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The Arts (writing, painting, acting, etc.)
Exploration of Acrylic Painting from Beginning to End on Tuesdays in May 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, May 6, 13, 20, 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Ukulele 1 for Beginners on Wednesdays in May at River House
with Dennis Fermin

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, May 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.
Will run
Guitar 1 for Beginners on Wednesdays in May at River House
with Dennis Fermin

Join us for a fun entry level course on the guitar. Topics covered will be:
String names / Tuning
Easy single note melodies
Power Chords / Classic riffs
Basic open string chords and Strum patterns
Supplies needed
- Acoustic Guitar
- Compact Music Stand
- Pen or Pencil for notes
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, May 7, 14, 21, 28 from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)
For ages 18 and up.
Line Dance on Wednesdays in May 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, May 7, 14, 21, 28 from 11:45 to 12:45 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)
The first 2 sessions of the class will be taught by Scott Adkins.
For ages 18 and up.
Tap Dancing Level 3 on Wednesdays in May 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, May 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Belly Dance Basics and Beyond on Thursdays in May 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, May 8, 15, 22, 29 from 9:30 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)
No class session on May 1
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Bellydance Basics Level 1 on Thursdays in May at River House
with Gina Marie Newman

Welcome to the Level One Bellydance class, designed for participants of all ages and skill levels! This class focuses on low-impact movements that promote improved flexibility while ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience in bellydance, this class is perfect for you.
Throughout the session you'll learn foundational bellydance movements such as hip drops, shimmies, and graceful arm patterns. These movements are taught at a comfortable pace, allowing you to master each step while also improving your overall flexibility and core strength.
At its core this class is about enjoying the art of bellydance, embracing the music, and expressing yourself through movement. It's a welcoming environment where participants can come together to learn, dance, and have a great time.
Join us for a delightful journey into the world of bellydance, where every step brings you closer to improved flexibility, increased confidence, and a whole lot of fun!
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 certified in Sharqui Bellydance Fitness has been teaching for more than two decades. She will guide you through gentle warm-up exercises to prepare your body for the movements ahead. As you progress through the class, you'll also have the opportunity to practice combinations and sequences that blend seamlessly into a fluid dance routine.
Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, May 8, 15, 22, 29 from 10:45 to 11:45 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)
No class session on May 1.
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Tap Dancing Level 1 & 2 on Thursdays in May at River House
with Judy Woodruff

This class will accommodate the new beginner while honing the skills of the more experienced beginner. Class will focus on tap basic fundamental single and double sound steps. Short combinations will introduce/review such composite steps as the shim sham, front and back essence, waltz clog, and simple rhythm time steps.
Tap shoes are recommended for this class.
Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, May 8, 15, 22, 29 from 2:00 - 3:00 at River House (179 Marine St.)
No class session on May 1.
For ages 18 and up.
Will run