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The Arts (writing, painting, acting, etc.)
Dance Flex on Mondays in November and December at River House
with Judy Woodruff
Dance Flex is designed to maximize joint mobility, improve proprioception (body awareness) and sensory perception, and facilitate ease of movement. The class work will include short movement sequences, focusing on where they initiate, their pathways through the physical body and through space to reach an end point. Additionally, it will touch on breath support, spatial support and dynamic flow. The class is aimed at dancers who have had at least some formal training. Participants should be able to lie on the floor for significant periods of time without pain and to be able to get up and down with confidence and stability.
You don't need special shoes but you might want to wear old socks. Yoga mat and a towel might be good, although mats don’t work well for most of what you'll do.
Class sessions will be held on Mondays, November 3, 10, 17 and December 1, 8 from 1:30 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St.)
No class sessions on Nov. 24 and Dec. 15, 22, 29.
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Making and Creating an Art Journal on Mondays in November and December at River House
with Liz Monaco
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.
Supplies Needed:
- Journals- blank sketch/watercolor books, or you can hand make a book or alter a book.
 - Pens, markers, pencils, rulers, brushes Paints (acrylics, watercolors, inks, metallics)
 - Colored pencils
 - Collage materials: (magazine clippings, newspapers, paper scraps)
 - Glue or adhesives
 - Stamps and stencils
 - Washi or decorative tapes
 - Gesso: white or clear
 - Sponges
 - Palette knives
 
Optional:
- Fabric,
 - Textured papers,
 - Brayer
 - Gel press
 - Ink sprays
 - Found objects or memorabilia
 
Class sessions will be held on Mondays, November 3, 10, 17 and December 1, 8 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)
No class sessions Nov. 24 and Dec. 15, 22, 29.
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Christmas Caroling on Tuesdays in November and December at River House
with Abigail Dyer
"Come and join others as we enjoy singing beloved Christmas Carols and maybe a Thanksgiving song or two."
This class may be taken alone or as preparation for the four-session November/December Christmas Caroling class that will conclude on Tuesday, December 9th with performances of the carols at local rehabilitation and memory care centers, and a performance at the River House Winter Wonderland Expo on Wednesday, December 17th.
No prior singing or choral experience needed.
Bring a pencil.
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 on Tuesdays, November 4, 18 and December 2, 9 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)
No class sessions Nov. 11, 25 and Dec. 16, 23, 30.
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Intermediate Ballroom Dance Group Class on Tuesdays in November and December at River House
with Ramona Walter
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, November 4, 18 and December 2, 9 from 12:45 to 1:45 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)
(No class sessions on Nov. 11 & 25 and Dec. 16, 23, 30.)
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Jingle Jam on Tuesdays in November and December at River House
with Dennis Fermin
Join us for some fun Holiday music that you can then share with family and friends during this special time of the year. Song requests are welcome and will be considered.
Open to all Guitar and Ukulele players along with other small string instruments.
Requirements:
- Guitar, Ukulele, or other small string instrument
 - Basic chords knowledge and playing ability
 - Pen or pencil for notes
 
Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, November 4, 18 and December 2, 9 from 1 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)
(No class sessions on Nov. 11 & 25 and Dec. 16, 23, 30.)
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
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.
Will run
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.
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.
Will run