emotional well-being in many ways. Students may have more than one scent to choose from in order to meet their personal taste. You will leave with two .3 ounce jars of beeswax perfume! Instructor: Sharyn Farrell Location: CREATE Saturday: December 19, 10:00-11:30 am - $50 * One-time Workshop
REGISTER FOR CLASSES... Vista Arts Center Locations Vista Arts Center: 107 Bradley Road, Madison, CT
* One-time Workshop
CREATE*: 712 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT
*Come visit the retail store Creations, a Vista Social Enterprise, at the same address. CREATE is located in the back of this space. You can enter through the back entrance which is handicap accessible.
www.vistavocational.org
OUR INSTRUCTORS Sarah Bradley is a creative writing instructor from Branford, Connecticut. She has offered fiction, poetry and memoir workshops at several local libraries and adult education centers. Her fiction won first place at the Trumbull Arts Festival in 2014.
Jean Scott Brookman earned her BFA in painting from The Maryland Institute, College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore. She has conducted art classes with children and adults in a variety of settings. Jean lives and works in Branford, CT and exhibits in the New Haven area. Jared D’Auria is enthusiastic and energetic with a passion for creative imagery. He possesses a 17 year photo background with 10 years of professional commercial experience. His work ranges from production stills for feature films in Los Angeles to assisting on fashion editorials in New York City. This will be Jared's third year teaching at Vista and he is very excited about it!
VISTA ARTS CENTER
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS Our Mission: To provide quality arts programming to a diverse, adult population that promotes self-expression and learning in a nurturing, non-competitive environment.
Jennifer Davies grew up in Rochester, NY and graduated from Edinboro University with a Bachelors degree in Art Education. She ran the art department at the Grove School in Madison for 7 years and is now teaching art at the Joshua Center in the Shoreline and the Tracy Art Center in Old Saybrook. Carolyn Engle is a professional cellist, pianist, and organist and teaches music in public and parochial schools as well as privately in her home. Carolyn is a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, writes children's books, and loves roller coasters. Sharyn Farrell, with over 12 years of dance experience in choreographing, teaching and being a student herself, has a passion for dance! Sharyn is excited to share her enthusiasm and passion for dance with the Vista Arts Center and get everyone moving in creative ways! Noah Golden is a lifelong Shoreline resident and graduate of Quinnipiac University. A video producer and writer by day, Noah has also been involved in the arts all his life. As an actor, singer and drummer, Noah has been involved with dozens of productions and concerts across CT. Noah is excited to bring many years of experience and training to the Vista community. Rebecca Harper is a Middlebury College alum where she received her Bachelor's in Fine Art, majoring studio art and minoring art history. While at Neighborhood Music School's Audobon Arts summer program she worked as Art Director for 4 years. Her work primarily focuses on the interaction between line, space and abstraction with a strong influence in Mexican folk art. Walter Lesco has been teaching private guitar lessons for 20 years, specializing in improvisation, theory, and songwriting. He has been writing, recording and performing original material for over 15 years while expanding his personal musical education. Walter has taught hundreds of guitar players, and he offers patient instruction, encouragement and support for all his students. Danielle Schmitt is an avid storyteller and visual artist. She has experience teaching art in public schools and is a published children's book illustrator. She looks forward to sharing her love of storytelling and art making with the Vista community.
Apollo Smile has over 35 years in the Performing Arts, has danced with Alvin Ailey in NYC, been the recipient of a Gold record as a recording artist, appeared as a stuntwoman for numerous film and tv shows and has been a voice actress for animation and video games. Currently she is Co-Director/Choreographer for GY&FS Family Theatre, teaches Musical Theatre Enrichment programs and has been a dance instructor for Vista for the past 7 years. Pat Souney is a consultant, teacher and award-winning director with both BFA and Masters Degrees in theatre. She has worked with Vista for almost 10 years leading various performing arts clubs, teaching for the Vista Arts Center, directing variety shows and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Wizard of Oz. Pat has staged over 350 plays and musicals for various community, educational and college theatres. She is a member of Dramatists Guild and a Life Member of the New England Drama Council.
FALL & WINTER 2015-16
CLASSES OPEN TO EVERYONE
For more information about the Vista Arts Center or to register for classes, please visit www.vistavocational.org or contact Amanda Roberts, Arts Program Manager:
[email protected] or (860)399-8080
OTHER ARTS CLASSES
FALL & WINTER 2015-16 Poetry is Everywhere: Finding Poetry in Your Everyday Life
Students will learn to find and create original poetry using common words and visuals from their daily lives. Everything from grocery shopping lists to newspaper articles to photography can inspire a poem. Students will be encouraged to search for poetry in their lives, finding the beauty in everyday language and images. Basic instruction on writing poetry will give students of all experience levels and abilities the tools needed to turn their inspirational findings into poems. The class will end with a community poetry reading where students will be encouraged to share their work. Instructor: Sarah Bradley Location: CREATE Thursdays: October 8, October 15, October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12, 4:005:00 pm - $200
Beeswax Candle - Rolling and Intro to the World of Honeybees* Honeybees and beekeeping has become one of the hottest topics in today's world news. This class focuses specifically on how honeybees create beeswax in the hive, and how a beeswax candle can bring more health and joy into your life! It's not just a candle, it's a beautiful slower & cleaner burning air purifier! You will roll one to two candles, depending on size you choose. Come have fun and learn some new things about the honeybees! Instructor: Sharyn Farrell Location: CREATE Saturday: November 7, 10:00-11:30 am - $50
Collaborative Fiction: Writing a “Story in the Round”* Students will come together as a group to create an original fictional story. Following a "round robin" style format, students will each take turns contributing story ideas, dialogue, plot twists and more until a completed story has been written. At the end of the class, the instructor will read the story out loud back to the group so they can hear how their work has come together. Instructor: Sarah Bradley Location: CREATE Friday: November 13, 3:00-5:00 pm - $50
Turning Memories into Memoirs* Do you have an interesting story to tell? Maybe you've traveled to another country, overcome a personal obstacle or learned an important life lesson. Writing a memoir of your experience is a great way to record your memories and share them with others. In this workshop, students will learn useful tips for recalling, writing down and organizing their memories in a meaningful way. Instructor: Sarah Bradley Location: CREATE Saturday: December 5, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - $50
Make your own Beeswax Perfume!* Honeybees for the Holidays? Honeybees create hive products that are not only natural and healthy but treasured all over the globe! This class focuses specifically on how honeybees create beeswax in the hive, and how beeswax and pure essential oils can be easily blended to create a unique and nurturing perfume for yourself, or as a gift for those you love. Essential oils are known to have therapeutic properties that support emotional well-being in many ways. Students may have more than one scent to choose from in order to meet their personal taste. You will leave with two .3 ounce jars of beeswax perfume! Instructor: Sharyn Farrell Location: CREATE Saturday: December 19, 10:00-11:30 am - $50 * One-time Workshop
REGISTER FOR CLASSES... Vista Arts Center Locations Vista Arts Center: 107 Bradley Road, Madison, CT
* One-time Workshop
CREATE*: 712 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT
*Come visit the retail store Creations, a Vista Social Enterprise, at the same address. CREATE is located in the back of this space. You can enter through the back entrance which is handicap accessible.
www.vistavocational.org
OUR INSTRUCTORS Sarah Bradley is a creative writing instructor from Branford, Connecticut. She has offered fiction, poetry and memoir workshops at several local libraries and adult education centers. Her fiction won first place at the Trumbull Arts Festival in 2014.
Jean Scott Brookman earned her BFA in painting from The Maryland Institute, College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore. She has conducted art classes with children and adults in a variety of settings. Jean lives and works in Branford, CT and exhibits in the New Haven area. Jared D’Auria is enthusiastic and energetic with a passion for creative imagery. He possesses a 17 year photo background with 10 years of professional commercial experience. His work ranges from production stills for feature films in Los Angeles to assisting on fashion editorials in New York City. This will be Jared's third year teaching at Vista and he is very excited about it!
VISTA ARTS CENTER
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS Our Mission: To provide quality arts programming to a diverse, adult population that promotes self-expression and learning in a nurturing, non-competitive environment.
Jennifer Davies grew up in Rochester, NY and graduated from Edinboro University with a Bachelors degree in Art Education. She ran the art department at the Grove School in Madison for 7 years and is now teaching art at the Joshua Center in the Shoreline and the Tracy Art Center in Old Saybrook. Carolyn Engle is a professional cellist, pianist, and organist and teaches music in public and parochial schools as well as privately in her home. Carolyn is a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, writes children's books, and loves roller coasters. Sharyn Farrell, with over 12 years of dance experience in choreographing, teaching and being a student herself, has a passion for dance! Sharyn is excited to share her enthusiasm and passion for dance with the Vista Arts Center and get everyone moving in creative ways! Noah Golden is a lifelong Shoreline resident and graduate of Quinnipiac University. A video producer and writer by day, Noah has also been involved in the arts all his life. As an actor, singer and drummer, Noah has been involved with dozens of productions and concerts across CT. Noah is excited to bring many years of experience and training to the Vista community. Rebecca Harper is a Middlebury College alum where she received her Bachelor's in Fine Art, majoring studio art and minoring art history. While at Neighborhood Music School's Audobon Arts summer program she worked as Art Director for 4 years. Her work primarily focuses on the interaction between line, space and abstraction with a strong influence in Mexican folk art. Walter Lesco has been teaching private guitar lessons for 20 years, specializing in improvisation, theory, and songwriting. He has been writing, recording and performing original material for over 15 years while expanding his personal musical education. Walter has taught hundreds of guitar players, and he offers patient instruction, encouragement and support for all his students. Danielle Schmitt is an avid storyteller and visual artist. She has experience teaching art in public schools and is a published children's book illustrator. She looks forward to sharing her love of storytelling and art making with the Vista community.
Apollo Smile has over 35 years in the Performing Arts, has danced with Alvin Ailey in NYC, been the recipient of a Gold record as a recording artist, appeared as a stuntwoman for numerous film and tv shows and has been a voice actress for animation and video games. Currently she is Co-Director/Choreographer for GY&FS Family Theatre, teaches Musical Theatre Enrichment programs and has been a dance instructor for Vista for the past 7 years. Pat Souney is a consultant, teacher and award-winning director with both BFA and Masters Degrees in theatre. She has worked with Vista for almost 10 years leading various performing arts clubs, teaching for the Vista Arts Center, directing variety shows and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Wizard of Oz. Pat has staged over 350 plays and musicals for various community, educational and college theatres. She is a member of Dramatists Guild and a Life Member of the New England Drama Council.
FALL & WINTER 2015-16
CLASSES OPEN TO EVERYONE
For more information about the Vista Arts Center or to register for classes, please visit www.vistavocational.org or contact Amanda Roberts, Arts Program Manager:
[email protected] or (860)399-8080
