Creative Arts

Embrace the math of quilting. Students learn to design quilt blocks and identify elements of traditional blocks while mastering techniques such as half- and quarter-square triangles, foundation paper piecing, and classic patchwork. Instruction covers block construction through finishing a small quilt. Students must provide a sewing machine. Prerequisite: beginning quilting or basic sewing experience. Instructor: June Piper-Brandon. (S) No class Jun 27 and Jul 4.

This course introduces the fundamentals of acrylic painting, focusing on creativity, technique, and personal expression. Students explore color theory, brushwork, texture, composition, and perspective while learning layering, blending, and surface preparation. Guided projects build confidence and help students develop a personal painting style. Instructor: Anne Rickert. (S) 

Start from the very beginning! Students will gain hands-on experience with their cameras as they learn digital camera operation and photographic principles. Class includes a discussion of basic composition principles. Bring a digital camera (charged or with fresh batteries), and its manual to class. Instructor: Walter Calahan. Enroll early; class size limited to 12. 

Use folk-art decorative stitches, yarns and metallic threads, appliques, laces and beads on your own jeans or jean jacket to create a legacy artwork. Supply fee includes fabric markers, needles, appliques, yarns, laces, threads and beads plus the use of the photo transfer printer, heat press and toaster oven microwave. Digital badge eligible (DB).

This class is held at the Fashion Design Studio:  8775 Cloudleap Court, Center Suite #1, Columbia, MD 21045.

Learn the fundamentals of drawing through observation-based exercises designed to build confidence and technical skill. Explore line, shape, value, proportion, and composition while working with graphite, charcoal, and other dry media. No prior experience necessary, just a willingness to experiment and enjoy the process of learning to see and draw with greater accuracy. Instructor: Damon Hurbon. (S) 

Almost everyone has some childhood experience using colored pencils, but how do artists elevate this implement from mere coloring tool to a fine art medium? Learn how to use colored pencils to show blending, value, dimension, and complex color in everything from adult coloring books to original works of art! All levels of experience welcome! Students must purchase course materials at an estimated cost of $30. Instructor: Kara LaRose. (S) 

Enjoy creating a lap blanket with a pin loom, a weaving technique that can be used to make many other products such as blankets, purses, scarves, wall hangings, and more. Pin loom, needle and one skein of yarn will be provided. Students are welcome to bring yarn from home. ALL LEVELS WELCOME! Instructor: Beverly Polk (S) 

Explore the fundamentals of oil painting through time-tested classical methods. This course welcomes adults of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists, and focuses on materials, color mixing, composition, and traditional techniques to build confidence, control, and expressive skill in oil paint. Instructor: Damon Hurbon. (S) 

Faces are fascinating, and artists have created portraits for millennia. They have used charcoal, graphite, oil paint, watercolor, acrylic and more. In this class, we will use thread and cloth as our media of choice. We will explore the work of contemporary textile portraitists while we develop our own renderings of people and animals, real and imagined. Instructor: Cynthia Gossage. (S) 

Pottery courses are offered at two levels. Monday class is for beginners. Discover new techniques to shape beautiful creations. Learn about glazing, hand building and advanced decorating methods. This is not a wheel class. Materials fee covers clay, paints, tools, and glazes. Students are responsible for purchasing additional materials, if desired. Class is nine weeks. Enrollment limited, please register early. No class Jun 29 and Jul 1. (S) 

In this cozy, creativity-focused course, students learn how to transform fleece fabric into beautiful, personalized blankets using decorative crochet edging. After learning foundational techniques in weeks 1–2, students explore a new edging pattern each week, building confidence and creative expression. No prior crochet experience required, though it is helpful. Instructor: Londa Scott Forte. (S) 

Learn to sew comfortable, stylish summer shorts from start to finish. Students will follow a basic pattern, practice accurate measuring and cutting, and learn construction techniques including seams, waistbands, and hems. Emphasis is on fit and finishing. Students must bring their own sewing machine. Instructor: June Piper-Brandon. (S) 

Learn to sew a cute, comfortable summer dress from start to finish. Students will measure their bodies, select patterns and fabrics, lay out and cut pieces, and sew darts and seams. Build skills and confidence to create a dress you’ll want to make again. Students need to bring a sewing machine. Instructor: June Piper-Brandon. (S) 

This course encourages students to imagine and explore beyond the two- dimensional concepts of length and width on a flat surface. We will introduce new materials to manipulate and create constructions that stand up and can be viewed from all sides. This is a hands-on course, and is not a computer design or CAD course. Instructor: Pat Flaherty. (S) 

Connect with a community of piano enthusiasts in a specially designed experience for intermediate and advanced pianists. Get fresh ideas in lectures on refining your technique, musical interpretation, and efficient practice habits during this inspirational week that goes beyond the surface to the art of piano playing. Bring solo or duet pieces that you want to develop through individual lessons, rehearsal, and performance. There will be a final recital in Monteabaro Recital Hall on Sunday, June 14. Bring or buy lunch for the one-hour midday break.