Get Creative in a Jewelry Class!

Have you ever been bitten by the "Creative Bug"? Would you like to learn how to make your own jewelry? It's actually pretty easy if you know how.

In several weeks, I'll be teaching a 4 week class at the Round Hill Arts Center in Round Hill, Virginia. This class is an extension of the 1 day "Intro To Wire Jewelry" workshops I've put on. The Center has had several people inquire about a longer, more intense jewelry class, so we've put this class together.

I'm pleased to say that the workshops have been well received and have gotten some nice reviews.

I took the Wire Jewelry class and would like to let you know what a great instructor you have in Meredith. She was informative, we practiced everything she talked about, and we walked away with skill enough to do it ourselves. She very nicely handled a large age range and skill differences. Also, when help was needed she showed you what to do, not did it for you. I had a great time, and would not hesitate to sign up for a class she is teaching.

Thanks,
Molly Tew

Here's the scoop on the class:

Jewelry 101: Intro to Making Wire Jewelry Instructor: Meredith Hilt Date: March 22- April 12, 2011 Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Cost: $115 (Plus $25 materials fee payable in first class) This 4 week class is a more intense version of our Intro to Wire Jewelry Workshop. This class is designed for the beginner who wants to learn the basics, or for those who want to expand their jewelry skills and produce quality finished pieces of jewelry. Learn basic jewelry techniques needed to design and create your own beautiful jewelry using copper and sterling wire. We will spend some time becoming acquainted with safety, jewelry tools and wire. We will move on to skills such as making jump rings, links, clasps, and ear wires. If you’ve ever wondered what all those components can be used for, wonder no more! Each class will focus on building a different piece of jewelry. Students will learn to create earrings, rings, bracelets and pendants. Finishing techniques will also be discussed. What isn't completed in class may be taken home to finish. Learn the basics of jewelry making with this hands-on class and gain confidence. You will learn skills that will allow you to easily make your own jewelry at home! Register here

Hope to see you there!

New Northern Virginia Artists CoOp

With the move and reorganization of the RHAC, it had been decided that they wanted to concentrate their efforts on their well run art center and not have a gallery/gift shop as well. Which makes sense to me. The are all about education, not retail ventures. They'd suggested that the artists and consignors from the old gallery start a cooperative. RHAC has very kindly agreed to help in any way, and would like it to still be a part of the RHAC family.

Well, for the last several weeks a bunch of artists (a group made up of some RHAC's teachers, board members, consignors from the old gallery and local artisans) have been attempting to start an Artists Cooperative. We'd gotten a bit of a rocky start - a room full of self assured, creative people, each with an opinion... well, it was like herding cats. But, over the last several weeks, a core of people have put their heads together and have really made some progress!

It's been a very interesting process so far. We've had to work up financial information, consider space requirements and leasing options, creating standard operating procedures and by-laws. Whew! The RHAC have been VERY supportive so far and would like us to take adjoining space to their new facility at the "Hill High Plaza". It looks like it will be a very good joint venture.

The progression being made is exciting!! Please check us out on theartscoop.ning.com and watch us grow! Especially if you are an artist in the Northern Virgina area, we'd love your input AND participation. If interested, now is the time to get involved, because there will be a limited membership.