This class will guide you through shaping clay on the wheel, from centering to finishing simple forms. It’s perfect for beginners or intermediate potters who wish to practice and hone their skills. All materials provided. All finished work will be available 10 - 14 days after the class ends.
Children and their adult partner will explore art together in a relaxed environment. Toddlers will create their own works of art while learning new skills like arranging, gluing, coloring over texture, painting with different objects, moving through transitions and imitating art making processes. Activities will focus on age appropriate, playful, artistic and sensory materials.
Students will explore the art of painting portraits. Students have the choice to paint from a photo, or paint a self-portrait by using a mirror. Students will learn to explore color, likeness, and the many ways of depicting a person on canvas.
Oil paint focused, but other media are also welcome. All skill levels are welcome!
Students will explore the possibilities of color in still life painting. Through a series of exercises and limited palettes, students will expand their understanding of color and the surprising possibilities of primary colors. Medium: Oil-focused, but other media welcome.
Paint a small houseplant (bring your own or choose from those available in class)as you dive into mixing and understanding the most complex of colors: green. All materials are provided.
Find your wiggle in this fun class introducing movements from Middle Eastern fusion belly dance for ages 8-14. Learn bouncy hip movements, snaky arms, balance, and more, through short dance games and combinations set to a variety of music. Wear comfortable clothing.
This mixed-level adult class is designed for anyone interested in exploring the graceful and expressive art of belly dance with Melinda, of Mirage Middle Eastern Dance Troupe.
Have a few mending/repair projects you have been wanting to work on? Gather them up and join the Octagon for some creative, productive, and soulful fun. You are encouraged to bring any projects to work on, i.e... knitting, crochet, needle work, whatever. We will have a special guest, and author of Mend it Better, Kristin Roach, with us for this community gathering. Kristin is also a published author of worldwide knitting patterns, the Craftleftovers zine series, a community organizer, artist, and owner of Little Woods: Herbs and Teas in downtown Ames.
Pysanky are colorful eggs made using beeswax, dyes, and a stylus called a kistka. Participants will learn a brief history of this magical custom, and how to decorate eggs in the Ukrainian tradition of pysanka. All supplies, 4 eggs per person included, however, please bring an apron or paint shirt to the workshop.
This class will guide you through shaping clay on the wheel, from centering to finishing simple forms. It’s perfect for beginners or intermediate potters who wish to practice and hone their skills. All materials provided. All finished work will be available 10 - 14 days after the class ends.