The Salem Arts Center has plenty of options for creativity this month with new and returning classes, including plenty of ways to get started in the art of clay or pottery.
Class registrations are first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Visit https://www.sacba.org/salem-creative-arts-center-events to sign up for any of the classes listed.
If you have a question about any of the classes or future offerings, please email salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com.
Upcoming classes
Kids Valentine Gnomes Paint Party with Danielle Norris
The class will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6
Kids will be led step-by-step through painting Valentine Gnomes. Children must be school age to paint alone. Those under five with an adult only. The cost is $10 for kids and $20 for adults, with all supplies provided.
Beginner’s Wheel Thrown Pottery with Beth Rosenkoetter
Classes are available either 2-4 p.m. Mondays or 2-4 p.m. Sundays in February and early March.
These classes are for those ages 18 and up.
A 5-week pottery class for beginners, where students will learn the basic skills for throwing on the wheel. This is a 5-week class, meeting once a week for two hours. This class can be taken as many times as you’d like. Students will go over all the basics of throwing on the pottery wheel, including: centering, pulling cylinders, making bowls, and glazing basics. Clay, firing, and glaze material are included in the price. Participants usually make between three and five pieces to take home.
The cost is $160, with all supplies included.
Hand building: Learning the Techniques with Beth Rosenkoetter
Classes will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays in February through part of March.
These classes are for those ages 16 and up.
This class will provide students with ways to create work in clay using techniques like pinch pots, coil, and slab. Students will be given a creative project to build with each technique. If time allows, we may have a final project using more than one hand building technique.
In this hand building class, we will explore the different ways to create works of art with pinch pots, coil, and slab methods. Beth will show you how to use each method and then assign a creative project for you to complete by the end of the 5-week class period. Depending on time, students may use the entire 5 weeks for wet work and then follow-up with a glazing session.
The cost is $160, with all supplies included.
Couples “This or That” Date Night Paint N’ Sip with Danielle Norris
The class will be 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13.
Think warm thoughts and beach vibes as you enjoy a relaxing date night at the Arts Center. Make the choice between two fun paintings that will equal one whole masterpiece when finished.
The cost is $25 for singles or $40 for couples.
Bob Ross Beginners Oil Painting Class with Hunter Buie
The class will be 12-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21
This class is for those ages 18 and up.
Students will learn wet-on-wet oil painting techniques in this class. The method was popularized by the well known oil painter Bob Ross. Students will focus on landscape features and demonstrate methods to achieve the best results. There is no prior knowledge necessary to attend.
The cost for the class is $40, with all supplies provided.
Junk Journals with Gail Phelan
This class will be held 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19
This class is for those ages 6 and up, with adult. Students will be invited to make a booklet out of mailers, envelopes, and scraps of packing paper. Use pretty much anything you would normally toss in the bin to make a journal. Students will learn the “3-hole pamphlet stitch” to bind their book together.
The cost is $20 with all materials and supplies provided.
Chunky Knit Blanket with Danielle Kissir
This class will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20
The class is for those ages 10 and up.
The weather will someday feel like winter, and you will want to be ready to settle in with a cozy chunky blanket. Come and learn how to finger knit a large lap throw/chunky blanket in your choice of colors. Bring a friend and make it a party! This is a beginner friendly class and fun for all ages. No prior crochet or knitting experience is required but will be beneficial. Six skeins of chunky yarn (two of each color) and patterns will be provided.
The cost is $75 for all supplies, with six skeins of chunky yarn included, or $35 to bring your own chosen colors of chunky yarn (2-3 of each color or six total).
Polymer Clay Sculpting Class with Jan Craig
This class is 1 - 3 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 24
Come learn how to sculpt a one-of-a-kind keepsake snowman figurine out of polymer clay. Polymer clay is a fairly easy product to use. Each person will receive 1/2 lb. of Super Sculpey and two sculpting tools to use.
By the end of the class, each participant will have made a snowman to take home and bake in the oven. No prior knowledge is needed before taking this class.
The cost is $20.
Creative get-togethers
Sunday Crafting with Nicole Curtis
Visit the Salem Arts Center on Sundays from 2-4 p.m. to spend some time with the creative community and craft. Bring all your own supplies. Only the front room and bathrooms will be available for use. A donation is appreciated to go toward utilities but not required. No children without an adult, please.
Pottery Open Studio
Mondays 4:30-7 p.m. and Wednesdays 1-4 p.m.
Two days a week, people who have experience on the wheel, at least two classes of wheel throwing at the Creative Arts Center, will have time to practice and hone their skills. Pay a monthly fee and students will have access to the studio two times a week. On Sundays, Beth, the pottery instructor will be there to guide you through any issues and all the nuances of techniques. On Wednesdays, you will have access to the studio through a volunteer. You will have to purchase your own clay, either through the studio or with approval from the instructor.
The cost is $125 for a month.
Community Jam Session
Bring your own instrument and play along with the crew or just listen and tap your feet. Everyone is welcome and free to attend. The session is 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28.
