Ages 16 - Adult

This two-hour course will teach the steps used to create beautiful and sustainable live kokedamas plants for the home or office.  The class will discuss the soils used, proper mixing techniques and then move into how to place the plant within the soil and then cover with dried moss, as you use decorative string to hold it together.  Once the kokedamas is complete, it will be decorated using a wide variety of accents, colors, and ideas to make this living work of art an expression of each student's character and inner beauty.  Along with this, the class will discuss proper care and handling of the plant and a quick history of the techniques used and where they originate from.

Wednesday, August 10, 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

Grades 3-6

Creative Constructions is designed for students who have taken Art Adventures or have the basic art skills needed to create more complex activities and projects. This class will allow young creatives to construct original pieces of art and to learn more about painting, drawing, mixed media, narrative art, and printmaking. Creative Constructions student will be introduced to a variety of art materials and learn new artistic techniques while reinforcing the basic elements of art. For example, students will work with scratchboard, learn perspective drawing, try their hand at watercolor and acrylic painting, and learn about master artists. Small class size allows for individual attention in a fun and inviting environment!

4:30 - 5:30 pm - Wednesdays, August 31, September 7, 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, and November 2.

Grades 5 - Adult

In this beginner class you will learn the basic clay building techniques needed to form pottery without the need of a wheel. Using minimal tools and most importantly your hands, you will learn to make coils, roll out slabs, and pinching techniques. Students will make many functional items such as bowls and serving plates, as well as fun, decorative pieces. Perfect for those new to clay and for the experienced thrower looking to expand their working knowledge of the medium. All clay, glazes, tools, and kiln firing time will be provided.

Thursdays, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, September 1, 8, 15, 22.

Grades 6-8

This is a pottery class for older elementary and middle school age children. In this course, students will create fun, decorative, and functional projects and have the opportunity to explore different techniques for working with clay including the pottery wheel.

9:00 -10:30 am - Saturdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24, October 8, 15 (no class on October 1).

Grade 9- Adult

Mixed Media Drawing builds upon a foundation of drawing, while expanding the possibilities with a multitude of mediums. Each week focuses on different materials and techniques. A world of color, texture and composition will be explored, using techniques from printmaking, painting and even textiles! Students are encouraged to explore processes such as collage and abstraction. Art historical movements and themes provide inspiration for student work using both contemporary and traditional art materials. All skill levels are welcome!

10:00 - 12:00 am, Saturdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24, and October 1.

Grade 9- Adult

This beginner’s class will be very energetic and have you happily sweating in no time. Students will learn to perform easy-to-follow tap dance steps and become acquainted with the terminology of tap, which equips students to quickly learn a variety of combinations and routines. Along with these basic steps, students will also learn ear training to improve rhythm and musicality. Students will need to supply their own tap shoes.  

5:30 - 6:30 pm, Tuesdays, September 6, 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8.

Ages 15 - Adult

This four-part online class is designed for those interested in collecting oral stories from family members, neighbors, veterans, and community members. Participants learn how to conduct one-on-one interviews as well as how to hold story circles through a combination of class instruction and hands-on training, covering such skills as generating effective questions, finding potential storytellers, creating the best environment, as well as proper use of recording equipment. Participants each receive a PDF guidebook which follows the training course and Power Points. All who complete the course will be certified story collectors for Jonesborough’s StoryTown Programs. All Participants are encouraged to continue using the skills learned in this class by becoming a StoryTown Brigade member, and to collect stories from Washington County community members for use in Jonesborough’s StoryTown programs, which include a monthly radio show, podcast, annual play, and other projects.

6:00 - 7:00 pm, Wednesdays, ONLINE, September 7, 14, 21, 28.

Ages 15- Adult

This writers group meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at the McKinney Center. The group this year will focus on developing and generating stories for possible use in the monthly radio show “StoryTown Radio Show and Podcast” which performs at the McKinney Center and airs on WETS 89.5 FM. The group will also develop stories and pieces for other special story-based programs that are part of the StoryTown Initiative. In addition, members are encouraged to bring creative works to develop for their own purposes. Techniques in writing for radio and the stage are regularly discussed. 

Thursdays 10-11:30am September 8, 22, October 13, 27, November 10, December 8, 22.