Artworks in Big Rapids announces summer classes, camps

Multiple summer camps for children ages seven to 13 will be running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Artworks, 106 N. Michigan Ave., through the summer.

BIG RAPIDS — Looking to get creative this summer?

Artworks summer classes and workshops are underway, with everything from fused glass to quilting and painting.

There are multiple summer camps for children ages seven to 13 with camps running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at Artworks, 106 N. Michigan Ave.

Registration is required two weeks prior to the launch of the camp. Campers may bring lunch or purchase a lunch for $6.

Printmaking: Campers can learn about printmaking and experience cause and effect in action using various methods and materials.

Photography: Learn about the basics of photography with hands-on projects, scavenger hunts and challenges. Participants will need to bring their own digital camera, not a smartphone. Suggested for ages 10 to 13.

Handbuilt Pottery: Create various, usable clay projects.

Dimensional Art: Create 3D art by combining commonplace items with painting, drawing and other artistic techniques.

Traditional classes include glass, painting, pottery and quilting.

Mosaic Window: Students can design their own stained glass mosaic window as they learn how to cut, grind glass and grout the window. The finished products will be approximately 18-inches-by-20-inches.

Fused Glass Wind Chime: Students will use fused glass to create a wind chime. All materials will be provided

Beginner Suncatcher: Students will learn to make straight line cuts, foil, solder, polish and add a chain to create a decorative suncatcher in two classes.

Intermediate Suncatcher: Students with previous experience can cut, grind and foil in the first session then finish the following week.

Wine and Canvas: Artworks offers a wine and canvas experience to help you relieve stress in a social atmosphere. Students are guided step by step through an acrylic painting. Bring your own beverage and snacks. No experience necessary, materials provided.

Introduction to Watercolor: A beginner class that emphasizes hands-on class projects and using basic tools to create a finished piece. No experience is necessary, all materials are provided.

Intermediate Watercolor: Create a painting using techniques for skies, wet on wet, wet on dry, scraping for grass, using plastic wrap, spattering and contrast. No experience is necessary, all materials are provided.

Paint your Pet: This class is for all levels of painters. A picture of your pet will be traced onto a 16-inches-by-20-inches canvas, then students will be led through the process of painting a portrait of the pet.

Open Pottery Studio: Open studio hours allow students to work independently. Experience is required for the use of pottery wheels and is preferred for hand and built projects. The studio also has ore-fired greenware that can be fired for those with little experience.

Students currently enrolled in a 6-week pottery class may attend open studio for a drop-in or punch card cost. Firing fees will be waived for students for work completed during open studio.

Learn to Quilt: Students can learn the basics of quilting by making a small item such as a table runner, desk mat or set of placemats. A quilt can be made as well by working with the instructor ahead of time to pick a project, fabric and supplies. A portable sewing machine is required and one may be borrowed if you don't own one. The first class covers "piecing" the project and the second class is for learning how to "quilt."

Artworks will host interactive pop-up art experiences that will be announced on Facebook and Instagram.

There are also artist demos from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays from July through August where people can observe artists as they create their art.

Demos take place at the Painted Turtle Gift Shop unless otherwise stated. Visit: artworksinbigrapids.org/artist-demos for more information.

The Novel Tea book club also continues as those who are interested meet to discuss novels. Novel Tea is open to all and meets at 3 p.m the third Thursday of each month in Artworks’ lower level, and is facilitated by Barbara Ross.

Visit artworksinbigrapids.org for more information about the upcoming gala, lecture series, exhibits and more.