Art for the Fun of it with Joan Ellis

Enjoy the world around you as you learn to draw what you see. Whether you're hiking in the woods, or watching the activity around the bird feeder from the comfort of your kitchen table, you'll have a greater appreciation for nature and feel closer to it when you learn how to really see. Bring a good quality black-bound sketchbook and several fine point black pens (ballpoint, Sharpie Ultra Fine, Pigma Micron, Pentel.) Watercolor paints and colored pencils provided.

2 classes: 1 indoors and 1 at an outdoor location for drawing from life. Class size limited to 8. Ages 8 to adult.

Celebrate the change of seasons, vacation, a birthday or just being alive! Arty Parties are 2 hours in length, can include up to 6 participants and will feature several age-appropriate art projects. Some examples are collage, treasure boxes, name plaques, Xerox transfer, greeting cards and bookmaking. Classes will be tailored to the age level and interests of the group, from children to adults.

One-time class: 2 hours. Class size limited to 6. Ages 6+. Cost varies depending upon age group.

This series of classes is designed for adults who want to use their creativity and put some art into their lives. No experience necessary. Relax and enjoy the creative process. All materials provided, including pencils, pens, markers, scissors, colored pencils, assorted art paper and watercolor paints.

3 class series: 1 1/2 hr. each. Fridays, weekday evenings or weekends. Class size limited to 6. Adults only.

This class is designed for families, young adults or children who want to learn how to capture the essence of a place by using just a few lines. Sketchbooking is for everyone who ever longed for the ability to record a vacation with pictures other than from a camera. Please bring a good quality black-bound sketchbook and several fine point black pens (ballpoint, Sharpie Ultra Fine, Pigma Micron, Pentel.) Watercolor paints and colored pencils provided.

One-time class: 2 hours. Class size limited to 8. Ages 8 to adult.

2- or 3-day sessions of art projects including drawing, watercolor painting and collage. Winter, spring and summer vacation periods. Ages 6 and up.

Through a series of art projects, students will learn about spring peepers, spotted salamanders and fairy shrimp and how important it is to maintain the delicate balance in a wetland environment. All materials provided.

Ages 7 and up. Held in the early spring.

Learn about the natural world through drawing, painting and collage. Mandrills, blue-footed boobies, crocodiles and cheetahs are some of the endangered animals featured. Students go home with a notebook of reference materials, as well as their drawings. All materials provided.

Ages 6 and up. Sessions run 4 or 6 weeks.

For students who are interested in designing clothes for themselves or others. Learn to use tracing paper as a tool, view fabric samples, discuss styles and build a small portfolio. All materials provided, including a portfolio.

Ages 10 and up.