Workshops for adults at art studio

Stumptown Art Studio offers a variety of art workshops for adults this month. From glass fusing to textile arts, the possibilities to get creative and expand artistic interests, develop existing skills or delve into a new medium are always available at the nonprofit community art center in Whitefish.

The classes kick off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, with mixed-media artist Kristie Caratelli’s altered books workshop. The world of mixed media and image storytelling will be explored by using rusty trinkets, decorative and vintage papers, black-and-white photographs and a little paint. A recycled hardbound book will be turned into a collaged piece of art.

The $95 fee ($85 for members) includes all supplies, other than personal tokens.

A four-week session of Clay Time with resident potter Stephanie Seguin also starts Saturday. The session, which runs from 10 a.m. to noon, allows students to create their own projects while learning decorating techniques including slip stenciling, carving and appliqué. The fee for the entire four Saturdays is $55 ($45 for members), which includes all materials. The class is suitable for ages 13 and up.

The monthly glass-fusing class takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. This month’s project is creating a thick block consisting of 13 layers imbedded with lines and fields of colored glass. Cost is $85 ($75 for members) and basic knowledge of glass fusing is helpful.

Guest fiber artist and craftsperson Jan Shanahan is offering a choice of two dates, Feb. 16 or March 14, for a workshop in fabulous needle felting. Students will learn how needle felting can change the look of any piece of wool. A technique that combines fibers and punching will result in a beautifully designed wool fabric picture.

The Feb. 16 class runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All supplies are included in the $55 fee. Just bring your imagination and some snacks to enjoy this unique class.

Precious Metal Clay with cubic zirconia gemstones will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. by artisan Kris Kramer. PMC (Precious Metal Clay) will be combined with cubic zirconia, synthetic gemstones cut like diamonds to create a piece of jewelry that can be worn home. Cubic zirconia add color, elegance and sparkle, and are easily set into PMC by a variety of methods.

Previous PMC experience is helpful but not required for this workshop. Just come with your ideas. All of the supplies are included in the fee of $85 ($80 for members).

In addition to these specialty workshops during the month of February, the regular monthly art offerings include the Cultural and Art History Club discussions on the second Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m.-noon; Wild Women Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 20; Canvas and Cocktails on the final Friday of each month from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; and a series of Windows On Whitefish mosaic fish classes and free community sessions.

For more details on any of the programs at Stumptown Art Studio, call 862-5929, stop by 145 Central Ave. in Whitefish, or visit the website at www.stumptownartstudio.org.