August 27, 2006, Sharon NH

It's "Back to School" for the 60th year for artists of all ages throughout the community who gather year-round for educational courses and workshops at the Sharon Arts Center's School of Art and Craft. Sharon Arts is please to announce that registration is open for all fall programs!

The newly expanded schedule features more evening and weekend classes, as well as more classes accessible to beginner level learners. Though some advanced courses begin in mid-September, many new and beginner accessible courses do not start until later, allowing people in the community to take advantage of the Beginner's Open House on Saturday, September 30th from 9AM to 1PM. This event will feature $20 workshops with all materials, and instruction included- allowing visitors to "test drive" mediums without the worry of committing to materials or many weeks of study. The event kicks off at 9AM with tours of the school's seven-studio state-of-the-art facility, and refreshments. Staff and students will be on-hand to help with registrations and to answer questions throughout the day. At 10 AM, pre-registered students can attend the two-hour beginner workshops in: watercolor, oil painting, wheel-thrown pottery, pastel, glass bead, and polymer clay. To reserve your space in a workshop at the Open House, call 924-7256.

In addition to adding more evening and beginner accessible courses to the offerings, many categories have been re-designed with students in mind: Art Theory, Fiber, Mixed Media, and Wood are now represented on both weekly and workshop levels throughout the season. Highlights include: a "Handmade for the Holidays" section featuring project-oriented courses and workshops, After School Art and Clay clubs, the new ArtAccess program for high school juniors and seniors, Teacher Professional Development programs, Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), Quilting, Felt-making, Glass Bead, Fundamentals of Oil Painting, Digital Photography and MORE!

Course schedules are available on the SAC web site (www.sharonarts.org). Course catalogs can be found at Sharon Arts downtown and other community locations throughout the region. Sharon Arts is also happy to mail course booklets by request. Register for classes, at the "open house" (featuring $20 workshops), or to request additional information contact Melanie McDonald Dir. Of Education at Sharon Arts 924-7256 x.305 or by email- melanie@sharonarts.org.