Arts UP! - December 2011 Issue

December 2011

Brenden Designs’ Arts UP!

Welcome to this issue of Arts Up! Arts Up! is a newsletter from Brenden Designs where you can get the scoop of what’s happening with my group classes and private art lessons, community events and more.

Featured in this issue:
o Happy Holidays!
o Arty Gift Ideas
o Holiday Gift Certificates
o Facebook News
o Anybody want a Blog?
o Private Art Lessons – Register for Winter 2012 Classes
o Group Art Classes – Register for Winter 2012 Classes
o Group Art Classes – Spring 2012 Classes Set
o Group Art Classes Payment Change
o Private Art Lessons schedule reminder
o Contact Information


Happy Holidays!
I’m not sure the weather knows what to do. One day we are cold and need the heater on and the next we need the air conditioner; I don’t know about you but it’s been driving my sinuses mad!
I will not be available for ANY art lessons until after the New Year. Private and semi-private lessons will begin again on Tuesday, January 3rd while group lessons start up on Monday, January 9th.
I truly hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season!

Be blessed!
Miss Laurie and Veronica (the art kitty)



Arty Gift Ideas
I’ve been asked to make a list of things that would make good gifts for artists. Really this depends on the age group and level. I’ve included things they have told me that they would like.

o Gift Ideas: colored pencils, manga markers, how-to draw books, drawing pencils, sketch pads, art lessons, MORE colored pencils, a good quality hand held pencil sharpener, stickers, Chris Hart drawing books (like Miss Laurie has), Sharpie makers, anime pens, etc.


Holiday Gift Certificates
Grandma stuck on what to give your child? NEW this Christmas is my holiday Art Lesson Gift Certificates. They are the perfect gift for any artist. They are valid for six months and can be used for private, semi-private or group art lessons.
The gift certificate will be printed on white card stock with a red and white Christmas color scheme. The size of the gift certificate and gift envelope is 5¾” x 8¾”. The envelope also has a coordinating poinsettia theme. I will mail the gift certificate to the recipient of your choice. The giver’s name is included on the certificate unless Santa tells me otherwise!

o Minimum Purchase: $20.00
o How to Purchase: Contact me and I will send you an invoice via PayPal. This is to ensure delivery by Christmas. I will also send a copy of the certificate by email.
o What to Purchase: Contact me and we can discuss what you’re interested in. I will then make a recommendation and we can then discuss all the details.


Facebook News
I had a separate Facebook account for my art company, but I never went to it and it had people confused because it made it seem like there were two of me. (Like one isn’t enough!) Anyway, that account is now closed. I did make a page for Brenden Designs from my main Facebook page.
Currently I have a poll up to vote for what group Drawing Classes I will have this Summer. We usually have to decide what we want to do rather early (for example I just had to turn in my Spring classes) so I wanted to give the kids (and parents a chance to vote). There may be a way to do it on my webpage but I am not paying for a web service anymore so my site items are limited.

o Miss Laurie’s Poll: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brenden-Designs/288839144484458


Anyone Want a Blog?
Should I do a blog? I have one but I don’t know if anyone is interested. I’m not very good at updating my website especially now that I cannot pay for the fancy services. I was wondering if people would rather subscribe to a blog rather than get emails from me. I could also include art projects and fun things to do.
Please let me know what you think about this. I rarely get any feedback and it would be much appreciated on this issue.

o Brenden Designs’ Blog: http://brendendesigns.blogspot.com/

Private Art Lessons – Register for Winter 2012 Classes
Registration is now open! If you are interested in taking Private Art Lessons with me during the Winter term, please let me know ASAP! Remember that returning students will have first priority; students who have been with me the longest get placed first. Then if I have any room I will place other returning students and new students.
I have already been fielding a lot of calls from new people who are interested in private & semi-private lessons, so if you are interested let me know as soon as you can! You can either call or e-mail me.

Description: Artist and educator, Laurie Brenden offers private and semi-private art lessons in addition to her group classes each quarter. A private lesson is for one student. Semi-private lessons are for two students; the students can be siblings, family members, friends, etc. These lessons are available by appointment only and spaces are limited! Please contact her directly for more information or to sign up for private art lessons.
 Where: The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (334) 501-2963
 Registration Dates: NOW until January 5, 2012
 Register At: Dean Road Recreational Center Hours: 8 am to 5pm (334) 501-2930
 Class Term: January 5 to March 2, 2012

If you would like to register for the Winter term will need the following information:
o When you would like to start.
o How many weeks you would like to sign up for. I recommend 6-8 weeks.
o The top 3 times and days that work best for you. (I can’t guarantee that you will get in on of your first choices.)
o What medium & unit you (or your child) is interested in.
o Remember that you have to work around my schedule as well and that I also have another part-time job tutoring online.


Group Art Classes – Register for Winter 2012 Classes
Register NOW for Winter 2012 Group Art Classes! Once again I’ll be offering Group Art Lessons at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center in Auburn, Alabama. You can register for these classes by going by the Dean Road Recreational Center.
 Where: The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (334) 501-2963
 Registration Dates: NOW until January 5, 2012
 Register At: Dean Road Recreational Center Hours: 8 am to 5pm (334) 501-2930
 Class Term: January 5 to March 2, 2012
 Who: children 4 to 15 years old (Younger or older students are allowed with instructor’s permission.)

~ CLASSES FOR WINTER 2012 ~
Kids’ Can Draw: 3-D
• Type of class: Drawing class
• Class Description: Learn how to draw in 3-D using height, width and the illusion of depth using PBS favorite, Commander Mark’s Imagination Station. Students will learn how to add interest and depth to their drawings while familiarizing themselves with Mark’s Twelve Renaissance Words for Drawing in 3-D. Some basic drawing skills will be covered. Skill Level, Basic: No prior experience required. Small group instruction. All supplies are included. For more information, please contact the instructor.
• Ages: 6 – 9 years old (Younger or older students are allowed with instructor’s permission.)
• Day & Time: Fridays, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
• Dates: January 13 to March 2, 2012 (8 weeks)
• Class fee: $80.00 (includes all supplies)

Mixed-Media Pizzazz
• Type of class: Multi-media class
• Class Description: Explore new and fun ways to make art by exploring multiple media. Students will explore creativity and imagination while making unique painting projects using markers, paint, crayons and more. Skill Level, Basic: No prior experience needed. Small group instruction. All supplies are included. For more information, please contact the instructor.
• Ages: 4 - 8 years old (Older students are allowed with instructor’s permission. No students younger than 4 allowed.)
• Day & Time: Thursdays, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
• Dates: January 12 to March 3, 2012 (8 weeks)
• Class fee: $80.00 (includes all supplies)

Anime Drawing: Manga People
• Type of class: Drawing class
• Class Description: Manga is a Japanese style of comics. In this class we will learn how to draw rocking boys and cool girls. Each student will be encouraged to develop his or her own anime/manga characters and unique style of drawing. Skill Level, Intermediate: Student needs prior drawing experience. (Taking the Basic Drawing course is a prerequisite if the student has never taken a drawing class.) Small group instruction. All supplies are included. For more information, please contact the instructor.
• Ages: 10- 15 years old (Younger or older students are allowed with instructor’s permission.)
• Day & Time: Mondays, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
• Dates: January 9 to February 27, 2012 (8 weeks)
• Class fee: $80.00 (includes all supplies)


Group Art Classes – Spring 2012 Classes Set
Mark your calendar! Group Art Classes for Spring 2012 are set. These classes will be offered at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center in Auburn, Alabama. You will be able register for these classes by going by the Dean Road Recreational Center. YOU CANNOT REGISTER FOR THESE CLASSES UNTIL FEBRUARY 27th!

 Where: The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (334) 501-2963
 Registration Dates: February 27 to March 16, 2012
 Register At: Dean Road Recreational Center Hours: 8 am to 5pm (334) 501-2930
 Class Term: March 26 to May 18, 2012
 Who: children 4 to 15 years old (Younger or older students are allowed with instructor’s permission.)


~ CLASSES FOR SPRING 2012 ~
Kids’ Can Draw: Wild Animals
• Type of class: Drawing class
• Class Description: *Grrrowl!* Wouldn’t you like to know how to draw wild creatures? Included will be lions, giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, kangaroos and other awesome animals. Some basic drawing skills will be covered. Skill Level, Basic: No prior experience required. Small group instruction. All supplies are included. For more information, please contact the instructor.
• Ages: 6 – 10 years old (Younger or older students are allowed with instructor’s permission.)
• Day & Time: Mondays, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
• Dates: March 26 to May 14, 2012 (8 weeks)
• Class fee: $80.00 (includes all supplies)

Kids’ Can Do! Oil Pastels
• Type of class: Pastel class
• Class Description: Do you like color and expressing yourself? Make bold, expressive works using chalk pastels. This class is not only vivid and fun, but very messy. Skill Level, Basic: No prior experience needed. Small group instruction. All supplies are included. For more information, please contact the instructor.
• Ages: 4 - 8 years old (Older students are allowed with instructor’s permission. No students younger than 4 allowed.)
• Day & Time: Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
• Dates: March 28 to May 16, 2012 (8 weeks)
• Class fee: $80.00 (includes all supplies)

Anime Drawing: Shoujo
• Type of class: Drawing class
• Class Description: Manga is a Japanese style of comics. In this class we will learn how to draw the charming and romantic girls of Shoujo. Included will be Magical Girls, “Bishies” (handsome men), Chibi Companions (furry-sidekicks), clothing styles and more. Each student will be encouraged to develop his or her own anime/manga characters and unique style of drawing. Skill Level, Intermediate: Student needs prior drawing experience. (Taking the Basic Drawing course is a prerequisite if the student has never taken a drawing class.) Small group instruction. All supplies are included. For more information, please contact the instructor.
• Ages: 10 - 15 years old (Younger or older students are allowed with instructor’s permission.)
• Day & Time: Fridays, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
• Dates: March 30 to May 18, 2012 (8 weeks)
• Class fee: $80.00 (includes all supplies)


Group Art Lessons Payment Change
Unfortunately one term I had a problem with students attending the first day of class and then not coming back or paying me for my time or supplies. I have had people forget their check or payment before but I always have gotten paid in the past. Due to this problem, I will NO LONGER allow a student to stay the first day of class without payment. I am sorry if this sounds heartless, but I devote a lot of time and energy to make my classes a great experience and the cat and I do need to eat. I understand that people’s circumstances can change quickly but if you sign up for one of my classes or lessons and something changes please let me know ASAP! Just not coming back and not paying me is unacceptable!


Private & Semi-Private Art Lessons schedule reminder
This is just a friendly reminder that I require 24-hour notice to reschedule Private and Semi-Private Art Lessons unless there is an emergency situation. An emergency situation would include: extreme weather, severe illness, death, etc). I have had a rash of cancellations with only a few hours notice due to busy schedules and other things. I am happy to work around your hectic schedule and many students (and their parents) plan around special days and holidays, but I do need to know these things in advance.
But once we agree to the dates you will be attending, I expect you here on those dates. I plan my other activities and work around you. It takes a lot of time and effort to schedule my day since I have to plan for transportation (which could include the bus, walking or a friend helping me), my online job and etc. So it is not fair to me to not come to a private or semi-private art lesson at the last minute and then expect me to make it up later. I reserve a time for you and I expect you to be here. If you do have to cancel, I will have to insist on 24-hours notice. Make-ups will only be given if you have to miss for an emergency situation (extreme weather, illness, death, etc). Please remember that any make-ups will only be given if I have time on my schedule and on a case-by-case basis.
I do have a No-Show Policy in place and expect people to make an effort to attend when they said they would. Students are allowed one missed session per term.
When I miss I do try to give as much notice as possible but sometimes with my migraines I don’t have a “trigger” event and one just hits me. I do appreciate everyone’s patience with me with my health issues. If I was in better health I would be able work full-time and therefore probably not have time to devote these art lessons and children that I love so much.



Brenden Designs - Custom art work, mural painting, and art instruction