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St. Johns County Council on Aging

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

Inktense Pencil Workshop on Thursday, August 27 at River House

$1875

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Aug 27, 2026 at 12 pm, runs for 1 week

Inktense pencils are a type of watercolor pencil known for their vibrant, intense colors. Unlike traditional colored pencils, the inktense pencils contain highly pigmented, water-soluble ink-based cores that allow you to create bold, vivid drawings. When applied to paper and then activated with water, they transform into bright, watercolor-like washes, giving artists the flexibility to craft detailed lines or wide washes of color. They’re great for adding depth, richness, and clarity to artworks, and they can be used dry for precise details or wet for softer, blended effects. If you're interested in dynamic, striking colors and versatile techniques, inktense pencils are an excellent choice!

Supplies needed:

  • Derwent Inktense Pencil set
  • HB graphite pencil
  • Transfer paper
  • Watercolor Paint brush – round 8, 10, 12
  • Spray bottle
  • Water containers
  • Watercolor paper – 140lb hot or cold press / or mixed media paper

Instructor will supply reference material.

Please note that this is a 3 hour class so you might want to bring a light snack and something to drink as there are no concessions at River House.

This one day workshop will meet on Thursday, August 27 from noon to 3 at River House located at 179 Marine St. in St. Augustine.

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Singing on Tuesdays in September at River House

$25

with Abigail Dyer

Calendar Sep 1, 2026 at 10:15 am, runs for 5 weeks

Group singing class is focused on the basics of classical singing technique.  You'll learn exercises to improve your breath control as well as your vocal strength, range and clarity.  You'll also have a chance to apply your new technique to the repertoire of your choice.  

Please bring two printed copies of the sheet music for a song of your choice to work on over the course of the month. Students of all levels are welcome.

Singing teacher and classical singer Abigail Dyer was born in West Orange, New Jersey. With a private voice studio in St Augustine Beach and over 20 years' experience teaching opera professionals and amateur singers alike, Abby specializes in developing healthy vocal technique in the service of expressive singing.

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 Tuesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Zambra Mini Choreography on Tuesdays in September at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Sep 1, 2026 at 10:30 am, runs for 2 weeks

Join Gina for a fun all levels mini intensive to learn a powerful Zambra Mora Choreography! This class is suitable for beginner and intermediate dancers that have some experience in the Zambra Style.

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 Tuesday, September 1 from 10:30 - 12:30 and Tuesday, September 8 from 11:45 - 1:45 (No class sessions on Tuesdays, September 15, 22, and 29)  from 10:30 - 12:30 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine).

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Jamming to the Classics - Guitar & Ukulele on Tuesdays in September at River House

$3750

with Dennis Fermin

Calendar Sep 1, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Join us as we play your favorite popular Classics, in a fun group setting. Emphasis on keeping smooth chord changes and learning a few new chords and strum patterns along the way.

Requirements

  • Ability to play basic chords reasonably well
  • Guitar or Ukulele
  • Music stand suggested
  • 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 be held on Tuesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 1:00 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run

Watercolor 1 on Wednesdays in September at River House

$50

with David Ouellette

Calendar Sep 2, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 5 weeks

In this course we will be using fruts and vegetables as our subject matter. 

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, pigments and brushes used in the execution of art works. There will be regular critiques and demonstrations.

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, September 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 9 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Guitar 3 for Beginners on Wednesdays in September at River House

$3750

with Dennis Fermin

Calendar Sep 2, 2026 at 9:45 am, runs for 4 weeks

Learn all open string chords to play some fun, easy classics in a fun group setting. You will learn:

  • Intro to Pentatonic Scale shapes and patterns
  • Basic chords
  • Fretboard notes

Requirements

  • Ability to play basic chords relatively well
  • Music stand strongly suggested
  • 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, September 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 9:45 - 11:15 a.m. at River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Drawing: Linear Perspective on Wednesdays in September at River House

$50

with David Ouellette

Calendar Sep 2, 2026 at 11:15 am, runs for 5 weeks

In this class we will be working with the mathematical system used by artists to create an illusion of three-dimensional depth and space on a flat, two dimensional surface. Its key elements are the horizon line, vanishing points, and orthogonal, or converging lines. 

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.

Materials needed:

  • 18" x 24" drawing paper pad (not sketching paper)
  • 16" x 20" (approx.) drawing board
  • #2 and #4 graphic pencils
  • white plastic eraser
  • kneaded eraser
  • masking tape

 

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, September 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 11:15 to 1:15 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Blues 2 for Guitar on Wednesdays in September at River House

$3750

with Dennis Fermin

Calendar Sep 2, 2026 at 11:30 am, runs for 5 weeks

12 Bar Blues Chord pregressions

Pentatonic scales, riffs and technique

Turnarounds Capo hack

Basic Improvision skills

Classic 12 Bar Blues Songs. 

Requirements:

  • 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 Wednesdays, September 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 11:30 - 1:00 at River House (179 Marine St.   St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

Will run





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