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PLACEFROM PAGE B1Summer classes are currently being held in the 1920s portion of the building, which will eventually be creatively partitioned for more private classes.“We wanted particularly to be able to hold adult classes in spaces that are less open to reduce noise,” Nahorski said.The council is considering a number of inventive options, including slide-up garage door-style partitions that can be opened for events and larger classes. They will also be using a number of recycled materials whenever possible.Upper floors have much of the basic updating completed and many partitions are already in place from former furniture displays. However, second stairwells and elevator repair are some of the improvements that have to be made before the upper floors can be open.As was common in many older buildings, many of the windows were covered up from the inside. They will be uncovered and opened up to allow more natural lighting.Individual artist’s studios and additional classes will be housed on the second floor.The plan is to expand over the next few years beyond visual arts and to also include performing arts. Ideas are to offer dance and rehearsal classes and perhaps a small performing venue for local musicians and talent.“It’s a living, breathing and growing project,” Nahorski said. “There are so many options and there’s plenty of room to be flexible.”Kathy Kamm. board member and director of children's programming, said the council immediately went to work, opening for the first classes in June with the Kid’s Blockbuster Summer Camp.“There have been a number of volunteer artists and members of the community that have donated time and materials that we appreciate so much,” Kamm said. “There are so many wonderful people that have helped.”Kamm is also teaching some of the summer children’s classes, most being held in the afternoon for children aged 9 to 14. There will also be upcoming classes for children as young as 5 and for adults, 15 and up. Kamm said they are also considering adding classes strictly for teenagers.The first week of classes began with African art. Students participated in mask making and pottery, created an African environment and life-size figures, currently on display in the center’s huge picture window.The second week moved into Australian art including dot painting on Aboriginal didgeridoos.Upcoming classes for the summer are for children aged 9 to 14, with all being held 1 to 4 p.m. Art from Nature will be held the week of July 5; Print Making July 12 through 16; Art and Design July 19 through 23; Painting on canvas July 26 through 30 and the last week of summer camp, August 2 through 8, a drawing class will look at some of the Impressionist masters. Cost ofweekly classes is $150, but $35 off coupons are available at Alton block parties or at the center if you stop by and pick them up, Nahorski said.Saturday morning classes will be held from 10 to 11:15 a.m. beginning July 10. The first four-week theme, Hot as a Firecracker, will explore anything and everything red with hands-on art activities. In August, Saturday mornings will deal with dog art during the Dog Days of Summer session. Fees for each set of four Saturdays is $40 and is offered to anyone between the ages of 5 and 14.Fall children’s programs will be scheduled for after school. Fall adult classes will begin in September, featuring a variety of choices, including watercolor, drawing in color, pottery, sculpture in cloth, fibers and ceramics.Brenda Schilling, secretary’ of the board and in charge of scheduling adult fall classes, said there are so many different mediums used to create art and the goal is to let people know what’s out there.“We want to expose the community to different types of art,” Schilling said.No prior experience is necessary. Schilling said the classes are for anyone, from somebody who wants to try something new to the next person who wants to expand previous knowledge or talent.“We’ll take students wherever they are and get them where they want to go,” Schilling added.For information or to register for classes, call 467-2242.TRUCKPARTS• REPAIR. SFRV/ICF
Newspaper Details
Alton Telegraph
Alton, Illinois, US
Fri, Jul 02, 2004
Page 16
Full Page
Clipped by
Hayner P.
IL, USA 20 Dec 2023
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