Class Schedule

Click on a class below to begin the enrollment process:

FA24 (A) Barbara May's Pine Needle Basketry Workshop

Course Description:

The technique of creating crafts from pine needles is called coiling. Predating pottery, this kind of basket weaving is one of the oldest forms of artmaking! In this workshop, you will learn how pine needle coiling is done, and what materials and supplies are needed to achieve this technique. You'll go home at the end of the day with your new basket and the skills and motivation to create more of these fun and functional weaving creations!  

 

Instructor Bio:

Barbara May was born and raised in Atlanta. She raised her sons just blocks from the Abernathy Arts Center and even took a class with them back in the early 1980’s. While living in Florida for the past 25 years, she began to explore art. She actually learned basketry from her watercolor teacher. She was immediately hooked. She would roam the long leaf pine forests to collect the needles. She returned to Atlanta four years ago. She no longer roams forests looking for needles, but now simply buys them online!

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (A) Carol Santos' Painting Studio - EVENING

Course Description:

 Join artist Carol Santos for a fun night of painting. Choose from acrylic, watercolor, or pastels to create your own masterpiece. The instructor will work individually with students and guide them by deepening their understanding of color, form, composition, and techniques. All levels are welcome!

*Please note there will be no class on 9/3.

 

Instructor Bio:

Carol Santos is a Brazilian-born; Atlanta-based artist. Her work is deeply personal and explores the lost narratives of oral history. Her sculptures, paintings, textiles, installations, and conceptual art investigate nostalgia and identity, creating connections with the viewer. Carol holds a bachelor's in communication and marketing, a master's in integrated marketing and communication, and recent graduate (May 2023) with a master’s in fine arts, Painting, from the Savannah College of Arts and Design. Santos’ studio is in Sandy Springs, where she lives with her husband and three children.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (A) Carolyn Rose's Acrylic Painting (Afternoon) - ALL LEVELS

Course Description:

This class is open to anyone interested in painting with acrylics. Whether you are a beginner or with 20 years of experience, the class is made to meet you where you are and grow as a painter. Each week, the instructor will give a brief demonstration of an acrylic painting technique. You can start your paintings by selecting from plenty of examples the instructor will have on hand, or you are more than welcome to bring your own material and have the time and space to work on it. This class is designed to be informative, productive, and reassuring. The instructor has 35 years of experience teaching all levels of painting.

*Please note there will be no class on 9/3.

 

Instructor Bio:

Since enrolling in her first painting class in 1986 at a community arts center in Atlanta, Carolyn E. Rose has been actively interested in painting. She could tell right away how much drawing and painting meant to her. She earned a BFA in painting and drawing from SCAD in 2001 and an MFA in painting and drawing from Georgia State University in 2006. The High Museum of Art, the Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, and various other galleries in the Southeast have all displayed her work. She has experience teaching college students at all levels in drawing and painting, illustration, foundations (color theory & 2D design), art history, fashion history, and fashion design.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (A) Carolyn Rose's Acrylic Painting (Morning) - ALL LEVELS

Course Description:

This class is open to anyone interested in painting with acrylics. Whether you are a beginner or with 20 years of experience, the class is made to meet you where you are and grow as a painter. Each week, the instructor will give a brief demonstration of an acrylic painting technique. You can start your paintings by selecting from plenty of examples the instructor will have on hand, or you are more than welcome to bring your own material and have the time and space to work on it. This class is designed to be informative, productive, and reassuring. The instructor has 35 years of experience teaching all levels of painting.

*Please note there will be no class on 9/3.

 

Instructor Bio:

Since enrolling in her first painting class in 1986 at a community arts center in Atlanta, Carolyn E. Rose has been actively interested in painting. She could tell right away how much drawing and painting meant to her. She earned a BFA in painting and drawing from SCAD in 2001 and an MFA in painting and drawing from Georgia State University in 2006. The High Museum of Art, the Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, and various other galleries in the Southeast have all displayed her work. She has experience teaching college students at all levels in drawing and painting, illustration, foundations (color theory & 2D design), art history, fashion history, and fashion design.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (A) Carolyn Rose's Portrait Drawing ONE

Course Description:

Learn the essentials of Portrait Drawing through basic shapes, tone, shadow, and line work using a range of simple artistic tools and techniques. Instructor Carolyn Rose will provide step-by-step guidance and personalized feedback, offering valuable insights as you delve into the art of capturing both the likeness and personality of your subject. This class is great for Beginners in Portrait drawing and those intrigued by the Science behind the rendering of the face. 

*Please note there will be no class on 9/5.

 

Instructor Bio:

 Since enrolling in her first painting class in 1986 at a community arts center in Atlanta, Carolyn E. Rose has been actively interested in painting. She could tell right away how much drawing and painting meant to her. She earned a BFA in painting and drawing from SCAD in 2001 and an MFA in painting and drawing from Georgia State University in 2006. The High Museum of Art, the Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, and various other galleries in the Southeast have all displayed her work. She has experience teaching college students at all levels in drawing and painting, illustration, foundations (color theory & 2D design), art history, fashion history, and fashion design.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (A) Cheryl Henos' Hand Tinting on Photos Workshop

Course Description:

This workshop is open to everyone! If you take pictures, this one is for you!  Cheryl will show you a creative way to add an extra special touch to your photos.  You’ll learn about the process of hand-coloring black-and-white photos.  Cheryl will show you how to turn a color picture into a black-and-white photograph.  Cheryl will supply one of her photos for you to hand-color with pastels during this fun and informative workshop.

 

Instructor Bio:

Based in Atlanta, Cheryl wears the hats of both photographer and painter.  From her early days, Cheryl was drawn to painting, but the allure of black and white photography captivated her.  What sets Cheryl apart is her seamless fusion of her dual passions.  She hand-paints her photographs using oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastels and pencil. Her art isn’t just about what you see, it’s about the stories it evokes within you.  Cheryl crafts her work to allow viewers to embark on their own journey. Despite temporarily setting aside her artistic pursuits to raise her  sons and pursue a career in music and media, Cheryl’s vision of being an artist never waned.  Encouragement from her husband Mike, sons Max and Seth (and accomplished photographer in is own right), and her parents finally fueled her decision to pursue her passion for art full time. 

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (A) Cheryl Henos' Hand Tinting on Photos Workshop

Course Description:

This workshop is open to everyone! If you take pictures, this one is for you!  Cheryl will show you a creative way to add an extra special touch to your photos.  You’ll learn about the process of hand-coloring black-and-white photos.  Cheryl will show you how to turn a color picture into a black-and-white photograph.  Cheryl will supply one of her photos for you to hand-color with pastels during this fun and informative workshop.

 

Instructor Bio:

Based in Atlanta, Cheryl wears the hats of both photographer and painter.  From her early days, Cheryl was drawn to painting, but the allure of black and white photography captivated her.  What sets Cheryl apart is her seamless fusion of her dual passions.  She hand-paints her photographs using oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastels, and pencil. Her art isn’t just about what you see, it’s about the stories it evokes within you.  Cheryl crafts her work to allow viewers to embark on their own journey. Despite temporarily setting aside her artistic pursuits to raise her sons and pursue a career in music and media, Cheryl’s vision of being an artist never waned.  Encouragement from her husband Mike, sons Max and Seth (an accomplished photographer in his own right), and her parents finally fueled her decision to pursue her passion for art full-time. 

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (A) Debra Nadelhoffer’s Oil Painting

Class Description:

In this class students will work on composition, value, shapes, and techniques in oils.  We will be using photos or occasionally work from set ups to examine the effect of light on subjects. Students can bring their own photos to work from or use some provided by me. This class will help students make better decisions about how to begin a painting and carry it through stages to completion. If you are looking to step up in your painting journey, this class will get you started.

Please Note: There will be no class on 9/5 and 9/12

 

Instructor Bio:

I have loved color and creating since I was a child. Rainy days spent inside coloring or painting were my favorite activities. Not much has changed, a rainy day remains an invitation to turn on some beautiful music and create at the easel. As a young adult I married and since we lived in a rural area, it was not easy or affordable to take art classes. I painted from home while raising my family, studying books and working first with watercolor, then pastels and finally oils. Each medium had its own strengths and I now use something from all of them to create my paintings. As my family grew, I went to work and began to take life classes in the evenings after my youngest child left for college. It was so exciting to be able to learn from wonderful artists. I painted at night and on the weekends working in oils and pastels.  I was president of Southeastern Pastel Society for seven years and came into contact with some talented artists. The desire to paint from life sent me outside into the landscape to paint plein air.  Painting plein air has enhanced my work beyond what I could have imagined.  I continue to paint plein air for my own education, working on location and bringing information back into the studio where I remember colors, sounds and impressions that no photograph can duplicate. I have found my passion painting the landscape in oils and pastels with all of its many moods, trying to share my vision with the viewer. I particularly love painting the mountains, coast and water anywhere. My greatest compliment is when someone says my paintings make them feel like they are there.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (A) Diana Toma's Acrylic Painting

Course Description:

In this class, you will learn how to infuse realistic elements with abstract forms, marrying two different viewpoints, and create mesmerizing compositions. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this class is designed to inspire and elevate your artistic skills to new heights. This is a one-of-a-kind approach where traditional techniques blend harmoniously with contemporary concepts. Sign up now for our exclusive class taught by award-winning visual artist Diana Toma

*Please note, there will be no class on 9/3.

 

Instructor Bio:

Holding a master's degree in Fine Arts from the prestigious Romanian University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, Diana has been engaging with the art community since 1995 showcasing her work in over a hundred international group exhibitions and eight solo art shows. Diana is often invited to judge and jury art shows and to speak on behalf of the working artist on open panels, such as The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and at The Contemporary Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. Between 1995 and 2021 Diana won an array of awards locally as well as on an international level. Her artworks have been showcased in art magazines, and billboards, and acquired by corporations to be displayed in public spaces. Diana is the demonstration chair for the Georgia Watercolor Society and the former IWS USA branch president of the International Watercolor Society. Diana also teaches painting classes for adults in the Atlanta area and at art centers within the US and abroad. Her teaching approach focuses on fast, free-flowing painting release, and creative un-blockage.

 

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (A) Diana Toma's Journey into Painting Watercolor Freely - EVENING

Course Description:

 Fall in love with watercolor by learning the core principles of painting applied specifically to watercolor techniques. Learn to paint from direct observation as well as from photos, working on a variety of subjects from flowers, cityscapes, still nature, wildlife, portraits, and more. You will finish a painting by the end of each session. A demo will be performed at each class and individual guidance will be given as you progress with your artwork. All levels are welcome!

*Please note there will be no class on 9/3.

 

Instructor Bio:

Holding a master’s degree in fine arts from the prestigious Romanian University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, Diana has been engaging with the art community since 1995 showcasing her work in over a hundred international group exhibitions and eight solo art shows. Diana is often invited to judge and jury art shows and to speak on behalf of the working artist on open panels, such as The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and at The Contemporary Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. Between 1995 and 2021 Diana won an array of awards locally as well as on an international level. Her artworks have been showcased in art magazines, and billboards, and acquired by corporations to be displayed in public spaces. Diana is the demonstration chair for the Georgia Watercolor Society and the former IWS USA branch president of the International Watercolor Society. Diana also teaches painting classes for adults in the Atlanta area and at art centers within the US and abroad. Her teaching approach focuses on fast, free-flowing painting release, and creative un-blockage.

 

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (A) Diana Toma's Painting with Watercolor

Course Description:

In this class, you will learn how to infuse realistic elements with abstract forms, marrying two different viewpoints, and create mesmerizing compositions. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this class is designed to inspire and elevate your artistic skills to new heights. This is a one-of-a-kind approach where traditional techniques blend harmoniously with contemporary concepts. Sign up now for our exclusive class taught by award-winning visual artist Diana Toma.

*Please note, there will be no class on 9/3.

 

Instructor Bio:

 Holding a master’s degree in fine arts from the prestigious Romanian University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, Diana has been engaging with the art community since 1995 showcasing her work in over a hundred international group exhibitions and eight solo art shows. Diana is often invited to judge and jury art shows and to speak on behalf of the working artist on open panels, such as The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and at The Contemporary Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. Between 1995 and 2021 Diana won an array of awards locally as well as on an international level. Her artworks have been showcased in art magazines, and billboards, and acquired by corporations to be displayed in public spaces. Diana is the demonstration chair for the Georgia Watercolor Society and the former IWS USA branch president of the International Watercolor Society. Diana also teaches painting classes for adults in the Atlanta area and at art centers within the US and abroad. Her teaching approach focuses on fast, free-flowing painting release, and creative un-blockage.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (A) Evelyn Breit's Color Pencil Workshop

Course Description:

Color pencils are vibrant, fun, and user-friendly. Students will learn essential techniques and methods, such as hatching and layering, to achieve dramatic, luminous drawings. 

Open to all levels; references and instructor demo included.

 

Instructor Bio:

Evelyn M. Breit is an Atlanta based artist who works from the live model in pastel, graphite, charcoal, and oil. A full-time painter for many years, she also paints landscapes, still life, and portraits. Evelyn holds a BFA with honors from the State University of New York and is a winner of numerous awards. She is Member of Excellence at the Southeastern Pastel Society and Atlanta Artists Center, as well as Juried Associate Member at the Pastel Society of America. Evelyn has studied portrait and landscape painting with acclaimed artists Margaret Carter Baumgaertner, Burton Silverman, Richard Whitney, Susan Ogilvie, and Bill Hosner.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (A) Evelyn Breit's Drawing - ALL LEVELS

Course Description:

This drawing class is perfect for both beginners and those who wish to practice and sharpen their drawing skills. Using a variety of dry materials (pencil, charcoal, graphite, and Conté - and any additional drawing materials you may have) students will learn about value, form, and composition. Working from observation and references, students will focus on line, shading, and perspective. See Supply List (appx. $45), please bring all your supplies to our first class meeting.

*Please note there will be no class on 9/6.

Instructor Bio:

Evelyn M. Breit is an Atlanta-based artist who works from the live model in pastel, graphite, charcoal, and oil. A full-time painter for many years, she also paints landscapes, still life, and portraits. Evelyn holds a BFA with honors from the State University of New York and is a winner of numerous awards. She is a Member of Excellence at the Southeastern Pastel Society and Atlanta Artists Center, as well as a Juried Associate Member at the Pastel Society of America. Evelyn has studied portrait and landscape painting with acclaimed artists Margaret Carter Baumgaertner, Burton Silverman, Richard Whitney, Susan Ogilvie, and Bill Hosner.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (A) Evelyn Breit's Pastel Painting
Course Description:
 
Students will learn key pastel techniques, application methods, color harmony, and composition,
to create vivid paintings in a variety of subjects.  Classes will include demos, reference materials, 
and individualized instruction for all levels.

*Please note there will be no class on 9/6.

 

Instructor Bio:

Evelyn M. Breit is an Atlanta-based artist who works from the live model in pastel, graphite, charcoal, and oil. A full-time painter for many years, she also paints landscapes, still life, and portraits. Evelyn holds a BFA with honors from the State University of New York and is a winner of numerous awards. She is a Member of Excellence at the Southeastern Pastel Society and Atlanta Artists Center, as well as a Juried Associate Member at the Pastel Society of America. Evelyn has studied portrait and landscape painting with acclaimed artists Margaret Carter Baumgaertner, Burton Silverman, Richard Whitney, Susan Ogilvie, and Bill Hosner.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.
FA24 (A) Jessica Kemper’s Georgia Native Wildflowers Embroidery – ALL LEVELS

Course Description:

Our finished project in this course will be 3, four-inch hoops featuring Georgia Native Wildflowers to create a small wall hanging or artwork for a bookshelf, or even use them as Christmas Tree ornaments. You will learn a variety of stitches used to complete these patterns including backstitch, French knot, and satin. Based on your previous embroidery experience (all levels welcome) and your work rate, you may or may not complete all work by the end of the six-week course, but printed instructions will be provided to complete at home. Included in your material fee will be all necessary thread, needles, a magnetic needle minder, hoops, canvas, and patterns. 

*Please note there will be no class on 9/5 and 9/12.

 

Instructor Bio:

Jessica Kemper started her embroidery business Field Guide Embroidery several years ago and specializes in nature themed hand embroidered art. Her work is used to connect people with nature, bring awareness to endangered species, and tell stories. She attends in person markets to sell her work and also has been accepted to several art shows. Combined with her love of the outdoors, she has bachelor’s degrees in Horticulture and Environmental Studies from UW-Madison, which often inspire her work. 

 

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (A) Jessica Kemper’s Great Horned Owl Embroidery – ALL LEVELS - EVENING

Course Description:

Whooooo doesn't love owls? This course's finished project is a baseball cap, adorned with a hand stitched Great Horned Owl. Perfect for hiking, birding, or as a gift for your bird loving friend. You will learn the necessary stitch styles to complete this project, and we will break the owl into sections to work on each week. Based on your previous embroidery experience (all levels welcome) and your work rate, you may or may not complete all work by the end of the six week course, but printed instructions will be provided to complete at home. Included in your material fee will be all necessary thread, needles, a magnetic needle minder, a baseball cap made from sustainable sources (pictured) and a pattern printed on stabilizer. 

*Please note, there will be no class on 9/4 and 9/11.

 

Instructor Bio:

Jessica Kemper started her embroidery business Field Guide Embroidery several years ago and specializes in nature themed hand embroidered art. Her work is used to connect people with nature, bring awareness to endangered species, and tell stories. She attends in person markets to sell her work and also has been accepted to several art shows. Combined with her love of the outdoors, she has bachelor’s degrees in Horticulture and Environmental Studies from UW-Madison, which often inspire her work. 

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (A) Karina Spataru Toma's Creative Drawing and Painting (AGES 9-13)

Course Description:

This class offers an encouraging environment where students explore the creative learning process. Students will start with essential drawing skills and then move to investigate the fundamentals of color and painting. Please see the Supply List below

*Please note there will be no class on 9/5.

Instructor Bio:

Karina Spătaru Toma attends the Fine Arts Department at Kennesaw State University. Winner of the 2022 School of Art and Design Scholarship, she is a photorealist portrait artist and is an experienced summer camp instructor. In the video game and animation industries, she is pursuing training to become a character and environment concept designer.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (A) Karina Spataru Toma's Teen Graphite Portrait Drawing (Ages 13-18)

Course Description:

This course is an in-depth dive into drawing graphite portraits. Students will develop their observational skills, practice graphite drawing techniques, and learn about facial structure. 

*Please note there will be no class on 9/6.

 

 

Instructor Bio:

Karina Spătaru Toma graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Kennesaw State University in 2024. Winner of the 2022 School of Art and Design Scholarship, she is a photorealist portrait artist and is an experienced summer camp instructor. In the video game and animation industries, she is pursuing training to become a character and environment concept designer.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (A) Kathy Rennell Forbes’ Painted Vacations in Watercolor

Course Description:

Students will create paintings in watercolor inspired by their travel photos or sketches. Kathy will start each class with a demonstration, then assist students individually and offer critiques (if desired). Prior watercolor experience highly encouraged; this is NOT a beginning class. Returning students will build on skills previously developed. Bring your current watercolors (warm and cool of each primary) and supplies, an assessment will be done to determine if additional items are needed. 

Please email questions to Kathy at: ArtbyKRF@mindspring.com

*Please note there will be no class on 9/4.

Instructor Bio:

Kathy Rennell Forbes is an accomplished artist and instructor. Her impressionistic paintings are in private and corporate collections around the world.

The artist was a 2017 Olmsted Plein Air Invitational "Master Artist." She was an invited artist to the Olmsted Georgia Color four times (2019 - 2022). Kathy is a Signature Member and past President of the Georgia Watercolor Society. She participates in many solo and group shows; and has won awards in local, regional and national exhibits. Forbes earned her BFA in Art and Art Education at the University of Georgia in Athens. She continues to attend art workshops with many of the leading painters of today.

Kathy has exhibited and conducted watercolor demonstrations at the High Museum of Art, Booth Western Art Museum and Oglethorpe University Museum of Art. She conducts watercolor workshops around the U.S. and Internationally (Cuba, France, Italy, Spain) and teaches art classes in the Atlanta area. Forbes creates her artwork at ‘Studio Z’ in Atlanta’s historic Westside Arts District.

https://www.rennellforbes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/artbykrf/

https://www.facebook.com/KathyRennellForbesArtist

Artist Statement:

I work in watercolor, acrylic and oil; my favorite is watercolor. I love the freedom this medium provides and how the paints react to different surfaces and the way I manipulate my brush. The medium is very transportable. It allows me to travel with a minimum of supplies across the globe, to a local park or garden to paint outdoors. Working in nature, heightens all my senses that then take hold in my paintings. In addition to the beautiful landscape in front of me; I like to capture the sound of the birds and insects chirping, the soft breeze on the back of my neck, the smell of the saltwater and the taste of local foods into my paintings. Although some of my outdoor paintings are finished works, many are studies. I take the information I gathered onsite and incorporate them into my studio paintings.

 

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (A) Lauren Adams' ABCs of Color for Acrylic and Watercolor

Course Description:

Does color frustrate and mystify you? Do you find it difficult to mix the “right” color and waste paint in the process? This workshop explores the theory as well as the practical applications of color mixing, enabling you to gain mastery over color.

Enjoy presentation, demonstration, color mixing exercises, plenty of feedback, and assistance applying concepts to new works/works in progress.

 

Instructor Bio:

Instructor: Lauren Adams (www.laurenadamsartist.com)

A Southern artist and native of rural middle Georgia, Lauren Adams has explored and experimented with painting and drawing most of her life. Inspired by her southern roots and the natural world, her work runs the gamut from figurative, to landscape and beyond.  Adams holds an MFA in painting from the Savannah College of Art & Design. And in addition to her studio practice, she currently teaches adult painting classes in a wide variety of media at various arts centers in Georgia.  Adams’ work can be found in many private and public collections throughout the Southeast, including the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and the Historical Society of Sandersville, GA.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (A) Mary McGregor's Mixed Media: Paint, Draw, Collage, and Clay (Ages 6-8)

Course Description:

Young artists will explore a wide range of materials such as watercolor, water-soluble markers, colored pencils, clay, and collage to create a variety of mixed-media projects. This is a friendly and non-competitive class where it's all about having fun and enjoying being creative. 

ALL SUPPLIES ARE INCLUDED – JUST BRING YOUR IMAGINATION!

*Please note there will be no class on 9/3.

 

Instructor Bio:

Mary MacGregor is an illustrator from Marietta, Georgia, who graduated with a BFA from Kennesaw State University in 2023. Growing up in a household of artists and musicians, she was encouraged to pursue the arts at an early age. As she got older, her love for drawing shifted from a hobby to a serious career pursuit. In 2020, she transferred to Kennesaw State University as an art major. There, she built a network of likeminded artists which led her to opportunities at local art shows and conventions. Mary has an affinity for digital illustration, as well as traditional media such as ink and gouache. Her artwork is heavily inspired by her passion for fantasy and science fiction. She plans to pursue a career in the entertainment industry as a concept artist. 

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (A) Melanie Paul's Learn to Knit - PART 1 (SATURDAY)

Course Description:

In this introductory class, you will learn the fundamentals of knitting - cast on, knit, purl, stockinette stitch, garter stitch, and how to bind off. You will be able to create a combination of stitches and make popular design patterns in no time at all. A review of knitting terms, types of yarns, various needle sizes, and stitch samples will be presented. You will learn how to read a yarn label and be ready to select yarn for your future projects. The class project is a headband.

*Please note there will be no class on 9/7.

 

Instructor Bio:

Melanie Paul has been knitting for more than 20 years. She has knitted and designed an array of fashion items and accessories including coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, and purses. Her knit repertoire also includes decorative pieces for the home.  She has participated in holiday craft shows and has donated many hand-knits for charitable distribution.  Melanie teaches knitting privately and has been a fiber arts instructor at continuing education programs.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

 

FA24 (A) Melanie Paul's Learn to Knit - PART 1 (THURSDAY)

Course Description:

In this introductory class, you will learn the fundamentals of knitting - cast on, knit, purl, stockinette stitch, garter stitch, and how to bind off. You will be able to create a combination of stitches and make popular design patterns in no time at all. A review of knitting terms, types of yarns, various needle sizes, and stitch samples will be presented. You will learn how to read a yarn label and be ready to select yarn for your future projects. The class project is a headband.

*Please note there will be no class on 9/5.

 

Instructor Bio:

Melanie Paul has been knitting for more than 20 years. She has knitted and designed an array of fashion items and accessories including coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, and purses. Her knit repertoire also includes decorative pieces for the home.  She has participated in holiday craft shows and has donated many hand-knits for charitable distribution.  Melanie teaches knitting privately and has been a fiber arts instructor at continuing education programs.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

 

FA24 (A) Tehila Eisenstat’s Impressionist/Expressionist Painting in Acrylic
Course Description:
 
In this class you will create paintings with the luscious feeling of oil, using less-toxic, fast drying acrylic paints.  Learn color mixing and how to create depth and movement in your paintings.
 
All levels of painting experience are welcome.
 
*Please note that there is no class on 9/4.
 
Instructor Bio:
 
Tehila studied impressionistic painting with master artists in the United States and Europe. A former resident of California, she has been teaching art for many years and travels extensively to teach and lecture. These journeys are a continuing source of inspiration and discovery for new techniques in her painting. Her works are displayed in galleries throughout the northwestern United States and in private collections around the world.
 
Studied Art History at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA, painting from Internationally known Artists, Art Therapy at UC Berkeley and then developed her own method of Art Therapy.
 
Practiced Art Therapy for Cancer survivors and the staff at El Camino Hospital, The Hospital of Silicon Valley, and at Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, Ca since 2000.
 
Taught special workshops at Palo Alto University (affiliated with Stanford University) to nurses studying for doctorate in Psychology.
 
Taught at CSUMB (Ca. State University Monterey Bay)
Received several awards including the Star Award from Cancer Support Community, Silicon Valley.
 
I have experienced the following in my classes:
  1. Colors have a strong influence on how we feel; Relaxing, Energy, Cool, Warm Etc…
  2. Reduction in Stress and Anxiety, Increases Positive Emotions
  3. Improves Quality of Life
 
“Art washes away from the soul the debris of everyday life”
-Pablo Picasso
 
TEHILA EISENSTAT, Professional Artist, Teacher, Art Therapist
 
 
 

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (A) Vasil Vasilev's Drawing and Painting Studio (AGES 14-18)

Course Description:

Beginning teens will benefit from Vasil’s knowledge and experience, while more experienced artists will further develop their style and techniques. Review basic drawing fundamentals and then advance to painting and drawing in different mediums. Vasil will emphasize basic techniques, composition, and color mixing. Please note the Supply List (approximate cost - $35) to bring to first class.

*Please note there will be no class on 9/4.

 

Instructor Bio:

 Vasil Vasilev was born in Vidin, Bulgaria. He started drawing and sketching from the early age of 15. After graduating from high school, he continued his education in one of Bulgaria's Fine Arts universities (SWU). He spent a year and a half in South London (UK) for practical training in oil painting. Vasilev decided to move to the USA in 2009 where he began to work professionally in the field of Fine Art.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

 

FA24 (B) Barbara May's Pine Needle Basketry Workshop

Course Description:

The technique of creating crafts from pine needles is called coiling. Predating pottery, this kind of basket weaving is one of the oldest forms of artmaking! In this workshop, you will learn how pine needle coiling is done, and what materials and supplies are needed to achieve this technique. You'll go home at the end of the day with your new basket and the skills and motivation to create more of these fun and functional weaving creations!  

 

Instructor Bio:

Barbara May was born and raised in Atlanta. She raised her sons just blocks from the Abernathy Arts Center and even took a class with them back in the early 1980’s. While living in Florida for the past 25 years, she began to explore art. She actually learned basketry from her watercolor teacher. She was immediately hooked. She would roam the long leaf pine forests to collect the needles. She returned to Atlanta four years ago. She no longer roams forests looking for needles, but now simply buys them online!

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (B) Carol Santos’ Painting Studio - Evening

Join artist Carol Santos for a fun night of painting. Choose from acrylic, watercolor, or pastels to create your own masterpiece. The instructor will work individually with students and guide them by deepening their understanding of color, form, composition, and techniques. All levels welcome!

Instructor Bio:

Carol Santos is a Brazilian born; Atlanta based artist. Her work is deeply personal and explores the lost narratives of oral history. Her sculptures, paintings, textiles, installations, and conceptual art investigate nostalgia and identity, creating connections with the viewer. Carol holds a bachelor's in communication and marketing, a master's in integrated marketing and communication and recent graduate (May 2023) with a master’s in fine arts, Painting, from the Savannah College of Arts and Design. Santos’ studio is in Sandy Springs, where she lives with her husband and three children.

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FA24 (B) Carolyn Rose’s Acrylic Painting (Afternoon) – ALL LEVELS

This class is open to anyone interested in painting with acrylics. Whether you are a beginner or with 20 years’ experience, the class is made to meet you where you are and grow as a painter. Each week, the instructor will give a brief demonstration on an acrylic painting technique. You can start your paintings by selecting from plenty of examples the instructor will have on-hand, or you are more than welcome to bring your own material and have the time and space to work on it. This class is designed to be informative, productive, and reassuring. The instructor has 35 years' experience teaching all levels of painting.

Instructor Biio:

Since enrolling in her first painting class in 1986 at a community arts center in Atlanta, Carolyn E. Rose has been actively interested in painting. She could tell right away how much drawing and painting meant to her. She earned a BFA in painting and drawing from SCAD in 2001 and an MFA in painting and drawing from Georgia State University in 2006. The High Museum of Art, the Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, and various other galleries in the Southeast have all displayed her work. She has experience teaching college students at all levels in drawing and painting, illustration, foundations (color theory & 2D design), art history, fashion history, and fashion design.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (B) Carolyn Rose’s Acrylic Painting (Morning) -- ALL LEVELS

 

This class is open to anyone interested in painting with acrylics. Whether you are a beginner or with 20 years’ experience, the class is made to meet you where you are and grow as a painter. Each week, the instructor will give a brief demonstration on an acrylic painting technique. You can start your paintings by selecting from plenty of examples the instructor will have on-hand, or you are more than welcome to bring your own material and have the time and space to work on it. This class is designed to be informative, productive, and reassuring. The instructor has 35 years' experience teaching all levels of painting.

 

Instructor Bio:

 

Since enrolling in her first painting class in 1986 at a community arts center in Atlanta, Carolyn E. Rose has been actively interested in painting. She could tell right away how much drawing and painting meant to her. She earned a BFA in painting and drawing from SCAD in 2001 and an MFA in painting and drawing from Georgia State University in 2006. The High Museum of Art, the Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, and various other galleries in the Southeast have all displayed her work. She has experience teaching college students at all levels in drawing and painting, illustration, foundations (color theory & 2D design), art history, fashion history, and fashion design.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (B) Carolyn Rose's Portrait Drawing TWO (Beyond the Basics)

Course Description:

This class is for students who have completed the first Portrait Drawing class with Carolyn Rose or have met with her prior to registering for this class. Continue to discover the essentials of Portrait Drawing through basic shapes, tone, shadow, and linework using a range of simple artistic tools and techniques. Instructor Carolyn Rose will provide step-by-step guidance and personized feedback, offering valuable insights as you delve into the art of capturing both likeness and personality of your subject. This class is great for those intrigued by the science behind the art of portraits.

 

Instructor Bio:

 Since enrolling in her first painting class in 1986 at a community arts center in Atlanta, Carolyn E. Rose has been actively interested in painting. She could tell right away how much drawing and painting meant to her. She earned a BFA in painting and drawing from SCAD in 2001 and an MFA in painting and drawing from Georgia State University in 2006. The High Museum of Art, the Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, and various other galleries in the Southeast have all displayed her work. She has experience teaching college students at all levels in drawing and painting, illustration, foundations (color theory & 2D design), art history, fashion history, and fashion design.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (B) Cheryl Henos' Hand Tinting on Photos Workshop

Course Description:

This workshop open to everyone!   If you take pictures, this one is for you!  Cheryl will show you a creative way to add an extra special touch to your photos.  You’ll learn about the process of hand-coloring black and white photos.  Cheryl will show you how to turn a color picture into a black and white photograph.  Cheryl will supply one of her photos for you to hand-color with pastels during this fun and informative workshop.

 

Instructor Bio:

Based in Atlanta, Cheryl wears the hats of both photographer and painter.  From her early days, Cheryl was drawn to painting, but the allure of black and white photography captivated her.  What sets Cheryl apart is her seamless fusion of her dual passions.  She hand-paints her photographs using oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastels, and pencil. Her art isn’t just about what you see, it’s about the stories it evokes within you.  Cheryl crafts her work to allow viewers to embark on their own journey. Despite temporarily setting aside her artistic pursuits to raise her sons and pursue a career in music and media, Cheryl’s vision of being an artist never waned.  Encouragement from her husband Mike, sons Max and Seth (an accomplished photographer in his own right), and her parents finally fueled her decision to pursue her passion for art full-time. 

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FA24 (B) Debra Naddelhoffer's Oil Painting

Course Description:

In this class students will work on composition, value, shapes, and techniques in oils.  We will be using photos or occasionally work from set ups to examine the effect of light on subjects. Students can bring their own photos to work from or use some provided by me. This class will help students make better decisions about how to begin a painting and carry it through stages to completion. If you are looking to step up in your painting journey, this class will get you started.

Please Note: There will be no class on October 17

 

Instructor Bio:

I have loved color and creating since I was a child. Rainy days spent inside coloring or painting were my favorite activities. Not much has changed, a rainy day remains an invitation to turn on some beautiful music and create at the easel. As a young adult I married and since we lived in a rural area, it was not easy or affordable to take art classes. I painted from home while raising my family, studying books and working first with watercolor, then pastels and finally oils. Each medium had its own strengths and I now use something from all of them to create my paintings. As my family grew, I went to work and began to take life classes in the evenings after my youngest child left for college. It was so exciting to be able to learn from wonderful artists. I painted at night and on the weekends working in oils and pastels.  I was president of Southeastern Pastel Society for seven years and came into contact with some talented artists. The desire to paint from life sent me outside into the landscape to paint plein air.  Painting plein air has enhanced my work beyond what I could have imagined.  I continue to paint plein air for my own education, working on location and bringing information back into the studio where I remember colors, sounds and impressions that no photograph can duplicate. I have found my passion painting the landscape in oils and pastels with all of its many moods, trying to share my vision with the viewer. I particularly love painting the mountains, coast and water anywhere. My greatest compliment is when someone says my paintings make them feel like they are there.

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FA24 (B) Diana Toma's Acrylic Painting

 

In this class, you will learn how to infuse realistic elements with abstract forms, marrying two different viewpoints, and create mesmerizing compositions. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this class is designed to inspire and elevate your artistic skills to new heights. This is a one-of-a-kind approach where traditional techniques blend harmoniously with contemporary concepts. Sign up now for our exclusive class taught by award-winning visual artist Diana Toma.

 

Instructor Bio:

 

Holding a master's degree in Fine Arts from the prestigious Romanian University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, Diana has been engaging with the art community since 1995 showcasing her work in over a hundred international group exhibitions and eight solo art shows. Diana is often invited to judge and jury art shows and to speak on behalf of the working artist on open panels, such as The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and at The Contemporary Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. Between 1995 and 2021 Diana won an array of awards locally as well as on an international level. Her artworks have been showcased in art magazines, and billboards, and acquired by corporations to be displayed in public spaces. Diana is the demonstration chair for the Georgia Watercolor Society and the former IWS USA branch president of the International Watercolor Society. Diana also teaches painting classes for adults in the Atlanta area and at art centers within the US and abroad. Her teaching approach focuses on fast, free-flowing painting release, and creative un-blockage.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (B) Diana Toma's Journey into Painting Watercolor Freely - EVENING

Fall in love with watercolor by learning the core principles of painting applied specifically to watercolor techniques. Learn to paint from direct observation as well as from photos, working on a variety of subjects from flowers, cityscapes, still nature, wildlife, portraits, and more. You will finish a painting by the end of each session. A demo will be performed at each class and individual guidance will be given as you progress with your artwork. All levels are welcome!

 

Instructor Bio:

 

Holding a master’s degree in fine arts from the prestigious Romanian University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, Diana has been engaging with the art community since 1995 showcasing her work in over a hundred international group exhibitions and eight solo art shows. Diana is often invited to judge and jury art shows and to speak on behalf of the working artist on open panels, such as The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and at The Contemporary Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. Between 1995 and 2021 Diana won an array of awards locally as well as on an international level. Her artworks have been showcased in art magazines, and billboards, and acquired by corporations to be displayed in public spaces. Diana is the demonstration chair for the Georgia Watercolor Society and the former IWS USA branch president of the International Watercolor Society. Diana also teaches painting classes for adults in the Atlanta area and at art centers within the US and abroad. Her teaching approach focuses on fast, free-flowing painting release, and creative un-blockage.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (B) Diana Toma's Painting with Watercolor

In this class, you will learn how to infuse realistic elements with abstract forms, marrying two different viewpoints, and create mesmerizing compositions. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this class is designed to inspire and elevate your artistic skills to new heights. This is a one-of-a-kind approach where traditional techniques blend harmoniously with contemporary concepts. Sign up now for our exclusive class taught by award-winning visual artist Diana Toma

Instructor Bio:

 

Holding a master’s degree in fine arts from the prestigious Romanian University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, Diana has been engaging with the art community since 1995 showcasing her work in over a hundred international group exhibitions and eight solo art shows. Diana is often invited to judge and jury art shows and to speak on behalf of the working artist on open panels, such as The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and at The Contemporary Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. Between 1995 and 2021 Diana won an array of awards locally as well as on an international level. Her artworks have been showcased in art magazines, and billboards, and acquired by corporations to be displayed in public spaces. Diana is the demonstration chair for the Georgia Watercolor Society and the former IWS USA branch president of the International Watercolor Society. Diana also teaches painting classes for adults in the Atlanta area and at art centers within the US and abroad. Her teaching approach focuses on fast, free-flowing painting release, and creative un-blockage.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (B) Evelyn Breit's Drawing - ALL LEVELS

Course Description:

This drawing class is perfect for both beginners and those who wish to practice and sharpen their drawing skills. Using a variety of dry materials (pencil, charcoal, graphite and Conté - and any additional drawing materials you may have) students will learn about value, form, and composition. Working from observation and references, students will focus on line, shading, and perspective. See Supply List (appx. $45), please bring all your supplies to our first class meeting.

 

Instructor Bio:

Evelyn M. Breit is an Atlanta based artist who works from the live model in pastel, pencil, charcoal, and oil. A full-time artist for many years, she also paints landscapes, still-life, and portraits.  Evelyn is a winner of numerous awards and holds a BFA with honors from the State University of New York.  She has studied portrait and landscape painting with Susan Ogilvie, Margaret Carter Baumgaertner, Burton Silverman, Richard Whitney, and Bill Hosner.  Evelyn is Master Pastelist at the Southeastern Pastel Society, Juried Associate Member with the Pastel Society of America, and Member of Excellence at Atlanta Artists Center. 

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (B) Evelyn Breit's Pastel Painting

Course Description:

Students will learn key pastel techniques, application methods, color harmony, and composition,

to create vivid paintings in a variety of subjects.  Classes will include demos, reference materials, 

and individualized instruction for all levels.

 

Instructor Bio:

Evelyn M. Breit is an Atlanta based artist who works from the live model in pastel, pencil, charcoal, and oil. A full-time artist for many years, she also paints landscapes, still-life, and portraits.  Evelyn is a winner of numerous awards and holds a BFA with honors from the State University of New York.  She has studied portrait and landscape painting with Susan Ogilvie, Margaret Carter Baumgaertner, Burton Silverman, Richard Whitney, and Bill Hosner.  Evelyn is Master Pastelist at the Southeastern Pastel Society, Juried Associate Member with the Pastel Society of America, and Member of Excellence at Atlanta Artists Center. 

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (B) Jessica Kemper's Georgia Native Wildflowers Embroidery

Course Description:

Our finished project in this course will be 3, four-inch hoops featuring Georgia Native Wildflowers to create a small wall hanging or artwork for a bookshelf, or even use them as Christmas Tree ornaments. You will learn a variety of stitches used to complete these patterns including backstitch, French knot, and satin. Based on your previous embroidery experience (all levels welcome) and your work rate, you may or may not complete all work by the end of the six-week course, but printed instructions will be provided to complete at home. Included in your material fee will be all necessary thread, needles, a magnetic needle minder, hoops, canvas, and patterns. 

 

Instructor Bio:

Jessica Kemper started her embroidery business Field Guide Embroidery several years ago and specializes in nature themed hand embroidered art. Her work is used to connect people with nature, bring awareness to endangered species, and tell stories. She attends in person markets to sell her work and also has been accepted to several art shows. Combined with her love of the outdoors, she has bachelor’s degrees in Horticulture and Environmental Studies from UW-Madison, which often inspire her work. 

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (B) Jessica Kemper's Great Horned Owl Embroidery - EVENING

Course Description:

Whooooo doesn't love owls? This course's finished project is a baseball cap, adorned with a hand stitched Great Horned Owl. Perfect for hiking, birding, or as a gift for your bird loving friend. You will learn the necessary stitch styles to complete this project, and we will break the owl into sections to work on each week. Based on your previous embroidery experience (all levels welcome) and your work rate, you may or may not complete all work by the end of the six week course, but printed instructions will be provided to complete at home. Included in your material fee will be all necessary thread, needles, a magnetic needle minder, a baseball cap made from sustainable sources (pictured) and a pattern printed on stabilizer.

 

Instructor Bio:

Jessica Kemper started her embroidery business Field Guide Embroidery several years ago and specializes in nature themed hand embroidered art. Her work is used to connect people with nature, bring awareness to endangered species, and tell stories. She attends in person markets to sell her work and also has been accepted to several art shows. Combined with her love of the outdoors, she has bachelor’s degrees in Horticulture and Environmental Studies from UW-Madison, which often inspire her work. 

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER. 

FA24 (B) Karina Spataru Toma's Creative Drawing and Painting (AGES 9 - 13)

Course Description:

This class offers an encouraging environment where students explore the creative learning process. Students will start with essential drawing skills and then move to investigate the fundamentals of color and painting. Please see the Supply List below

Please Note: There will be no class on October 24

 

Instructor Bio:

Karina Spătaru Toma attends the Fine Arts Department at Kennesaw State University. Winner of the 2022 School of Art and Design Scholarship, she is a photorealist portrait artist and is an experienced summer camp instructor. In the video game and animation industries, she is pursuing training to become a character and environment concept designer.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (B) Karina Spataru Toma's Teen Graphite Portrait Drawing (AGES 13 - 18)

Course Description:

This course is an in-depth dive into drawing graphite portraits. Students will develop their observational skills, practice graphite drawing techniques, and learn about facial structure. 

Please Note: There will be no class on October 25

 

Instructor Bio:

Karina Spătaru Toma graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Kennesaw State University in 2024. Winner of the 2022 School of Art and Design Scholarship, she is a photorealist portrait artist and is an experienced summer camp instructor. In the video game and animation industries, she is pursuing training to become a character and environment concept designer.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (B) Kathy Rennell Forbes’ Painted Vacations in Watercolor

 Students will create paintings in watercolor inspired by their travel photos or sketches. Kathy will start each class with a demonstration, then assist students individually and offer critiques (if desired). Prior watercolor experience highly encouraged; this is NOT a beginning class. Returning students will build on skills previously developed. Bring your current watercolors (warm and cool of each primary) and supplies, an assessment will be done to determine if additional items are needed. 

Please email questions to Kathy at: ArtbyKRF@mindspring.com

Instructor Bio:

 in private and corporate collections around the world.

The artist was a 2017 Olmsted Plein Air Invitational "Master Artist." She was an invited artist to the Olmsted Georgia Color four times (2019 - 2022). Kathy is a Signature Member and past President of the Georgia Watercolor Society. She participates in many solo and group shows; and has won awards in local, regional and national exhibits. Forbes earned her BFA in Art and Art Education at the University of Georgia in Athens. She continues to attend art workshops with many of the leading painters of today.

Kathy has exhibited and conducted watercolor demonstrations at the High Museum of Art, Booth Western Art Museum and Oglethorpe University Museum of Art. She conducts watercolor workshops around the U.S. and Internationally (Cuba, France, Italy, Spain) and teaches art classes in the Atlanta area. Forbes creates her artwork at ‘Studio Z’ in Atlanta’s historic Westside Arts District.

https://www.rennellforbes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/artbykrf/

https://www.facebook.com/KathyRennellForbesArtist

Artist Statement:

I work in watercolor, acrylic and oil; my favorite is watercolor. I love the freedom this medium provides and how the paints react to different surfaces and the way I manipulate my brush. The medium is very transportable. It allows me to travel with a minimum of supplies across the globe, to a local park or garden to paint outdoors. Working in nature, heightens all my senses that then take hold in my paintings. In addition to the beautiful landscape in front of me; I like to capture the sound of the birds and insects chirping, the soft breeze on the back of my neck, the smell of the saltwater and the taste of local foods into my paintings. Although some of my outdoor paintings are finished works, many are studies. I take the information I gathered onsite and incorporate them into my studio paintings.

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FA24 (B) Lauren Adams' Absolute Beginner Acrylic

Course Description:

 Do you lack confidence in your painting skills?

- Are you in the dark when it comes to color mixing and tonal values? 

- Do you struggle with composition and creating a focal point?
- Do you have difficulty controlling your brush strokes and the paint?
- Or maybe you just don't know how to get started or what to paint?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, then this is the workshop for you!

Join instructor Lauren Adams for an afternoon of learning about the foundations of this versatile, fast-drying, non-toxic medium. No experience necessary!

 

Instructor Bio:

lhapainting@gmail.com

A Southern artist and native of rural middle Georgia, Lauren Adams has explored and experimented with painting and drawing most of her life. Inspired by her southern roots and the natural world, her work runs the gamut from figurative, to landscape and beyond.  Adams holds an MFA in painting from the Savannah College of Art & Design. And in addition to her studio practice, she currently teaches adult painting classes in a wide variety of media at various arts centers in Georgia. Adams’ work can be found in many private and public collections throughout the Southeast, including the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and the Historical Society of Sandersville, GA.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (B) Mary McGregor’s Mixed Media: Paint, Draw, Collage, and Clay (Ages 6-8 years)

Young artists will explore a wide range of materials such as watercolor, water-soluble markers, colored pencil, clay and collage to create a variety of mixed media projects. This is a friendly and non-competitive class where it's all about having fun and enjoying being creative. 

ALL SUPPLIES ARE INCLUDED – JUST BRING YOUR IMAGINATION!

Instructor Bio:

Mary MacGregor is an illustrator from Marietta, Georgia, who graduated with a BFA from Kennesaw State University in 2023.

Growing up in a household of artists and musicians, she was encouraged to pursue the arts at an early age. As she got older, her love for drawing shifted from a hobby to a serious career pursuit. In 2020, she transferred to Kennesaw State University as an art major. There, she built a network of likeminded artists which led her to opportunities at local art shows and conventions.

Mary has an affinity for digital illustration, as well as traditional media such as ink and gouache. Her artwork is heavily inspired by her passion for fantasy and science fiction. She plans to pursue a career in the entertainment industry as a concept artist.

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FA24 (B) Melanie Paul's Learn To Knit - Part 2 (SATURDAY)
Course Description:
 This class is for those who know the fundamentals of knitting —
cast on, knit, purl, stockinette stitch, garter stitch, and how to bind off.
Learn how to increase and decrease knitwise and purlwise, and how to decrease with a
slip slip knit (ssk).
Learn several popular knit patterns and create swatches using the seed stitch,
checkerboard design, and basketweave stitch.
Learn how to read a pattern and understand the requirements for yarn quantities,
needle sizes, stitch patterns used, and the importance of the stated gauge.
Please Note: There will be no class on October 12
 

Instructor Bio:

Melanie Paul has been knitting for more than 20 years. She has knitted and designed an array of fashion items and accessories including coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, and purses. Her knit repertoire also includes decorative pieces for the home.  She has participated in holiday craft shows and has donated many hand-knits for charitable distribution.  Melanie teaches knitting privately and has been a fiber arts instructor at continuing education programs.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (B) Melanie Paul's Learn To Knit - Part 2 (THURSDAY)

Course Description:

This class is for those who know the fundamentals of knitting —

cast on, knit, purl, stockinette stitch, garter stitch, and how to bind off.

Learn how to increase and decrease knitwise and purlwise, and how to decrease with a

slip slip knit (ssk).

Learn several popular knit patterns and create swatches using the seed stitch,

checkerboard design, and basketweave stitch.

Learn how to read a pattern and understand the requirements for yarn quantities,

needle sizes, stitch patterns used, and the importance of the stated gauge.

 

Instructor Bio:

Melanie Paul has been knitting for more than 20 years. She has knitted and designed an array of fashion items and accessories including coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, and purses. Her knit repertoire also includes decorative pieces for the home.  She has participated in holiday craft shows and has donated many hand-knits for charitable distribution.  Melanie teaches knitting privately and has been a fiber arts instructor at continuing education programs.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (B) Tehila Eisenstat's Impressionist/Expressionist Painting in Acrylic
Course Description:
 
In her classes you will create paintings with the luscious feeling of oil, using less-toxic, fast drying acrylic paints.
Learn color mixing and how to create depth and movement in your paintings.
All levels of painting experience are welcome.
 
Instructor Bio:
 
Tehila studied impressionistic painting with master artists in the United States and Europe. A former resident of California, she has been teaching art for many years and travels extensively to teach and lecture. These journeys are a continuing source of inspiration and discovery for new techniques in her painting. Her works are displayed in galleries throughout the northwestern United States and in private collections around the world.
Studied Art History at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA
Studied Paining from Internationally known Artists
Studied Art Therapy at UC Berkeley
Developed her own method of Art Therapy
 
Practiced Art Therapy for Cancer survivors and the staff at El Camino Hospital, The Hospital of Silicon Valley, and at Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, Ca since 2000
 
Taught special workshops at Palo Alto University (affiliated with Stanford University) to nurses studying for doctorate in Psychology.
Taught at CSUMB (Ca. State University Monterey Bay)
Received several awards including the Star Award from Cancer Support Community, Silicon Valley.
 
I have experienced the following in my classes:
  1. Colors have a strong influence on how we feel; Relaxing, Energy, Cool, Warm Etc…
  2. Reduction in Stress and Anxiety, Increases Positive Emotions
  3. Improves Quality of Life

 

“Art washes away from the soul the debris of everyday life”

-Pablo Picasso

 

TEHILA EISENSTAT, Professional Artist, Teacher, Art Therapist

tehilaart@sbcglobal.net

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (B) Vasil Vasilev's Drawing and Painting Studio (AGES 14 - 18)

Course Description:

Beginning teens will benefit from Vasil’s knowledge and experience, while more experienced artists will further develop their style and techniques. Review basic drawing fundamentals and then advance to painting and drawing in different mediums. Vasil will emphasize basic techniques, composition, and color mixing. Please note the Supply List (approximate cost - $35) to bring to first class.

 

Instructor Bio:

Vasil Vasilev was born in Vidin, Bulgaria. He started drawing and sketching from the early age of 15. After graduating from high school, he continued his education in one of Bulgaria's Fine Arts universities (SWU). He spent a year and a half in South London (UK) for practical training in oil painting. Vasilev decided to move to the USA in 2009 where he began to work professionally in the field of Fine Art.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

FA24 (C) Barbara May's Pine Needle Basketry Workshop

Course Description:

The technique of creating crafts from pine needles is called coiling. Predating pottery, this kind of basket weaving is one of the oldest forms of artmaking! In this workshop, you will learn how pine needle coiling is done, and what materials and supplies are needed to achieve this technique. You'll go home at the end of the day with your new basket and the skills and motivation to create more of these fun and functional weaving creations!  

 

Instructor Bio:

Barbara May was born and raised in Atlanta. She raised her sons just blocks from the Abernathy Arts Center and even took a class with them back in the early 1980’s. While living in Florida for the past 25 years, she began to explore art. She actually learned basketry from her watercolor teacher. She was immediately hooked. She would roam the long leaf pine forests to collect the needles. She returned to Atlanta four years ago. She no longer roams forests looking for needles, but now simply buys them online!

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

FA24 (C) Lauren Adams' Absolute Beginner Watercolor

Course Description:

- Do you lack confidence in your watercolor skills?

- Are you overworking your paintings?

- Do you struggle with color mixing and tonal values? 
- Do you have difficulty controlling your brush strokes?
- You don't know how to control the wetness of watercolors on the paper?
- What about water-to-paint ratios?
- Or maybe you just don't know how to get started or what to paint?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, then this is the workshop for you!

Join instructor  Lauren Adams for an afternoon of learning about the foundations of this incredible medium. No experience necessary!

 

Instructor Bio:

Instructor: Lauren Adams lhapainting@gmail.com

A Southern artist and native of rural middle Georgia, Lauren Adams has explored and experimented with painting and drawing most of her life. Inspired by her southern roots and the natural world, her work runs the gamut from figurative, to landscape and beyond.  Adams holds an MFA in painting from the Savannah College of Art & Design. And in addition to her studio practice, she currently teaches adult painting classes in a wide variety of media at various arts centers in Georgia.  Adams’ work can be found in many private and public collections throughout the Southeast, including the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and the Historical Society of Sandersville, GA.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

 

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Contact Us

Abernathy Arts Center
 254 Johnson Ferry Road NW
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

phone 404-343-6692