FREE Veterans Art Classes – Starting 30 January 2021

Good Afternoon,

We are very excited about the upcoming Ceramics Art Classes for Veterans taking place later this month in partnership with Paradise Valley Community College.  We are taking every precaution mandated by the school and the CDC to offer this class in a safe environment while providing a full ceramics experience for the duration of the program.

With that in mind, the start date has been pushed back to January 30, 2021.

I have attached the revised flyer for you to share (see below).  There are a few openings remaining.

January 2021 Ceramic Art Opportunity for Veterans

The program is free to all Veterans.

Registration is simple, just email me at Admin@ArizonaArtistsGuild.net.

Thanks,

Tess

Tess Mosko Scherer | Arizona Artists Guild

from the National Endowment for the Arts

[Phoenix, Arizona]—National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Mary Anne Carter has approved more than $84 million in grants as part of the Arts Endowment’s second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2020.  Included in this announcement is a Research Grants in the Arts award of $ 20,000 to Paradise Valley Community College for a Ceramics Art Experience for Veteran and a Research Study. This is one of 15 grants nationwide that the agency has approved in this category.

“These awards demonstrate the resilience of the arts in America, showcasing not only the creativity of their arts projects but the organizations’ agility in the face of a national health crisis,” said Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “We celebrate organizations like Paradise Valley Community College for providing opportunities for learning and engagement through the arts in these times.” 

Arizona Artists Guild is proud to partner with Paradise Valley Community College to offer in-person ceramic art classes to Veterans. Classes meet on Saturdays.  The Ceramic Art Program for Veterans is part of a research study for 10 to 60 Veterans. During this program Veterans will make pottery and sculpture using clay. 

In January and February participants will be Sculpting the Portrait in clay.  Students will use slabs of clay wrapped around a paper form to sculpt a life size bust of someone close to them, a favorite pet, or a historical figure.  

In March and April participants will learn how to throw pottery on the wheel.  They will make plates and bowls on the potter’s wheel. Participants will also learn how to use and apply ceramic glazes for color and design. 

In May and June, participants will learn the non-traditional type of ceramics called raku. Raku involves making forms in clay,  then, after glazing,  the forms are placed into a kiln and heated to 1800 degrees. When judged complete the pieces are removed while hot and placed in a container of combustible materials. The result is always unpredictable and visually interesting. Based on Zen Buddhist philosophy,  raku is a method of understanding oneself using the fire of the kiln as a metaphor for life’s challenges that affect us. 

The classes are free to Arizona Veterans who have not participated in Veterans Art Programs at Arizona Artists Guild or Paradise Valley Community College. No previous experience required.  All materials are provided and instruction is by a professional ceramics instructor.

Classes meet three times a month on Saturdays at Paradise Valley Community College. Classes will run from 1-4 pm.    The Ceramics Studio of Paradise Valley Community College, D Building, 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix AZ 85032.  Visit http://www.arizonaartistsguild.net/ceramic-art-program-for-veterans/ for a complete schedule and details.

To register for the class, contact  David L. Bradley at david.bradley@paradisevalley.edu or Tess Mosko Scherer at admin@ArizonaArtistsGuild.net

*Note: Due to Coronavirus this schedule may be subject to change to meet the needs of the participants. Classes will be held in an open air studio, strictly adhering to all CDC guidelines: wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and ongoing sanitary measures.

“We have been involved in ongoing veterans art programs for nearly 7 years and are excited that the program is extending into research.  Community Outreach is a vital part of AAG’s mission.  This program will extend the reach of the benefits of arts for everyone.” stated Ivan Halvorson, president of the Arizona Artists Guild.