The Dorchester Center for the Arts (DCA) is accepting registration beginning January 3 for its winter 2017 schedule of art experiences and classes. Discounts on fees are given to DCA members, and supply lists are available for each class.

• The Great Landscape - Instructor: David Grafton

Students can advance their ability to make paintings come alive with atmospheric narrative. Participants will learn how to use a snapshot as a thumbnail sketch and how to work small outdoor studies into large studio paintings. The class is suitable for intermediate to advanced level students, who can use the medium of choice: watercolor, oil, acrylic or pastel. The 4-week session will meet on Wednesdays, 6 – 8 p.m. beginning Feb. 1. Fees are: $95 for DCA members; $135 for non-members.

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

This class utilizes the grid method, and supports both beginners and more experienced 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 increasingly complex challenges. More advanced students will complete finished, professional quality work. The 6-week session will meet on Tuesday mornings, 9 a.m. – noon beginning Jan. 17. Fees are: $95 for DCA members, $135 for 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, and demonstrations and assistance will be provided by the instructor. The class runs in 6-week sessions on Wednesday afternoons, 1 – 3:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 18. Fees are: $85 for DCA members, $125 for non-members.

• Intermediate Oil Painting – How to Paint What You Feel

Instructor/Mentor: Willy Schlossbach

This class will support the intermediate and advanced oil painting student interested in learning techniques that help them express themselves. Students will deepen their ability to paint in the direction of feelings and make work distinctively their own. The class runs in 6-week sessions on Thursday afternoons, 1 – 4 p.m. beginning Jan. 19. Fees are: $95 for DCA members; $135 for non-members.

• Knitting for Everyone - Instructor: Windy Karpavage

Beginners as well as more experienced knitters will create projects using patterns purchased in the class, or on custom projects under the direction of the instructor. Supply prices vary depending on project selection; typically $50 to $200 per project. Students may work on one project until completion or select an array of projects. Pattern selections can be viewed at www.nonipatterns.com. No experience is necessary to enroll. Quality matters—all supplies are purchased through the instructor to ensure student’s success. The class runs in 6-week sessions on Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. beginning Jan. 18. Fees are: $75 for DCA members; $125 for non-members. Drop-ins are also welcome at a cost of $15 per class for DCA members; $22 per class for nonmembers. Supply fees are payable to the instructor.

• Pet Sweater Crochet - Instructor: Mary Romans

Students may choose from an assortment of patterns to make a simple sweater that will fit most small to medium-sized pets. Chunky, cream wool yarn will be provided, and a size N crochet hook is needed. Or, students may bring the yarn and hook of their choice. Some crochet or needle art experience is necessary, and the class is open to ages 16 to adult. The class meets for one session on Feb. 4 from 1 – 5 p.m. Fees are: $25 for DCA members; $35 for non-members.

• Stained Glass for Beginners and Intermediates - Instructor: Jan Boettger

Students will have the opportunity to learn basic or intermediate techniques for creating a stained glass panel. Instruction includes design, cutting, foiling, and soldering. The class meets for a 10-week session on Tuesday evenings, 6 – 8 p.m. beginning Jan. 17. Fees are: $125 for DCA members; $165 for non-members, and a supply fee of $75 – $125 (depending on size of project) is payable to the instructor.

• Piano: Beginner to Intermediate Level Young People and Adults - Instructor: Bonnie Forgacs

DCA is offering weekly piano lessons for beginner to intermediate level students of all ages. Children should be at least 7, which is usually when the small muscle coordination in the hands is ready, plus the child should be able to read. Younger children may be accepted after an evaluation with the instructor. Lessons will include theory, technique, sight reading, and playing a variety of musical styles. Lessons will be individualized to meet the needs of each student. There will be themed recitals and students will write their own compositions. Weekly 30-minute sessions are held on Thursdays at times determined by the instructor. Fees are $20 per lesson and sessions are ongoing throughout the year.

• Voice: Classical Italian Style - Instructor: Bonnie Forgacs

DCA offers vocal instruction in the classical Italian style, individualized to meet the needs and goals of each student. Lessons are open to ages 13 and up. Classical vocal music, musical theater, technique, and singing in various languages are a few of the areas that can be explored. Weekly 30-minute sessions are held on Thursdays at times determined by the instructor. Fees are $30 per lesson and sessions are ongoing throughout the year.

• Introduction to Songwriting - Instructor: Paul Harrison

This class is designed for individuals who may never have written a song but would like to do so. The ability to play an instrument is not required, and no experience is needed. Those with some songwriting experience or other musical talent are welcome with the understanding that the focus will be on introductory songwriting information and activities. The class is open to ages 18 and up. All participants will write at least one complete song, possibly more, during the 6-week session. Activities will include: discussing songs liked and their appeal; using various exercises to explore topics to write about; and considering what makes effective lyrics and learning other helpful tips for writing effective songs. Students should bring something to write with and paper. The 6-week session will be held on Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8 p.m. beginning Jan. 18. Fees are: $75 for DCA members; $105 for non-members.

• Friday Night Live: Winter Coffeehouse – Spoken Word, Story and Song

Held on the last Friday of each month, (Jan. 27, Feb. 24, and March 31), from 7-9 p.m., DCA offers a friendly, supportive atmosphere for acoustic musicians, poets, storytellers, and others. To participate, call 410-228-7782. Performance slots are usually 10 minutes, depending upon the size of the crowd. The order of appearance will be randomly assigned with the first performer going on stage by 7:15. A piano is available on site. This is a gallery stage event. Admission is free, and coffee, tea, sodas, and wine will be available for purchase.

For more information about these and other DCA activities, visit dorchesterarts.org or call 410-228-7782.

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