Mad Art Inc.


Winter/Spring 2011 Schedule
January 4, 2011, 8:59 pm
Filed under: Member News, Workshop & Classes

Winter/Spring 2011 Schedule

Registration Form

Jan. 31 – Stencil Art

Feb. 5, 12 – Illuminated Initials

Feb. 15 – Online Publishing for the Arts

March 2, 9, 23, 30 –  Figure Study—Drawing the Nude

March 5 – Wet Felted Handbag

March 22, 29; April 5 – Clay Work “Boxes”

April 2 – Introduction to Airbrush Painting

April 4 – Thai Cuisine

June TBA – Plein Air Classes

Stencil Art

Monday, January 31, 7—9 pm

Instructor:  Lori Wilson

Location: Hamilton Public Library, Community Room

$20 member; $25 non-member

This workshop will take you through the steps of cutting a stencil through the execution of the stencil.  You may use either a design you like or one you have created yourself.  Learn about paints and application techniques used for different effects on hard surfaces and on fabric.  Golden Paints will provide the paints and tools.  Please bring a piece of fabric or an article of clothing on which to stencil.  This workshop will be a lot of fun!

Lori Wilson, CSA, is one of the first two artisans certified at the San Francisco SALI convention.  She has taught a four SALI conventions and is the current IDAL Philanthropic Chair.  Lori is the Application Specialist at Golden Artist Colors, Inc.  She tests and helps develop products for both decorative and fine art markets, provides technical assistance to artists, and conducts workshops for practitioners in both fields.  Lori earned her BA degree in fine art and art history at Hartwick College and her MA in art history focusing on glass from the Victoria University of Manchester, England.  She spent over three years training in Europe.

Illuminated Initials

Saturday, February 5 & 12, 9 am – noon

Instructor:  Bev Choltco-Devlin

Location:  Hamilton Public Library, Community Room

$20 members; $25 non-members

In this two-part workshop, participants will create their own illuminated (decorated) initial letter inspired by such works as The Book of Kells, the Lindisfarne Gospel, the Books of Days and those of William Blake.  You can model your letter after the traditional forms and styles used by illuminators over the millennia or create your own expressive initial with motifs and symbols from your own life.  Fundamentals of letterform construction will be covered as a starting point.  All basic paper and supplies will be supplied but an optional materials list will be provided to registered participants.  No prior lettering, drawing or calligraphic experience is needed.  This workshop in intended for teens and adults.

Beverly Choltco-Devlin studied art and printmaking at the Academy of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the De-

Young Museum and the Munson-Williams Proctor Institute.  Her professional work in calligraphy has included clients in San Francisco (The Executive Forum and several other corporate businesses), Colgate University, and a variety of commissioned works.  Bev works as the reference and electronic resources specialist for the Mid-York Library System.

Online Self-Publishing for the Arts

Tuesday, February 15, 6:30 – 8 pm

Instructor:  Rich Grant

Location:  Case Library, Colgate University

$15 member; $20 non-member

This workshop is designed for photographers, artists, and authors who wish to self-publish their work using an online publishing service such as Blurb.  Rich will discuss how to prepare artwork and photos for publication and demonstrate the process of laying out a book to submit it for publication.

Rich Grant is the Associate Director of Technology Planning at Colgate University and has extensive experience in all aspects of digital imaging technology.  In addition to his technical background in digital imaging, Grant is an accomplished fine art photographer and operates Digital Media and Art from his home studio in Hamilton, NY.

Figure Study – Drawing the Nude

Wednesday, March 2, 9, 23, 30, 6-9 pm

Location:  Picker Art Gallery, Dana Arts Bldg., Colgate U.

$12 member; $15 non-member (per session)

Each week will begin with a short talk from a contemporary artist about their approach to the human figure.  Adults of all skill levels are encouraged to learn from the artist and the nude model, Jackie Odell, how to capture the nude figure in their drawings.  The Picker Art Gallery, surrounded by art, is the perfect setting from which to draw inspiration.  Materials needed are drawing paper, graphite pencil, conte crayon or other dry media appropriate for drawing in the gallery.  Easels will be provided. 

Sign up for any or all sessions.

Wet Felted Handbag

Saturday, March 5, 10 am – 4 pm

Instructor:  Susanne Farrington

Location:  First Baptist Church, Hamilton

$30 members; $35 non-members

Class limited to 6.

Create fabric by entangling hairs from sheep or other animals; just add warm soapy water, friction, and enough time for the project to gradually coalesce.  Each participant will make a felt bag of colorful carded fleeces, resulting in a unique creation.  All materials provided.  Participants are asked to bring a thick bath towel, small scissors, an apron and a lunch or snacks.  Wear comfortable shoes for standing.  For more information call Susanne at 315-824-1106.

Susanne Farrington took a felting workshop with Jakobine Cordes in 2004 and has been felting in cold weather (her off-season for pottery) ever since.  She likes that felting is practical, employs simple tools and work space.  Fleece can be obtained locally at no cost if one is willing to prepare it by cleaning and teasing it.  Farrington makes felt hats, bags, and vests to sell, along with her pottery, at the Hamilton Farmers Market.

Clay Work “Boxes”

Tuesday, March 22, 29 & April 5, 6-9 pm

Presenter:  Cate Valk

Location:  Clay Play Studio, Bouckville

$45 member; $50 non-member

Using the slab method of working with clay, Cate’s workshop will focus on creating boxes, trays and cylinders.  Various glazes will be available with which to experiement and express one’s self.  All materials and firings are included.  Intended for both the beginner and the person who wants to further their skills.

Cate Valk graduated from The High School of Fashion Industries and attended Brooklyn College majoring in art.  She began working with clay in 1996, taking classes at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute and attending numerous workshops.  Cate’s work has been exhibited at MAD Art Community Art Space, Hamilton Music Mix Festival, Hamilton Farmers’ Market, Skaneateles Craft Show, Cazenovia Craft Show, and many galleries in central New York.  She teaches in her home studio, Clay Play Studio.

Introduction to Airbrush Painting

Saturday, April 2, 10 am—1 pm

Instructor:  Mike Townsend

Location:  Charlton Hall, Room 205, Morrisville College

$30 member;  $35 non-member

Whether you are a novice or have some painting experience, this class will be fun and creative!  The class starts by learning control of the airbrush by doing linework, letting, and shading.  You can choose to do a stencil or just “go at it” in a freer manner—abstract or representational.  Every level of student will be able to create wearable art!  Golden Paints will provide all materials.  You supply the T-shirt.

Mike Townsend is an artist/technician with Golden Paints in New Berlin, NY.  As support technician, he is instrumental in working with artists to answer questions about paints and their uses for varying projects.  He is the airbrush expert there.  His work in product feedback with the airbrush led to the creation of the testing methods used for developing the Golden line of paint created for airbrush use.  Mike wrote the tech support information for those products.

Thai Cuisine

Monday, April 4, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Instructor:  Leslie Yacavone

Location:   Park United Methodist Church, Hamilton                                                     

$30 members; $35 non-members

Do you love Thai food but are afraid to try it at home?  Leslie will demystify this exotic cuisine and give you the confidence to create meals for you and your family.  Learn three dishes and what spices are necessary to serve this cuisine at home. 

Leslie Yacavone comes from a family of renowned professional chefs and restaurateurs and has a life-long passion for cooking.  Four years ago, as owner of The Peppermill, a kitchenware store in Hamilton, NY, Leslie began offering cooking classes to her clientele.  Since then, the classes have grown in popularity, offering instruction in French, Thai, Indian, Chinese cuisines and more!  Leslie also caters and does special events for the community and Colgate University.

Plein Air Painting

Tuesdays, 10 am—noon starting in June

Specific dates to be announced

Instructor:  Joyce Halliday Smith

Locations:  TBA

$20 member; $22 non-member (per session)

Join one or all sessions!  Materials list with registration.

Plein air refers to the type of painting done “in the open air”.  With easel and paints, an appealing location and subject matter, the artist works quickly to capture the scene.  Although Smith’s medium is oils, students may work in the medium of their choice.  All skill levels are welcome and no previous experience is necessary.

Joyce Halliday Smith completed her undergraduate work in fine art at Skidmore College and received her Masters of Fine Art degree from Syracuse University.  After being a successful graphic designer and illustrator for many years, she switched careers to her first passion, painting.  Her work has been in numerous juried exhibitions and has won awards in Rhode Island, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  She has taught at Syracuse University and Stockton College and enjoys teaching art to both adults and children.

Registration Form



Stencil Art
January 4, 2011, 8:48 pm
Filed under: Member News, Workshop & Classes

Stencil Art

Monday, January 31, 7—9 pm

Instructor:  Lori Wilson

Location: Hamilton Public Library, Community Room

$20 member; $25 non-member

This workshop will take you through the steps of cutting a stencil through the execution of the stencil.  You may use either a design you like or one you have created yourself.  Learn about paints and application techniques used for different effects on hard surfaces and on fabric.  Golden Paints will provide the paints and tools.  Please bring a piece of fabric or an article of clothing on which to stencil.  This workshop will be a lot of fun. 

Lori Wilson, CSA, is one of the first two artisans certified at the San Francisco SALI convention.  She has taught a four SALI conventions and is the current IDAL Philanthropic Chair.  Lori is the Application Specialist at Golden Artist Colors, Inc.  She tests and helps develop products for both decorative and fine art markets, provides technical assistance to artists, and conducts workshops for practitioners in both fields.  Lori earned her BA degree in fine art and art history at Hartwick College and her MA in art history focusing on glass from the Victoria University of Manchester, England.  She spent over three years training in Europe.



Illuminated Initials
January 4, 2011, 8:47 pm
Filed under: Member News, Workshop & Classes

Illuminated Initials

Saturday, February 5 & 12, 9 am – noon

Instructor:  Bev Choltco-Devlin

Location:  Hamilton Public Library, Community Room

$20 members; $25 non-members

In this two-part workshop, participants will create their own illuminated (decorated) initial letter inspired by such works as The Book of Kells, the Lindisfarne Gospel, the Books of Days and those of William Blake.  You can model your letter after the traditional forms and styles used by illuminators over the millennia or create your own expressive initial with motifs and symbols from your own life.  Fundamentals of letterform construction will be covered as a starting point.  All basic paper and supplies will be supplied but an optional materials list will be provided to registered participants.  No prior lettering, drawing or calligraphic experience is needed.  This workshop in intended for teens and adults.

Beverly Choltco-Devlin studied art and printmaking at the Academy of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the De-

Young Museum and the Munson-Williams Proctor Institute.  Her professional work in calligraphy has included clients in San Francisco (The Executive Forum and several other corporate businesses), Colgate University, and a variety of commissioned works.  Bev works as the reference and electronic resources specialist for the Mid-York Library System.



Online Self-Publishing for the Arts
January 4, 2011, 8:45 pm
Filed under: Member News, Workshop & Classes

Online Self-Publishing for the Arts

Tuesday, February 15, 6:30 – 8 pm

Instructor:  Rich Grant

Location:  Case Library, Colgate University

$15 member; $20 non-member

This workshop is designed for photographers, artists, and authors who wish to self-publish their work using an online publishing service such as Blurb.  Rich will discuss how to prepare artwork and photos for publication and demonstrate the process of laying out a book to submit it for publication.

Rich Grant is the Associate Director of Technology Planning at Colgate University and has extensive experience in all aspects of digital imaging technology.  In addition to his technical background in digital imaging, Grant is an accomplished fine art photographer and operates Digital Media and Art from his home studio in Hamilton, NY.



Figure Study – Drawing the Nude
January 4, 2011, 8:44 pm
Filed under: Member News, Workshop & Classes

Figure Study – Drawing the Nude

Wednesday, March 2, 9, 23, 30, 6-9 pm

Location:  Picker Art Gallery, Dana Arts Bldg., Colgate U.

$12 member; $15 non-member (per session)

Each week will begin with a short talk from a contemporary artist about their approach to the human figure.  Adults of all skill levels are encouraged to learn from the artist and the nude model, Jackie Odell, how to capture the nude figure in their drawings.  The Picker Art Gallery, surrounded by art, is the perfect setting from which to draw inspiration.  Materials needed are drawing paper, graphite pencil, conte crayon or other dry media appropriate for drawing in the gallery.  Easels will be provided. 

Sign up for any or all sessions.