Howard Magazine
Howard County
Maryland

8 ways to channel your inner artist

By By Laura Barnhardt Cech

For Howard Magazine |

Jun 03, 2015 at 2:58 PM

Ellicott City resident Linda Boarman, right, shares her raku clay sculpting technique with fellow Ellicott City resident Lakshe Arumugam during a Calming Crafts class at Miller Branch Library. (Brian Krista / Baltimore Sun Media Group)

Maybe you have fond memories of sketching cartoons in history class. Or maybe you find yourself looking at a sculpture and wondering, "Could I do that?"

Art classes aren’t just for kids — renowned American folk artist Grandma Moses didn’t start painting in earnest until she was 78 — and you don’t have to have National Gallery aspirations to try one. There are dozens of local options for amateur, grown-up artists, from weekly series to one-time introductions.

1. Relax with a craft.

Many artists will tell you about the therapeutic benefits of their work, like stress relief through stitching, sketching or painting. The Howard County Library System offers a class taught by Lynn Birzak, an art therapist, who demonstrates Earth-friendly crafts that help students to stay “in the moment,” says Victoria Goodman, spokeswoman for the libraries. Past projects have included leaf rubbings and finger knitting.

Calming Crafts, free
7 p.m., June 1, June 8, July 13 and August 10
Registration recommended.
Miller Branch Library
9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City
410-313-1950
hclibrary.org

2. Make a three-dimensional project.

Why limit yourself to paint on a canvas? Artist Sharon Robinson teaches collaging and mixed media, including memory boxes to preserve mementos from trips and special occasions.

“We end up stuffing a lot of things in drawers,” says Robinson. “It’s a creative way to incorporate some of them.”

This kind of art also uses fabric, textured paper and other materials.

Oh Wait There’s More, $159 plus supplies
Saturdays, June 13-July 25
Laurel College Center
312 Marshall Ave., Suite 205, Laurel
443-518-1000
howardcc.edu

3. Try abstract art.

Realistic painting and drawing can be intimidating to a beginning artist. Loosen up with more abstract work.

Zentangle uses repetitive patterns to create drawings.

“It’s very popular, easy method. Both artists and anyone who thinks they can’t be an artist just loves it,” says Liz Henzey, director of the Columbia Art Center.

Zentangle, $30
Dates and times will be announced in the summer and fall schedules.
Columbia Art Center
6100 Foreland Garth, Columbia
410-730-0075
columbiaassociation.org

4. Make a print with gelatin.

With a reusable product called a Gelli printing plate, students learn a low-cost way to make prints for collages, decoupage and decorating.

“There are lot of different applications,” says Kimberly Jensen, deputy director of the Howard County Center for the Arts.

Gel Mono Printing Workshop, $60
Dates and times will be announced in the fall schedule.
Howard County Center for the Arts
8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City
410-313-2787
hocoarts.org

5. Paint as a couple.

Bored with the dinner-and-a-movie routine? How about a date making a painting as a couple?

All supplies — and some guidance— are provided. Scenes vary, but the finished product is two paintings designed to be displayed together, says Danielle Bassett, adult programs, youth camps and cultural arts manager for Howard County Recreation and Parks.

Couples’ Canvas by Abrakadoodle Art, $40
June 13 at 3 p.m., 90 minutes
Roger C. Carter Community Center
3000 Milltowne Drive, Ellicott City
410-313-2764
howardcountymd.gov

6. Learn to knit.

Just because you can’t remember the basics from high school home economics doesn’t mean you should give up on sewing a quilt or knitting a scarf. Learn the basics or advance to the next level.

All About Yarn provides purling, crocheting and mistake-fixing course as well.

Quick Start Knit, $30
June 18 and June 26 at 6 p.m.,
Aug. 23 and Sept. 6 at 12:30 p.m.
All About Yarn
8970 Route 108, Suite G, Columbia
410-992-5648
allaboutyarn.com

7. Cook artfully.

Perfecting a cioppinno, a remoulade sauce or even fried chicken is an art form. Take a cooking class — most are $34 to $80— through Howard County Recreation and Parks.

A pasta sauce-making course offered this month sounds particularly good right about now.

Savory Summer Pasta Sauces with Alba Johnson, $39
June 22, 6:45 p.m.-8:45 p.m.
North Laurel Community Center
9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel
410-313-7275
howardcountymd.gov

8. Talk art.

Gather with local artists for inspiring conversation, or get together with other art-minded residents to discuss art in fiction. Howard County libraries will host talks for art-loving intellectuals this summer.

Artists in Conversation, free
June 13 at 10:30 a.m.
Miller Branch Library
9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City
410-313-1950
hclibrary.org

Appreciating Art Through Fiction, free
July 16, 7 p.m.
Elkridge Branch Library
6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge
410-313-5077
hclibrary.org

8 ways to channel your inner artist

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