Iowa City Senior Center January-February 2026 Program Guide

MAKING ART Watercolor Made Simple Mondays, Jan 5 - Feb 23, 1-3 pm Location: Room G07 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Rebecca Mathews Have you ever wanted to try watercolor painting, but weren't sure where to start? This class is all about exploring the basics in a fun, relaxed way. No experience required, just bring your curiosity and creativity! We’ll cover simple sketching and composition methods to help you develop an interesting and balanced painting; color mixing and blending and water control to get the best possible results; brush techniques for smooth washes, fine details and specific textures; layering methods to create depth and richness; and the addition of acrylics or gouache to add vibrancy and rich opacity. We'll work on enjoyable projects each week so you can practice new skills, experiment with color, and gain confidence. Watercolor paper, brushes, and paint will be provided. Fee: $60 ($45 for those with ICSC's low income membership); pay instructor. No class Jan 19 or 26. Membership required. Watercolor & Acrylic Workshop Saturdays, Jan 10 - Feb 14, 10 am - 12 pm Location: Room G07 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Dr. Hani Elkadi This class will include independent and

Sculpted Gourd Bowl with Lid Friday, Jan 16, 10 am - 1 pm Location: Room G07 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Terri Summer

jan feb 2026

In this class we will create a small bowl with a lid using gourds, wood, epoxy clay, sculpting tools, acrylic and metallic paints and patinas. All materials will be provided by the instructor. It is a beginner class and no special skills are needed. Students may want to wear clothing that they don’t mind getting dirty or bring an apron to protect their clothes. Discounts are not available for this class. Material fee: $15; pay instructor. Membership required.

Rendering Still Life Sunday, Jan 25, 1-4 pm Location: Room G07 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Jack G. Taylor

This drawing and painting workshop features an in-depth study of the still life. Painting inanimate objects from observation is a great opportunity to practice rendering. This workshop will focus on drawing and painting with the goal of creating a finished painting by the end of the class. Open to all experience levels! We will start with some basic drawing concepts: exploring contour lines, gesture, and value. We will then do some painting based on observation. Materials, props, and surfaces will be provided, however members are encouraged to bring their own objects to draw/paint. Fee: $15 ($11.25 for those with ICSC’s low-income membership); pay instructor. Jack G. Taylor is a current drawing and painting MFA candidate at the University of Iowa, originally from Seattle, WA. Raku Pottery refers to a ceramics finishing process that is inspired by traditional Japanese raku firing. It originates from Buddhist influences, specifically the tea ceremony. We can produce a similar look with gourd art. In this class students will decorate gourds with texture, a top, and handles if desired. We’ll finish the gourds to look like Raku Pottery, but in a much simpler process that doesn’t require ceramic tools or a kiln. All materials and instructions will be provided; no experience is needed. We will work with gourds, sand, clay, glue, paints, and mica powders. Students may want to wear clothing that they don’t mind getting dirty or bring an apron to protect their clothes. Discounts are not available for this class. Material fee: $15; pay instructor. Membership required. Faux Raku Ceramic Vase from a Gourd Friday, Feb 13, 10 am - 1 pm Location: Room G07 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Terri Summer

LIFELONG LEARNING collaborative training of various techniques of watercolor usage as an art medium. No previous experience is needed. Various activities will focus on two main objectives: still life rendering of composition or an

object; and imaginative expression of ideas and/or emotions as a visual response to an event, poem, or story. Students will need to bring good quality watercolor paper, a set of 24 watercolors, and a set of Prisma color pencils. Both new and returning students are welcome. Fee: $140 ($105 for those with ICSC's low-income membership); pay instructor.

Online at icgov.org/senior/registration By phone, call 319-356-5220 In-person at the Senior Center, 7 days/week during open hours

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