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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 14 at River House

$1875

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Aug 14, 2025 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 14 from noon to 3 at River House located at 179 Marine St. in St. Augustine.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Singing on Tuesdays in September at River House

$25

with Abigail Dyer

Calendar Sep 2, 2025 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 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Beginners Ballroom Dance Group Class on Tuesdays in September at River House

$25

with Ramona Walter

Calendar Sep 2, 2025 at 11:30 am, runs for 5 weeks

Join Ramona as she teaches Beginners Ballroom Dance Group Class. No partner is needed. A strictly beginners Ballroom Dance Class where you come to enjoy yourself with friends you haven't met yet. We have a great time while learning a new skill.

Learn the basic steps in Ballroom Dance so you can move around the dance floor with confidence. Dancing is the best exercise for your body and your brain. Come join us, you'll love it.

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, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 11:30 to 12:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Neurographic Art Meditative Class on Tuesday, September 2 at River House

$11

with Estelle Thibodeau

Calendar Sep 2, 2025 at 11:30 am, runs for 1 week

Neurographic art goes beyond creating visually appealing pieces; it can also have positive effects on mental and overall well-being. 

Neurographic Art was termed by Pavel Piskarev as a technique of drawing random lines into and off the paper’s edge in ambling free flow. Then, one thickens some of the lines to define and form shapes and finishes by FILLING IN the interstices aka, intersections which created in a relaxed, soothing manner activates (neuron) curves to soften any points resembling the neural patterns of our brain.  

Talent in Art or drawing is not required. This is an intuitive, relaxing exercise and not just a DOODLE on paper. You will feel your brain releasing the residue of stress and trauma as you work your way through this Manifestation of ARTFORM.  

 BENEFITS OF THIS ART PRACTICE

  • Relief from anxiety
  • Finding peace 
  • Stress reduction 
  • More mindful presence and awareness 
  • Clarity and perspective 
  • Expression of inner feelings
  • Creating art for personal spaces 
  • Therapeutic mental health strengthening

Supplies for your neurographic art will be provided however, if you have your own favorite markers, crayons or paints, please feel free to bring them to the class.  

Estelle Thibodeau is an Ordained Minister of The Alliance of Divine Love. Through her work with other ministers, she learned different methods of healing and teaching. Several years ago she was introduced to neurographic art at a class taught by a fellow minister and has been practicing and sharing this method since. “This art form, is meant to induce a meditative state in which anxiety, sadness, fear, and trauma can be processed. It opens your eyes to see the unique creation you will express & share with others in the group.” Estelle has lived in St.Augustine for 15 years, is a graduate of Flagler College, and has a business called The Seventh Root located in downtown St.Augustine. She is also the founder of The Cheesy Chess Club, a nonprofit organization providing casual unrated over the board Chess to our community.

This one session class will be held on Tuesday, September 2 from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

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

$25

with Ramona Walter

Calendar Sep 2, 2025 at 12:45 pm, runs for 5 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, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 12:45 to 1:45 at The River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Exploration of Acrylic Painting from Beginning to End on Tuesdays in September at River House

$50

with Heather Harley-Davidson

Calendar Sep 2, 2025 at 1:30 pm, runs for 5 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, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 1:30 to 3:30 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 3, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 4 weeks

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:

  • 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
  • masking tape
  • materials box
  • non-breakable container for water
  • roll of paper towels

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24 from 9:00 - 11:00 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Line Dance on Wednesdays in September at River House

$25

with Ramona Walter

Calendar Sep 3, 2025 at 11:45 am, runs for 4 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, September 3, 10, 17, 24 from 11:45 to 12:45 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run





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