ArtPlay has a new season of classes for all ages announced for 2016, and registration is open.
A haven for arts education, ArtPlay is part of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. ArtPlay’s mission is to connect the community to the arts. Through classes, workshops, summer camps and performances, ArtPlay aims to educate, inspire and nurture creative growth and self-expression in people of all ages by providing innovative arts education programming in a collaborative and holistic environment.
ArtPlay also presents shows especially for local schoolchildren featuring artists engaged by the ASC. ArtPlay reached a new milestone this year, serving more than 17,000 individuals in the Birmingham area through the arts.
Through its impressive roster of talented teaching artists, ArtPlay offers everything from family classes for toddlers to dance, acting, sculpture, drawing, music, writing, fabric arts, comedy improvisation, filmmaking and more, for any age group. ArtPlay also offers private instruction in a variety of instruments and artistic disciplines through partnerships with local instructors and music organizations.
The winter 2016 classes at ArtPlay will begin Jan. 9. Classes usually range from $100-$200 per session. UAB students, faculty, staff and alumni can receive discounted fees. A full list of classes can be found on the ArtPlay website, www.ArtPlayASC.org. ArtPlay is located at 1006 19th St. South. Call ArtPlay at 205-975-4769.
Among the featured offerings for 2016:
- Hip-Hop Hooray, for ages 10-14. In this interactive class, students will learn the dances that have shaped hip-hop through the years and made it one of today’s most exciting and socially relevant genres. Age-appropriate songs will underscore this expedition, beginning with the hip-hop pioneers of the 1960s and ending with the contemporary artists who are popular today. The class meets from 5-6 p.m. each Wednesday from Jan. 20-March 16. The cost is $150.
- Beginning Watercolor, for high school students and adults. Join local teaching artist Andy Jordan as he guides students through the basics of painting with watercolors. New images come to life as the class learns washes, dry brush, and mixing and diluting techniques. The class meets from 6-8 p.m. each Monday from Jan. 25-March 14. The cost is $200 plus materials.
- Pre-K Theatre, for ages 3-5. All the world’s a stage, and Jennifer Salvant is ready to take young performers on a journey through creative dramatics. Tiny actors will bring stories to life through guided activities that will awaken their imagination and challenge their minds. Parents will delight in a final class presentation. The class meets from 10-10:45 a.m. each Monday from Jan. 25-March 7. The cost is $150.
- Hand Sewing, for high school students and adults. A sewing machine isn’t needed to create functional or decorative objects from fabric. Hand sewing is a versatile art form that allows for a variety of textile manipulations almost impossible to replicate on a machine. Each week, participants will learn from teaching artist Lillis Taylor a new method of construction resulting in a personal sample encyclopedia for future reference. The class meets from 6:30-8 p.m. each Wednesday from Jan. 20-Feb. 24. The cost is $125.
- Memoir Writing: Better Than Fiction, for high school students and adults. You, your words and your stories are the focus of this class. The class will read some example memoirs, but most class time will be spent generating and crafting four of your stories. This class is perfect for those who already have some stories in mind and for those who are seeking inspiration. The class meets from 6-8 p.m. each Tuesday from Jan. 19-Feb. 23. The cost is $120.