Sometimes all it takes to brighten a gray day is a colorful palette of paints.
If you're suffering from cabin fever as the winter draws to a close and Spring rain showers emerge, South Shore Arts may have the solution for you.
The organization features a wide range of art classes for all ages, including everything from pottery and painting to computers, photography and art appreciation. While some classes run several weeks in length, others are offered as one-day workshops - perfect for kids looking for a Spring Break activity.
The best part - you don't have to know anything about art to sign up.
"Art is sometimes intimidating to people," said Tricia Hernandez, director of marketing and development for South Shore Arts. "We do everything in our power to make it accessible to people. We help you find ways to help express yourself through art. It's not people judging masterpieces - everyone has their own masterpiece."
To sign up for classes or workshops, call Kim McKinley, education coordinator, at (219) 836-1839, ext. 103. Registration forms and more information about classes are online at southshoreartsonline.org. Classes are held in Munster, Crown Point and Hammond, though classes vary based on location.
Here is a sample of some classes South Shore Arts offers beginning March 11.
Children's classes
Little Travelers Passport to Art
Age: 2-4, with caregiver
When: 1 to 2 p.m., Fridays, March 15 through April 12 or April 19 through May 10
Where: Crown Point
Cost: $50
Details: Each child receives a passport, and stamps and stickers each week to fill it. Participants spend the first three weeks learning about a different country, making art and tasting snacks. During the last week, children walk to the library to hear stories about the countries explored.
Basic Drawing for Kids
Age: 6-8
When: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, March 12 through May 14
Where: Munster
Cost: $90
Details: This class is designed to provide progression for kids wanting to learn how to draw. Participants will learn drawing techniques, including line, form, shading and perspective, and will use materials such as pencil, pastels and charcoal. For kids who have taken the first drawing class, there are subsequent drawing classes available, as well as ones for older children and teenagers.
Pottery
Age: 11-15
When: 12:15 to 1:45 p.m., Saturdays, March 16 through May 18 (Munster);
4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays, March 12 through May 14 (Crown Point)
Where: Munster, Crown Point
Cost: $135 (Munster); $175 (Crown Point)
Details: This pottery class begins with hand-building projects and progresses to wheel-throwing techniques. The class also includes decorative techniques and glazing.
Children's workshops
Caterpillars and Butterflies
Age: 5-8
When: 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. March 2
Where: Crown Point
Cost: $15
Details: Participants will read Eric Carle's children's book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and then create their own caterpillar and butterfly paintings.
Easter Egg Workshop
Age: 5-12
When: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. March 17
Where: Crown Point
Cost: $12
Details: Children will decorate eggs using tissue paper, glitter, glue, paint, dye and other materials.
Bookbinding Workshop
Age: 15 and older
When: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 6 (Munster); 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 27 (Crown Point)
Where: Munster, Crown Point
Cost: $60
Details: Participants will create their own 5-1/2-by-8-1/2-inch hard bound book or journal using Medieval bookbinding methods.
Tie-Dye Workshop
Age: 8-12
When: 2 to 3 p.m. May 11 (Munster); 1 to 2 p.m. May 18 (Crown Point)
Where: Munster, Crown Point
Cost: $12
Details: Children will create their own wearable pieces of art using tie-dye techniques. Participants must provide their own pre-washed, white cotton T-shirt.
Older children and adult classes
Intro to Manga
Age: 12 and older
When: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, March 13 through May 15 (Munster);
5 to 7 p.m., Mondays, March 11 through May 13 (Crown Point);
5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, March 12 through May 14 (Hammond)
Where: all locations
Cost: $140
Details: Participants will learn about the popular Japanese art form of comics called Manga. Students will create an original story and character designs, and learn how to lay out Manga pages.
Beginning Airbrushing
Age: 14 and older
When: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Saturdays, March 16 through April 27
Where: Hammond
Cost: $170
Details: Students will learn the mechanics, maintenance and use of an air brush, as well as the basics of airbrush art. No experience or drawing expertise is required, as students will learn penciling, cutting and transfer techniques.
Senior Art
Age: 55 and older
When: 1 to 3 p.m., Thursdays, March 14 through May 16 (Crown Point)
3 to 5 p.m., Thursdays, March 14 through May 16 (Crown Point)
1 to 3 p.m., Thursdays, March 14 through May 16 (Hammond)
Where: Crown Point, Hammond
Cost: $80
Details: Participants will learn the basic technique of several types of painting, including oil, pastel and watercolor. More advanced students will learn how to analyze subjects and work from the imagination to enhance their paintings.
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