Winter/Spring Schedule
Winter (1/24-3/13)
Spring (4/4-5/22)
2010
Adult Classes
Class Name: Self-Expressed Portraiture
Instructor: Beth Ryza
Age Range: Teen & Adults
Price: Member $85/ Non-Member $100
Bldg Location: Studio
Mon 5:30-7:00
Description of Class This class will open your eyes to the many ways one can
“see” oneself. Students may choose from several different medias including
pencil, charcoal, oil crayon, mixed media, or collage. Students may choose
to use a mirror or to work from a favorite photograph or try both. The
teacher will encourage students to “draw from within” to express who they
are through the use of color, shape, texture, line, and composition. Basic
proportion of the human head will be discussed as well as examples of
self-portraits by many famous artists. While some fundamentals of drawing
may be helpful, beginners are more than welcome because there are no
“mistakes”.
BIO: Beth Ryza received her bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse
University, majoring in Illustration. She also received a Bachelor of Fine
Arts degree in Art Education from the University of IL at Chicago after
which has been an art teacher for the Chicago Public Schools for the last 14
years. Ms. Ryza has also taken master classes in advanced painting at the
School of the Art Institute. A local artist, and having run her own art
school for a year, Ms. Ryza has shown her work in many local galleries and
shows including Marwen, She-Art, The Marion St. Gallery, etc. She enjoys
sculpture and painting equally, has some of her poetry and drawings
published, and feels comfortable teaching all ages and levels of students.
Class Name: It’s Easy Being “Green”
Instructor: Beth Ryza
Age Range: Teen & Adult
Price: Members $85-Non-Members$100
Bldg Location: Studio
Wed 5-6:30
Description of Class
Please bring your precious junque to this eclectic class including unusual
bottles, broken jewelry, discarded toys, fabric scraps, feathers, beautiful
twigs or natural objects, wire, interesting containers, etc. The focus will
be to discover beauty through the use of an odd juxtaposition of recycled
objects to be arranged in a new way. Finished pieces can be 3 dimensional,
bas-relief effect (raised from a flat surface such as a board), or be
created within a box. Reinvent, explore, discover. Beginners welcome.
Class Name: Intro to Bookmaking
Instructor: Mark Moroney
Age Range: Adults
Price: Member: $115 Non-member $130
Bldg Location: gallery
Wed 7-9
Description of Class
Learn several binding styles and basic skills, plus important fundamentals
of materials, equipment and techniques. The types of bindings covered will
include: accordion, pamphlet stitch, long-stitch, Coptic, and a
multi-signature case binding. Throughout the workshop, simple tools and
methods will be used and discussed so each student can continue working at
home. Completed books are great for journals and photo collecting.
Mark Moroney has a Master’s in Fine Arts in Book and Paper Arts from
Columbia College Chicago and a BA from Brandeis University. He has worked as
a printmaker, sculptor, papermaker, and bookmaker. He has been a letterpress
operator for the past year and a half as well as a freelance graphic
designer. Mr. Moroney has taught at IADT-Chicago and Dominican University.
Exhibitions include work in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Bend, Oregon.
Class Name: The Technique of the Renaissance Painters
Instructor: Sharron Ott
Age Range: 14 - adult
Price: Members $85/ Non-Members $100
Bldg Location: Studio
Tuesday 4:30 – 6
Description of Class
The paintings of the Northern and Southern European Renaissance have a
distinctive look. Rich brown tones, and deep colors, accompany a strong use of
lights and darks. This effect is a achieved using a specific technique. We will
step through this process in class. Students will use oil paints on stretched
canvas. Each should complete 3 paintings. We will work from life as much as
possible. The masters from this period will also be studied.
Class Name: Open painting studio
Instructor: Sharron Ott
Age Range: Adult
Price: $12 each class
Bldg Location: Studio
Thursday 1-3:30
Description of Class
Each student may choose their own painting project, and proceed at their own
pace. The instructor will work with every artist individually. All mediums, and
mixed mediums are acceptable. No session sign up necessary, attend when you can.
Sharron Ott has made her living as a painter, illustrator, muralist, scenic
artist, interior designer, and set designer for many years. She is classically
trained in painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking. Sharron began
creating art at the age of 11, studying under Eleanor King, the founder of the
Elmhurst Art Museum. She received a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from the School of
the Art Institute of Chicago. As time moved on she incorporated many disciplines
and mediums into her style. She has worked as a scenic artist for Cirque Du
Soliel, and Steppenwolf Theatre, and a set designer for Red Moon Theatre.
Sharron has held 26 exhibits of her paintings across the US and Canada, with
works in the collections of the Elmhurst Art Museum, the Government of Taiwan,
and Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. 37 restaurants, 5 churches, and
numerous residences display the art and design work of Miss Ott.
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Class Name: Painting Choose Your Medium
Instructor: Carol Richardson-O’Brien
Age Range: Adult
Price: Members $115 / Non-members $130
Bldg Location: Studio
Tuesdays 1-3
Description of Class
From beginners on, work at your own pace. Learn how to stretch your own canvas,
color theory, gallery framing, etc. Material list available in the gallery.
Carol Richardson-O’Brien comes from a family of artists. She studied fine arts
at the University of Dayton and St. Louis University, and illustration at Ray
College of Design. After college she moved to Europe to paint. She has shown her
work in St. Louis, Missouri, Dublin, Ireland, Chicago, Lake Forest, Barrington
and numerous one man and group shows in Oak Park and Forest Park. She is
annually commissioned by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust to do
portraits of the homes in the Wright Plus Tour. She works in oil paints,
watercolor, pen and ink, graphite and pastels, and has done over one hundred
commissioned portraits.
Class Name: Working in Oil
Instructor: Richard Laurent
Age Range: Adult
Price: members 140 – non-members 155
Bldg Location: Studio
Friday 12:30 – 3:00
Description of Class
This class will include lecture and demonstrations. Topics include:
Looking for beauty
Communicating your vision
Working methods that succeed
Fine-tuning your technique
Keeping your perspective
How to finish your painting
Class Critique
There will be a 15-20 minutes lecture at the beginning of each class.
Richard Laurent received his formal visual training at the Institute of Design,
the original Bauhaus design school in Chicago. He has illustrated for national
magazines and newspapers, including the Chicago Sun-Times, owned a design
consulting business, served as Creative Director for Encyclopedia Britannica
Films, and taught at Columbia College. Since 1991, he has also pursued an
independent study of classical painting processes. Richard’s work is informed by
the master paintings he has studied at major museums in Europe and Latin
America. In 1999, he painted a life-sized cow for Chicago’s Cows on Parade He
has exhibited at the Salon International Museum of Contemporary Masters and has
won awards at Oil Painters of America National Exhibitions. His drawings and
paintings are included in Contemporary American Drawing, and Contemporary
American Painting, monographs published by Jilin Fine Arts, while his
illustration work has appeared in numerous editions of Spectrum: The Best in
Contemporary Fantastic Art. Richard works out of studio 922 in the historic Fine
Arts Building and is represented by Gallery H in Three Oaks, Michigan.
Class Name: Beginning Drawing
Instructor: Chris Diehl
Age Range: Adult
Price: Members $85 /Non-members $100
Bldg Location: Studio
Monday 7:30 – 9:00
Description of Class
Whether you are a novice or a season hobbyist, this class offers you the
fundamental techniques and tools used in the creative artistic process. Students
will learn various methods of drawing in charcoal, pencil, soft pastel, oil
pastel, and ink. Basic artistic concepts concerning color, depth perception,
perspective, and contrast will also be investigated. Historical and present
examples of artists will be studied, and students will be given the opportunity
to develop their own drawing styles.
Christopher Diehl received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Iowa
where he focused primarily on painting with oils and pastels. He is currently
pursuing an Optometry Doctorate at Illinois College of Optometry, where he has
taken many classes concerning the scientific nature of color perception, depth
perception, shape perception, and other visual processes. Due to his academic
background, he offers a unique perspective to the Oak Park Art League, and
integrates psychophysical concepts into his class. In the past, he has offered
an Oak Park Art League class on the employment of optical illusions in art, and
has occasionally instructed electronic music classes at the University of Iowa.
Class Name: Soft Pastel
Instructor: Didier Nolet
Age Range: Adult
Price: members 170 – non-members 185
Bldg Location: Studio
Fridays 9 - 12
Description of Class
Soft pastel is probably the most sensual medium. Using sticks made of pure
pigment, you will create art with a velvety surface that catches the light in a
unique way. It can intense or subtle, but it is always striking. Learn the
techniques “tricks” from an expert in a friendly atmosphere. All other aspects
of the creative process will be addressed, including composition, perspective,
color, depth of field, contrast, and more.
Didier Nolet was born and raised in Paris, France. He studied at the world
famous Ecole des Beaux-Arts. His training was based on a combination of Old
Masters and Contemporary Masters techniques. His art and teaching philosophy
combine the best of both worlds. Didier has been exhibiting his paintings and
pastels in galleries and museums in Paris, New York, Chicago, California,
Arizona, and beyond. Didier, who has been teaching for many years, is committed
to his students. Everybody gets his full attention.
Class Name: Studio Painting: Oil and Acrylics
Instructor: Didier Nolet
Age Range: Adult
Price: members 170 – non-members 185
Bldg Location: Studio
Friday 9-12
Description of Class
In this lass you will learn to create paintings (oil and acrylic) based on
photos, sketches and/or memories. You will be guided throughout the creative
process from studies to the final painting. All aspects of the creative process
will be approached: composition, perspective, contrast, colors, lighting
effects, mixing and applying, cleaning, and keeping your tools in good shape. A
lot of friendly and personal attention.
Class Name: Oil Pastel SPRING ONLY
Instructor: Karen Kornichuk
Age Range: Adult
Price: Members $115 / Non-members $130
Bldg Location: Studio
Thursdays 9 - 11
Description of Class
Working in oil pastels is very rewarding. The medium has unlimited possibilities
because it is not mixed like paint. The colors are vibrant and fun to work with
and the results are beautiful. The student can choose to follow either the
instructor’s reference or one of their own. An enjoyable class that is open to
all skill levels.
Karen Kornichuk, a new resident of Oak Park from DuPage County, has been
teaching art for nine years at the DuPage Art League, Wheaton IL. Karen began
painting as a child and won her first state competition at age fifteen. An
accomplished multi-media artist, she has created original designs of logos,
promotional materials, historical landmarks, and limited edition fine art. A
design artist for a 2 year project to support the rehabilitation of birds of
prey, she exhibited works at the Midwest Birding Symposium, Green Bay, WI,
sponsored by National Geographic and Birders World Magazine. She was a feature
artist for American Falconry Magazine. Karen works primarily in watercolor and
also enjoys the mediums of gouache, ink, and oils.
Class Name: Watermedia: Watercolor & Gouache
Instructor: Karen Kornichuk
Age Range: Adult
Price: Members $115 / Non-members $130
Bldg Location: Studio
Wednesday 7 - 9
Description of Class
Compared to transparent watercolor, gouache is opaque, thus creating dense and
more brilliant color. Using both water media together creates higher contrast
and stronger effects. Beginners are welcome and advanced water colorists can
hone their skills. The student can choose to follow either the instructor’s
reference or one of their own. Open to all skill levels.
Class Name: Works on Paper
Instructor: Susan Bjornson
Age Range: Adults
Price: Members $140 /Non-members $155
Bldg Location: Gallery
Saturday 1:30 - 4
Description of Class
This class is an exploration of rendering with two mediums accomplished on
paper: graphite pencil and watercolor paint. The first few weeks will center on
learning drawing skills; the last few weeks will address working with
transparent watercolor paint. Lessons will be compatible with both mediums.
Students will be supported in the areas of techniques, composition, development
of imagery and art history. A comprehensive discussion of color will be covered.
Susan Bjornson has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Southern Illinois
University in Art History and Fine Arts. She continued her education at the
University of Illinois at Chicago studying graphic design and animation. She
studied watercolor and botanical illustration at the Morton Arboretum. She has
taught for ten years, both adults and children. Her work has been displayed at
the Oak Park Library, Oak Park Village Hall, Oak Park Conservatory, and Highland
Park Community Center. Her work can be seen at Majamas Boutique in Oak Park and
Penny’s Noodles, also in Oak Park. Her painting “Germination” is the current
t-shirt for the Oak Park Public Library. She was the creator of “When Pigs Fly,”
a pig displayed this summer on Oak Park Avenue.
Class Name: Oil Painting
Instructor: Edward Karl Fresa
Age Range: Adults
Price: Members $115 /Non-members $130
Bldg Location: Studio
Saturday 1:00 – 3:00
Description of Class
Oil painting is an art form that is both ancient and modern. Jump into the
stream of history and find your creative voice. In this class we will cover
basic approaches in painting for the beginning and refine our skills to deal
with issues of content and style. Advanced students will be able to hone their
craft and receive individual attention and guidance. Projects will vary from the
traditional to the avant garde. Learn the techniques for expression in this most
universal of mediums
Edward Karl Fresa is an artist/sculptor from Chicago. He first became involved
with painting as a youth in California where he lived with his parents and five
brothers. After attending high school in West Virginia, Karl did his
Undergraduate work at Carnegie Mellon U. in Pittsburgh PA. Fresa’s influences
were refined after attending Southern Illinois U. and following a successful art
exhibit in St. Louis he moved to Chicago after receiving his MFA. He has shown
in many juried art shows including the Chicago and Vicinity Biennial at the Art
Institute of Chicago. He is a collected artist and has executed works for such
companies as Lettuce Entertain You, Oprah Winfrey, Saks, Marshall Fields, and Le
Meridian Hotels. Fresa is a published illustrator and as a sculptor has
fabricated works for many retail giants such as Sears, Nike and Harley Davidson.
A member of the Chicago Artists Coalition his work can be seen on the web. He
continues to share his extensive knowledge of art and has taught painting and
drawing at Triton College, Robert Morris College, and the Oak Park Art League.
He is currently represented by Steeple Gallery in St. John Ind.
Class Name: Drawing and Watercolor
Instructor: Edward Karl Fresa
Age Range: Adults
Price: Members $115 /Non-members $130
Bldg Location: Studio
Thursday 7-9
Description of Class
This class will give you all the basics in drawing, working on the fundamentals
of composition perspective, depth, line, light and shadow. We’ll work on
correcting common beginner artist mistakes so we can perfect our work. We start
with watercolor and learn to handle the brush, letting color flow onto the paper
with a skill and confidence of a true artist. Color understanding and skill
build as we move through some easy projects until you have the tools to tackle
your own masterpiece.
Beginning Watercolor
Taught by Bob Kwas
Wednesday 10-12
Studio
Members: $115 / Non-Members: $130
Watercolor for those who think they can’t. We will dispel some myths about
watercolors as you learn the basics of materials, techniques and begin to
construct a painting not just render your reference. Build your confidence
through exercises that build your skills as well as your ability to create a
painting. Materials will be discussed at the first class. If you already have
supplies bring them to class.
Bob Kwas began his training with private lessons from H. H. Smithers at age
nine. He later attended the University of Wisconsin/Racine and graduated from
the American Academy of Art in Chicago, where he studied with William Mosby and
Irving Shapiro. Robert has exhibited nationally and has received numerous awards
in area arts fairs and exhibits. He has taught watercolor at the Oak Park Art
League and Creative Illustration at Triton College.
Figure Painting Sessions
Self Instruction
Tuesdays 9:00 – 12:00
Members: $10 per class / Non-Members: $15 per class
Studio
Over the last several centuries, artists have recognized that figure drawing is
a basic skill in art instruction. If you can draw the human figure quickly, you
can draw anything. These sessions are fun! Come, be a part of the group. Join us
for tea, cookies, classical music, and live models
Nancy Fong earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Arts from
University of Illinois at Chicago. She has been teaching art to children and
adults at Morton College, Triton College, Park District of Oak Park’s Summer
Cultural Arts Workshop (SCAW), After School Arts Program (ASAP), District 97’s
Young Artist’s Workshop (YAW), and The Senior Citizens’ Center of Oak Park and
River Forest. Her adult class painted the horse “Bridle and Groom” for Horsin’
Around the Avenue. Nancy has a painting in Oak Park Public Library’s Permanent
Collection.
Figure Drawing Sessions
Self –Instruction
Sunday 1- 4 PM
Studio
Members $10 and Non-members $ 15
Over the last several centuries, artists have recognized that figure drawing is
a basic skill in art instruction. If you can draw the human figure quickly, you
can draw anything. These sessions are fun! Come, be a part of the group. Join us
for tea, cookies, classical music, and live models.
Roberta Raymond-Larson, long-time member of the Oak Park Art League, facilitates
Figure Drawing on Sundays at the Oak Park Art League and is presently at three
galleries in Door County: the Paint Box Gallery, Gallery Five, and Door County
Art League Gallery. This year she has taught for Elderhostel and Festival of
Nature.
Long Pose Figure study
Self instruction
Wednesday 1-4 Pm
Studio
Members $10 non-members $15
Studio painting from live models, male and female, clothed and nude. Particular
attention is paid to lighting and the backdrop to produce the best tonal values
for both portrait and figure painting. There is no instruction, but lots of
sharing. All poses are held for the entire three hour period (with breaks) and
repeated for not less than two weeks and preferably four weeks. The extended
poses make this figure studio an excellent option for sculptors.
One of a Kind Cartooning
All Ages
Taught by Keith Taylor
Saturdays 9:30am-10:45am
Members: $125 / Non-Members: $140
Gallery
Are you someone who seems to draw all the time? Do you have original characters
and adventures to share? This highly creative class is perfect for those
interested in developing original ideas and translating them into a cartoon
format. Classes will be organized thematically and artists will respond using a
variety of materials including: pencil, graphite, markers, litho-crayon, pen and
ink, watercolor and washes. Each week students will be asked to submit at least
one drawing to be scanned for inclusion in a class booklet that each student
will receive. Please bring a sketchbook to class. All other materials included.
Keith Taylor taught cartooning for over a decade with the Park District of Oak
Park and has taught workshops and classes in Chicago at Wright Junior College,
Alcott Elementary School and others. He is the current President of the Oak Park
Art League Board of Directors. His cartoons have been syndicated nationally and
his greeting cards have been published internationally. He has a MFA in
printmaking and a BFA in painting from the University of Illinois, Urbana. With
over 30 years of arts-related experience, Keith is a graphic designer,
cartoonist, illustrator, painter, and printmaker dedicated to using humor as a
means of inspiring thoughtful dialogue and action
REGISTRATION POLICIES
You may mail or phone in your registration. Enrollment confirmation will not be sent until payment is received. Advanced registration is appreciated and recommended. Enrollment is considered on a first come first served basis. Classes with less than five students enrolled prior to the start of the class will be cancelled.
Refunds
Tuition is refundable minus a processing fee as follows: Students may cancel up to three days before a class is scheduled to begin and receive a full refund. Students may drop a class any time after the first class of the session has met and before the second class of the session has met and receive a full refund minus a $15 processing fee. Students choosing to drop a class after the second class of a session has met are not eligible for a refund.
Cancellations
A full refund will be issued within three weeks if OPAL needs to cancel a class due to low enrollment.
Classes may be made up only if they are cancelled by the teacher.
Children’s classes follow the District 97 school closure policies for weather or emergencies.
WAIVER AND RELEASE
In consideration of my attendance at or use of Oak Park Art League ("OPAL") facilities, I hereby assume all risks of personal injury, death, property loss or other damages that may result from or arise out of attendance at or use of or participation in any of OPAL's programs or activities. I understand that the foregoing waiver of liability on my behalf shall apply to any and all claims against OPAL and its officers, directors, employees, servants, agents or affiliates ("OPAL Affiliates") for any such personal injuries, property loss, or other damages connected to or arising out of any of the aforesaid risks.
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