RiverArts Current and Upcoming Classes
Introduction to Botanical Painting with Watercolor
No experience needed.
Instructor Fran Phaneuf will hold class at the Heron Point Activity Center every Wednesday in June form 9 am to 12 noon on June 5, 12, 19, and 26. She will be providing individual attention as you learn to focus on composition, leaf and petal shapes, shading and texture.
Class fee is $145.00. Members pay $120.00.
Fran is a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists and has studied in Great Britain and Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. She has shown her work at the prestigious Philadelphia Flower Show, Chanticleer Gardens, and the Morris Arboretum.
Painting the Impressionist Landscape with Lois Griffel
Lois Griffel, nationally celebrated artist, teacher, and author, is coming to Chestertown this October to conduct a week-long plein air workshop. The workshop will open with a lecture in the RiverArts Gallery on Sunday, October 6, and then for the next 5 days, Lois will move around the area with her class, teaching Painting the Impressionist Landscape.
Ms. Griffel studied at the New York Art Students League, worked in pastels as a sketch and portrait artist, moved to
Provincetown, MA, and eventually became Director of the Cape Cod School of Art. She now combines a classical background with her passion for impressionist color, and moves around the country inspiring students in plein air. To learn more about Lois Griffel, and see images of her beautiful work, visit her website at www.loisgriffel.com .
Class size is limited to 20, and several students have already signed up. If you wish to take advantage of this exciting offer, contact RiverArts today. Class fee is $450; RiverArts members pay $400. We hope as many of you as are interested will participate in what promises to be a wonderful experience.
Portrait Drawing with Raphael Sassi
RiverArts is proud to present a portrait drawing class with Raphael Sassi. This class is a challenging class for all skill levels. 
Mr. Sassi will deal with the basic formal components of illusionist or realistic image- making and visual representation while focusing on the portrait. The class will focus on the essential structural anatomy, the fundamentals of achieving a likeness, the various approaches to the array of features and textures involved, the nature of light and form, and how to achieve the best results with a variety of tools, using drawing tools deliberately.
Raphael has returned to the Eastern Shore, where he grew up, after studying in Florence, Italy with the Syracuse University Abroad, receiving a BFA in drawing at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and an MFA from the Graduate School of Figurative Art, New York Academy of Art. He has taught at the Pratt Institute, The School of Visual Arts, The Maryland Institute College of Art, and the Academy Art Museum in Easton. We are indeed fortunate to have him teaching at RiverArts this spring.
Portrait Drawing will be offered in the Classroom Gallery at RiverArts on four consecutive Saturdays in May: 4, 11, 18, and 25. Classes will run from 4 to 7 PM. A fee of $135.00 covers all four sessions. RiverArts members pay $115.00.
RiverArts Presents Mondays with Marcy this May
Local artist Marcy Dunn Ramsey has had a rich and varied career, and it is her wealth of experience and multi-focused approach to art that makes talking with her so stimulating. Marcy has agreed to share some of her thoughts, insights, and expertise with us through a series of three lectures at RiverArts this May. Dates and topics are:
May 6 – What’s the Big Idea – Abstract, Representational, and Contemporary Art
How to look at and understand art that is non-representational, conceptual, or just plain weird. A general view of the major movements in art since 1945.
May 13 – The Basics: Drawing, Color Theory, and Basic Composition
How to think about making art and understanding the nature of different media. Finding your own ‘voice’ as an artist.
May 20 – Presentation and Portfolio; Marketing Your Work
Submitting art for shows and competitions. Includes tips on framing and matting your work, and submitting digital images for judging.
Lectures will be given in the Classroom Gallery at RiverArts, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Presentations will be complimented by interactive give-and-take. Light refreshments will be served, and you will have the opportunity to talk with her informally.
Ms. Ramsey received a BA from Emmanuel College in Boston, and studied art at St. Mary’s College, Boston Museum School 
of Fine Arts, and Maryland Institute of Art. She has been a successful portrait artist, teacher, graphic designer, illustrator, print-maker, and painter. She was recently awarded a fellowship to study at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. With this background, these discussions are guaranteed to be thought-provoking and interesting. Reserve your seat today!
Fee for attending each lecture is $15.00. RiverArts members $10.00. To register, go to chestertownriverarts.org, download the class registration form, and send it to RiverArts at 315 High Street, Suite 106, Chestertown, MD 21620; call 410 778 6300 with your credit card information, or stop by the gallery to sign up in person.
For more information on Marcy and her work, visit the current exhibit at the Massoni Gallery, showing from March 30 to May 4, or go to Marcy’s website at www.marcydunnramsey.com .
Woodworking with Vicco vonVoss
Vicco von Voss, whose work is currently on display at the Massoni Gallery in Chestertown, is offering three woodworking classes through Chestertown RiverArts. All three classes will be taught at Vicco’s workshop at 145 Island Creek Road, Centreville, MD. The first two classes will be limited to 10 students, so register now to take advantage of this very special opportunity. Email us at RiverArts@verizon.net or call the office at 410 778 6300 Wednesday through Fridays, 11:00 to 4:00 or Saturdays, 9:00 to 3:00.
Woodworking for Women
Saturday, March 23, 2013
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Class fee $150.00
This class is dedicated to women interested in woodworking. In this beginner’s level class you will learn basic woodworking skills to build confidence in the medium. The focus will be on the use of hand tools. Students will become comfortable with hand sawing, planing and chiseling.
Class requirements: If you have a hand saw, sharp hand plane or chisel, please bring them; otherwise no tools or experience required. Please bring a bagged lunch.
Making Inlay
Saturday, April 27, 2013
9am- 3pm
Class fee $150.00
This class will explore several different methods of making inlays. Inlays can be used for repair or decoration. First we will create a repair inlay. Second will be a bow-tie inlay. Third we will use a router and templates.
For intermediate and experienced woodworkers.
Class requirements: a sharp chisel, a mallet, and an awl. Please bring a bagged lunch.
Making a Template
Saturday, May 25, 2013
9 am to 3 pm
Class fee $150.00
This class is for experienced craftsmen who want to gain a better understanding of how to utilize templates in the woodworking shop. We will be making templates for design, for repetitive cutting and for the hard to figure out woodworking problems.
Participants may bring a project that they are having difficult time with which would require the use of a template. No other tools required. Please bring a bagged lunch.
No limit to class size.
Create Your Own Hooked Rug with Betty Kerr
Betty Kerr is a certified McGown instructor for hooked rugs and has been teaching for over 25 years. If you have been in the RiverArts gallery any time recently, you have seen her beautiful creations on the wall.
Betty is now offering a series of three workshops for beginners, and at the end, you will have your own 38” by 28” Grandma’s Rug.
Classes will be held in Betty’s lovely studio right outside of Chestertown, on three consecutive Mondays: April 1, 8, and 15. Sessions will go from 10 am to 3 pm, and all students are asked to bring a bagged lunch. Betty will provide tea.
Class fee is $70.00 for members and $80.00 for nonmembers. This covers all three sessions and the rug kit, instructions, and hook. Students are asked to bring their own wool fabric (not yarn) salvaged or store bought, and an 18” quilting frame. If you don’t have either, frames and wool can be purchased from Betty at her studio.
Maximum class size is 6 so each student will receive personal attention. This means space will fill up fast, so register today! Go to the RiverArts website and download and complete the class registration form, call RiverArts at 410 778 6300, or email us at riverarts@verizon.net.
For more information on Betty and her work, visit her website at www.hookit-talltimbers.com .
Polymer Clay Classes
The Chameleon Clay: A Free Introduction to Polymer Clay
Friday, February 22, 2013, 10:00-11:00am
Ever wonder what exactly polymer clay is or what you can do with it? In this free introductory session, instructor JoLecia Crowe will share the answers to those questions and more. You’ll learn why polymer clay is known as the chameleon clay, get to sample various types of clay, and see examples of what you can do from the faux jade taught in the basics course, to imitating precious stones and minerals, glass, metal, wood,
and more. Whether you’re considering taking a polymer clay course or you’re just curious, this is a perfect introduction. All are welcome.
Polymer Clay Group (Free)
Thursday, February 28, 9:00am-12:00pm
It’s time to play with clay! Bring your own materials and whatever projects you’d like to work on or just come on by to hang out and see what others are creating and enjoy the lively conversation. Polymer clay instructor JoLecia Crowe will be on hand to answer questions. She also brings an assortment of tools and equipment for participants to use during the session. This play group is free and occurs the last Thursday of every month from 9am-12pm. Bring a friend and join the fun! Contact instructor with questions at elfladyjo@aol.com or 410-699-1025.
Polymer Clay Basics: Faux Jade
Friday, March 15, 2013; 9:00am-3:00pm
From learning how to choose and condition your clay to creating various finishes, artist JoLecia Crowe will take you through all the basics in working with oven-cured polymer clay. You’ll learn a simple technique for creating realistic faux jade along with a host of additional tips and tricks which will help you transform your jade into a finished piece of art jewelry all your own. Since supplies must be ordered in advance, the registration deadline is Friday, March 8, 2013.
Members: $80, Non-Members: $95. Additional fees to be paid at time of registration: $18 for polymer clay basics toolkit. Contact Chestertown RiverArts at 410-778-6300 orriverarts@verizon.net for more information or to register.
Polymer Clay Group (Free)
Thursday, March 28, 9:00am-12:00pm
Polymer Clay Techniques – Mokume Gane
Friday, April 19, 2013; 9:00am-3:00pm
Originally an ancient Japanese metalworking technique, mokume gane or “wood-grained metal” has evolved into a polymer clay standard. In this class, you’ll learn how to create rich organic patterns, delicate layers of color, and the illusion of depth with a surprisingly simple technique. You’ll have a choice of small projects to apply it to and will learn how to finish the clay for a professional looking, glass-like finish. Completion of Polymer Clay Basics Course is suggested but not required. Since supplies must be ordered in advance, the registration deadline for this class is Friday, April 12, 2013. Members: $80, Non-Members: $95. If you do not have one already, a Polymer clay basics toolkit is available for $18 and should be paid for at the time of registration. Contact Chestertown RiverArts at 410-778-6300 or riverarts@verizon.net for more information or to register.
Polymer Clay Group (Free)
Thursday, April 25, 9:00am-12:00pm
Polymer Clay Techniques: Mica Magic
Friday, May 17, 2013; 9:00am-3:00pm
Elegant patterns of light and dark, cat’s eye effects, nautilus shells, mysterious ghost images and more can be created from a single block of metallic polymer clay. In this class you’ll learn about the mica shifting properties of metallic clays and how to manipulate single colors of clay to easily create beautiful patterns and effects that look deceptively complex. In addition to basic jewelry construction, you’ll also learn finishing techniques to heighten the metallic effects. Completion of Polymer Clay Basics Course is suggested but not required. Since supplies must be ordered in advance, the registration deadline for this class is Friday, May 10, 2013.
Members: $80, Non-Members: $95. If you do not have one already, a Polymer clay basics toolkit is available for $18 and should be paid for at the time of registration. Contact Chestertown RiverArts at 410-778-6300 or riverarts@verizon.net for more information or to register.
Polymer Clay Group (Free)
Thursday, May 30, 9:00am-12:00pm
Polymer Clay Techniques – Kaleidoscope Canes
Friday, June 7, 2013; 9:00am-3:00pm
Spinning off of an ancient glassworking technique known as millefiori, today’s polymer caning techniques allow you to easily create clay logs with beautiful patterns or images running throughout their lengths. In this class, you’ll learn how to create a variety of simple canes and manipulate them to create strikingly complex kaleidoscope canes. Slices of these canes can be used in a number of projects. Completion of Polymer Clay Basics Course is suggested but not required. Since supplies must be ordered in advance, the registration deadline for this class is Friday, May 31, 2013.
Members: $80, Non-Members: $95. If you do not have one already, a Polymer clay basics toolkit is available for $18 and should be paid for at the time of registration. Contact Chestertown RiverArts at 410-778-6300 or riverarts@verizon.net for more information or to register.
Polymer Clay Group (Free)
Thursday, June 27, 9:00am-12:00pm
Creative Compositions and Digital Processing Techniques with Nikhil Bahl at Chestertown RiverArts on April 6 & 7
RiverArts is sponsoring a second photography class by Nikhil Bahl at the RiverArts Gallery. You can register and pay for this class by calling RiverArts at 410 778-6300 on Wednesday through Friday from 11:00 to 4:00 and on Saturday from 9:00 to 3:00 or by emailing RiverArts@verizon.net.
Date & Time: April 6-7, sunrise to sunset with a break for lunch
Tuition: $350 for Members; $375 for Non-Members
Limit: 10 participants
Description of Class
The digital revolution has changed photography in many ways, but composition is still an essential part of the creative photographer’s arsenal. It is the perspective and composition that can make a photograph unique. However, the importance of the digital darkroom cannot be understated. Whether it is simple adjustments to color, contrast and sharpening, or the creative use of software filters and HDR techniques, the digital darkroom dictates the final rendition of the photograph. In the field and in the classroom, Nikhil will share his ideas on creative compositions and how photographers can push themselves to grow creatively. He will also cover several digital darkroom techniques he uses to process and enhance his photographs. He will also introduce you to some plug-ins for Photoshop and Lightroom that are worth exploring. Be prepared for an intensive 2-day learning experience!
There will be field sessions in the morning and evening to take advantage of the best light. After a late morning break, classroom sessions will be held in the afternoon where attendees will get feedback on their photographs and processing tips and techniques will be shared. Cost of the two day workshop is $350 for members and $375 for non-members.