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St. Johns County Council on Aging

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

Jewelry Wire Wrapping Class on Mondays in January at River House

$3750

with Kathy Tengesdahl

Calendar Jan 5, 2026 at 10 am, runs for 3 weeks

Jewelry art students can expect to learn basic tool use and refine a wire loop in the first class as well as creating a pair of wire wrapped crystal earrings. In subsequent classes we will create spirals combined with crystals to create earrings and advancing to a tree of life wire wrapped pendant as well as a wire link bracelet. Along the way you will learn correct tool usage, wire straightening, wrapped loops, unclosed loops, and making your own loop clasps.

Supplies required:

  • VOUIU 6 piece jewelry plier set
  • PH Panda Hall 34 color 4mm electroplate glass crystals AB.
  • Bencreat wire, roll of 20 gauge and 26 gauge silver wire
  • GUFJUCH stainless steel earring hook set, wires, backs, jump rings

(These items can be found on Amazon)

Kathy Tengesdahl has an AA degree in art and a BS in Education. She combines that with 35 years of creating Jewelry art and she is adept at bead weaving with a focus on creating with wire wrapping. She has taught for the past 5 yrs in The Villages, Florida and now 7 months living in St Augustine. She hopes you will join her in creating something beautiful that you will be proud to wear.

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, January 5, 12, 26 (No class session Jan. 19) from 10 to noon at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Drawing 1 on Mondays in January at River House

$2825

with David Ouellette

Calendar Jan 5, 2026 at 11:30 am, runs for 3 weeks

This course is structured to develop basic drawing techniques by concentrating on the elements of descriptive drawing through observation. 

Students will develop the qualities of line and volume with a full range of values. The course will also cover linear perspective and compositional design.

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 Mondays, January 5, 12, 26 (no class session on Jan. 19) from 11:30 to 1 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Art Journal Projects: Creating My Own Color Palette on Monday, January 5 at River House

$1250

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Jan 5, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Creating My Own Color Palette.

Join our inspiring hands-on class designed to help you craft and personalize your very own art journal! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop offers a perfect space to explore your creativity, experiment with different techniques, and develop your unique artistic voice.

Page Techniques: Practice diverse methods like watercolor washes, mixed media layering, doodling, stamping, and collaging to bring your pages to life.

Creative Exploration: Use prompts and exercises to unlock ideas, encourage spontaneous art-making, and let your pages evolve naturally.

Personalization: Learn how to incorporate your own memorabilia, quotes, and themes that resonate with your personal story or interests.

Maintaining Your Journal: Tips for staying motivated, documenting your everyday moments, and making journaling a fun and ongoing creative project to continue exploring long after the session.

Who Should Join: Anyone interested in art, self-expression, or simply exploring new ways to create! No prior experience needed—just an open mind and a love for making art.

Basic Supplies to bring each week:

  • Journal-A Commercial or handmade journal with heavy paper for mixed media projects 
  • Glue – Mod Podge or PVA (white school glue), Fabric tac glue, and Glue stick 
  • Scissors 
  • Pencil 
  • Eraser  
  • Ruler
  • Acrylic paints- Metallic and primary colors 
  • Graphite Pencil 
  • Color Markers
  • Gel Pens (White, Gold, Silver,) 
  • Color Wheel 

Additional supplies may be needed depending on the type of project offered each week. You will want to adapt these projects to your own style and colors. Art prompts are offered at each class to help encourage working with different materials. Note: Whenever you can, try using or adapting what you have on hand. 

Contact Liz Monaco at lizart23@gmail.com for any of the upcoming projects and supply lists. Let me know the dates you will be attending.

Class session will be held on Monday, January 5 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Ballet on Mondays in January at River House

$2825

with Judy Woodruff

Calendar Jan 5, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 3 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, January 5, 12, 26 (no class session on Jan. 19) from 1:30 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run

Watercolor 1 on Tuesdays in January at River House

$50

with David Ouellette

Calendar Jan 6, 2026 at 10:45 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 Tuesdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10:45 to 12:45 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Zambra Mora Dance Class on Tuesdays in January at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Jan 6, 2026 at 11:45 am, runs for 4 weeks

Join Gina Marie for a lively and inspiring Zambra Mora class that blends the passion of Spanish fusion dance with expressive movement techniques. In this series of beginner friendly classes you’ll explore:  

  • Dynamic dance combinations rooted in Spanish and fusion styles  
  • Skirt work that adds flair and drama to your performance  
  • Silk fan techniques to enhance your dance through graceful props  
  • Creative expression that celebrates rhythm, artistry, and individuality

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.  

Dance shoes or barefoot in the studio.

Wear a full skirt if you have one. Gina will have a few loaners as well as practice fans.

Class sessions will be on Tuesdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27 from 11:45 to 12:45 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

Will run

Band Jam Class on Tuesdays in January at River House

$3750

with Dennis Fermin

Calendar Jan 6, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Learn how to relate to a percussion drum instrument in a Band type setting. We'll be jamming together to classic pop and rock favorites. This class is open to Guitar and Ukulele players. Come join the fun!

Requirements:

  • Guitar or Ukulele
  • Music stand 
  • Pen and paper

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, January 6, 13, 20, 27 from 1 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Ukulele 1 for Beginners on Wednesdays in January at River House

$3750

with Dennis Fermin

Calendar Jan 7, 2026 at 9:45 am, runs for 4 weeks

In this friendly, introductory class, you will learn:

  • instrument part names
  • types of ukes
  • string names/tuning
  • reading uke tabs
  • easy basic chords
  • easy strum rhythms
  • to play along with your favorite classic songs!

Requirements: Instrument, music stand, 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, January 7, 14, 21, 28 from 9:45 - 11:15 a.m. at River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084.

For ages 18 and up.





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