POAC’s adult art classes expand styles and mediums

One of the questions the Pend Oreille Arts Council often gets is whether their adult art classes are suitable for people who are not artists. And, the answer is a resounding, yes. 

Not only are many classes geared to beginners, but each instructor is also skilled in making sure all students get the opportunity to identify their creative skills — even if they don’t know they have them.

Four new instructors are joining the Joyce Dillon Studio. Collista Krebs will be teaching a different ceramic class every month. Her upcoming class will demonstrate the oldest form of pottery craftsmanship. Students taking this three-hour class Friday, Feb. 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. will create a unique, hand-built teapot that they can proudly display. Deadline to register is Feb. 14.

Bill Mather has come on board to teach portrait drawing and painting. His first class is an introductory portrait drawing class. Mather says, “No prior drawing experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to explore your creative side!” This three-session class will be held on Saturdays, March 7, 14 and 21, from 3 to 5 p.m. Register by March 1.

Laurie Carlson has joined the Joyce Dillon staff to teach a series of three-hour beginning oil painting classes on Saturdays. “Water Scenes are fun to paint,” says Laurie. And that’s what she’s teaching March 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All materials are supplied. Sign up by March 8 to participate in this very affordable class.

"Beginning Gourds" with Eileen Marcotte will be held on March 18. In this six-hour class, starting at 9 a.m. with a lunch break, students will learn every step in creating a beautiful, finished gourd. Marcotte started weaving baskets in 1988 and was introduced to gourds a year later. She incorporates both techniques in her instruction. Registration deadline is March 12.

Returning teachers continue to offer classes in weaving, metalworks, macrame, kimekomi, mosaic art, and oil painting. Go to www.artinsandpoint.org/jds-studio for the full schedule of classes.

Besides offering classes in the Joyce Dillon Studio, Pend Oreille Arts Council provides Kaleidoscope, a hands-on art education in local elementary schools, Art for Life classes at the Senior Center and an after-school program for teens called Expressions.

POAC’s Performance Series continues with musician, Abby Posner, on Friday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. at the Panida. For more information go to artinsandpoint.org or stop in the Gallery at 212 N. Second Ave. Currently on exhibit in the POAC Gallery is the work of multi-talented artist, Randy Wilhelm.