SVAN's February Art Workshops

The Sacandaga Valley Arts Network has announced it will sponsor the following workshops in February:

February 2 (Saturday): Handweaving Basics – A Review

Arlène Rambush

518: 863-8647

Deerhaven Studio, 130 North Rd, Northville

1 – 4 pm

Maximum 6 students

Open to weavers at all levels, this workshop provides a lecture/demonstration of basic weaving elements, and topics will be participant guided: things learned but forgotten and things never offered in enough detail. Instructor topics will include: careful planning of project, yarn types and sizes, appropriate sett, steps in winding the warp and dressing the loom. There will be a discussion of fiber properties, shrinkage and take-up, and finishing techniques.

Tuition: $30, SVAN member $25

Contact instructor before registering.

February 6 (Wednesday) — Embrace the Business Side of Being an Artist

Anne Smoczynski, Arts Consultant

518: 798-5031

Northville Library Gallery, 341 S 3rd St, Northville

1 – 3 pm

Minimum 6, maximum 15 students

Commitment, not only to your creative side but also to the business side makes the difference. This workshop will define and break down the steps toward commitment on the business side, including worksheets and resource handouts. Topics: Contacts (the ultra importance of reaching out, being personal, and rewarding old and new contacts), Getting Organized, Your Website, Marketing (traditional, online, social media, collaboration). A brief discussion on Business plans, Branding, Galleries and Sales will also be included. You will leave with motivation and specifics to move you forward.

Tuition: $25, SVAN member $20

February 16 (Saturday) — Handweaving Happiness — Plan a Project/Wind a Warp

Arlène Rambush

518: 863-8647

Deerhaven Studio, 130 North Road, Northville

9 am – 4 pm, bring a lunch, maximum 4 participants

Do you need towels, placemats, a runner or scarf? In this workshop you will explore the many possibilities of project design including which yarns, colors and weave structure, and function of the finished piece. We will write the draft for threading, tie-up and treadling, then wind the warp so that you can dress your loom at a later date.

Requirements: Some previous weaving experience: advanced beginner through intermediate skills.

Bring your own warping frame; limited number available in studio.

Tuition: $40, SVAN member $35. Includes yarn for your project or bring your own.

February 23 (Saturday) — Tote Basket (Advanced Beginner)

Laura Ginter

518: 863-4145

BasketThyme Studio, Hope Valley Lodge, 163 Hope Falls Rd, Hope

9 am – 5 pm, bring a lunch

Minimum 3, maximum 5 students

Participants will make a beautiful, functional 10” base, 12” high, leather-strapped tote from various colors of flat, oval and round reed. This exceptionally versatile basket could be used for market or beach or storing car items.

Tuition: $50, SVAN member $45; supplies: $20

February 23, March 2 (2 Saturdays) — Publish with Your Computer

Harry Wirtz

Words & Pictures, 518-863-8636

2 Sessions, 10 am–3 pm SkyHeart Studio, 33 Bleecker Street, Gloversville

A participant driven, individualized beginner level workshop for those communicating with text and images in print, Web, and presentations.

Start with a simple one-page illustrated newsletter using Microsoft Word and Photoshop Elements, then move past Word to professional graphic art software by Adobe and Quark. Basic design, set up, using artwork and photographs, going to the print shop, and backing up your files are among topics to be discussed and demonstrated.

Bring your Mac or Windows laptop with Microsoft Office plus Adobe software if you have it. If you have a current project, bring that, too. You will need basic computer and MS Word skills: Please contact Harry Wirtz prior to registering. You can buy lunch nearby or bring it.

Tuition: $90, SVAN member $85