Visual art learning opportunities for adults have always existed at the Newport Visual Arts Center, but they were typically presented on a drop-in or multi-day workshop basis. This summer, OCCA launches a more formal series of visual art workshops, classes and open-studio opportunities for adults. To sign up for these or other adult classes call OCCA Arts Learning Coordinator Sara Siggelkow at 608-346-0697 or OCCA VAC Director Tom Webb at 541-265-6569 or email twebb@coastarts.org; register online at https://forms.gle/jjHZgiDCPGM2Zfj28.
Japanese Auspicious Symbolism
What do you think when you see textiles, bowls or paintings having designs of cranes and turtles? What about pine, bamboo and plum? These motifs have certain meanings in a certain context. Join instructor Sachiko Ostuki at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 14 for an introductory one-hour lecture. This class introduces some Japanese and East Asian symbolism, especially for auspicious occasions. Seats are limited to 25.
Following this one-hour lecture, a slide show and examples, students will develop their own ideas and create a card using symbols in a two-hour session from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Bring a sketchbook and pencil. Class size 20, and cost is $25, including paper watercolors.
Otsuki, specialist in Japanese art history, studied at Kanazawa College of Art, Japan and has been working in the field of education as a teacher and a curator for more than 20 years. Currently she is an instructor of art history at OCCC and an independent curator.