In just one afternoon, students learned the basics of glass fusing techniques and played with colored glass pieces, powders and frits to create these beautiful plates and glass objects.

You can do this too!  Michel will be back to teach a parent/child version of this workshop on February 4, 2012.

And Michel will be back in the spring with more glass workshops for adults.

Stay tuned to our workshops page for all the latest offerings, and, in the meantime, enjoy these beautiful creations by ACA students:

Red Landscape by Pam Shanley

While Pam generally works “behind the scenes,” perfecting each classroom, organizing supplies, and adhering to teacher’s requests for classes, her more artful side comes out as a teacher, where she is beloved by her students for her warm and loving teaching style. Pam teaches clay workshops and general art studios for children. “[ACA is] the perfect community for me – teaching, working with other artists,” she says.

Pam’s artistry is not limited to the confines of ACA – she has been immersed in art since her childhood. She has a strong belief in the power of art making, in which she explains, “It is the vehicle that helps to connect a part of me that cannot be explained in words – just raw emotions. To me, color, shape, and texture convey a feeling that brings the idea of life. I think for some people it is a safe way to express dark or scary things that have happened to them.” This idea is not limited to just adults – Pam believes art can be a tool for all ages.

Suzanne began taking painting classes when she was in grade school. “Art has always been an important creative outlet, providing balance in [my] life,” Suzanne explains. She has used many types of artistic media, including oil, pen and ink, pastel, watercolor, acrylic, and particularly printmaking. Suzanne has taught printmaking classes at ACA, working in various printing techniques.

Untitled linoprint by Suzanne Lefebvre

Her experience with art has allowed for her to connect to another interest – nature. Suzanne integrates her artistic talent with her love of the environment by getting involved in naturalist groups. For example, while living in Boulder, Colorado, Suzanne worked for the Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department conducting public sketch hikes, illustrating various departmental publications, and designing the logo for a joint conference of the Western Interpreter Association and Association of Interpretive Naturalists. “[Art] enriches not only my personal experiences, by my teaching and my naturalist activities, as well,” she further explains.

Untitled mixed media by Suzanne Lefebvre

Now grounded in Arlington, Suzanne has brought these interests here by becoming a teacher-naturalist with the Massachusetts Audubon Society. In this setting, Suzanne integrates artistic themes when leading and developing children’s natural history and environmental education experiences. In addition to her work with the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Suzanne also continues to teach children’s classes at ACA.

Untitled collage by Suzanne Lefebvre

a perfect plate for leaving cookies out for santa...

Sweet hand-made candle holder

super cute polar bear!

girl under a tree with a... hmm... any guesses?

blue and green bowls

vessels & vases - so many great ones!

most unique project of the season - a ceramic hot dog, with all the trimmings!

There’s more!  See all the photos on our flickr page:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acarts/sets/72157628485975799/

Want to make your own?
Lots more classes coming up - click here for our latest catalog.

ACA is thrilled to announce a special watercolor workshop with Paul George in January, 2012.

This is the opportunity to improve your painting knowledge, gain confidence and learn from a sought after teacher, watercolor master and award-winning artist.  Combining humor, expert technique, color and lots of paint, Paul George creates remarkable and realistic paintings. Loosen up, have fun and learn, create a finished painting in a few hours.

Register early, Paul’s classes typically have a long wait list.

Weekend Watercolor Workshop with Paul George
Friday and Saturday, January 27 & 28th, 10am-3pm
$ 185m , $200 nm

Please join us in welcoming new studio artist Paul Marotta!

ACA is delighted to announce that Arlington photographer Paul Marotta has joined ACA’s community of studio artists.

Paul has exhibited his photographs at Arlington Open Studios for the past several years, and when a rare studio space opened up at ACA this fall, Paul jumped on the opportunity to bring his studio to the Arts Center.

“I’m delighted to be a part of the extremely creative collection of artists in Arlington and part of this community at the Arlington Center for the Arts,” said Marotta. “I grew up in the area and worked at performing arts institutions across the country for so many years and to be back here in Arlington is terrific. It is my goal to offer creative and artistic photography at very reasonable prices to the entire community, including families, businesses, pet owners, visual and performing artists and more. I work with performing artists and major arts institutions throughout the New England region and hope to bring that creative energy to the Arlington community.”

Paul Marotta, Barn 2, Upstate NY

Paul Marotta formed Perfect Bokeh Photography three years ago along with a communications consultancy after being let go from an executive position during the economic downturn. With a varied portfolio of stock photography and clients, Perfect Bokeh Photography serves non-profit performing and visual arts and corporate clients alike throughout the New England region. Specializing in event coverage, as well as studio people and pet portraits, current and recent clients include Arlington restaurant Flora, First Night Boston, WBUR-FM, Huntington Theatre, Berklee College of Music, NPR, ArtsEmerson, SpeakEasy Stage at the Boston Center for the Arts, Sol y Canto, Mystic River Watershed Association, Waltham Symphony Orchestra and numerous others. His work has appeared around the world including in such publications and companies as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, GAP Clothing, Car and Driver Magazine, New England Conservatory, Variety, The Boston Globe, WHYY, and more.

Paul's recent portrait work included this wonderful image of the popular Arlington-based duo, Sol y Canto.

Paul Marotta’s work is also represented worldwide by Getty Images, National Geographic Stock Images, Saatchi Online, and numerous other stock photo agencies. He is also a curator/editor for Getty Images Worldwide, responsible for searching for and recommending images for their stock photography collection. He also serves as a judge for the Boston Globe’s RAW Photography contests.

Paul has recently branched out into Pet Portraits - here's Australian Shepherd Mac

Paul Marotta Communications also represents clients around the globe, including in London, Toronto, Philadelphia, New York, Boston and more. Recent and past clients and projects include the Luminato Festival in Toronto, Aspen Music Festival and School, the Glenn Gould School in Toronto, The Royal Conservatory of Music, Sound Space Design in London, Ticket Philadelphia, WHYY, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, WGBH/NOVA, New England Conservatory, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New England Conservatory, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and numerous others.

Paul Marotta, Cape Cod Abandoned Pier

Paul Marotta shoots with a Nikon D700 and a variety of Nikon film cameras, and uses both Nikon lenses and Zeiss ZF manual focus lenses.

Paul Marotta can be reached at 201-346-5399 and his work can be seen online at www.perfectbokehphotography.com

A festive night in the Gibbs Gallery for the Opening Reception of "Regeneration" ACA Members Exhibit, juried by Sand T Kalloch.

Juror’s Awards were presented to five artists: Margaret Demille (Arlington), Adrian Johnston (Malden), Ruth Lieberherr (Winchester), Karen McCarthy (Arlington), and Lorraine Sullivan (Arlington).

Margaret Demille (right) received a Juror's Award for her sculpture/assemblage entitled "Propagation (Even in the Most Unlikely Circumstances.)"

Adrian Johnston received a Juror's Award for his paintings, "Nine Schools," "Pick Up Your Mat," and Untitled.

Painter Ruth Lieberherr received a Juror's Award for her work in "Regeneration."

Karen McCarthy received a Juror's Award for her handprinting pieces, "Shades of Autumn #1 and #2"

Lorraine Sullivan (right), received a Juror's Award for her assemblabes. Lorraine and husband Phil Young had just arrived from the Cambridge Art Association "Red" Show, where Lorraine had also won an award!

More photos from the Opening are posted on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acarts/sets/72157628293073209/

Pam Shanley, Clay Feats instructor, gives the group helpful hints on how to properly glaze their clay creations.

 

Sabrina finishes assembling her clay island project while Christina pounces on the photo opportunity.

Jenevieve, with great concentration, begins putting the final touches of glaze on her last few clay projects before they are to be fired in the kiln.

 

Newfound friends Eli (left) and Diego (right) take a break from their glazing to provide the class with comedic entertainment.

For more photos from the Fall 2011 Clay Feats class, visit our Flickr and Facebook pages. Be sure to sign up for Pam’s Winter 2012 session of Clay Feats beginning on January 23rd on Mondays from 3:30-5pm.

Connie Mooney displayed some of her Mala Beads at Arlington Open Studios, October 2011

Meditation or “Mala” Beads can be used as a tool to help you quiet and focus your mind in a personal meditation practice.

In this fun workshop you will create your own mala to wear as a necklace, bracelet or given as a gift to someone in your life who could use a bit of peace and serenity.  History of the Mala beads will be included as well as a short meditation practice.

Teen Workshop (for ages 13-16)
Saturday, November 12, 3:00-5:00pm

Adult Workshop (18+)
Friday, November 18, from 7:00-9:00pm.

Workshop tuition is $40, plus a $10 materials fee is payable to the instructor.  Pre-registration is required, and space is limited.  Sign up at www.acarts.org, or call (781) 648-6220.

Some of Connie’s Mala Bead Creations:

Did you Know?  Traditional Malas, according to Connie, are made with 108 beads as it is a significant number in many Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism.  It is said that Hindu deities have 108 names and recital of these names, accompanied by the counting of a 108-beaded mala is considered sacred.

Hope to see you at the Workshop!

ACA Studio Musician Matt Jenson

Matt has traveled the country and the world with his music. He’s played and toured with blues guitar great Ronnie Earl, Latin pianist and composer Eddie Palmieri, and Reggae legends Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley.  On the piano faculty of the Berklee College of Music, Matt teaches a ground-breaking course on the Life and Music of Bob Marley, and leads the College’s select Reggae performance ensemble.  Trips to Jamaica and West Africa have allowed Jenson to delve deeply into the music of the African diaspora, which permeates his playing and outlook on music, and the world.

“Kickstarting” a new CD with Rebel Tumbao
We recently caught up with Matt, who is charged up about his most recent project – creating a CD of his 10-piece Afro/Latin/Roots/Reggae band, “Rebel Tumbao.”

First we had to ask: REBEL TUMBAO – what’s it mean?

“The word ‘tumbao’ in Spanish slang means “groove,” they explain, “so what we are is ‘Rebel Groove‘!”

See Rebel Tumbao in action in their awesome Video

Tell us about Kickstarter…?

“Kickstarter is an online fundraising platform especially for creative independent projects,” according Matt.  “The way it works is that once you’ve been accepted, you pick the amount you want to raise and the deadline (up to 60 days).  If you do not reach your goal, no money changes hands.  Kickstarter does not do any actual fundraising for you but the platform offers a very concise presentation and anyone in the world with an Amazon account can contribute. (They take 5%.) In return you, as the artist, offer incentives at different tiers. If you have a project that is well organized, it’s a GREAT platform to use.”

As of this writing, Matt and his band have 78 backers who have pledged a total of $6826.  They have 29 days to go to meet their $10,000 by December 1, which will launch them on their way.  Good Luck, Rebel Tumbao!!

If you’d like to support Rebel Tubmao’s recording project, visit their Kickstarter page for how to contribute, and see all the great benefits you’ll get in return for your support!

So how does a nice boy from the back woods of New Hampshire become an Afro/Caribbean groovemaster?
Growing up in the back woods of New Hampshire injected Matt with a deep spiritual connection communicated by the simplicity, beauty and truth of nature. As a child he had the opportunity to visit extended family in Boston and with that cultural exposure, he fell in love with the musical styles of the African diaspora:  Jazz, Blues, Reggae & Afro-Latin Music.  Later as a young man with a penchant for seeking the deeper understanding of life, he became extremely interested in the spiritual-socio-political-economic conditions of human kind, always wondering why we couldn’t do better. This, combined with his intense creative drive, provides the bedrock for nearly all of Matt’s artistic output as a talented keyboardist, composer, arranger and educator.

Back just before the turn of the century, Matt completed a masters degree in Jazz studies at the New England Conservatory of Music and then began his professional career playing keyboards in the various Boston music scenes. Quickly noticed for his groove and ability to get funky as well as his arrangement chops, Matt soon headed out on worldwide tours, most notably with the great blues guitarist Ronnie Earl.  After making his mark on that scene, the maestro of New Orleans soul, singer Johnny Adams came knocking and Matt was again out on the road.  The double barreled Blues and Soul Ph.D he got from those two on the bandstand and on the road (as well as the steady bread), allowed Jenson to settle back in Boston and flush out some ideas he’d been having regarding his love of Caribbean music, especially his simmering love for Bob Marley and the extensive repertoire and styles of the iconic Latin pianist and composer Eddie Palmieri. The universe came with an answer to Matt’s musical loves and almost simultaneously he had the opportunity to study piano with Mr. Palmieri and to dive deeply into the music of Bob Marley. Regarding the latter, Matt joined the piano faculty at the Berklee College of Music and created a smash hit performance studies class entitled “The Music and Life of Bob Marley.”   Each semester he directs a select ensemble of talented young musicians and teaches them about the socio-policital circumstances around Bob’s life. This class has given Matt many opportunities to plumb the depths of Marley’s life and music, including numerous trips to Jamaica where he has connected with many who were in Marley’s inner circle. Most notably Matt has performed with Judy Mowatt and worked with Rita Marley taking part in the “Africa Unite” event in Ghana, West Africa in 2007.

Matt is a multi/culti/genre musician with an unbridled passion and drive to positively transform humanity for the better, just as he himself has been transformed by the music, humanity and socio-political message of his own mentors. He wishes to do the same for others through his own music and pass the message on, not just to fellow musicians but, to the people. His arrangements and original compositions (including some very powerful lyrics) for Rebel Tumbao mark just one launching point for his artistic contribution to the long line of musical rebels who have helped to break barriers and spearhead essential resistance to destructive mind sets, policies and institutions.

Introducing Rebel Tumbao:

Rebel Tumbao is the merging of the earth shattering rhythms of Afro-Cuban soul and the conscious-raising mission of Reggae. At the center of this creative endeavor is its brain-soul-child, pianist/arranger Matt Jenson and José Claussell, world-renowned timbalero with Maestro Eddie Palmieri for the past 18 years. José and Matt are two inspired musicians who have naturally come together because of a calling to play deep, soul nourishing music and a genuine concern for the well being of the planet and the people who live on it. This supercharged music is much more than just music because it carries the power to raise consciousness and transform lives.

This 10 piece group presents deep Latin-soul arrangements of Bob Marley’s music and Matt Jenson’s consciousness raising compositions, leading the way towards the global paradigm shift so desperately needed today. The sound of the group is squarely based in the sonic depths of the 1960-70’s soul, reggae and Afro-Cuban eruption yet arrives in the early 21st century creatively merging these styles with a depth of understanding and subtle use of electronic textures.

Based in New York City and Boston, it is a multi-cultural group consisting of the traditional Afro-Cuban rhythm section of congas, timbales and bongo/hand percussion, then add two trombones, 2 back up singers (with vocal work in both English and Spanish), piano and bass. The lead vocal chair is occupied by the inspired powerhouse vocalist, Toussaint Yeshua (Soulive, Wyclef Jean, Damien Marley), son of a Baptist preacher and devoted gospel, soul and reggae singer. He delivers THE MESSAGE like no other.

Says Jenson, “It’s taking to heart Marley’s intention to fight down ignorance, greed and fear, to speak the truth and to free the people with music! It’s bringing forward the transcendent Afro-Caribbean message born out of our African ancestry and the subsequent struggle to live in peace and unity. Rebel Tumbao is a groove and feeling that emanates from the core of Mother Earth, the earth that we now so desperately need to take care of, and then shoots upward bypassing the foibles of mankind delivering us to the joyous heights of what ultimately we are all working towards; TRUE FREEDOM, enlightenment.”

Go Deeper:
to learn more about Matt and his music, visit www.mattjenson.com