Creating Altered Books: An altered book is an old or discarded book transformed into a new piece of art by reworking its pages and structure. Rather than being read, it becomes the canvas itself. This is a great way to repurpose books that are damaged, outdated, or otherwise headed for the donation pile or trash. 

Supplies:

• Old book
• glue stick
• scissors

Covers may be altered, as well, by collage using vintage images ephemera, or scraps, ribbon or fabric, paint

Class session will be held on Monday, September 14 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Decorating Pages of Altered Books: These new versions as altered books can go in many different directions. Many students theme their books. Some suggestions are: Cooking, Travel, Faith, Nature, Butterflies, Fairyland, Colors, Favorite artists, etc. Every page is used to demonstrate your own artistic expression. 

Supplies:

• Acrylic paints
• Gesso
• Brushes 
• Markers
• Images relating to your theme
• Glue
• Scissors

Class session will be held on Monday, September 21 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Adding Pockets, Tucks, and Flipouts: To create more interesing pages, the artist can add special hiding places for notes, tags, and bookmarks that enhance the book design. Be as creative as possible!

Suggested Supplies:

• Decorative paper
• Ephemera
• Scissors or paper cutter
• Glue
• Trims

Class session will be held on Monday, September 28 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

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, light 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, September 29 from 9 to 11 at River House (179 Marine Street)

For ages 18 and up.

In this class, students learn fundamental watercolor skills, including how to create smooth gradients with washes, control bleeding for soft transitions, and combine different techniques to develop textures and patterns. They will explore how color choices and washes can set the mood and atmosphere in their artwork. The class emphasizes integrating these techniques into a cohesive composition, culminating in a final project where students apply what they've learned to create a small, complete watercolor piece that demonstrates their understanding and creativity. 

Supplies needed:

• Set of pan or tube watercolor paints. 
• Brushes – mop brush or large round, several sizes of round and flat brushes, a fan brush.
• Paper- 140lb or higher watercolor paper, hot or cold press
• Liquid resist
• 2 water containers

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 11 to 1 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Coach Joe Monaco will instruct a beginner golf program that will enable participants to learn the fundamentals of golf and begin to play.

Students will be using a putter, pitching wedge, 7 iron and Driver. Balls will be provided. You can bring your own clubs, or they will be provided during the sessions.

Joe Monaco is a retired teacher (middle and high school) who has extensive experience in coaching a variety of sports including football, wrestling, track, and golf at high school and junior college levels. He also has experience in running recreation programs and a variety of volunteer programs.

Joe has been playing golf for decades and looks forward to teaching the game.

Class sessions will be held Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 12:00 to 2:00  at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084).

For ages 18 and up

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, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

Class is for beginners and players who already know how to play the game.

Pétanque: A class in playing the traditional French game of Pétanque. You will find the outdoor game of pétanque (pronounced pé-tonk) being played in almost every town and village in southern France. All it takes to play the game is a set of  two or more metal boules (balls), each ball weighing about 1.5 pounds; a small colorful target ball made of wood (called a cochonnet); and a players’ ring approximately 28 inches in diameter. The game is usually played on an outdoor gravel, sandy or grass surface. The class is designed for beginners and experienced players who would like to develop their skills in playing the game.

There are dozens of pétanque clubs throughout the United States including seven in Florida. That includes Saint Augustine’s ‘Boules de Leon’ Pétanque Club. The sport is governed by the Pétanque Federation of America. State and regional tournaments take place on a regular basis throughout the U.S. The sport is very popular with retired folks who sometimes play it well into their eighties. It is a wonderful activity for stimulating the physical and mental processing skills of people of all ages. The game is very easy to learn (it can be learned to play in less than a day), but it takes practice and patience to become a skilled player.

The Pétanque classes will take place on a patch of gravel and grass behind the car park on the South West side of the COA building at 180 Marine St., but registration for the class is at River House (179 Marine St.)

Participants can wear any outdoor clothing, along with any outdoor shoes, but NOT sandals, flip-flops or shoes with exposed toes. You are encouraged to bring water, wear a hat with a brim or peak and use sunscreen. Also, bring a folding chair if you want a place to sit.

Class sessions will be on Mondays, October 5, 12, 19, 26 from 9:30 to 10:30 at a patch of gravel and grass behind the car park on the South West side of the COA building at 180 Marine St., but registration for the class is online or at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.