Ashtabula Arts Center News

A part of the community for sixty years, The Ashtabula Arts Center is a multi-arts facility featuring dance, theater, music and visual arts. From summer kid's camp to ballroom dancing, The Ashtabula Arts Center offers classes and other programing for all ages and all levels of artistic talents from the beginner to the advanced student.  Spend your free time at the Arts Center.  It's Ashtabula County's family place!

The Theater department offers a variety of classes throughout the year for both children and adults.  Straw Hat Theatre and G.B. Community Theatre offer year-round opportunities for amateur actors of all ages. Everyone, both young and old, is encouraged to join in and audition for a show or volunteer for one of our back stage crews. Productions play on our indoor and outdoor stages throughout the year and always includes comedies, dramas, musicals and more. 
   

Monday Classes
Basic Drawing for Children
for grades 4-6
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. with Meeghan Humphrey
$40 class fee/$36 member rate
6 weeks beginning June 17
In this class for kids who love to draw, the focus is on "What do you see?" and "Draw what you see." Students in this class will develop drawing skills using various media like pencil, chalk, pastel, charcoal and pen. This class will be work in the studio and outdoors, weather permitting.

Mommy, Mud and Me
with Anzietta DiPierro
for preschool student with an adult
10:30 - 11:15 a.m. $28 class fee/$25 member rate
plus a $10 materials Fee
5 weeks beginning June 17
Learn the basics of working with clay side by side with your young child as you create together!

Clayheads
 for grades 4 - 8
5 - 6 p.m. with Anzietta DiPierro
$40 class fee/$36 member rate
plus a $10 materials Fee
6 weeks beginning June 17
Students will have the chance to learn the basics of working on the potter's wheel.

Decorative One-Stroke Painting
with Janet Regelman
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$20 class fee/$18 member rate per week
plus the listed materials fee
Based on the One-Stroke Painting method made popular by Donna Dewberry, each workshop completes a different project. Sign up for one or all of them! Beginners Welcome!

May 6: Technique Class
Supply Fee: $3 or $8 with tablet

May 13: Desk Calendar Insert (Summer)
Supply Fee: $3

May 20: Scalloped Garden Brick Edger
Supply Fee: $4

June 3: Technique Class
Supply Fee: $3 or $8 with tablet

June 10: Wooden Paper Plate Holder
Supply Fee: $10

June 17: Wooden Paper Towel Holder
Supply Fee: $8

June 24: Small Tree with Blue Bird
Supply Fee:$8



Beginning Pottery
for adults/teens
6:15-7:45 p.m.
with Anzietta DiPierro
$50 class fee/$45 member rate
plus a $15 materials fee
6 weeks beginning June 17
Learn basic techniques involved in both hand building with clay and working on the potter’s wheel. There’ll be time for practice and creativity. The class will also experiment with combining elements. Students who prefer to focus in one area may do so.



TUESDAY CLASSES
Storybook Art
for grades K-3
10 - 11 a.m. with Meeghan Humphrey
$35 class fee/$31.50 member rate
6 weeks beginning June 18
We will use award-winning children's books as inspiration for art projects. We will explore the ideas and techniques used by famous illustrators while creating projects of our own. Students will use a variety of materials and techniques through the course.

Pop Up Creations
for grades 7 & up
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.. with Meeghan Humphrey
6 weeks beginning June 18
$40 class fee/$36 member rate
Paper can be made to do almost anything… In this class, students will construct several styles of pop-up cards and learn skills to create their own designs.

Beginning Knitting
for adults/teens
7 - 8:30 p.m. with Meeghan Humphrey
$36 Members/$40 non members
6 weeks beginning June 18
Learn the basics of knitting including how to read a pattern and fix mistakes. Our first project will be a scarf. As students progress, Meeghan will coach them through a project of their own choosing. For the first class, bring 1 skein of worsted weight yarn (just ask at the store if you don't know what this is) and size 8 or 9 straight needles. Choose a smooth yarn as bumpy and eyelash yarns are difficult to learn with.

Trees and Landscape Drawing
for ages 10-17 6 - 7 p.m. with Ralph Bacon
6 weeks beginning June 18
$40 class fee/$36 member rate
Students will illustrate a variety of animals from North America. Using contour drawing, shading and foreshortening, Mr. Bacon will tackle the difficult subject of trees and teach tricks for creating realistic trees to include in your landscapes.

Advanced Drawing
for ages 15 and up
7:15 - 8:30 p.m.. with Ralph Bacon
6 weeks beginning June 18
$45 class fee/$41.50 member rate
This class is for the student who already has a good basis in drawing skills and would like to expand their technique. Please bring samples of your drawings to the first class and be prepared to talk about what you would like to get out of the class. Ralph will design lessons to address the interests of the participants. There will be weekly drawing assignments to complete between lessons. Students will work in graphite, conte and charcoal. High school students should consider this class as an opportunity to build your portfolio.



WEDNESDAY CLASSES

Art Explorers
 for grades 2 - 6
10 - 11 a.m. with Meeghan Humphrey
$40 class fee/$36 member rate
6 weeks beginning June 19
We will use paints, pastels, markers, ink pen, watercolors and colored pencils in all different combinations. We may even do some sculpture. If your child likes art and trying new things, they will love this class.



Fiber Arts For Kids
for grades 2 - 6
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.. with Meeghan Humphrey
6 weeks beginning June 19
$40 class fee/$36 member rate
Learn the basics of weaving on a simple loom, beginning knitting and weaving cord in the Japanese style. All of these techniques can be done at home as lap projects.

Beginning/Intermediate Stained Glass
for adults
5:30 - 8:30 p.m. with Leslie Taylor
4 weeks beginning June 19
$68 class fee/ $61.20 member rate
plus a $50 materials fee
Students will be introduced to the copper foil method of stained glass while completing a flat panel. Students will choose from a selection of patterns provided by the teacher. The finished panel will measure approximately 7 1/2 x 10 inches. All materials are included in the class fee. Intermediate students will work on an alternate project at their level.



Woodworking Workshops
for grades 4 - 7
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. with Brad Stevenson
$15 per weekly workshop
Sign up for one workshop or all of them!

June 19: Tool Box -- pine w/ rope handle
June 26: Magazine Crate -- pine
July 10: CD/DVD Storage Box -- walnut and oak

Students must register at least one week in advance.
No power tools will be used except a battery powered drill. We will build one project each week. Every class will include some basic wood technology instruction as well as hand tool use and finishes. Safety is our first priority. Goggles will be provided or you can bring your own safety glasses, but eye protection must be worn. Also, don't wear nice clothes. We will use stains and finishes that can be messy.



THURSDAY CLASSES

Claytivity for grades
K - 6
6 - 7 p.m.
 with Sandy Rill
$40 class fee/$36 member rate
Plus a $5 materials fee 6 weeks beginning June 20
We will work on a series of projects that incorporate all the basic methods of hand building in clay. All projects will be bisque fired and glazed to create permanent works of art.


Clay Garden Art
for adults/teens
7 - 8:30 p.m. with Sandy Rill
$50 class fee/$45 member rate
Plus a materials fee of $15
6 weeks beginning June 20
Work on a variety of projects to enhance your garden. Students will create a series of ornamental andfunctional objects for display in an outdoor setting.

Ultimate Summer Concoctions
ages 5 -10
2 - 3 p.m. with Meeghan Humphrey
6 weeks beginning June 20
$40 class fee/$36 member rate
We will make lots of really messy projects from the Ultimate Kid Concoctions books. Create lots of cool toys like a giant bubble wand, splongee ball, squishy balloon ball, and sidewalk chalk. We will also make paper clay and sandcastle clay, spray chalk, ice cream, magic muck and much more.

Watercolor Techniques
for adults/teens
7-8:30 p.m.. with Rebecca Ollikainen
$50 class fee/$45 member rate
6 weeks beginning June 20
Learn techniques that will enable you to work on your own subject matter outside of the classroom. We will work outdoors as much as weather permits. Plan to make at least a couple of trips off site to the beach or a local flower garden. Each class will include demonstrations and time to paint. Students will also work on developing a field box for painting outdoors.

SATURDAY CLASSES
Mixed Media For Kids
 for grades 3 - 6
9 - 10 a.m. with Bonnie Selip
$40 class fee/$36 member rate
8 weeks beginning June 22
An introductory class for kids interested in combining materials.

Oil Painting
for adults/teens
10 a.m. - noon with Bonnie Selip
$50 class fee/$45 member rate
6 weeks beginning June 22
Have you always wanted to learn to paint with oils, but were afraid to try? This is a beginning course that will teach the "A to Z's" of oil painting. The instructor will do demonstrations and you will be encouraged to learn to choose a good composition before you begin a painting and learn to paint what you see. Many of the classes will meet outdoors, weather permitting. A materials list is available however; the instructor prefers that you wait to purchase materials until after she reviews them at the first class. If you already have supplies, bring them to the first class

WORKSHOPS
Hair Braiding
with Anzietta DiPierro
Thursday,, May 9
 7 - 9 p.m.
$15 class fee/ $13.50 member rate
Learn a 3-strand French braid, a 3-strand classic braid and variations such as the crown braid. All combs and pins will be provided. Each student should bring a "hair model" to work on. Your "practice person" should have at least shoulder length hair.

Easy Printmaking with Wax
adults/teens
with Sandy Shelenberger
Saturday, May 11 10 a.m. - 2 p.m .
$40 class fee/ $36 member rate
plus a $10 materials fee
This is an introduction to the use of encaustics (wax) on paper. You will learn several methods of doing prints with colored waxes. This is truly an experience of instant gratification, as the wax bonds immediately with the paper. Each student will complete 4-5 compositions. Perfect for beginners.

Henna Workshop
with Anzietta DiPierro
Saturday, May 18
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m..
$15 class fee/$13.50 member rate
Henna is an ancient form of body adornment that is temporary and natural using Mehndi paste. This stain can last as long as four weeks or as little as one depending on the oils of your skin and placement of the design. Preregistration required.

Payment

All classes must be paid at the time of registration unless otherwise noted, and can be made by cash, check, or Visa/ Mastercard (a $2 service fee will be applied to all credit card payments). Members receive a 10% discount on class fees. Lab, materials and/or model fees are excluded from this discount. Any additional fees are noted. When registering make your membership known.

Registration

Registration prior to the first day of class is required in order to obtain an accurate number of students with which to hold a class. A minimum number of students is needed to hold a class. When necessary, a class will be canceled 24 hours prior to the starting day of the class. Classes and lessons are open to all people regardless of race, sex, religion, age, disability or national origin.

Refund Policy

If a class must be canceled, registered persons will receive appropriate refunds. Persons desiring to withdraw from a class must do so before the first class session. If you drop a class after the first class has met, but before the second class meets, you will receive a refund for 75% of your tuition. There will be no refunds after the second class has met.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Scholarships and financial aid are available to help defray the cost of classes for eligible students. Applications may be obtained at the Ashtabula Arts Center front desk during business hours or from the appropriate class coordinator. Applications are due one week before classes begin.

Participant Waiver

Please Note: By registering yourself or your child for a class/workshop at the Arts Center, you hereby waive and release all rights and claims for damages you or your child may have against the Arts Center and its employees. The Arts Center will not be responsible for injuries suffered by yourself or your children during classes, workshops or activities sponsored by the Arts Center. In addition, you also give the Arts Center and its employees the right to use you or your child’s photograph with or without you or your child’s name, for purposes such as advertising, publicity, and public presentations.

Monday Classes




(C,T, A) Ballet III & IV
Studio A 10 - 11:30 a.m. with Clover Robinson
6 weeks beginning June 17
Multiple turns, batteries and grand allegro steps will be introduced. Students will be expected to work with greater emphasis on discipline, exactness and precision in skills.



(C) Ballet II
Studio B 10 - 11:30 a.m. with Shelagh Dubsky
6 weeks beginning June 17
Stressing flexibility, strength and alignment, this class builds on the previous level of training. Designed for students who have had a full year or more of Ballet I.



(C, T, A) Intermed/Advanced Pointe
Studio B with Clover Robinson
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. BY INVITATION ONLY
6 weeks beginning June 17
The principles of pointe technique will continue.



(C, T, A) Musical Theater Dance
Studio A
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
with Shelagh Dubsky
6 weeks beginning June 17
Ever wonder what to do with your hands on stage? Need help with the physical expression of your character? Learn these answers and more along with the basic dance steps used in the musical theater genre. This is a beginning course not intended for regular dance students.



(C) Beginning Lyrical Dance
Studio B
5 - 6 p.m. with Meghann Stell 6 weeks beginning June 17
for ages 8 and up
A fusion of ballet with jazz & contemporary dance techniques with an expressive quality. Students learn to interpret music & express themselves through movement.



(T,A) Beginning/Intermediate Ballroom Dance
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. with Brenda Angle
6 weeks beginning June 17
Singles:$39 class fee/$35.10 member rate
Couples: $57 class fee/$51.30 member rate
If you’ve always wanted to dance like the stars this is your opportunity! This is an upbeat and fun class that teaches numerous ballroom dances. Join the fun!



Tuesday Classes

(C, T, A) Ballet III & IV
Studio A 10 - 11:30 a.m. with Shelagh Dubsky
6 weeks beginning June 18
See Monday’s description.



(T, A) Intermediate Tap
Studio B
10 - 10:45 a. m. with Karen Sly
6 weeks beginning June 18
We’ll start the first class with a quick revisit of the fundamentals and basic steps. From there we’ll take off to learn new steps, more difficult rhythmic patterns and extended combinations. This is a great class for those interested in musical theater.



(T, A) Beginning Tap
Studio B
10:45 - 11:30 a.m. with Karen Sly
6 weeks beginning June 18
Focusing on simple rhythms and steps combining them to make more complicated syncopated combinations.



(C) Ballet I (A & B)
Studio B 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. with Shelagh Dubsky
6 weeks beginning June 18
Learn basic ballet vocabulary, proper body alignment and coordination. Musicality and creativity are developed.



(T, A) Beginning/Intermediate Modern
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. with Karen Sly 6 weeks beginning June 18
Combines Hawkins, Horton and Bartenieff dance techniques. Gain strength and improve alignment.

(C) Zumbatomic
for ages 8 - 12 with Lynn West Studio B
5:45 - 6:45 p.m.
6 weeks beginning June 18
1 class/week: $48 /$43.20 members
2 classes/week:$96/$86.40 members
Classes are rockin’, high-energy fitness-parties packed with music kids love while increasing their focus and self-confidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing coordination.



Zumba
for adults
with Lynn West Studio A
Tues. and/or Thurs. 6:45 - 7:45 p.m.
6 weeks beginning June 18
1 class/week: $48 /$43.20 members
2 classes/week: $96/$86.40 members
An exhilarating, EASY to follow, calorie burning dance fitness class on our special shock absorbing floor! Zumba blends red-hot international music with fun and easy steps to form a “fitness party” that is addictive!



Wednesday Classes

(T, A) Floor Barre
Studio A
10 - 10:45 a.m. with Shelagh Dubsky
6 weeks beginning June 19
Designed for the intermediate and advanced dancer. Learn to isolate and understand correct muscle usage without the effects of gravity. Correct ballet technique will be explored while strengthening the muscles used in dance allowing for better body alignment



(C, T, A) Ballet III & IV
 Studio A 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
with Shelagh Dubsky
6 weeks beginning June 19
See Monday’s description.



(C) Ballet I (A & B)
Studio B
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. with Meghann Stell
6 weeks beginning June 19
See Tuesday’s description.



(T,A) Teen/Adult Ballet
Studio B
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. with Meghann Stell
6 weeks beginning June 19
Become familiar with the format of a traditional ballet class. Warm up will consist of exercises at the barre, followed by center and across the floor movement. Strength coordination and musicality will be developed. Learn ballet terms and their corresponding movements.

Thursday Classes

(C) Ballet II
Studio B
10 - 11:30 a.m. with Shelagh Dubsky
6 weeks beginning June 20
See Monday’s description.
(C, T, A) Ballet III & IV
Studio A
10 - 11:30 a.m. with Clover Robinson
6 weeks beginning June 20
See Monday’s description.


(C) Pre-Ballet
Studio A for ages 5 - 7 with Clover Robinson
11:30 - 12:30 p.m.
6 weeks beginning June 20
Exploring a modified ballet technique. Basic ballet vocabulary, basic body alignment and rhythm will be introduced. Prerequisite: Creative Dance or coordinator’s permission.



(T, A) Beginning Pointe
 Studio A
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. by invitation only
with Shelagh Dubsky
6 weeks beginning June 20
Introducing the principles of pointe technique.



(C) Zumbatomic
for ages 8 - 12
with Lynn West Studio B
5:45 - 6:45 p.m.
6 weeks beginning June 20
See Tuesday’s description.
Zumba
for adults
with Lynn West Studio A
Tuesdays and/or Thursdays 6:45 - 7:45 p.m.
6 weeks beginning June 20
See Tuesday’s description.

Friday Class

Fairy Tale Princess & Movement
For ages 4 - 6
10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
or 11:30 - 12:30 p.m.
for 6 weeks
beginning June 21
$49 class fee/$44 member rate
Each week we will explore a different fairy tale princess character while learning basic dance steps and nurturing creative imaginations! Join the magical world of fairy princess fun!



Saturday Class

Zumba Gold
for exercise“newbies” or active seniors!
with Lynn West
10:15 - 11:15 a.m. Studio A
6 weeks beginning June 22
$48 /$43.20 members
Zumba Gold takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to suit the needs of the active older participant, as well as those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Ah - the 70's!! As we continue our/my trip down memory lane throughout the Arts Center's 60th Anniversary year, a time of huge change and excitement has come.


In its 1970 campaign the Civic Development Corporation granted the Arts Center an $85,000 grant to enable the AAC to purchase land and to plan towards building a new arts facility. By 1971 local contributions and pledges totaling $275,000 were made to the AAC by industry, business, the Ashtabula Foundation, families and individuals to make this a reality. Fred Toguchi was hired to design the new building. Sam Goldstein headed up the building committee, and Larry Hughes of Buckeye Builders was awarded the contract to do the construction. In 1973 our new facility was opened at our current site on West 13th Street.

In 1970 I headed off to Boston to further my education. Then in 1971 I took a job in Washington, D.C. and stayed there for a couple of years. I returned to Ohio to finish my degree at Kent State in 1973 and graduated 1974. Therefore, I missed the first official opening moments of the new Arts Center. My first recollection of the new facility was attending my former roommate's wedding reception at the new Center. I remember how awed I was at this amazing and so atypical building in Ashtabula. I actually couldn't believe such a place existed here in my hometown. In 1974 I joined Carlisle's as a Management Trainee. There followed many varied classes at the Arts Center in my after work hours - yoga in the lower gallery, pottery, enameling - to name a few. I never excelled at any of them, but each taught me a new appreciation for each particular art form.

The 1975 Civic Development Corporation campaign raised $175,000 for the Arts Center to add a Music Wing onto our building. When originally constructed no true performance space was part of the plans. The Music Wing would add a recital hall and individual instruction studios. This wing was opened in 1977.

Corinne Loyd who had been with the Arts Center almost since it had opened its doors had assumed the role of Executive Director. Theatre was going strong each summer at Walnut Beach at the Straw Hat Theatre. Women's Service League was busily raising funds and supplying hundreds of volunteer hours in support of the AAC. In the mid-70's Corinne decided she would rather take the second seat at the Center's helm and became Programming Director. Caron Van Gilder, with an extensive background in grants and arts administration, was hired as the Center's Executive Director.

I was back at the Center in another role - that of volunteer. I joined Women's Service League and starting racking up my points. Service League members were required to amass a set amount of points annually through various volunteer activities to keep their memberships in good standing. I would usher, sell geraniums, serve dinners, sell tickets, etc.

G.B. Repertory Theatre had been established to bring the theatre experience to our audiences during the school year. The Music Wing's recital stage was adapted for its use. Tables and chairs were set up in the audience space with local companies and individuals purchasing whole tables or seats at tables with their friends for the many outstanding shows produced there. The Good Life Singers were founded in the mid-70's and also performed regularly in the Music Wing. Jan Hyatt's very strong dance program was turning out students who succeeded in making dance their careers.

The 1970's were a whirlwind decade for the Ashtabula Arts Center. Many, many changes had taken place. I, myself, had taken a very big step in my life in l979 when I married. The 1980's were about to usher in more challenges and exciting frontiers for all of us. The Arts Center was on the grow!!

The Ashtabula Arts Center offers individual music instruction in a number of different areas. Lesson times are scheduled at the convienience of the student and the teacher.