Visual Arts   

We will investigate what it means to write in calligraphy. We will learn how to use a dip pen and strokes required to form letters. Note: Practice is the key to success, so participants should plan to practice most days between classes. Materials fee (payable to instructors): $35 for all supplies.

We will learn the foundational techniques to form and felt three-dimensional shapes and figurines using wool batting and roving, specialized barbed needles, armature and other tools. We will make a decorative potted garden of our own design, inspired by nature. Prerequisites: Prior needlework experience is helpful but not required; participants should be able to manipulate small craft needles and form shapes with wool. Note: Participants do not need to have taken other courses in this series to enjoy this one. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $25 for kit. Materials: Pot, scissors and magnifying glasses (if needed); instructor will email more information to registered participants.

Bargello needlepoint is a fast, fun way to create beautiful projects with straight, up-and-down stitches. We will learn many different designs. Prerequisites: No prior needlepoint experience required; participants should be able to see holes in the canvas. Materials: Scissors, pencil, ruler and additional threads (required); magnifying glasses (optional). Materials fee (payable to instructor): $30 for canvas, stretcher bars, tacks, needles, some threads.

We will learn to translate what we see into a simple landscape oil painting on canvas. We will explore color value, composition, lighting and accurate limited palette colors. Oil painting materials such as brushes, oil paints and canvas will be discussed. Prerequisites: This course is for beginner painters only; please contact the instructor with any questions. Materials: The instructor will provide a list of materials that participants will need to gather and/or purchase before the first class; approximate cost: $80 if buying new. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $40 for shared art supplies.

We will visit galleries, art nonprofits, artist studios and the Asheville Art Museum to learn about their origins, businesses, growth and challenges. We will meet, discuss and learn from these professionals. Prerequisites: Participants should be able to locate sites with an address, walk between sites, stand for up to two hours and receive emails with directions and instructions before each class. Materials fee (payable to the Asheville Art Museum): Applicable cost of admission; see ashevilleart.org/visit for more information.

Neurographic design incorporates freeform lines connecting the conscious to the unconscious mind/inner self. We will explore and apply neurographic theory, art theory and color theory to create small designs on cards and bookmarks, as inspiration for larger works in our choice of medium (watercolor, pencil, acrylic, oil or pastel). Prerequisites: Beginner artists and creative people are welcome. Materials: The instructors will share more information about materials at the first class; approximate cost if buying new: $50. Materials fee (payable to instructors): $10 for shared supplies.

Venice boasts a distinguished history from its medieval foundations to its fame as a host for travellers seeking luxury and tranquility. Its art museums, civic buildings and palaces reveal its elegance, eroticism, political power and incomparable light. We will examine artworks by famous Venetian masters—the Bellinis, Giorgione, Titian, Rosalba Carriera and more—and visit artists such as John Singer Sargent and Claude Monet. Finally, we will explore the legacy of the indomitable American collector and patron, Peggy Guggenheim.

Making evocative images after sunset is a demanding but rewarding activity. We will share ideas and techniques for creating interesting images after sunset but before dark. Between classes, we will meet for field trips to take images, then discuss and evaluate them in class including some suggestions for post-processing to improve their appeal. Prerequisites: Participants should be familiar with using their camera’s manual settings and be able to provide digital files to the instructor via email or thumb drive. Note: Field-trips are optional and located within a 10-mile radius of the Reuter Center. Materials: Digital SLR or smartphone camera (required); tripod or monopod (optional).

Do you sometimes look at abstract art and think, “My grandkids could do that?” Can looking at or talking about abstract art make you uncomfortable? In this highly participatory course, we will learn about various abstract art movements and use slow-looking techniques to examine and discuss abstract art. We will work together and learn to trust what we see to find meaning and context in one artwork each week. Note: This course is not an art-history lecture or a “greatest hits” of abstract art. The instructor will provide a list of short articles to read and/or short videos to watch prior to the first class.

Do you sometimes look at abstract art and think, “My grandkids could do that?” Can looking at or talking about abstract art make you uncomfortable? In this highly participatory course, we will learn about various abstract art movements and use slow-looking techniques to examine and discuss abstract art. We will work together and learn to trust what we see to find meaning and context in one artwork each week. Note: This course is not an art-history lecture or a “greatest hits” of abstract art. The instructor will provide a list of short articles to read and/or short videos to watch prior to the first class.

We will continue our exploration of significant works of mid-20th century modern architecture and urban design. Richly illustrated lectures will explore major projects of leading architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, Walter Gropius, Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Julia Morgan, Paul R. Reynolds and Eero Saarinen, among others. Note: Participants do not need to have taken other courses in the series to enjoy this one.