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Get your hands dirty and create some exciting new clay artwork. 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.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 10

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Drawing is fundamentally about learning to see, and to transport that vision onto a surface through a variety of mark making techniques. This workshop will introduce exercises that will improve your ability to draw what you see. Please plan to bring: HB or 2B graphite pencil, drawing or sketch pad, kneaded eraser, pencil sharpener, and small ruler or straight-edge.

Dale is a South Carolina artist who works primarily in watercolor and graphite. His interest in drawing started as a child using his surroundings of woods, creeks and his grandparents farm as inspiration. His work strives to reveal the uniqueness and beauty in things seemingly plain, illuminating the stories and spirits behind the ordinary.

Dale has been professionally involved in the arts for more than 45 years as an artist, illustrator, instructor, graphic designer, and creative director. He studied at Anderson University and Winthrop University receiving an Associate in Art and Bachelors of Visual Arts respectively. He has been involved in numerous art organizations, served on the board of the Southern Watercolor Society, and retired in 2022 from Clemson University where he held the position of executive director of creative operations for University Marketing. He is an artist member of the Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville at 200 N Main Street.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 16

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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 third Wednesday of each month. 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 2025 series: February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17. 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

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Halloween if right around the corner. Join us for an evening of frighteningly fun Friday night clay making! Craft your own clay skeleton, which will be pit fired and assembled into a hanging sculpture. Then pinch your way to an adorable clay jack o’lantern or pumpkin. No experience needed. All materials will be provided . We’ll handle all the glazing and firing for you. Pick-up completed pieces 2-weeks after class.

Wendy’s passion for clay started in college, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with a focus in Ceramics and Printmaking. After which, she spent 14 years in Massachusetts studying under numerous ceramic and sculpture artists in order to expand her vision and skills. In 2014, Wendy relocated to Salem, SC to focus on her art and family. Her work has been shown in galleries up and down the East Coast and resides in private collections across the country.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 12

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This soft pastel workshop meets monthly (except December) – come for one session or multiple.  Each session will begin with a technique demonstration by Cynthia (lasting no more than 15 minutes), then students will be free to work on their own chosen subject matter. Cynthia will make her rounds offering help and guidance, ensuring each participant gets individual attention and personal coaching based on their skill level. Beginner-level students are offered materials for their first session at a cost of $5. A materials list will also be available at the first session. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early to set up and stay an extra 15 minutes to clean up.

Cynthia Jones has been teaching pastel painting to beginner and intermediate artists for the past 15 years, first at Keowee Key and then at BRAC.  She has a BFA and teaching certification and has taught “art “ in many mediums to all ages throughout her life.  She no longer lives on Lake Keowee, but continues her connection with BRAC by having this monthly workshop.

To register, call or email Cynthia at 404-242-5038 or cpj928@yahoo.com. Payment will be made at the door (please bring cash or check). Maximum Participants: 8.

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Discover the magic of surface design on clay with artist Wendy Converse in this hands-on workshop focused on underglaze printing and transfers. This one-day intensive introduces participants to:

– Creating & using custom screens (each participants will take home the screens they make, plus supplies to make additional on their own)
– Creating & transferring newsprint designs
– Printing images and color blocks using a gelatin plate

A variety of brands of underglaze will be provided for you experiment with (each has their own pluses and minuses). Participants will apply images to soft and leather-hard clay surfaces, as well as flat and pre-formed vessels. We’ll play with layering stencils, stamps, and other surface decoration techniques to create dynamic surfaces to personalize your work.

Participants will be asked to email three (3) high contrast images in advance of class, which will be turned into masking stencils for you. More details will be provided in confirmation. All other materials will be provided.

Wendy’s passion for clay started in college, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with a focus in Ceramics and Printmaking. After which, she spent 14 years in Massachusetts studying under numerous ceramic and sculpture artists in order to expand her vision and skills. In 2014, Wendy relocated to Salem, SC to focus on her art and family. Her work has been shown in galleries up and down the East Coast and resides in private collections across the country.

REGISTER NOW Maximum Participants: 12

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In an Open Studio, you bring all of your supplies and there is no instructor, but you’ll be able to create all day, all week alongside fellow artists. All mediums are welcome! There are daily opportunities to learn from critique-inspired support any time you feel the need. Typically, the group does a critique session at lunchtime, for those interested in participating. Come and go as you like, but leave your supplies all set up for the next day! Bring your own supplies and we’ll provide a table space and an easel (if you need one).

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 8

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Have you dreamed of painting beautiful watercolors, but didn’t know where to start? Then Beginning Watercolors for Beginning Artists is the class for you. Let instructor Liz Purcell teach you what you need to know about paints, brushes, paper and basic techniques to get you started on your watercolor journey. The weekly two hours sessions are designed to help you build foundational knowledge and start practicing your skills. Students will be encouraged to hone their technique with simple homework assignments between sessions. Click here to download the supply list.

Liz Purcell is a native of Clemson who has been drawing and painting portraits for 30 years. Liz has exhibited her work in juried shows at the Blue Ridge Arts Center, Anderson Arts Center, Gateway Arts Center and the South Carolina Watermedia Society’s annual show. She was a selected artist in the Las Vegas Portrait Project in 2018.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 8

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Get your hands dirty and create some exciting new clay artwork. 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.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 10

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In an Open Studio, you bring all of your supplies and there is no instructor, but you’ll be able to create all day, all week alongside fellow artists. All mediums are welcome! There are daily opportunities to learn from critique-inspired support any time you feel the need. Typically, the group does a critique session at lunchtime, for those interested in participating. Come and go as you like, but leave your supplies all set up for the next day! Bring your own supplies and we’ll provide a table space and an easel (if you need one).

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 8

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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 third Wednesday of each month. 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 2025 series: February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17. 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

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This soft pastel workshop meets monthly (except December) – come for one session or multiple.  Each session will begin with a technique demonstration by Cynthia (lasting no more than 15 minutes), then students will be free to work on their own chosen subject matter. Cynthia will make her rounds offering help and guidance, ensuring each participant gets individual attention and personal coaching based on their skill level. Beginner-level students are offered materials for their first session at a cost of $5. A materials list will also be available at the first session. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early to set up and stay an extra 15 minutes to clean up.

Cynthia Jones has been teaching pastel painting to beginner and intermediate artists for the past 15 years, first at Keowee Key and then at BRAC.  She has a BFA and teaching certification and has taught “art “ in many mediums to all ages throughout her life.  She no longer lives on Lake Keowee, but continues her connection with BRAC by having this monthly workshop.

To register, call or email Cynthia at 404-242-5038 or cpj928@yahoo.com. Payment will be made at the door (please bring cash or check). Maximum Participants: 8.

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Get your hands dirty and create some exciting new clay artwork. 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.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 10

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You will have time to make a leather shoulder bag of your choice or choose any project from the following: Leather belt, passport wallet, journal, phone pouch with braided strap, drawstring pouch, clutch purse, or a tote. Depending on the project you choose, you may even have time to make another one. It is recommended that first-time students make a leather shoulder bag as their first project. You will be able to learn techniques of cutting leather, using basic tools, and stitching styles. If desired, you can learn how to use a wood burning tool to inscribe a design directly on to the leather and then colorize it.

All leather, materials, use of tools, and instructions are provided, along with templates. No artistic ability is necessary, nor is any previous leather working experience. The class typically runs from 10am to 4:30pm. You do not need to bring anything except lunch, enthusiasm, and your desire to make something beautiful! Be sure to indicate which project you want to work on when you register.

Participants in the August Leatherworks class are invited to return to the December class to finish their projects (no cost) or start a new one (regular price).

Tom Slavicek has been a leather crafter since 1985. He teaches about 35 classes annually in multiple art centers in north Georgia and North Carolina and he and his wife, Karen, do about 10 art festivals each year and have been recognized as “Best in Show” several times. After serving as a director of a national youth organization for 37 years they retired to the mountains of north Georgia in 2011. Tom’s hobbies include leather crafting, reading, Bible studies and teaching classes, and playing/performing classical music on the piano. He serves on the boards of the Chestatee Artists art group in Dahlonega, GA and the Georgia Musicale Group.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Number of Participants: 16

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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 third Wednesday of each month. 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 2025 series: February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17. 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