Alpha Romeo Tango (A.R.T.) Program 12-Week Guitar Class

Instructor: Denny Vlahos, founder Fretz4Vets

Location: Stark County VET Center, studio classroom, 4220 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44709 - Please check in at the front desk

Spring Schedule: Thursdays 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 and 4/2

Class Time:  3:00pm-4:00pm

Class Description: This twelve-week, classroom-style course is designed for Veterans and First Responders to experience various styles of acoustic guitar music. Led by musician Denny Vlahos, the class covers the basics of blues, jazz, folk, and/or Spanish guitar. Participants are provided with guitars and practice books; however, if you have your own guitar you are welcome to bring it.  For questions or accessibility concerns, please email Denny Vlahos at  acousticfretz@gmail.com

PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS UNLESS YOU ARE A VETERAN, ACTIVE DUTY  SERVICE MEMBER, OR A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OR RESERVE.

Advanced ceramics students are eligible for independent study at CMA. This option is available for a limited number of students who have taken at least four ceramics classes at CMA. Tuition fee provides access to the studio during open studio hours, a locker for storage, access to studio tools and equipment, and a professional teaching artist mentor who is available during set times. Studio hours run concurrently with the Museum’s open hours and the seasonal ceramics class schedule. Students with ceramics experience outside of CMA are not eligible for registration, as students first need a strong working knowledge of CMA equipment, studio safety, and procedures. Ages 18+; 12 seats.

Additional costs to students for ceramics classes, not included in registration fee, and due first day of class:

• All CMA ceramics students must purchase and use approved clay from CMA. 25 lbs of clay may be purchased on the first day of class @ $54 during check-in at the front desk. An additional 25 lbs of clay may be purchased thereafter, with a limit of 50 lbs of clay per session to limit over-production of student work.

• CMA students are welcome to use their own clay tools; however, clay tool kits may be purchased on the first day of class and as needed thereafter @ $15.

This class provides a foundational approach to art, utilizing still life and portrait drawing, and basic perspective to hone your observational skills and expressive linework. Students will experiment with various mark-making tools and drawing materials to discover their unique drawing style. The course also explores shape, positive/negative space, and value, with an emphasis on learning shading techniques and understanding the importance of arranging objects within a meaningful composition. Registration includes artist quality drawing tools and sketchbooks. Ages 15+, 8 seats available. 

This all-levels oil painting course invites both beginners and experienced artists to develop their skills while exploring the healing power of sea and sky. Focus on capturing the mesmerizing way the sky's colors reflect onto the water, tuning into the rhythmic sounds of crashing waves, and breathing in the ocean breezes. This ocean and sky painting series is designed to be a soothing, healing experience as you learn effective painting techniques. First-time students receive a water-soluble oil paint kit, brushes, and canvas. Returning students receive two new paint colors and canvas. This class is suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. Ages 18+; 10 seats available.

This course focuses on several key jewelry-making techniques including hot/cold connections and using a jeweler's saw to create custom shapes and layer abstract pieces. Artist Alexander Draven will walk you through your custom design, or choose from an array of patterns to mix and match. All skill levels welcome.

This digital photography course teaches students to move beyond auto mode and take well-composed images that reflect their personal vision. Topics include camera operation, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance, lighting and composition. *Please bring a digital camera with a manual mode and a card reader. All experience levels are welcome. Ages 16+; 10 seats available.

This beginner-friendly watercolor class offers a creative journey into the world of watercolors, focusing on essential techniques through playful experimentation mimicking the styles of watercolor artists in CMA’s permanent collection while encouraging individual artistic expression. Students will develop fundamental watercolor skills. All materials provided; all skill levels welcome. Ages 16+; 8 seats available.

***Please note class time change 4-6pm. Class was originally listed as 2-4pm.

This 6-week watercolor course focuses on transparent layering, intentional color mixing, and building depth through value and temperature shifts. Students complete one finished painting per class while developing a deeper understanding of light, contrast, and color interaction. This is a structured course designed to build skills progressively. Each week expands on the previous one, encouraging students to gain confidence and control in watercolor. Some drawing familiarity is helpful but not required. All materials provided; all skill levels welcome. Ages 16+; 8 seats available. 

Create a stunning nature-inspired centerpiece that blends thriving plants with fresh cut flowers. Students will use whimsical branches, moss, rocks, and floral oasis to design a living arrangement that remains vibrant when the fresh cut flowers wilt – simply replace them with new ones to keep your centerpiece colorful and fresh for months on end. All materials provided; all skill levels welcome. Ages 16+; 10 seats available.

Form, surface design, glazing, and firing are explored in greater depth during this class. Designed for advanced students, with a prerequisite of four ceramics classes completed at CMA, or instructor approval. Students who have taken five or more CMA ceramics classes, or individuals deemed to be working at an apprentice level are required to complete their own firing in cooperation with the Canton Ceramic Artists Guild to deepen their understanding of the process. Students registered for Advanced Ceramics are also entitled to utilize open studio hours throughout the 10-week class session. Ages 18+, 12 seats available.

Additional costs to students for ceramics classes, not included in registration fee, and due first day of class:

• All CMA ceramics students must purchase and use approved clay from CMA. 25 lbs of clay may be purchased on the first day of class @ $54 during check-in at the front desk. An additional 25 lbs of clay may be purchased thereafter, with a limit of 50 lbs of clay per session to limit over-production of student work.

• CMA students are welcome to use their own clay tools; however, clay tool kits may be purchased on the first day of class and as needed thereafter @ $15.

Discover the ceramic process from start to finish through instructor-led demonstrations, glazing techniques, and constructive feedback. Beginner students learn the basics of hand-building and wheel-work while intermediate students refine their skills. Individual projects include functional pottery and decorative work. Students registered for Classic Ceramics are also entitled to utilize open studio hours throughout the 10-week class session.

Additional costs to students for ceramics classes, not included in registration fee, and due first day of class:

• All CMA ceramics students must purchase and use approved clay from CMA. 25 lbs of clay may be purchased on the first day of class @ $54 during check-in at the front desk. An additional 25 lbs of clay may be purchased thereafter, with a limit of 50 lbs of clay per session to limit over-production of student work.

• CMA students are welcome to use their own clay tools; however, clay tool kits may be purchased on the first day of class and as needed thereafter @ $15.

Form, surface design, glazing, and firing are explored in greater depth during this class. Designed for advanced students, with a prerequisite of four ceramics classes completed at CMA, or instructor approval. Students who have taken five or more CMA ceramics classes, or individuals deemed to be working at an apprentice level are required to complete their own firing in cooperation with the Canton Ceramic Artists Guild to deepen their understanding of the process. Students registered for Advanced Ceramics are also entitled to utilize open studio hours throughout the 10-week class session. Ages 18+, 12 seats available.

This digital photography course teaches students to move beyond auto mode and take well-composed images that reflect their personal vision. Topics include camera operation, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance, lighting and composition. *Please bring a digital camera with a manual mode and a card reader. All experience levels are welcome. Ages 16+; 10 seats available.

Discover the ceramic process from start to finish through instructor-led demonstrations, glazing techniques, and constructive feedback. Beginner students learn the basics of hand-building and wheel-work while intermediate students refine their skills. Individual projects include functional pottery and decorative work. Students registered for Classic Ceramics are also entitled to utilize open studio hours throughout the 10-week class session.

Additional costs to students for ceramics classes, not included in registration fee, and due first day of class:

• All CMA ceramics students must purchase and use approved clay from CMA. 25 lbs of clay may be purchased on the first day of class @ $54 during check-in at the front desk. An additional 25 lbs of clay may be purchased thereafter, with a limit of 50 lbs of clay per session to limit over-production of student work.

• CMA students are welcome to use their own clay tools; however, clay tool kits may be purchased on the first day of class and as needed thereafter @ $15.