Ox-Bow Summer School of Art and Artists Residency

Objects as Surrogates with Michael Pfleghaar
June 7-10, 10am - 12:30 pm
$130

Explore symbolism in every day objects through painting from still life sets in this four-day workshop. Each day will offer new discussions on how objects can represent the figure, gender, emotion, and other themes while interpreting those ideas into paintings. Experimenting with scale and picture formats will also be part of the workshop. Designed for acrylic or oil painters, but open to drawing mediums and watercolors. A suggested supply list will be provided before the class begins.

Camera Obscura: Exploring the Performance of Photography with Nick Stockton
June 14-17, 10am - 12:30 pm
$130

The camera obscura (Latin for "dark room"; "darkened chamber") is an optical device that projects an image of its surroundings. The device consists of a box or room with a hole in one side. Light from an external scene passes through the hole and strikes a surface inside where it is reproduced, upside-down, but with color and perspective preserved.

This class will investigate the ideas of photography and seeing through the use of camera obscuras that are large enough to wear and be inside. We will discuss and explore the conceptual ideas of capturing photographic images and of actually seeing the light inside the camera, as well as the performance aspects of wearing a camera obscura. Students will learn how to construct the cameras as well as engage in critical discourse about the subject matter.

Glass Beadmaking with Jessica Bohus
June 28-July 1, 10am - 12:30 pm
$170

Using flame working techniques, learn the basics of making, shaping, and decorating unique glass beads. Explore techniques in-depth through demonstration, hands-on classroom time, and personalized instruction. Beginning students will focus on forming round beads, as well as pulling stringers and decorative cane. Advanced students can focus on intricate surface techniques and creating jewelry and sculpture that incorporates beadwork. Materials included.

Glazing with Watercolor with David Baker
July 12-15, 10am - 12:30 pm
$130

Create luminous effects with transparent watercolors. Learn a layering system that capitalizes on the unique properties of the various watercolor pigments. This method enhances the luminosity of ordinary watercolors to give your paintings a sense of radiant light.

Comics and Cartooning with Jeremy Tinder
July 19-22, 10am - 12:30 pm
$130

Learn the process behind making comic books and make your own in the process. In this course you will read comics by contemporary, cutting edge artists, as well as write and draw your own comics. You will make autobiographical and fictional comics while exploring writing approaches and drawing techniques. Pulling inspiration from your own life, as well as the scenery of the Ox-Bow campus, you will, over the course of four days, create your own self-published book.

Portrait of Ox-Bow: A Walking Lecture with Judy Anthrop
July 29, 1 - 5 pm
$35, includes lunch

Enjoy a walking history tour of Ox-Bow with Judy Bowman Anthrop, local preservationist, artist, long time Ox-Bow student and author of A Portrait of Ox-Bow. Learn about Ox-Bow based on the history of the buildings, the place, the people and their art. Ox-Bow's rustic old buildings (1873-1920s), as well as the new structures, represent the evolution of the school.

Meander into Tallmadge Woods and experience a walk on the path of the founders. You will hear who built the original 9 cottages and the Clute Studio, mostly in the 1920s. You will be introduced to the stories that make up 100 years at Ox-Bow. Explore the landscape, the folklore and visualize and feel the traditions.

"Reckless Encounters" with Jack Ridl
August 2-5, 10am - 12:30 pm
$130

Poet William Stafford called poetry writing "a reckless encounter with whatever comes along." In this class that's what we'll do, recklessly encounter whatever comes your way and see what happens when you transform that encounter through poetry. We'll let the world of Ox Bow merge with your own world and follow the leads of language into discovery. I'll offer some suggestions as to how the artistic elements of a poem can deepen that discovery all the more. Nothing imposed. Everything offered for your explorations. We'll write some, talk some about what we've come up with, welcome what we bring to each other. Poet Naomi Shihab Nye says that she wants to be "a friend to every poem." Let's think together about what all that might mean. And let's make the time recklessly rich for one and all.

Beginning Dyeing and More with Rita Petteys
August 9-12, 10am - 12:30 pm
$170 *price includes fabric, dyes, and a reference booklet

Learn how to dye a variety of fibers, yarn, and fabrics, with an emphasis on fun and experimentation. This class will start by focusing on dyeing fundamentals - safety, measuring, mixing, technique, dye, fiber - and evolve through the week with time to experiment with different types of dyeing (immersion, painting, shibori techniques) on a variety of materials - silk scarves, yarn, and bamboo or cotton fabrics. An emphasis will be placed on having fun and trying new things. Students will leave the class with an understanding of dyeing, color mixing, fiber and fabric choices, and hands-on exposure to techniques to put color on fiber, yarn, or cloth. No previous experience with dyeing is necessary. Must love color. Wear old clothes.

Painting in the Landscape with James Brandess
Tuesdays: July 20, July 27, August 3, and August 10; 6:30 - 8:30 pm
$170 for 4 weeks, $50 per session

This is a series of 4 multi-level oil painting classes. Students are encouraged to work from the Ox-bow landscape. Each week there will be demonstration, one on one instruction, and a brief discussion of a well-known artist's work. The emphasis of the class will be on the painting of our accurate observations. The classes can be taken individually or in series.