New Classes for Teens this Spring at Guilford Art Center
Teens can explore blacksmithing, hot glass, fashion design and more

Guilford Art Center announces a new selection of classes for teens for the Spring 2010 semester. These classes offer opportunities for young adults to focus on a preferred craft and hone their skills working closely with GAC faculty members. Classes in blacksmithing, hot glass, metalsmithing and fashion have been designed with teen interests especially in mind.

"These classes give teens the chance to get their hands on some really great materials, and to really apply themselves to a chosen medium," says Program Director Maureen Belden. "Students at this age are often ready to concentrate and refine their talents, and at the Center they can extend their abilities beyond the school setting." Teen classes, Spring 2010 include:

METALSMITHING FOR TEENS, with Lanette Barber
Eight Mondays beginning March 29, 3-6pm.
Open to students ages 14 and up. This class is designed for the high school-level student to learn the metalsmithing process and techniques of finer metals. Students will learn about sawing, filing, texture, connection, soldering, bezel set stones, and finish works of jewelry or small sculpture. Each step of the process will be explained through demonstration, discussion, and hands-on for the working of non ferrous metals ie: copper, brass, silver. There will also be a focus on design and planning for completing each piece. Tuition: $200; members $180; $25 fee payable with tuition.

TEEN BLACKSMITHING with Mace Vitale
Four Wednesdays beginning April 7, 3:30-5:30pm
Open to all levels. This class will teach students basic forging techniques. They will learn how to build and maintain a coal fire, and use the new skills to make several small projects such as hooks, fire pokers, and hand forged jewelry. Tuition: $80; members: $72.

HEAT IT UP WITH GLASS! With Susan Hackett
Eight Thursdays beginning April 1, 3-6pm.
Explore some of the interesting images and objects that can be created using glass, metal, clay and various refractory materials. Students will fuse and cast glass objects, explore dichroic glass, mixed media, make experimental pieces, fire vitreous enamels onto both glass and metal, learn mold making for slumping and fusing, then celebrate with an artist's reception to display all work. Tuition: $200; members: $180; $90 fee payable with tuition.

FASHION ANALYSIS with Beth Baumgartel
Three Saturdays beginning May 1, 11:30am-1pm.
Learn about the business of fashion design and then make it work for you. Explore designer style and silhouette, practice fashion sketching, examine and assess clothes from your own closet, and up-cycle an old shirt or sweater from home to make it trendy. Plan and participate in a mini fashion show. Tuition: $50; members: $45; $15 fee payable with tuition.

• Teens ages 13 and above are always welcome to register for adult classes.
  
  
• Guilford teens can take a school bus directly to Guilford Art Center for classes. Guilford High School students should take Bus #26. Adams Middle School students should take Bus #8. Middle schoolers must provide a note to the bus company, STA. Please call STA with questions, 203-453-9056.

For more information, and to register, contact Guilford Art Center at (203) 453-5947 or click here.