Workshops 2009

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Download a pdf copy of the registration form.  (You will need Adobe Reader® to read the form. This may be downloaded at no charge from Adobe.)

For more information call the Becket Arts Center at (413)623-6635 (after June 21) or e-mail us at office@becketartscenter.org.

Most workshops require no previous experience and are limited to ten students. Teens 14 and older may register as adults.

An * indicates that this workshop is a series which implies workshops can be taken together or individually.

All workshops are held at the Becket Arts Center unless otherwise indicated.


Cost of Workshops unless otherwise noted:
Half-day workshops (10am - 1pm ) or (1:15pm - 4:15pm ) $30; non-members $35.
Full-day workshops (10am - 4pm ) $40; non-members $45.
Series and material fees are found with workshop descriptions.

Tuition assistance is available primarily for full-time Hilltown residents.


Refunds/Cancellations:
Students who cancel registration two weeks in advance of the first class will receive a full refund.  Students who cancel 7 to 13 days before the first class will receive a 50% tuition credit.  There are no refunds or credits for cancellations made 6 days or less before a course begins.  If you are unable to attend, you may contact the office for a letter enabling you to claim your tuition as a tax-deductible gift.

Confirmation of Registration: Please send a self addressed stamped envelope to the Becket Arts Center when you are registering and paying by mail.

Workshops can be cancelled when minimum registration is not reached.

Please register no later than 5 days before the worshop/event.

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Drawing


Ink and Watercolor Rapid Figure Drawing
Sunday, July 26 • 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Half day workshop fee $30; Non-members $35
Limit: 10

Materials needed: Watercolor pad 5 x 7;  Sharpie permanent black marker;  an 8 pan Prang Watercolor set or bring your supplies, large water containers, mixing palettes, pointed brushes.  Material Fee paid on-site if you need materials ($14).  Please be ready to pose fully dressed for 5 minutes.

Participants will make live figure sketches with a fine point marker and color washes.  All levels. Beginners most welcome.

Albert Bukszpan, Watercolorist for the last 18 years.  Has exhibited in NYC for the last 4 years.  See his website: www.awb10.com.

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Painting

Summer Fun and Inspiration "En Plein Air"
On-going group begins June 26-

For details: Marta Gabor: Gabormom@aol.com; 516-298-3830

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Expressive Brushwork
Tuesday, August 18 • 1:15 pm - 4:15 pm

Half day workshop fee: $30 per class; Non-Members $35 per class

Materials Fee: $3

Learn techniques and ideas of Zen brushwork and philosophy to energize your art work.  After demonstration and exercises to focus the whole body and mind, participants will be able to experiment with various brushes and tools. Students may bring whatever water based paints and materials that they currently own to incorporate new ideas into their current work. Old coffee cans, plastic containers, and rags are recommended.

Katherine Borkowski-Byrne:Katherine has been a practicing artist for over 25 years, she has had numerous exhibits and paintings in public and private collections, including the Federal Reserve Bank and the Sonesta Hotels.  She has a B.F.A. degree from Tuft’s University and the Boston Museum School.


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Fearless Color
Thursday, August 6 • 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Half day workshop fee: $30; Non-members $35

Material Fee: $10

Why is a rainbow beautiful? Why do we mix “mud” with paint?  Starting with color history, theory and aids, we move through a series of fun color exercises, exploring the wonderful world of color and ways in which color choices affect and enhance your work.

Marian Dioguardi Represented by Gallery 333, North Falmouth and Rose Gallery, Greenville, NY.   Studied at Mass College of Art, Museum School of Fine Art, Guest Art critique at Harvard Graduate School of Design.  Professional oil painter, solo and group shows in Tao, New York, New England.


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*Fun with Watercolors
Thursdays July 16, 23, 30 and August 6 • 1:15 pm - 4:15 pm

Half day workshop fee: $30;  Non-members $35
Series Fee:  $110 Members          $130 Non-members

Materal Fee: $3

This class will provide instruction, practice and individual attention in basic watercolor technique.  Each class will include demonstration of a particular technique such as wet-in wet washes, color theory, paint mixing and transparent layering.  Subject matter includes still life and landscape.  This class is for beginners and for those who wish to improve upon their skills.  Come experience the joy of watercolor!” A materials list will be provided upon registration.

Paula Gottlieb has been teaching workshops, classes, and retreats for almost forty years. She Holds a BFA from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and Rome and an MFA from Indiana University, Bloomington. Her paintings can be seen at R. Michelson Galleries in Northampton and at www.paulagottlieb.com.

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Mixed Media

Painted Paper Collage
Thursday August 13 • 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Full day workshop fee: $40;  Non-members $45

Material Fee: $10

Participants may bring in personal memorabilia, old photos, letters, etc.

With acrylic paint a variety of colored and textured papers will be prepared. Sections cut and torn will be combined to create a collaged landscape or still life.
Lorraine Klagsbrun is an artist and an art instructor living in New York City and Becket. Her collages, woodcut prints and paintings have been widely exhibited throughout New York and Massachusetts.

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Sculpture


Portraits in Clay: Modeling the Head
Saturday July 11, 18 • 10 am - 4:00 pm

Full day workshop fee (2 classes):  $80; Non-members $90

Materials Fee:  $15 (includes firing)

Participants will use terra cotta to sculpt ½ size heads from photographs or live models, emphasizing expression as well as form.  The use of tools and preparations for firing will be discussed as the work progresses.  Practical Sculpture by Tuck Langland is recommended as a reference; the instructor will provide one copy.

Michel Paul Richard: holds degrees from the University of Chicago and New York University and is retired from SUNY.  He works in a variety of materials, and has taught sculpture classes in Florida as well as Massachusetts.


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Jewelry

Make Your Own Pendant/Charms with Silver Metal Clay

Saturday August 1 • 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Full day workshop fee: $40; Non-Members $45

Material Fee: dependent on the current price of silver

Tool kits will be provided and a materials fee will be charged for the metal clay. 

A one day primer on the very fun basics of how to handle precious metal clay and fire it into .999 fine silver.  When the metal clay is taken out of the package, it is a slightly moist lump of clay.  The clay is then molded into a desired shape and dried.  Once the clay is completely dry it can then be filed, carved, and sanded; after which it is fired with a gas stovetop, butane torch, or kiln.  During the firing process, the organic binders burn away causing the piece to shrink 8-10% in overall size while retaining the original form.  Once completely fired, the remaining piece is composed of 99.9% pure silver.  Students leave with a finished pendant and pair of earrings.

Nancy Bronstein has been attending and teaching beaded jewelry workshops for years. She makes her own lampwork glass beads and fine silver components in her Gt. Barrington studio. For more information visit www.nancybronstein.com.


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Crafts


Introduction to Weaving
Tuesday July 7 • 1:15 pm - 4:15 pm

Half day workshop fee: $30; Non-members $35

Materials Fee $8

Students will learn the basic concept of weaving on a loom.  Each student will be given a handmade cardboard loom and will begin a project in class to be finished independently.  Through books, dolls, etc. students will be exposed to a wide range of weaving concepts and possibilities. Optional materials; bring any special beads, trinkets, or yarn that you would like to incorporate into your weaving project. Instructor will provide everything that is necessary. Limited to 8 students. For more of Sue’s work visit www.suewurzel.com or www.petportraitsbysue.com

Sue Wurzel: Sue is an artist who works in a wide range of media, including fiber, paper, water color and oil paint.

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*Knitting For Beginners And Advanced Beginners
Monday July 13, 20 • 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Half day workshop fee: $30; Non-members $35

Both Classes: $50; Non-members $60

Come learn to knit a scarf, vest, or sweater. I will teach how to knit, purl, cast on, bind off, create a swatch, and read a pattern. We will even learn to pick up stitches.  Practice materials will be provided for use during class; however you may bring your own needles, yarn, and patterns.

Ruth Glazerman, a retired teacher of high school students with learning disabilities has been knitting for many years. She looks forward to sharing this wonderful hobby with others.

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Appliqué Shalom Wall Hangings, Matzah or Challah Cover
Thursday August 20 • 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Full day workshop fee: $40; Non-Members $45

Material Fee: $10;  Bring scissors 
     
Create a Judaic heirloom for your home utilizing adaptations of popular Israeli designs. Simple ironed fused appliqué techniques will be demonstrated. Cotton fabric, threads, and designs will be provided. Sewing machines welcome, but not necessary.

Perfect for beginner or intermediate student.

Barbara Barron: Studied fiber and ecclesiastical embroidery at Oxford University and the Royal School of Needlework in London, England. Certified teacher of Embroiderers Guild of America. Operated Barbara Barron Design, a fiber arts gallery in Huntington, NY for over 25 years. She has created sanctuary fiber art for over 40 synagogues throughout the United States.

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Original Felted Bags
Saturday August 15 • 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Half day workshop fee: $30; Non-Members $35

Material Fee: $20 if students wish to use my felted sweaters and materials instead of bringing their own.

Learn the art of making original felted handbags from recycled wool sweaters. Students should bring a sweater already felted to class along with any beads, buttons or embellishments that they would like to make their creation really personal.  Instructions on how to felt your 100% wool sweater will be provided prior to the class. This class is for crafters and artists of all levels. Everyone can be creative! For more information on felting or to see some samples of JoAnne's work please visit http://bagladydesigns.blogspot.com.

JoAnne Burgess is an avid knitter, painter, and crafter, JoAnne has been making bags for several years and just loves felting. She really enjoys art that you can take with you and show off everywhere!

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Weave a CD Carrying Basket
Monday, August 24  • 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Full day workshop fee: $40; Non-members: $45

Material Fee: $30  •  Limit 12  •  Bring Lunch

Students will learn to layout a basket base with a "D" shaped hickory handle using rattan and the following techniques: weaving, designing color accents, scarfing, rimming and lashing.  This is a very functional basket that can be used for many purposes.  The approximate size is 10"H (with handle) x 10" L x 6" W.  This basket is suitable for beginners as well as those who have woven before.

Wendy Jensen is a professional basket maker and teacher whose baskets have been included in Early American Life Magazine’s Directory of 200 Top Traditional Crafts for five years. Wendy also exhibits her work at juried craft fairs in New York and New England.


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Music


*Jazz Improvisation
Tuesdays July 7, 21 and August 4, 18  • 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Workshop fee: $25; Non-members $30

Series of 4: $90; Non-members: $110

We begin each session with a lesson on improvising melody over harmony, and then spend the rest of the time just playing together on jazz chord progressions and tunes.  All instruments welcome - proficiency required, knowledge of scales and chords a plus.  Come on down and blow!

Mark Kross has been a well-known Boston area jazz pianist, composer, and educator for 25 years.  Clips from his many recordings can be heard at www.markkross.com.

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Musical Jam Session
Tuesdays, July 14, 28, and August 11 • 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Fee: $5 (contribution to the Arts Center)

Series of 3: $15

Bring your instruments.

Join kindred spirits who love to play music and have fun doing it!

Jaime Wurzel: For the past several decades, Jaime has played folk and classical guitar.  More recently, he has enjoyed jamming to the rhythms of jazz, blues, latin, and klezmer music.


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Rockin at the BAC!!
Sundays July 12, 26 and August 9 • 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Age: Teenagers

Fee: FREE

Come join us for our first ever Rockin Out at the Arts Center! We will be jamming to the popular new hit game Rockband, where you can take your turn as the lead singer of the group, strum the guitar, or bang on the drum set to your favorite hits of the 70s, 80s, and 90s!  Join us for this great new opportunity for the teenagers of the area to get together and show their talents off!

Coordinator: Casey Poulton who plays Rockband all the time.


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Writing


Writing Your Life Stories
Friday July 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7, 14, 21 • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Material Fee: $16

Workshop fee (7 classes): $125; Non-members $150

Each of us has the unique story of our lives to share with generations that follow.  Writing your life story is a special gift to your family, and a rewarding gift to yourself.  The journey is filled with the laughs and heartaches of memories.  You will have the opportunities to read your work and be inspired by hearing others.  You will learn a simple system of preparing and archival quality master book.  No special writing skills required.  Manual and materials for Master Book provided. 
“It may well be that we can leave no greater legacy than the story of our life.”
                                                                        -Rupert Atkinson, The Gift of Stories

Lorraine Ide has her B.A., M.A.+, 34 years of public school teaching. For 20 years she taught “Writing Your Family History” classes in Venice and Englewood FL. She is a published author of a Science Textbook series by Laidlaw and author of numerous magazine articles.


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An Exploration of Method and Form in Poetry
Thursday July 16  • 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Half day workshop fee $30; Non-members $35

Various techniques used for musical and rhythmic effect with examples from different poets.  Also introduction of a form with examples.
Susan Melot: Retired teacher of special education. Has studied poetry for 6 years and recently published her first book.


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Gardening


Gardening By Design
Thursday July 9  • 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Half day workshop fee: $30;   Non-members $35

Bring T Square and a triangle square ruler, or we can share!

Participants will be measuring the Becket Arts Center building, drawing a plan for the potential garden of your making and discussing problems and issues to fine hone your plan so that the garden would thrive in its setting. Bring practical questions for gardeners to the table so that when you go home you will have the understanding of how to create your own lovely niche to your specifications.

Pat Parkins is the owner of Gardens of the Goddess, an organic fine gardening business in Becket for 15 years. She designs, installs and maintains ornamental, vegetable, fruit and herb gardens using organic products and practices in pest and microbial control, soil amending, plant fertilizing and seed selection. Pat also gives talks on organic gardening and composting at Berkshire Botanical Gardens and for local garden clubs.


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Garden to Table
Thursday July 16  • 10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Half day workshop fee: $30;  Non-members $35

Material Fee: $5

Participants will meet at the Becket Arts Center and follow Pat to her home.

Visit the organic vegetable garden at Pat Parkin’s home, Ravenwood. Learn the secrets of fresh wholesome growing in the Hilltowns. Help harvest greens and eggs to bring to the kitchen where Generoso Casella will demonstrate the joys of using fresh ingredients in a healthy meal that we can share.

Generoso Casella is a savory chef who has been working as chocolataire at Chocolate Springs in Lenox.

Pat Parkins is the owner of Gardens of the Goddess, an organic fine gardening business in Becket for 15 years. She designs, installs and maintains ornamental, vegetable, fruit and herb gardens using organic products and practices in pest and microbial control, soil amending, plant fertilizing and seed selection. Pat also gives talks on organic gardening and composting at Berkshire Botanical Gardens and for local garden clubs.


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Bridge

Introduction To Bridge
Monday, July 6 • 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Workshop Fee: $25; Non-members $30

Minimum of 4 students

A workshop for those with little or no experience with bridge who wish to enter the novice group. For class placement questions contact instructors at ebsb63@aol.com.

Elaine & Shelly Berger are both Gold Life Masters with extensive experience in tournament play and in teaching.

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*Novice Bridge
Mondays July 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10, 17  • 10:00 am - 12:15 pm

Series of 6: $80; Non-members $90
Workshop Fee: $18; Non-members $21
One time Material Fee for series $2
Single Session Workshop Fee: $18; Non-members $21

For those with a fundamental knowledge of basics. Emphasis will be on refining bidding skills and on play of the hand.

For class placement questions contact instructors at ebsb63@aol.com

Elaine and Shelly Berger are both Gold Life Masters with extensive experience in tournament play and teaching.

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*Intermediate Bridge
Tuesdays July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11  • 10:00 am - 12:15 pm

Minimum 8 Students, Maximum 16

Series of 6: $80; Non-members $90
Workshop Fee: $18; Non-members $21
One time Material Fee for series $2
Single SessionWorkshop Fee: $18; Non-members $21

Learn some New Tricks! For those who have some experience with bridge and are ready to advance. Emphasis will be on partnership communication and on play of the hand. For class placement questions contact instructors ebsb63@aol.com

Elaine and Shelly Berger are both Gold Life Masters with extensive experience in tournament play and teaching.

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Body Fitness



*Dynatonics
Mondays June 29, July 13, 20, 27 and August 3, 10, 17, 24 • 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Workshop Fee: $8; Non-members $11
Series of 8: $56; Non-Members $80
Material Fee: $36 Wear clothes that allow you to move but are not baggy. Please bring a mat.

We will explore ways to find and release trigger points and muscle spasms using foam rollers and balls.  You will have ways to undo the aches and pains of daily life no matter what you do.  Gardeners, writers, artists, dancers all can benefit from this work.

Sean Gallagher was a modern dancer for over ten years and has been a physical therapist working with performing artists for over twenty years. He is a Feldenkrais practitioner and has been teaching Authentic Pilates for the past sixteen years in New York City and for the past ten years at Jacob’s Pillow. You can see the rest of his training in various traditional and alternative therapies at www.papt.biz.

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*Authentic Pilates
Saturdays July 18 and August 1,15, 29  • 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Sundays July 26 and August 9, 23  • 11:15 am - 12:30 pm

Workshop Fee: $8; Non-members $11
Series of 7: $48; Non-Members $69

Discover your powerhouse. This popular body conditioning program improves your strength and flexibility as well as your mind. Pilates has a long history in the Berkshires and Sean is continuing the tradition with us. Please bring a mat. 

Sean Gallagher was a modern dancer for over ten years and has been a physical therapist working with performing artists for over twenty years. He is a Feldenkrais practitioner and has been teaching Authentic Pilates for the past sixteen years in New York City and for the past ten years at Jacob’s Pillow. You can see the rest of his training in various traditional and alternative therapies at www.papt.biz


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*Yoga with Laura
Fridays July 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14, 21, 28  • 9:45 am - 11:15 am

Workshop Fee: $8;  Non-members $11
Series of 8: $56;  Non-Members $80

This Kripalu yoga class consists of breath exercises; gentle warm ups and held postures to increase strength, balance, and flexibility in the body, while calming the mind and nurturing the soul. Bring a yoga mat and cushion.

Laura Lin is a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher, trained in kripalu Massage, and a Thai bodywork practitioner. She is also a dance and creative movement educator with a B.A. in dance. Contact: lauramlin@hotmail.com

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