FALL HIGHLIGHTS & DESCRIPTIONS

We are experiencing a delay with course scheduling. The following workshops will be offered for OFAI 2008; however their dates and instructors are TBA:

Poetry
Writing for Children
Digital Photography (two different workshops)
Alternative Process Photography
3-D Art
Arts Integration
Art for Kids with Special Needs

If you are eligible for Early Bird Enrollment and you are interested in one of the above classes, please contact Emily Clinton at eclinton@oaiquartz.org or (405) 321-9000, ext. 225.

The following classes are scheduled and available for Early Bird Enrollment:

Weekend One – October 23 – October 26, 2008

Songwriting from the Center with Bob Franke

Bob Franke’s “Songwriting from the Center” is designed for students of all backgrounds and all levels of experience -- from professional to neophyte. By giving each student an individual assignment designed to challenge them and get over any perceived obstacle they may have, all students become beginners, for it is beginners who learn the most. Franke shows each student new resources for bringing out creativity they never thought they had. By the end of the workshop, each student will have a new song and have gained new insights into rhyme, meter, rhythm and all the elements that make for effective songwriting. Franke provides a safe environment that supports risk-taking and pays attention to the needs of both the songwriter and the songwriter’s audience. All are welcome, and all will be surprised at what they can achieve.

Solarplate Etching with Dan Welden

Master printmaker Dan Welden, originator of the solar plate, will demonstrate this simple and exciting process in an intensive three-day workshop. Printmaking with solar plate is a safe alternative to traditional etching and relief printing and has the ability of producing a wide range of professional results. No acid, asphaltum grounds or petroleum solvents are used in any way for the preparation of the plate. The etched solar plate may be used for traditional intaglio or relief printing.

Uncoventional Painting Techniques with Joel Nakamura

We all would like to be more creative. Sometimes it is our past knowledge
and experience that can actually inhibit creative growth. If our objective can
be more abstract or ambiguous, then we are free to create without fear or judgment.
By using unconventional techniques, we don’t have preconceived ideas of what the
final product will be, and we can be open to new levels of creative efforts. This workshop will cover two techniques:

1) Neoteny Painting
neoteny (a biology term)- the retention of juvenile characteristics in the adult of a speciesWhen we were kids, we were free to draw whatever we wanted. It didn’t matter
if arms came out of the side of a head, if monkeys were green, or houses had legs.
This technique is designed to get back to that creative mindset of our younger selves. A childlike freedom allows us to be primitive, funky, weird, and creative. Perhaps the more digital and technology dependent a society becomes, the more
it needs to see and create primitive imagery. See Example(813 KB Tif)

2) Faux Japanese Prints Taught by a Japanese Guy
Actually, there are no printmaking techniques being taught in this workshop.
Instead, we are translating the aesthetics from traditional Japanese prints through
techniques in paint and ink. This exercise blends the figurative and abstract elements with line, texture, and composition. See Example (563 KB Tif)

Weekend Two – October 30 – November 2, 2008

Woodblock Printing:  Pattern to Narrative with Jeanine Coupe Ryding

The workshop will demonstrate the carving and printing processes for wood cut printmaking. Inking, printing and registration for color and black and white printing will be explored. We will also look at how to make and use stencils and bring other imagery into the print process through Xerox/laser transfer. Participants are encouraged to explore the innovative use of photo and hand-drawn imagery.  We'll examine and discuss examples of relief prints. All processes taught in the workshop are non-toxic and can be done at home with minimal equipment.  The workshop is open to artists of all ability levels. 

Ballroom Dancing for the Classroom with Alee Reed and Rainer Trubere

In this fun and friendly workshop, you'll learn merengue, rumba, salsa, cha cha, swing, foxtrot, waltz and tango.  No partner necessary!  Emphasis will be on American social style dancing.  The workshop will be taught in two levels:  one for true beginners or those wishing to teach true beginners in the classroom, studio, or community center, and another level for those already familiar with the basics of social dance who wish to hone their skills and increase their movement vocabulary.  Elements to be covered include step patterns, footwork, posture, leading and following (regardless of gender), musicality, rhythm, style, and just plain having fun!  This workshop is perfect for educators as well as anyone wishing to boost their confidence on the dance floor. 

Weekend Three – November 6 – November 9, 2008

"Play, Sing, and Dance" – An Overview of Orff Schulwerk with Doug Goodkin

We'll play, sing, and dance our way to understanding how the "Orff Approach" serves the needs of children. The workshop introduces the dynamic approach to music and movement education known as Orff Schulwerk. We'll explore material appropriate for children between ages three and fifteen, and use a wide variety of media, including children’s games, body percussion, speech, song, movement, folk dance, drama and Orff instrument ensemble.  Come prepared to both actively participate and reflect on the key ideas behind the experiences.

Water-Based Monotype with Susan Rostow

This workshop introduces one of the most spontaneous and fun forms of printmaking. Participants will create one-of-a-kind prints or a series of related images combining drawing, painting and collage. Many techniques will be covered using Akua Kolor and Akua Intaglio inks for the additive method of direct painting (light field), subtractive method (dark field) and viscosity (rolls and resists). Techniques for registration, overprinting, ghost images, found materials, tools, applicators, and chine colle will be taught. Discover how to achieve rich vibrant color or subtle transparencies by using modifiers, mixing colors and selecting papers. Specific techniques for printing with an etching press and by hand for the home or classroom will be covered. Individual attention will be given to each participant to help develop their personal style with the medium. This is a great opportunity for in-depth study with this innovative printmaker and materials developer. All levels are welcome.

Classical Figure Drawing with Juliette Aristides
Description coming soon!

Screenwriting with James Ragan

The workshop will give an overview of Aristotelian dramatic structure with an emphasis on character, plot, dialogue, and the essential craft of writing a feature-length screenplay. Each participant will present a one page storyline which, during the workshop, will be developed into the first ten pages of a script, which are the most crucial to hook the audience. We will study the three-act structure of a screenplay, and discuss what constitutes the main character's conflict, the situation of the plot, and the film's premise, as well as the essential elements of comedy structure. The goal is to encourage each writer to leave the workshop with the craft and knowledge not only of how to write a script, but also how to "read a film." The workshop is open to all ability levels.

Weekend Four – November 13 – November 16, 2008

Visual Storytelling Through Digital Photography with Ami Vitale

Photographer and journalist Ami Vitale present a workshop aimed to challenge the way you view the world around you. The goal is to learn how to make a difference in your community and in your life's work through story telling. We will speak about how important it is, now more than ever, to understand the world outside our borders and also to understand how other cultures and countries perceive the U.S.  With this overarching goal in mind, the class discussion will include how to create strong imagery, editing, ethics, job preparation, learning current methods and technology used in the industry and finally, personal growth as an integral process of this kind of documentation. This class is open to all ability levels.

The Fundamentals of Acting with E. R. Gister

Whether you're a total "newbie" to the stage or a veteran actor looking to brush up on technique, you'll learn a lot!  We'll focus on the two fundamental questions of acting:  What do I do and how do I do it?  Legendary acting instructor E. R. Gister will guide you through the questions every actor must ask.  Don't worry about stage fright – the class will be a supportive environment where you will be encouraged to take risks and make mistakes.

Encaustic Painting Workshop with Kristy Deetz

Encaustic painting techniques use pigment with warm wax to create a textural effect on any number of surfaces.  Encaustic has the advantage of not yellowing, repelling moisture, enhancing surface texturing, and responding to continual reworking.  Encaustic lends itself to images that are buried under or imbedded within multiple layers of wax.  Students will apply encaustic to various surfaces and learn a full range of techniques that combine encaustic and oil painting.  Students will learn to use various additive and subtractive techniques, such as fusing, scraping, casting, dipping, layering, and/or burnishing.  This workshop covers all the basics of encaustic painting and more, offering instruction in experimental approaches, such as collage, image transfer, stencils, and "block-outs."