DOWNTOWN DRAWING – TUESDAYS 2-4 PM

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Cost:  This is a free workshop, thanks to our supporters and the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs

For students entering grades 8-12

We’ll be gathering at the corner of College and 8th (by Kilwins) on Tuesday afternoons 2-4 pm, and walking to different locations each week.  Bring your own sketchbook and pencils/pens, or borrow some from us.  This is a drop in style class and it is free, but registration is required, so I can plan for the number of students.  You can register for one, several, or all of the weeks.  

JUNE 19, 26, JULY 3, 10, 17

LOCATIONS (CLASS WILL BE HELD REGARDLESS OF WEATHER, BUT LOCATIONS MIGHT CHANGE):

WINDOW ON THE WATERFRONT, CENTENNIAL PARK, 8TH ST., HOPE COLLEGE, HOLLAND MUSEUM

We’ll practice drawing architectural forms, building strong compositions, sketching from nature and spending time sharing whatever you are currently obsessed with drawing.  Bring your own sketchbook and pencils/pens, or use one of ours.

Watercolor on the waterfront – Wednesdays 2-4 pm

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Cost is $20 per week, or whatever you can afford.

For students entering grades 6-12

We’ll gather at a different park on the water each week and explore  watercolor techniques, using brushes, spray bottles, squirt bottles and resist to depict the wild waterfront.  All levels of experience are welcome – we will build on what you already know.  Find us by the picnic table with yellow balloons!

 Wednesday afternoons, 2-4 pm.  June 20, 27,  July 11, 18.  You may register for one, or multiple, or all of the weeks.  Also – come paint with us at Windmill Island on July 14 for the Macatawa Water Festival!

DROP-IN WORKSHOPS AT HERRICK DISTRICT LIBRARY – MONDAYS 2-4 PM

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Cost: These workshops are free, thanks to our generous supporters and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

For all students entering grades 6-12. 

Come and create with us!  Join CultureWorks on Monday afternoons at Herrick Library (main branch) in the 2nd floor teen room.  These are drop-in classes, so they are free, but we ask that you register here, so we can better plan for the number of students.  You may register for one, several, or all of the weeks.  

JUNE 18:  (WITH GUEST ARTIST BETHANY ZEEFF) MONOPRINTING WITH ACRYLICS ON GLASS – CREATE YOUR OWN PATTERNS AND PRINTS OF SUPER DETAILED MICRO-DENDRITIC LANDSCAPES.

JUNE 25:  (WITH GUEST ARTIST BETHANY ZEEFF) BOOK BINDING –  HAND STITCH YOUR OWN BOOKS USING BASIC BOOKBINDING TECHNIQUES.

JULY 2:  (EMILY CHRISTENSEN) HAND LETTERING/CALLIGRAPHY – USE FLAT AND POINTED BRUSHES, NIBS, AND PENCILS TO CREATE YOUR OWN FONTS AND LETTERFORMS FOR POSTERS, TITLES, MEMES AND MORE.

JULY 9:  (EMILY CHRISTENSEN) PAPER MARBLING – LEARN THE TURKISH ART OF PAPER MARBLING BY FLOATING ACRYLIC PAINTS ON A LIQUID AND PATTERNING THEM INTO INTRICATE DESIGNS.

JULY 16:  (TBA) FAN ART OR FAN ART?  YOU CHOOSE! – WORK WITH A CHARACTER FROM YOUR FAVORITE STORY AND DEVELOP THEM IN YOUR OWN STYLE OR STORY, OR WORK ON YOUR OWN ORIGINAL FANTASY CHARACTERS.

 Click here for photos from our 30 day challenge! Click here for photos from our 30 day challenge!

MAY 30 Day Challenge – Congratulations to Iain for winning our 30 Day challenge and over $300 in art supplies!

The deal:

May 1, 2018 through May 30, draw the corresponding challenge for each day and submit it in one of three ways.  If you complete the challenge, you will be entered to win over $300 worth of art supplies!  Click Here for a printable version.

The details:

Anyone currently in 6th-12th grade (or equivalent) may enter.  You may use any medium (pencil, marker, charcoal, digital…), but all work must be signed or initialed and be your own original work.  By participating, you agree to let your work be posted on our website, FB, and Instagram.  You may submit your work in any of the following ways:

1)   Take a photo of it and post it to instagram and tag @thecultureworks

2)    Email a photo of the work to info@thecultureworks.org

3)   Drop off your completed collection of drawings in a self-addressed mailing envelope to the Herrick Public Library, Teen Circulation Desk sometime between May 31 and June 7.  Your artwork will be mailed back to you at the address on your envelope.

the prize:

Mixed media art package from Dick Blick, valued over $300!

Our thanks to Kevin White of The Illustration League, for the use of this 30-day challenge!

MULTIMEDIA LIFE DRAWING

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The practice of drawing from life is a fundamental skill for every visual artist.  It helps us gain spatial awareness and trains our eyes to accurately observe and portray movement, emotion, gesture, and form.  The ability to portray the human form accurately and convincingly allows us the freedom to sketch and create new forms from our imagination – giants, trolls, sirens…even anthropomorphic animals, are all rooted in reality, and begin with drawing from life.  In this class Illustrator Alysha Lach White will lead students through the process of drawing from a live model, using classic techniques and a mix of traditional and playful media.

ADVANCED DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

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Photographer Jack Burk is back!  This studio is for those who have taken an introduction to photography studio with CultureWorks or elsewhere, and are ready for a more in-depth study of the camera and its capabilities.  Whether you want to pursue a career in photo-journalism, marketing, or enjoy photography as a hobby, this class is a great place to cultivate your skills and explore the possibilities.  We will be learning how to capture personality through portraits, tell stories with images, and use Adobe software to enhance photos.  Come dressed for the outdoors – we will be walking to various sites downtown Holland, photographing the faces and places that make this city unique.

OPEN STUDIO

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Your voice matters! Art is a powerful way to advocate with your voice TO BRING ABOUT POSITIVE CHANGE. Explore personal and pressing social issues in society today in supportive community. Learn the importance of self-awareness, teamwork, and creative problem-solving as you become a creative leader for our community. The best part: youth dialogue and pick the topics, and then are challenged with new materials each project.  Expect to create for an authentic audience so your work can inspire others. This is a class for seasoned CultureWorks students! This class requires an application; email emily@thecultureworks.org for details. Please see application for details and class expectations.

BOOK CLUB ARTS

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From Dick and Jane to Dr. Seuss to JRR Tolkien and the Harry Potter series, we have seen an unbelievable transformation of Youth and YA literature and illustration in just two generations!  But, what exactly goes into the making of a book?  How do illustrators, art directors, publishers and book binders influence the experience of reading a book?  With artist and educator Jazz Sambrina, we’ll explore the art of bookmaking, and also make some art from books.  We’ll be looking at some of your favorite books for inspiration as we create our own characters, illustrations, comics, handmade books and paraphernalia related to the world of story.

THEATRICAL STORYTELLING

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Has anyone ever used words like “animated” or “dramatic” to describe you?  Would you like to like to spend more time on stage?  Or perhaps behind the scenes as a playwright or director?  In this class, you will learn to physically and vocally create interesting characters in order to tell a story. You’ll have the opportunity to work individually or with others to write, direct and perform a short original or adapted performance piece. Instructor Elissa Lappenga (long-time theater nerd) and other special guests will introduce you to the various elements that will help create your story, including staging, voice work, movement, physicality, costumes, make-up, and more. The skills you will develop can be applied in school and community theater productions, public speaking, and even your interpersonal relationships!

bugs, birds and beasts! 

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Wednesdays 10/25/17 – 12/6/17  (No class the week of Thanksgiving)

3:45-5:45

Inspired by the work of early explorers, this class will head into the wild and draw the creatures we find.  We will also play around with making these drawn animals into characters, logos, or mascots.  We’ll take advantage of the beautiful animals on display indoors, but please dress for the weather!  Class meets at the Outdoor Discovery Center’s Field Lab; see registration for details.

character design 101

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Thursdays 10/26/17 – 12/7/17  (No class the week of Thanksgiving)

3:45-5:45

Are you interested in working for an animation studio in the future?  Or perhaps working to develop video games or illustrating graphic novels?  Designer and illustrator Alysha Lach White will lead students through the process of developing a character of your choosing from start to finish.  Class meets in downtown Holland; see registration for details.

open studio for 9th-12th grade (application only)

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Mondays 10/23/17 – 12/4/17  (No class the week of Thanksgiving)

3:45-5:45

Open Studio is a place for you to grow as an artist while exploring issues and topics that affect you and your generation.  It is a chance to dig deeper into the joys and struggles we face, while creating art that challenges and invites positive changes in ourselves and others.  Class meets at Fellowship Reformed Church in the Art Studio; see registration for details

student advisory council

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1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month 11/7/17 – 12/5/17  (No class the week of Thanksgiving)

3:45-5:45

Would you like to learn more about how to run a non-profit?  Do you have great ideas about future classes and events we could offer at CultureWorks? Do you like dessert?  This may be the place for you!

The Student Advisory Council provides an opportunity for students to exercise their voice in the running of CultureWorks.  We will meet every other Tuesday to learn about, and practice, skills in marketing, event planning, brainstorming, and fundraising, helping to ensure the short-term and long-term sustainability of the organization.  We’ll also make some great art together, which will be sold at student shows and our yearly fundraising event. 

field trip to grand rapids

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Thursday, December 14, 3:30 pm-8:30 pm

We’ll leave from the front circle drive of Holland High School at 3:30 and head to the Scott Group Studio for a tour of their space with designer Ann Cole.  They specialize in designing and hand making luxury carpets.  Check out their beautiful work at scottgroupstudio.com.  After that, we’ll grab some dinner and then head to the Grand Rapids Art Museum for a look at the Andy Warhol exhibit.  We will return to Holland High at 8:30 pm.  Please let me know if you need a ride to or from Holland High and I will see what we can do!

black friday ink fest

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Friday, November 24, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Are you missing CultureWorks classes this week? Drop in from 10am – 12pm and create. Brush, pen, marble, and print with good old fashioned black ink.

Fellowship Reformed Church art studio 2165 W Lakewood Blvd. Holland, MI 49424.  Come in Door D, from the North Parking Lot, which is on 168th St, just north of Lakewood.