Discover the centuries-old craft of bookbinding in this hands-on course designed for beginners and creative enthusiasts alike. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of constructing handmade books — from folding and sewing signatures (bookbinding process of stitching multiple folded groups of paper (signatures) together using binder thread to create the internal text block of a book) to attaching covers and finishing edges. The course is made up of individual sessions, each exploring a different and creative aspect of designing and personalizing your book. No prior experience needed — just a love of paper, texture, paints and making things by hand.

Pockets, Tuck spots and Hidden Places- These are added to your books to extend places to hide notes, tags, journal cards or memorabilia. By using special origami type folding, cutouts and glue you are only limited by your imagination as to where and how to include them with your book design.

Supplies specific to this class:

• Decorative paper, cardstock, book pages
• Magazine images that correspond to your book design
• White Elmer’s glue
• Decorative suggestions- stickers, paper clusters, silk flowers, stamps/ink, bling, etc.

General Supplies needed:

• Journals- blank sketch/watercolor books, or you can hand make a book or alter a book.
• Pens, markers, pencils, rulers, brushes Paints (acrylics, watercolors, inks, metallics)
• Colored pencils
• Collage materials: (magazine clippings, newspapers, paper scraps)
• Glue or adhesives 
• Stamps and stencils
• Washi or decorative tapes
• Gesso: white or clear
• Sponges
• Palette knives

Optional supplies

• Fabric,
• Textured papers, 
• Brayer
• Gel press
• Ink sprays 
• Found objects or memorabilia 

Class session will be held on Monday, July 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Gel Press Printing- This printing technique can be used to create your own background images for your book pages. Gel press printing is a true artform in itself letting the artist make designs to be used in collage, and one off prints. With the addition of markers, stencils and even leaves and flowers you can make unbelievable prints. Let your creativity flow with this one-of-a-kind medium!

Supplies needed: 

• Copy paper (minimum 24lb)
• Envelopes, paper scraps, playing cards, etc. what ever you have.
• Acrylic paints – (hobby paints are good for beginners) heavier tube paints are better.
• Gel Press printing plate 5x7 or larger (Do not get the Speedball Press it’s only for ink)
• Breyer
• Acrylic Markers
• Permanent black marker wide tip
• Stencils  Flowers and plants
• Black and white magazine images to do transfers.
• Optional: Other papers can also be used besides copy paper. Rice paper, deli paper, tissue paper,

Class sessions will meet on Mondays, August 3, 24, 31 (no class sessions August 10 & 17) from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Even before the advent of sound, many Hollywood movies had musical scores. This course looks at the development of the movie soundtrack and at the notable composers who created memorable musical scores. We will cover the early pioneers as well as composers working today, watching film clips illustrating outstanding Hollywood soundtracks. Among the great composers to be discussed are Alfred Newman, Max Steiner, Bernard Herrmann, John Barry, John Williams, and Rachel Portman. We will be listening to and discussing such famous film soundtracks as Gone with the Wind, North By Northwest, The Ten Commandments, Goldfinger, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

This is not a music theory class but more a music appreciation one.

Thomas Hischak is a retired Professor of Performing Arts from the State University of New York College at Cortland. He is the author of over thirty books on theatre, film, and popular music.

Class sessions will be on Mondays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 9:30 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

This ballet class is designed for seniors but emphasizes classical technique rather than exercise for its own sake. Approximately the first 20-30 minutes of class will be devoted to floor work that develops range of joint motion, strength, stretch and muscular sequencing necessary for ballet technique. That will be followed by about 30 minutes each at the barre and center. These exercises are selected to improve balance, posture, upper body range of motion and enhance the ability to transfer weight with confidence and grace. Some prior dance experience is recommended. The ability to work lying or sitting on the floor, get up from the floor, and the ability to stand and move unaided are required.

Ballet shoes are recommended.

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 1:30 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

Step into the evocative world of Zambra Mora, a soulful fusion of Spanish Romani expression and deep Arabic influence. This Level One foundations class is designed for absolute beginners and curious dancers who want to explore the earthy, emotional, and rhythmic heart of this historic style. 

In this class, students will learn:

• Fundamental posture and movement vocabulary
• Slow, serpentine movements that emphasize breath, groundedness, and expression intention
• Fast rhythmic accents drawn from traditional Zambra phrasing
• Hipwork, arm pathways, and traveling steps that build confidence and fluidity
• Cultural context and lineage, honoring the dance’s roots while building a modern, accessible foundation

The pace is welcoming and supportive, with plenty of breakdowns, repetition, and guided practice. No prior dance experience is required — just curiosity and a willingness to explore a dance form that is both fiery and deeply poetic.

By the end of the series, students will feel grounded in the essential shapes, rhythms, and emotional textures of Zambra Mora, ready to continue into more layered technique and choreography.

Barefoot or dance shoes preferred, wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely in.

With years of teaching and performance experience, Gina brings her expertise, warmth, and energy to every class. Whether you’re new to Zambra Mora or looking to expand your repertoire, this class offers a fun, supportive environment to grow your skills and enjoy the beauty of dance.  

Class sessions will be on Tuesdays, August 4, 11, and 25 from 10:30 - 11:30 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine). No class on Tuesday, August 18.

For ages 18 and up.

TEACHER APPROVAL IS REQUIRED FOR THIS CLASS!

Expanding technique with skirtwork, fans, and expressive Arabic Spanish styling.

Level Two invites dancers to step deeper into the dramatic, earthy world of Zambra Mora, building on the grounded shapes, slow and fast phrasing, and cultural context introduced in Level One. This class is designed for students who already understand the foundational posture, movement vocabulary and are ready to expand their expressive toolkit.

In this next level, dancers will explore:

• Introductory skirtwork: sweeping accents, framing shapes, and traveling patterns that enhance the theatrical Zambra aesthetic
• Foundational fan technique: opening/closing mechanics, directional pathways, and expressive flourishes that complement the dance.
• Layered movement combinations blending hips, torso, arms, and props
• More complex rhythmic transitions, moving confidently between slow, sinuous phrases and sharp, percussive accents
• Expanded footwork and turns inspired by SpanishArabic influences
• Styling and presence, cultivating the dramatic, smoldering quality that defines Zambra Mora

Students should bring:

• A practice skirt (Gina will have a few to share)
• A Silk Fan (These will be ordered when we are ready to start fan work

Dance shoes or barefoot are recommended for class.

By the end of Level Two, dancers will feel more expressive, more grounded, and more connected to the theatrical lineage of Zambra Mora — ready to continue into more advanced prop work and stylized choreography.

With years of teaching and performance experience, Gina brings her expertise, warmth, and energy to every class. Whether you’re new to Zambra Mora or looking to expand your repertoire, this class offers a fun, supportive environment to grow your skills and enjoy the beauty of dance.  

Class sessions will be on Tuesdays, August 4, 11, 25 (No class session on August 18)  from 11:45 to 12:45 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Come explore the world of Blues Guitar in a fun group setting.

Requirements:

• 12 Bar Blues Chord Progressions
• Pentatonic Scales, Riffs, and Techniques
• Classic 12 Bar Blues Songs
• Need Pen or Pencil
• Music Stand Suggested

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, August 4, 11 and 25 from 1 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine St.   St. Augustine 32084). No class on Tuesday, August 18. 

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:

• 3/4" or 1" flat
• #8 and #10 rounds
• Rigger brush

 Paper:

• Arches 22" x 30", 140 lb. cold press, one sheet or an Arches w/c block. 

           With the larger sheets, you can cut or tear them in half for easier             transportation to class.

Paints:

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

• Ultramarine Blue
• Cerulean Blue
• Cobalt Blue
• Yellow Ochre
• Alizarin Crimson
• Cadmium Red Light
• Cadmium Yellow Light
• New Gamboge
• Burnt Umber
• Burnt Sienna

Other materials:

• Plastic palette with wells for paint and flat mixing areas
• Painting board, approx. 16"x20"
• Masking tape, biege
• Materials box
• Non-breakable container for water
• Roll of paper towels
• Portfolio
• Hair dryer, if you have one

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, August 5, 12, 19, 26 from 9 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.