Winter classes at Lubeznik Center for the Arts offer a variety of ways for young and old alike to get creative! 
A wide range of crafts join the schedule this season–Beading, Découpage, Mosaic and Felting classes all offer opportunities to learn a new skill and take home a cute keepsake!
Neil Kienitz’s very popular drawing class is back, as well as a new offering, "Design in Fine Art," for students who want to take their composition to the next level by applying the design elements and principles.
"Art at the Zoo" is also back by popular demand. Last season, experienced animal painter and instructor, Dana Zier, taught students to compose from life at Washington Park Zoo with spectacular results!
For kids, Alison Jaksa’s Young Artist’s Studio will continue with brand new projects. A continuing class for teen artists has been added as well as a "Family Art Day" on Saturday, February 5.
There's something of interest for every member of the family among Lubeznik Center's class offerings, but don't wait until the last minute to sign up! Classes fill fast. Download the full class catalog online at www.lubeznikcenter.org or phone (219)874-4900.
VISUAL ARTS
Acrylics, Fundamentals in Painting
Ages 12–Adult, Limit 10
Instructor: Connie Kassal
6 sessions: Mondays, Mar 21–Apr 25, 2:00–5:00 PM
Learn the elements that go into making a successful painting. Lessons will focus on composition, color, value, thematic choices and common mistakes. Experienced students may pursue their own work while taking advantage of the instructor’s feedback and group critiques.
Acrylics, Unleashed!
Teens & Adults, Limit 10
Instructor: Marie-Claire Foster
6 sessions: Tuesdays, Mar 1–April 5, 6:30–8:30 PM
Energize your art through the power of self-expression. This class focuses on tearing down the “rules of art” while teaching the techniques you need to create powerful, eye-popping paintings. Suitable for experienced painters as well as beginners.
Adult Drawing
Teens & Adults, Limit 10
Instructor: Neil Kienitz
12 sessions: Tuesdays, Mar 1–May 17, 7:00–9:00 PM
Learning to draw realistically from a reference. Primarily for those with little or no drawing background, more experienced artists will also benefit from this “right brain” approach. Students often find that their skills improve dramatically in a short time.
Art at the Zoo
Teens and Adults, Limit 10
Instructor: Dana Zier
4 sessions: Tuesdays May 10–May 31, 1:30–3:30 PM
Experienced animal painter and instructor, Dana Zier, will teach students to compose using the subject of live animals at the zoo. Instruction will include how to draw animals and create strong compositions with backgrounds. Learn the techniques of basic painting and how to mix pastels with acrylics. Techniques will be tailored to meet individual’s needs. Each student will complete several drawings and 1 or 2 paintings. Admission to Washington Park Zoo and parking is included in the class price.
Beginning Beading
Ages 16–Adult, Limit 10
Instructor: Elaine Aquino
4 sessions: Wednesdays Feb 16–Mar 9, 6:30–8:30 PM
Students will be introduced to various tools and techniques in this beginning beading class. Projects will include a lariat, an opera-length necklace, 3-strand and 6-strand bracelets. Elaine Aquino started beading as a hobby and now sells her unique jewelry in fine stores. Supplies needed for first class: Chain-nose pliers, Diagonal wire cutters.
Découpage Workshop
Ages 14–Adult, Limit 10
Instructor: Janet Bloch
1 session: Thursday, Mar 10, 6:30–8:30 PM
This class is equally appropriate for the “artistically challenged” and those with a creative flair. Students will complete a beautiful vase. This workshop is a great bonding opportunity for mothers and daughters, sisters, or best friends.
Design in Fine Art Beginning
Teens and Adults, Limit 10
Instructor: Neil Kienitz
12 sessions: Mondays, Feb 28–May 16, 7:00–9:00 PM
Former Students
9 sessions: Mondays, Mar 21–May 16, 7:00–9:00 PM
Open to artists of all levels who work in any color media, from painting to fiber. Using a comprehensive approach, students will learn to apply the ten elements and seven principles of design to make their works more dynamic. A must-have course for all artists.
Digital Photography Beyond the “Auto” Setting
Adults
Instructor: George Kassal
6 sessions: Tuesdays, May 10–Jun 21, 3:00–5:00 PM
Practice camera control, creativity and composition through projects involving portraits, action shots and low-light photography. The instruction will cover the major (still) digital camera types from “point-and-shoot” to DSLR and recommended accessories. All students, from beginners through intermediate, are welcome.
Family Art Day New
All Ages
Instructor: Alison Jaksa
1 session: Saturday, Feb 5, 12:00–2:00 PM
Plan now for the dreary weather ahead. Don’t let the kids get bored! Join us at Lubeznik Center for the Arts for Family Art Day. Every member of the family will be engaged in a creative Underground Railroad project. Art instructor Alison Jaksa will teach students of all ages how to design their own quilt piece celebrating African-Americans’ hard won road to freedom.
Monthly Critique Group
Adults, Limit 10
Instructor: Thomas Mapp
3 sessions: Wednesdays, Mar 2, Apr 6, May 4, 6:30–8:30 PM
A rare opportunity for artists to get objective feedback from a distinguished expert. Engage in stimulating dialogue and challenge your artistry with pertinent contemporary questions.
Mosaic Tile a Stepping Stone Back
Teens & Adults, Limit 8
Instructor: Linda Sorkin Eisenberg
2 sessions: Saturday & Sunday, May 7 & 8, 10 AM-Noon
Create stepping stones for a garden using colored mosaic tiles, cement, and grout. Take home one or two stones that can be left out all winter.
Nuno Felting
Ages 16–Adult, Limit 10
Instructor: Deborah Landry
3 sessions: Saturdays, Mar 5–19, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Learn the art of Nuno Felting, a wet felt-making technique where fine layers of wool are attached to a sheer fabric. Students will create a small artwork suitable for framing and a scarf. Scarves like these are sold in boutiques for $100 or more.
Pastel Techniques for Painting Water
Adults
Instructor: Susan Henshaw
2 sessions: Saturday & Sunday Apr 16 & 17 12:00–4:00 PM
For beginning to intermediate students. Using pastel, learn a variety of techniques for painting lakes, waves, creeks and rivers. Areas of focus include color, volume, movement and reflections. Students will use under-paintings along with layering, glazing and blending techniques to achieve believable water in their landscapes. Each session begins with a demonstration of techniques.
Teen Artists’ Studio
Ages 11–17, Limit 10
Instructor: Alison Jaksa
11 sessions: Tuesdays, Feb 22–May 3, 3:30–5:30 PM
Instructor Alison Jaksa, continues her lessons for many past Young Artists’ Studio students who are now teens. New students are also welcome to this challenging art class, where instruction will be given in a variety of artistic concepts, mediums and techniques. Many of the lessons will relate to current exhibitions.
Young Artists’ Studio
Ages 6–10, Limit 10
Instructor: Alison Jaksa
11 sessions: Thursdays, Feb 24–May 5, 4:00–5:30 PM
Children will learn to appreciate art while creating their own in this creative class featuring art projects in a variety of mediums and techniques. Many of the lessons relate to current exhibitions at Lubeznik Center. Instructor Alison Jaksa has innovative ideas for teaching art and keeping students engaged.
WRITING
Writing Workshop: Sandcastle Writers New
Adults, Limit 10
Instructor: Jo Pilecki
8 sessions: Wednesdays, Mar 2–Apr 20, 6:30–8:30 PM
A workshop for both beginning and experienced students and well suited to the shy writer; the rusty writer; and the “always wanted to write but never did” writer of fiction, creative non-fiction and poetry. Using the Amherst Writers and Artists method, this workshop focuses on in-class work, sharing (if the writer chooses), and positive feedback in a safe, encouraging environment.
Download the entire catalog at lubeznikcenter.org The Lubeznik Center is located at 101 W. 2nd St., at the lakefront in Michigan City, IN. Gallery Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Galleries are closed on Mondays. For more information please visit www.lubeznikcenter.org or call 219-874-4900. All times are based on Chicago time