Spring 2024 Classes & Programs
CCCAC members receive a discount on classes! Are you a member of the of the Copper Country Community Arts Center? Members receive discounts on classes! Your annual membership supports the CCCAC mission, gets you a 10% discount on Member Days in our Artists Market Sales Gallery, monthly newsletter with art postcards, early entry into our annual Poor Artists Sale, and discounts on all art classes. Join for or renew for 2024 and support the arts in our community! Visit our membership page for more information, call us, or stop by to become a member. Want to schedule a class for you and your friends? Depending on instructor availability, we can schedule adult classes in letterpress printing, printmaking, watercolor, and more! Just ask us! We can also work with you to schedule special youth classes too. Minimum 4-5 students; maximum amount of students depends on the class. Email bonnie@coppercountryarts.com to inquire. |
YOUTH & ADULT CLASSES
Classes are for adult students ages 16 and up (14 if accompanied by a paying parent or legal guardian) unless otherwise specified as a Youth art class. REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS Cancellation by student: In the event of a cancellation, the student will be refunded in full one week prior to the start of class, then half the amount after. No refunds will be given to cancellations made the day before class starts, the first day of class, or after class begins. Fees cannot be transferred to future classes. Cancellations due to emergencies will be considered on a case by case basis. Low enrollment cancellation: Students will receive full refunds for classes that are cancelled due to low enrollment, instructor cancellation, or changed covid restrictions. |
2024 SPRING CLASSES & PROGRAMS
To register email ccarts@ coppercountryarts.com or call 906-482-2333.
Watch for additional classes or request a group class for you and your friends!
To register email ccarts@ coppercountryarts.com or call 906-482-2333.
Watch for additional classes or request a group class for you and your friends!
Demonstration with Rob Viele of Silver Thumb Jewelry
Friday, February 9 @ Noon Meet the Artist Rob Viele and learn about how he makes his exquisite polished gemstone jewelry in sterling silver settings. Rob will bring jewelry components in various stages of completion and talk about his process. Refreshments will be served. Free program. |
“Outokumpu: Finland’s Calumet” Artist Talk
Wednesday, February 21 @ 6pm Local book artist Daniel Schneider spent September and October of last year as an artist and researcher in residence at the Vanha Kaivos (Old Mine) in Outokumpu, Finland. For much of the 20th century, Outokumpu was the center of copper mining in Finland. Schneider will talk about parallels between Finland’s historic copper mines and the mining heritage here in Michigan’s Copper Country, as well as talk about ways he uses industrial archaeology of mining in his book arts practice. Free program. |
Successfully View and Photograph the Aurora Using Science, Data, and Forecasting with Thomas Oliver
Monthly classes on Saturdays: February 17, March 9, April 20 or May 11 from 2-3:30pm Learn how to be prepared for the next aurora display by using space weather data and modern technology so you can experience the awe of one of the most amazing natural light shows and take amazing northern lights pictures. Students will learn how to read and interpret real time space weather data, identify good locations to view the aurora in the Keweenaw, be aware of safety considerations, follow good aurora viewing etiquette, and be able to tell the difference between the aurora and other phenomena that people often mistake for the aurora. *All sessions are the same. Class repeats once per month, indicate which session you are signing up for when registering Class fee: $20 CCCAC members; $25 non-members Materials: Students must bring personal cell phone and are welcome to bring a camera (DSLR or mirrorless) but a camera is not needed for class. Deadline to register: One week before each Saturday session. |
Qigong with Mary Ann Geda
Every Wednesday in the CCCAC Ballroom Advanced Qigong: Noon-1pm; Beginning Qigong 1:15-2:15pm Drop in class with Mary Ann Geda in our upstairs ballroom at the Arts Center. Mary Ann has taught TaiChi and Qigong for over 40 years. She studied with Ben Lo and Carol Yamasaki. “Qigong is a system of coordinated body-posture and movement, breathing, and meditation…Qigong practice typically involves moving meditation, coordinating slow-flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing, and a calm meditative state of mind.” -wikipedia Class fee: $5 payable to the instructor, students should bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes. |
Printer's Devil Workday & Pied Type Print Day
Saturday, February 24 from 10am-2pm Join us at the Copper Country Community Arts Center letterpress studio for a day of printing history and 19th-century-style print shop work. In the morning, we'll clean and prep donated type, equipment, and printing materials to get them ready for use in the letterpress studio. In the afternoon, we'll print postcards on a table top platen press, and proof some cool old printer's (image blocks) on the Vandercook No. 4 proofing press. This volunteer workday is a good, hands-on opportunity to experience letterpress printing! No fee: This is a volunteer workday and not a class. Participants will help with some “printer’s devil” tasks then we will break for lunch. After lunch there will be a printing demo of pre-set type and images. Deadline to register: February 20 (FULL) |
Watercolor Winter Landscape I with Madhura Mehendale
Saturday, March 9 from 10am-1pm (3 hour class) Watercolor is perfect medium to create soft snowy winterscapes. Learn tips and tricks to create sparkling snow paintings. Students can choose one or both sessions. The theme for class remains the same, but in each class students will complete a different painting. Class fee: $55 CCCAC members; $60 non-members Deadline to register: March 5 |
Watercolor Winter Landscape II with Madhura Mehendale
Saturday, March 16 from 10am-1pm (3 hour class) Watercolor is perfect medium to create soft snowy winterscapes. Learn tips and tricks to create sparkling snow paintings. Students can choose one or both sessions. The theme for class remains the same, but in each class students will complete a different painting. Class fee: $55 CCCAC members; $60 non-members Deadline to register: March 12 |
Spring-themed Sketches with Pen and Watercolor: Session I with Madhura Mehendale
Wednesday, March 20 from 5-7 pm (2 hour class) Spring themed sketches using pens and loose watercolor washes. Students can choose one or both sessions . The theme for class remains the same, but in each class students will complete a different painting. Class is geared for adults and youth 13 & up. Class fee: $40 CCCAC members; $50 non-members Deadline to register: March 13 |
Spring-themed Sketches with Pen and Watercolor: Session II with Madhura Mehendale
Wednesday, March 27 from 5-7 pm (2 hour class) Spring themed sketches using pens and loose watercolor washes. Students can choose one or both sessions. The theme for class remains the same, but in each class students will complete a different painting. Class is geared for adults and youth 13 & up. Class fee: $40 CCCAC members; $50 non-members Deadline to register: March 21 |
Practicing the Exercises in Betty Edward’s Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, Part I
with Linda Lohmann and Kim Cook Wednesdays April 3, 10, 17, May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 6-8pm (8-week class, No class April 24) Join artists and educators Linda Lohmann and Kim Cook for a class designed to improve drawing skills with exercises designed by the author of the book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. These exercises introduce tools for drawing with the goal of nurturing student’s confidence and enjoyment in the drawing process. All skill levels are welcome. Geared for adults and high school students. Materials are included but students are welcome to bring their favorite drawing supplies. Students should purchase their own copy of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards, Second Edition Workbook prior to the start of class. The book itself is optional for their own enrichment. REDUCED Class fee: $150 members, $160 non-members! (previously $210 CCCAC Members, $220 non-members) Deadline to register: March 27 |
Introduction to Letterpress Printing with Daniel Schneider
April 5, 6, 12, & 13 (Fridays 6-9pm & Saturdays 9am-noon, Four sessions total) This class will introduce students to the basic skills involved in letterpress printing using hand-set lead and wood type. Students will set type, compose printing forms, and print using hand-operated tabletop platen presses. The class emphasizes technical competency but will also explore the history of letterpress printing, which goes back to the fifteenth century, and the craft’s place within contemporary books arts. Students in this class can take a test to become certified to use the Arts Center’s letterpress studio, where they can work on independent printing projects during regular open studio hours. Class fee: $175 members; $185 non-members Deadline to register: March 29 |
Beginner/Intermediate Watercolor Class: Session I with Madhura Mehendale
Saturday, April 6 from 10am-12:30pm (2.5 hour class) Students will paint beautiful flowers and birds in this series of classes to welcome spring. Students can choose one, two, or three sessions. The theme for class remains the same, but in each class students will complete a different painting. Class fee: $50 per class CCCAC members; $60 non-members Deadline to register: March 30 |
Food Illustration in Watercolors: Session I with Madhura Mehendale
Tuesday, April 9 from 5-7pm (2 hour class) Explore the wonderful world of food illustration. Have fun painting luscious desserts and treats using watercolors. Students can choose one or both sessions. The theme for class remains the same, but in each class students will complete a different painting. Class is geared for adults and youth 13 & up. Class fee: $40 CCCAC members; $50 non-members Deadline to register: April 2 |
Crafting Your Fictional World for Storytellers with Stephanie Flint
Friday, April 12 from 1-3pm Stephanie will have a presentation on world-building, with a special emphasis on fantasy and science fiction worlds as it relates to writing fiction. These will include topics such as geology, climate, culture, and resources, as well as potential pitfalls to avoid. She will also include short writing activities for participants to help them develop and brainstorm their own story world. Ages 14 & up. No fee. Deadline to register: April 6 |
Beginner/Intermediate Watercolor Class: Session II with Madhura Mehendale
Saturday, April 13 from 10am-12:30pm (2.5 hour class) Students will paint beautiful flowers and birds in this series of classes to welcome spring. Students can choose one, two, or three sessions. The theme for class remains the same, but in each class students will complete a different painting. Class fee: $50 CCCAC members; $60 non-members Deadline to register: April 9 |
Food Illustration in Watercolors: Session II with Madhura Mehendale
Tuesday, April 16 from 5-7pm (2 hour class) Explore the wonderful world of food illustration. Have fun painting luscious desserts and treats using watercolors. Students can choose one or both sessions. The theme for class remains the same, but in each class students will complete a different painting. Class is geared for adults and youth 13 & up. Class fee: $40 CCCAC members; $50 non-members Deadline to register: April 10 |
Beginner/Intermediate Watercolor Class: Session III with Madhura Mehendale
Saturday, April 20 from 10am-12:30pm (The 20th date is rescheduled to April 27th) NEW DATE: Saturday, April 27th from 2-4:30pm Students will paint beautiful flowers and birds in this series of classes to welcome spring. Students can choose one, two, or three sessions. The theme for class remains the same, but in each class students will complete a different painting. Class fee: $50 per class CCCAC members; $60 non-members Deadline to register: April 23 |
“So You like Mud”-Intermediate Clay Class with Tammy Gajewski
Saturdays, April 20 & 27 from 11am-3pm In this class students will continue to learn tricks of throwing on the wheel, learn mud stacking with thrown and hand built forms, learn how to trim, learn how to plan projects, and experiment with optional woven handles and buttons. We are going to make three complete projects in two sessions: Project 1: Animal planter, Project 2: Chimes, and Project 3: Teapot. Pieces will be bisque fired when dry. Optional hand painting bisque pieces or glaze firing available after class completes. Bring a lunch and wear your play clothes! Class includes 10lbs of clay and 6 hours of studio time outside of class. Studio hours are to be used during Arts Center open hours and before the last class on the 27th. Class fee: $155 CCCAC members; $165 non-members Deadline to register: April 13 |
Letter Writing Social with Cynthia Cote
Saturday, April 27 from 11am-1pm Get inspired – surprise a pal with a hand written letter! Decorative papers will be available to give your letter a special look. Make a fancy envelope - templates and glue sticks available. Bring some paper and your favorite pen. No fee. Postage stamps will be available for purchase. |
Clay Class: Introduction to Handbuilding with Linda Lohmann
Saturdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25, and June 1 from Noon-2pm Are you looking for a way to get into clay? Handbuilding is the perfect introduction! In this class, instructor Linda Lohmann will teach students the very basics of clay preparation for projects such as handbuilt mugs, bowls, and wall hangings. Class meets five times, the first three sessions are dedicated to projects, the fourth session students will glaze their bisque fired pieces, and the final session on June 1st students will pick up their projects and review their pieces as a group. Class is geared for adults and open to teens ages 16 and up. Class includes 10 open studio hours to be used by the last working class on May 25th, 5 pounds of clay, glazes, and firings. Additional clay may be purchased.This class is geared for beginners and qualifies students to join the CCCAC clay co-op. Deadline to register: April 27 Class fee: $185 members; $195 non-members |
Want to schedule a class for you and your friends? Depending on instructor availability, we can schedule adult classes in letterpress printing, printmaking, watercolor, and more! Just ask us! Minimum four students; maximum amount of students depends on the class. Email bonnie@coppercountryarts.com to inquire.
STUDIOS
The CCCAC is also home to a black & white photography darkroom, clay studio & clay co-op, and letterpress studio. Individuals that are interested in utilizing any of the spaces must be current 2023 CCCAC members, have previous experience, taken a class, and/or pass a certification test.
STUDIOS
The CCCAC is also home to a black & white photography darkroom, clay studio & clay co-op, and letterpress studio. Individuals that are interested in utilizing any of the spaces must be current 2023 CCCAC members, have previous experience, taken a class, and/or pass a certification test.
Clay Co-Op
Love clay and need a space to work on your upcoming projects? Join our Clay Co-Op! Visit our Clay Studio Page for more information! The fee to join is $45 for each 15 hour punch card and $1.50 per pound of clay. The fee includes existing glazes, tools, firings, and studio usage. Previous experience with clay and becoming an annual Arts Center member is required before joining the Co-Op. Arts Center membership starts at $25 for students/seniors/artists and $50 for individuals.
Beginning Monday February 6, Clay Co-Op starts their rotating "Late Night in the Clay Studio" events for 2024.
Late Nights February & March - Mondays (starts Feb 6) from 5-7pm
Late Nights April, May & June - Tuesdays (starts April 2) from 5-7pm
Late Nights July, August & September - Wednesdays (starts July 3 or 10) from 5-7pm
Contact ccarts@coppercountryarts.com or volunteer clay co-op manger Tammy Gajewski at tojgajewski@gmail.com about how to join.
Love clay and need a space to work on your upcoming projects? Join our Clay Co-Op! Visit our Clay Studio Page for more information! The fee to join is $45 for each 15 hour punch card and $1.50 per pound of clay. The fee includes existing glazes, tools, firings, and studio usage. Previous experience with clay and becoming an annual Arts Center member is required before joining the Co-Op. Arts Center membership starts at $25 for students/seniors/artists and $50 for individuals.
Beginning Monday February 6, Clay Co-Op starts their rotating "Late Night in the Clay Studio" events for 2024.
Late Nights February & March - Mondays (starts Feb 6) from 5-7pm
Late Nights April, May & June - Tuesdays (starts April 2) from 5-7pm
Late Nights July, August & September - Wednesdays (starts July 3 or 10) from 5-7pm
Contact ccarts@coppercountryarts.com or volunteer clay co-op manger Tammy Gajewski at tojgajewski@gmail.com about how to join.
Photography Darkroom
Update 2024: We do not have a volunteer darkroom manager to oversee the space. The darkroom is currently only available for limited use as project-based rental for experienced b/w film photographers. Experience requirements: you have developed your own film within the past 5 years, will purchase your own supplies and paper, and know how to properly use darkroom equipment without assistance.
The CCCAC darkroom is available to experienced photographers for black and white developing. Individuals must provide their own chemicals and supplies, know how to use the equipment, are expected to clean up after themselves, and follow CCCAC darkroom rules and procedures. The darkroom is run by volunteers and those interested in using the space will need an orientation from a current darkroom volunteer. Read more on our Darkroom page.
Letterpress Studio
Take a certification class to use the CCCAC Letterpress studio during open studio hours. Fee: $35 per 3 hours press time, you provide your own paper and contribute to the ink supply. Payment required before a project begins. See more on our Letterpress Studio page.
Update 2024: We do not have a volunteer darkroom manager to oversee the space. The darkroom is currently only available for limited use as project-based rental for experienced b/w film photographers. Experience requirements: you have developed your own film within the past 5 years, will purchase your own supplies and paper, and know how to properly use darkroom equipment without assistance.
The CCCAC darkroom is available to experienced photographers for black and white developing. Individuals must provide their own chemicals and supplies, know how to use the equipment, are expected to clean up after themselves, and follow CCCAC darkroom rules and procedures. The darkroom is run by volunteers and those interested in using the space will need an orientation from a current darkroom volunteer. Read more on our Darkroom page.
Letterpress Studio
Take a certification class to use the CCCAC Letterpress studio during open studio hours. Fee: $35 per 3 hours press time, you provide your own paper and contribute to the ink supply. Payment required before a project begins. See more on our Letterpress Studio page.
ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTORS
TOM BLESSING is a local poet that lives and writes in Calumet, Michigan.
KIM COOK is a Hancock resident, proud parent of two rescue pups, and a lifelong student of art. Her mediums include photography, pottery, fiber, printmaking, and mixed media. Kim is the former owner of Grace Art Gallery in Atwood Michigan. She has worked with over 50 local artists to promote and develop their work. As a former Librarian Kim ran monthly arts classes for children.
CYNTHIA COTÉ is the founding director of the CCCAC. She balances her work as a studio artist and an arts administrator. Her art is a mix of drawing, collage and re-assembled books as well as fiber art and beadwork.
STEPHANIE FLINT graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in photography and a minor in creative writing. She merged the two interests into book cover design and photographic illustration, but she particularly enjoys writing speculative fiction. She’s currently writing The Wishing Blade, a fantasy series, and she co-authored Distant Horizon and Glitch, a YA science fiction series.
TERRI FREW is a Canadian artist and educator based in the Keweenaw. Frequent themes found in her work include nature, animals, and the occult. Terri holds a Master’s of Fine Art degree from Concordia University, Montréal Canada.
PAIGE LEWANDOWSKI is an intermedia artist and a certified K-12 art teacher with a BFA and two years of teaching experience. She is working to obtain an MA in education.
LINDSEY HEIDEN recently moved back to the U.P. with her family from Fayetteville, Arkansas. Her work is sculptural and for the past couple of years, she has worked in a miniature scale. Through her work, she tells stories with a cast of modified animal characters that show up through a variety of narratives and forms.
EMILY LANCTOT lives and works in Marquette. She is the Director and Curator of Northern Michigan University’s DeVos Art Museum and a Contingent Assistant Professor at NMU’s School of Art and Design.
LINDA LOHMANN has been an art teacher since 1981 after receiving her BFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and her teaching certification from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has taught workshops on 0-3 art to preschool teachers and ceramics workshops to Chicago area H.S. art teachers. Linda recently retired from L’Anse Area Schools where she was the K-12 art teacher for 10 years.
BONNIE LOUKUS is an interdisciplinary artist and Assistant Director of the CCCAC. Her media mainly includes oil painting, printmaking, and letterpress printing. She was awarded a three-month artist’s residency at the TYPA Center for Paper and Printmaking in Tartu, Estonia in 2019.
MADHURA MEHENDALE is an artist who focuses on watercolor and acrylic painting.
KAY OLIVER loves teaching and clay. She hopes to share this excitement with students who are interested in exploring their design ideas in a malleable medium.
THOMAS OLIVER has been a photographer for 20 years, focusing on wildlife, the outdoors, and nightscapes– he has been photographing the northern lights in the Keweenaw for the past 3 years. Tom is an educator and wildlife biologist who helps others understand and appreciate the natural world, especially regarding the Upper Peninsula. Tom is currently the Director of MTU’s Center for Science and Environmental Outreach.
MADELINE PINTAR is a certified psychosynthesis life coach certified through the Psychospiritual Institute in Florida.
DANIEL SCHNEIDER is a book artist and industrial archaeologist. He has taught numerous classes and workshops in letterpress printing and zine making at the Copper Country Community Arts Center. He completed a book arts apprenticeship at Deep Wood Press outside Mancelona, Michigan. He has been awarded two international artist residences, a three-month artist’s residency at the TYPA Center for Paper and Printmaking in Tartu, Estonia in 2019 and a two-month residency at Vanha Kaivos in Outokumpu, Finland in 2023.
TAMMY TOJ GAJEWSKI has been drawing, painting, and doing clay since 1970. She graduated from UW-River Falls with a BFA in 1988, and earned her MPA in 2007 from Northern Michigan University. She has volunteered at CCCAC for over 15 years running the clay co-op. She has a great sense of humor and believes anyone can be creative.
CHRISTA WALCK is a happily retired art enthusiast and art tourist. She taught for 30 years at Michigan Tech and became a snowbird when she retired to Philadelphia where she can walk to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation or hop a train to New York City.