Classes

UPDATED December 10, 2024

Adaptive Watercolor Weekly Class

Fridays 10 am - 12 pm
Jan 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb 7
Fayetteville YMCA, Fayetteville, NY
(You do not have to be a member of the YMCA)
Register Here or call the YMCA at (315) 637-2025

Ages 16+. Beginner to intermediate. Do you want to make art, but don’t feel comfortable calling yourself “an artist?” Does watercolor intimidate you? We will explore the elements of watercolor and what potential it holds as a practice, as well as ways to silence the inner critic that keeps us from expressing ourselves.
This class is a mixed-ability, adaptive class that is fully inclusive of people with disabilities. Exercises will be both conceptual and drawn from life. Whether you want more control over the medium, or long to loosen up more, this class will give you strategies to tune your unique artistic voice.

Drawing from Observation and Life Weekly Class

Mondays 9:30 - 11 am
Jan 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, and Feb 10
Fayetteville YMCA, Fayetteville, NY
(You do not have to be a member of the YMCA)
Register Here or call the YMCA at (315) 637-2025

Ages 18+. All skill levels. No drawing ability necessary, just the willingness to learn this timeless skill. More experienced drafts people, come hone your craft in the company of other artists. Learn how to see your world from a different perspective, set aside your self-doubts, and enter the “flow state.” We will cover techniques like composition and shading, as we draw what we see using pencil, ink, charcoal, and pastel. What you learn in this class, you can apply to any other art form—the sky is the limit.

Paint & Sip Tea

Sunday January 26

12pm - 2pm

Fayetteville YMCA, Fayetteville, NY
(You do not have to be a member of the YMCA)
Register Here or call the YMCA at (315) 637-2025

Unwind, learn, and make tea-themed art while sipping seasonal hot drinks in this mellow workshop for adults. We’ll even try painting with tea! Everything is provided, just bring yourself.

Past Offerings

Nature Journaling Workshops

All ages (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult). Draw and write what you see out in nature! We will use a variety media such as pens, pencils, markers, collage, and watercolor to practice mindfully observing the flora, fauna, and landscapes of our local parks. 

Hand-bound Sketchbook Workshop

In this workshop you will learn up to two methods for creating your own sketchbook from scratch! We will learn a few options for decorating covers, and (time permitting) break your new book in with some drawing exercises.
All materials included. Optionally, If you have your own paper you would like to include in your book, please bring it.

Printmaking

All ages (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult). Beginner to intermediate. Experiment with handmade reproductions using upcycled materials found in your house! We will practice techniques in intaglio (etching), gel printing, and relief printing.



Remembrance Jar Workshop

Many cultures traditionally spend the fall season remembering their deceased. Honor an ancestor or departed loved one with a mixed media jar you decorate with their photo, in this two hour workshop. All materials provided though feel free to bring in any items you’re drawn to add to your jar.

Watercolor Flowers Workshop

Cozy up to watercolor in a relaxed atmosphere at this floral painting workshop. Use loose and expressive brushstrokes to decorate postcards that you can send to a loved one or keep for yourself. All materials included.

Upcycled Art

All skill levels. Stretch your creative muscles and turn the old into gold! In this class we use supplies you might find around your house to craft unique pieces of art.

If you have any questions, please call, text, or email me at jess@jessjakus.com






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