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St. Johns County Council on Aging

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The Arts (writing, painting, acting, etc.)

Watercolor Techniques on Thursdays in October at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Oct 1, 2026 at 11 am, runs for 5 weeks

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.

Will run

Colored Pencil Art on Thursdays in October at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Oct 1, 2026 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, 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.

Will run

Tap Dancing Level 1 & 2 on Thursdays in October at River House

$25

with Judy Woodruff

Calendar Oct 1, 2026 at 2 pm, runs for 5 weeks

This class will accommodate the new beginner while honing the skills of the more experienced beginner. Class will focus on tap basic fundamental single and double sound steps. Short combinations will introduce/review such composite steps as the shim sham, front and back essence, waltz clog, and simple rhythm time steps.

Tap shoes are recommended for this class.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 2:00 - 3:00 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

A Golden Age of Hollywood Comedy on Mondays in October at River House

$37.50

with Thomas Hischak

Calendar Oct 5, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

The advent of the talkies in 1927 changed Hollywood film comedy forever. Physical comedy was replaced with verbal humor and new comedy stars emerged. This class looks at Hollywood’s comedies between 1930 and 1959, a golden age for film laughter. Covered are such movies as My Man Godfrey, Duck Soup, Bringing Up Baby, Ninotchka, The Philadelphia Story, Born Yesterday, Auntie Mame, and Some Like It Hot; as well such performers as W.C. Fields, the Marx Brothers, Cary Grant, Mae West, Rosalind Russell, and Bob Hope. The class is part-lecture, part-watching scenes from classic movies.

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, October 5, 12, 19, 26 from 9:30 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Ballet on Mondays in October at River House

$37.50

with Judy Woodruff

Calendar Oct 5, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks

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, October 5, 12, 19, 26 from 1:30 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St.).

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run

Collage Art on Mondays in October at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Oct 5, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Cut, tear, layer, and glue your way to a finished piece — no experience needed, just bring your curiosity.

Join us for an afternoon of paper, texture, and color. We'll explore how torn and cut edges, layering, and composition come together to build a finished collage — you'll leave with a completed piece of your own and a few new techniques to keep experimenting at home.

Most-needed supplies — feel free to bring extras from your own stash

  • Assorted paper — old magazines, scrapbook paper, tissue paper
  • A sturdy backing board or heavy cardstock
  • Sharp scissors
  • Glue stick and/or white glue
  • A pencil, for sketching your layout first
  • A small container for water (if using paint or gel medium)
  • An apron or old shirt — collage gets a little messy!

A limited supply of shared materials will be on hand, but bringing your own favorites is encouraged.

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, October 5, 12, 19, 26 from 1:30 - 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084).

 

Will run

Christmas Caroling on Tuesdays in October at River House

$25

with Abigail Dyer

Calendar Oct 6, 2026 at 10:15 am, runs for 4 weeks

"Come and join others as we enjoy singing beloved Christmas Carols and maybe a Thanksgiving song or two."

This class may be taken alone or as preparation for the four-session November/December Christmas Caroling class that will conclude on Tuesday, December 8th with performances of the carols at local rehabilitation and memory care centers. 

No prior singing or choral experience needed. 

Bring a pencil.

Abby is a graduate of Vassar College (BA) and Columbia University (MA, M.Phil., Ph.D.), and the Mannes College Wagner Theater Program.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20 27 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Watercolor Landscape Painting on Wednesdays in October at River House

$50

with David Ouellette

Calendar Oct 7, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 4 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, October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 9 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course




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