Arts & Culture Outreach Class & Workshop Descriptions

Classes for Homeschoolers & Other Groups: ACO will work with families to design art and music classes for your group. We need 6 children of similar ages for a class. Call and let us know your needs, Jennifer at 346-2740 or Kim at 346-2426.

Instructor Backgrounds


Art and Antique Connoisseurship - Knowing the Best from the Rest

Embark on a five-week exploration into the world of Fine and Decorative arts and antiques utilizing a hands-on approach to identification, value and desirability with an emphasis on web resources.

Like the “Antiques Roadshow,” we’ll view and discuss sample items. You are encouraged to bring items for discussion. The class focus will be identification, evaluation and subsequently where the items fit in the categories of “good, better, best."

Class topics include:
-Criteria used to evaluate items
-Overview of the marketplace, local to international
-Antique furniture-Decorative Arts.
-American and European Fine Art including art on paper
-Research on the internet-Opportunities to critique arts and antiques

Suggested book: Miller’s Antiques Encyclopedia

Instructor: Ken Self
Dates: Wednesdays, September 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28
Times: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Fee: $49
Registration Deadline:   Please register by September 24th or call for availability
Register Online:  Register Online Now for this course!

Brain Gym® 101

Brain Gym® is an educational program which uses simple movements to enhance learning abilities in children and adults. This program is developed by Paul Dennison, PhD, an expert in child motor development. It is based on 80 years of research by educational therapists, developmental optometrists, and other developmental specialists.

Brain Gym® consists of simple movements that children do naturally during their first three years of life to accomplish important developmental steps for coordination of eyes, ears, hands, and the whole body. Through years of clinical experience, field studies, and in published research reports, Brain Gym® movements have been shown clinically to prepare children with the physical skills they need in order to learn to read, write, and otherwise function effectively in the classroom.

University credit is also available for this class at an additional cost.

Instructor: Pamela Luedtke
Dates: Fridays, January 8 & 15 and Saturdays, January 9 & 16, 2010
Times: 5:00 - 9:00 pm on Fridays and 9:00 am - 5:00 pm on Saturdays
Fee: $389 (includes books and materials)
Registration Deadline:   Please register by January 4th, 2010, or call for availability.
Register Online:  Register Online Now for this course!

What People Are Saying About Brain Gym® 101:

Brain Gym is an excellent course for increased self-awareness, goal setting, affirmation, and celebration!!

Cheryl S. Past Brain Gym® Attendee

Conversational French

This class will include conversational basics needed for traveling in France and other French-speaking countries. Learn correct pronunciations, how to ask directions, order from a menu, book lodgings, buy train tickets, and other basic skills for tourists and business travelers. Learn to communicate confidently! Cultural differences and specific “do’s and don’ts” will also be covered.

Instructor: Sarah Blumenstein
Dates: Tuesdays, October 6 - November 24
Times: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Ages: 15 - Adult
Fee: $79
Registration Deadline:  Please register by October 1st or call for availability.
Register Online:  Register Online Now for this course!  

Dance Series for Couples

Dance like the stars! Dancing is great exercise, a wonderful way to relax, and spend quality time with a partner. Plus, learn moves to impress your friends and family.

Is the man in your life leery of dancing? We often have mother-daughter and sister pairings, so come join the fun!

Instructor, Lenore Haferman, has taught dance for over 20 years. Her mother had a dance band and always attended the dances. Later she earned a degree in dance. Lenore uses humor to help her students learn to enjoy dancing.

Course 1: Latin (rumba, salsa, tango)

Dates: September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8

Course 2: Ballroom (waltz, foxtrot, two-step)

Dates: October 15, 22, 29, November 12, 19 (No class on November 5th)

Instructor: Lenore Haferman
Times: 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Ages: 16 - Adults
Fee: $60/couple per course
Registration Deadline:  Please register at least one week prior to the start of each series.
Register Online:  Call for availablity.

Digital Photography for Beginners

Class topics include choosing a digital camera, getting to know your camera, taking better pictures, and optimizing digital functions.

Instructor: Chip Manthey
Dates: Mondays, September 28 - November 2
Times: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Ages: 13 - Adults
Fee: $89
Registration Deadline:  Please register by September 23rd or call for availability.
Register Online:  Register Online Now for this course!  

Digital Photography: Landscape

Improve your skills while photographing the beautiful fall colors and abundant wildlife in UWSP's Schmeeckle Reserve.

Instructor: Chip Manthey
Date: Saturday, October 3
Times: 9:00 - 11:30 am
Ages: 13 - Adults
Fee: $30
Registration Deadline:  Please register by September 29 or call for availability.
Register Online:  Register Online Now for this course! 

Digital Photography: Sports

Learn the mechanics of photographing sports, focusing on football. Challenge your abilities while photographing the action at a UWSP home game. You will learn mechanics, how lighting affects sports photography, composition, and much more.

Instructor: Chip Manthey
Date: Saturday, October 3
Times: 12:30 - 3:00 pm
Ages: 13 - Adults
Fee: $30
Registration Deadline:  Please register by September 29 or call for availability.
Register Online:  Register Online Now for this course! 

Emerging Writers' Workshop: Creative Writing

Explore the many genres of creative writing including poetry, short fiction, memoir and creative nonfiction in this series emphasizing the creative process. Children will compose stories and poems, using the world around and within them as inspiration. Teenagers will develop their craft through workshop, the study of literature and good old brainstorms. Personal attention available.

Group 1: Ages 8-11

Times: 5:45 - 6:45 pm

Group 2: Ages 12-17

Times: 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Instructor: Erin Mueller
Dates: Mondays, September 21 - October 26
Fee: $59
Registration Deadline: Please register by September 16th or call for availability.
Register Online: Register Online Now for this course!
 

Exploring Watercolors

You’ll focus on composition, brush stokes and techniques to improve structure, form, and perspective in your painting. This class is designed for all experience levels.

Instructor: Tina Lepak
Dates: Tuesdays, October 6 - 27
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Fee: $69
Registration Deadline: Please register by September 29th or call for availability.
Register Online:  Register Online Now for this course!

Gourmet Cooking Series

Learn new recipes for unique foods that you will enjoy for years to come. Impress your friends and family with restaurant quality dishes from your own kitchen! All classes will be held at the Green Fountain Inn of Waupaca, home of the Secret Garden Café. Classes meet from 3:30 to 6:30 pm.

November 21st - Christmas Confections
Truffles, turtles, caramels, and more confectionary sweets will be demonstrated by a certified Pastry Chef. She will also display a charming technique to package the candies to impress your friends and family! Samples will be given out.

December 5th - Italian Bistro
Make homemade marinara and Alfredo sauces as well as delectable Italian appetizers.

Instructor: Cindy Oerter and Dawn Sarna from the Green Fountain Inn
Ages: Teens & Adults
Fee: $39 for each class
Registration Deadline: Please register at least one week before each class.
Register Online: Register Online Now for this course!

How to Play Music By Ear

Learn one of music's deepest mysteries: how to play songs without relying on music. A practical presentation of music theory that includes predicting chord progressions, how to "blend together" songs in different keys (modulations), learning from recordings and transposing - all expressed in everyday language. A hands-on class; each student will have a keyboard to play on.

This is the ideal follow-up to the Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People workshop (description below) and is open to anyone with a basic understanding of chords on any instrument.

Specific topics include: predicting chord progression, how chords and melody work together, how to transpose, universal key signature, and how to use the Circle of Fifths.

Instructor: Linda Medsker
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009
Time: 1:00 pm  - 4:30 pm
Fee: $79 or add "Instant Piano" and get both classes for $150
Registration Deadline:  Please register by November 1 or call for availability
Register Online:   Register Online Now for this course!


Illustration

Immerse yourself in a unique style of drawing during this five-week class. Projects include portrait, caricature, social/political cartooning, and phobia illustration. During each class, you will have a short lesson, work time with assistance, and critique discussions. Media used in class includes pen and ink, charcoal, and pencil. Instructor, Nick Danczyk, recently earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from UWSP with an emphasis in two-dimensional art.

Instructor: Nick Danczyk
Dates: Wednesdays, September 23 - October 21
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Fee: $69
Registration Deadline:  Please register by September 16 or call for availability
Register Online:   Register Online Now for this course! 

Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People

If you yearn to experience the joy of playing piano, but you don’t want years of weekly lessons, this short course is for you. In just a few hours you can learn enough of the trade to give you years of enjoyment. We will incorporate some holiday music into the class as well. A hands-on class; each student will have a keyboard to play on.

How is it done? Typical piano lessons teach you note reading but piano professionals use chords. You will learn all the chords needed to play any pop song in this one session: any song, any style, any key.

Specific topics include: musician short cuts, speed reading music, how to derive all major, minor, and seventh chords, how to handle different keys and time signatures, simple counting techniques, and how to substitute for 12,000 complex chords.

What People Are Saying About Instant Piano:

It is a challenge to learn piano in a few hours but I think the class does what is advertised: gives you all the tools to move from non-player to fairly impressive player immediately.

Instructor: Linda Medsker
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009
Time: 9:00 am  - 12:30 pm
Ages: 13 - Adult
Fee: $79 or add "How to Play Piano By Ear" and get both classes for $150
Registration Deadline:  Please register by November 1 or call for availability
Register Online:   Register Online Now for this course!

Introduction to Glassblowing

No experience necessary! Instruction in the beginning techniques, tools and shop safety used in this exciting artistic medium. Hands-on introduction to a variety of techniques such as marvering, blocking, and shaping, as well as the beginners’ tool set: blowpipe, punties, jacks, tweezers, and shears. Use them to create and understand fundamental creative paperweights and blown vessels.

Instructor, Matt Piepenbrok, is a visiting artist at UWSP; he works closely with Prof. Kristin Thielking. He earned his BFA from UWSP in 2009.

For beginners or take as a refresher course!

Dates: Saturday - Sunday, November 28 - 29
Time: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Fee: $299 includes supplies
Registration Deadline: Please register by November 24th or call for availability.
Register Online: Register Online Now for this course!

Jigsaw Puzzle Mania!

Do you like putting together jigsaw puzzles?
Join us for a morning of fun while putting together 500-piece jigsaw puzzles. Teams of 3-4 players of varying ages will work together to complete their puzzle in just three hours. Prizes will be awarded to all participants. Come with a team or we can build a team for you.

 Parents! Take this opportunity to do some last minute shopping or volunteer at the event. Parent-volunteers attend for free.

Leader: Karen Zach
Date: Saturday, December 12th
Time: 9:00 am - Noon
Ages: 10 and up
Fee: $15
Registration Deadline: Please register by December 8th or call for availability.
Register Online:  Register Online Now for this course!

Mosaic Workshop

Design a personalized gift for a loved one or a decorative piece for your home. Create a mosaic wall hanging or framed mirror using a variety of materials including stained glass, tiles, beads, and found objects. Objects such as jewelry, shells, and broken dishes may be brought and incorporated into your mosaic. Space is limited, please register early.

Instructor: Pauline Pray
Dates: Saturdays, November 7th, 9am - 4pm AND November, 14th, 9am - 1pm
Ages: 13 - Adults
Fee: $99
Registration Deadline: Please register by October 28th or call for availability.
Register Online:  Register Online Now for this course!


Music & Motion

Especially for your young child who loves to dance! Encourage movement to music while providing your child with a foundation for further dance studies. The little dancers will show off all they’ve learned for family and friends at the final class.

Instructor: Julie Engum
Dates: Saturdays, September 19 - November 7th
Time: 9:15 - 10:00 am
     Ages: 4-6
Fee: $59
Registration Deadline: Please register by September 15th or call for availability.
Register Online:  Register Online Now for this course!


Mystery Dinner: Death of a Pirate

The Mystery… A swashbuckling murder mystery set in the Admiral Longbow Tavern in Port Royal, Jamaica in 1674, a time of pirates, buccaneers, privateers and gentlemen of fortune. Join the party to see Blake Beard auction off his treasure map as he retires from being the scourge of the seven seas.

lake Beard has decided to be hangin’ up his cutlass. He be getting’ a bit old for all this pillagin’ and lootin’. He be givin’ all the scurvy dogs and land lubbers a chance to be buyin’ his treasure map and to be makin’ their fortune.

How does it work? After you register, you will receive information on your character. You may be a serving wench, buccaneer, one-legged pirate, or gold dealer. You will arrive in costume and character the night of the party. During each dinner course, you will receive clues to share with the rest of the dinner guests during conversation, in addition to secrets you must keep private. By the end of dessert, you may have solved the mystery! No scripts to memorize or acting experience required!

Leader: Jennifer Hess
Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 6:30 - 9:30 pm (approx)
Ages: Adults
Fee: $49
Registration Deadline:  Please register by August 6 or call for availability.
Register Online:  Register Online Now for this course! 

Script by Mystery Writers Ltd.


Pastels Made Easy

Gain experience using both soft and oil pastels. You’ll learn how to blend, smudge, and draw with this fun media. Classes are designed for all levels of experience.

Instructor: Tina Lepak
Dates: Tuesdays, December 1 - 22
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Fee: $69
Registration Deadline: Please register by November 17th or call for availability.
Register Online:  Register Online Now for this course!

Renowned Artists Workshop

Each week we’ll briefly examine the work of a renowned artist and then incorporate their techniques and style into our own paintings. Classes are designed for all levels of experience.

November 3 – Georgia O’Keefe (watercolor)

November 17 – Georges-Pierre Seurat (pointillism)

November 24 – Vincent Van Gogh (Post-Impressionism)

Instructor: Tina Lepak
Dates: See above
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Fee: $25 each or $60 for all three sessions
Registration Deadline: Please register by October 27th or call for availability.
Register Online:  Register Online Now for this course!

Simply Tap Dancing II

Energize your day with a fun-filled class that will give you a healthy workout. In this beginner’s class, you’ll focus on rhythm awareness, basic steps, and combinations. Held on the UWSP campus.

Instructor: Samantha Nolte
Dates: Saturdays, November 7 - December 12, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Ages: 13 - Adults
Fee: $49
Registration Deadline: Please register by November 5th or call for availability.
Register Online:  Register Online Now for this course!

You - A Comic-Strip Star!

Which cartoon character are you? Whether you’re a Charlie Brown, Wonder Woman, or Incredible Hulk, let your inner star shine at UWSP. Create your own comic strip character, develop your special powers, and show the world your true comic-star-self through cartooning, improvisation, and fun-filled games.

Instructors: Nick Danczyk, Jennifer Hess, Jake Schroeder
Date: Friday, November 20, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Ages: 8-11
Fee: $20
Registration Deadline: Please register by November 16 or call for availability.
Register Online: Register Online Now for this course!
Join our Mailing List
For Email Marketing you can trust