The McKinney Center and Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts has announced their spring schedule of classes of experiential learning opportunities for both children and adults.  Registration is now underway for all upcoming classes.  All courses are led by experienced and supportive faculty in a safe and healthy environment. 

Art, music, writing, crafts, and dance will be offered this spring for students of all ages.  For children, the program offers instruction for young artists who are ready to explore the world of art.  Students receive an introduction to art skills where activities and projects are organized to develop the understanding and experimentation with a wide variety of media, techniques, and process.  For older elementary aged students courses are taught to build their skills as artists including drawing and painting skills that will be taken to the next level.  Classes in writing, film, music, and dance are also available for this age range including Art Adventures,Creative Construction, Homeschool Art, Kids N Clay, Young Potters, Let’s Make aTV Show, Anime, Mosaics, Ballet, Tap, Adventures in Drawing, and Guitar.

Offerings for older students and adults include a wide range of courses in pottery, painting, drawing, paper art, jewelry, mosaics, writing, dance, music, and various workshops.  Director Theresa Hammons states, “There is something for everyone here at the McKinney Center.  Most of our classes are for beginners.  But one of the great things about our offerings is that the class sizes are small, usually no more than 8 – 10 students. So, if you are more or less skilled, the instructor has time to work with you one on one.”

The one-day workshop options for spring semester are extensive and include: Introduction to the Zentangle Method of Drawing, Zentangle – Working with TanTiles, Glass Fusion workshops including Pendants, Garden Stakes, Sun Catches, and Spring Plates, several ceramic wheel workshops including Bowls, CasseroleDish, and Mugs, several ceramic decorating and design workshops includingMushrooms, Trays, and Bird House.  There will be a Fairy Garden Cottage workshop, a workshop on how to construct Mandalas, Alcohol Ink, Acrylic Painting, Crocheting Sculpted Vessels, Healing Soap making and a Casting and Mold Making Workshop.

Save money and register early.  Early registration secures a spot in class as well as a $10 discount through January 16.  Individual class costs vary.  A Spring Open House will be held at the McKinney Center on January 16, from 10am – 2pm.  This will be an opportunity for the public to see what the spring classes have to offer. Faculty will be present for questions and demonstrations.  The last day to register for classes is January 23, 5pm.

The McKinney Center made many changes to their schedule of classes this past fall,  giving 30 minutes between classes to provide ample time for students, faculty, and staff to clean up and disinfect before the next class.  To do this, a few classes had to be eliminated from the schedule, but were replaced with more one-day workshops.  McKinney Center has also developed a few online only classes for those who prefer to take a class at home.  This spring there is an Intermediate Watercolor Painting class online.

Other changes include making supply kits for individual students rather than using shared supplies, breaks in classes to wash hands, continuing a strict regimen of disinfecting and cleaning the building, and providing video options for students who miss a class due to feeling ill.  To read the McKinneyCenter’s complete list of policies and procedures please go to mckinneycenter.com.

The McKinney Center is open to the public Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm.  Staff encourage all visitors to be at home at the McKinney Center; take a class, participate in an exhibition, come to a lecture, volunteer your time, attend a workshop, or set up an easel on the grounds and paint.  Please sure to check the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School Facebook page throughout the year for information about our exciting programs and events.

Full descriptions of class offerings can be found online at mckinneycenter.com or by stopping by the McKinney Center, Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, to pick up a catalog.  For additional information contact McKinney Center Director, Theresa Hammons at theresah@jonesboroughtn.org or call 423.753.0562.