Firehouse Cultural Center introduces new fall workshops, classes
By LOIS KINDLE
We’re all in the mood to get out and do something different these days, but gathering in large crowds is inadvisable right now. But there are places to break away and have some fun in a safe, yet social environment, and the Firehouse Cultural Center is one of them.
It’s introducing five, new one-time workshops and one month long class series during September, October and November that are sure to pique the interest of anyone even remotely interested in the arts.
“People are often reluctant to try a new art form, especially if there’s a large commitment of time,” said Beth Stein, the center’s programs manager. “By offering a variety of these one-time workshops, they can get a taste of something that might turn into a lifelong passion or, at the very least, be a fun way to spend a couple of hours.
COURTESY PHOTOS
If you’d like to learn the ancient art of quilling to make intricate designs for one-of-a-kind autumn or winter holiday cards, sign up for Julia Macek’s upcoming workshop, Sept. 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Firehouse Cultural Center. The cost is $40 per person. Call 813-645-7651.
“And for those who have participated in our programs before, these latest offerings have new subjects and professional instructors, which provide them with an opportunity to do something different and increase their skill sets.”
Here’s what’s on the menu:
• Drawing What You See (Mondays, Sept. 13 to Oct. 18, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.)
Instructor: Janet Flickinger
Using an image of choice, participants will draw a composition in pencil from sketch to completion, while learning about perspective, form, balance and contrast. The cost is $120 for members, $140 for nonmembers.
• Quilling for the Holidays (Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1 to 3 p.m.)
Instructor: Julia Macek
A Colored Pencil Workshop, taught by Melissa Miller Nece, is set for Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin. This six-hour workshop involves producing a beautiful piece of artwork like this one with colored pencils on colored paper. To sign up, call 813-645-7651.
This workshop introduces the ancient art of quilling, which involves rolling and bending strips of paper to make intricate designs for one-of-a-kind autumn or winter holiday cards. Participants will learn to use a quilling tool, create basic quilled shapes, select the right quilling paper and more. All class materials are supplied.
The cost is $40 per person.
• Abstract Painting Challenge (Wednesday, Sept. 22, 6 p.m.)
Instructor: Dee Hood
Challenge a friend or family member to join you in this fun, informative class, the first themed abstract workshop the Firehouse Cultural Center has offered. Using ideas from nature, participants will create organic shapes, patterns, textures and mark-making to create their works of art.
The cost is $45 per person.
• Introduction to Nature Journaling (Saturday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m.)
Instructor: Michelle Ivy
Janet Flickinger will present a series of weekly classes in Drawing What You See, Sept. 13 to Oct. 18 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Participants will learn to draw a composition in pencil from sketch to completion, while learning about perspective, form, balance and contrast. Shown here is one of her personal works of art. To RSVP, call 813-645-7651.
This workshop will teach participants how to better connect with nature through journaling. They will discover how to be keen observers of the natural world and convey the images they see in pictures, numbers and words. No prior drawing experience is needed.
A journal, pen or pencil is required. Both children and adults are welcome.
The cost is $10 per person.
• Colored Pencil Workshop (Wednesday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Instructor: Melissa Miller Nece
This six-hour workshop involves producing a beautiful piece of artwork, using techniques learned with colored pencils on colored paper. Participants will also learn to use simple tools, color mixing and more for finishing quickly.
The cost is $90 for members and $125 for nonmembers.
• Floral Centerpiece Workshop (Wednesday, Nov. 10, 3 p.m.)
Instructor: Laura Nation
The Firehouse Cultural Center will host Dee Hood’s Abstract Painting Challenge at 6 p.m. Sept. 22. Bring along a friend or family member to join you in this fun, informative class, the first themed abstract workshop the center has offered. The cost is $45 per person. To reserve your spot, call 813-645-7651.
This class/workshop involves hands-on, step-by-step guidance for making a beautiful, fall-themed centerpiece of flowers to take home. Participants will learn how to start with greening, choose the right flowers, consider height and proportion and more. Flowers and supplies are included.
The cost is $45 per person.
These programs will take place in the Firehouse Cultural Center Theater room, 101 First Ave. NE, Ruskin, and scholarships are available for folks needing financial assistance to take part in any offering.
Class size is limited. To register, call 813-645-7651 or reserve your spot online at www.firehouseculturalcenter.org.
For everyone’s safety, the center is fogging all rooms and surfaces with disinfectant after each use, using air scrubbers to keep air moving and filtrated during the programs and has upgraded ionization and UV filtration in its air conditioning units. CDC guidelines will be observed.
“Our goal is to provide fun and creatively challenging programs in as safe environment as possible,” Stein said. “We want people to feel comfortable and happy because we want them to come back.” Stein added, “And most of them have such a good time, they do!”
