Upcoming Classes
Pre-registration is required at least three days before the start of the class, unless otherwise specified. You are not fully registered until paid in full. Space will not be held for unpaid registrations. Material fees are included in the class price unless otherwise specified.
Open Clay Studio
Date: Tuesdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 5:30 – 8:30pm
Cost: $30 ($25 BRAC Members) per session
Instructor: Wendy Converse
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome
Get your hands dirty and create some exciting new clay artwork. Spring is coming – how about from garden markers or flower pockets? Or maybe create a tray or bowl for a special occasion? Join us for an evening or two. There are no special projects planned for these open studio sessions, but Wendy and others in attendance are always happy to help you navigate the best building methods to achieve your clay goals. Some clay experience is helpful, but everyone is welcome. Sign-up for as many days as you’d like, or pay as you go.
Wendy has been working in clay for nearly 20 years, starting first on the potter’s wheel and later moving into hand building. Her work stretches the limits of what we think clay should do.
REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 12.
Technique and Critique
Date: Tuesday, May 7
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome
We will briefly discuss the composition of a Masters’ artwork explaining the composition and design principles, elements and color strategy used at the start of each class. Afterwards, the space will be an open studio and participants will be encouraged to bring in finished or unfinished works for critique and technique advice from a professional artist. Chris has a strong background in visual design as well as experience in drawing, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics and oils.
This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. We will focus on improving your knowledge of the art process and your art through practice and instruction.
Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, the sessions will build upon each other with each session including follow up, reinforcement and new material. Masters’ works will be discussed, and handouts will be provided. Plan to bring your own art and ideas for critique and constructive discussion. Participants should bring the materials needed to work on their personal projects.
Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.
Chris started painting while a student at Clemson University in the late 80s studying under Professor Ireland Regnier, where he further developed his deep love for the arts and painting. Recently, one of his paintings won honorable mention and was featured in “The Best of Acrylic Artist Magazine and American Artist”. Currently, Chris is on the board of the Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, where he teaches drawing, painting (oil, acrylic, and watercolor), sculpture, and art theory. He creates from his home studio overlooking Lake Keowee.
REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 13.
Journey of Exploration
Date: Wednesdays, May 8 & 15
Time: 6:00 – 9:00pm
Cost: $90 ($80 BRAC Members)
Materials Fee: $20, paid directly to instructor
Instructor: Michelle Winnie
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome
This class is experimentally driven, using unconventional methods and materials to discover what it is you are saying in your art as well as finding your strengths to create a voice.
- it is for the beginner to find the medium of choice and inner style.
- it is for the intermediate artist who wants to explore.
- it is for the advanced artist who is ready to dive into their alias self.
The instructor will provide a variety of materials/mediums. The student will provide a willingness to experiment.
Supply List:
- Pencils
- Charcoal
- Black markers (Rhinestone & Thick)
- Journal
- Large, Heavy-weight paper (minimum 18″ x 24″)
Michelle Winnie, originally from Saratoga Springs, NY moved to Seneca this past year. Her background in the visual arts began in 1980 where she received an art minor from the State University of NY. Michelle taught for 8 years before becoming a full time studio artist in 2000.
Although considered a figurative artist, Michelle enjoys abstracting the figure, as well as landscapes and all other representational information. She prefers charcoal drawing, but carries out her ideas with oil, acrylic or pastel medium. Recently, Michelle has journeyed into clay sculpture and thrown pottery.
Michelle has been represented in numerous galleries both in the states as well as the Caribbean. She has held membership positions for a number of organizations such as, Beekman, Artists, Oakroom, Artist, NAWA, and the Pastel Society of America. Michelle has been an instructor of drawing, painting and multimedia “creating”, and looks forward to working with the artists of Blue Ridge Art Center.
REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 8.
Exploring Watercolor Workshop
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: $115 ($105 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Dale Cochran
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome
In this one day Workshop, Dale will provide one-on-one instruction to help you improve your watercolor painting. “Exploring Watercolor – The Basics” includes discussions about supplies and techniques for painting with watercolors. There will be additional discussions about composition, values, and edges that will improve your approach to painting. Dale’s one-on-one instruction meets you where you are in your watercolor exploration. Class discussion about problems and discoveries encountered as each person works on their painting is encouraged. During a BYO brown bag lunch, Dale will do a painting demo.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
9am – 9:15am: Introductions
9:15am – 10am: Discussion – supplies, techniques, planning your painting (composition, values, edges)
10am – 12pm: Painting time / one-on-one instruction
12pm – 1pm: Lunch (plan to bring your lunch) & Demo
1pm – 3:30pm: Painting time / one-on-one instruction
3:30pm – 4pm: Sharing of the days work and final thoughts
REGISTER NOW! Minimum Participants: 5. Maximum Participants: 10.
Drawing Fundamentals Workshop
Date: Tuesday, July 9
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: $205 ($195 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Craig McInnis
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome
Attendees will learn from the basics up to expert level techniques in these all-encompassing sessions. Classes are an individual attention teaching style in order to accommodate each student’s personal skill level. The focus will be on the 6 basic elements of Drawing; Line, Shape, Form, Texture, Value and Space. We will also spend time with other foundational aspects such as proportion, depth and perspective, to name a few.
Supply List: Drawing Pencils (2H, 4H, 2B, 4B), Eraser, General Pencil Factis BM2-Mechanical Eraser, Blending Stumps, Sketchbook (12″x16″ or larger).
Craig McInnis is a multi-disciplinary Florida based professional artist and arts educator traveling to our area to visit and enjoy a break from the Florida Summer in June / July. He has been a professional artist for over 25 years with over 12 years experience teaching Drawing Fundamentals, Acrylics and Cartoon and Character Design mostly, but he is open to other media as well. In South Florida he taught at Armory Art Center, Lighthouse Art Center, Center for Creative Education, Easel Art Supply and from his own studio. You can view his work at craigmcinnis.com facebook.com/craigartist and on IG @craigmcinnisstudios.
REGISTER NOW! Minimum Participants: 7. Maximum Participants: 15.
Technique And Critique
Date: Tuesday, June 4
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome
We will briefly discuss the composition of a Masters’ artwork explaining the composition and design principles, elements and color strategy used at the start of each class. Afterwards, the space will be an open studio and participants will be encouraged to bring in finished or unfinished works for critique and technique advice from a professional artist. Chris has a strong background in visual design as well as experience in drawing, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics and oils.
This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. We will focus on improving your knowledge of the art process and your art through practice and instruction.
Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, the sessions will build upon each other with each session including follow up, reinforcement and new material. Masters’ works will be discussed, and handouts will be provided. Plan to bring your own art and ideas for critique and constructive discussion. Participants should bring the materials needed to work on their personal projects.
Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.
Chris started painting while a student at Clemson University in the late 80s studying under Professor Ireland Regnier, where he further developed his deep love for the arts and painting. Recently, one of his paintings won honorable mention and was featured in “The Best of Acrylic Artist Magazine and American Artist”. Currently, Chris is on the board of the Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, where he teaches drawing, painting (oil, acrylic, and watercolor), sculpture, and art theory. He creates from his home studio overlooking Lake Keowee.
REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 13.
Technique And Critique
Date: Tuesday, July 2
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome
We will briefly discuss the composition of a Masters’ artwork explaining the composition and design principles, elements and color strategy used at the start of each class. Afterwards, the space will be an open studio and participants will be encouraged to bring in finished or unfinished works for critique and technique advice from a professional artist. Chris has a strong background in visual design as well as experience in drawing, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics and oils.
This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. We will focus on improving your knowledge of the art process and your art through practice and instruction.
Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, the sessions will build upon each other with each session including follow up, reinforcement and new material. Masters’ works will be discussed, and handouts will be provided. Plan to bring your own art and ideas for critique and constructive discussion. Participants should bring the materials needed to work on their personal projects.
Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.
Chris started painting while a student at Clemson University in the late 80s studying under Professor Ireland Regnier, where he further developed his deep love for the arts and painting. Recently, one of his paintings won honorable mention and was featured in “The Best of Acrylic Artist Magazine and American Artist”. Currently, Chris is on the board of the Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, where he teaches drawing, painting (oil, acrylic, and watercolor), sculpture, and art theory. He creates from his home studio overlooking Lake Keowee.
REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 13.
Technique And Critique
Date: Tuesday, August 6
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome
We will briefly discuss the composition of a Masters’ artwork explaining the composition and design principles, elements and color strategy used at the start of each class. Afterwards, the space will be an open studio and participants will be encouraged to bring in finished or unfinished works for critique and technique advice from a professional artist. Chris has a strong background in visual design as well as experience in drawing, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics and oils.
This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. We will focus on improving your knowledge of the art process and your art through practice and instruction.
Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, the sessions will build upon each other with each session including follow up, reinforcement and new material. Masters’ works will be discussed, and handouts will be provided. Plan to bring your own art and ideas for critique and constructive discussion. Participants should bring the materials needed to work on their personal projects.
Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.
Chris started painting while a student at Clemson University in the late 80s studying under Professor Ireland Regnier, where he further developed his deep love for the arts and painting. Recently, one of his paintings won honorable mention and was featured in “The Best of Acrylic Artist Magazine and American Artist”. Currently, Chris is on the board of the Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, where he teaches drawing, painting (oil, acrylic, and watercolor), sculpture, and art theory. He creates from his home studio overlooking Lake Keowee.
REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 13.
Getting Started with Watercolor
Date: August 14 & 21
Time: 2-4pm
Cost: $60 ($50 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Liz Purcell
Skill Level: Beginner
Join award winning watercolor artist Liz Purcell as she introduces you to watercolors. In this class students will learn about basic watercolor techniques and materials. There will be an emphasis on practicing various washes and creating simple landscapes. This is a two-day workshop, allowing time for work to dry and for practicing techniques.
REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 8.
Technique And Critique
Date: Tuesday, September 3
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome
We will briefly discuss the composition of a Masters’ artwork explaining the composition and design principles, elements and color strategy used at the start of each class. Afterwards, the space will be an open studio and participants will be encouraged to bring in finished or unfinished works for critique and technique advice from a professional artist. Chris has a strong background in visual design as well as experience in drawing, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics and oils.
This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. We will focus on improving your knowledge of the art process and your art through practice and instruction.
Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, the sessions will build upon each other with each session including follow up, reinforcement and new material. Masters’ works will be discussed, and handouts will be provided. Plan to bring your own art and ideas for critique and constructive discussion. Participants should bring the materials needed to work on their personal projects.
Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.
Chris started painting while a student at Clemson University in the late 80s studying under Professor Ireland Regnier, where he further developed his deep love for the arts and painting. Recently, one of his paintings won honorable mention and was featured in “The Best of Acrylic Artist Magazine and American Artist”. Currently, Chris is on the board of the Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, where he teaches drawing, painting (oil, acrylic, and watercolor), sculpture, and art theory. He creates from his home studio overlooking Lake Keowee.
REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 13.
Using Procreate and the iPad as part of your Art Process
Date: Wednesday, September 4, 11, 18
Time: 1-3pm
Cost: $90 ($80 BRAC Members)
Materials Fee: $50 (payable online in advance)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome
The digital painting program Procreate and the Apple iPad can be used for fast iterations in the compositional thumbnail process. This will allow you to eliminate hours in the concept phase of your design process. You can also edit your current works or reference photos changing colors, sizes of objects and locations on the picture plane in a matter of minutes. This is an invaluable tool saving time and money on wasted supplies.
We will cover the basic tools and operations of the program. We will learn to set up presets and save your favorite tools for quick access. I will share my files, presets and explain my process before I ever put brush to canvas. I will also cover fixing existing paintings where “something seems off”. Lastly, we will discuss compositional and color DESIGN within Procreate.
Participants will need to bring an Apple iPad with an iPencil and have the Procreate app installed onto their device to each class. Procreate can be found in the App Store. Materials fee covers instructor handouts and extensive digital files (does not include the cost of Procreate).
Chris started painting while a student at Clemson University in the late 80’s studying under Professor Ireland Regnier, where he further developed his deep love for the arts and painting. Recently, one of his paintings won honorable mention and was featured in “The Best of Acrylic Artist Magazine and American Artist”. Currently, Chris is on the board of the Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, where he teaches drawing, painting (oil, acrylic, and watercolor), sculpture, and art theory. He creates from his home studio overlooking Lake Keowee.
REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 7.
Technique And Critique
Date: Tuesday, October 1
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome
We will briefly discuss the composition of a Masters’ artwork explaining the composition and design principles, elements and color strategy used at the start of each class. Afterwards, the space will be an open studio and participants will be encouraged to bring in finished or unfinished works for critique and technique advice from a professional artist. Chris has a strong background in visual design as well as experience in drawing, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics and oils.
This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. We will focus on improving your knowledge of the art process and your art through practice and instruction.
Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, the sessions will build upon each other with each session including follow up, reinforcement and new material. Masters’ works will be discussed, and handouts will be provided. Plan to bring your own art and ideas for critique and constructive discussion. Participants should bring the materials needed to work on their personal projects.
Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.
Chris started painting while a student at Clemson University in the late 80s studying under Professor Ireland Regnier, where he further developed his deep love for the arts and painting. Recently, one of his paintings won honorable mention and was featured in “The Best of Acrylic Artist Magazine and American Artist”. Currently, Chris is on the board of the Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, where he teaches drawing, painting (oil, acrylic, and watercolor), sculpture, and art theory. He creates from his home studio overlooking Lake Keowee.
REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 13.
Technique And Critique
Date: Tuesday, November 5
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome
We will briefly discuss the composition of a Masters’ artwork explaining the composition and design principles, elements and color strategy used at the start of each class. Afterwards, the space will be an open studio and participants will be encouraged to bring in finished or unfinished works for critique and technique advice from a professional artist. Chris has a strong background in visual design as well as experience in drawing, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics and oils.
This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. We will focus on improving your knowledge of the art process and your art through practice and instruction.
Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, the sessions will build upon each other with each session including follow up, reinforcement and new material. Masters’ works will be discussed, and handouts will be provided. Plan to bring your own art and ideas for critique and constructive discussion. Participants should bring the materials needed to work on their personal projects.
Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.
Chris started painting while a student at Clemson University in the late 80s studying under Professor Ireland Regnier, where he further developed his deep love for the arts and painting. Recently, one of his paintings won honorable mention and was featured in “The Best of Acrylic Artist Magazine and American Artist”. Currently, Chris is on the board of the Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, where he teaches drawing, painting (oil, acrylic, and watercolor), sculpture, and art theory. He creates from his home studio overlooking Lake Keowee.
REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 13.
Technique And Critique
Date: Tuesday, December 3
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome
We will briefly discuss the composition of a Masters’ artwork explaining the composition and design principles, elements and color strategy used at the start of each class. Afterwards, the space will be an open studio and participants will be encouraged to bring in finished or unfinished works for critique and technique advice from a professional artist. Chris has a strong background in visual design as well as experience in drawing, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics and oils.
This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. We will focus on improving your knowledge of the art process and your art through practice and instruction.
Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, the sessions will build upon each other with each session including follow up, reinforcement and new material. Masters’ works will be discussed, and handouts will be provided. Plan to bring your own art and ideas for critique and constructive discussion. Participants should bring the materials needed to work on their personal projects.
Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.
Chris started painting while a student at Clemson University in the late 80s studying under Professor Ireland Regnier, where he further developed his deep love for the arts and painting. Recently, one of his paintings won honorable mention and was featured in “The Best of Acrylic Artist Magazine and American Artist”. Currently, Chris is on the board of the Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, where he teaches drawing, painting (oil, acrylic, and watercolor), sculpture, and art theory. He creates from his home studio overlooking Lake Keowee.
REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 13.
Cancellations by the Art Center
Classes may be cancelled if enrollment does not meet minimums by the deadline date. Only those registered will be notified of cancellations. If Blue Ridge Art Center cancels a class, the student will have the option to transfer to another class or receive a 100% refund.
Cancellation by the Participant
We understand that life brings many surprises for us all and sometimes you will need to cancel your class reservation.
- A refund is available if cancellation is made at least 3 days in advance.
- No refunds will be made for “no shows” or if less than 3 days notice is provided.
- Emergency cancellations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Our community’s health and well-being is paramount to us and we encourage you to do everything in your power to keep yourself and others safe. If you are not feeling well, please do not attend class. Masks are not required, but they are available and welcome if you choose to wear one. We are also limiting our class sizes to ensure there is ample room for social distancing. Thank you for your understanding.