By Julie O’Brien Deasy
Question: Where can adults take arts or crafts classes in town?
Answer: This week’s column is a great opportunity to talk about an amazing resource for hands-on arts classes in our area, Silvermine Arts Center.
Silvermine is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, and has been in New Canaan since 1922. Classes are offered in many different art genres and styles for children and adults.
There are both longer-term classes, ranging from 8-4 weeks on average, as well as one or two session “Workshop” classes. So whether you want to devote a few weeks to learning a craft, or come out just for a class or two to try your hand at something new, Silvermine has an option for everyone. The Workshops would be a great team-building event, or just for a fun night out with friends.
This semester, new offerings include Japanese Flower Arranging, Paper Flower Making, and Hands-On Upholstery (where you will upholster a piece of furniture to bring home!)
There are also classes in many other traditional art forms and techniques.
Numerous drawing disciplines are offered including portrait, pastels, pen and ink, and watercolor. Painting classes cover a wide range of styles like abstract, landscape, Impressionism, Plein Air, and painting that incorporates wax to give it texture.
If you have always wanted to try your hand at the pottery wheel, several ceramics classes are offered in a variety of firing techniques, decorating, and building options.
Silvermine also offers many jewelry making courses. Participants will bring home some custom jewelry including sterling silver hoops, sterling silver bracelets, lockets, and rings.
In addition to the above, Silvermine offers instruction on different photography techniques, metal welding and sculpture, and printmaking.
If you would prefer to just view the art, Silvermine offers more than 20 exhibitions annually that are free for the public. They also feature special solo shows, theme exhibitions and juried competitions. Lectures, panel discussions and artist talks are ongoing and offer the opportunity to meet artists and broaden visitors’ understanding of contemporary art.
See www.silvermineart.com for specific class schedules, more information, or to register.
Do you have something to share about living in New Canaan that most people might now know? Or a question about living in New Canaan?
Is there a resource you are looking for or something you need in our area? We want to hear from you!
Send in your ideas or queries to Julie@NewCanaanSentinel.com and your question/answer may be featured in a future column.
