Learn Something New with Workshops at The ARTSpace on Main
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Olivia Valentine (in the white sweatshirt) leads the first lampworking workshop on October 2, 2021, at The ARTSpace on Main in downtown Pine Bluff. The ARTSpace’s lampworking workshops are open to beginners and are a great way to try a new craft. The next lampworking workshop is set for Saturday, February 5, 2022, and will be Valentine's Day themed.
Art and Yoga Workshops Among Community Programming
Have you heard of The ARTSpace on Main? If you are reading this blog post, then you probably already have. But maybe you haven’t, or maybe you are asking yourself, “What exactly is The ARTSpace on Main?”
While The ARTSpace has a multitude of purposes including apartment spaces for artists, a black box theater, computer lab, retail gallery, and more, our spaces for events and programming have shined in the months since its opening. The workshop and ART Yard have had their time to shine along with all of the other parts that make up the ARTx3 campus, which includes The ARTSpace on Main, ART WORKS on Main, and The Arts and Science Center.
The ARTSpace on Main is now hosting a series of different programs for our community. As a part of ASC, we are happy to start establishing new types of events and offerings for both ASC members and nonmembers.
And some people may still be wondering, “What all is being offered?” Luckily, I am here to help. My name is Rhodes Daigle, the Program Coordinator at The ARTSpace, and my job is to establish these wonderful new programs and events here. I am here to answer these questions and explain some of the exciting opportunities we have coming up soon!
Lampworking Workshops
Olivia Valentine (left) shows students how to create Minecraft-themed glass sculptures during a lampworking workshop for teens on Nov. 20, 2021.
Since our opening in the summer of 2021, The ARTSpace has offered several new classes. In the fall of 2021, we brought in local artist and glass smith Olivia Valentine to teach students how to use a lamp torch to melt glass and create small sculptures which are great for ornaments and necklaces. This is exactly the type of class that we are looking to offer — something unique and fresh to explore the different corners of artistic developments.
A lamp torch is a tool that uses propane to create an extremely hot flame that can reach upwards of 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Students are taught the basic safety precautions behind this sort of technique. During one of our previous workshops, students were quickly crafting items like witch’s hats and pumpkins to fit in with the Halloween theme of the event. While that class was geared toward adults, we also hosted a teen class focused on creating items from the popular video game Minecraft.
The next lampworking workshop is from 12-4 p.m. Saturday, February 5, 2022. This class will be Valentine’s Day themed, so come down to The ARTSpace to try this technique out for yourself! No experience is required and it is open to ages 13 and older. Sign up online here or call 870-536-3375.
Yoga in the Loft
Florence Love leads The ARTSpace on Main’s monthly yoga workshop Yoga in the Loft.
Another workshop at The ARTSpace is the monthly Yoga in the Loft series. This relaxing and calming workshop is set up in the beautiful Loft Gallery. Certified yoga instructor and Pine Bluff native Florence Love guides a group of new or experienced participants through an hour of yoga followed by a wind-down, guided meditation session. Florence not only guides you through a wonderful, relaxing class, but she also teaches you the origins of yoga and incorporates different styles and aspects, leaving you with a well-rounded experience.
Another feature is the singing bowls that Love brings to every session. When echoing through the open gallery, the bowls give an ethereal and calming meditation experience.
We think everyone should have this relaxing opportunity regardless of their financial situation, so this workshop is "pay-what-you-can". $15 is the recommended price, but we want this workshop to work for you!
The next Yoga in the Loft session is set for 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, February 19, 2022. Advanced registration is required. Sign up online here or call 870-536-3375. Yoga in the Loft is open to ages 13 and older.
PARTICIPANTS STRETCH DURING the first YOGA IN THE LOFT on Dec. 11, 2021. Registration is open for the next session, which will be on Saturday, February 19.
A student builds a sculpture during a workshop in 2021. Ceramic workshops are among the offerings at The ARTSpace on Main.
Ceramics Workshops
Going back to our artistic side, we have recently held a ceramics workshop focused on the pinch pot technique. Instructor Troy DeBill took a class of new and experienced artists through multiple projects using this technique. Once shown the foundations with a bowl, students were able to branch out and make their pieces, ranging from turtles to skulls. With our state-of-the-art kiln and diverse studio space, our ceramics workshops have been both relaxing and informative for all of those involved.
Whether you are looking to have a family activity, learn a new craft, or just want to stick your hands in some clay, then this workshop is for you! Troy is the EAST facilitator and a fine arts teacher at White Hall Middle School. She’s excited to form a ceramics community here at The ARTSpace on Main, so take advantage of the supplied clay and first-class instructor and build something for yourself!
Keep an eye out for the next class within the next few months since this one sold out quickly! To get updates on future events, follow along on our Facebook page or check back on our Adult Classes webpage.
Greta Kresse, whose watercolor piece is shown here, will lead the workshop Watercolor and Wine on February 18 at The ARTSpace on Main.
Watercolor and Wine
Finally, we have a new workshop coming up that will have a pleasant twist. Greta Kresse — an artist, graphic designer for Electric Ghost in Little Rock, and Hendrix College graduate — will teach the basics of watercolor painting.
She describes the class as follows: “In this workshop, students will be introduced to the watercolors in an approachable and fun way. We will focus on how watercolors can be used to capture your initial response to your environment through poetic and visually compelling imagery. While watercolors may seem intimidating due to their permanence, through this course you will learn to understand how to keep paintings open and fresh. We will focus on color relationships, light, composition, and form. By using various reference materials like copies, photos, and still lifes, everyone is guaranteed to find something that they are excited to paint.”
What is the twist? Well, you will be able to sip some wine while you learn! Watercolor and Wine is set for 5:30–7:30 p.m. Friday, February 18, 2022, and it perfectly encapsulates The ARTSpace experience. Specializing in painting, Greta has an extensive portfolio and is excited to share the joys of watercolor with those that attend.
Sign up for Watercolor and Wine here or call 870-536-3375. The workshop is open to ages 21 and older.
Future Programming
I hope this gave you some insight into what we have going on here at The ARTSpace on Main. If you have not checked us out already, I hope our programming has convinced you to do so! I am currently working on expanding our programming even further with partnerships with the Delta River Nature Center and Recycle Bikes for Kids. More details on these will come soon, but in the meantime, enjoy the variety of events we are currently offering!
Do you have an area of expertise and would be interested in leading a workshop at The ARTSpace on Main? Please submit a class proposal form. Or do you have a suggestion for a workshop or other program at The ARTSpace on Main? Email Rhodes Daigle at rdaigle@asc701.org.
