Warm up your creativity in February

The Johnson County Center for the Arts is excited to offer several new classes and events this spring. In Tara Belk's Play with Clay class, students will get their hands dirty and explore the creative possibilities of clay. This playful, process-focused 6-week series of classes meets on Saturdays, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Feb. 21 and ending March 28 at the Arts Education Center on College Street. Students will create hand-built forms and have the option to try wheel throwing, with an emphasis on texture and surface design. They will experiment with carving, sgraffito, and sculptural elements—and even make their own texture tools along the way. This class encourages exploration and personal expression while building foundational skills. All skill levels are welcome. Beginners are encouraged, and experienced students can deepen their surface and form techniques. Participants can purchase a ticket for one class at $30 or all six for $130. All supplies are included. Try your hand at Trompe L'oeil Oil Painting with artist Cristy Dunn. This series of five classes meets every Thursday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Thursday, Feb. 19 through March 19. Trompe L'Oeil loosely translates to "trick of the eye". You'll learn how to create a painting with convincing depth, texture, and realism as you design a composition using your own found objects. Cristy will guide you with demonstrations and individual instruction as you explore essential techniques such as careful drawing, value control, edge handling, and glazing to achieve the striking "fool the eye" effect that defines trompe l'oeil. This class is perfect for painters looking to strengthen their realism skills or try a new genre. "Some people are intimidated by realism," said Cristy, "but this class is structured so that even a complete beginner can create a successful painting from the start." The class fee is $75, including canvas and basic materials and is recommended for persons 14-years-of-age and older. On Saturday, Feb. 28 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. join us for a One-Year Anniversary Open House HOUSE Celebration of the Pottery Studio and Arts Education Center at 127 College St. Enjoy live pottery demonstrations led by instructors and potters Tara Belk and Paige Janeri. This free, drop-in event features light refreshments, engaging demos, and plenty of opportunities to explore the studio, ask questions, and get inspired. Spaces are still available. This Saturday, Feb. 14 the whole family can start Valentine's day off with a fun free activity at the Gallery on Main by decorating a Valentine cookie with Miss Carol. Just drop by between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for some delicious, creative fun! There are still spaces available for Jason Hughes Leather Roses class at the Gallery on Main. Students will learn the basics of leather working and make three colorful leather roses to keep or give to someone special. Cost for this class is $35. If pottery is your thing, you can still sign up for Paige Janeri's Heart of Glaze class from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., $15 per participant or Heart of Glaze Date Night Edition from 5 to 7 p.m., $25 per couple. Participants will have a fun creative time learning the art of glazing pottery. Unfinished pottery pieces are available from $10 to $30. These classes are at the Arts Education Center on College Street. To register or get more information on these classes and events visit www.jocoartcenter.org or pick up a hard copy of the spring catalog at the Johnson County Center for the Arts 'Gallery on Main at 129 W. Main St, Mountain City Tenn. Thanks to generous support from the Johnson County Community Foundation and the Tennessee Arts Commission, scholarships are available for any of our classes as needed.