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St. Johns County Council on Aging

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

Mandala Art on Thursday, August 1 at River House

$11

with Viktoria Koval

Calendar Aug 1, 2024 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Enjoy mindful focus as you create your own dot MANDALA. We will paint using plastic sticks/dotting tools instead of brushes with non toxic acrylic paint. All painting supplies are provided. 

Mandalas, meaning “circles” in Sanskrit, are sacred symbols that are used for meditation, prayer, healing and art therapy for both children and adults. Mandalas have been shown in clinical studies to boost the immune system, reduce stress and pain, lower blood pressure, promote sleep and ease depression.

Viktoria Koval is a local artist based in St.Augustine. She creates art with dots using plastic sticks or stylus instead of brushes. Her favorite medium is acrylic on wood, canvas, ceramics, glass, jewelry, magnets, sculpture, just about anything mandala can be painted on. 

Class session is on Thursday, August 1 from 9 to 10:30 at River House (179 Marine Street)

Please note that this is a one session class.

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Bellydance Basics and Beyond on Thursdays in August at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Aug 1, 2024 at 9:30 am, runs for 5 weeks

Welcome to Level 2 Bellydance, the next step in your dance journey with Gina! This class is specifically designed for students who have successfully completed Gina's Level 1 Bellydance class and are ready to build on their foundational skills. In Level 2, we will shift our focus towards learning to perform choreography, integrating the movements and techniques you have mastered into beautiful, fluid routines.

What You'll Learn:

  • Choreography Integration: Learn to combine various bellydance movements into seamless choreography.
  • Performance Techniques: Discover how to enhance your dance with expressive gestures, emotional engagement, and stage presence.
  • Group Dynamics: Practice dancing in synchrony with a group, honing your ability to perform in unison with others.

Class Structure:

  • Warm-Up: Gentle stretching and conditioning to prepare your body for dance.
  • Technique Review: Quick recap of key movements from Level 1 to ensure a strong foundation.
  • Choreography Breakdown: Step-by-step instruction on new dance routines, with a focus on mastering each section before moving on.
  • Drills and Repetition: Practice sequences to build muscle memory and precision.
  • Performance Practice: Opportunities to perform the learned choreography, with constructive feedback from Gina.

Requirements:

  • Completion of Gina's Level 1 Bellydance class or equivalent experience.
  • Comfortable dance attire and a willingness to explore and express through movement.

Barefoot or dance shoes. No sneakers. Comfortable clothing such as yoga wear or something you can move freely in. A coin belt or hip scarf is fun to wear if you have one.

Gina Marie is Director of Blue Lotus World Dance and is a certified SharQui Belly Dance Fitness Instructor.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 9:30 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Bellydance Basics Level 1 on Thursdays in August at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Aug 1, 2024 at 10:45 am, runs for 5 weeks

Welcome to the Level One Bellydance class, designed for participants of all ages and skill levels! This class focuses on low-impact movements that promote improved flexibility while ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience in bellydance, this class is perfect for you.

Throughout the session you'll learn foundational bellydance movements such as hip drops, shimmies, and graceful arm patterns. These movements are taught at a comfortable pace, allowing you to master each step while also improving your overall flexibility and core strength.

At its core this class is about enjoying the art of bellydance, embracing the music, and expressing yourself through movement. It's a welcoming environment where participants can come together to learn, dance, and have a great time.

Join us for a delightful journey into the world of bellydance, where every step brings you closer to improved flexibility, increased confidence, and a whole lot of fun!

Barefoot or dance shoes. No sneakers. Comfortable clothing such as yoga wear or something you can move freely in. A coin belt or hip scarf is fun to wear if you have one.

Gina Marie is certified in Sharqui Bellydance Fitness has been teaching for more than two decades. She will guide you through gentle warm-up exercises to prepare your body for the movements ahead. As you progress through the class, you'll also have the opportunity to practice combinations and sequences that blend seamlessly into a fluid dance routine.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 10:45 to 11:45 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Will run

Watercolor on Thursdays in August at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Aug 1, 2024 at 11 am, runs for 5 weeks

This class is open to students at all skill levels. Instruction will consist of watercolor techniques and studies in landscapes, portraits, and intuitive painting. Students are welcome to bring their own references for study. First Class will consist of some color theory. 

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, August 1 from 11:30 to 1 and August 8, 15, 22, 29 from 11 to 1 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

Please note the start time on August 1 versus the rest of the August sessions.

Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Will run

Colored Pencil Art on Thursdays in August at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Aug 1, 2024 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, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Will run

Intermediate Ballroom Dance Group Class on Tuesdays in August at River House

$1875

with Ramona Walter

Calendar Aug 6, 2024 at 12:45 pm, runs for 3 weeks

You must have basic knowledge of ballroom dancing.

In this class you will learn the technical elements of ballroom dance including leading and following. You will also learn correct ballroom posture so you will look good while executing your steps. Learn how to recognize the right music for the right dance.

Come join us. You'll have a great time!

No partner is needed.

Wear comfortable shoes, leather bottom preferred.

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 and she 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 Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 27 from 12:45 to 1:45 at The River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

No class session on August 20.

Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Will run

Argentine Tango on Tuesdays in August at River House

$1875

with Virginia "Honey" Burton

Calendar Aug 6, 2024 at 2:45 pm, runs for 3 weeks

Learn the Basics of Argentine Tango (the original Tango). The Dance progresses counterclockwise around the floor. No partner needed. Dancers rotate partners. Leather soled shoes are preferrable. No flipflops, rubber soles, etc. Dance sneakers are Ok.

Virginia has been dancing Argentine Tango for over 20 years. She studied in the U.S. and traveled to Argentina twice to study with the Maestros. She has danced in group performances and solo with a partner here and in Atlanta and has been teaching here in St Augustine, Ormond Beach and Jax and surrounding areas since 2008. You might have seen her performing in the Romanza Festvale over the past 7 years.

Class sessions are Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 27 from 2:45 to 3:45 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

No class session on August 20.

Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Watercolor Landscape Painting on Wednesdays in August at River House

$50

with David Ouellette

Calendar Aug 7, 2024 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
  • #8  and #10  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, August 7, 14, 21, 28 from 9:00 - 11:00 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Will run





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