School of the Arts

Classes and Workshops

Welcome to the  Womankraft School of the Arts

 

Please note: Pre-registration is required for all students. All classes and workshops are free to low income people 50 years and older. This is made possible by the generous support of individuals, board members, and those who pay workshop fees. Thank you. All classes and workshops are open to adults of all ages for listed fees. Your class fees help us offer more classes and pay instructors.  Fee students must pre-pay before you will be registered. Please call (520) 629-9976 Ext. 2, to sign up for classes and workshops. 

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS CLASS SCHEDULE – (JANUARY / APRIL 2023)

YEAR-ROUND CLASSES: Studio painting with Gayle Swanbeck, artist, Director of Exhibits, and Founder of The School of the Arts. Studio classes are ongoing. Join anytime, stop when you are ready. Learn oils, acrylics, or watercolors. Select your own subject matter and proceed at your own pace. Individual instruction is available as you need it. Class limit is five (5) people. Classes Wednesday, 10:00am – 12:00pm. Fee $60 per eight (8) weeks. Supplies not included.  

JANUARY

TREAT YOURSELF: THE MANI-PEDI

In the all-natural hair and body salon housed in “The Castle,” the Sanctuary is offering a workshop to learn professional techniques and secrets for manicures, pedicures, and more. 

Wednesday, January 4, 10:00am-12:00pm

Facilitator: Jordana Silvestri

Fee: $20, supplies included.

 

TURNING TRASH INTO ART – 2 PARTS

One person’s trash, another person’s art. We’ll use donated broken jewelry, watches, recycled plastics and more to create figurative or abstract works. Then in the second half, we’ll resin the piece for a rich finished artwork.

Part I: Tuesday, January 10, 1:30-4:30pm

Part II: Tuesday, January 17, 1:30-2:30pm

Facilitator: Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: $20, supplies included. 

 

WATERCOLOR COLLAGE – 2 PARTS

Create unique patterns, while learning many watercolor techniques, then tear, cut, and collage your patterns into works of art. 

Part I: Wednesday, January 18, 10:30am-12:30pm

Part II: Wednesday, January 25, 10:30am-12:30pm

Facilitator: Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: $20, supplies included. 

 

A WOMEN’S SALON – SESSION 1 OF 4

New! Wednesday, Jan 18, 1:30-3:30pm, we’ll have the first organizational gathering for women of all ages to help determine the directions the attending women wish to explore. Good conversations, art projects, community projects, writing, performances… It’s all up for consideration. Bring a treat if you can; coffee and sparkling water will be served. Please wear a mask while the winter Covid and flu seasons march on. We’ll meet at the WomanKraft Castle, 388 South Stone Ave. Call 520-629-9976 ext. 2 to register and/or to ask any questions. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a brief message with your name and phone number, and we’ll get back to you. The dates for these four gatherings are: 

Session I: Wednesday, January 18, 1:30-3:30pm

Session II: Wednesday, February 15, 1:30-3:30pm

Session III: Wednesday, March 15, 1:30-3:30pm

Session IV: Wednesday, April 12, 1:30-3:30pm

Facilitator: Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: Free! Bring a treat if you can.

 

POETRY, PROSE, AND STORYTELLING

This workshop is offered only once a month. It is open to both women and men. Writers of all levels will work on their skills through writing exercises, sharing, and gentle critiques. The goals will be to develop your own style of writing, and to gain personal comfort performing your work. 

Tuesday, January 24, 1:30-3:30pm

Facilitator: Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: $5, supplies included. 

 

PAINTING WITH OIL STICKS – 2 PARTS

You’ll learn to create beautiful artworks with this unique oil painting medium. It will free up your style!

Part I: Tuesday, January 24, 6:30-8:30pm

Part II: Tuesday, January 31, 6:30-8:30pm

Facilitator: Mary Theresa Dietz

Fee: $20, supplies included. 

 

COLLAGING CHAIRS

Come help us beautify our classroom chairs! This workshop will teach the techniques of collaging with magazine imagery and special papers like mulberry, banana, tissue, etc. We’ve just bought new chairs and they really want to be collaged. 

Thursday, January 26, 1:30-4:30pm

Facilitator: Jacquie Dinnie

Fee: FREE. 

 

BEADSTRINGING JEWELRY

You can make your own beautiful jewelry in this workshop, while learning how to use special tools and techniques to create long-lasting and unique pieces. Hey, it’s fun, to boot! 

Thursday, January 26, 6:00-9:00pm

Facilitator: Terri McGuire

Fee: $20, plus $10 supply fee, payable to the instructor (if you are a fee student). 

 

WISE WOMEN’S WRITING WORKSHOP

You can attend one or all of these popular workshops. Learn to tap your infinite wisdom, and playfully connect with your inner writer. We’ll journal with writing exercises, topics, and creative surprises. 

Friday, January 27, 10:00am-12:00noon

Facilitator: Ingrid Aspromatis

Fee: $20. * Or all four for $40. 

* WWWW next dates: Feb 24, Mar 24, and Apr 28 – same time, same place. 

 

RESIN FRAMES: 2 PARTS

Using a 5”x7” picture frame, you’ll design and execute your assemblage. In the second session, you’ll seal it with a thin coat of resin. It is a way to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. 

Part I: Friday, January 27, 1:30-4:00pm

Part II: Saturday, January 28, 1:30-2:30pm

Facilitator: Linda K

Fee: $25, supplies included. 

 

FEBRUARY

DRUMMING FROM THE HEART

Always loved percussion, but were afraid to try it? This class will unblock that fear. Journey into the sacred and moving experience of drumming. Instruction in basic hand patterns and rhythms will allow you to continue on your drum adventure. Attend one or all of these sessions. 

Thursday, February 2, 1:30-3:00pm 

Facilitator: Susan Danos

Fee: $10. * Or all three for $25. Drum loaner by donation/tip each class, if you can, payable to instructor. 

* Other DFTH classes are on Thursdays – Mar 30, Apr 13 – same time, same place.  

 

TREAT YOURSELF: THE FACIAL

In the all-natural hair and body salon housed in The Castle, The Sanctuary is offering a workshop so you can learn professional techniques and secrets for facials, skin care, aroma therapy, and more. 

Wednesday, February 8, 10:00am-12:00noon

Facilitator: Jordana Silvestri

Fee: $20, supplies included. 

 

ONCE JUNK COLLAGING

We’ve all damaged functional objects – scratched a shelf unit, chipped a lamp base, stained an end table. Here’s your chance to turn junk into art. We

ll use specialty papers like mulberry, banana, and others, possibly even collage images to cover the flaws. Bring along your own damaged object or use one of ours. I’ve saved wall clocks, waste baskets, journal covers, and more. Trash into Treasure is just a few techniques away. 

Thursday, February 9, 1:30-4:30pm

Facilitators: Jacquie Dinnie and Gayle Swanbeck. 

Fee: $20. Supplies included, but let us know if you’re bringing your own “once junk.”

 

USING WATER COLOR PENCILS

We’ll create an 8”x10” simple landscape using some tube watercolors for backgrounds, but from there on out, we’ll be learning to use the pencils to create lovely detailed imagery. You’ll also have a chance to play with water soluble Inktense and Graphitint pencils. 

Friday, February 10, 10:30am-12:30pm

Facilitator: Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: $20, supplies included. 

 

RESIN PLATES: 2 PARTS

Using a dinner plate, you’ll design and execute your mosaic. In the second half, seaing it with a thin coat of resin. It’s a way to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. 

Part I: Friday, February 10, 1:30-4:00pm

Part II: Friday, February 17, 1:30-2:30pm

Facilitator: Linda K

Fee: $25, supplies included. 

 

FLAT STAINED GLASS MOSAIC: 2 PARTS

Create an 8”x10” mosaic with an abstract or realistic design while learning to use the tools and tricks of the medium. It’s great fun, and stained glass is always beautiful. 

Part 1: Saturday, February 11, 1:30-4:30pm

Part 2: Saturday, February 18, 1:30am-2:30pm 

Facilitator: Traci Kelly

Fee: $25, supplies included. 

 

A WOMEN’S SALON – SESSION 2 OF 4

This is the second organizational gathering of women of all ages to help determine the directions the attending women wish to explore. Good conversations, art projects, community projects, writing, performances… It’s all up for consideration. Bring a treat if you can; coffee and sparkling water will be served. Please wear a mask while the winter Covid and flu seasons march on. Call 520-629-9976 ext. 2 to register and/or to ask any questions. If no one is available to accept your call, please leave a brief message with your name and phone number, and we’ll get back to you.  

Session II: Wednesday, February 15, 1:30-3:30pm 

Facilitator: Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: Free! Bring a treat if you can. (Remaining dates are: March 15 and April 12.)

 

GOURD ART – MAKE A RATTLE: 2 PARTS

A gourd can be used for many things. In this class you will learn to make a gourd rattle, full of colors and designs, and beaded down with strings. Join our drum teacher, Susan Danos, and create your own musical instrument. Limited to four students. 

Part I: Thursday, February 16, 1:30-3:30pm

Part II: Thursday, February 23, 1:30-3:30pm

Facilitator: Susan Danos

Fee: $20, supplies included.

 

ABSTRACT DRAWING PRISMACOLOR PENCILS

Here’s an opportunity to play with Prismacolor pencils and techniques that will help you understand and create a beautiful piece of abstract art. 

Thursday, February 23, 6:00-9:00pm

Facilitator: Terri McGuire

Fee: $20, supplies included. 

 

WISE WOMEN’S WRITING WORKSHOP

You can attend one or all of these popular workshops. Learn to tap your infinite wisdom, and playfully connect with your inner writer. We’ll journal with writing exercises, topics, and creative surprises. 

Friday, February 24, 10:00am-12:00noon (Next dates: Mar 24, Apr 28. Same time, same place.)

Facilitator: Ingrid Aspromatis

Fee: $20. 

 

OILSTICKS AND MONO PRINTS

You’ll design, using oil sticks on a glass pane, (8”x10”), and pull up to three prints. A final application of paint will “clean up” your image, and you’ll walk away with a reverse glass painting as well. 

Tuesday, February 28, 6:30-8:30pm

Facilitator: Mary Theresa Dietz

Fee: $20, supplies included. 

 

POETRY, PROSE, AND STORYTELLING

This workshop will meet once a month and is open to both women and men. Writers of all levels will work on their skills through writing exercises, sharing, and gentle critiques. The goals will be to develop your own style of writing, and to gain personal comfort performing your work. 

Tuesday, February 28, 1:30-3:30pm

Facilitator: Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: $5, supplies included. 

 

MARCH

DRAWING WILD ANIMALS

March 3rd is World Wildlife Day, and you’ll be learning how to draw some wildlife using some remarkably easy techniques. Participants will select our subject(s) – mammal, bird, or reptile. We’ll be using charcoal and graphite to execute our images. 

Thursday, March, 2, 1:30-2:30pm

Facilitator: Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: $20, supplies included. 

 

MOSAIC ROOF TILES: 2 PARTS

Using clay roof tiles and glass half-rounds, glass squares, and stained glass, you’ll mosaic your own design creation. We use the tiles to edge our walks and plant beds. 

Part I: Friday, March 10, 1:30-4:30pm

Part II: Friday, March 17, 1:30-3:00pm

Facilitator: Linda K

Fee: Donate your tile to WomanKraft? Class is free. Take it home? Class is $25. 

 

MOSAIC GARDEN STEPPING STONES: 2 PARTS

Learn to use glass cutters, nippers, etc. It’s fun, functional, and always successful. 

Part I: Saturday, March 11, 1:30-4:30pm

Part II: Saturday, March 18, 1:30-3:00pm

Facilitator: Linda K

Fee: $25. 

 

TREAT YOURSELF: THE MANI-PEDI

In the all-natural hair and body salon housed in “The Castle,” the Sanctuary is offering a workshop to learn professional techniques and secrets for manicures, pedicures, and more. 

Wednesday, March 15, 10:00am-12:00pm

Facilitator: Jordana Silvestri

Fee: $20, supplies included.

 

A WOMEN’S SALON – SESSION 3 OF 4

This is the third organizational gathering of women of all ages to help determine the directions the attending women wish to explore. Good conversations, art projects, community projects, writing, performances… It’s all up for consideration. Bring a treat, if you can; coffee and sparkling water will be served. Please bring a mask in case the winter Covid and flu seasons march on into spring. Call 520-629-9976 ext. 2 to register and/or to ask any questions. If no one is available to accept your call, please leave a brief message with your name and phone number, and we’ll get back to you. 

Session III: Wednesday, March 15, 1:30-3:30pm

Facilitator: Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: Free! Bring a treat if you can. (Remaining date is: April 12.)

 

POETRY, PROSE, AND STORYTELLING

This workshop will meet once a month and is open to both women and men. Writers of all levels will work on their skills through writing exercises, sharing, and gentle critiques. The goals will be to develop your own style of writing, and to gain personal comfort performing your work. 

Tuesday, March 21, 1:30-3:30pm

Facilitator: Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: $5, supplies included. 

 

COLLAGING FRAMES WITH MULBERRY PAPER

As long as a frame is structurally sound, it can still be saved, as a matter of fact, customized and made better. Primarily, using mulberry paper, you can cover all dings, scratches, and flaws with a selection of colors and textures that create a beautiful frame for artwork. 

Thursday, March 23, 1:30-4:00pm

Facilitator: Jacquie Dinnie

Fee: $20, frames and supplies included, or bring your own frame, 10”x14” or smaller. 

 

WISE WOMEN’S WRITING WORKSHOP

You can attend one or all of these popular workshops. Learn to tap your infinite wisdom, and playfully connect with your inner writer. We’ll journal with writing exercises, topics, and creative surprises. 

Friday, March 24, 10:00am-12:00noon

Facilitator: Ingrid Aspromatis

Fee: $20. 

 

FOAM PRINT MAKING

In this workshop, you’ll be making prints using sheets of polystyrene foam. The foam sheets can be easily drawn on and imprinted with any firm object, stamp, coin, etc. You’ll also learn what a reduction print is and how to create one. 

Tuesday, March 28, 1:30-3:30pm

Facilitator: Mary Theresa Dietz

Fee: $20, supplies included. 

 

DRUMMING FROM THE HEART

Always loved percussion, but were afraid to try it? This class will unblock that fear. Journey into the sacred and moving experience of drumming. Instruction in basic hand patterns and rhythms will allow you to continue on your drum adventure. 

Thursday, March 30, 1:30-3:00pm 

Facilitator: Susan Danos

Fee: $10 for each class. Drum loaner by donation/tip, if you can, payable to instructor each class. 

 

BEADED BOOKMARKS

Using a wide variety of beads, you’ll create a beautiful and distinctive bookmark while learning the tools and tricks of jewelry-making. 

Thursday, March 30, 6:00-8:00pm

Facilitator: Terri McGuire

Fee: $20, supplies included. 

 

APRIL

TREAT YOURSELF: THE FACIAL

In the all-natural hair and body salon housed in The Castle, The Sanctuary is offering a workshop so you can learn professional techniques and secrets for facials, skin care, aroma therapy, and more. 

Wednesday, April 5, 10:00am-12:00noon

Facilitator: Jordana Silvestri

Fee: $20, supplies included. 

 

DANGLERS AND WINDCHIMES

In this workshop, you’ll use an abundant selection of repurposed treasures, learn to use copper wire to create durable suspension for all-weather display, and have a lot of fun while acquiring new skills. 

Thursday, April 6, 1:30-4:30pm

Facilitators: Jacquie Dinnie/Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: $20. 

 

THE ART OF COLLAGE

You’ll be learning how to create intricate and creative collages that peek past the ordinary. We’ll use magazine images and special papers made from banana, mango, rice, and mulberry. 

Saturday, April 8, 1:30-4:30pm

Facilitator: Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: $20, supplies included. 

 

POETRY, PROSE, AND STORYTELLING

This workshop will meet once a month and is open to both women and men. Writers of all levels will work on their skills through writing exercises, sharing, and gentle critiques. The goals will be to develop your own style of writing, and to gain personal comfort performing your work. 

Tuesday, April 11, 1:30-3:30pm

Facilitator: Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: $5, supplies included. 

 

A WOMEN’S SALON – SESSION 4 OF 4

This is the last of four organizational gatherings of women of all ages to help determine the directions the attending women wish to explore. Good conversations, art projects, community projects, writing, performances… It’s all up for consideration. Bring a treat if you can; coffee and sparkling water will be served. Please bring a mask in case the winter Covid and flu seasons have marched on into spring. Call 520-629-9976 ext. 2 to register and/or to ask any questions. If no one is available to accept your call, please leave a brief message with your name and phone number, and we’ll get back to you. (Please check the next edition of The Castle Voice to see if more such gatherings are announced.) 

Session IV: Wednesday, April 12, 1:30-3:30pm 

Facilitator: Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: Free! Bring a treat if you can.

 

DRUMMING FROM THE HEART

Always loved percussion, but were afraid to try it? This class will unblock that fear. Journey into the sacred and moving experience of drumming. Instruction in basic hand patterns and rhythms will allow you to continue on your drum adventure. Attend one or all of these sessions. 

Thursday, April 13, 1:30-3:00pm 

Facilitator: Susan Danos

Fee: $10 for each class. Drum loaner by donation/tip, if you can, payable to instructor each class. 

 

MOSIAC MURALING: 2 PARTS

We’re continuing the muraling on the School of the Arts bathroom walls. You’ll have the chance to learn design, layout, cutting stained glass, affixing pieces, and grouting. Class size is limited to three (3) and each will rotate skills so that all have a chance to experience muraling fully. 

Part I: Saturday, April 15, 1:30-3:30pm

Part II: Saturday, April 22, 1:30-3:30pm

Facilitator:  Traci Kelly

Fee: $10, supplies included.

 

PAINTING WITH OILSTICKS: 2 PARTS

You’ll learn to create beautiful artworks with this unique oil painting medium. It’ll free up your style! 

Part I: Tuesday, April 18, 1:30-3:30pm

Part II: Tuesday, April 25, 1:30-3:30pm

Facilitator:  Mary Theresa Dietz

Fee: $20, supplies included.

 

TREES IN MOSAIC STAINED GLASS: 2 PARTS

April is National Arbor Day month, and in this workshop, you’ll create a mosaic stained glass tree. Using an 8”x10” flat glass support, you’ll learn the needed skills to design, cut, and affix stained glass pieces into a beautiful piece of art. 

Part I: Thursday, April 20, 1:30-4:30pm

Part II: Thursday, April 27, 1:30-2:30pm

Facilitator: Gayle Swanbeck

Fee: $25, supplies included. 

 

STAINED GLASS MOSAIC VOTIVES: 2 PARTS

Learn to use glass cutters, nippers, etc. It’s fun, functional, and always successful. 

Part I: Friday, April 21, 1:30-4:00pm

Part II: Friday, April 28, 1:30-2:30pm

Facilitator: Linda K

Fee: $25, supplies included. 

 

BEADSTRINGING JEWELRY

You can make your own beautiful jewelry in this workshop, while learning how to use special tools and techniques to create long-lasting and unique pieces. Hey, it’s fun, to boot! 

Thursday, April 27, 6:00-9:00pm

Facilitator: Terri McGuire

Fee: $20, plus $10 supply fee, payable to the instructor (if you are a fee student). 

 

WISE WOMEN’S WRITING WORKSHOP

You can attend one or all of these popular workshops. Learn to tap your infinite wisdom, and playfully connect with your inner writer. We’ll journal with writing exercises, topics, and creative surprises. 

Friday, April 28, 10:00am-12:00noon

Facilitator: Ingrid Aspromatis

Fee: $20.