Iowa City Senior Center November-December 2025 Program Guide

MAKING ART Watercolor Made Simple Mondays, Nov 3 - Dec 15, 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 Nov 24. Membership required. Watercolor & Acrylic Workshop Thursdays, Nov 6 - Dec 18, 10 am - 12 pm Location: Room G07 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Dr. Hani Elkadi This class will include independent and

ICSC Nature Journal Club Thursdays, Nov 6, Dec 4, 2-4 pm Location: To be determined Register online or call 319-356-5220 Group leader: Sara Cavic

nov dec 2025

Meet monthly to journal together, either at a local park/natural area if the weather permits or at the Senior Center. Whether you’re already a nature journaler or new to it, all are welcome to join this group! No art or writing experience are required, but curiosity about the natural world or a desire to observe and know it more deeply is encouraged. Bring any materials you are comfortable carrying and using. Nature journaling can be a combination of art and writing, or just one or the other. Bring a notebook and pen/pencil to get started. Informal instruction in drawing and watercolor is offered for those interested. The goal of the group is to foster community and connection, with each other and with the natural world around us. There will be time for (optional) sharing of our work, resources, questions, victories, or challenges. Membership required.

Gourd and Pine Needle Baskets Friday, Dec 5, 10 am - 1 pm Location: Room G07 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Terri Summer

In this workshop, students will gain an overview of the various techniques used to create gourd art. This class will focus on preparing the gourd, weaving the pine needles, and finishing techniques using paints, dyes, and sealants. Students should wear comfortable clothing they don’t mind getting dirty or an apron to protect their clothing. Consider bringing a water bottle, pen or pencil, paper for taking notes, and a mask. The material fee covers handouts, gourds, tools, and supplies. Discounts are not available for this class. Material fee: $12; pay instructor at the beginning of class. Membership required.

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

Gourd with Oil Candle Insert Friday, Dec 12, 10 am - 1 pm Location: Room G07 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Terri Summer

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 participants in ICSC's low-income membership program); pay instructor. No class Nov 27.

Make a decorative yet functional project using a hard shell gourd with a glass candle insert. Students will decorate their project using a variety of color techniques and carving, if desired. We'll embellish the projects using the student's choice of materials and finish it with a glass candle insert. Students should wear comfortable clothes that they are okay with getting dirty or bring an apron to protect their clothing. All supplies and materials will be provided by the instructor. Discounts are not available for this class. Material fee: $15; pay instructor. Membership required.

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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