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The Arts (writing, painting, acting, etc.)
Exploration of Acrylic Painting from Beginning to End on Tuesdays in November and December at River House
with Heather Harley-Davidson

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, November 4, 18 and December 2, 9 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)
No class sessions Nov. 11, 25 and Dec. 16, 23, 30.
For ages 18 and up.
Watercolor Landscape Painting on Wednesdays in November and December at River House
with David Ouellette

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
- #6 and #8 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, November 5, 12, 19 and December 3, 10 from 9:00 - 11:00 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)
No class sessions Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31.
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Ukulele for Beginners 3 on Wednesdays in November and December at River House
with Dennis Fermin

Do you have some experience with a ukulele but want to learn more? This class is for beginners who have some knowledge of how to play.
* More Major, Minor and Dominant 7th. Chords
* 12 Bar Blues chord progressions and songs
* Advanced strum patterns
* Playing smooth chord changes
* Popular Classic rock and pop songs
Requirements:
- Ukulele
- Basic open string chords,
- 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 run on Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19 and December 3, 10 (no class sessions on Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31) from 9:45 - 11:15 a.m. at the River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084.
For ages 18 and up.
Guitar for Beginners 3 on Wednesdays in November and December at River House
with Dennis Fermin

If you know the basics of how to play the guitar but want to learn more, then this class is for you.
You will work on the following:
* More Major, Minor and Dominant 7th. Chords
* Introduction to Barre chords
* 12 Bar Blues chord progressions
* Introduction to Minor Pentatonic Scales and patterns
* Playing smooth chord changes
* Popular Classic rock and pop songs
Requirements:
- Guitar
- Experience with basic open string chords
- 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, November 5, 12, 19 and December 3, 10 (no class sessions on Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31) from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Line Dance on Wednesdays in November and December at River House
with Ramona Walter

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, November 5, 12, 19 and December 3, 10 from 11:45 to 12:45 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)
(No class sessions on Nov. 26 & Dec. 17, 24, 31)
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Tap Dancing Level 3 on Wednesdays in November and December at River House
with Judy Woodruff

For the experienced tap dancer with a good command of tap technique and vocabulary this intermediate level class emphasizes choreography. Practice includes a variety of time steps, more syncopated rhythms, developing speed with clarity, and performance quality. Choreography includes new work and some dances from the Matanzas Tap performance repertory.
Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19 and December 3, 10 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).
No class sessions Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31.
For ages 18 and up.
Drawing 1 on Thursdays in November and December at River House
with David Ouellette

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 Thursdays, November 6, 13, 20 and December 4, 11 from 9 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).
No class sessions on Nov. 27 and Dec. 18, 25.
For ages 18 and up.
Belly Dance Basics and Beyond on Thursdays in November and December at River House
with Gina Marie Newman

Welcome to Level 2 Belly Dance, the next step in your dance journey with Gina! This class is specifically designed for students who have successfully completed Gina's Level 1 Belly Dance class and are ready to build on their foundational skills. Please check class requirements for additional requirements.
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 Belly Dance 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, November 6, 13, 20 and December 4, 11 from 9:30 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)
No class sessions Nov. 27 and Dec. 18, 25.
For ages 18 and up.
Will run