Cathy Cox takes part in the stained glass glass. She is shown registering with Joyce Crumbling at the DAC desk.

December really was “the season to be jolly” at the Dorchester Center for the Arts. Two very different choruses performed their Holiday repertoire, making a joyful noise for the crowds that came to listen. The Gift Show visitors explored with delight the varied displays of original goods made by members and their friends. Money raised went to the artists, with a generous percentage for the Arts Center.

Classrooms were busy places during the month, with birds coming to “life” in the decoy class, sweaters taking shape in the knitting class, and vases and urns spinning off the pottery wheels. This week, however, the center is silent.

From Dec. 23 to Jan. 1, the Dorchester Center for the Arts is closed; the doors open again on Jan. 2 and regular students and supporters have already been registering for classes. Cathy Cox of Easton made the trip from Easton because she and her husband find something special in the the Stained Glass class.Cathy says, “I never thought I had it in me to do the cutting, sanding and design, but I look forward to this class. It turns on a different part of my brain.” She has made pieces of stained glass for her home and also, as gifts for friends. Cathy chose to register in person with Joyce Crumling at the desk, but you can also register on line. Check out Facebook, as an option.

The new year brings some new, different classes. “Kids Fiber Arts” provides four sessions on Saturdays, from Feb. 2 to Feb. 23. Those groups will meet from 10 a.mm.-noon and from 1-3 p.m. Experienced instructors will teach four different skills. Heidi Wetzel is the basket weaver and her work can be utilitarian or decorative.

She’s a certfied and published expert and will be an important part of the Fiber Arts program. Students in Michelle Follett’s weaving class will acquire sufficient skill to produce a “tiny tapestry.” Windy Karpavage, who already heads two knitting groups at the center, will now work with the younger crowd too in the Saturday program. She is an experienced knitter and teacher, with plenty of skill and patience. (As one of her students, I can personally attest to that. Stacie Pulk will be teaching a class called Punch-Hooking. Forget the possible puns, this class teaches the techniques for rug making and wall hangings, and preserves the history of early settlers’ Fiber Arts.

The Members’ Art Show of paintings, sculptures, and other arts will open on Jan. 4, 2019. This is a juried show with an Awards Ceremony on Jan. 12 at 5 p.m.,with a Reception to follow.

During a visit to the shows, you might want to enter the Gift Shop near the front door. It has a bright, new look and new offerings. Volunteer and Board Member Peg McCormack has led a group of volunteers “to bring up the shop up a notch and make it worthy of representing the county.”

Their efforts are easily noted; old merchandise that hung around too long has been returned or stored and artists have brought in new work. The shop is a fundraiser for the center, sharing the proceeds with the artist who has offered to display and sell. The shop looks brighter and is more attractively organized. It’s a new year!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and suggesting a resolution for the New Year. “I will try to discover (or rediscover) all the Dorchester Arts Center has to offer.”

Editor’s note: Spectrum is the weekly column of the Dorchester Arts Center. It is written by Gloria Rojas who is filling in for Barbara J. Seese, executive director, while she recuperates from surgery.