Is “try something new” a 2019 goal you hope to achieve? There’s something very rewarding about stretching yourself, especially when it includes creative play. Gardner Village offers a full course catalog of creative class options. From chocolate sweetness and fairy gardens to fabric art and flower arranging, there are many artistic (and delicious!) choices for students of all ages.
CLASS SPOTLIGHT: WATERCOLOR & MIXED MEDIA @ THE ART COTTAGE
One go-to spot for creative play and learning is The Art Cottage. Here, you’ll find a full pallet of artistic options for children and adults.
Some classes, like this adult watercolor course, are ongoing and meet weekly. Come for just a month or continue indefinitely. Because the classes are tailored to each student, all are welcome, and you can start at any time.
Some of the students in this class have been attending for more than a year now. You can feel the camaraderie as soon as you step in the room. These pretty painters may have started as strangers, but they’re close friends now. It’s amazing how connective creativity can be!
“It’s so uplifting,” student Kiki said. “The friendship and camaraderie… we’ve become such good friends!”
Fellow classmate, Cammy, makes a great point—“When you combine good friends, gelato, and creativity, how can you go wrong?”
This particular course is technically an adult class, but younger students are welcome. It all depends on their proficiency, maturity, and experience. At just 11, Elle is the youngest in this group. Of course, you’d never guess it by looking at her work. Isn’t her drawing of Michael Jackson’s moonwalk impressive?! Wow!
Elle’s grandma attends classes with Elle and loves their time together.
“Elle has taken art classes before, and I knew she had a talent,” Carol Ann said when explaining why she signed the two up for classes. “But coming to class is about more than just encouraging her; it’s about making memories together.”
Elle isn’t the only incredibly talented minor in the mix. Ava is just 13. Her talent far surpasses her young age.
“It’s nice to come and talk to the nice people each week,” Ava said, when asked what she likes best about the class. “It was my grandma’s idea for me to take this class, and I’ve loved it.”
Don’t worry, grownups. You don’t have to have Elle/Ava-level talent to join a class. All skill levels are welcome and will get something out of the experience. Bonnie, the class’s talented instructor, sees to that.
“I don’t believe in everyone doing the exact same thing in class,” said Bonnie. “People compare themselves, which can be stifling. Instead, we all focus on a common lesson and then spend time painting unique pieces. Some paint from their own photos, others select art that inspires them. Either way, I’m there to answer questions and help with techniques as they go. We have so much fun as we learn and create together!”
“Bonnie is amazing,” Cammy said. “She makes everyone feel welcome and is so encouraging.”
On this particular night at The Art Cottage, while the adults were learning and playing downstairs, children were upstairs, enjoying a mixed media class with Colette.
“I love seeing children get excited as they discover things about art that they’ve never seen before,” Colette said. “That always makes me smile!”
This lesson happened to be on Roy Lichtenstein and the use of only primary colors to create ‘60s-inspired pop art.
As a parent, it was definitely very cool to see my six-year-old receiving such training and understanding. The fact that she also had a ball was just the cherry on top of it all!
Or… perhaps that cherry was the gelato! At least that’s what my three-year-old would tell you. (Like I would disagree! ;))
No matter your age, there is magic to be discovered in making. And there’s connection in creating together. That’s what makes creative classes extra special. Come with a friend or come on your own and leave with new friends. Either way, you’re sure to have a great time.
PAINT PARTIES
The Art Cottage also offers various events and celebrations, including paint parties, date nights, and themed events. In fact, Rapunzel will be joining painters on Feb. 2 for a magical afternoon of painting and play. Follow The Art Cottage on Facebook to stay up to date on special events.
Cheers!
Megan Hoeppner
MORE CLASS OPTIONS AT GARDNER VILLAGE
Beyond The Art Cottage, you’ll find classes at many of our shops. From floral design and knitting to quilting and chocolate dipping, there’s something for every area of interest and sweet tooth. Take a look!
Wednesday Jan 23 2019
Is “try something new” a 2019 goal you hope to achieve? There’s something very rewarding about stretching yourself, especially when it includes creative play. Gardner Village offers a full course catalog of creative class options. From chocolate sweetness and fairy gardens to fabric art and flower arranging, there are many artistic (and delicious!) choices for students of all ages.
CLASS SPOTLIGHT: WATERCOLOR & MIXED MEDIA @ THE ART COTTAGE
One go-to spot for creative play and learning is The Art Cottage. Here, you’ll find a full pallet of artistic options for children and adults.
Some classes, like this adult watercolor course, are ongoing and meet weekly. Come for just a month or continue indefinitely. Because the classes are tailored to each student, all are welcome, and you can start at any time.
Some of the students in this class have been attending for more than a year now. You can feel the camaraderie as soon as you step in the room. These pretty painters may have started as strangers, but they’re close friends now. It’s amazing how connective creativity can be!
“It’s so uplifting,” student Kiki said. “The friendship and camaraderie… we’ve become such good friends!”
Fellow classmate, Cammy, makes a great point—“When you combine good friends, gelato, and creativity, how can you go wrong?”
This particular course is technically an adult class, but younger students are welcome. It all depends on their proficiency, maturity, and experience. At just 11, Elle is the youngest in this group. Of course, you’d never guess it by looking at her work. Isn’t her drawing of Michael Jackson’s moonwalk impressive?! Wow!
Elle’s grandma attends classes with Elle and loves their time together.
“Elle has taken art classes before, and I knew she had a talent,” Carol Ann said when explaining why she signed the two up for classes. “But coming to class is about more than just encouraging her; it’s about making memories together.”
Elle isn’t the only incredibly talented minor in the mix. Ava is just 13. Her talent far surpasses her young age.
“It’s nice to come and talk to the nice people each week,” Ava said, when asked what she likes best about the class. “It was my grandma’s idea for me to take this class, and I’ve loved it.”
Don’t worry, grownups. You don’t have to have Elle/Ava-level talent to join a class. All skill levels are welcome and will get something out of the experience. Bonnie, the class’s talented instructor, sees to that.
“I don’t believe in everyone doing the exact same thing in class,” said Bonnie. “People compare themselves, which can be stifling. Instead, we all focus on a common lesson and then spend time painting unique pieces. Some paint from their own photos, others select art that inspires them. Either way, I’m there to answer questions and help with techniques as they go. We have so much fun as we learn and create together!”
“Bonnie is amazing,” Cammy said. “She makes everyone feel welcome and is so encouraging.”
On this particular night at The Art Cottage, while the adults were learning and playing downstairs, children were upstairs, enjoying a mixed media class with Colette.
“I love seeing children get excited as they discover things about art that they’ve never seen before,” Colette said. “That always makes me smile!”
This lesson happened to be on Roy Lichtenstein and the use of only primary colors to create ‘60s-inspired pop art.
As a parent, it was definitely very cool to see my six-year-old receiving such training and understanding. The fact that she also had a ball was just the cherry on top of it all!
Or… perhaps that cherry was the gelato! At least that’s what my three-year-old would tell you. (Like I would disagree! ;))
No matter your age, there is magic to be discovered in making. And there’s connection in creating together. That’s what makes creative classes extra special. Come with a friend or come on your own and leave with new friends. Either way, you’re sure to have a great time.
PAINT PARTIES
The Art Cottage also offers various events and celebrations, including paint parties, date nights, and themed events. In fact, Rapunzel will be joining painters on Feb. 2 for a magical afternoon of painting and play. Follow The Art Cottage on Facebook to stay up to date on special events.
Cheers!
Megan Hoeppner
MORE CLASS OPTIONS AT GARDNER VILLAGE
Beyond The Art Cottage, you’ll find classes at many of our shops. From floral design and knitting to quilting and chocolate dipping, there’s something for every area of interest and sweet tooth. Take a look!