The Fall crop of classes at Lubeznik Center for the Arts offer a variety of ways for young and old alike to explore their creativity. 
New to the schedule this season, a partnership with Michigan City's Washington Park Zoo makes it possible for animal lovers with a creative streak to create Art at the Zoo.
Those interested in drawing or painting will be excited to hear that local artist Neil Kienitz’s very popular drawing and watercolor classes are on the Fall schedule.
For kids, Alison Jaksa’s Young Artist’s Studio will continue with brand new projects PLUS a continuing class for teen artists has been added. Aspiring young performers might enjoy Creative Dramatics.
You'll find something of interest for every member of the family among Lubeznik Center's Fall class offerings, but don't wait until the last minute to sign up! Classes fill fast. Download the full class catalog online at www.lubeznikcenter.org or phone (219)874-4900.
VISUAL ARTS
Acrylics, Unleashed!
Teens & Adults 6 sessions: Tuesdays, Sept 14–Oct 19, 6:30–8:30 PM
Energize your art through the power of self-expression. This class focuses on tearing down the “rules of art” while teaching the techniques you need to create powerful, eye-popping paintings.
Adult Drawing Teens & Adults
sessions: Mondays, Sept 13–Nov 29, 7:00–9:00 PM
This class focuses on learning to draw realistically from a reference. Primarily for those with little or no drawing background, more experienced artists will also benefit from this “right brain” approach. Students often find that their skills dramatically improve in a short time.
Adult Watercolor
Beginning Teens and Adults
12 sessions: Tuesdays, Sept 14–Nov 30, 7:00–9:00 PM
Former Students
8 weeks: Tuesdays, October 12–Nov 30, 7:00–9:00 PM
This class will give beginning students an overview of the materials and introduce them to basic watercolor techniques, such as layering colors. More experienced students will join the class on the 5th week and learn some new tricks as well.
Art at the Zoo
New Teens and Adults
6 sessions: Tuesdays Sept 7–Oct 12, 2:00–4:00 PM
This is a unique opportunity for artists and animal lovers! Students will draw and compose using the subject of live animals. Learn the techniques of basic painting and how to mix pastels with acrylics. Advanced techniques will be tailored to meet individual’s needs. Admission to Washington park Zoo and parking is included in the class price!
Mandala Workshop New
Teens & Adults
4 sessions: Mondays October 4–25, 6:00–8:00 PM The mandala is a sacred circle that merges art with science, Eastern and Western thought, ancient wisdom, quantum physics, spiritual philosophy, psychology, and the healing of mind, body and soul. By designing your own mandalas, a deeper understanding of your inner self will emerge. Sessions will include visual historical studies of the art of mandalas, meditation practices, and art process.
Monthly Critique Group
Adults
3 sessions: Wednesdays, Sept 29, Oct 27, Dec 1, 6:30–8:30 PM
This class provides a rare opportunity to get objective feedback on your work from a distinguished expert in the field. Engage in stimulating dialogue and challenge your artistry with pertinent contemporary questions.
Mosaic Tile a Stepping Stone
Teens & Adults
2 sessions: Saturday & Sunday, Oct 9 & 10, 10 AM-Noon
Participants create stepping stones for a garden using colored mosaic tiles, cement, and grout. Take home one or two stones that can be left out all winter.
On Location: Digital Photography Workshop New
Adults
7 sessions: Tuesdays Sept 21–Nov 2, 2:00–4:00 PM
This class will provide an overview of outdoor digital camera techniques suitable for new and experienced photographers. No special photo equipment required!
Pastel Techniques for Painting Water
Adults
2 sessions: Saturday & Sunday Sept 25–26, 12:00–4:00 PM
Using Pastel, learn a variety of techniques for painting lakes, waves, creeks and rivers. Areas of focus include color, volume, movement and reflections. Students will use under-paintings along with layering, glazing and blending techniques to achieve believable water in their landscapes. Each session begins with a demonstration of techniques. Students may choose from provided source material or bring their own.
Young Artists’ Studio
Ages 7–12
11 sessions: Tuesdays, Sept 21 –Nov 30, 3:30–5:30 PM
This creative class will feature art projects in a variety of mediums and techniques. Many of the lessons will relate to current exhibitions at Lubeznik Center. Children will learn to appreciate art while creating their own. Popular instructor Alison Jaksa, has innovative ideas for teaching art and keeping students engaged.
Teen Artists’ Studio New
Ages 13–19
11 sessions: Thursdays, Sept 23–Dec 9, 3:30–5:30 PM closed on Thanksgiving
Alison Jaksa, continues her lessons for young artists’ with this challenging art class, where instruction will be given in a variety of artistic concepts, mediums and techniques.
WRITING
Calling All Poets New
Teens & Adults
4 sessions: Saturdays Sept 18–Oct 9, 11:00–12:30 PM
Receive encouragement, recognition, support and gentle coaching for your writing skills in a poetry workshop led by Susan Block, LaPorte County Poet Laureate.
Flash Fiction: Writing Short-Short Stories New
Adults
6 sessions: Wednesdays Sept 22–Oct 27, 7:00–9:00 pm
Have you thought about writing short stories? Writing flash fiction of 300-1000 words is a great way for beginning writers to try their hands at story writing. Participants will write, workshop, and rewrite 3–4 stories.
PERFORMANCE
Adult Improvisation
Ages 18 and up
6 sessions: Thursdays Sept 16–Oct 21, 6:00–7:30 PM
Have a good time and laugh while exercising the mind and stretching your creativity in this positive, active environment. Beginning and continuing students alike are challenged to develop and refine collaboration and communication skills through building scenes and performance games. The instructor assists individuals as well as the group to find their level of success in this easy-going, mentally stimulating and very enjoyable class.
Creative Dramatics
Ages 8–12
6 sessions: Thursdays Sept 16–Oct 21, 5:00–6:00 PM
Whether you child has a strong interest in performance or is the shy type, this class is geared to assist both! The class focuses on engaging the imagination while establishing basic skills in acting.
Download the entire catalog at lubeznikcenter.org
The Lubeznik Center is located at 101 W. 2nd St., at the lakefront in Michigan City, IN. Gallery Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Galleries are closed on Mondays. For more information please visit www.lubeznikcenter.org or call 219-874-4900. All times are based on Chicago time.