Arts on Main is offering a variety of classes in January, including some new ones, at the gallery on Main Street in Gloucester.
The Basic Drop Spindle Workshop is ideal for anyone curious about ancient fiber arts, said a press release, including knitters, crocheters, weavers, and aspiring spinners. The first session teaches the basics of drafting and spinning a single ply yarn on a spindle, while the second session teaches how to ply two singles into a final two-ply yarn and how to finish the yarn for use in other projects. The two-part class is being offered from 1-4 p.m. on two successive Saturdays, Jan. 4 and 11, for ages 13 and up. All supplies are included. The cost is $95.
A Native Gourd class will be taught by Pamunkey artist Ethan Brown from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9. He will talk about his gourd art journey and demonstrate his crafting process, which involves wood-burning a line drawing into the gourd shell before applying paints and stains. Gourds and supplies will be provided. The class costs $35 and is open to ages 13 and older.
On Saturday, Jan. 18 from 1-4 p.m., instructor Karen Wade will offer a hands-on acrylic painting experience, demonstrating how to paint a custom 3D barn quilt on a two-foot square piece of plywood using a pre-printed design. Participants ages 18 and older will choose their own palette and learn techniques for smooth, rich color application, as well as ways to seal and display the piece at home. The cost is $65, with all supplies included.
Beginning on Monday, Jan. 20, watercolor artist Doug Mock will teach a six-week watercolor series, “Let’s Think Outside the Box.” Open to beginner or intermediate artists who have participated in one or more watercolor workshops and who have experience, knowledge, and confidence with watercolor, the series offers a variety of tools, techniques, and skills necessary “to make every painting the best it can be.” Students ages 16 and older may participate and must bring their own supplies. The cost is $270.
The month’s final offering is a Chinese Seal Printing Workshop taught by Virginia Museum of Fine Arts instructor Mary Swezey from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25. Participants aged 16 and older will learn the significance of the Chinese Seal (or chop) and will translate their names into Chinese characters on paper, then transfer them to soft printmaking blocks and cut them out using carving tools. The carved blocks will be inked and printed on blank greeting cards, with each student creating a set of Chinese Seal cards to frame or send. All supplies are provided by the instructor. The cost is $75.
To sign up for a class, visit gloucesterartsonmain.org/events or call 804-824-9464.