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Although a drawing class by Mike Monville began Thursday last week, classes in nature photography, watercoloring, oil painting, wire jewelry, mini comics and more will begin in March and carry into April.

"What we're trying to do is offer several classes at a time, and offer them again in the summertime," said Gallery Director Carolyn McCarter.

New classes this year include oil painting by Lapeer Art Association member Jason Cornish, who studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and taught in Montana for many years, McCarter said.

"He's fairly new to the community," she said. "He has a lot of experience and enthusiasm."

Judy Sweet, president of the LAA, will be back teaching various classes in wire jewelry.

McCarter will also give the opportunity for artists in these classes to show off their work in the Emerging Artists display in the hallways of the gallery. This gives those who've never shown off their work to the public a chance to do so.

"It's an exciting experience for student artists to have work on display," McCarter said.

The following classes are being offered:

n Composition in Nature Photography I taught by Dale Vronch. The three-week course will take place 6-8 p.m. March 4, 11, and 18. Cost is $50 and students must bring their own camera. For ages young adult and older. Students will learn the four principles of nature photography including horizontal balance, lines and shapes. They will also utilize a process of class critique while exploring the use of natural light.

n Composition in Nature Photography II also taught by Vronch. The three-week course will take place 6-8 p.m. April 8, 15, and 22. Cost is $50 and students must bring their own camera. For ages young adult and older. Students will learn compositional frame, shape and form, depth, and pattern and repetition; utilize a process of class critique and explore the use of natural light.

n Watercolor in 5 Weeks will be taught by Monville. Dates and times for the five-week course will be determined; Wednesday p.m. hours are preferred. Cost is $95; some materials included and students must bring their own paints. For ages young adult and older. The class is intended for beginning and intermediate watercolor artists and will cover technique, color theory and mixing, composition, and more.

n Oil Painting in 6 Weeks will be taught by Cornish. The six-week course will take place 6:30-9 p.m. on Thursdays between March 20 through April 24. Cost is $106; materials included and students will provide any additional and individualized supplies. For ages young adult and older. Students will work with oil paint and a palette of seven colors on primed panels, study the work of various masterpieces and learn about composition and color theory while applying concepts to their own project. The course is intended for novice and experienced students.

n How to Make a Mini Comic will be instructed by Hamtramck cartoonist Matt Feazell, who is the creator of the Cynicalman comic series. In a 90-minute workshop, students will learn how to make an eight page mini comic out of one sheet of paper.

"All you need is a willingness to draw," Feazell said. "I hope they'll learn how to make a mini comic, how to tell a story to make an eight-page book, the fundamentals of story telling, how to start a story and how to finish it. And they'll do it in 90 minutes."

Two workshop dates are set: noon to 1:30 p.m. March 8 and 22. Cost is $10 and material fees are included. Open for all ages; adult chaperone needed for those under 8 years old.

n Introduction to Wire Jewelry will be taught by Sweet. Various 90-minute classes will be offered: 6:30-8 p.m. March 4, 9-10:30 a.m. March 8, 10-11:30 a.m. March 18 and April 5, and 5:30-7 p.m. April 1. Cost is $25; $10 material fee included. For ages 15 and up; special circumstances considered. Students will learn to make wire loops, wrapped loops and spirals; also make two pair of beaded earrings.

n Recycle Jewelry will be taught by Sweet. This 90-minute class will take place noon to 1:30 p.m. April 5. Cost is $30; $15 material fee included. For ages 15 and up; special circumstances considered. Students will learn to take apart old jewelry and create it new; should bring old jewelry to take apart.

n Wire Wrap Bracelet will be taught by Sweet. Two 90-minute classes will be offered: 6:30-8 p.m. March 11, and noon to 1:30 p.m. March 18. Cost is $27; $12 material fee included. For ages 15 and up; special circumstances considered. Students will learn to make loop and wrapped loops and make a wire and bead bracelet.

n Large Bead, Wire Wrapped Pendant will be taught by Sweet. Two 90-minute classes will be offered: 9-10:30 a.m. March 15, and 7:30-9 p.m. April 1. Cost is $30; $15 material fee included. For ages 15 and up; special circumstances considered. Students will learn to make wrapped loops, spirals and twisted wire. They will create wire sculpted, beaded pendants.

More spring classes being developed include hand built pottery, and hand stitched embroidery. For updates, visit the Web at www.gallery194.com.

McCarter added she would like to have more youth-related classes for the summer schedule to get away from the hassle of school nights.

For registration information, contact the gallery at (810) 667-1495. It is located at 194 W. Nepessing St. in downtown Lapeer.

Jeff Hoard can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8127 or jeff.hoard@lapeergroup.com.