Workshops Oct 2021 – Jan. 2022

Fractur Painting method January 15, 2022

Poetry Workshop – Saturdays, October 9, 16, & 23

Ashford’s Poet Laureate, Tony Paticchio, lead a poetry workshop focusing on close readings of poems, including favorite poems of the workshop participants. They were looking to identify those features that contribute to the making of a successful poem. They paid close attention to discovering each poem’s form and structure; how it employs sound, rhythm, words, phrasing, and sentences; how it builds and releases tension; how it uses lineation and stanzas; and how all these features work together to convey sense and meaning.  

Stained Glass Ornaments – Nov. 3

We had a funtime making stained glass ornaments in time for the holidays! Participants chose from a few different designs (pre-cut) and learned to use the “Tiffany” method of copper foil and solder. They went home with
a finished piece, ready to hang! Contact Anna Harding for Spring pressed flower waitlist.

• Location: Ashford Senior Center
• January 15, 2022 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Knitting 101: Basic Scarf

with Cathey Gidman

Ever thought about trying to knit?
Come and begin the adventure! 

“To Knit” means to interlock loops of wool or yarns with needles or machine. In this workshop, you will learn the basics of knitting; including needle selection, yarn selection, and the two most basic stitches. The challenge in knitting lies in the development of consistency throughout your stitches. By mastering these two stitches, the knit stitch and purl stitch, the world of knitting opens. 

Cathey began knitting over four decades ago. While making her way through all types of knitting, today she is most known for her knitted socks and fingerless gloves. She calls her work ‘practical art’ as everything she makes is intended for use. Using yarns from bamboo and super wools, all her creations are machine wash and dry, “why have a pair of socks you cannot put into the washer and dryer?” she says. As the years go by, her style evolves, and the patterns will change, but her love for hand knit socks will always remain. 

Contact Cathey Gidman to Register
(860) 450 – 9153 or GidmanCL@gmail.com

The workshop is FREE to members; $5 for non-members.
$10 Materials Fee for all participants (will take home yarn and needles)

MUST PRE-REGISTER – SPOTS ARE LIMITED 

Fraktur Basics Workshop
Early PA German Decorated Documents
Thursday, November 7th
with Valerie Oliver

 Valerie B. Oliver was born in Nashua, NH; she graduated from Classical H.S., Springfield, MA, received her BS in Mathematics from St. Lawrence Univ. in 1960 and MLS from McGill Univ. in 1961. Her professional career as a librarian began at the Research Labs Library at United Aircraft. Her many  years as a Reference Ln. at UCONN’s Homer Babbidge Library, culminated with the publication of her book,Fashion and Costume in American Popular Culture, a reference guideby Greenwood Press in 1996.  

  Her interests in early American decoration began in the early 1970s with teacher Florence Rainville of Uncasville, CT. She became an Historical Society of Early American Decoration (HSEAD) member in 1997, eventually serving as Connecticut Charter Oak Chapter Chairman, then as an HSEAD Trustee and finally as HSEAD President 2011-2012.  She currently serves as their Historian and as assistant editor of their journal The Decorator.  Her decorative painting work consists of country painting on metal and wood, stenciling, freehand bronze work, gold leaf work and reverse glass painting (all using historically documented patterns).  Reproducing old designs such as those seen on the 18th-19th c. Pennsylvania German decorated documents called frakturs  involves  work with a pen and with watercolor paints, a process  both easily and enjoyably performed.  The designs have many uses  i.e. cards, bookplates, letter heads or simply framed for display.

FREE for AAC members
$5.00 for Non-members
Contact Valerie for Materials List
To register, please email or call burnhamvaleriehunter@gmail.com
860-429-1125

Valerie Oliver will teach the traditional Fractur Painting method.

• Location: Ashford Senior Center
• January 15, 2022 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  

Are you an AAC Member who would like to present a workshop?
Contact Darcie Boiano today, send an email with a subject line of “AAC Workshop” to boiano.darcie@gmail.com

business tips for artists! digital art! drama! drawing! fiber art! mixed media painting! photography! dance! sculpture! writing! woodwork
IF YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR IT, OTHERS MAY TOO!

Click Here for Printable Presenter Form
Click Here for Printable Presenter Requirements

If you have any questions, please text, e-mail Darcie Boiano with a subject line of “AAC Workshop” to boiano.darcie@gmail.com

“PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE AAC TO BE A WORKSHOP PRESENTER”

An artists’ workshop for all levels of experience. Introducing a limited palette with a wide range of creative options, color and hue balance, saturation compatibility, neutral grays, and pigment density.

For your convenience we will use water media, watercolor or acrylic but the theory is applicable to all media.

Phone (860) 429-1016 for the material list and to sign up.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

ASHFORD ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS!

A WRITING STROLL with Marian Matthews

June 1, 2019 10am to 2pm

Rain date: June 2, 10 am to 2 pm

To register please call Marian Matthews (860) 477-0318

Explore your inner creativity by participating in this low-stress but invigorating writing activity. No previous writing experience or drafts required–just bring something to write with and something to write on. We will meet at Storrs Center to start. Then with a small group, we will move around to various places in the area, Storrs and/or the University, taking the opportunity to write in each place.

The area provides inspiration in a variety of ways–through its rich history and architecture, its museums, activities in the various retail establishments, its beautiful natural setting and more.

Your writing also will be inspired by the mutual sharing of the work of your colleagues.

This fun activity will be led by Marian Matthews, Ashford resident, previous professor of education and Director of the High Plains Writing Project in New Mexico and the Central Connecticut Writing Project, now retired. She has over 20 years of experience in helping novice and experienced writers find their voices. Come find yours.

Saturday, April 6th from 5-7pm featuring AAC’s own Valerie Oliver

AAC Writing Crawl 2018