Friday, October 17 / 1:30 – 5:30 pm

Students will explore the origins of the mandala (radiant) and the significance of these designs to various cultures. Students will explore techniques to still their minds and bodies in order to relax and allow mandalas to flow onto paper. Students will experience the joy of learning the construction techniques that allow the inner self to manifest in a physical design filled with color and intricacy. All necessary materials will be provided, but, if you have a journal or your own pens and colored pencils that you enjoy using, please bring them. Instructor will also discuss journaling with mandalas to draw even deeper benefits from the techniques.

Instructor: Kaleigh Surber
Ages: 15 and up / All levels

Sundays, October 12 – November 2 / 1 – 4 pm

Make your letters small, smaller, smallest as we work with tools conducive to tiny writing: microns, crowquills, and sharpened edged pens. Learn three alphabets: Monoline Itallic, Clothesline Caps, and Willow Bay Hand—and investigate the demands that tiny writing places in these tools. The delightful results will be used in several miniature book creations, boxes and greeting cards.

Instructor: Carol Pallesen
Ages: 15 and up / All levels 

Supplies: 

• Notebook (if you want to take notes) 
• Micron pens (such as Pigma, Zig, or whatever your favorites are–in black in 005, 0l, and 08 sizes) 
• Bone folder (tool to fold paper) 
• Metal cork-backed ruler (6 or 12″) 
• Xacto knife and #11 blades 
• Cutting surface (scrap of matboard or self-healing cutting mat) 
• Pencil & eraser 
• Scissors 
• Glue stick (such as the small size of UHU) 
• Rubber cement pick-up (to clean up glue stick remnants)
• Scrap paper (such as used computer or xerox paper, or an old phone book, for back-up when gluing) 
• Water dish (such as an empty plastic cottage cheese or yogurt cup) 
• Watercolor pencils (three colors or a small set will be fine; I’ll bring some to share too)
• Small, flat brush (flat ferruled about 1/8″ wide; I’ll bring some to share) 
• Rag (old t-shirt is best) 
• Optional (items to bring; don’t bog yourself down, but you may want a few of these things as the class progresses–we can discuss at the 1st class) 
• Crowquill pen (Hunt 102 point and holder; 107 is also handy; if you don’t have these, don’t worry–I’ll show you mine and then you can decide if you want to get some) 
• Nib holder and nibs (Brause 1/2mm and 3/4mm, or equivalent; if you don’t have, same as above) 
• Ink and ink dish Slant board (if that’s how you usually write) 
• Cushion or pillow for chair 
• Small scraps of decorative papers 

Any questions, please call Carol: 775.329.6983

Saturday October 25 to Sunday October 26 / 10:30 am – 5:30 pm

Bring your imagination as we dive into the colors found around us in Autumn. Rabbit brush, sage, cottonwoods, dried grasses, etc. with a possible backdrop of the first snow on the backdrop of the Sierra. Some knowledge of watercolor suggested. NOTE: Class will meet Saturday at the Museum and on Sunday at Mayberry Park

Instructor: Lady Jill Mueller

Ages: 15 and up / Some experience working in watercolor is suggested 

Wednesdays, October 29 to November 19 / 3:30 – 5:30 pm

Young artists will enjoy creating viewing both contemporary and historical references of animals in art. Drawing from the Museum’s exhibitions, students will explore basic painting and drawing techniques in this four-week series. All materials and a snack are included with registration.

Instructor: Merry Mathers
Ages: 7 – 12 / All Levels 

Wednesdays, October 8 – October 22 / 6 – 9 pm

Improve your life drawing skills and explore a variety of media while working freely from a nude model in this popular open studio class. The instructor will be present to coordinate class and offer instruction upon request. Both male and female models will be posed and drawn.

NOTE: This class will be taught offsite at The Holland Project (140 Vesta Street in Reno)

Instructor: Jerry Stinson

Ages: 18 and up / All levels

The following are suggested basic supplies – all media are welcome, so please bring whatever supplies you need for whichever media you are using.

• Drawing board – 20”x 26” or larger (light-weight masonite works best) 
• Newsprint pad – 18”x 24” – rough surface recommended 
• Bull dog clamps or similar to attach pad to board

Medium and Support Items:

• Vine charcoal, thin and fat pieces 
• Choice of conte crayon
• 6B graphite pencil or sticks
• China marker
• Compressed charcoal
• Carbon pencil
• Any other suitable medium of your choise for drawing on newsprint
• Large kneaded eraser 
• Pink pearl eraser 
• Portable pencil sharpener or utility knife (best for soft/medium pencils) 
• Clean small rags 
• Sandpaper pad for sharpening drawing mediums 
• Stumps for blending (optional)

Saturday November 8 / 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Using your own personal DSLR camera and inexpensive props, learn how to take great shots of 2-D and 3-D artwork and objects. Students will be asked to bring in one 2-D and one 3-D object or artwork (can be made by you, store bought or something you already own). Students will address challenges with lighting and shadows, cropping, angles and pro-tricks to getting successful shots.

This class is eligible for 0.5 in-service credit. A limited number of teacher scholarships are available for this class. Please contact Claire Munoz at 775.398.7260 if you are interested in applying for a teacher scholarship or taking this class for in-service credit.

Instructor: MD Welch
Ages: 15 and up / All levels

Required Supplies: TBA

Tuesdays, November 11 – 25 / 5:30 – 8:30 pm

This class is designed for beginning to intermediate photographers who have purchased a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, which is a camera with removable lenses. Course participants will explore the specific features of DSLR cameras, as well as general photographic skills and techniques to make great pictures.

Instructor: MD Welch
Ages: 15 and up / All levels

Required Supplies:
Students are required to bring have a DSLR camera, as well as their camera’s manual. A fully charged battery and memory card are also necessary for class. Any lenses that they own should also be brought to class.

Thursday November 20 / 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Ladies are invited to get crafty with this fun and social workshop. Students will decorate ceramic tiles with paint in a pattern of their choice to be used as decorative and stylish drink coasters. A great project to create hand-made holiday and hostess gifts. Bring old friends, meet new ones and have a great night over a glass (or two!) of wine and a fun project designed for all skill levels.

Instructor: Casey Sibley
Ages: 21 and Up / All Levels

Saturdays, October 18 and 25 / 10:30 am – 2:30 pm

This class is designed for beginning to intermediate photographers who have purchased a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, which is a camera with removable lenses. Course participants will explore the specific features of DSLR cameras, as well as general photographic skills and techniques to make great pictures.

Instructor: MD Welch
Ages: 15 and up / All levels

Required Supplies: Students are required to bring have a DSLR camera, as well as their camera’s manual. A fully charged battery and memory card are also necessary for class. Any lenses that they own should also be brought to class.

Guests will enjoy a wine and food pairing selected and prepared by Chef Shakka Moore in the intimate setting of chez louie. Enjoy three appetizers paired with three carefully selected wines. Join us early at 6 pm for a free docent-guided tour of the Museum’s current exhibitions, then make your way down to chez louie by 7 pm and take flight!