Latrobe Art Center has fall classes for all ages, skill levels

The fall lineup of art classes for all ages and skill levels will begin in September at the Latrobe Art Center.

Two new classes are designed to create more interest in art among middle to high school students. Instructor Sharon Coons was an art teacher for 30 years, says center executive director Lauren Buches.

“She brings lots of experience to the classes, and we’re excited to see what she’ll be doing with the kids,” Buches says.

Those classes include:

• Art 101 for Middle School/Junior High Student, 5-7 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 9-Oct. 14

The new class with instructor Sharon Coons will introduce grade 6-9 students to 2- and 3-dimensional art projects aimed at more serious art students. Styles such as optical art, mobile creation and sculpture will be explored, along with artists such as Alexander Calder, M.C. Escher, Victor Vasarely and Bridget Riley.

Cost is $75 for the series, $15 per individual class. Materials are provided.

• Art 101 for High School Students, 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 15

Grade 10-12 students will use three basic mediums — drawing pencils, color pencils and pastels — to develop technique-based drawing skills that will promote confidence and creativity in self-expression.

Cost is $75 for the series, $15 per individual class. Materials are provided.

These classes are for participants of all experience levels:

• Mixed Media Workshop with Sue Hrubes, 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, September 4-18, or October 2-16

Students will “think outside the box” by using watercolor or acrylic paints and mixed media. Cost is $36 for three-class series. Students must bring their own supplies/materials.

Oil Painting Workshop with Doreen Currie, 1-4 p.m., Mondays, Oct. 14-Nov. 4

Students will develop skills in mixing color, value and brushwork while painting from photographs and still life settings. Cost is $65. Students must bring their own supplies/materials.

• Still Life Watercolor Workshop with Peg Panasiti, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 5-19 and Dec. 3

A new still life subject will be set up each week for students to paint with step-by-step instructions. Cost is $65. Students must bring their own supplies/materials.

• Paint Pour Class with Sue Hrubes, 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 22, Nov. 19 or Dec. 10

The pour-and-swirl technique involves making abstract acrylic paintings without brushes. No painting skills required. Cost is $35. Materials are provided.

The following class is for artists with advanced beginner to advanced skills:

• Watercolor Workshop: Figurative Design with Jeannie McGuire, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 24-26

Students will explore the interplay between the figurative subject(s) and their backgrounds, natural design in reference materials, cropping impact, pigment maintenance, using a higher ratio of pigment to water, intentional and spontaneous marks, use of titanium white and the freedom to change one’s mind.

Each day begins with a demonstration pertaining to the day’s project, such as exploring eyes and faces in an unconventional way; focusing on a single figure with an obscure background; and intertwining a group of people with their background elements. Artists receive plenty of personal attention and painting time. Cost is $425. Students must bring their own supplies/materials. Limited spots available; registration deadline is Oct. 9.

McGuire is a nationally known artist from Pittsburgh, chosen based on art center members’ recommendations and knowledge of her work, Buches says.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in this workshop, and actually it’s very close to selling out,” she says. “Portraiture, and watercolor in general, is very hard to do.”

Fees for the above classes are discounted for Latrobe Art Center members.

Information and registration: 724-537-7011 or latrobeartcenter.org

Latrobe artist Sarah Hunter will lead the following Latrobe-GLSD Parks & Recreation Art Classes for Kids:

• Memory Book, 6-7 p.m. Sept. 10

Students will use mixed media, including personal snapshots, to create their own personal memory book. At the end of class, participants will have the opportunity to share their favorite memory. Cost is $15.

• Fall Walk, 6 – 7 p.m. Oct. 8

Students will learn about one-point perspective as they are led step by step through a “Fall”-themed painting. Participants will celebrate the beauty of the season while also learning color theory. Cost is $15.

• It’s the Great Pumpkin, Latrobe!, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 30

Kids ages 5-12 are invited to a spook-tacular Halloween party with Latrobe Art Center and Latrobe-GLSD Parks & Recreation. Festivities will include painting jack-o-lanterns on canvas, pizza, Halloween costume contest and viewing of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Cost is $20 per child.

• Gratitude Gardens, 6-7 p.m. Nov. 12

Students will plant a “garden” using recycled materials, and decorate their planters using mixed media. Students will be encouraged to consider what they are grateful for and include it either on their planter or in their garden. Cost is $15.

• Winter Wonderland, 6-7 p.m. Dec. 10

Students will learn how to create depth in a painting and focus on a variety of textures while creating a serene winter scene. Cost is $15.

Registration for these classes is required through Latrobe-GLSD Parks and Recreation at 724-537-4331 or latroberecreation.org.

Programming benefits Latrobe-GLSD Parks & Recreation and future Latrobe Art Center programs.