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St. Johns County Council on Aging



Hobby

Band Jam Class on Tuesdays in July at River House

$1875

with Dennis Fermin

Calendar Jul 1, 2025 at 1 pm, runs for 2 weeks

Learn how to relate to a percussion drum instrument in a Band type setting. We'll be jamming together to classic pop and rock favorites. This class is open to Guitar and Ukulele players. Come join the fun!

Requirements:

  • Guitar or Ukulele
  • Music stand 
  • Pen and paper

Dennis Fermin has been playing guitar for over 30 years and joyfully helping others learn to play along the way. As a graduate from Musician's Institute of California, he has the skills and the patience to teach on many different topics and styles of music. Currently you can hear him perform locally as Fermin Spanish Guitar.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, July 1, 8 (no class sessions on July 15, 22, 29) from 1 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084) For a map click here.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Exploration of Acrylic Painting from Beginning to End on Tuesdays in July at River House

$50

with Heather Harley-Davidson

Calendar Jul 1, 2025 at 1:30 pm, runs for 5 weeks

Students will learn the basic concepts of working with acrylic fast drying paints with the objective of completing three 16 x 20 paintings and framing one. The first class consists of prepping three canvases and subject matter selection while listening to lectures on the topic of art history, prep, supplies, care of brushes, and digital and old school transposing of references. In the remaining class sessions students will receive hands on instruction on pallet paint layout, supplies, taping techniques, history & symbolism, foreground and background, variations of canvases, mixing colors, brush strokes, shading, different size and framing challenges, and in-class plein air instruction and principles. Students are required to bring their inner child creativity so we can paint.

Suggested Class supplies

  • One inch disposable paint brush (needed first class)
  • Pencil (needed first class)
  • Rubber Eraser (needed first class)
  • 3 pack of Artist Canvas 
  • 16x20 (stretched or pannel) (needed first class)
  • White Gesso Primer 8 oz (needed first class) 
  • styrofoam egg carton  
  • Grumbach Acrylic Paint Set Pack of 6, 3 oz tubes "primary"  
  • 12 to 14 piece professional Artist Paint Brush Set   
  • 1/2 inch green painters tape   
  • Optional table or stand easel
  • Additional Grumbach Acrylic Paint:  Yellow, Ochre, Bunt Sienna, Raw Umber
  • Old Picture Frame 16x20

Heather Harley Davidson is an award winning multi medium artist and builder. A local of St. Augustine for 45 years, her distinct impressionism style is known by locals who delight in her use of color and depiction of historical St. Augustine. She is an active member in the St. Augustine Art Association and participates in their annual Plein Air events. She attended the University of North Florida where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology Building Construction Management. Heather's art interests motivated her studies to focus on architecture principles and art history, complemented by traveling around the world on pilgrimages to view the masters. She has taught private art classes over the years and at her mother's former Historic Grounds Book Store in Green Cove Springs.

Class sessions will meet on Tuesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.   St. Augustine 32084) For a map click here.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Ukulele 2 for Beginners on Wednesdays in July at River House

$1875

with Dennis Fermin

Calendar Jul 2, 2025 at 9:45 am, runs for 2 weeks

Ukulele 2 for Beginners:

Learning more open string chords

Dominant 7th chords using 12 Bar Blues arrangement

Smoother chord changes

Having fun learning more pop / classic  rock songs

Requirements:

  • Instrument,
  • music stand,
  • pen or pencil

Dennis Fermin has been playing guitar for over 30 years and joyfully helping others learn to play along the way. As a graduate from Musician's Institute of California, he has the skills and the patience to teach on many different topics and styles of music. Currently you can hear him perform locally as Fermin Spanish Guitar.

Class sessions will run on Wednesdays, July 2, 9 (no class sessions on July 16, 23, 30) from 9:45 - 11:15 a.m. at River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084. For a map click here

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Guitar 2 for Beginners on Wednesdays in July at River House

$1875

with Dennis Fermin

Calendar Jul 2, 2025 at 11:30 am, runs for 2 weeks

Guitar 2 for Beginners:

Learning more open string chords

Dominant 7th chords using 12 Bar Blues arrangement

Smoother chord changes

Having fun learning more pop / classic rock songs

Supplies needed

  • Acoustic Guitar 
  • Compact Music Stand 
  • Pen or Pencil for notes

Dennis Fermin has been playing guitar for over 30 years and joyfully helping others learn to play along the way. As a graduate from Musician's Institute of California, he has the skills and the patience to teach on many different topics and styles of music. Currently you can hear him perform locally as Fermin Spanish Guitar.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, July 2, 9 (no class sessions on July 16, 23, 30) from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084) For a map click here.

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run

Watercolor Doodles Plus on Thursday, July 3 at River House

$1250

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Jul 3, 2025 at 11 am, runs for 1 week

In this fun and relaxed workshop participants will explore the whimsical world of watercolor art through playful doodling techniques. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist this class is designed to encourage creativity and self-expression. We'll cover basic watercolor techniques, experiment with markers, pens and inks. Learn color blending, and create delightful doodles that bring your imagination to life. 

Supplies needed:

  • Watercolor Hot Press Paper 9 x 12 or larger
  • Watercolor set - either pan or tube
  • Pencil 
  • Ruler
  • Brushes- various sizes of round and flat 
  • Markers:  water based colors
  • Markers: fine point permanent black
  • Gel pens: Unibal white, gold, silver
  • Optional: metallic paints, micro pens 

This one session class will take place on Thursday, July 3 from 11 - 1 at River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084. For a map click here.

For adults age 18 and up

Will run

Colored Pencil Art on Thursdays in July at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Jul 3, 2025 at 1:30 pm, runs for 5 weeks

With instructor Liz Monaco, this class is designed to teach you the popular art of Colored Pencil to create your very own works of art. You will learn color mixing, layering, and other techniques to get the results you have always wanted. 

*Supplies Needed:

  • Prisma Color Premier Colored Pencils – Set of 24
  • Open Stock Colors: Black Grape, Magenta
  • Colorless Blender
  • White Plastic Eraser, Pencil Sharpener, Ruler
  • Bristol Vellum Drawing Paper
  • Tracing paper, Graphite Transfer Paper

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084) For a map click here.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Creating a Junk Journal on Mondays in July at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Jul 7, 2025 at 1:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks

What is a junk journal?  It is a creative and personalized type of journal that combines various materials, often repurposed or found items, to create unique pages filled with memories, art and self-expression. Unlike traditional journals that focus on clean pages and uniformity, junk journals embrace an eclectic aesthetic. The beauty of a junk journal lies in its individuality. There are no strict rules, so you can mix and match material to reflect your personal type and experiences. It’s a wonderful way to unleash your creativity and document your journey.

Week 1: will be creating a book cover using a cereal or cracker box.  You will or Elmers or Mod Podge glue, fabric (1/2 yard), scissors, ruler, Medium paper clamps, and  heavy weight decorative scrapbook paper that will complement your fabric.   

Week 2 and 3: will focus on selecting and decorating the signature papers using any of the materials listed below. 

Here are some common materials used to create a junk journal: 

  • Paper: this can include old book pages, scrapbook paper, construction paper, letters, envelopes, and any other type of paper that can add texture and interest. 
  • Ephemera: items like ticket stubs, postcards, vintage photographs, and magazine clippings provide a nostalgic touch and tell a story. 
  • Fabric: Pieces of fabric, lace, ribbons or even clothing can be used to create pockets or decorative elements in the journal. 
  • Stickers and Washi Tape: these are great for embellishing pages and adding color and fun designs.   
  • Paints and inks: acrylic paints, watercolors, and ink can be applied to add splashes of color or texture. 
  • Stamps: Rubber stamp and ink pads can add images and patterns to the pages 
  • Sewing Supplies: Thread, needles, and sewing machines can be used to stitch pages together or create fabric elements. 
  • Adhesives: Glue sticks, double-sided tape, or Mod Podge are essential for attaching various materials to the pages. 
  • Book binding materials: awl, bone folder, waxed heavy thread, large eye heavy needle.  

Optional materials:  paper trimmer, ink blending brushes, cosmetic sponges.  

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, July 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084) For a map click here.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Fishing on Tuesday, July 8 at River House

$1250

with Donna Frantz

Calendar Jul 8, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Get ready for a morning of excitement and adventure.

Want to go fishing and get help learning? Grab your friends and join us for a morning filled with laughs, learning, and of course, fishing! Don't worry about lugging your gear around because all the equipment you need will be provided. Soak up the sun, cast your line, and reel in some unforgettable memories. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, this is your chance to enjoy a morning of fun by the water. Don't let this opportunity slip away – book your spot now for a morning to remember.

Participants younger than 65 may be required to have a fishing license. Some Florida Resident licenses are free. See the website for clarification: https://sjctax.us/saltwater-fishing-license/  Adults must carry proof of age and residency.

The group is limited to 10 total. Don't miss out on this fun fishing event/activity!

This class will meet, rain or shine and will be mainly outdoors, so bring your water and your sunscreen. I'd also suggest wearing a hat.

Class session is on Tuesday, July 8 from 9 to 11 at River House (179 Marine Street) For a map click here.

For ages 18 and up.





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