by Misty Coss

Plein Air Season and Chalk art season is upon us!

Plein Air Season and Chalk art season is upon us!  What better way to prepare for the wonderful Michigan weather than to learn about preparing for outdoor art.  As an artist I have participated in 4 Chalk Walk events and too many Plein Air events to count.  Preparation for these events are essential to making you outdoor experience enjoyable and safe.  So here are a few safety and packing tips to help you this summer.  

1. Travel with a buddy.  This is a good way to socialize and has the added benefit of helping keep an eye on your surroundings.  Whether it be animals, people, or whether, its always good to have a partner to help alert you in case of danger.  It’s also great to have a buddy in case of a medical emergency.
2. Plan for the weather.  Michigan can be rough when it comes to whether.  The possibility of quick whether changes are likely.  It may be 73 degrees now but it could be snowing in an hour.  Make sure you check the weather before you leave the house.  Have a cell phone?  Use a weather app to alert you in case of severe weather.  If you live in Bay County sign up for Bay Alerts online.  This will give you a heads up on incoming boats, bad weather, and more.  Suggested weather apps: AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, Weather Bug, and NOAA Weather Radar.
3. While living unplugged is great, having some tech with you can be great in case of an emergency or extreme heat.  My favorite things to bring: Rechargeable small fan,  a portable charger (they even have solar powered ones), a cell phone, and a camera.  Cameras are great to have around while painting, in case the park gets too crowded or the weather starts looking rough.  Take some photo inspiration while you search for the perfect spot to paint.  That way if you have to leave you can always paint from reference photos.
4. The Essentials: Bug spray, suntan lotion, bottled water, water to wash your hands, paper towels or a hand towel, snacks, and small first aid.  One thing I never knew I needed was a cooling towel.  These are microfiber towel that only need a small amount of water and can be cool up to 3 hours depending on heat conditions.  Also, bring a small roll of toilet paper just in case. You can leave it in the car, but you never know when you will need it.  
5. If you haven’t walked 10 miles before, chances are you shouldn’t start today.  When trekking to the perfect art spot make sure you are physically able to get there.  Pushing yourself too hard on the first go can trigger health conditions.  Not a great climber? Don’t climb a steep rock cliff to get the perfect painting, if you have never done so before.  Make sure you are assessing and planning how to access spots that you want to create at.  Start short distances first and progress til you are ready to get to that spot.  Remember to wearing comfortable shoes or walking boots for the terrain you will be walking on.
6. Going far, pack light.  I like to use a back pack and a collapsable cheap easel when going long distances.  When going short distances I use my French easel that has storage for my brushes and limited paints.

Chalk Art

1. Make sure to wear knee pads and gloves.  You can also bring a garden kneeler to help save your bones and joints.  
2. A chair to sit in when you need to rest.
3. It was rain, bring a tarp, tent with sides or sand to help protect you piece from the weather.  Always make sure to check the weather forecast.
4. Take breaks and stretch.  Your hands, back, and knees will thank you.  
5. Bring water to wash your hands.  Your hands will get grimy through-out the day.  You also don’t want your colors to get muddy from your dirty hands.
6. A rule for straight lines.
7. If you run out of black you can walls try using charcoal.  It’s not just good for grilling!
8. Find a great pigmented chalk!  Studio 23 has a great Michigan made brand available for sale!

Want more Plein Air advice? Check out our workshop with Ruth Howell on May 28 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.  

Check out our summer events by visiting our website at www.studio23baycity.org under our education tab.  

by Misty Coss

Education Blog April

Hello Hello wonderful people!  I hope your are all enjoying your Friday.  Winter session 2 is in week 4 and our children’s classes are coming to an end.  What does that mean?  That means we have a whole new line up available for you to check out for Spring/Summer!  Spring classes start the week of May 16th!  We have kids classes, camps, and workshops so check out our catalogue available at Studio 23 or our website at www.studio23baycity.org

Class Spotlight

Beginning Colored Pencil with Julie Tyslicky

April 19, 2022

Tuesday, 3–5 p.m.

8 weeks

$110 members/$125 nonmembers

This class teaches you how blend and layer colored pencils your colored-pencil work to create fine art pieces. You will learn about color theory while learning how to use your pencils. You do not have to know how to draw in this class (though it helps) as we concentrate on spheres and eggs.

Spring/Summer 2022 Classes

Adults

Adult Clay

There is no limit to what you can make with clay! These classes provide instruction for the novice as well as those experienced with clay. Students new to clay will work on projects designed to introduce techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab. Instruction is also available to those who wish to try the potter’s wheel. Roll up your sleeves and give it a try. Advanced students may work in the direction of their choice. Various glazing techniques will be covered as well. Come with ideas and to meet new friends!

Spring classes start the week of May 16, 2022.

Summer classes start the week of July 18, 2022.

7 weeks

$140 members/$190 nonmembers

Monday, 6–9 p.m.

Instructors: Pat Lightfoot and Maureen Bokhart

Tuesday Day Class, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Instructors: Pat Lightfoot and Maureen Bokhart

Tuesday Evening Class, 5–8 p.m. (spring only)

Instructor: Sean Gallagher

Wednesday, 6–9 p.m.

Instructor: Mike Zureich

Thursday, 6–9 p.m. (spring only)

Instructor: Sean Gallagher

Saturday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Instructor: Ben Quinno

Watercolor with Bill Brinker

July 13–August 17

Wednesday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

OR July 14–August 18

Thursday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

6 weeks

$125 members/$170 nonmembers

Would you like to learn how to paint with watercolors? Would you like to become a better watercolor painter? Let artist Bill Brinker help you become a flourishing artist!

Color Theory 101 with Debra LaRocque

Spring session: May 16–June 27

6:30–9 p.m.

$125 members/$170 nonmembers

Ever wonder what a tertiary color is? Then this class is for you. It is for anyone who wants to understand color better. The class will learn about color terminology and color mixing, will paint a color wheel, and more. Participants will learn how to use color to improve their paintings and achieve the feeling or mood they are trying to convey. Some supplies are included. You may bring your own brushes and acrylic paints that you are comfortable with.

Inter./Adv. Graphite Drawing w/ Armin Mersmann

Mondays 6 PM – 9 PM

This is an IN PERSON class.

Watercolor with Nancy Philo

Spring session: May 20–July 22, 2022.

Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

6 weeks

$125 members/$170 nonmembers

Students must have some watercolor training for this intermediate to professional level class.  Work from life on both still life and models.  We will discuss all the finer points of watercolor and how to move to the next level in your practice.

Screen Printing with Ben Quinno

Spring session: May 21–July 2, 2022

Summer session: July 23–August 27, 2022

Saturday, 1–4 p.m.

6 weeks

$125 members/$170 nonmembers

Interested in screen printing? Want to print your own T-shirt, apparel, or greeting cards?

In this class you will learn about the basic materials and techniques you’ll need for screen printing at home through watercolor monotypes and hand-applied stencils. In the first project, students will create abstract compositions with watercolor pigments printed on paper, putting a graphic-like twist on watercolor painting. In the second project, students will learn hand-applied stenciling techniques and will have the opportunity to print on any substrate (paper, T-shirt, fabric, etc.).

Beginners Relief Carving and Printmaking with Alexia Hall

Spring session: May 16–June 27, 2022

Monday, 4–6 p.m.

6 weeks

$100 members/$125 nonmembers

Learn a new printmaking technique! This class will teach you to carve, ink, and print linoleum on paper. This type of printmaking can give a very graphic quality. The class encourages experimentation, and this means trying new materials and techniques including variations in inking process.

Intermediate Colored Pencil with Julie Tyslicky

June 21–July 19, 2022

Tuesday, 6–8:30 p.m.

8 weeks

$140 members/$155 nonmembers

This class builds on the skills learned in Beginning Colored Pencil by continuing to build your layering and color theory skills through the four assignments given. You will be working from real life and photography images and will be instructed on how colored paper can enhance your colored pencil drawings. Prerequisite is Beginning Colored Pencil.

Beginning Colored Pencil with Julie Tyslicky

April 19, 2022

Tuesday, 3–5 p.m.

8 weeks

$110 members/$125 nonmembers

This class teaches you how blend and layer colored pencils your colored-pencil work to create fine art pieces. You will learn about color theory while learning how to use your pencils. You do not have to know how to draw in this class (though it helps) as we concentrate on spheres and eggs.

Fundamentals of Drawing 4 with Julie Tyslicky

April 19–July 12, 2022

Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

12 weeks

$480 members/$580 nonmembers

The final session of the Fundamentals of Drawing series. This intermediate drawing session will concentrate on honing the skills learned in previous classes by working in a series and why this is important. We will also touch on creating an artist statement, artist bio, and information on how to enter a juried show. Prerequisite to take this session is Fundamentals of Drawing 1 and 2, or show the instructor your portfolio.

Kids’ Classes

Kids’ Klay w/ Angela Griebe 

April 29th–June 10th
(no class May 27th for Memorial Day) $80 members/$100 nonmembers (additional $30 clay fee)
Fri., Intro to Clay: 4–6 p.m.
Fri., Inter./Adv. Clay: 6:30–8:30 p.m. 6 weeks 

Afternoon Art Academy with Jocelyn

May 18–June 22, 2022

Wed., 4–5:30 p.m.

6 weeks

$80 members/$110 nonmembers

Afternoon Art Academy with Jericho

May 6–June 17, 2022

Fri., 4–5:30 p.m.

6 weeks

$80 members/$110 nonmembers

YADA (Young Adults Doing Art) w/ Katie

May 5–June 9, 2022

Thursday, 5–7 p.m.

6 weeks

$100 members/ $125 nonmembers

Virtual Art School

More information to come!

Summer Art Camp

In-studio art camp runs 8:30–3:30. Have some fun with Ms. Ava or Ms. Jericho while you learn great art techniques and history! You’ll use all different art mediums so, be prepared to paint, draw, mold, and everything in between!

Limit of 10 students for in-studio camp. Camp is recommended for ages 7–12. Students need to bring a cold lunch.

All art materials provided.

Camp dates available;

Session I: June 13–17 (Ava)

Session II: June 20–24 (Ava)

Session III: July 11–15 (Jericho)

Session IV: July: 25–29 (Jericho)

Session V: August: 1–5 (Jericho)

Session VI: August: 15–19 (Jericho)

Cost is $160 for members, $190 for nonmembers. Save $10 by referring a friend!

Upcoming Workshops

April 23: Woven Wrapped Bracelet Workshop with Angela Griebe, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., $35

April 28: Advanced Stained Glass with Donna Martin, four-week workshop, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., $130 and $40 material fee

April 30: Try It Watercolor with Bill Brinker, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., $35 members/$45 nonmembers

May 7: Say It in Embroidery with Kim Ballor, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., $35 members/$40 nonmembers

Macramé Bracelet Workshop, 2–4 p.m., $15 members/$25 nonmembers, ages 7+

May 13: Wood-burn your own decorative tray with Julie Tyslicky, 6–9 p.m., $35 members/$45 nonmembers

May 14: Golden Presentation “A to Z” of Acrylics with Valerie Allen, 1–2:30 p.m. FREE

Must register to participate.

The Golden “A to Z” of acrylics This artful presentation, complete with demos by Valerie Allen, packs in a ton of valuable information about acrylics, guiding participants through the basics while opening up new possibilities. Gain information about mineral and modern pigments and how they relate to clean color mixing, glazing, and the creation of fabulous new colors, and learn the unique properties of Golden Fluid, Heavy Body, OPEN, and High Flow acrylics. Discover Golden Interference and Iridescent paints for unusual effects. Get a comprehensive overview on the many gels and mediums and how they can change texture, saturation, and intensity of color, and be used for sculptural effects and more. The presentation includes a review of grounds that create truly contemporary surfaces for painting, drawing, pastel, digital printing, and mixed media. Each presentation includes an array of examples of these materials put to use. Attendees leave the program enthusiastic to explore the extensive potential of acrylic painting!

May 28: Try It Adult Calligraphy, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., $25 per person or two for $40

Try It Kids Calligraphy, 2–4 p.m., $10 per child

May 28: A Taste of Plein Air w/ Ruth Howell, 10 a.m.-2p.m., $30 members/$40 nonmembers

This mini workshop will give you the opportunity to explore painting “en plein air” like the impressionists did. The class will begin with a short lecture and demos to familiarize you with plein air painting methods.  You will learn how using a limited palette and value patterns can help you to simplify your subject and create strong compositions.  Following the demonstrations, students will receive individualized instruction as they paint the landscape of downtown Bay City.  Inclement weather make-up day will be June 4th.

by Misty Coss

Education Blog March

Hi everyone! Misty Coss here, the Curator of Education at Studio 23.  I’ve been hard at work planning our Spring/Summer Selection of classes.  The new catalogue should be out in April so keep an eye out for that in our studio and via our email!  Here is a sneak peek of our spring/summer classes.  Registration for classes will be available in April.

Spring/Summer 2022 Classes

Adult

Adult Clay

There is no limit to what you can make with clay! These classes provide instruction for the novice as well as those experienced with clay. Students new to clay will work on projects designed to introduce techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab. Instruction is also available to those who wish to try the potter’s wheel. Roll up your sleeves and give it a try. Advanced students may work in their choice of direction. Various glazing techniques will be covered as well. Come with ideas and to meet new friends!

Spring classes start the week of May 16th, 2022.

Summer classes start the week of July 18th, 2022

7 weeks

$140 mem/$190 non

Monday  6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Instructors: Pat Lightfoot and Maureen Bokhart

Tuesday Day Class 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Instructors: Pat Lightfoot and Maureen Bokhart

Tuesday 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Spring only)

Instructor: Sean Gallagher

Wednesday 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Instructor: Mike Zureich

Thursday  6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Spring only)

Instructor: Sean Gallagher

Saturday  9:00 a.m – 12:00 pm

Instructor: Ben Quinno

Watercolor w/ Bill Brinker

Wed., 10 a.m.-1pm

July 11-August 17

OR Thurs., 10 a.m-1p.m.

July 12-August 18

6 weeks

$125 mem/$170 non

Would you like to learn how to paint with watercolors? Would you like to become a better watercolor painter?  Let artist Bill Brinker help you in becoming a flourishing artist!

Color Theory 101 w/ Debra LaRocque

Spring Session: May 16th-June 27th

6:30-9:00 p.m.

$125 mem/$170

Ever wonder what a tertiary color is? Then this class is for you. It is for anyone who wants to understand color better. We will learn about color terminology, color mixing, paint a color wheel and more. We will learn how to use color to improve our paintings and achieve the feeling or mood we are trying to convey.  Will include some supplies.  You may bring your brushes and acrylic paints that you are comfortable with.

Watercolor w/ Nancy Philo

Spring Session: May 20th, 2022

Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

8 weeks

$160 mem/ $190 non

Screen Printing with Ben Quinno

Spring Session: May 21st, 2022

Summer Session: July 23rd, 2022

Sat., 1-4 p.m.

6 weeks

$125 mem/$170 non

Interested in screen printing? Want to print your own T-Shirt, apparel or greeting cards?

In this class we will learn the basic materials and techniques you’ll need for screen printing at home through watercolor mono types and hand applied stencils.

In our first project students will create abstract compositions with watercolor pigments printed on paper, putting a graphic like twist on watercolor painting. In our second project students will learn hand applied stenciling techniques and will have the opportunity to print on any substrate (Paper, T-Shirt, Fabric etc.).

Beginners Relief Carving and Printmaking with Alexia Hall

Spring Session: May 16th, 2022.

Summer Session: July 18th, 2022

Mon., 4-6 p.m.

6 weeks

$100 mem/$125 non

Learn a new printmaking technique! I will teach you to carve, ink, and print linoleum, on paper. This type of printmaking can give a very graphic quality. In my class I encourage experimentation, this means trying new materials and techniques including variations in inking process. 

Intermediate Color Pencil w/ Julie Tyslicky

June 21, 2022

Tues., 6pm to 8:30pm

8 weeks 

$140 mem/$155 non

This class builds on the skills learned in Beginning Colored Pencil by continuing to build your layering and color theory skills through the 4 assignments given. You will be working from real life and photography images and will be instructed on how colored paper can enhance your colored pencil drawings. Prerequisite is Beginning Colored Pencil.

Beginning Colored Pencil w/ Julie Tyslicky

April 19, 2022

Tues., 3-5 p.m.

8 weeks

$110 mem/$125 non

This class teaches you how blend, layer and your colored pencils work to create fine art pieces. You will learn about color theory while learning how to use your pencils. You do not have to know how to draw in this class  (though it helps) as we concentrate on spheres and eggs. 

Fundamentals of Drawing 4 w/ Julie Tyslicky

April 19th, 2022

Tues., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

12 weeks

$480 mem/$580 non

The final session of the Fundamentals of Drawing series. This intermediate drawing session will concentrate on honing the skills learned  in previous classes by working in a series and why this is important. We will also touch on creating an artist statements, artists bio and information on how to enter a juried show. Prerequisite to take this session is Fundamentals of Drawing 1 and 2 or show the instructor your portfolio. 

Kids Classes

Afternoon Art Academy w/ Jericho

May 6th, 2022-June 10th, 2022

Fri., 4-5:30 p.m.

6 weeks

$80 mem/$110 non

Yada 

May 5th-June 9th, 2022

Thurs. 4:30-6:30 p.m.

6 weeks 

Virtual Art School

More information to follow soon.

Summer Art Camp

In-studio art camp runs 8:30-3:30.  Have some fun with Ms. Ava or Ms. Jericho while you learn some great art techniques and history! You’ll use all different art mediums so, be prepared to paint, draw, mold, 

and everything in between!

Limit of 10 students for in-studio camp. Camp is recommended for ages 7-12.  Students need to bring a cold lunch.  

All art materials provided.

Camp dates available;

Session I June 13-17 (Ava)

Session II June 20-24 (Ava)

Session III July: 11-15 (Jericho)

Session IV July: 25-29 (Jericho)

Session V August: 1-5 (Jericho)

Session VI August: 15-19 (Jericho)

Cost is $160 for members $190 for non-members

Save $10 by referring a friend!

Workshops

March 26th:  Community Printmaking Workshop with Artist Jay Handy, $5, 10-12 p.m. or 1- 3 p.m.

Decorative Spring Egg Workshop w/ Alexia Hall, 3:30-5:30 p.m., $15 per person or 2 for $20 

April 1st: Family Paint Night, 5:30-8:30 p.m., $25 per person. $20 each additional family member.

April 2nd: Sunflower Healing Studios-Yoga & Wellness Paints w/ Studio 23, 6-8 p.m., $25, Event will be held at Sunflower Healing Studios-Yoga & Wellness

April 8th: Collage Workshop w/ Nancy Philo, 6-9 p.m., $30 mem/$45 non

April 9th: Paint your Terra Cotta Pot w/ Nancy Philo, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., $34 mem, $40 non

                   Meltmaking w/ Dark Candles, 1-4 p.m., $25 mem, $35 non

April 14th: Beginner Stained Glass w/ Donna Martin, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. $65 and $40 material fee

April 23rd: Woven Wrapped Bracelet Workshop w/ Angela Griebe, 11 a.m.-2p.m.  $35 

April 28th:  Advanced Stained Glass w/ Donna Martin, 4 week workshop, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  $130 and a $40 material fee

April 30th:  Try It Watercolor w/ Bill Brinker, 11-2 p.m.  $35 mem, $45 non

May 7th:  Say it In Embroidery w/ Kim Ballor, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $35 mem, $40 non

                  Macrame Bracelet Workshop, 2:00-4:00 p.m. $15 mem, $25 non, Ages 7+

May 13th: Wood-burn your own decorative tray w/ Julie Tyslicky, 6-9 p.m., $35 mem/$45 non

May 14th: Golden Presentation “A to Z” of Acrylics with Valerie Allen, 1-2:30 p.m. FREE

Must register to participate.

The GOLDEN “A to Z” of Acrylics This artful presentation complete with demos by Valerie Allen packs in a ton of valuable information about acrylics, guiding listeners through the basics while opening up new possibilities. Gain information about mineral and modern pigments and how this relates to clean color mixing, glazing and the creation of fabulous new colors, and learn the unique properties of Fluids, Heavy Body, OPEN and High Flow Acrylics. Discover Interference and Iridescent paints for unusual effects. Get a comprehensive overview on the many Gels & Mediums and how they can change texture, saturation and intensity of color, used for sculptural effects and more. The presentation includes a review of Grounds that create truly, contemporary surfaces for painting, drawing, pastel, digital printing and mixed media. Each presentation includes an array of examples of these materials put to use. Attendees leave the program enthusiastic to explore the extensive potential of acrylic painting!

May 28th: Try It Adult Calligraphy 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $25 per person or 2 for $40

                    Try It Kids Calligraphy 2-4p.m., $10 per child

Craft Bar: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.