Neurographic art goes beyond creating visually appealing pieces; it can also have positive effects on mental and overall well-being. 

Neurographic Art was termed by Pavel Piskarev as a technique of drawing random lines into and off the paper’s edge in ambling free flow. Then, one thickens some of the lines to define and form shapes and finishes by FILLING IN the interstices aka, intersections which created in a relaxed, soothing manner activates (neuron) curves to soften any points resembling the neural patterns of our brain.  

Talent in Art or drawing is not required. This is an intuitive, relaxing exercise and not just a DOODLE on paper. You will feel your brain releasing the residue of stress and trauma as you work your way through this Manifestation of ARTFORM.  

 BENEFITS OF THIS ART PRACTICE

• Relief from anxiety
• Finding peace 
• Stress reduction 
• More mindful presence and awareness 
• Clarity and perspective 
• Expression of inner feelings
• Creating art for personal spaces 
• Therapeutic mental health strengthening

Supplies for your neurographic art will be provided however, if you have your own favorite markers, crayons or paints, please feel free to bring them to the class.  

Estelle Thibodeau is an Ordained Minister of The Alliance of Divine Love. Through her work with other ministers, she learned different methods of healing and teaching. Several years ago she was introduced to neurographic art at a class taught by a fellow minister and has been practicing and sharing this method since. “This art form, is meant to induce a meditative state in which anxiety, sadness, fear, and trauma can be processed. It opens your eyes to see the unique creation you will express & share with others in the group.” Estelle has lived in St.Augustine for 15 years, is a graduate of Flagler College, and has a business called The Seventh Root located in downtown St.Augustine. She is also the founder of The Cheesy Chess Club, a nonprofit organization providing casual unrated over the board Chess to our community.

This one session class will be held on Monday, May 19 from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Pre-enrollment is required so please register here. Enrollment is limited for this program. 

Learn successful plant choices and design ideas for planting in pots. Also, learn how to start your own plants from cuttings! Doesn't everyone love FREE plants! There will be an informative and interactive presentation along with a live design/planting demonstration. Then everyone will have the opportunity to do their own, hands-on container of cuttings to take home. If you want to make your own container garden please bring a small container, soil and plants, and Karen can show you how best to plant it.

Presented by St. Johns County Master Gardener Karen Doyle.

This one session class will meet on Monday, June 2 from 9:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)

If you sign up for June 2 session, please do not sign up for the June 23 session.

For ages 18 and up.

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, June 2, 16, 23, 30 (no class session on June 9) from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

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, June 3, 10, 17, 24 from 1 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

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, June 3, 10, 17, 24 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.   St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

This course is designed to teach the student the techniques of transparent watercolor using both the ”wet” and “dry” methods. Student will learn the unique characteristics of the watercolor medium, its possibilities and limitations, as well as the special papers and brushes used in the execution of art works.

Mr. Ouellette received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts in Painting from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He taught at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and showed in many galleries and museums including the Detroit Institute of Art. He moved to St. Augustine in 1981 where he continued his career as an artist and professor of Fine Art at the Florida School of the Arts in his twenty-six year tenure. He was also a professor of Fine Arts, Painting and Design and Art History at SJRCC St. Augustine campus. He is currently teaching Art History and Studio classes at Flagler College Continuing Education.

Watercolor Materials and Supplies                

Brushes:

• sable (preferred), ox hair (if you can find it or sable blends or sable synthetics 
• 1”       flat
• 1/2”    flat
• #8  and #10  round
• rigger brush 

 Paper:

• Two sheets of Arches 22”x30”, 140 lb. cold press,  or a 9” x 12” block      

Paints:

Box sets of tube watercolors which should include most of these:        

• ultramarine blue
• cerulean blue
• cobalt blue
• thalo blue
• alizarin crimson
• cadmium red light
• cadmium yellow light 
• new gamboge
• burnt umber
• burnt sienna 

Other materials:                            

• covered palette, plastic
• painting board
• masking tape
• materials box
• non-breakable container for water
• roll of paper towels

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from 9:00 - 11:00 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

In this friendly, introductory class, you will learn:

• instrument part names
• types of ukes
• string names/tuning
• reading uke tabs
• easy basic chords
• easy strum rhythms
• to play along with your favorite classic 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, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from 9:45 - 11:15 a.m. at River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084.

For ages 18 and up.

In this painting course, Jenny will lead you through the fundamentals of oceanscape painting from composition to finished piece.  

You will learn how to break down a composition into readable shapes and patterns, how to mix colors as well as how to apply different painting applications all within an art historical framework.  Jenny’s goal is to work with each student from where they are and help them take the steps to get where they want to be.

Jenny is an award-winning, independent, St. Augustine area artist and has shown her work internationally in galleries and museums.  Her formal education includes a BS from Vanderbilt University, a certificate in Museum Studies from Northwestern University and an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Supplies Needed:

A few images of landscapes you might want to paint - printed out

a 16”x20” canvas,

a painter’s palette (do not get one with dividers as it is not conducive to mixing colors, paper plates can work quite well),

a variety of round and flat paintbrushes,

a general set of tube acrylic paints including black, green, yellow, red, brown, blue and two tubes of white or one large tube (white is used more than the other colors),

a rag for clean-up,

a plastic cup for water,

a pencil and eraser,

a plastic trash bag to transport your piece,

a sketchbook or white paper to make preliminary sketches on. 

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from 11:30 to 1:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.