Sam Williams

July 1, 8, 15
Sundays, 1-4pm
Jax Member $91/ General Public $112/ Deposit $20

Practice the art of bonsai in a 3 day series class. The three days of class will build off of each other, and lead to stronger confidence, and at the same time introducing different styles of Bonsai. Day one will include the History of bonsai, encouraging the sharing of the experience, the solitude and the enlightenment of cultivating a small plant on a life long journey. From there Sam will explore the styles of Bonsai, i.e., Formal upright, Informal upright, Cascade, Wind swept, Slanting, Building a Forest style…and the variations of these styles. The Bonsai styles will carry forward to the other classes. There will be a demonstration, including bare root Bonsai specimen, initial styling, placing it in the Bonsai container, wiring and the use of the special Bonsai soil. Everyone will have the opportunity to work on a bonsai and complete a Bonsai the first night.

Days 2 and 3 will be dedicated to understanding the styles, selecting a style to do during the class and completing a Bonsai. Each participant should be able to complete at least one Bonsai per class. Time permitting, Sam will also introduce Bonsai using native South West Virginia specimens.

Elizabeth Mears

July 21-22
Sat-Sun, 9am-5pm
Jax Member $82/ General Public $96
Deposit $25

Materials Fee: $20
Minimum Enrollment, 2: Maximum Enrollment, 5
Minimum Age: 18

Learn to use borosilicate glass, otherwise known as Pyrex, for sculptural work. The focus of this introductory class will be learning basic techniques for manipulating glass rods in the flame of the bench torch: making a gather, fusing two pieces of glass together, drawing out glass in a taper or a twist, making marias and transition shapes, and adding texture to other simple shapes. Learn about the different types of glass, color mixing and basic forming techniques.

This discounted weekend class includes directed study with Master Glass Artist, Elizabeth Mears, followed by half day practice sessions. The first half of the first day will begin with safety procedures and information about the studio set up and torches.  That will be followed by discussion and demonstrations by Liz and torch time for students. The second half of the day will be practice time overseen by studio assistant, Lara Davis Phelps.

Gina Louthian

July 2
Mon, 9am-4pm
Jax Member $72/ General Public $88
Deposit $25

Materials Fee: $12
Minimum Enrollment, 3: Maximum Enrollment, 8
Minimum Age: 18

Learn to create a collaged or vintage image and then encase it in soldered silver and glass, making a unique metal frame. This mini frame can then be made into a pendant, ornament, earrings, or any other creative use. Tools and materials are provided. Some collage materials are included, but students are encouraged to bring personal treasures, such as images, beads, lace, etc. to incorporate in their own personal piece. Students should be able to make 2-3 pendants.

Betsy Orlando

July 4-6
Weds-Fri, 9am-5pm
Jax Member $243/ General Public $300
Deposit $75

Materials Fee: $20
Minimum Enrollment, 3: Maximum Enrollment, 8
Minimum Age: 18

Penny Rugs date back to the 18th century when frugal women used scraps of wool too small for hooking or braiding rugs to create items to decorate their homes.  The term “penny rug” came from coins used to make circles which were stitched onto burlap or feed sack backings to give them weight. The penny on early days was much larger than today’s penny!  Other shapes were also appliquéd – animals, people, florals, etc. These “rugs” were not made to be used on floors, but on beds, table tops, mantels or as pillows and wall hangings.

Charles Orlando

July 4-6
Weds-Fri, 9am-5pm
Jax Member $243/ General Public $300
Deposit $75

Materials Fee: $30
Minimum Enrollment, 3: Maximum Enrollment, 12
Minimum Age: 14

Stoke your creative fires with Master Blacksmith and instructor, Charles Orlando. Beginning and intermediate students will learn or improve the basic forging skills required in blacksmithing. Participants will practice fire management, drawing out, shaping, punching, cutting, welding, and heat treating.  These skills will be applied on small projects for the beginner, and larger projects for those with some experience.  Efficiency in the use of time and tools while working around the anvil will be stressed.

Jayn Avery & Lee Chichester

July 9-13
Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm
Jax Member $153/ General Public $188
Deposit $50

Materials Fee: $20-$40
Minimum Enrollment, 4: Maximum Enrollment, 10
Minimum Age: Responsible Young Adult

Design and build your own sturdy, weatherproof garden sculptures that are light enough to move when you want a change-up in your garden, yet withstand the tests of time in the outdoors. Participants will design, assemble, shape, and manipulate a lightweight under-structure, then surface it with a weatherproof skin on which paint/plaster/tile can be added to create the fantastic or realistic sculpture. Information about materials, resources and an overview of design and function possibilities will give students all they need to set up their own projects at home.

Annie Armistead

July 21
Sat, 9am-5pm
Jax Member $81/ General Public $100
Deposit $25

Materials Fee: $120
Minimum Enrollment, 3: Maximum Enrollment, 6
Minimum Age: 18

Take your PMC skills to the next level! Students will be making a textured ring band, learning the techniques used for incorporating an irregular shaped stone into a PMC pendant and use PMC paste, sheet and syringe to make and embellish a vessel. The class fee includes the use of all studio tools, 16grams PMC3 clay, one package PMC sheet and 9grams PMC syringe and a stone.  Since the size of each individual project varies, extra clay will be available for purchase during the workshop. Previous PMC experience is required.