MICHELE SCHAEFFER, who is the intructor for the Mixed Media classes at Avalon Art Gallery, created this work of children sledding in the snow.
THIS SUNFLOWER WORK OF ART was done by artist Ann Cavanaugh, who is the instructor for the Glass classes at Avalon Art Gallery.
Residents of the Pacific Northwest, or anywhere where winters are usually dark, wet and chilly, can begin to experience what experts call seasonal depression. However, sometimes a creative outlet, such as art classes, can help those winter months seem a little brighter.
Avalon Art Gallery, located in Battle Ground Village at 819 SE 14th Loop, Suite 109, Battle Ground, has numerous art classes and workshops going on during the fall and winter months. Get out of the house, office or wherever and keep your creative juices flowing by signing up for one of these classes or workshops.
Here’s a look at the Avalon Art Gallery’s current offerings:
• Mixed Media, Intro to Art: Mondays, four-week session, Oct. 19-Nov. 9, 5:30-7 p.m. This class is for those who are at least 18 years old and will include drawing, pastel, watercolor and acrylic.
• Oil Painting: Tuesdays, continuing class, 10 a.m.-noon, 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Young adult beginning oil painting class is Tuesdays, 12:30-2:30 p.m., for those older than 14 years old.
• Mixed Media: Wednesdays, continuing in four-week sessions September to mid-January, 9-10:30 a.m. for children ages 5-8, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for ages 9-11, 1-2:30 p.m. for ages 12 and up and 3:30-5 p.m. for ages 7 and up.
• Mixed Media: Thursdays, continuing in four-week sessions September to mid-January, 10:30 a.m.-noon for ages 8-10, 12:30-2 p.m. for ages 10-13 and 3:30-5 p.m. for ages 14 and up, focus on acrylics during the 3:30-5 p.m. session.
• One-day Mosaic Workshop with Tina Hunter, Mosaic Picture Frame: Sat., Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Participants will make a decorative picture frame to take home. Cost is $55, plus a $10 materials fee.
• Beginning Drawing for ages 10 and older: Ten classes start Tues., Nov. 1, 3-5 p.m. Cost is $100 for 10 classes.
• Beginning Fused Glass No. 1: Fri., Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is $75, plus a $15 materials fee.
• Beginning Fused Glass No. 2: Tues., Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is $75, plus a $15 materials fee. Beginning Fused Glass No. 1 and No. 2, Tues., Nov. 8, 6-8:30 p.m., Thurs., Nov. 10, 6-8:30 p.m. and Sat., Nov. 12, 6-7 p.m. Cost is $150, plus $30 materials fee.
• Using the Kiln to Carve Glass: Fri., Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is $75, plus $15 materials fee.
• Beginning Fused Glass Landscapes: Sat., Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost is $200, plus $35 materials.
Mixed media classes are one and a half hours long and classes are four weeks. Cost is $60, plus $20 materials fee. Oil painting classes are $25 per class.
"It can really help to take art classes during the rainy months," said Paulette Smith, owner of Avalon Art Gallery. "It really introduces something new and your mind starts working in a different way."
Smith said a lot of people who take the classes tell her that it’s their time, their two hours a week where they can get away and just focus on art. She said taking the classes can also help people create unique gifts that they can give friends and family for Christmas or other occasions.
"It’s amazing how many talented artists there are in the Pacific Northwest," Smith said. "It’s kind of similar to Ireland where they have all those wonderful writers. Our weather here is similar to that in Ireland, but instead we have a lot of amazing artists."
Mixed media and oil painting classes are taught by Michele Schaeffer, mosaic classes and workshops are taught by Tina Hunter, drawing and watercolor classes are taught by Gene Ellis and glass classes are taught by Ann Cavanaugh.
For more information about the gallery and art classes, visit the gallery website at www.avalonartgalleryandstudio.com or call the gallery at (360) 687-8321.
