Chautauqua Visual Arts Special Studies Classes
Part of Chautauqua Visual Arts is our extensive programming of classes taught by our wonderful Special Studies faculty. We offer a range of classes for virtually any age, any level of experience and anyone who has an interest in learning, experimenting, discovering and enjoying art of all forms. Many of our classes are structured to have an intergenerational component. We encourage collaboration and exchange with different age groups which fosters various conversations and a mingling of different ideas. While the CVA School of Art is on pause, you can find our community classes from 2022 below. Chautauqua Institution’s Special Studies program will offer some visual arts courses during the 2023 summer assembly season, and information will be available at learn.chq.org in the spring of 2023.
Printmaking: Relief Printmaking (2022)
CVA Art Quad Print Studio | Ages: 18+ | Materials Fee: $25
Relief printing empowers students of all skill levels to design, carve, and print relief blocks. Through drawing an image in reverse, carving away material, inking the remaining surface, then printing by hand or with the assistance of a press the
possible artworks and collaborations are expansive and reproducible!
Printmaking: Intaglio (2022)
CVA Art Quad Print Studio | Ages: 18+ | Materials Fee: $25
The class is focused on creating intaglio prints using zinc and acid to produce etchings. Covers basic techniques including: drypoint, etching, plate preparation, inking, printing, and multi-plate registration. Intaglio is a diverse process, offering an artist a unique set of tools and marks with which to experiment and communicate their ideas!
Printmaking: Silkscreen (2022)
CVA Art Quad Print Studio | Ages: 18+ | Materials Fee: $25
Screen printing is a popular, fun and creative way to apply your graphic and bold designs and drawings to new materials. A permanent stencil composed of positive and negative shapes is adhered to a mesh screen with photosensitive emulsion. During printing, ink is forced through the open areas of the mesh screen using a squeegee! Students will be encouraged to experiment and collaborate when printing multicolor designs on a multiplicity of materials.
Printmaking: Collagraph (2022)
CVA Art Quad Print Studio | Ages: 18+ | Materials Fee: $25
Collagraph prints are made from a plate that has been collaged with different found textures to create a unique textural surface. The process is a combination of additive and subtractive printmaking. A dynamic composition is produced by building up the surface of the plate with found materials such as paper, cardboard, mesh, leaves, paint, string, tape and glue.
Printmaking: Monoprint (2022)
CVA Art Quad Print Studio | Ages: 18+ | Materials Fee: $25
Monoprint incorporates drawing, painting, and collage with printmaking on the press! Monoprint is a flexible medium that invites layering, experimentation and a versatile approach to mark-making. This workshop offers a unique multimedia approach to monoprinting that encourages students to draw, paint, and collage in color with rollers, brushes, pencils, palette knives, and found materials. In this course, you will create one-of-a-kind artworks and learn how to make textures that enhance the atmosphere and mood of an image.
Young Artists: 12-17 (2022)
Monday–Friday | Turner Community Center 204 | Ages: 12–17 | Materials Fee: $35
Drawing, Painting, or Sculpture are avenues for exploration within this class. We will tackle new projects exploring the basic techniques of art while emphasizing creativity and exploration. Wear old clothes to class and come ready to immerse yourself in the studio.
Please email art@chq.org beforehand if you or your young artist could benefit from certain adaptations or support.
Young Artists: 6–11 (2022)
Monday–Friday | Turner Community Center 202 | Ages: 6–11 | Materials Fee: $35
Join us for a week or more of fun and interesting projects! Follow your curiosity as we explore a variety of art-making processes like fiber arts, mail art, comic bookmaking, drawing and painting extra-large, and sculpture! Accommodations readily made for young artists of all abilities. Adults are encouraged to accompany their Young artists to the classes!
Please email art@chq.org beforehand if you or your young artist could benefit from certain adaptations or support.
Portrait Painting (2022)
Monday–Friday | CVA Art Quad Annex 2 | Ages: 18+ | Materials Fee: $35
In this class students will be given a crash course in the basics of portraiture. Topics will include proportioning the head, mixing skin tones, as well as brush and paint application techniques. Value, form, and color theory will form the basis of
instruction.
Figure Drawing (2022)
Monday–Friday | CVA Art Quad Annex 2 | Ages: 18+ | Materials Fee: $35
In this week long figurative drawing class students will have the opportunity to explore and hone their drawing skills while working directly from a live model. Class topics will include gesture, form, light, proportion, and rendering. Time will also be spent learning how to engage in meaningful dialogue and critique.
Figure Painting (2022)
Monday–Friday | CVA Art Quad Annex 2 | Ages: 18+ | Materials Fee: $35
In this week-long figurative painting class, students will have the opportunity to explore paint while working directly from a live model. Class topics will include gesture, form, light, proportion, and rendering as well as understanding basic elements of painting. Time will also be spent learning how to engage in meaningful dialogue and critique.
Ceramics Experience: Morning (2022)
Monday–Friday | CVA Art Quad Ceramics Studio | Ages: 18+
Beginner and Intermediate students are introduced to the fundamentals of working with clay as an art medium. Depending on the students and their specific interests, this course focuses on wheel working with hand building aspects and a variety of glazing and firing techniques. Instruction will be tailored to the individual skill level of each student in an atmosphere that fosters creativity and exploration. A pottery tool kit and an apron or towel are recommended.
Material Fees:
– Tool Kits may be purchased for $20 on first day of class
– $5 per piece for bisque firing
– $5 per piece for glaze firing
Ceramics Experience: Afternoon (2022)
Monday–Friday | CVA Art Quad Ceramics Studio | Ages 18+
Beginner and Intermediate students are introduced to the fundamentals of working with clay as an art medium. Depending on the students and their specific interests, this course focuses on wheel working with hand building aspects and a variety of glazing and firing techniques. Instruction will be tailored to the individual skill level of each student in an atmosphere that fosters creativity and exploration. A pottery tool kit and an apron or towel are recommended.
Material Fees:
– Tool Kits may be purchased for $20 on first day of class
– $5 per piece for bisque firing
– $5 per piece for glaze firing
Kids Clay (2022)
CVA Art Quad Ceramics Studio | Ages: 9–14
Spend a morning or afternoon learning about ceramics by creating your own clay creation! Each student will make a clay trinket box. Through this, we will learn the steps of hand building as well as the process of turning mud into art! All materials are included. Dress accordingly, we will be getting messy! A pottery tool kit and an apron or towel are recommended.
Material Fees:
– $20 Tool Kits
– $5 per piece for bisque firing
– $5 per piece for glaze firing
