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The Arts (writing, painting, acting, etc.)
Japanese Basket Weaving on Mondays in March at River House
with Bonnie Kelbert
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.
Ballet on Mondays in March at River House
with Judy Woodruff
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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.
Will run
Creating a Junk Journal on Mondays in March at River House
with Liz Monaco
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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.
Will run
Easter Caroling on Tuesdays in March at River House
with Abigail Dyer
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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.
Will run
Beginners Ballroom Dance Group Class on Tuesdays in March at River House
with Ramona Walter
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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.
Will run
Intermediate Ballroom Dance Group Class on Tuesdays in March at River House
with Ramona Walter
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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.
Will run
Understanding Music Theory (How Music Works) on Tuesdays in March at River House
with Dennis Fermin
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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.
Will run
Exploration of Acrylic Painting from Beginning to End on Tuesdays in March at River House
with Heather Harley-Davidson
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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, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)
For ages 18 and up.
Will run