All Classes and Workshops
4 – Part Plate
A 2-hour glass fusion workshop that you will Put 4- 4x 4 pieces of glass together to make a picture or an abstract that makes one picture. It will look great on a table when it’s not being used. Examples of uses are candies, nuts, sauces or dips.
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Karen Hitchcock
Sessions: 1
Adventures in Watercolor
This class will explore multiple special techniques, effects, and materials artists use to create watercolor paintings–including myriad ways to manipulate paint, add surface textures, mix and apply colors, and more. Instruction will include new step-by-step projects that incorporate the skills learned. The class is designed for both beginners and those with some experience using watercolors. All supplies included.
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Sharon Squibb
Sessions: 10
Anime Art Club
This class focuses on the Japanese originated comic style of Manga and Anime drawings. During the duration of the 6 weeks, students will learn the basics of rendering multiple styles of generic anime figures, known characters and, eventually, will create their very own original characters. Students will learn the rules of proportions and characterized anatomy, pen and ink techniques, and coloring processes. As the class progresses, students will have the opportunity to take their original characters and learn how to start their very own comic. This class will provide a safe creative space for young artists to experiment within their chosen illustrative styles. All skill levels are welcome.
Age Range: Grade 5 - 12
Instructor: Hannah Justis
Sessions: 6
Art Adventures
This class introduces your child to basic art skills and gives them an opportunity to grow as young artists. Art Adventures has been designed for 5 to 7 year old children to strengthen their knowledge in art and further develop art vocabulary and skills. With activities such as painting, drawing, and sculpture, students explore their creativity with exciting and fun projects in the spring Both new and returning students will continue to work on developing their skills with individualized instruction in a small group setting. Small class size allows for individual attention in a fun and inviting environment!
Age Range: Grade K - 2
Instructor: Donna Bird
Sessions: 10
Art Journaling: Planners, Altered Books and More
This class will provide a creative space for all those interested in the process of “art journaling”. All mediums are welcomed, including but not limited to: altered books, happy planners, and bullet journals. If new to the art journaling community, the instructor will inform and provide examples of various mediums for the student to experiment and play with. Generalized prompts will be provided weekly for the class to play off of and expand on during the duration of the week. Each class will include a demo for participants to create alongside the instructor, some of which may include hand lettering, drawing, and collage. Students must supply journal of choice. All other supplies are included, but students are encouraged to bring more if they wish.
Age Range: Grade 7 - Adult
Instructor: Hannah Justis
Sessions: 8
Beginning Acoustic Guitar – Group Class – Adults
This group class is a great way to determine if guitar is right for you. Students will learn how to play guitar in an easy-going, fun environment. Students will learn basic terminology, foundational aspects of playing the guitar, chords and melodies. This class is less theory and more practical application for those who wish to play and pick at home, with a recording or with each other. Students will need to supply their own guitar, guitar strings and picks. The class may be divided into two separate classes depending on the number of students who register and age range.
Age Range: Adults
Instructor: Jonathan Edens
Sessions: 12
Beginning Acoustic Guitar – Group Class – Kids & Teens
This group class is a great way to determine if guitar is right for you. Students will learn how to play guitar in an easy-going, fun environment. Students will learn basic terminology, foundational aspects of playing the guitar, chords and melodies. This class is less theory and more practical application for those who wish to play and pick at home, with a recording or with each other. Students will need to supply their own guitar, guitar strings and picks. The class may be divided into two separate classes depending on the number of students who register and age range.
Age Range: Grade 5 - 12
Instructor: Jonathan Edens
Sessions: 12
Beginning Acoustic Guitar – Private
These private lessons are for beginners or those with past experience who are looking for an easy-going, fun environment. Students will learn basic terminology, foundational aspects of playing the guitar, chords, and melodies. Class is less theory and more practical application but can also be adapted to the needs and wants of each student. Students will need to supply their own guitar, guitar strings, and picks. Sessions will re-start every 4 weeks.
Age Range: Grade 5 - 12
Instructor: Jonathan Edens
Sessions: 4
Black Tiles: The Next Step in the Zentangle Method
Take your Zentangle drawings to the next level in this intermediate workshop! Learn to draw with white ink and charcoal on Black Tiles. Must have taken an Intro to Zentangle class prior.
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Kay Grogg
Sessions: 1
Bucket Drums
Rhythm is one of the most important concepts in music. In this high energy and fun class, students will learn how to count and read basic rhythm notation, recognize common rhythm patterns, engage in group sessions that will foster hand coordination, and learn to play and make music together through the fun and physically invigorating bucket drumming activity. We will work as a drumming ensemble, learning lessons which will lead to final group performance piece, performed in front of an audience.
Age Range: Grade 5 - Adults
Instructor: Brett McCluskey
Sessions: 12
Clay Play for Toddlers – Parent/Child Class
Squish, poke, roll, pull, and create! Help foster your child’s creativity early in life. Clay offers a great sensory play experience, helps develop hand and wrist muscles, and fine motor skills. Our little artists will be using non-toxic clay to make one-of-a-kind masterpieces that can only be created by their tiny hands. Participants will be involved in working with the wet clay only. The McKinney Center staff will be responsible for glazing (your choice of color) and firing of the projects. The completed work will be available to pick up after the class ends, typically within two weeks. An adult or caregiver is required to be with the child at all times.
Age Range: 2 - 5 Years
Instructor: Kara Bledsoe
Sessions: 4
Creative Circle Writers Group
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 “A Night with the Yarn Exchange” which performs at the International Storytelling 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 Jonesborough Storytelling 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.
Age Range: Age 15 - Adult
Instructor: Jules Corriere
Sessions: Second and Fourth Thursdays of the month beginning January 10, 2019.
Creative Constructions
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, sculpture, and clay. This spring Creative Constructions will spend the first five weeks of class reinforcing the basic elements of art, while introducing a variety of mediums and artistic techniques to create original pieces of art. Small class size allow for individual attention in a fun and inviting environment!
Age Range: Grade 3 - 6
Instructor: Donna Bird
Sessions: 10
Folded Vase
A 2-hour glass fusion workshop where students will make a beautiful vase to showcase their spring flowers and impress their family and friends.
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Karen Hitchcock
Sessions: 1
Functional Pottery Series – Session 1
In the first session of this pottery intensive class, students will learn basics of creating bowls on a potter’s wheel. Class will cover basic bowl forms, trimming bowls, altering, and decorating techniques. Each class will include a demo from instructor as well as guided wheel time.
Age Range: Adults
Instructor: Kara Bledsoe
Sessions: 6
Functional Pottery Series – Session 2
In the second session of this pottery intensive course, students will learn the basics of creating mugs and cylinders on a potter’s wheel. Classes will include lessons on the basics of throwing cylinders, creating and attaching the handles, transforming cylinders into different forms, and decorating techniques. Each class will include a demo from the instructor as well as guided wheel time.
Age Range: Adults
Instructor: Kara Bledsoe
Sessions: 6
Functional Pottery Series – Session 3
In the last session of this pottery intensive course, students will learn the basics of throwing plate forms and matching sets. As well, students will learn to combine other forms with plates to create serving trays and casserole dishes. Each class will include a demo from the instructor as well as a guided time on the wheel.
Age Range: Adults
Instructor: Kara Bledsoe
Sessions: 6
Garden Art Workshops – Project 1
In this workshop, students will have the option to create two different unique and lasting works of art for their garden or home. Projects will be built out of clay by hand and decorated in class. All projects will get a sealing coat of glaze and fully fired to withstand the outside elements. Sign up for one project or both!
Decorative flower stake. Can be used decoratively or as a bird bath or feeder.
Age Range: Grade 5 - Adult
Instructor: Kara Bledsoe
Sessions: 2
Garden Art Workshops – Project 2
In this workshop, students will have the option to create two different unique and lasting works of art for their garden or home. Projects will be built out of clay by hand and decorated in class. All projects will get a sealing coat of glaze and fully fired to withstand the outside elements. Sign up for one project or both!
Flower bell or windchime. This decorative flower can hang out amongst your plants and will have a bloom that will last year-round.
Age Range: Grade 5 - Adult
Instructor: Kara Bledsoe
Sessions: 2
Garden Stakes
A 2-hour glass fusion workshop making decorative glass stakes for your garden or house. Each student can make up to four.
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Karen Hitchcock
Sessions: 1
Hand-Building with Clay – Earthen Art
Hand-building with pottery is another way of working with clay. The basic techniques are easier to learn and the range of forms you can produce is much broader. If you are interested in clay, but aren’t sure the wheel is for you, consider hand-building and begin creating wonderful functional pieces of artwork on your very first day. This class will give you the opportunity to create unique projects each week. Students will focus on the vocabulary of clay, slab construction, pinch pots, surface texture, clay impression and more. For students who are looking for a place to express their creativity, hand-building may be the experience for you.
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Pam Daniels
Sessions: 6
Hip Hop Level 1 – Mighty M.C.’s
Hip Hop is a street style or urban style of dance that focuses on self-expression and movement that involves the whole body. Students will have fun while focusing on techniques of gliding, popping, breaking and whacking. Hip Hop is perfect for the beginning or advanced student who has the desire to participate in a less structured dance form which does not require knowledge or training in classical technique. Classes are not open to observation by parents or any other person who is not a part of the McKinney Center staff. Students will receive a free T-shirt for their final performance.
Age Range: Grade K - 3
Instructor: Kevin Glasper
Sessions: 11
Hip Hop Level 2
Hip Hop is an eclectic street style or urban style of dance that is performed in running shoes to current upbeat tempos. The dynamic moves taught in this class are fast, stylish, and funky. This class is appropriate for high energy students that are driven by a beat. Students will work on choreography, strength, flexibility, and musicality through intricate fun and faced past choreography. Students will receive a free T-shirt for their final performance.
Age Range: Grade 4 - 8
Instructor: Kevin Glasper
Sessions: 11
Homeschool Art – Art Adventures
This class introduces your child to basic art skills, and gives them an opportunity to grow as young artists. Art Adventures has been designed for 5 to 7 year old children to strengthen their knowledge in art and further develop art vocabulary and skills. With activities such as painting, drawing, and sculpture, students explore their creativity with exciting and fun projects in the spring. Both new and returning students will continue to work on developing their skills with individualized instruction in a small group setting. Small class size allows for individual attention in a fun and inviting environment!
Age Range: Grade K - 2
Instructor: Larke Foster
Sessions: 8
Homeschool Art – Creative Constructions
This class is for students who have taken Art Adventures or have some experience with art lessons and have the ability to attempt more complex problems including perspective, sculpture, and painting techniques. Classes are designed to reinforce basic elements of art, while introducing a variety of mediums and artistic techniques to create original pieces of art. For example, students will work with clay and paper mache, learn to draw in 3D, try their hand at watercolor and acrylic painting, and learn about master artists. The curriculum is ongoing and projects change every semester. Small class size allows for individual attention.
Age Range: Grade 3 - 5
Instructor: Larke Foster
Sessions: 8
Intermediate Watercolors- Beyond the Basics
In this intermediate watercolor course, students will continue to develop their watercolor skills beyond the basics. This class will include all new projects that will focus on making the students watercolor practices more advance. Students will learn the art of creating depth, understanding the power of color temperature, developing a focal point, and working with wet on wet techniques. Must have watercolor experience. No beginners. A supply list will be available prior to the start of class. Supply costs are not included in tuition.
Age Range: Adults
Instructor: Ginny Wall
Sessions: 8
Introduction to 2D Art
Beginners welcome! This class will explore fundamental skills and techniques for making drawings of simple subjects. A variety of media will be used including pencils, colored pencils, chalk and oil pastels, charcoal, pen and ink, and mixed media. All supplies included.
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Sharon Squibb
Sessions: 10
Introduction to the Zentangle Method
The Zentangle Method of Art is an easy to learn art form that is FUN and RELAXING! Beautiful images can be created by drawing structured patterns. As you become engrossed in the process, your focus becomes, “zen” like and relaxed, resulting in individually unique masterpieces.
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Kay Grogg
Sessions: 1
Kids N Clay
This fun class, specifically geared toward younger elementary students starts with a basic introduction in clay construction including hand-building, extruded work, slab building, pottery wheel, and a basic introduction to the process of working with clay. Students will create and assemble forms using various techniques. Students will have 3-5 projects to take home.
Age Range: Grade 1-3
Instructor: Kara Bledsoe
Sessions: 4
Let’s Make a TV Show
Students will have the opportunity to choose from several local history stories, and create a film based on that story. They will learn how to storyboard it into a script for television, how to operate a high definition camera, work with a green screen background, and learn the basics of acting for television. Students will film their production in the new television studio located off site in the Elmer Gillespie building.
Age Range: Grade 5 - 7
Instructor: Jules Corriere
Sessions: 6
Low Water Immersion Fabric Dyeing
In this course, students will learn the fabric dyeing art of low water immersion. Also known as scrunch dyeing or crackle dyeing, this fiber art uses as little water as possible to scrunch the fabric together to create unique resist effects. No prior fiber experience needed, all levels welcome.
Age Range: Adults
Instructor: Michelle Gilley
Sessions: 6
Mixed Media 2D Compositions
Explore a different way to create 2D art. Make an interesting composition using paper, wire, and foam core. Each piece will be layered creating unique designs using depth. Students will learn new paper art skills and take home their own framed piece of work. Most materials will be supplied, but students will be encouraged to explore and purchase individual supplies to enhance their work.
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Jess Parks
Sessions: 6
Mosaics – Mosaic Crockery Rooster or Chicken
In this fun mosaic class, students will explore the use of broken china, pottery, found objects, etc. We ask that participants bring any colorful broken (and unbroken) plates, cups, etc. for use in this class for their project and to share with the class. The main objective will be the rooster or chicken with a simple background. Using beginner and intermediate level skills, students will be able to create a one of a kind piece of artwork to keep or to share.
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Beverly Thomas Jenkins
Sessions: 4
Mosaics – Mosaic Flower Pot
In this class, students will decorate a clay pot with broken china and glass. Students will be able to use this outside or inside. Participants may work with the designs available or they may choose to use their own design. We ask that students please bring any china or bits and bobs they would like to use on their pot.
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Beverly Thomas Jenkins
Sessions: 3
Mosaics – Mosaic Pet Portraits
This course will cover basic mosaic instruction to capture the student’s favorite pet in glass form. Not only will participants be creating a memorable portrait of their beloved pets, but they will also learn the basics of mosaic art, including: glass cutting, shading, placement and much more. All skill levels welcomed and all supplies are included.
Age Range: Grades 9 - Adult
Instructor: Beverly Thomas Jenkins
Sessions: 4
Mosaics – Nature Mosaic
In this class, students will have the opportunity to create a beautiful nature-inspired mosaic. All skill levels are welcome. Techniques such as color, shading and cutting will be explored.
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Beverly Thomas Jenkins
Sessions: 4
Night Lights
A 2-hour glass fusion workshop where students will learn to make fun and useful night lights of their own design!
Karen Hitchcock
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Karen Hitchcock
Sessions: 1
Paper Art 2D Compositions
This workshop is about creating a 2D composition made from paper. Students will learn new paper art skills and take home their own framed piece of work. Colored paper can be rolled, looped, curled, twisted, and otherwise manipulated to create shapes which make up designs. Learn how to cut paper into interesting layers with foam core to create depth and a unique piece of art.
Age Range: Grade 7- Adult
Instructor: Jess Parks
Sessions: 1
Pen and Ink Drawing
In this class, students will fine tune their drawing skills in the utilization of pen and ink mediums. During the duration of the class, students will learn various pen markings and methods, how to create forms and highlights with penwork and the process of creating illustrative compositions from the ground up. Sketchbook practices, notes, and medium experimentation will be heavily emphasized. Drawing experience is requested, but not mandatory.
Age Range: Grade 7- Adult
Instructor: Hannah Justis
Sessions: 6
Plein Air Painting
During this course, students and instructor will discuss trends found in art history and contemporary landscape ‘plein air’ paintings as well as explore strategies for simplifying the process of painting outside. Students will complete pencil, ink wash and watercolor studies using both book references and outdoor scenery found on the grounds of the McKinney Center and around Jonesborough. Various natural elements of the landscape, such as clouds, trees, rocks and water will be observed, as well as buildings and other man-made structures. All skill levels welcome!
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Allison Parker
Sessions: 6
Printmaking
This class will explore several basic and experimental techniques for making black and white and color prints. Processes include linoleum block relief printing (using a special tool to carve into a thin sheet of linoleum), silkscreen (making stencils on silk stretched on a screen), stamping (making stamps with foam sheets and blocks), monotoype (painting on glass with printing inks), collagraphy (gluing materials onto cardboard), and more. No prior skill is needed. Instruction will include easy steps for creating original art images.
Age Range: Grade 7 - Adult
Instructor: Sharon Squibb
Sessions: 8
Sensory Art for Children – Parent/Child Class
This class focuses on a series of short art exercises designed to introduce young children to art processes, materials, and creative exploration. Each class will expose children to new materials and techniques. Class time is set to give each individual child a chance to warm-up and clean-up as needed. An adult or caregiver is required to be with the child at all times. Come let your young child explore, have fun, and maybe get a little messy in the process!
Age Range: 18 months - 4 years
Instructor: Kara Bledsoe
Sessions: 6
Sun Catchers
A 2-hour glass fusion workshop where students will create a beautiful sun catcher to hang in their garden or home!
Age Range: Grade 9 - Adult
Instructor: Karen Hitchcock
Sessions: 1
The Potter’s Wheel – Level 1
This beginning class is designed for those wishing to develop their skills on the potter’s wheel. Students will combine forms thrown on the wheel with other clay-forming techniques to create more complex pieces.
Age Range: Grade 7 - Adult
Instructor: Jess Parks
Sessions: 6
The Potter’s Wheel Series – Level 2
Must have completed Level I or previous wheel experience. Students will combine forms thrown on the potter’s wheel with other clay forming techniques to create more complex pieces. Lidded vessels, closed forms, large platters, ring jugs, vase forms, and more will be explored.
Age Range: Grade 7 – Adult
Instructor: Jess Parks
Sessions: 6
Young Potters
This beginner class offers a basic introduction in clay construction
including hand-building, extruded work, slab building, pottery wheel, and a basic introduction to the process of working with clay. Students will create and assemble forms using the various techniques. There will also be discussions about finished projects as well as historical pieces that will include observations about aesthetics, form, and technique. Students will have 4-6 projects to take home.
Age Range: Grade 4-6
Instructor: Kara Bledsoe
Sessions: 6
ABOUT THE MCKINNEY CENTER
The McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School is a multi-use facility providing arts education through Jonesborough's Mary B. Martin Program.