Winter/ Spring
Winter (1/24-3/13)
Spring
(4/4-5/22) 2010
Children's Classes
Class Name: Studio Experience
Instructor: Max Bjornson
Age Range: 6-9
Price: Members $150 / Non-Members $165 Material fee $15
Bldg Location: Studio
Friday 4:30- 6:00
Description of Class:
Explore many different forms of art in a fun and open environment. Art
techniques will be explored in 2-D and 3-D projects. Materials such as pencil,
paint, air drying clay, collage and paper folding will be used.
Max Bjornson has drawn every day of his life since he could hold a crayon. He is
a student at Columbia College and has participated in several gallery
exhibitions there. His work can be seen in Oak Park as part of the “off the
Wall” mural project at Terra Incognito. He has also had work displayed at
Chicago Avenue and Harrison Street as part of the summer 2005 bench project Max
has several years of teaching experience working with children at the Park
District of Oak Park.
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.
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: Art En Francais
Instructor: Moira Heffernan
Age Range: 7-12
Price: Members: $100 / non-members: $115
Bldg Location: Cloud Room
Saturday 10-11
Description of Class
Learn to speak French while creating art. This class is designed for all levels
of young artists who have a desire to learn French while immediately applying
their new vocabulary in various art projects. Multiple mediums will be used in
projects covering the basic principles of art and design all while using the
French language as a means of communication. Fun and French…ooh la la!
Moira Heffernan received her Bachelors of Arts from Kalamazoo College, with a
double major in both Art & Art History and French, graduating Magna Cum Laude
and with the George Eaton Errington Prize in Art. She has also expanded her art
education through courses taken at the Evanston Art Center, Illinois State
University and L’Ecole des Beaux Arts de Clermont-Ferrand, France. She spent two
years abroad, the first time as a student and the second time as an English
teacher in Montpellier, France. Her medium of choice is photography,
specifically black and white. She currently resides in Oak Park and works for an
Educational Production Company that produces K-12 Core Curriculum Media.
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: Interior Design
Instructor: Sharron Ott
Age Range: 14 - Adult
Price: Members $ 85/ Non-members $100
Bldg Location: Gallery
Monday 6 – 7:30
Description of Class
Special art surrounds us, inspires us, and identifies us. This class will teach
the process of using color, composition and design to create and intriguing
interior. The psychological affects achieved using these tools will be studied.
Each student will learn to make a composite board, and have a chance to present
t heir final project to the group. Time outside of class will be required for
shopping (internet and otherwise).
Class Name: Mixing it Up
Instructor: Simon Gallo
Age Range: 7-12
Price: Members $150 / Non-members $165 Materials: $10
Bldg Location: Studio
Thursdays 4:30-6:00
Description of Class
Students will explore all media and surfaces to create powerful and provoking
mixed media art. Blending charcoal, pastels, paint, etc. on surfaces such as
cardboard, paper, or wood, students will be free to experiment will all the
materials
Simon Gallo was exposed to various types of art at a young age, growing up in a
family of artists. Simon started drawing at a young age when taking summer camps
at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Once in high school he began
painting and soon began to take early college classes on weekends at the School
of the Art Institute of Chicago and later taking a summer off to take classes at
Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, MA. Simon is currently studying at the
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, going for his degree in Art Education.
Excited about art and teaching, Simon wants to share his knowledge and love for
art with others.
Class Name: Open Found Object
Instructor: Rachel Lechocki
Age Range: Teens
Price: Members $150 – Non-members $165
Bldg Location: Gallery
Thursday 4:30 – 6
Description of Class
Spend a lovely evening filtering through unusual beads, stones, wire and threads
to construct hand-crafted jewelry and explore obscure found objects. Any type of
objects you may have can be utilized during this open studio. It will be an open
environment to test out new materials and techniques. You may discover that old
coasters can be transformed into great sculpture bases or that your dried
flowers will be an elegant addition to a design.
Rachel Lechocki is a recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago. She earned her
B.A. in Art History, specializing in Modern and Contemporary and Non-Western
art, also a minor in Cultural Studies. Prior to this, she received an Associated
Degree from the College of DuPage in Liberal Arts, where she exhibited
photography and paintings in various student art shows. There too, she was a
member of the Honors Program and developed advertised and produced a fundraiser
fashion show with four other students. During the course of Fall 2006 and Spring
2007 Rachel curated two exhibitions, “Pandemic in Print” and “Transitions” in
Columbia’s Art and Design Gallery. She had essays published in both catalogues.
Rachel is a member of the Art History Society of Columbia College. This past
summer, Rachel was Director of Little S.C.A.W. (Summer Cultural Arts Workshop)
at the Park District of Oak Park. Currently, she assists with multiple art and
dance classes, events and workshops for the Park District.
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: Jewelry Making
Instructor: Annie Rath
Age Range: 9-12
Price: Members $100 / Non-members $115 Materials $10
Bldg Location: Studio
Saturday 12-1
Description of Class
Learn to make jewelry, with an emphasis on using recycled materials and other
components. The children will be able to experiment with a variety of textures
and colors, while learning the basic jewelry making techniques.
Annie Rath received her B.A. from Northern Illinois University, in Jewelry/Metal
Work. Since graduating, she has taught after school art workshops for elementary
schools in Oak Park. She has also worked with the creative process with children
who have special needs, and reinforced with instructional process. Annie has
maintained an active role in selling her jewelry at private trunk shows, and
also in retail stores in the Forest Park and Chicago area. Her philosophy in art
is to motivate the students to be individually creative and above all have fun!
Roxanne Rath has worked as a freelance graphic artist, designing logos,
brochures, signage, and specialized calligraphy projects. She has taken a vast
variety of art classes including jewelry/metalwork, which is where her focus is
at this stage in her art career. She has had jewelry and sculptures in galleries
both on the east and west coast along with selling in retail stores, private
trunk shows, and art fairs in the Midwest. She has taught after school art
workshops in district #97 focusing on recycled art and jewelry. She has worked
with students with special needs and believes that through the art process many
skills are developed and enhanced while the student enjoys the art activity.
Developing and experiencing your creativity, she firmly believes can bring much
joy into your life.
Class Name: Calder’s Circus
Instructor: Roxanne Rath and Annie Rath
Age Range: 9-12
Price: Members $100 / Non-members $115
Bldg Location: Studio
Saturday 10-11
Description of Class
In this fun, informative class we will be exploring Alexander Calder’s art
before his famous mobiles. The main focus will be on his amazing miniature
circus that was created mostly from recycled items and uniquely performed
entirely by himself. Each student will create their own miniature circus act and
help with the construction of miniature tents, trapezes, and other circus
environment art, using recycled materials. At the end of the session we will
perform our own spectacular miniature circus for our friends and families.
Class Name: Theatre League
Instructor: Rhona Taylor
Age Range: 7-10
Price: Members $125 / Non-members $140
Bldg Location: Gallery
Tuesday 3:45 – 5:00
Description of Class
Just bring your imagination, team spirit and sense of humor. We’ll supply the
theater games and space to create and perform an original piece based on our
workshop improvisations. We’ll have fun learning voice, movement and cooperative
skills while we become comfortable on stage.
Rhona Taylor is Second City trained actress who was a member of the Playwrights’
Ensemble while at the University of Iowa. As an Artist-in-Residence for the City
of Chicago, she wrote scripts, directed and acted with children. Rhona currently
teaches at Pilgrim Community Nursery School and Intuit Dance on Harrison St. in
Oak Park. She was the creator/coordinator of the After School Arts Program for
District 97 and the Park District of Oak Park. In addition, she has led theater
workshops for children with the Village Players, S.C.A.W. and the Actor’s Clinic
for Triton College’s Junior Theater.
Class Name: Wet on wet watercolor
Instructor: Kimberly Kurrus
Age Range: 4-6
Price: Members 100 / Non-members $115
Bldg Location: cloud room
Wednesday 10-11
Description of Class
Watch the paint do it for you! Wet on wet is a truly scientific study of shapes
and forms that water and color make. Inquiry based learning (process,
prediction, testing theories, and observation skills) used. Setting wet colors
in motion only to find out what really takes place when it dries. Basic color
mixing and terminology taught. These beautiful pieces can be used as gifts and
made into cards for the holidays. High quality materials used. Dreamy final
pieces are suitable for framing. We will use different media mixed into the
colors to see the results.
Class Name: Many Clays
Instructor: Kimberly Kurrus
Age Range: 4-9
Price: Members $100 /Non-members $115
Bldg Location: cloud room
Wednesday 3:30 – 4:30
Description of Class
Home-made non toxic dough exploration, highly sensory experiences. Doughs will
be created by the children according to recipes which will be available to the
families at the end of each class. Exploration with fine motor (writing) skills
and hand strength in mind. This class will help improve penmanship! Tools used
to sculpt contain some sharp edges. Safety will be taught. Final creations will
be displayed in student show at opal. Language of critique and encouragement
taught.
Class Name: Art and Autism
Instructor: Kimberly Kurrus
Price: $30 for an hour long lesson
Bldg Location: cloud room
Various Time Slots Available
Description of Class
Art media exploration and sensory experiences for children who are high
functioning on the Autistic spectrum. Class is one hour and can be arranged in a
series to create a product, or single lesson just for the experience. Children’s
work will be displayed in the student art shows ast OPAL. Each class will
consist of three different media experiences. Parents may stay to watch, or be
available by phone during the class after we get to know each other.
BIO
Kimberly Kurrus is an Illinois-born native. She has been drawing and painting
from early childhood. She has been working in Early Childhood Education for over
twenty years. Kimberly is finishing her Masters degree in Curriculum and
Instruction at Concordia University. She has taught academic skills through
artistic means for many years. Kimberly has worked for the Evanston Art Center,
and with children birth through 12 years. She sometimes facilitates themed
birthday parties here at OPAL.
Parents are welcome to stay for class and participate with their children.
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.
Private Piano Instruction
Ages 5 and up
Taught by Kathryn Atwood
Saturdays 2:30pm-4:00pm
(1/2 hour lessons, select preferred time slot)
Members: $22 Per lesson / Non-Members: $25 per lesson
Gallery
Private piano lessons for beginners utilizing the Traditional method of piano
instruction. Traditional piano, which should be taken around the same time the
child is learning to read words, is the method by which notes are read on the
musical staff. Ms. Atwood utilizes the Faber method books when teaching and
incorporates ear training, memorization, rhythm/beat and theory into the lessons
as well.
Kathryn Atwood has been teaching piano for nearly 10 years, both in her Forest
Park home studio and also at the Steckman Studio of Music in Oak Park where her
students have consistently received superior marks in the Chicago-Area Junior
Festival. She teaches both traditional and Suzuki methods. She and her husband
John are professional musicians who frequently perform in the area (www.historysingers.com).
Preschool Drop In
Self Directed
Best for ages 2-6 with their caregiver
$2 per visit
Monday and Wednesday 11-3
Tuesday and Thursday 1-3
Cloud Room
Description to come: Elizabeth is writing it
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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