Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Jefferson Arts Gallery (JAG) offers many opportunities to experience art this summer – whether viewing it or doing it.
This Saturday, June 10, is the opening reception for the JAG exhibit “Memories,” which features the creative work of local artists who are JAG members. Enjoy the show's debut from noon until 4 p.m., with refreshments and opportunities to meet the artists. You can see this show all summer long through Sept. 2 during JAG's regular hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and until 4 p.m. on Monticello's Second Saturdays.
Not only can you enjoy viewing local art all summer, but you can create your own paintings, ceramics, soap bars or fiber art by taking classes at JAG.
The ongoing Oil Painting Class with Fran Buie meets every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Buie invites anyone interested to come see a class and talk to her or call her at (850) 544-1703. Each three-hour session is just $12. Participants provide their own paints and supplies to work on whatever image they choose, taking inspiration from a photograph or object they bring with them. Buie uses an informal approach to teach individuals about theory, composition and techniques that are relevant for their own concept.
The ongoing Clay Class with Jan Munn meets every Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A fee of $50 per month includes four sessions, five pounds of clay and one-on-one guidance from Munn in a studio-style class. Each participant explores this three-dimensional art form while working on a project of their own choosing, whether making a decorative item or something practical to use around the house or office. Munn cultivates a friendly, fun atmosphere in which she shares her knowledge of handbuilding techniques (pinching, coiling and slab), glazing and firing. The class is mainly for adults, but teens would also be welcome. To sign up, text/call Munn at (850) 294-4076 or email james_munn@msn.com or jeffersonartsgallery@gmail.com.
Soap Making classes are being offered Saturday, June 10, and again on Saturday, July 22, from 2 to 5 p.m. Join Robin Avrett of Lloyd Creek Soap, who will teach the basics necessary for a successful batch of soap to use at home use or give as a present. Cost is $60 and includes all supplies for a batch of six bars. For more information, contact Avrett at Lloydcreeksoapllc@gmail.com or (850) 509-3697.
A three-day workshop on Spinning & Dyeing Cotton & Hemp takes place June 23-25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, in association with the Seven Hills Handweavers Guild. Fiber artist and professional teacher Joan Ruane will share her 40 years of experience as she leads the class through spinning techniques, solar dyeing, carding, blending, plying, sizing and more. A $35 materials fee covers fiber, a puni stick, cushing dyes and Ruane's book “Beginning Cotton Spinning on a Wheel.” Participants are expected to bring their own spinning wheel and some other supplies. For more information, contact the Guild at rapweaver@embarqmail.com or Ruane at spincotton@yahoo.com or (520) 335-4113.
JAG is hosting a live Joy of Painting® demonstration of the Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Technique® with certified Bob Ross Instructor® Andy Taylor at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 24. Then on Thursday, July 13, Taylor will be at the gallery from 6 to 9 p.m. for a more in-depth class on the technique. A fee of $60 includes all supplies needed to complete a 12 x 16 inch painting of a mountain scene. Those interested in the class should email jeffersonartsgallery@gmail.com to sign up.
Jefferson Arts Gallery is located at 575 W. Washington St. in Monticello. In addition to exhibit and classroom space, JAG offers studio space for artists and has a gift shop that sells affordable items made by member artists. To learn more, visit jeffersonartsgallery.com, call (850) 997-3311 or email jeffersonartsgallery@gmail.com.