Brenden Designs Winter 2014 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 or calling the Harris Center. 

Classes are held at: The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) (334) 501-2963
You MUST register by calling or going by: The Harris Center (334) 501-2930; hours: M-F 8 to 5 pm

Registration Dates: November 18 to December 20, 2013
Class Term: January 6 to March 7, 2014

NEW classes/offerings for Winter 2014: Adult Art Studio, Kids Can Draw: Cartoons, Amazing Animorphs and the Illustration Geeks fan club.

~ NEW FOR ADULTS ONLY! ~

Adult Art Studio

• Type of class: painting class
• Description: Want to come and do fun and easy art projects?  These are one day make and take workshops. Come once or sign up for the whole series. Everyone must come for a short orientation, and discussion of projects on January 15th; there is no fee for the orientation.  You must notify the instructor at least 24 hours prior to attend individual sessions. Skill Level: Basic: No prior experience needed. Small group instruction.  Includes all supplies; please bring an apron or smock.  For more information, contact the instructor.
• Ages: 19 years and older

• Class Term: January 15 to March 12, 2014 (9 weeks)
• Day & Time: Wednesdays, 1:00 to 3:00 pm
• Class fee: $160.00 for all workshops; 50+ discount $120.00 for all workshops

                     $20.00 per workshop; 50+ discount $15.00 per workshop

~ CLASSES FOR WINTER 2014 ~
Private & Semi-Private Art Lessons

• Type of class: private & semi-private art lessons
• 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. 
• Ages: 6 years to adult

• Class Term: January 6 to March 7, 2014
• Day & Time: by appointment ONLY! 
• Class fee: Private -> $80.00 for lessons (6, 1 hour sessions) plus $20.00 for supplies; Semi-Private -> $60.00 for lessons (6, 1 hour sessions) plus $20.00 for supplies per student 

Kids Can Draw: Cartoons

• Type of class: drawing class
• Description: Learn how to draw fantastic cartoons using basic geometric shapes. Then we will up the ante by learning about special effects, emotions and  costumes.  By the end of the quarter, each student will have created their own comic strip.  Skill Level, Basic: No prior experience required.  Small group instruction.  For more information, please contact the instructor.
• Ages: 8 - 12 years old

• Class Term: January 15 to March 5, 2014 (8 weeks)
• Day & Time: Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5 pm
• Class fee:  $95.00 (includes supplies)

Paint Adventures

• Type of class: painting/mixed-media class
• Description: Explore new and fun ways to paint by becoming a Paint Adventurer!  Students will explore creativity and imagination while making unique painting projects including bubble prints, doodles, straw painting, sand painting and more.  Skill Level: Basic: No prior experience needed. Small group instruction.  For more information, please contact the instructor.
• Ages: 8 - 12 years old

• Class Term: January 13 to March 3, 2014 (7 weeks) - NO CLASS on 1/20 Martin Luther King Day
• Day & Time: Mondays, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
• Class fee: $85.00 (includes supplies)                         

Amazing Animorphs

• Type of class: drawing class
• Description: Animorphs are anthropomorphic beings, which are animals with human characteristics.  These beasts have fascinated artists going back thousands of years.  Learn how to draw a range of these creatures in a range of styles including cute and furry, to glamorous and cool, to occult and fantasy.   Each student will be encouraged to develop his or her own anthropomorphic characters and unique style of drawing.  Skill Level, Intermediate: Prior drawing experience preferred. Small group instruction.  For more information, please contact the instructor.
• Ages: 10 – 15 years old

• Class Term: January 17 to March 7, 2014 (8 weeks)
• Day & Time: Fridays, 4:30 to 6:00 pm
• Class fee: $95.00 (includes supplies)

~ FAN CLUB ~

Join the Illustration Geeks!

• Type of class: anime-comics fan club

• Description: Are you into anime and manga, or are comic books your thing?  Do you want to hang out with other fans?  Then this is the club for you.  We will meet twice a month.  There will be guest speakers, workshops, special events and more.  While most things will be free; there will be a small charge for some special events.  Come and see what all the buzz is about!

• Ages: 8 – 17 years old

• Day & Time: Friday, January 17, January 31, February 14, February 28, March 7, and March 21, 2014 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
• Class fee: Free (there will be a small charge for special events)

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

Anime-Comics Fan Club Meeting

Come on out to our next Anime-Comic Fan Club meeting! We will have a short meeting, where among other things we will VOTE on a club name. Then we will have two sets of guest speakers. First up is the Auburn Area Community Theatre who will talk to us about costuming on a budget. Then the Cosplayers' Association at Auburn will take the floor to guide us through the wonderful world of cosplay; seven of their members will be coming in character. I wonder "who" we will meet?

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

Anime-Comic Fan Club Meeting

Come on out to our next Anime-Comic Fan Club meeting!  We will have a short meeting, where among other things we will VOTE on a club name.  Then guest speaker, Avenley Horner will take the floor to talk to us about her experiences in Japan; she will also be teaching us some Japanese!  Please RSVP by 9/25 so I can know how many people to expect.

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

Update on Fall 2013 Classes

Here is an update on my Fall 2013 Classes:

1. Private & Semi-Private Art Lessons – There are still a few openings left, but I am still unsure of what days/times I will be available.  It will depend on the group classes and availability.  Please contact me if you are interested.  I will try to start scheduling private and semi-private lessons ASAP; I apologize for the delay to those of you that have already contacted me.
2. Teens Can Draw: Real Animals – Has been cancelled due to lack of interest.
3. Kids Can Paint: Abstract Art – We are meeting Wednesday, 9/18.  This is a mixed-media class for children 8-12.  If you would like your child to attend please call or text me ASAP.  If you decide tomorrow, then come tomorrow; we’ll be happy to see you there.  The cost is $95.00 for 8 weeks which covers all supplies.  ALL student must bring an apron or a smock to class every week.  This class should make, but I still have openings if you are interested.
4. Anime Drawing: Fantasy Manga – Was cancelled this week.  We will try again next week.  I am MOVING this class to Fridays and we will meet from 4:30 to 6:00 pm.  The cost is $85.00 for 7 weeks which covers all supplies; if your child has ALL of their own supplies (including paper) then the cost would be $70.00.  I still need a few more students for this class to make.

At this point if you are interested in attending any of my Fall classes you must REGISTER WITH ME!

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

Starting Fall 2014
There has been some confusion of where to register for Fall classes.  I just found out that you are supposed to register at the Harris Center. The Harris Center is the new building by the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center and the Frank Brown Rec Center here in Auburn.
Here is the info:
Harris Center
425 Perry Street
Auburn, Alabama 36830
(334) 501-2930

Please Register
Registration has been slow, so I have plenty of room.  If you have not registered for Fall classes, please do so NOW!  Please also get the word out to your friends and neighbors.  You may CALL to register, or go by the Harris Center. I have asked the Harris Center to extend my registration until 9/6.  After that I will be taking further registrations myself.  I’m hoping to know which of my Fall classes make so that I can start scheduling Private and Semi-private Art Lessons.

Private/Semi-Private Art Lessons
If you are interested, please let me know ASAP.  I still have a few spots open.  I will attempt to start these lessons the week of 9/16, but we may have to wait until the week of 9/23.  I should know more next week.  The reason we are starting so late is due to the JDCAC closure the week of 9/9 and I didn’t want to start and then have a break of a week or two before we could pick up again.

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

Back to School Blues Blast

Back to School Blues Blast

Attention anime and comic book fans.  The Back to School Blues Blast is on.  We now have a date.  Miss Laurie is staying in Auburn and facing the hordes of college-aged zombies because she loves you!

What is it?  The Back to School Blues Blast is a blue-themed pizza party featuring anime and comic book goodness hosted by the ever nerdy, Miss Laurie herself. 

There are some requirements:

1.     You MUST wear something blue.  Don’t just slosh on some blue sporty-type equipment gear.  Be creative and think outside of the box.

2.     You MUST RSVP.  We will be having pizza and prizes.  I will need to know how many people to plan for.  Please RSVP either by email or text.  I will CONFIRM I got it; if you don’t get a confirmation then I might not have seen it.  When you contact me be sure to include your full name, what you would like on your name tag, and your top 3 fave anime/manga/comics for the trivia contest.

3.     Your parents MUST sign a permission slip from the Recreational Department for you to attend the anime club and the party.  Forms will be provided starting at 5:20 pm of the party.

4.     You must have attended one of Miss Laurie’s classes in the past.  Though some newcomers maybe invited as space allows.

5.     Bring sunglasses because you are TOO COOL for school and we want to take some pictures.  We can’t publish pictures of ourselves without a whole lot of legal paperwork UNLESS we are in disguise.  So sunglasses are a must!

Parents you are welcome to leave your children with me for the party, but I must have a SIGNED, completely filled out permission form filled out before you go.  I need people who are willing to donate drinks, cups, plates and napkins.  Also, if you would like to donate small prizes or other items please let me know.  We are planning on 34 kids max (I need to recount what prizes I bought).

Back to School Blues Blast

·         Date: August 23, 2013 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm

·         Where: JDCAC in Studio Two (the large classroom)

·         Who: Anime, manga and comic book fans between the ages of 8 to 16.  You must have taken an art class with Miss Laurie at some point.

·         What: Anime goodness, Pizza Party, Fun and Games

·         Cost: $8.00 to cover pizza and prizes

·         Required: You must wear something blue; be creative and think outside of the box.  Parents MUST sign a permission slip from the Recreational Department for you to attend!  You need to RSVP to attend the party.

·         Sponsor: The Neko Art Lady aka Miss Laurie

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

Arts UP! - August 2013 issue

August 2013

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:

v  Back to School

v  Free Wi-Fi

v  Group Art Classes – Register for Fall 2013 Classes

v  Private Art Lessons – Sign up for Fall 2013 Term

v  Anime Madness

v  Private Art Lessons schedule reminder

v  Contact Information

 Back to School

         I hope you are ready because it’s back to school time!  I hope that you and your children make the transition back peaceable and in ONE PIECE!
         Due to the extreme heat, I have been riding the Tiger Transit bus up to JDCAC.  The Tiger Transit stopped running on July 31^st and will not start back until August 21^st. I am hopefully going out of town for a week or so.  Fall classes and private art lessons will tentative start the second week of September; look for updates in September.      
      
                                    Be blessed!                                    Miss Laurie and Veronica (the art kitty)

Free Wi-Fi         There is now FREE Wi-Fi at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center and from what I understand many of the recreational facilities in Auburn.  At the JDCAC the wireless network is called AuburnWeb and my Nook connected to it automatically and with ease.  Several of my students who took my last anime class also were able to access it. I told the kids they were free to use it as long as they went on sites pre-approved by their parents.  The rules are that is not to be a disruptive influence and if I found out they went somewhere they weren’t supposed to they were banned from using Wi-Fi in my classes FOR LIFE.  That got their attention.


Group Art Classes – Register for Fall 2013 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. 

Ø  Where: The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center           (334) 501-2963

Ø  Registration Dates: August 5 to August 30, 2013

Ø  Register At: Dean Road Recreational Center                   (334) 501-2930

Ø  Class Term: September 3 to November 1, 2013

Ø  Who: children 6 to 15 years old   (Younger or older students are allowed with instructor’s permission.)

    

            ~ CLASSES FOR FALL 2013 ~

Private & Semi-Private Art Lessons

·         Type of class:  private & semi-private art lessons

·         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.

·         Ages: 6 years to adult   

·         Class Term: September 16 to November 8, 2013

·         Day & Time; Dates: by appointment ONLY!                                                                  

·         Class fee: Private -> $80.00 for lessons (6, 1 hour sessions) plus $20.00 for supplies; Semi-Private -> $60.00 for lessons (6, 1 hour sessions) plus $20.00 for supplies per student

            Anime Drawing: Fantasy Manga

·         Type of class: Drawing class

·         Class Description: Manga is a Japanese style of comics and there are many types of manga including “fantasy” manga.  Fantasy manga is filled with magical faeries, beautiful princesses, futuristic knights, awesome heroes, magical weapons and so much more!  Each student will be encouraged to develop his or her own anime characters and unique style of drawing.  Skill Level, Intermediate: Prior drawing experience preferred. Small group instruction. 

·         Ages: 10 – 15 years old (Younger or older students are allowed with instructor’s permission.)

·         Day & Time: Mondays, 4:30 to 6:00 pm

·         Dates: September 16 to November 4, 2013 (8 weeks)

·         Class fee: $95.00 (includes supplies)

            Kids Can Paint: Abstract Art

·         Type of class: Painting/Mixed-media class

·         Class Description: Abstract art is imaginative artwork that is created with bold colors, shapes and lines.  In this class students will explore the artwork of six famous abstract artists, and then use these works as a springboard to explore art and creativity.  Each artist will have an “inspiration” piece based on their style, use of color, etc.  Students will be encouraged to explore their artistic style and create unique works of art.  Skill Level, Basic: No prior experience needed. Small group instruction. 

·         Ages: 8 - 12 years old (Younger or older students are allowed with instructor’s permission.)

·         Day & Time: Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5:00 pm

·         Dates: September 18 to November 6, 2013  (8 weeks)

·         Class fee: $95.00 (includes supplies)

                                                                       

            Teens Can Draw: Real Animals

·         Type of class: Drawing class

·         Class Description: Do your drawings look more like cartoons then realistic animals?  By using a step-by-step process, you will be able to create more realistic animal drawings.  First we will cover drawing animals in simple shapes, and then we will work on creating dimension with shading.  Finally as time allows, we will learn how to create different kinds of eyes and noses, create various types of fur, animal textures, etc.  Skill Level, Intermediate: Students need prior drawing experience. Small group instruction. 

·         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: September 20 to November 8, 2013 (8 weeks)

·         Class fee: $95.00 (includes supplies)

Private Art Lessons – Register for Fall 2013 Term

         Registration is now open!  If you are interested in taking Private Art Lessons with me during the Fall 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.  Even if you are not sure of the dates/times you need yet, it’s better to let me know that you are interested so that I can save you a spot!

         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.

Ø  Where: The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center                                         (334) 501-2963

Ø  Registration Dates: NOW until all spots are filled

Ø  Register With: Miss Laurie ONLY!  Registering at the Dean Road does NOT guarantee you a spot!

Ø  Class Term: September 3 to November 1, 2013

If you would like to register for the Fall 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.

Anime Madness     Good news anime, manga and comic book fans. Miss Laurie has gotten the green light (That means GO!) to hold the yet to be unnamed anime club at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. I am working on a date and time as we speak and as soon as I have that confirmed I will let you know. I’m hoping to have it before school starts.I will be making a special mailing list so if you want to be the anime club email list, please send me a quick email. At some point, we may have a blog or something for just us. Parents I would like your input on where your kids can go online. (For example: Do you allow them to go on Facebook, deviantART, You Tube, blogs, etc.) I want this club to be about the kids but I also want to help inform parents about anime/manga and comics and FIRMLY SUPPORT your decisions on what they are exposed to.     For our first event ever, we are having a BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES BLAST! You must wear something blue; be creative and think outside of the box. What Miss Laurie is doing may just surprise you! The plans are still in the works, but so far the Neko Art Lady is planning to have a pizza party along with games and hopefully prizes and much more.  We will have a special email list just for club news, so if you are interested please let me know.

BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES BLAST
• Date: coming soon• Where: JDCAC• Who: Anime, manga and comic book fans between the ages of 8 to 16. You must have taken an art class with Miss Laurie at some point.• What: Anime goodness, Pizza Party• Cost: There will be a small fee to cover pizza ~$5.00• Required: You must wear something blue; be creative and think outside of the box. What Miss Laurie is doing may just surprise you! • Sponsor: The Neko Art Lady aka Miss Laurie 

Private Art Lessons schedule reminder         Please remember that I am happy to work around your busy school schedule.  I do not mind if I have to schedule around special days or if you have to skip a week for a vacations, holiday, special event, etc.         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 art lesson because of a play day, birthday party, vacation, etc 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.

Contact Information

Laurie Brenden, Teaching Artist

Brenden Designs

e-mail:            brendendesigns@charter.net
web:                http://brendendesigns.com/
Twitter:           http://twitter.com/brendendesigns

Facebook:       http://www.facebook.com/brendendesigns

Blog:                http://brendendesigns.blogspot.com/

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

Free Wi-Fi

There is now FREE Wi-Fi at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center and from what I understand many of the recreational facilities in Auburn.  At the JDCAC the wireless network is called AuburnWeb and my Nook connected to it automatically and with ease.  Several of my students who took my last anime class also were able to access it. I told the kids they were free to use it as long as they went on sites pre-approved by their parents.  The rules are that is not to be a disruptive influence and if I found out they went somewhere they weren’t supposed to they were banned from using Wi-Fi in my classes FOR LIFE.  That got their attention.

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

Anime Madness

Anime Madness

Good news anime, manga and comic book fans.  Miss Laurie has gotten the green light (That means GO!) to hold the yet to be unnamed anime club at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. 

I am working on a date and time as we speak and as soon as I have that confirmed I will let you know.  I’m hoping to have it before school starts.

I will be making a special mailing list so if you want to be the anime club email list, please send me a quick email.  At some point, we may have a blog or something for just us.  Parents I would like your input on where your kids can go online.  (For example: Do you allow them to go on Facebook, deviantART, You Tube, blogs, etc.)  I want this club to be about the kids but I also want to help inform parents about anime/manga and comics and FIRMLY SUPPORT your decisions on what they are exposed to.

For our first event ever, we are having a BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES BLAST!  You must wear something blue; be creative and think outside of the box.  What Miss Laurie is doing may just surprise you!  The plans are still in the works, but so far the Neko Art Lady is planning to have a pizza party along with games and hopefully prizes and much more. 

HELP NEEDED FROM PARENTS

1.     Parents I would like your input on where your kids can go online.  (For example: Do you allow them to go on Facebook, deviantART, You Tube, blogs, etc.)  I want this club to be about the kids but I also want to help inform parents about anime/manga and comics and FIRMLY SUPPORT your decisions on what they are exposed to.

2.     I am agoraphobic.  In my case it means I do not do well in large crowd situations and that is why I only teach small groups.  So for right now the club will be limited to my students.  I would like some parents who would be willing to help out when the club grows.  We would probably meet once or twice a month.  What you can do to help is be supportive and understanding.

3.     The club will be free to join, but some things will cost a small fee.  We are hoping to have some fund-raisers and things in the future.  For this event, I will require the students to bring $5 for pizza.  Also if you would be willing to donate drinks, cups, napkins and plates let me know.

4.     Prizes wanted.  I would like to have door prizes and prizes for the games.  If you have something you could donate that would be great.  Ideas include: gift cards, notebooks, pencils, art supplies, etc.   Please let me know.

HELP NEEDED FROM STUDENTS

1.     This club will be for you.  There is a club on campus for college age students and there is one at the high school, so I am looking to make a club for my age-range kids.  We might change the ages later, but we have to start somewhere.

2.     Ideas for shows for the Trivia bingo game.

3.     Be thinking of ideas for the club name and mascot (Not a game mascot, but a cute side kick chibi-type mascot).  There will be a contest and a NICE prize for the logo / mascot winner.

4.     I would like you to think about what you would like the club to be like.  I do want your input, but remember Miss Laurie will be the final authority.  For example: What ages, who should we invite, how many people, do we want officers, etc?

5.     Volunteers needed.  I think it would be great if some of my older students who are going into high school or college would be willing to come and help us out.  If you are interested let me know. I also would like someone who would like to be our secretary and take notes when we have a meeting so I don’t have to.  It’s an important job and I need someone I can count on.  (We can give you a cool title.)

6.     I am agoraphobic.  In my case it means I do not do well in large crowd situations and that is why I only teach small groups.  So for right now the club will be limited to my students.  I want us to be able to invite our friends and etc.  I’m hoping to get some parents and older students to help.  What you can do to help is be willing to listen and cooperate.  I really, really want to make this happen, but if it becomes too overwhelming I just won’t be able to. 

7.     Prizes wanted.  I would like to have door prizes and prizes for the games.  If you have something you could donate that would be great.  Do you have some small anime / comic book related items you don’t want anymore?  Please let me know.  For example:  I am donating some anime related postcards.

BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES BLAST

·         Date: coming soon

·         Where: JDCAC

·         Who: Anime, manga and comic book fans between the ages of 8 to 16.  You must have taken an art class with Miss Laurie at some point.

·         What: Anime goodness, Pizza Party

·         Cost: There will be a small fee to cover pizza ~$5.00

·         Required: You must wear something blue; be creative and think outside of the box.  What Miss Laurie is doing may just surprise you! 

·         Sponsor: The Neko Art Lady aka Miss Laurie

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