Instructor Bios

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Sharon Brandner

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Sharon has an art education degree from Northern Illinois University, and also took graduate classes at Northern Michigan University in painting. She has a masters degree in education from Cornerstone University. She has taught many art classes including: classes at Homewood Flossmoor High School, private art lessons, adult education, and gifted art classes. Sharon received a ZA endorsement to teach early childhood from Northern Michigan University. Since moving to Lowell, she has taught art for 15 years at New Branches School in Grand Rapids. She currently teaches K-8 art classes at Innocademy in Zeeland. In addition to teaching summer art classes at LowellArts, she also teaches art classes in Menominee, MI, for a collaborative program she started with 4H and Menominee County Mental Health. She has had her work in ArtPrize for the past 5 years, and has been in several exhibitions at LowellArts.

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Samantha Coon

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Samantha is a self-taught artist working in both wet and needle felting. She was introduced to both types of felting in 2009 while living in Mid-coast Maine. She has taught classes to both children and adults that including projects using resists both sculptural and wearable, surface design techniques, working with pre-felts, and introductory needle felting. She has taught classes in a variety of settings such as summer camps, nature centers, fiber festivals, homeschool groups, private lessons and gatherings, and at LowellArts.

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General Info

All classes / workshops require students to preregister. Walk-in registrations cannot be accommodated. Payment for the class / workshop must be received to reserve a spot in the class / workshop. Each class has a predetermined minimum and maximum enrollment. LowellArts reserves the right to cancel a class/workshop if the minimum enrollment has not been met. In the event of cancellation, students will receive a full refund.

 

Art Around the World: Zebras of Africa

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New date coming soon!

 

In this workshop, you'll learn to pay close attention to the unique patterns and stripes of the zebra. You'll learn about porportion and how to use the stripes to show form. You'll create a zebra portrait using black and white pencils and markers. Ages: 8 to 13

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Instructor: Sharon Brandner

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Class Fee: $15 ($13.50 for members)

Needle Felted Whale

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New date coming soon!

 

You'll see different examples of whales and use them as inspiration to create humpback whales, narwhals, sperm whales, and beluga whales. These lovely miniatures are great introductory projects for those interested in needle felting. We will go over wool breeds, needle types, safety precautions, sculpting bases with core wool, and "painting" design with colorful MC-1 wool.

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Beginner to Intermediate. Ages 8+ (Children 8-12 may be accompanied by an adult at no extra cost.)

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Instructor: Samantha Coon

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Class Fee: $33 ($31 LowellArts  Members) 

Felted Folk Dolls

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New date coming soon!

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​So many techniques are packed into this 4-hour workshop! You'll learn sculptural wet felting, needle felting, mini garment making on a resist, and hats and boots.  During the first half of class, you'll construct your doll. The second half of class will include designing and wet-felting doll clothings and making finishing touches to your dolls hair and face. You'll have the option to get creative with accessories for your doll. Make it simple with a tunic, or add a little more with items like vests, pants, boots, hats, and scarves!

 

Beginner to Intermediate. Ages 8+ (Children 8-12 may be accompanied by an adult at no extra cost.)

 

Instructor: Samantha Coon

 

Class Fee: $65 ($62 LowellArts Members) Materials included valued at $10

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Needle Felted Owls

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New date coming soon!

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These adorable, fun owls are a great introductory project for those interested in needle felting. There are so many possibilities: ear tufts, no ear tufts, large or small eyes, feather patterns, and different face designs in varying colors. We'll go over wool breeds, needle types, safety precautions, sculpting bases with core wool, and "painting" the design with colorful MC-1 wool. Examples will be provided.

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Beginner to Intermediate. Ages 8+ (Children 8-12 may be accompanied by an adult at no extra cost.)

 

Instructor: Samantha Coon

 

Class Fee: $33 ($31 LowellArts Members)