Peninsula School of Art’s (PenArt), 3900 County Road F, Fish Creek, Wisconsin opens its doors to creative learners of all ages this summer with two new program offerings – Try-It Programs and Family Drop-In Fridays. Both programs require no previous experience or pre-planning, just a willingness to explore your creative side.
For over 50 years, PenArt has been the place for first-time makers, developing students, and established artists to open their thinking, exercise their creativity, and try something new. According to Catherine Hoke, Peninsula School of Art Executive Director, “We recognize that stepping out of one’s comfort zone, especially those who are brand new to art making, can be daunting, and we’ve heard every excuse to not take the first step – you don’t have the time, you neglected your creativity and now it’s gone forever, you’re too old, you’re too young, you don’t have the right training or degree, you might fail. But we believe everyonef has the potential for artistic expression and these new programs are a great way to start your own creative journey.”
New in 2019, PenArt’s Try It Program is designed for those looking to get their hands dirty and create something in the studio for the first time. These classes are three hours in length, offered periodically throughout the summer and fall, and focus on basic techniques in ceramics and printmaking. Instructors will guide students through the creation of a small project from start to finish. Tuition is $40 for PenArt members and $45 for non-members. PenArt will provide all of the tools and materials.
Upcoming Try-It Programs are scheduled for July 6 with screen printing and hand-building 9am-Noon, and monoprinting and throwing on the wheel from 1-4pm; August 31 with throwing on the wheel and monoprinting from 9am-noon, and screen printing and hand-building from 1-4pm; and October 26 with throwing on the wheel and screen printing from 9am-noon and monoprinting and hand-building from 1-4pm. Registration and more information is available at www.peninsulaschoolofart.org/workshops/try-it.
Also this summer, PenArt has set aside Friday mornings for drop-in art making experiences for children and family members of all ages. Designed to introduce participants to a variety of processes, materials, and ideas, a different medium is featured each week. From painting to ceramics, creativity is exercised through guided exploration. Projects and instruction are adapted to individual age and skill levels. No pre-registration required and tuition is $15 per person. Upcoming Family Fridays arescheduled July 12, July 19, August 2, August 9 and August 16.
“Family Fridays are not only about learning new skills, but they are a way for families to connect, share stories and create lasting memories,” says Director of Education Elysia Michaelsen.