“Learn to be a Blacksmith” taught by David Tucciarone, August 24 – 26: This weekend course is designed to assist beginning blacksmiths and those with some experience to learn to efficiently perform the skills needed to become a blacksmith.  Students will learn techniques of making and keeping a forge fire, hammer skills, drawing out, upsetting, cutting, punching, riveting and forge welding steel.

“Tweak the Traditional” taught by Kelly Smyth, August 27-31:   With all attention focused on the traditional tools and techniques, Kelly Smyth’s workshop will offer the basics with an eye to a contemporary twist.  Any number of needed or useful items can be forged from hot iron (or mild steel) at the anvil with hammer and tongs.  To use Eighteenth Century terms, items “plain or fancy” or “rough or polished” can be easily tweaked for contemporary use.  Students will learn to easily distinguish correct forging temperatures using the color of the hot metal and basic hammering techniques.

“Majolica” taught by Mary Dashiell, August 6 – 10: This class will work with earthenware clay, hand building pottery inspired by fold traditions.  Students can make plates, platters, baking dishes, animal whistles; puzzle mugs and other creative, humorous, colorful pieces.  All skill levels are welcome.

”Pots That Pour” taught by Emily Reason, August 24-26:  This class will focus on the throwing of forms and parts to create elegant and functional pouring vessels.  During the week, students will review various methods of lid, spout and handle construction to make pitchers, ewers and teapots.  Aesthetics will also be a concern as the class explores principles of visual balance and interest.  Skill level: Intermediate-Advanced

”Wheel Throwing 101” taught by Emily Reason, August 27-31:  During this week-long class, students receive a hands-on introduction to the concepts of making functional pottery.  Using the potter’s wheel, students with little or no clay experience will learn to make tumblers, mugs, bowls, and pitchers.  Class emphasis will be on gaining the skills to make well crafted pieces within the process of wheel-throwing, rather then producing a large body of finished work.  Students can expect to take home a few choice pieces completed through the glazing process as well as bisque-fired pieces.  Skill Level: Beginner

”Bits and Pieces” taught by Carter Holliday, August 31-September 2: This course will include a brief history of Mosaics, a reference list of texts, collecting ceramic stuff and tools needed to make your own mosaic art.  Students will decorate their own clay flower pot and mirror with mosaic ceramic pieces and finish grouting each piece.  Bring some of your old broken or chipped favorite dishes or pottery to personalize your new creation.

“Glass Bead Making for Beginners and Advanced Beginners” taught by Marjorie Langston, August 24-26: Class will cover the basics of winding a good bead, safety, studio set-up, the correct use of tools and equipment and a variety of surface decorating techniques.  Students can expect to bring home a number of beads made during class.  No prior experience required.

“Precious Metal Clay and Glass” taught by Ed & Martha Biggar, August 31- September 2:  The first day will be spent working with Ed to learn kiln forming on a very small scale for cabochons.  PMC (Precious Metal Clay) will then be introduced and included with those cabs to create pendants charms and earrings. Patina and other finishing techniques will be discussed.

“Adobe Photoshop/, Advanced” taught by Doug Thompson, Thursdays, August 2-23: Learn advanced Adobe Photoshop techniques from a career photojournalist who has used the program since Version 1 (released in 1984).  Discover new techniques to make photographs come alive with more color and depth than ever imagined.

“Lap Dulcimer” taught by Jeff Sebens, August 6 – 10: To play the dulcimer, this is the best possible way to get started.  Build a beautiful, solid teardrop dulcimer.  Many of the hardest steps have been completed, no woodworking skill is required.  Instruction in playing is included.

Space is limited.  Register in person, call 540-745-2784 or visit www.jacksonvillecenter.org

The Jacksonville Center is located on Route 8, one-half mile south of the only stoplight in Floyd, VA.  The Center’s hours are Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturdays, 10am-5pm; and Sundays, 12-5pm.

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