This is an example of work by JoLecia Crowe, who along with Sharon Stockley are the featured artists in the Galleries at DCA this month.

The Dorchester Center for the Arts (DCA) announces its spring art class schedule for adults. Class start dates vary and supply lists for classes are available at the Center.

• Booktasting - A Sampling of Maryland’s Art, Heritage, and Environment

On April 12 at 4 p.m. Poet Sue Ellen Thompson will discuss and read selections from her published poetry. Known for her elegant control of form, Thompson’s poetry has been praised for its metaphorical heft and sinuous syntax. Her poems have been read on National Public Radio by Garrison Keillor, featured in U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser’s nationally-syndicated newspaper column, and received numerous awards. Refreshments and a reception with the author will be available after the presentation. The program is free, but registration is encouraged by calling 410-228-7782.

• Drawing Fundamentals - Instructor: Jacqueline Pfaff-Pratt

Develop observational abilities and rendering skills in this introductory level class in the fine art of drawing. Learn how to describe objects in terms of line, value, shape, and texture. Studio projects will explore the principles of light, space, composition, and perspective using a variety of drawing media including graphite, charcoal, and conte. No prior drawing experience is required or expected. The 6-week session begins April 21; Tuesday afternoons, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Fees are $75 for DCA members; $115 for non-members.

• Oil Painting for Beginners and Intermediates - Instructor: Tom Ryan

This class utilizes the grid method, and is for both beginners and students continuing to perfect their skills. Beginners learn the fundamentals of still life painting including color, composition, form, and materials, while intermediate students improve existing skills and explore more complex challenges. More advanced students will complete finished, professional quality work. The 6-week session begins April 13; Monday mornings, 9 a.m. – noon. Fees are $95 DCA members; $135 non-members.

• Intermediate Oil Painting: How to Paint What You Feel-Instructor Willy Schlossbach. This class will support the intermediate and advanced oil painting students interested in learning techniques that help them express themselves. Participants will deepen ability to paint in the direction of feelings and make work distinctively their own. The 6-week session begins April 23; Thursday afternoons, 1 – 4 p.m. Fees are $95 DCA members; $135 non-members.

• Intermediate Watercolor- Instructor: Barbara Zuehlke. This class explores watercolor techniques including wet on wet and use of drawing gum. Students will practice learning different triad palette combinations and pulling and glazing

watercolors using personal photographs and still life as inspiration. Use of gouache and egg tempera is acceptable. Painting experience is necessary. Demonstrations and assistance will be provided by the instructor. The 6-week session begins April 15; Wednesday afternoons, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Fees are $85 DCA members; $125 non-members.

• Watercolor Painting: Beginning and Beyond - Instructor: Jeanne Ewell

This class introduces the basic techniques of watercolor painting and builds to the more complex. Emphasis will focus on controlling the medium, color mixing, brush handling, and composition. Demonstrations are part of the class. Beginning and continuing students will receive individual attention while painting a variety of subjects. The 6-week session begins April 16; Thursday mornings, 9 a.m. – noon. Fees are $95 DCA members; $135 non-members.

• Hand-built Vessels Inspired by Nature - Instructor: Ann Geiger

Celebrate Earth Day by bringing Nature’s bounty to press into your clay. Working from slabs, participants will cut out shapes and press in natural imagery and patterns to create surprisingly sophisticated pieces. Students are encouraged to bring natural items to create impressions: twigs, leaves, blossoms, grasses. Colored underglaze application is included, and the finished piece will be fired with clear glaze. Supplies are included. Students should bring snacks and a beverage. The two part workshop will be held April 20 and 22; 5 – 8 p.m. Fees are $55 for DCA members; $85 non-members.

• Knitting for Everyone - Instructor: Windy Karpavage

Beginners as well as more experienced knitters will create beautiful projects using patterns recommended by the instructor. Supply prices vary depending on project selection. Work on one project until completion or select a beautiful array of projects. No experience necessary to enroll. The instructor provides initial assessment and individual guidance, and more experienced knitters are welcome. All supplies are purchased through the instructor to ensure student’s success. A supply fee is payable to the instructor. The six week session begins April 15; Wednesday evenings, 6 – 8 p.m. Fees are $75 for DCA members; $125 for non-members.

• Color Media Sampler- Instructor: Jacqueline Pfaff-Pratt

Students will explore a variety of color mediums and discover new ways of expression. All materials provided: oil, pastels, watercolor, and colored pencil. All levels are welcome. The six-week session begins April 21; Tuesday evenings, 6 – 8 p.m. $85 members, $115 non-members

• Pen & Ink Drawing Workshop- Instructor: Chris Carter

On April 25, from 9:30 a.m. − 4 p.m., Chris Carter will present a drawing workshop focused on pen and ink. This class is designed to teach and reinforce the elements involved in developing strong drawing skills: Line, Shape, Value, Texture, and Design.

Demonstration of various drawing techniques will be presented throughout the workshop. Students are encouraged to experiment with a variety of pen and ink techniques to find one suited to their personal styles and inclinations. Material List: sketchbook, water container, fine-tip permanent marker such as Micron or Sharpie, fountain pen (if you own one ... even if it isn’t working ... Chris will show you how to clean it and care for it). Please bring snacks, a beverage, and a bag lunch.

Chris draws and paints daily in sketchbooks, studying the natural world and the inventions of mankind: cities, roadways, machinery, and objects of all sorts. She never leaves home without her fountain pen. She brings the knowledge gleaned from these studies back into the studio to better express in large, abstract paintings, her greatest passion of all, movement through space and the patterns of energy. Visit her website at www.ChrisCarterArt.com to view the range of her work and to register for the workshop on her website store. Fees are $95 for DCA members; $130 for non-members and must be paid in full at time of registration. Class size is limited to 14 students. Register online at www.ChrisCarterArt.com.

The DCA Gallaries In April

DCA is pleased to present In the Galleries “Decorative Arts for Your Body and Your Home,” running now through April 25. The works of Sharon Stockley, jewelry artist and glass and metals sculptor, and JoLecia Crowe, polymer clay jewelry, are being featured. A Second Saturday Artists’ Reception will be held April 11, 5-7:30 p.m., and light refreshments will be served and live entertainment by Savanna Vroman, Emma Bailey, and Taylor Bradley.

For more information on these and other programs, call 410-228-7782 or visit dorchesterarts.org.

Editor’s note: Spectrum is the weekly column of the Dorchester Arts Center. It is written by Mickey Love, executive director.