9 Summer Opportunities for Art Studies

To find a gallery exhibition which interests you, check out our post, Visual Art in Western MA: July Openings, Closings & Calls for Art. Glass sculptures, paintings, drawings, and fiber art can all be found throughout the Pioneer Valley this month.

In addition to gallery and museum exhibits for supporting art studies, classes and workshops are being offered this summer at several of our best community resources across the region, including the William Cullen Bryant Homstead in Cummington, Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, the Springfield Museums in Springfield and even Eastworks in Easthampton.

EN PLEIN AIR PAINTING

Saturdays, 1pm-4pm
The Clark
This ongoing program will take place Saturday afternoons, July through August 27. En Plein Air (outdoor) painting draws together two interests- nature and art. Many artists whose work appears in the Clark’s collection, painted outdoors. The Clark is offering you the chance to do the same! Participants will hike up Stone Hill and pick up a complimentary drawing kit at the outdoor installation, “Thomas Schütte: Crystal.” Enjoy acoustic music as you paint what you see. For more info, visit on line at www.clarkart.edu or call 413-458-2303. The Clark is located at 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. ($. 18 and under and museum members FREE)

Friday, July 22nd at 6pm
William Cullen Bryant Homstead
Plein Air Painting Demo with Robert Masla. Bring yourself a picnic dinner and enjoy the creative process unfold at the William Cullen Bryant Homestead on Friday, July 22nd at 6pm! Join award winning painter Robert Masla as he creates a plein air painting capturing the effects of the setting sun oer the bucolic grounds at the Homestead.  Starting at 6PM and will continue until the light is no longer available, Masla will be demoing a number of painting techniques, discussing various methods and developments for painting and approaching the landscape over history. He is also available for questions while he is working. For more info at www.thetrustees.org or call 413-628-4485 x3. 207 Bryant Road. Cummington, MA (>$)

Saturday, August 6th from 1-5pm
William Cullen Bryant Homstead
Plein Air Painting Workshop with Paula Gottlieb. Join local landscape painter Paula Gottlieb at the William Cullen Bryant Homstead on Saturday, August 6 from 1-5pm as she teaches folks how to engage the summer landscape through perspective, color, and composition. Participants will have time to sketch and paint throughout the afternoon and individual feedback will be offered. Open to anyone who has some experience painting in any medium. Bring your own painting materials, a sketchbook and pencil. Register by August 2nd. For more info at www.thetrustees.org or call 413-628-4485 x3. 207 Bryant Road. Cummington, MA ($$$)

SKETCHING

Tuesdays, 10am-12pm
Norman Rockwell Museum
Tuesdays through August 20th, Summer Sketch day sessions offer an artistic outlet for ages seven and up. Bring a sketchbook or drawing pad. Other supplies will be provided. This program may take place outdoors, weather permitting. This program is priced separately from museum admission. For more info, visit online at www.nrm.org or call 413-298-4100. The Norman Rockwell Museum is locate at 9 MA-183. Stockbridge, MA. (Class: <$. Admission: $. College students with ID <$. Ages 6-18 <$. Under 5 and museum members FREE)

FIGURE DRAWING

Wednesdays, 9:45am-12:45am
Eastworks
This over 18 nude drawing session takes place every Wednesday. You can drop in on one visit or sign up for multiple sessions. These are untaught, and no experience is necessary. For more information email susan@susanhalls.com. Easels, tables and chairs are provided, but you will need all your own art supplies. Models are nude and are male and female. For more information visit, online at eastworks.com or call 413-527-1000. 116 Pleasant Street. Easthampton, MA ($)

Wednesdays, 2:30pm-4pm
The Clark
Figure drawing is a fundamental skill for artists. This type of drawing can be intimidating for beginners, and it is easier to execute with a real model for reference. On Wednesdays through August 31st, there will be drop in, figure drawing sessions. All skill levels are invited to try it out and gather inspiration from the work on view: “Splendor, Myth, and Vision: Nudes from the Prado.” For more info, visit on line at www.clarkart.edu or call 413-458-2303. The Clark is located at 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. ($. 18 and under and museum members FREE)

INTERGENERATIONAL

If you want to try out your artistic skills in an all ages, collaborative environment, come to the Springfield Museums for a pop up, outdoor art museum on Thursday, July 28, 11:30am-3pm. Anyone and everyone is invited to contribute their creative vision. Come check out the artistic styles of friends, neighbors, and community members and draw inspiration from what you see at the museum. This program is included in the cost of admission. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. ($. Ages 3-17 <$. Children under two FREE)

Wednesday, July 27 from 10-11am, parents of children ages 4 and up can engage in collaborative artwork with their kids at the Norman Rockwell Museum. A variety of materials are available for use. This program is priced separately from museum admission. 413-298-4100. 9 MA-183. Stockbridge, MA. (Class: <$. Admission: $. College students with ID <$. Ages 6-18 <$. Under 5 and museum members FREE)

On Fridays through August 26th from 10-11:30am at the Norman Rockwell Museum, junior artists ages three to six, and their caregivers, can engage in hands-on, interactive art experiences. This program is priced separately from museum admission. 413-298-4100. 9 MA-183. Stockbridge, MA. (Class: <$. Admission: $. College students with ID <$. Ages 6-18 <$. Under 5 and museum members FREE)

To discover more community-based opportunities to support an interest and learning in the arts, check our list of Weekly Suggested Events published every Thursday, and be sure to subscribe to our free weekly eNewsletter.

[Photo credit: (c) Sienna Wildfield]

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