General Information
• Please register early to avoid disappointment. You may register online at www.ssac.org, call (781)383-2787 to register by phone with a credit card or see registration page for mail-in information.
• No classes will be held during February School Vacation week (February 15–19)
• Young adults, 15 years and older, are welcome to enroll in most adult courses with the permission of the instructor.
• Materials are included for Children/ Teen Courses and Workshops unless noted. Students must provide their own materials for Adult Courses and Workshops unless noted.
• An asterisk (*) following a course number denotes a course eligible for one Massachusetts College of Art undergraduate credit for $125 additional fee.
Studio Art Foundation Program
South Shore Art Center offers a new program for students looking to formalize their art studies. Upon completion of a specially designed curriculum, SSAC will award students a Certificate in Studio Art Foundation. Participants in the program will have ongoing support of Art Center faculty to evaluate work and assist in course selection. Certificate Students will have priority registration and be assisted in creating a portfolio of work from their selected courses for presentation and exhibition. They also will have the opportunity to exhibit at SSAC in Certificate Student shows. Courses must be completed within three years of registration. (One course, taken prior to January 2009 is eligible for inclusion in the Certificate Program.)
Registration fee for this program is $50.
Contact 781-383-2787 for more information.
First Year Focus
Basic Drawing (48 hours minimum)
Color Theory (10 hours minimum)
Intro to Painting (24 hours minimum Oil, Acrylic, or Watercolor)
Elective choice (24 hours)
Second Year Focus
Drawing II (24 hours minimum)
Art History (12 hours)
Painting Elective (24 hours minimum)
Elective choice (24 hours)
Elective Courses
Advanced Drawing (24 hours)
Printmaking (24 hours)
Photography (16 hours)
3D ceramics (24 hours)
Sculpture (24 hours)
Visiting Art Workshops (18 hours minimum)
300 Basic Drawing
Judy Rossman
The ability to draw is not inherited, it is a learned skill. That ability is directly related to one’s observational skills. Being able to see the basic structure of all objects is the first step (similar to reading music). Through a series of exercises, assignments, and homework, students will strengthen their observational and drawing skills. Composition, value studies, line, texture and color will broaden their understanding of the drawing process. This class can accommodate both beginner and intermediate levels in a supportive environment with lots of one-on-one instruction. Continuing students welcome.
300a 4/30–6/18 Friday am 10:00–1:00
300b 4/28–7/15 Tuesday pm 6:00–9:00
$205M $245NM 8 classes
301 No Fear Drawing—Basic
Drawing Techniques
Marion Carlson
You can draw! Each week, a principle of design will be introduced. This hands–on approach will give you the tools to have a successful drawing. You will learn line, texture, value, contrast, negative space and more in this supportive two-hour class.
4/26–6/21 Monday pm 6:30–8:30
$145M $185NM 10 classes
302 Intermediate Pastels
This class, for the pastel artist with some experience, will focus on pursuing personal style and the student’s individual view of the world. We will have fun, laugh and learn from one another while we fine tune pastel techniques and imagery. There will be plenty of one-on-one time with each student, along with lots of information exchanges. We will work outside when weather permits. Some materials provided. Pre-requisite—beginner pastels.
4/28–6/9 Wednesday am 9:00–12:30
$205M $245NM 8 classes
303 Drawing for Painting
Evelina Brozgul
In this intensive still life class you will learn to draw “exactly what you see” from life and will finally be able to draw without inhibitions or fears. The goal of the class is to train your eye to look, not just see what is on the stand. You will receive assignments that will train your hand and eye coordination and develop an intelligent and strong classical technique long forgotten by contemporary artists. Finally you will examine how value relates to color and how drawing is necessary for classical painting.
4/29–6/17 Thursday am9:30–12:30
$205M $245NM 8 classes
New faculty member—Eva Brozgul has taught at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Tufts University; Cambridge Center for Adult Education, and Cooper Union in New York City. See painting class–Oil Painting for Beginners and Intermediates.
304 Pastel Painting Thursdays: Focus on Composition
Anne Heywood
Composition can either “make” or “break” a good painting. Learn how to see composition and how to choose and utilize different compositional plans in your pastel paintings. Every class includes instruction/demonstration, plus plenty of guidance painting your masterpieces. Bring your own reference materials (still life objects, photos, etc.) to each class. Suggested materials list provided upon registration.
4/29–6/3 Thursday pm 6:30–9:30
$175M $215NM 6 classes
404 Pastel Studio Saturday
Anne Heywood
Treat yourself to one day of uninterrupted pastel painting this spring. The session begins with the instructor’s demonstration, while the rest of the day is dedicated to painting your masterpiece. Plenty of one-on-one guidance for each participant. Bring your own painting reference materials. (still life, photos, etc.)
5/1 Saturday 9:30–4:00
$95M $120NM 1 class
305 Blooming Marvelous
Sarah Roche
Enjoy the colors and textures of spring flowers. In pencil and then watercolor we will record their texture and color, working towards an accurate plant portrait.
We will build on watercolour skills to mix hues, explore tones and effectively apply colour to create value and form. Plenty of demonstration and individual attention.
3/29, 4/5, 5/3, 5/17 Monday am 9:30–1:30
$145M $185NM 4 classes
309 Colored Pencil Drawing & Painting
Ruthe Sholler
Students will learn a variety of techniques using colored pencils including a multi-media approach to the process. They will then adapt these techniques in the creation of colorful, dynamic works of art. There will be weekly informational sheets supplied by the instructor, to be used for discussion and reference materials.
(No class May 31)
5/17–6/21 Monday am 9:30–12:30
$145M $185NM 5 classes
310* Beginner/Intermediate Watercolor
Mary Callahan
Designed for all levels of the watercolorist, this course will first provide the fundamentals and then explore the many techniques of watercolor. Work from still life set-ups, photos or from your imagination. Emphasis will be on color and design, with the goal of creating an organized emotional statement.
4/29–6/17 Thursday am 9:00–12:00
$205M $245NM 8 classes
313 Get Real—Realism in Watercolor
Becky Haletky
“Realism” can be loosely interpreted from photo realism to semi-abstract. Students will learn various watercolor techniques to achieve light, texture, and mood, while developing their own style. Techniques will include wet into wet, dry brush, glazing and soaking. Different subjects will be explored, from landscape and still life to portraits. There will be plenty of in-class painting in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. This class is ideal for beginner and intermediate students.
5/26–6/23 Wednesday pm 6:30–9:30
$145M $185NM 5 classes
315 Chinese Brush Painting:
Flowers and Birds
Qingxiong Ma
This course will introduce the basics of Chinese brush painting. Students will explore birds and flowers with a combination of Chinese brush painting and Western techniques. Using freehand brushwork, the emphasis will be on expressiveness, individual interpretation and abstraction through exaggeration. Students will use ink, watercolor, gouache, and acrylic on rice paper to create wonderful visual effects.
Inquire about the Eleanor Hales-Avakian Sumi-e Scholarship for Chinese Brush Painting.
4/27–5/18 Tuesday 10:00–4:00
$195M $235NM 4 classes
316 Chinese Brush Painting:
The Landscape
Qingxiong Ma
In this course, Chinese brush students will further their painting skills, with a special emphasis on the Chinese landscape. As in “Flowers and Birds”, students will use ink, watercolor, gouache, and acrylic on rice paper to create wonderful visual effects.
5/25–6/15 Tuesday 10:00–4:00
$195M $235NM 4 classes
Bare bones Watercolor
Lilly Cleveland
This course is designed to start people in painting. Whether you use the information for journaling, relaxation or painting masterpieces, this course is for you. Four sessions will start with supplies and explanation of colors, paper, palette and brushes. We will paint a still life, landscape, monochromatic or work from photographs. Each class is designed with a planned lesson in shapes, composition, values (lights and darks) and color combinations. The first half hour will be spent drawing a thumbnail sketch of the subject and then we will paint through to a finished piece. The supply list is designed to start painting affordably. Demonstrations will focus on colors and composition.
5/10, 5/24, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21 Monday pm 1:30–4:30
$145M $185NM 5 classes
322 Life as a Painter
Valerie Vitali
For 6 weeks, students will investigate the possibilities of interpreting life through the medium of oil paint. We will paint on canvas, hard surfaces, paper, and
experiment with the medium, from practicing basic technical information to contemporary applications on paper and handmade artist books. Beginners welcome, experts encouraged. Each week, we will look at the work of painters of the last two centuries who have influenced contemporary painting. The class will encompass all aspects of painting, and also respond to the needs and goals in the student’s life as a painter.
4/30–6/4 Friday am 10:00–1:00
$175M $215NM 6 classes
323 Painting with Acrylics
Lisa Marder
Explore this versatile medium while learning the basics of drawing and painting. We will use still life, photographs, the landscape, the figure, sketchbooks, and works of other artists as sources of inspiration. While experimenting with color, line, value, texture, and composition we will produce both representational and abstract works in a fun, relaxed, and supportive atmosphere. Beginning as well as continuing students are welcome.
(No class May 18)
4/27–6/15 Tuesday evening 6:30–9:300
$185M $225NM 7 classes
326 A Demo a Day
Learning from example
Joan Brancale
The Demo A Day landscape and still-life demonstrations are designed to give developing artists additional insights into the picture-making process and exposure to various painting techniques. Following the demo, students will begin their own work and receive individual attention as wanted. Improve your powers of observation, painting from life and in the studio. In this informal and supportive class, fundamentals of composition, value design, color mixing and various methods of paint application will be covered.
4/29–6/3 Thursday am 9:30–12:30
$175M $215NM 6 classes
427 Painting in an Hour
Nancy Colella
The practice of creating a painting from start to finish in one hour teaches you how to think more spontaneously and produce more lively and intuitive work. It helps simplify the process. Generous, quick, well-places strokes will give you fresher, simpler and more effective paintings. You are able to say a lot with a little. This class will include a one-hour demo followed by a one-hour painting session and critique. Still life and photos will be used for inspiration.
427a 4/26 Monday am 9:30–12:30
427b 6/10 Thursday am 9:30–12:30
$55M $75NM each class, $95M $115NM for both
328 Oil Painting for Beginners/Intermediates
Evelina Brozgul
In this course for beginning and intermediate students, you will develop fundamental painting skills while exploring the potential for self-expression inherent in oil painting techniques. Studio exercises include direct observation and response to still life, architectural spaces, and the human figure, as well as the development of a personal project. You will be introduced to the traditional painting process, from stretching and priming the canvas to the final glazing.
4/29–6/17 Thursday pm 1:00–4:00
$205M $245NM 8 classes
329 Portrait Painting
Dianne Panarelli Miller
This class will study portrait in the “alla prima” (all-in-one sitting ) approach. Students will work with live models. Through exercises and demonstrations, Dianne will incorporate academics and discuss color, composition and technique. Both beginners and advanced artists will benefit from this class. It is best to start with charcoal and move into paint, but you can start right away with paint.
4/28–6/16 Wednesday pm 6:30–9:30
$255M $295NM 8 classes (includes model fee)
488 Color Theory Simplified Workshop
Judy rossman
Through a series of structured sequential exercises, students will understand the basics of color mixing. This understanding will endow the student with skill and confidence in any color media he/she approaches including watercolor, oils, acrylics, oil pastels, colored pencil and gouache. A simple still life will be completed utilizing techniques experienced in previous exercises.
5/15–5/16 Sat & Sun 11:00–4:00
$110M $150NM 2 classes
500 Life Drawing and Painting Studio
Uninstructed—Michael McNabb—coordinator
Develop your skills in drawing from the model in this ongoing class. Please call the Coordinator 781-545-4991 if you plan to attend.
ongoing Monday evening 7:00–10:00
$7M $9NM per session model fee
payable at class
340 Beginning/Intermediate
Monoprinting
Esther Maschio
Learn something new to stretch your imagination. Monoprinting is the most accessible and experimental of any of the visual arts. Technique and process are taught by means of sequential demonstrations starting with basic lessons. An indirect process, imagery is applied to a Plexiglas surface then transferred to archival paper by means of an etching press. Students will learn about mixing inks, roll-ups, viscosity, color theory simplified, additive, subtractive, trace drawing, transfers, blind embossing and chine collé among others. Individual attention is given during each class and group experience and interaction with other students all combine to create a stimulating atmosphere with lots of room for meaningful and fascinating learning curves. Students at all levels of experience are welcome. (No class May 31)
4/26-6/21 Monday 6:00-9:00
$225M $265 NM 8 classes (includes a $20 materials fee)
341 Advanced Monoprinting
Esther Maschio
Monoprinting can be a highly experimental medium for creating strikingly unique works of art. An indirect process, typically imagery is created on a Plexiglas plate and then transferred by means of an etching press to archival paper. Brayers and brushes are the primary tools used. Methods and techniques include: additive, subtractive, mixing inks, roll-ups, viscosity, transparencies, color layering, multiple plate printing, plate registration, color theory simplified, trace drawing, collage, chine colle and more. Students will work with instructor to define goals and then set a plan to begin work. In this dynamic and energetic studio environment, exploration and growth are emphasized at the individual and group level. (No class May 31)
4/26-6/21 Monday am 9:00–2:00
$315M $355NM 8 classes (Includes $15 materials fee)
350 Beginning Clay for Adults
Ann Conte
For the beginning clay student, this course will introduce students to the techniques of coil, pinch, slab, wheel and combinations of these techniques. Functional and non-functional pieces will be created, glazed and fired.
4/30–6/18 Friday am 9:30–12:30
$295M $335NM 8 classes
351 Clay Work
Sheilagh Flynn
This course includes instruction in wheelthrowing and handbuilding techniques. We will start where you are: beginners will learn how to center clay, make small bowls and cups: advanced students will explore more complicated forms including lidded jars and teapots. The class will also investigate different surface/decorating techniques such as slips, scrafitto, paper resist, carving and glazes.
4/27–6/15 Tuesday pm 6:30–9:30
$235M $275NM 8 classes (includes materials and firing fee)
352 Potter's Wheel and More
Janice Bracken
This ceramic class will cover wheel techniques as well as slab, coil and handbuilding. Glaze applications will be demonstrated and independent projects are welcomed in this very supportive class. Open to all students.
4/28–6/16 Wednesday pm 6:30–9:30
$235M $275NM 8 classes (includes materials and firing fee)
353 Sculpting with Paper Clay
Ann Conte
Paper clay is clay that has been mixed with paper pulp. Its properties allow an innovative method of using clay which would not be possible with a regular clay body. It’s easy to use, extremely strong in its unfired stage and easy to repair at any stage in the process. When fired, it is much lighter than conventional clay and is useful for wall installations and delicate sculptural forms. Students will explore handbuilding and sculptural techniques that will go beyond traditional clay boundaries. Previous ceramic experience helpful.
4/29–6/17 Thursday pm 6:30–9:30
$235M $275NM 8 classes (includes materials and firing fee)
356 Sculpture
Susan Luery
Students will learn fundamental skills for creating sculpture in clay. The class will explore basic anatomy and techniques. We will sculpt several figurative sculptures and a portrait bust from a live model. Students will have the opportunity to create several sculptures before having the work fired at the Art Center. This class is open to all skill levels.
4/27–6/15 Tuesday am 9:30–12:30
$285M $325NM 8 classes (includes model, materials and firing fees)
365 Magic Mixed Media
Ann Conte
In this class, we will play with combining traditional and non-traditional materials to create exciting visual images. Using watercolor, decorative papers, simple print techniques, even clay and found objects we will develop textures, colors and explore design and dimension. Have some fun mixing it up.
4/27–6/15 Tuesday am 9:30–12:30
$215M $255NM 8 classes
451 Mosaic Workshop
Lisa Houck
In this one-day workshop, students will learn to design a mosaic, using bold, graphic shapes. We will cut glass tiles and glue them to a panel to create a work of art which is durable, colorful, and full of lively patterns. Students will go home with all the information needed to make mosaics at home.
5/16 Sunday 10:00–4:00
$115M $155NM 1 class ($25 materials fee payable to instructor)
371 Digital Photography—Start to Finish
Tim Waite
Learn how to maximize the digital camera. Students will be introduced to the basics of digital photography and taking an image from concept through composition to print. They will learn the fundamentals of exposure while using their particular camera in fully-manual mode. This course will focus on the technical aspects of digital photography and a digital workflow, including file formats, resolution and color space. Other topics discussed will be lighting for photography, landscape photography, portrait photography, printing digital photographs as well as monitor and printer calibration. Students should bring their cameras and manuals to class. A digital SLR camera is strongly recommended.
4/29–6/3 Thursday pm 7:30–9:30
$115M $155NM 6 classes
451 Mosaic Workshop
Lisa Houck
In this two-day workshop, students will learn to design a mosaic, using bold, graphic shapes. We will cut glass tiles and glue them to a panel to create a work of art which is durable, colorful, and full of lively patterns. Students will go home with all the information needed to make mosaics.
3/14 & 3/21 Sunday 12:00–4:00
$145M $185NM 2 classes ($25 materials fee payable to instructor)
371 Digital Photography—Start
to Finish
Tim Waite
Learn how to maximize the digital camera. Students will be introduced to the basics of digital photography and the technical aspects of taking an image from concept through composition to print. They will learn the differences between “point and shoot” and digital SLR cameras, digital photography compared to standard photography, file formats and digital resolution, light and film speed as pertains to digital photography. Other topics discussed will be lighting for photography, landscape photography, portrait photography, printing digital photographs, technical aspects of calibrating monitors and printers for more accurate image output. Students should bring their cameras and manuals to class. This course is recommended for Digital SLR owners or people interested in buying one in the near future.
1/21–3/18 Thursday pm 7:30–9:30
$150M $190 NM 8 classes
