Creative Arts

Studio Art Class

Thursday, March 23, 2023 | 1:00-3:30pm

Thursdays, March 23 - May 18, 1:00 to 3:30 pm. Not for beginning students. Work with materials you are already familiar with via prior class instruction.

Bring your own subject, reference material, and the supplies you typically work with. No assignments. Instructor Karen Halpern will foster critical thinking, and make suggestions to guide you, as you advance with your individualized project. Her goal is to broaden your viewpoint, and develop your skills and knowledge. Students generally use materials such as acrylics, oils, watercolor or collage. Bring your own lightweight portable easel, if you work upright. If you are a returning student, plan to start a fresh piece of work this semester! Not for beginning students.

Painting Open Studio

Thursday, March 23, 2023 | 1:00-4:00pm

Join fellow Next members for camaraderie and enjoy the creative synergies that come from being with other talented artists.

New! Acrylic & Oil Painting

Monday, March 27, 2023 | 12:00-3:00pm

Ready to dust off your paints and learn something new in painting? Or, want to learn the basics of acrylic and oil from scratch? Look no further. Next welcomes back mixed media artist/instructor Marat Paransky. His studio practice includes sculpture, painting, drawing, photography and other media. This class covers a wide range of acrylic and oil painting topics: from choosing the right surface and getting started with your composition, to understanding how color works, and eventually to experimenting with techniques and materials. All experience levels are welcome. There will be demos and discussions about artists in class. Students will need to purchase their own supplies and have them for the first class — the provided supplies list will be available at the front office, upon registration. Also, please have an idea and some pictures/photos from which to work, beginning with the first class.

Eight Week Series: Mondays March 20 - May 8 

The 100 Day Project

Tuesday, March 28, 2023 | 10:00-11:30am

Limited availability remains - please call the office to inquire. 

 

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO CHALLENGE YOUR CREATIVE SPIRIT

Next has received a creative arts grant to provide a tuition-free 100-day creative arts project for those who are willing to take the challenge and make the commitment. The 100-day art workshop will enrich your creative spirit. Select your own individual project that will offer an opportunity for self-refl ection and strengthen your artistic skills through a variety of creative methods. Your project is limited only by your imagination — painting, drawing, ceramics, writing, scrapbooking, even cooking all celebrate creativity. We will meet weekly as a team, guided by Kay Sulfaro, exploring creative exercises and activities that will provide insights and feedback in a supportive group setting of discovery and discussion. 

As you work on your project through the length of the workshop, you will fi nd this creative team will enrich both your individual creative spirit, and our supportive community. A materials list is available in the Next office.

Kay Sulfaro previously has taught drawing classes and a Matisse Paper Cut-Outs class at Next. She joins us again to conduct the 100-Day Art Project. In addition to her Fine Arts background, Kay brings several years of working with the Paul Torrance Creativity exercises, as well as the enriching experience of a creativity program in Viterbo, Italy. Finally, she is excited to share the adventure that she learned so much from as she completed a 100-Day Art Project herself.

New! Dynamic Designs in Acrylic Pour Art

Friday, March 31, 2023 | 12:30-2:30pm

Unlock your creative potential (you do not have to be an artist) with dynamic designs in the creative painting introduction to Acrylic Paint Pouring. Next introduces Mark Downing, a fi ne arts major who turned to Information Technology for a living and pursued Art as an entrepreneur in his leisure time. Join Mark and participate in the discovery of opening your mind and hearts to the beauty of new worlds using classic supplies learning various techniques. In this class, all levels of experience will create two wall hanging worthy art pieces. Enjoy the fun of expressing yourself through color and texture. Play with the colors using your intuition and share your experience with others. Enjoy the journey as much as the paintings you hang on your walls! All materials provided in class cost including $30.00 base kit.

Watercolor Painting Workshop

Wednesday, April 12, 2023 | 2:15-4:15pm

Nine weeks - Wednesdays from April 12- June 7. Beginners through advanced students.

Noted Michigan Artist and popular watercolor instructor, Karen Halpern, will teach lessons that provide fundamentals, stretch your abilities, broaden your skills, and encourage your creative
thinking. Beginners through advanced students will paint varied subjects in assorted styles. Color mixing, color theory, design and painting techniques, will guide you as you develop your art. Each student will work at their own level of ability, in a supportive setting with individual attention. The supply list is available in the Next office and all supplies should be brought to the first class.

Photography Club

Thursday, April 13, 2023 | 10:00-11:00am

Please note, the Photo Club will now meet on the second Thursday of each month 10:00- 12:00 pm  

The Next Photography Club is for people who are interested in photography, all ability levels welcome. We maintain our own website and take monthly photo field trips.  For more information, send an email to:  info@birminghamphotoclub.org