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WKCTC's Paducah School of Art and Design offering introductory community education classes

Early registration encouraged

Paducah, KY (09/13/2019) — Working a potter's wheel, learning to paint portraits, or discovering how to be creative with a laser cutter. These skills are just a few of the artistic avenues that can be explored with introductory community education classes offered by West Kentucky Community and Technical College's Paducah School of Art and Design (PSAD) during October and November.

"We are excited to offer these classes to adults in our community. Each are designed to provide a variety of art experiences for beginners who have always wanted learn something new and be creative at the same time," said Paul Aho, PSAD director. "We encourage everyone to sign up early as these classes fill up fast."

Introduction to Watercolor
October 5, 9:30 a.m. ­- 3 p.m.
$65, PSAD 2D Graphic and Design Building, 905 Harrison Street
Instructor: Anita Rodriguez-Fitch
This class is for individuals who have always wanted to learn to paint in watercolor. Beginning participants can enjoy and explore this versatile painting medium with an introduction to traditional watercolor methods and more advanced students will explore more experimental techniques.

Supply list for the class:

  • watercolor paint - tubes, pans or cakes
  • watercolor brushes - #12 round
  • #8 round, 1" flat, #4 detail brush
  • 9x12" Strathmore student watercolor paper block
  • number 2 writing OR drawing pencil; eraser - white
  • support board IF using loose sheets; painter's tape for masking off large areas
  • masking tape
  • plastic water containers
  • paper towels

The estimated cost of supplies is $25 and can be purchased locally.

Photo Transfer for Enamels
November 1, 5 - 9 p.m.; November 2, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m
$130, PSAD Ceramics and Small Metals Building, 919 Madison Street
Instructor: Shannon Duffy
Participants will use photographs, drawings and text to produce dramatic sepia toned images on enameled pieces. Using special paper and a laser printer, they will learn to transfer their images then permanently affix them to the enameled surface. This technique can be used as a supplement to showcase another technique or as the centerpiece of the work. Cost of class includes all supplies.

Introduction to Wheel Throwing and Working with Clay
November 2, 9, 16, 23, 9:30 a.m. ­- noon
$119, PSAD Ceramics & Small Metals Building, 919 Madison Street
Instructor: Anne Beyer
During this class, which will be held on four consecutive Saturdays, will teach participants the basics of throwing forms on the potter's wheel. Finished works will be Raku fired, an exciting and dramatic technique used to create beautiful surface effects.

The course fee includes $10 for studio supplies and firing of the finished pieces. There will be an additional cost of $12-$24 for clay according to use.

Capturing Emotion/Portrait Painting
November 15-16, 9:30 a.m. ­- 3 p.m
$65, PSAD 2D Graphic and Design Building
Instructor: Tanya Neitkze
Participants can discover - through oil paint - how to capture the expression of their subject by concentrating on certain features of the face. They will learn how certain brushstrokes and color can capture information of their subject and tell a story. Class students need to bring three to four photos of a portrait (some shoulders, with neck and the head) that they wish to paint. Background optional. Photos can be of student, a friend or family member. Bring good resolution photos or copies of the photos.

Requested paints for this workshop, which are ready in a "wish list" through DickBlick - dickblick.com/lists/wishlist, are Winsor & Newton Griffin Aklyd paints. These paints are made with pigments and oil modified aklyd resin and dry faster than your traditional oil paints. Students will learn the basic oil painting techniques, using the oil alkyd paints during the workshop.Materials:

  • Paints from DickBlick link
  • 2-3 canvases, bigger than 11x14 inches
  • 5-6 brushes, The general idea is to have several brushes of varying sizes (that means widths rather than lengths). Preferably a mix of bristle and synthetic so that you can get a feel for both.
  • Solvent- *Odorless (won't need a large bottle)
  • Paper towel roll
  • Optional-Medium: Liquin Original
  • Metal scraper to scrape glass palette

Email tanya.neitzke@kctcs.edu with any questions about materials.

Laser Cutting
November 23 - 24, 9:30 a.m. ­- noon
$65, PSAD Sculpture Building, 919 Madison Street
Instructor: Evin Dubois
In this two-day class, participants will be introduced to software and strategies of laser cutting with a Full Spectrum laser to cut and engrave wood or metal. Computer literacy required.

For more information about WKCTC community education classes offered this fall, contact Shannon Sexton at shannon.sexton@kctcs.edu, 270-534-3821.

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PSAD offering introductory community education classes in October and November.

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