Adult Classes

3 Session Class

Pre-registration Required

Register Here or call 888-1261

Experience the simplicity and ease of painting in black and white. It’s great as a stand alone method or for practice in establishing contrast relationships in your full color paintings without the distraction of pigment. We will be using a variety of mediums including charcoal, acrylic, and oil.

Bio: Gabriel Tempesta has been painting and drawing professionally for 20 years and primarily painting in black and white for the last 8 years. www.gabrieltempesta.com

One-Day Workshop

Pre-registration Required

Register Here or call 888-1261

Come learn how to hand-bind an art journal! Participants will learn the whole process, starting by selecting beautiful handmade papers to sewing the open-spine binding using traditional techniques, resulting in a high-quality journal for writing, drawing, doodling ... or whatever your heart desires! We will also learn how to make a button closure for our books. Promises to be a full-immersion experience in book-binding; participants will leave with a handmade book and a wealth of knowledge.

Bio: Nancy spent nearly a decade teaching adolescents in a land-based Montessori program; it was here that she started teaching visual journaling as a form of self-expression. Over time, her love of books grew and Nancy learned everything she knows about bookbinding from Asheville-based artist, Erin Keane, dynamic book-binder and encaustic innovator. Nancy has been honored to join Erin as her teaching assistant at both John C. Campbell Folk School and Penland School for the Arts in western North Carolina. A new transplant to Vermont, Nancy teaches classes and creates books through her home-based business, Nomadic Roots Studio, in Craftsbury VT.

This intermediate class in Southern Old Time Fiddle will focus on expanding your repertoire, bowing technique, and exploring ways to get the best possible tone out of your fiddle. Attention will be given on to how to learn a new tune during a jam session and sharing some exercises to practice chording on the fiddle. We will introduce one new tune each week which will be taught by ear, phrase by phrase. Instructor Bio: Dana Robinson has been a professional musician for more than 30 years. As a multi-instrumentalist (Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin and Banjo) and singer-songwriter, Dana has released 12 CD’s and toured over a million miles across the United States, Canada, and Europe. His original compositions have been featured on a half-dozen films including two Ken Burns’ documentaries, "The National Parks, America’s Best Idea" and "The Dust Bowl.” Dana resides in Cabot, VT and is currently the Executive Director of Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture. www.robinsongs.com

The learning experiences I offer are designed to physically immerse students in the techniques, culture, language, and traditions of Capoeira, as well as Forró (Brazilian partner dance), Samba (Brazilian dance), and Maculelê (dance with sticks). As students develop strength, flexibility, stamina, coordination, mind/body awareness, rhythm, and social skills through fighting, singing, dancing, and performing within the Brazilian cultural norms, they will grasp how Brazilians, as a group, act towards life. Consequently, they will form a connection between their own behavior, culture, and ethnicity and how it informs, many times unconsciously, their daily behavior. The classes I teach incorporate history, as well as, anthropological, scientific, philosophical, religious and gender studies as methods for analysis of one’s reflexive cultural behavior.

Capoeira Invented by Brazilian slaves, the art of capoeira is a complex amalgamation of fight, dance, and ritual. Considered one of the largest black resistance movements, capoeira was outlawed from 1890 to 1940 in what was the first constitution of the Brazilian Republic. As a forbidden movement, capoeira was practiced in secret until one capoeira master was able to bring it out of its fugitive status. The legendary Mestre Bimba (1900 -1974) invented a new style of capoeira, Capoeira Regional. As its savior, Bimba modernized capoeira and Brazilian President Getulio Vargas recognized him as an educator. Capoeira today is played in 150 countries throughout the world. The art was added to UNESCO's list of cultural manifestations respected as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on November 26, 2014.

Instructor Bio:

Fabio Nascimento – Professor Fuá

During the last twenty-eight years I have practiced the art of capoeira in its entirety. I have mastered the martial art, the tricks, and the dances. I have also mastered capoeira’s percussion instruments as well as the singing techniques and rituals. During the last fifteen years I have taught and performed for people in Brazil, Germany, and currently in the United States. I have lived in Vermont since 2009, and during this time I have introduced capoeira to over three thousand people. I have also founded a capoeira group, Jagube Capoeira. We’ve hosted two international events with two days of workshops, rituals, and dinners and the participation of more than three hundred people from Brazil, United States, Canada, Spain, Colombia, Venezuela, and Israel. Jagube Capoeira Method: Developing Cultural Competence Through Capoeira.  

Rev up your wardrobe with jewelry made by using a simple surface coloring technique with polymer clay, a heat-cured modeling material! Crafting elements for jewelry, journaling and mixed-media uses or covering tiles, picture frames or other home decorating projects are just a few of this technique’s many uses. Beginning to advanced students from any discipline-- mixed media, journaling, painting or jewelry arts--can benefit from this class. Just bring your curiosity and a well-developed artist's or crafting skill-set.

On Day 1, we’ll use the instructor’s extensive collection of pastels, paints and colorants to make sheets of colorful veneer. We’ll also cover how to make your own texture molds using 2-part mold putty. Day 2 is devoted to creating jewelry shapes for earrings or pendants and other forms with these layers. Coaching with color choices will be provided and you’ll come away with the confidence and skills to tackle projects on your own.

Instructor Bio:

Christine Damm studied art at New York University and ceramics at The School for American Craftsmen at R.I.T. in Rochester, NY. Her art jewelry business—Stories They Tell—was founded in 2009. She was Featured Designer in Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine - Fall 2011 and was the cover artist for BAJ’s recent issue in Spring 2018. She was one of 12 artists showcased in Polymer Clay: Global Perspectives by Cynthia Tinapple, whose website Polymer Clay Daily frequently features her work. Her work is seen in numerous books and magazines and on Facebook, Pinterest, Flickr and Instagram. She is a member of the International Polymer Clay Association. She has been teaching polymer clay classes at art retreats and craft schools since 2011 and gives “Art on the Farm” workshops at her home in Braintree, VT. Website: http://storiestheytell.com

In this one-session workshop following Intro to Harmonica series, Ari will give history and examples of yodeling from around the world. Participants will learn to identify their own voice break, learn a simple yodel, discover which keys works best for their personal yodeling range, and put it all together into songs. Along with Swiss and country western music, yodeling has been used in music as diverse as traditional singers from the Republic of Georgia, Hawaiian music, and hip-hop. It is nearly impossible to be unhappy while yodeling!

Bio: Ari Erlbaum runs Pocket Music out of Montpelier, teaching private lessons, group workshops, and festivals in Harmonica, Guitar, Mchakamchaka, Yodeling, Spoons, and Rhythm Bones. Pocket Music refers to the simple, yet powerful act of carrying an instrument in your pocket. It is the ability to make music wherever you go. With Pocket Music, there is no need to carve out times to practice - just play on your way to work, while you’re waiting for your bread to toast, or at the bus stop. Ideally, music should never feel like a responsibility. The most fun way to experience music (and the best way to get better at it) is to treat it playfully, experimenting and exploring, trying to make music with anything you can get your hands on, taking joy when you discover or master something new. This way you will end up playing more, simply because it is enjoyable. In my lessons, my mission is to keep this joy and excitement alive.

All Ages Welcome!

Are you a teaching artist who is interested in deepening your practice and connecting with others in the arts community? This Northeast Region training series of professional development workshops taught by VSA Vermont teaching artist Alexandra Turner, is designed to provide introductory information on inclusive teaching methods focusing on accessible practices, social and emotional learning, arts integration, and universal design for learning (UDL). All workshops will include hands-on arts exploration as well as time to connect with other teaching artists, community arts leaders, and the instructor. Each 2-hour workshop will be preceded by a half hour of light refreshments and networking. The workshops can be taken independently or as the full series of four trainings.

This series is a partnership between River Arts, VSA Vermont, Catamount Arts, WonderArts, and the Vermont Arts Council. Thanks to Vermont Arts Council support, there is no fee to participate in the workshops. Registration is required, through Catamount Arts by clicking here, or by calling their box office at 888-757-5559. Interested persons can visit link or call 802-871- 5002 for more information. Individuals may make accessibility requests by contacting VSA Vermont at 802-871-5002 or by emailing [email protected]

  The four workshops include:

1. Social Emotional Learning for Teaching Artists Part I: Saturday, February 3, 9:30am-12:00pm at Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury In this workshop, teaching artists will learn about inclusive teaching methods and be able to identify basic concepts in social emotional learning. Teaching artists will come away with a working knowledge of the role of social emotional learning in educational settings, and what they can do to boost engagement of the students with whom they work. This workshop will present information in multiple formats and include hands-on arts exploration of concepts presented. Join us at 9:30 for light refreshments and informal networking. Training begins at 10:00 am.
2. Universal Design for Learning for Teaching Artists: POSTPONED! New Date: Wednesday, March 21, 5:30pm-8:00pm at River Arts, Morrisville In this workshop, teaching artists will learn about inclusive teaching methods and be able to identify basic concepts and methods in Universal Design for Learning. Teaching artists will learn new content material and apply that content to their own practice. This workshop will present information in multiple formats and include hands-on arts exploration of concepts presented. Join us at 5:30 for refreshments and networking. Training begins at 6:00 pm.
3. Social Emotional Learning for Teaching Artists Part II: Monday, April 16, 5:30pm-8:00pm at WonderArts, Greensboro In this workshop, teaching artists will learn about inclusive teaching methods and social emotional learning. We will dive into the conflict cycle, the effects of stress and trauma on learning, and techniques teaching artists can use to engage reluctant learners. Teaching artists will come away with a working knowledge of the role of social emotional learning in educational settings, and what they can do to support each student they work with. Join us for refreshments and networking at 5:30. Training begins at 6:00pm.
4. Arts Integration for Teaching Artists: Saturday, May 5, 9:30am-12:00pm at Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury In this workshop, teaching artists will explore concepts, benefits, and technique of arts integration. Teaching artists will come away with increased understanding of how to create an arts-integrated lesson or unit plan. This workshop will present information in multiple formats and include hands-on arts exploration of concepts presented. Join us at 9:30 for light refreshments and networking. Workshop begins at 10:00 am.

Always wanted to pick up the harmonica, but never known where to start? In this workshop we will get acquainted with the instrument, learning how to hold it, what to do with your mouth, how to breathe, the foundation from which to play single notes, and eventually a few simple vamps that can be used in jam sessions. We will build skills such as rhythmic vamps, blues progressions, single note playing, bending, and vibrato.

Following the final session, Ari will give history and examples of yodeling from around the world. Participants will learn to identify their own voice break, learn a simple yodel, discover which keys works best for their personal yodeling range, and put it all together into songs. Along with Swiss and country western music, yodeling has been used in music as diverse as traditional singers from the Republic of Georgia, Hawaiian music, and hip-hop. It is nearly impossible to be unhappy while yodeling!

Bio: Ari Erlbaum runs Pocket Music out of Montpelier, teaching private lessons, group workshops, and festivals in Harmonica, Guitar, Mchakamchaka, Yodeling, Spoons, and Rhythm Bones. Pocket Music refers to the simple, yet powerful act of carrying an instrument in your pocket. It is the ability to make music wherever you go. With Pocket Music, there is no need to carve out times to practice - just play on your way to work, while you’re waiting for your bread to toast, or at the bus stop. Ideally, music should never feel like a responsibility. The most fun way to experience music (and the best way to get better at it) is to treat it playfully, experimenting and exploring, trying to make music with anything you can get your hands on, taking joy when you discover or master something new. This way you will end up playing more, simply because it is enjoyable. In my lessons, my mission is to keep this joy and excitement alive.

Please bring: Ten Hole Harmonica in the key of C, recommended: Hohner Big River Harp, but any in the key of C will work! Ages 15+

A rumination and discussion of some best practices for the care and feeding of poetry. Come with questions, qualms, curiosity. Leave with inspiration, tools and resources for making verse a vital, viable part of your crazy, over-full life.

Bio: Julia Shipley is the author of a debut collection, The Academy of Hay, winner of the Melissa Lanitis Gregory Poetry Prize and a finalist for the 2016 Vermont Book Award. Her poems have appeared in 32 Poems, The Collagist, Green Mountains Review, Harvard Review online, North American Review, Poetry, Verse Daily and elsewhere. An independent journalist and frequent contributor to Seven Days, Yankee Magazine, and Nieman Storyboard, she also raises animals, vegetables and poetry on her six-acre homestead in Craftsbury, VT.

This intermediate level class will cover the Photoshop skills most used by photographers to refine and enhance their images. The topics that will be covered are effective use of layers and masks, making and refining selections, using adjustment layers, color correcting images, when and how to use blend modes, smart objects, actions, luminosity masks, and more. Students are encouraged to bring their laptops and work along with the instructor.

Software needed: The class will use the current version of Photoshop CC, however, earlier versions will be fine for the majority of the topics.

Prerequisites: Extensive experience with Photoshop is not required, but students should be familiar with the location of the toolbar, menus, and side panels. Students should also have familiarity with the host operating system (MacOS, Windows 7, 8, 10) and be able to download, save, locate, and open image files.

Instructor Bio: The workshop instructor, Kent Shaw, is both a photographer and a teacher. He began photography in 1980 and has been using digital cameras since 1998. His work has been exhibited at River Arts and the Helen Day Art Center and featured at several local restaurants and the Morrisville Post Office. In addition to the classes he has led at River Arts, he has taught middle and high school music, post high school technical classes, and worked for many years as an industrial trainer.

This class is full, contact [email protected] or call 802-888-1261 to be put on the waitlist

Shibori is a traditional Japanese process of folding, wrapping and binding fabric to create pattens when the fabric is dyed, and is used most commonly with indigo. First we'll cover the basic techniques of Shibori and then we'll go over how to set up an indigo vat and we'll dye our Shibori-tied pieces the most beautiful shades of blue. Each person can expect to leave with several pieces, depending on what participants choose to bring in to dye: scarves, shirts, pillow cases, fabric; there are so many possibilities! Participants bring in fabric items, all other materials provided.

Bio: Skye Livingston received a BFA in Fiber from the Kansas City Art Institute. While an artist-in-residence at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN, she learned the fundamentals of indigo from Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada, an internationally recognized textile artist and indigo master. Skye exhibits her work across the US and sells her naturally dyes textiles in several shops. She is new to the state and lives in Craftsbury, VT.

Carve and print on linoleum block to make multiple images in this special printmaking workshop with artist Robert Brunelle Jr.. Brunelle will lead participants through reversing your drawing, simplifying your image into black and white shapes, transferring your image to the block, safe carving techniques, inking and printing your block. This will be a two-day class, one day to draw and carve the blocks, the second day for printing them. Materials included.

Bio: Robert Waldo Brunelle is a painter, kinetic sculptor, book illustrator, art educator and political cartoonist. He was the art teacher at the Browns River Middle School from 1981 to 2012. He served as the president of the Northern Vermont Artist Association from 1995 to 2012, and now serves as the NVAA’s Vice President. He has been exhibiting his paintings in the region since 1978. He is a founding member of the Vermont Comic Creator’s Group, and his cartoon strip Mr. Brunelle Explains It All appears weekly in Seven Days, and monthly in Funny Times. To see more of his work, visit www.mrbrunelle.com

Join Hanna Satterlee in becoming insatiably curious: about your body and the physical potential of your creativity. Come enjoy a collective group experience of training and evolving physically- through use of classic contemporary dance technique, fused with improvisation, composition and play. Paying direct attention to our alignment and to physics, we will condition our strength, stability and clarity, while simultaneously exercising our personal aesthetic and defining our own unique artistry. With guided exercises for soloists, partnerships and groups, we will enjoy the power of sharing art with others as we move, create and perform for and with one another. Potluck and informal Vermont Dance Alliance informational session to follow class. Choreographer and dancer Hanna Satterlee grew up in East Montpelier, Vermont and has spent many years traveling through dance, both nationally and internationally. Hanna holds a Masters in Fine Arts/Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College (VT/WA) and has produced her own choreographic and dance installation work, and has performed with professional companies in Vienna Austria, Stolzenhagen Germany, Baltimore, Manhattan, Brooklyn, San Francisco and throughout the state of Vermont. Now based in Burlington Vermont, Hanna is the current director of the Vermont Dance Alliance, with a strong belief that the culture of dance will continue to flourish and expand throughout the edges of our beautiful state. With support from the Vermont Performance Lab’s SEEDS grant, Hanna is beginning to tour her new collaborative sonic and visual performance titled “Voice and Vessel,” exploring how we each uniquely carry and express information in the vessels of our minds and the vessels of our bodies.

September 17th, 10am-2:30pm

Magical Realism in Nature: Lessons from Brigit Pegeen Kelly’s Poetry

In this four-hour craft workshop, we’ll read from Brigit Pegeen Kelly’s acclaimed book Song to understand how she blends fantasy with the natural world to achieve transcendence. Then, taking inspiration from our natural surroundings, we’ll borrow from Kelly’s toolkit to our own craft poems. After lunch, there will be time for sharing, critique, and an introduction to public speaking specifically geared toward poets. Come prepared with a notebook, writing utensil, and outdoor-appropriate attire. A half-hour lunch is built into the day; participants should provide their own lunch.

September 24th, 10am-2:30pm

The Spirit of Everyday Things: Entering Political Poetry through Objects

Taking our cues from Pablo Neruda and Naomi Shihab Nye, we’ll explore the intersection of poetry, politics, and everyday objects. Neruda and Nye both comment on social inequity through the poetic rendering of what we may take for granted—salt, figs, bread—without becoming preachy or overly sentimental. This workshop will explore their secrets, and our discussion will give way to writing prompts and outdoor reflection. After lunch, there will be time for sharing, critique, and an introduction to public speaking specifically geared toward poets. Come prepared with a notebook, writing utensil, and outdoor-appropriate attire. A half-hour lunch is built into the day; participants should provide their own lunch.

Lizzy Fox is a poet and educator with an MFA in Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She has taught writing and performance in partnership with the Vermont Arts Council, Flynn Arts, The New England Young Writers Conference, and countless schools. Lizzy is a recipient of the Laura J. Spooner Prize and the Corrine Eastman Davis Memorial Award from the Poetry Society of Vermont, and her poems have appeared in a variety of local journals.