In this class you will learn about the Art of Japanese basket making. I lived there for 7 years and brought back the material/bands from Japan; these bands cannot be purchased in the US. The bands are made from recycled milk cartons and paper. We are going to make a basic basket that is roughly 12 X 10 inches. I will supply the weaving material but the following supplies you will need to bring to class with you:

• small pointed scissors,
• glue,
• ruler,
• clothes pin/clamp or something like that to hold while a section is drying. 

You will need to take your work home each week and then bring it back the following week to work on. This class is scheduled for 4 one hour sessions but you might not need them all if you finish in less time.

Bonnie has a background as a teacher and enjoys teaching others. Bonnie has made several and sells them at local markets. Some of the baskets are more elaborate than others, however they are all beautiful. 

Class sessions will meet on Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 31 from 10 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St.)

No class session on March 24.

For ages 18 and up.

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 Monday, March 3 from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

For beginners and experienced dancers who love classical ballet and the meditative focus it demands. Emphasis in this class will be on understanding the ideals of ballet within the confines of our mature and varied body types, building the strength and flexibility that support the technique, and the presentational qualities ballet demands. The class will include barre and center work but will not include jumps or turns unless members of the class request them. Alternative movement will be provided for those who are not comfortable with turns or jumps.

Ballet shoes are recommended.

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

For ages 18 and up.

What is a junk journal?  It is a creative and personalized type of journal that combines various materials, often repurposed or found items, to create unique pages filled with memories, art and self-expression. Unlike traditional journals that focus on clean pages and uniformity, junk journals embrace an eclectic aesthetic. The beauty of a junk journal lies in its individuality. There are no strict rules, so you can mix and match material to reflect your personal type and experiences. It’s a wonderful way to unleash your creativity and document your journey.

Week 1: will be creating a book cover using a cereal or cracker box.  You will or Elmers or Mod Podge glue, fabric (1/2 yard), scissors, ruler, Medium paper clamps, and  heavy weight decorative scrapbook paper that will complement your fabric.   

Week 2 and 3: will focus on selecting and decorating the signature papers using any of the materials listed below. 

Here are some common materials used to create a junk journal: 

• Paper: this can include old book pages, scrapbook paper, construction paper, letters, envelopes, and any other type of paper that can add texture and interest. 
• Ephemera: items like ticket stubs, postcards, vintage photographs, and magazine clippings provide a nostalgic touch and tell a story. 
• Fabric: Pieces of fabric, lace, ribbons or even clothing can be used to create pockets or decorative elements in the journal. 
• Stickers and Washi Tape: these are great for embellishing pages and adding color and fun designs.   
• Paints and inks: acrylic paints, watercolors, and ink can be applied to add splashes of color or texture. 
• Stamps: Rubber stamp and ink pads can add images and patterns to the pages 
• Sewing Supplies: Thread, needles, and sewing machines can be used to stitch pages together or create fabric elements. 
• Adhesives: Glue sticks, double-sided tape, or Mod Podge are essential for attaching various materials to the pages. 
• Book binding materials: awl, bone folder, waxed heavy thread, large eye heavy needle.  

Optional materials:  paper trimmer, ink blending brushes, cosmetic sponges.  

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Following the success of last year's first-ever River House Christmas Carolers, we'll welcome the Spring holiday with a special Easter Caroling class in March.  In the first three classes we'll prepare a short program of Easter songs.  In the fourth and final class we'll perform our program across the street at the Coastal Community Center (and possibly other venues). No prior choral or singing experience is necessary. Music will be provided. Recordings of the melody and alto harmony lines for each song will be available by email as MP3 files prior to the start of class.

Bring a pencil. 

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

There will be a small performance in April for those interested in participating.

For ages 18 and up.

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, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 11:30 to 12:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

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, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 12:45 to 1:45 at The River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

This class is relevant to just about any instrument that has notes including Guitar, Bass, Piano, Uke, Mandoline, etc.

Would you like to learn more about the ins and outs of music creation? Which chords play well with each other and why? How chords are created?

7 ths, 9 ths and 11 ths, oh my. Welcome to the magical world of Chord Harmony and Theory.

Requirements: 

• *Ability to play basic chords on your chosen instrument. 
• *Music Stand
• *Paper and pen or pencil for notes

If you have a guitar, Uke or Mandoline you are welcome to bring it to class, but otherwise feel free to take notes and learn more about how music works and how it relates to your instrument.

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 meet on Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 1 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine St.   St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.