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St. Johns County Council on Aging



River House

Exploration of Acrylic Painting from Beginning to End on Tuesdays in November and December at River House

$50

with Heather Harley-Davidson

Calendar Nov 4, 2025 at 1:30 pm, runs for 4 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, November 4, 18 and December 2, 9 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.   St. Augustine 32084)

No class sessions Nov. 11, 25 and Dec. 16, 23, 30.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Sound Vibrational Frequency (Sound Bath) on Tuesdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Sharon Infante

Calendar Nov 4, 2025 at 2:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Since everything has a vibrational frequency, including ourselves, it makes sense that sound frequencies impact how we feel. That’s why particular songs and types of music often bring about specific types of emotions. Vibrational sound healing therapy (sound bath) can retune your body, mind and spirit, while encouraging relaxation, healing and wellness. These sessions use therapeutic crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, "wind gong", and  tuning forks and other sound vibration tools. The combination of tones and vibrations that produce a state of tranquility and act as a massage for the nervous system create a state of vibrational balance and harmony.

Participants are encouraged to be in a resting position. Best if on the floor with a yoga mat or a portable reclining chair but sitting up also works. Many enjoy having a light sheet or blanket to place over them.

Simply rest with eyes closed and listen as the practitioner plays a variety of instruments and you “bathe” in the soothing sounds and vibrations. Sound frequencies slow down the brain waves to a deeply restorative state which activates the body’s system of self-healing. Crystal bowls are tuned to chakras as well as the tuning forks. The gong, bowls and tuning forks helps release tension in the body and stimulates the glandular and nervous system. Vocal chanting sometimes is added which further releases stagnant energy of the organs and as in singing lifts our spirit. As in humming and sound frequency, nitric oxide is release and enhances our cellular state within.

Sharon has been on her journey since 2000, trained in Woodstock, NY with Master trainers of Sound and Frequency. She is a Qigong Practitioner, Senior Trainer of IIQTC Tai Chi Easy Leader, certified in various Tai Chi Health forms, Master Reiki and energy healer, and completed studies in MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, November 4, 18 and December 2, 9 from 2:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

No class sessions Nov. 11, 25 and Dec. 16, 23, 30.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Watercolor Landscape Painting on Wednesdays in November and December at River House

$50

with David Ouellette

Calendar Nov 5, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 5 weeks

This Watercolor class is designed to expose you to the unique characteristics and techniques of the medium using various scenes and compositional layout. We will be studying atmospheric perspective and depth of field that makes landscape watercolor painting so effective. There will be regular critiques and discussions to improve your understanding and skill development.

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
  • #6 and #8 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 approx. 16” x 20”
  • masking tape
  • materials box
  • non-breakable container for water
  • roll of paper towels

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19 and December 3, 10 from 9:00 - 11:00 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

No class sessions Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31.

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Gentle Yoga on Wednesdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Scott Farber

Calendar Nov 5, 2025 at 9:15 am, runs for 5 weeks

This dynamic yet gentle class is for all ages, accommodating beginners as well as those who want to deepen their practice. Using teaching demonstrations and detailed guidance, each class proceeds in a safe and slow way to instruct the basics of (Kripalu) yoga postures, breathwork and meditation. Plenty of modifications and variations will be given for different body types. 

Class is 60 minutes and include an opening centering, gentle warmups, postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and a long closing relaxation (yoga nidra). 

Please bring your own yoga mat, water bottle, and blanket or cushion to sit on.

Scott Farber, Ph.D., E-RYT 500/YACEP. Scott has been practicing yoga, meditation, and t'ai chi since the 1970s. A former college professor, with a doctorate in philosophy of education, he has traveled and taught all over the world. He now serves as a lead trainer in the Discovery Yoga School, offering a variety of yoga classes, workshops and teacher trainings.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19 and December 3, 10 from 9:15 to 10:15 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

No class sessions on Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31.

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Art of Meditation on Wednesdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Scott Farber

Calendar Nov 5, 2025 at 10:30 am, runs for 5 weeks

Meditation relaxes the body, heals the heart, and calms the mind. This class will introduce a variety of meditation techniques from different traditions. Each class will begin with some brief stretching and breathing followed by an opening meditation; then there will be a short sharing and discussion followed by a different closing meditation. We will be using chairs for all the seated meditations; you do not need to bring a mat or cushion. We may also do some special walking and sound bath meditations.

Scott Farber, Ph.D. has been practicing meditation since 1975, starting with TM (Transcendental Meditation). In addition to teaching yoga meditations, including yoga nidra, and the moving meditation of t'ai chi, he also has studied Zen, Buddhist, Tantric, Sufi, Kabbalah, and Arica methods of meditation. 

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19 and December 3, 10 from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084) 

No class sessions on Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31.

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Chair Yoga on Wednesdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Rebecca Dawson

Calendar Nov 5, 2025 at 10:30 am, runs for 5 weeks

Discover a yoga practice that has therapeutic benefits for seniors who may not be able to stand for long periods of time or may be uncomfortable seated on the floor.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19 and December 3, 10 from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

No class sessions Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Line Dance on Wednesdays in November and December at River House
Registration Unavailable

Line Dance on Wednesdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Ramona Walter

Calendar Nov 5, 2025 at 11:45 am, runs for 5 weeks

Come learn the fun dance art of Line Dance with a lively variety of music including Pop, Country, and Latin.

Wear comfortable shoes, preferably with leather bottoms.

Ramona is the former owner of Mona Gail Dance Center. She studied Ballroom dance under Jack Kalan and became a teacher at the age of sixteen. While working with Fred Astaire she became the Tri-State Dance Director. Ramona is a multi National Championship winner. She has experience in choreography and her local students won first place in the "I Love Dance Competition" at World Golf Village in 2020.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19 and December 3, 10 from 11:45 to 12:45 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

(No class sessions on Nov. 26 & Dec. 17, 24, 31)

For ages 18 and up.

 

Trust Your Intuition on Wednesdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Kate Werner

Calendar Nov 5, 2025 at 12:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks

When was the last time you had a hunch about something that turned out to be right? When did you just "know" something was off? How many "gut feelings have you ignored? These are your intuition speaking to you. Now it is time to recognize the sound of your intuition communicating with you.

Come to this class to learn the secrets of how.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19 and December 10 from 12:30 to 1:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

No class sessions Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 17, 24, 31

For ages 18 and up.

Will run





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