In this ever changing environment, Rockland Center for the Arts will continue its mission of enrichment through the Arts with it’s popular teaching artists through virtual classes for the summer.
Rockland Center for the Arts (RoCA) continues its mission of enrichment through the arts. RoCAs’ popular teaching artists are offering all-new online classes—LIVE and interactive! These four session classes will be conducted weekly over Zoom*. Classes include demonstrations, discussions, critiques and at-home assignments in a wide spectrum of fine art disciplines — all led by our community of expert artists! A limited number of scholarships are available, visit www.rocklandartcenter.org for details and start dates for all classes. Register today before classes fill! Zoom information and supply lists will be sent upon registration for all classes.
Chinese Brush Painting (all levels)
Originating in the 8th century, Chinese Brush Painting is one of the most renowned approaches to painting. It unifies what were considered the highest forms of creativity in China: painting, poetry, and calligraphy. Known as the “Three Perfections,” the painting style combines these disciplines to depict nature as a stylized extension of the emotional world of the artist.
Starting June 17th, with Jane Chang, participants will learn the “Four Gentlemen,” each representations of the four seasons: wild orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, and plum blossom. We will focus on the quality of strokes, color preparation, rhythm, movement, energy, composition, and more! Special attention will be paid to individual development. Let the spontaneous harmony and rhythm of Chi (life energy) dominate and flourish. This class, offered in June and in July, is for both watercolor and Chinese painting students. No painting experience required. All levels welcome.
Jane Chang studied master classes with Madame Aixinjueluo Hinyi, a descendant of the imperial Qing Dynasty, China. She has taught throughout the tri-state area.
Soul Collage (all levels)
SoulCollage® is an introduction to a unique blend of the fun and imagination of collage and the power of self-inquiry and personal growth with Cynthia Shaw. These days we need all the fun and inner wisdom we can get! Are you feeling stuck? Restless? Longing for more? Questioning your future? Needing a creative outlet? If so, this class is for you! No collage experience is necessary; all you need is a willingness to play and look within. Class starting June 12.
Cynthia Shaw is a psychotherapist, Core Energetics somatic practitioner, artist, dancer, writer, and long-time meditator, Cynthia brings her 30 years of experience in the arts and healing professions to merge creativity and personal growth in a fun and accessible way.
Virtual Creative Writing
Writer Sally Lipton Derringer will hold a 4 week class on creative writing, staring July 9th. Devoted to poetry, fiction and memoir writing, students of all experience levels will have the opportunity to read and discuss their writing and receive valuable critiques from the instructor as well as other students.
Sally Lipton Derringer was a book manuscript finalist for the Tampa Review Prize, as well as for Fordham University’s Poets Out Loud Prize and the New Issues Poetry Prize, a semifinalist for the Brittingham/Felix Pollak Prizes and Cider Press Review Book Award and many more. Among the many publications her work has appeared in include: Poet Lore, The Los Angeles Review, Solstice, The New York Quarterly.
Moving Toward Abstraction (all levels)
A class for all levels and all media, beginning June 16th with Margery Theroux. Learn how to add a dynamic quality to your paintings with the understanding of abstraction. Compose your own work by breaking down images to the most abstract elements. Understand plasticity, push and pull, and how color can work for you. A still life will be provided or work from your imagination, sketchbook, or photo. The class will also view and discuss many of the artists in history who have left glorious examples for us to study and enjoy.
Margery Theroux received her BA from New York University. Also studied: Montserrat College of Art, MA; and private study with Sam Feinstein, NYC. Former gallery committee member & curator at The Edward Hopper Museum and Study Center, NY & Center Gallery at TASOC. She is an exhibiting artist, workshop presenter & art teacher for 20 years.
Watercolor Painting (intermediate)
Jayne Conte’s virtual class, starting June 18, is for individuals with basic experience, looking to get back into watercolor painting. Each session, the instructor will break down the basic techniques of watercolors in a relaxing environment with plenty of hands-on instruction. Watercolor artist, Jayne Conte, combines years of experience and a passion for art in her class and helps intermediate painters create true works of art. Each week the class will dive into a new painting–Jayne demonstrating while the class follows suit; or, students can work on personal pieces.
Landscape Painting (intermediate – advanced: oil paint & watercolor)
Learn the art of painting landscapes, beginning Jun 18 with John Creagh. The entire painting process is covered, from the application of the medium, to achieving clean color, good value relationships, and balanced compositions. Special attention is placed on learning to see masses as opposed to lines and form rather than detail. The focus is on how to accurately simplify the colors and values of the main shapes.
John Creagh has worked as a designer and painter for over 20 years. He has studied at the prestigious Arts Students League in New York City and has a MFA from Lehman College of the City University of NY. He incorporates his lifelong experiences in the visual arts into his classes and shares his unique vision and expertise with his students.
Rockland Center for the Arts is the oldest arts organization in Rockland County, presenting outstanding programming in the arts for over 70 years. RoCA is located at 27 S Greenbush Rd., West Nyack, NY 10994, www.rocklandartcenter.org.
RoCA gratefully acknowledges support for its programs from The Richard Pousette-Dart Foundation, M&T Bank, Orange & Rockland Utilities, Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman P.C., Sterling National Bank, the Rea Charitable Trust, Crystal Run Healthcare, Quiet Events, Rockland County Tourism, the Estate of Joan Konner, Lighting Services Inc., Sarah and Stephen Thomas, the Mark and Jessie Milano Foundation, Zaklin Family Charitable Fund, The County of Rockland, The Family Fjord Foundation, Simona and Jerome Chazen, ASG, RoCA members, donors and business members.
RoCA’s programs are made possible, in part, with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Funding is also made possible by the County of Rockland.
