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Artists desiring to dig a bit deeper can find a trio of opportunities this summer at Art in the Loft.
Three workshops designed to take artists to the next level are being offered, with the first slated for June 17.
"For the past few years we have really been playing up the beginning classes to let the community get a grasp on the arts and not be overwhelmed with it," said Brooke Stevens, education coordinator at the Loft. "When we were putting out our calendar this year, we wanted to provide that next step. Although these classes can easily cater to the beginner, they also provide a more in depth, extensive class."
The workshops include instruction in watercolor (June 17), pastels (July 28-29) and colored pencil (Aug. 19) with three well-recognized art instructors.
"We tried to touch upon different mediums and skill levels when lining up the workshops for the summer," said Stevens.
Finding instructors to teach at the Loft can happen in a variety of ways. Some are recommended by students who have taken classes with instructors in different cities across the state or country, while others come from staff researching available Michigan artists online.
"We do also get a lot of shared responses from the community of things people would be interested in taking so we try to value their input and research artists in those mediums," said Stevens, adding that the staff prefers to stick with Michigan artists not only to show how much talent exists within the state but also because its makes getting them to Alpena easier and more cost effective.
Typically, instructors like to keep classes to a manageable size for more personal instruction with a minimum number of six students required to make the class a go.
"They do like to keep it to 15 to 20 students depending on the artist so that they can really meet a student's needs," Steven said. "It's a tricky balance of getting enough for the class but not too many."
Those teaching this summer's classes hail from outside the area (Bellaire and Ferndale) as well as E.P. Lewandowski of Alpena, who has taught previous classes at the Loft. Stevens said his classes have been successful in the past and people tend to ask for his return.
"We wanted to include Erv on the calendar since we have someone right here in town who can teach at the caliber he does," she said.
To enroll in any of the classes, call 356-4877 or register online at artintheloft.org. This summer's classes include:
Intuitive Watercolor – Go with the Flow
June 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Instructor Betty Bea Washburn
Students will learn and practice an intuitive style of watercolor painting achieved by floating color to create special effects and pouring atmospheric colors to achieve an internal glow.
Betty Bea Washburn has been a watercolor artist for over 30 years. She received her BA in Art Education from College of Wooster and her Master of Arts in Education from Western Michigan University. She taught art in the public schools for 33 years, many of those at Marshall Public Schools.
She has been awarded many honors across Michigan and has pieces on exhibit in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Bellaire, Lansing, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.
This class is for ages 15 and up. Cost is $110 for non-members or $100 for members.
Pastel Drawing
July 28-29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Instructor Charles Pompilius
Come learn an array of pastel drawing techniques that will help improve skills. Participants will be making clouds, waves, drapery and palette studies as well as working from floral arrangements and other still life subjects. There will be plenty of demonstrations and hands-on help included.
Charles Pompilius is a full-time painter who has shown in Michigan galleries as well as other venues across the U.S. He teaches pastels, painting and drawing. David Klein Gallery in Birmingham has represented his work for the past 20 years. He received his MFA degree from the University of Iowa, and has taught at numerous universities and colleges.
This class is for adults. Cost is $250 for non-members or $230 for members.
Colored Pencil Drawing
Aug. 19, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Instructor E.P. Lewandowski
This is an introductory course on learning basic colored pencil techniques and color use. The workshop will cover a variety of topics and activities from pencil equipment to drawing exercises. There also will be plenty of demos and hands-on assistance.
E.P. Lewandowski is an award-winning artist who creates contemporary realist drawings of nature, landscapes and waterscapes. He is represented by Haynes Galleries of Nashville, Tenn., Robert Paul Galleries of Stowe, Vt. and Good Art Company in Texas. His artwork is a mirror of his time, experience and personal interests. This class is for adults. Cost is $70 for non-members or $65 for members.