Art Classes to Check Out This Fall at the Kimball Art Center

There’s something about the autumn season that presents opportunities for new beginnings. I always feel the need to be more creative in fall. Whether I’m inspired by the vibrant colors displayed on the mountains and in the trees, or that eternal ‘back to school’ feeling that is forever engraved in me this time of year, I am compelled to create something new.

Fortunately, our community is incredibly lucky to have a nonprofit organization such as the Kimball Art Center to satiate any craving for creativity.

Parents should check out the Fall Break Art Camp for kids ages 6-10 which will take place over the UEA long weekend. Working parents can be especially relieved that their kids will have an opportunity to express themselves creatively in this two full day camp that aims to immerse kids in drawing, painting, clay, and mixed media.

Artsy teens between the ages of 11-16 are invited to take an afternoon workshop called Teen Zines Camp on Friday, October 19 from 1-4pm. Zines are cool DIY magazines rooted in the amateur counterculture press movement and easily reproduced on a copier. In this class, teens and tweens will find inspiration from local history and discover illustration tips to create a zine around a cool topic.

Is your teen more interested in 3D? The KAC has also programmed a Studio Sampler in Clay class for teens and tweens on recurring Tuesday afternoons in October. This is a perfect class for all levels of ability. Students can make a different project and learn a new technique each week. Learn wheel throwing, handbuilding techniques, glazing and more in this ceramics sampler course. Students will leave with a better understanding and appreciation of the ceramic medium and at least four clay projects.

The Kimball Art Center has recently expanded their printmaking program for adults (ages 17+), offering both a Drypoint Intaglio on Plexiglass class, as well as a Screen Printing Workshop. Drypoint Intaglio is incredibly fun and intricate. Using tools like etching needles, X-acto knives, wooden sticks, and nails, students will incise an image onto a plexiglass plate before printing on the etching press and creating experimental one-of-a-kind prints. The Screen Printing Workshop is a beginner level class which will take place on October 17 from 6-8pm. Students will learn the basics of screen printing, and will leave with a designed shirt.

Interested in getting the entire family into the studio for some creative bonding time? The Kimball Art Center offers an array of ‘Family’ classes which are programmed for parents and kids together. This month, spend your Saturday morning (October 27) with family and learn how to make clay plates in their Family Dinner Plates class! Students will play with clay and make their very own ceramic plate by hand. Various carving, and glazing techniques will be used to make unique and colorful clay plates.

All classes require advance registration, so be sure to visit their website for their full fall lineup of art classes for all ages, and register today.