Papermaking Workshop (new!)

instructor: Denise Anderson
PBA 105 – Level: All
Sculpture Studio
4 Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 19 – July 10
$115 members, $140 non–members (paper and mold making materials included in the fee).

Play with pulp this summer! Learn the basics of papermaking using sheet formation. Also, think sculpturally as you design your own positive form molds, and then use paper pulp to build 3–dimensional projects. A supply list sent upon registration.

Printmaking and Etching Techniques

instructor: Thomas Norulak
PBA 101 – Level: All
Printmaking Studio
8 Mondays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 23 – August 11
$200 members, $225 non–members (fee includes use of tools, inks, and solvents).

Focus on both traditional and contemporary etching techniques in this multi–level class. Learn to apply relief, intaglio, and monoprinting techniques onto a variety of commercial papers. Make images you can hand color, collage and reproduce. Continuing students are welcome. Paper and plates can be purchased in class.

Printmaking Orientation (new!)

instructor: Sharon Wilson–Wilcox
PBA 100 – Level: All
Printmaking Studio
2 Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
July 10 and July 17
$40 members, $65 non–members (fee includes use of tools, inks, and solvents)

This is mini-course is especially developed to welcome and introduce the PCA print room and it’s studio practices to seasoned printmakers new to the area and to those considering becoming a PF/PCA member with a printmaking access package. It can also serve as a brief refresher to those printmakers who have been on hiatus from printmaking for some time. Familiarize yourself with our studio space and it’s possibilities. Bring paper and intaglio plates. Small monotype plates, inks, acid and solvents are provided.

Non–Toxic Printing with Polymer Plates (new!)

instructor: Matt Forrest
PBA 106 – Level: All
Printmaking Studio
6 Saturdays, 9:30am – 12:30pm
July 12 – August 16
$185 members, $210 non–members (fee includes plates, tools, inks and solvents).

Pronto plate printing, which incorporates the processes of photo litho and intaglio, is the most efficient and environmentally friendly way to go direct to the plate. Cover one, two and three color printing processes. Learn to use this safe, simple and cost effective process for non–toxic fine art printmaking. Paper can be purchased in class.

Printmaking Open Studio

monitor: Thomas Norulak
PBA 102 – Level: Int./Adv.
Printmaking Studio
8 Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 25 – August 13
$150 members, $175 non–members (fee includes use of tools, inks, and solvents).

Prerequisite: printmaking class or monitor’s approval. Plates and paper can be purchased. No instruction given.

Lab time is available for all students registered in wheelthrowing and handbuilding classes. There is no instruction during these times; a monitor will be on hand. Lab times gives you the opportunity to practice techniques you have learned in class, refine your skills, glaze your work, and make more pots! Interested students must sign up for lab time on the sheet provided in the wheel room. Summer lab sessions will take place Tuesday evenings from 6:00 – 9:00pm during the regular term dates.

Beginning Wheelthrowing

instructor: Cynthia Young
CES 102 – Level: All
Ceramics Studio
8 Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 18 – August 6
$235 members, $260 non–members (fee includes lab time, 25 pounds of clay, glazes, bisque and gas firing).

Learn techniques in both wheelthrowing and handbuilding functional and decorative ceramic pieces. Includes introduction to tools, equipment, and surface finishes and glazes. Learn the basics of pottery! Students supply clay tools.

Raku Party Workshop!

instructor: Angela Juliussen
CES 109 – Level: All [1 Friday, 6:00 – 10:00pm, June 20] CES 209 – Level: All [1 Friday, 6:00 – 10:00pm, August 8]
Sculpture Studio
$30.

Join the party! A base fee of $60 ($85 non–members) includes a full kiln shelf, typically 4 or 5 bisque–fired pieces (an additional $15 per shelf if you need to fire more). Minimum of 4 participants. We will discuss all aspects of the Raku process. Wear clothing that completely covers your body. Glazes and tongs provided. Students participate in all aspects of the firing. For people who want to experience the process but don’t know how to make their own vessels, you can have fun glazing and take two already made small pieces home with you for a low fee.

The Potter’s Wheel

instructor: Jennifer Bechak
CES 100 – Level: All [8 Mondays, 6:30 – 9:30pm, June 23 – August 11]
instructor: Cynthia Young
CES 200 – Level: All [8 Saturdays, 9:30am – 12:30pm, June 21 – Aug 16, no class July 5]
Ceramics Studio
$235 members, $260 non–members (fee includes lab time, 25 pounds of clay, glazes, bisque and gas firing).

This class is designed for both beginners and students working at more advanced levels. Develop skills in wheelthrowing and handbuilding using stoneware clay. Focus on developing a personal style with decorating and glazing. Beginning and returning students work side–by–side in an open environment. Students supply clay tools.

Mosaics and Creative Tilemaking (new!)

instructor: Cynthia Young
CES 106 – Level: All
Sculpture Studio
6 Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 24 – July 29
$190 members, $215 non–members (fee includes mosaics materials, 25 pounds of clay, glazes, bisque and gas firing).

Build beautiful mosaics from scratch! Begin by designing and building your own custom ceramic tiles using stoneware clay and colorful glazes. Learn techniques for cutting, adhering and finishing tiles as you construct your mosaics. Combine handmade tiles with mosaics materials on 2 or 3–dimensional surfaces to create something unique for your home, or as a gift!

Gestures in Clay (new!)

instructor: Matt Marino
CES 108 – Level: All
Sculpture Studio
4 Mondays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
July 7 – July 28
$165 members, $190 non–members (fee includes 4 sessions with a model, 25 pounds of clay and firing).

Class is designed for both beginning and returning students who wish to discover and improve their modeling skills. Working from a live model, create a sculptures based on the human form, with special attention given to gestures. Instruction provided on the structure, proportion and facial characteristics of the model. Fee includes 25 pounds of clay, firing and model costs.

Bronze and Aluminum Casting

instructors: Carley Hill and Ed Parrish
CES 110 – Level: All
Sculpture Studio / Gordon Pavilion
6 Wednesdays, 6:00 – 9:00pm
July 9 – August 13
$250 members, $275 non-members.

Discover hot metal casting! Create molds of your own design and cast in bronze or aluminum. Carve your sculptures in relief in bonded sand molds, then cast with aluminum or bronze. Also cover advanced techniques for finishes and patinas. Produce multiple one-of-a-kind metal sculptures.

Ceramics Boot–Camp

instructor: Angela Juliussen
CES 104 – Level: All [4 Fridays, 6:00 – 9:00pm, July 11 – August 1]
CES 204 – Level: All [4 Sundays, 1:00 – 4:00pm, July 13 – August 3]
$115 members, $140 non–members (fee includes lab time, 25 pounds of clay, glazes, bisque and gas firing).

Learn the basics of wheelthrowing and handbuilding in this quick, fun new class! If you’ve never played with clay before and want a quick introduction, this is the place to start. Also cover glazing and firing properties. Make pots for your home, for friends or loved ones!

Advanced Wheelthrowing Techniques

instructor: Valda Cox
CES 107 – Level: Int./Adv.
Ceramics Studio
8 Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 26 – August 14
$235 members, $260 non–members (fee includes mosaics materials, 25 pounds of clay, glazes, bisque and gas firing).

Prerequisite: prior wheelthrowing experience. Refine your throwing skills and experiment with more complex forms including centering larger amounts of clay, throwing pitchers and more. Students supply clay tools.

Introduction to Playwriting (new!)

instructor: Tammy Ryan
CRW 102 – Level: All
Children’s Studio
8 Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9:00pm
June 25 – August 13
$145 members, $170 non–members

Discover and develop the skills necessary to write a short one act (ten–minute) play. Through free–writing and targeted writing exercises, tap your own experiences and observations of the world to write original, well constructed plays for the stage. Learn techniques for revision, write dialogue for actors, construct focused dramatic action and incorporate theatrical imagery and themes. Complete at least one ten–minute play. Also learn about opportunities and contests for beginning playwrights.

Poetry: Capturing the Image

instructor: Ellen Smith
CRW 100 – Level: All
Lecture Studio
7 Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 26 – August 7
$150 members, $175 non–members

Poetry is the vehicle through which we attempt to say the unsayable. The key to that is the image. Work at transforming private images into poetic ones. Whether you have you never written poetry or are an experienced writer, this class encourages creativity in a supportive environment.

Field Sketching

instructor: Robert Huckestein
DPA 106 – Level: All
Marshall Annex and Off–site
6 Saturdays, 1:00 – 4:00pm
June 14 – July 26, no class July 5
$140 members, $165 non–members

Become the expert traveling sketcher. Each week, visit local historical sites with sketchbook in hand. Draw both indoor and outdoor cityscapes with a focus on Pittsburgh’s rich architecture, landscape & people. Bring a sketchbook(s) and work in the materials of your choice. The first class will meet at the Center; sites for the remaining sessions will be determined as a group each week.

Beginning Drawing

instructor: Robert Huckestein
DPA 100 – Level: All [7 Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm, June 17 – July 29]
Marshall Annex
instructor: Jennie Kay Snyder
DPA 200 – Level: All [7 Sundays, 1:00 – 4:00pm, June 22 – Aug 10, no class July 6]
2D Studio
$170 members, $195 non–members (fee includes one session with a model).

This course covers lessons on line, form, value, texture and exploration of the creative process. Develop keener observation and perception skills using a variety of drawing materials. Students are encouraged to explore the potential of different media, approaches to finding a personal style of mark–making and drawing the figure and portrait. Supply list sent upon registration.

Beginning Oil Painting

instructor: Morton Brown
DPA 111 – Level: All
2D Studio
8 Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 19 – August 7
$180 members, $205 non–members

Have you always wanted to learn the basics of oil painting but didn’t know where to start? This class will cover all the necessary elements with a hands–on approach to materials, color mixing and learning to see as a painter. A supply list will be sent upon registration.

Watercolor and Collage (new!)

instructor: Judith Gentile
DPA 107 – Level: All
Marshall Annex
8 Sundays, 1:00 – 4:00pm
June 22 – Aug 17, no class July 6
$180 members, $205 non–members

Let your imagination soar! Experiment with watercolor painting while incorporating elements of collage. Use materials like salt, sand, fabric, photographs, plastic wrap, resist, glue and acrylics for a myriad of effects. Recycle old paintings and other images into new daring collages. Supply list sent upon registration.

Art History Survey (new!)

instructor: Morton Brown
DPA 301 – Level: All
Lecture Studio & Gordon Pavilion
6 Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:30pm
June 25 – July 30
$60 members, $85 non–members

Take an interactive journey through the history of art with Morton Brown. Start with ancient artifacts and work your way through contemporary art movements. Class will employ lectures, student discussion, slides, and references to texts. Weather depending, some sessions may take place outdoors at our new Mr. and Mrs. Ira H. Gordon Pavilion. Expand your knowledge of the art world’s past and present!

Drawing Naturally

instructor: Georgia Feild
DPA 101 – Level: All
Marshall Annex
6 Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 25 – July 30
$140 members, $165 non–members

Nature is your inspiration in this exciting drawing class! Building on foundations of composition and art theory, learn the technical skills required to render objects from nature while exploring personal creativity. Explore line, direction, shape, light, shadow, texture and tonal value with drawing media. Also cover perspective and positive and negative space drawing. Finish by selecting an outdoor subject matter and executing a formal drawing. A supply list sent upon registration.

Colored Pencil: The Summer Spectrum

instructor: Georgia Feild
DPA 102 – Level: All
Marshall Annex
5 Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 26 – July 24
$120 members, $145 non–members

Discover the luminosity and versatility of colored pencil. Experiment with color theory and various support material to make your colored pencil drawings shine. Using a variety of dry drawing media, students will experience a range of styles and possibilities through creative process. A supply list sent upon registration.

Open Life Studio – Drop–in Sessions

2D Studio with Monitor
DPA 300 – Level: All [Sat, June 28, 9:30am – 12:30pm]
DPA 400 – Level: All [Sat, July 19, 9:30am – 12:30pm]
DPA 500 – Level: All [Sat, Aug 16, 9:30am – 12:30pm]
$15 (fee includes Saturday morning session with a model).

PCA now offers Open Life drawing/painting sessions. There is no formal instruction. A monitor will be on hand to time the poses. Work in the materials of your choice, at your own speed. Come for one session, two, or all three!

Cartooning (new!)

instructor: Don Simpson
DPA 302 – Level: All
Children’s Studio
6 Mondays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
July 14 – August 18
$140 members, $165 non–members

Explore cartoon illustration and develop your skills with contour, volume, shading and perspective, taught by a seasoned professional! Special emphasis on anatomy, drawing from the imagination, and storytelling as applied to comic strips and graphic novels. Some previous drawing experience, a willingness to test the limits of your creativity, and/or an oddball sense of humor are helpful, but not essential! Supply list sent upon registration.

Hyper–Realism with Watercolors (new!)

instructor: Jennie Kay Snyder
DPA 105 – Level: Int/Adv.
Marshall Annex
1 Saturday, 1 Sunday, 10:00am – 3:30pm
June 14 and June 15
$90 members, $115 non–members

Prerequisite: Previous Watercolor and Drawing Experience. Learn the secrets of hyper-realistic watercolor working from still life with a published award-winning watercolorist. Step-by-step instruction as well as several demos painting details, transparent and reflective surfaces and more will be included in this intensive workshop. A supply list sent upon registration, Class will take a half-hour break for lunch.

Watercolor Explorations

instructor: Kathleen Zimbicki
DPA 114 – Level: Int./Adv.
2D Studio
8 Mondays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 16 – August 4
$180 members, $205 non–members

Previous drawing experience recommended. New lessons are presented each week including washes, scrubbing, splashing, resist, spraying and multifaceted view. Color theory and composition will be explored. Advanced students are encouraged to experiment with painting strategies. Supply list sent upon registration.

Experimental Painting Techniques (new!)

instructor: Mary Collins
DPA 103 – Level: Int/Adv.
Marshall Annex
6 Mondays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 23 – July 28
$150 members, $175 non–members

Prerequisite: Previous painting experience. Experiment with different painting techniques and media, include use of egg tempera, encaustics and non–traditional oil and acrylic formulas. Learn paint recipes, grind your own pigments and create colorful arrays of paints! A supply list sent upon registration.

Painting Miniatures (new!)

instructor: Brooke Rothshank
DPA 104 – Level: Int/Adv.
2D Studio
8 Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 25 – August 13
$200 members, $225 non–members

Prerequisite: Previous painting experience. Explore the tradition of miniature painting in Egg Tempera through the process of making your own gesso, mixing your own paint and learning miniature painting techniques to reproduce Vermeer’s Girl with the Pearl Earring. Some painting experience is helpful. Patience and a love for detail is a must! A supply list sent upon registration.

Surface Design Workshop: Everything but the Kitchen Sink (new!)

instructor: Sandy Kephart
FDC 108 – Level: All
Children’s Studio
1 Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00pm
June 14
$55 members, $80 non–members

Explore a mixed–bag of techniques for creating surface design on fabrics. Discover the possibilities using rust, shaving cream, salt, masking tape, cling wrap, bleach, textile paints, dyes and more to design silk and cotton fabric. Come join us for a full day of exploration! Wear old clothes and bring a bag lunch. Materials fee of $25 payable to Instructor. A list of household items to bring will be mailed upon registration.

Weaving

instructor: Nancy Bishop
FDC 101 – Level: All
Fiber Studio, Marshall Building
8 Saturdays, 10:00am – 1:00pm
June 21 – Aug 16, no class July 5
$185 members, $210 non–members

Learn to warp, dress the loom, sample various patterns, read drafts and understand color interactions. Advanced students may work independently.

Felting from Knits (new!)

instructor: Adina DeRoy–Stouffer
FDC 100 – Level: All
Printmaking Studio
3 Sundays, 1:00 – 4:00pm
July 13 – July 27
$70 members, $95 non–members

Have fun creating hats, bags and more from knitted fabric. Learn how to make your own knitted pieces or transform thrift store sweaters into new creations with a minimum of skill required. Students will explore fibers, the felting process, and needle felting as well as recycling sweaters into almost anything your heart desires. Knitting or crocheting experience is helpful but not required. A supply list will be sent at the time of registration.

Shibori Workshop

instructor: Amber Coppings
FDC 103 – Level: All
Sculpture Studio
1 Saturday, 1 Sunday, 10:00am – 4:00pm
August 2 and 3
$135 members, $160 non–members

Shibori is the Japanese term for a variety of techniques that create patterns on cloth. Focus on ori nui (sewn) shibori and itajime (fold/clamp) shibori to create multi-layered, dynamic designs on silk and cotton. 3-dimensional surfaces and over-dyeing of pre-existing items will be explored. Fabric dyeing kit purchased from the Instructor (approx. $40). All dyes included. A short list of household items sent upon registration. Bring a bag lunch.

Balms, Butters and Lotions

instructor: Adriane Pacella
FDC 105 – Level: All
Children’s Studio
1 Tuesday, 6:30 – 9:30pm
August 12
$30 members, $55 non–members

Learn how to make homemade lotion, nail butter, lip butter and body bars. Get creative in their shapes and containers. Receive hand–outs of the recipes demonstrated to you in class and continue making them at home! Your skin will appreciate the use of all natural ingredients. Purchase materials directly from the Instructor ($5).

Weaving II

instructor: Deb Meteney
FDC 102 – Level: Int./Adv.
Fiber Studio, Marshall Building
8 Tuesdays, 10:00am – 1:00pm
June 17 – August 5
$185 members, $210 non–members

For those who have had three or more terms of weaving classes or have prior experience, this will be a continuation of Beginning Weaving. Advanced students may work on a project of their choice with individual instruction.

Jewelrymaking Basics

instructor: Pat Falbo
Jewelry Studio
JMG 105 – Level: All [8 Saturdays, 9:30am – 12:30pm, June 21 – August 16, no class July 5]
JMG 205 – Level: All [8 Saturdays, 1:00 – 4:00pm, June 21 – August 16, no class July 5]
$180 members, $205 non–members

Learn the basics of jewelrymaking in metals while creating individual projects like rings and bracelets. Learn about jewelry design and construction, including lessons on sawing, filing, forming, joining and finishing metal. Class includes weekly demonstrations.

Introduction to Wire Jewelry

instructor: Adina DeRoy–Stouffer
JMG 111 – Level: All
Jewelry Studio
6 Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 26 – July 31
$140 members, $165 non–members

Learn to make various pieces of jewelry with this flexible, limitless medium in a fun classroom setting. Learn many techniques of wire–working and metal forming using sterling silver and copper wire. Design, shape, wrap, and hammer wire into a variety of pieces of jewelry. Projects include: wire rings, hammered links, earrings, wire cuffs and an elegant wire wrapped cabochon pendant. Students of all levels are welcome. Returning students focus on designing their own individual projects. Materials may be purchased from the instructor (approximately $35).

Glass Bead Camp

instructor: Darlene Durrwachter Rushing
JMG 108 – Level: All
Sculpture Studio
1 Monday, 1 Wednesday, 1 Friday, 9:30am – 2:30pm
Sept 8, 10 & 12
$215 members, $240 non–members (fee includes all bead making materials)

Take advantage of the only workshop in the region on flame working with portable, inexpensive Hot Head torches. Use rods of glass from Italy to make beautiful beads. Follow an introductory lecture with hours on the torches. Returning students will be introduced to new techniques on day two and three. Bring a bag lunch. A list of household items sent upon registration.

Woven Wire Jewelry (new!)

instructor: Adina DeRoy–Stouffer
JMG 202 – Level: Int/Adv.
Jewelry Studio
6 Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 25 – July 30
$140 members, $165 non–members

Learn basic weaving patters with sterling silver wire to create one of a kind works of art jewelry. Students will braid, weave and wrap various types of wire while making either a pendant or cuff bracelet. Gemstones and beads may also be incorporated. Basic wire-working or metalsmithing skills are needed for this workshop. Materials may be purchased from instructor, or students can request a supply list.

Intermediate/Advanced Jewelrymaking

instructor: T. J. Fejka
JMG 201 – Level: Int./Adv.
Jewelry Studio
7 Sundays, 2:00 – 5:00pm
June 29 – Aug 17, no class July 6
$160 members, $185 non–members

As costs for precious metals continue to rise, get an introduction to the basic skills involved in jewelrymaking and metal working without having the added expense of purchasing silver. Class is project based; each week the instructor will demonstrate a technique used in making a specific jewelry, or metalworking, project. Students will then apply the demonstrated technique in the fabrication of their individual project. Metals used will include all, or some, of the following: copper, brass, pewter and bronze. Materials will be available for purchase from the instructor ($15 to $30, depending on the design).

Darkroom Photography

instructor: Richard Hurst
PHO 101 – Level: All
Photography Studio
8 Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 18 – August 6
$215 members, $240 non–members (fee includes all chemicals)

A darkroom–intensive course for students who know how to use their automatic or manual cameras. Learn technical skills for black–and–white processing. Fine–tune printing skills. Includes the use of fiber–base paper and an introduction to the zone system. Apply techniques toward a personal project. Bring a camera and one unexposed roll of 24–exposure film to the first class. Students provide paper.

Basic 35mm Photography

instructor: Richard Hurst
PHO 100 – Level: All
Lecture Studio
8 Mondays, 6:30 – 9:30pm
June 23 – August 11
$185 members, $210 non–members

Learn camera operation and composition through lectures, weekly assignments and in–class slide presentations of students’ work. Covers film types, exposure, movement, depth of field, lenses, flashes, filters and more, with approximately three hours in the darkroom. Bring a 35mm camera with manual options to the first class. Film and developing costs are the students’ responsibility.

For course descriptions, please click here!