Watercolor
Mondays (8-weeks), 6pm to 8pm
John Howard, $135, $130 (Members)
Learn a step by step approach to painting with watercolors and gain the skills to paint any subject matter with confidence. Wet-into-wet, glazing and negative painting are among the 14 techniques students will experience. Classroom and individual demonstrations will enhance the student's awareness of the watercolor medium. Supply list given at registration. Classes begin Monday March 31th!Adult Oil Painting
Tuesdays (8-weeks), 9:30am to 12:00pm or 6pm to 8:30pm
Beth Leahy, $135, $130 (Members)
Rembrandt's paintings have survived for centuries due to sound painting techniques. These techniques will be taught so you too can paint like the Dutch Masters. Using direct painting methods, each artist will create a still-life in a realist style. A reference photo is provided. Painting techniques, supplies, care of materials and mediums will be covered in class. Beginners through advanced students are welcome. Supply list given at registration. Classes begin Tuesday April 1st!
*Impressionistic Pastel Painting
Wednesdays (8-weeks), 9:30am to 12:00pm
Liz Wall, $135, $130 (Members)
Students will work from life and photo reference focusing on strong and dramatic lighting. Short demos and individual instruction will be given as needed. This multi-level class will focus on color, composition and personal expression. Supply list given at registration. Classes begin Wednesday April 2nd!
*Impressionistic Palette Knife Painting in Oils
Wednesdays (8-weeks), 12:30pm to 2:45
Liz Wall, $135, $130 (Members)
Color, composition and lively brushwork will be the focus of this class. Students will use various painting knives and brushes to paint in an impressionistic manner. Photo reference and still life will be used and working "alla prima" (beginning and finishing a piece in one session) will be encouraged. Supply list given at registration. Classes begin Wednesday April 2nd!
*Students interested in taking the full day of pastel and palette knife will receive a price break. The cost for the full day for 8 weeks is $200. Please contact the office for more details (708)671-0648.
Drawing: Still Life
Thursdays (8-weeks), 6pm to 8pm
John Howard, $135, $130 (Members)
Learn the three forms of drawing: gesture, contour and mass drawing. Composition, light and shadow arrangements along with perspective will be covered to help convey your personal visual expression. Expand your knowledge if you are a novice and acquire the basics if you are a beginner. Supply list given at registration.
Classes begin Thursday April 3rd!
Collage
Wednesdays (8-weeks) 6pm to 8:30pm
Linzie Newman, $135, $130 (Members)
Collage is a medium based on its own freedom. It is made up of layers and becomes completely process-based. In this class we will explore photography, transfer, and gluing techniques, history, connotations relating to materials, and underlying ideas and themes; all of this in relation to collage and sketch-booking. We will focus on process before final results. We will challenge our current ways of working and attempt to discover something new in our own artistic outlets. Anywhere is a great starting point and we will grow into the kind of artist we already are. The class will end with a complete piece, as well as a solid foundation in sketchbook and collage practice. Scrap-bookers welcome! This is a great way to make your photo journals into a work of art. Class begins Wednesday April 2nd!
Oil Painting, Ages 8 to 15
Tuesdays (8-weeks), 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Beth Leahy, $135, $130(Members)
Basic oil painting techniques will be taught and applied as well as basic artistic elements such as composition and value. Artists will begin in black and white and progress to color. Students are encouraged to try several genres: still life, portrait, and landscape. Water-miscible oil paints are provided by the instructor. Supplies needed: pencil, lg. med. sm. filbert brushes, mop brush, offset palette knife, container to carry supplies and a painting cover-up. Classes begin Tuesday April 1st!
Drawing, Ages 8 to 13
Wednesdays (8-weeks), 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Beth Leahy, $135, $130 (Members)
Anyone can draw! Together we will learn to draw using simple methods designed to help the young artist see shapes and how they relate to each other. This class will progress from simple line drawings to realistic value drawings. Classes will begin with drawing exercises. Individualized attention from the instructor will be given to each student as he/she works on a drawing of their choice. Supplies needed: pencils-5H, 2H, HB, 3B, 5B, 7B, pink eraser, kneaded eraser, sketchpad (9x12 or larger, spiral bound). Classes begin Wednesday April 2nd!
Art Presentation Prep. Class
Beth Leahy
Many area schools request parents to help present and educate students on famous artists and artworks. Experienced instructor Beth Leahy will prepare you for presenting, creating an activity and keeping the children's interest in your chosen artist. This program must be scheduled in a group of 10 to 15 persons. Fee of $8 per person.
Scouts, Book Clubs and Groups
McCord has a unique history and there are many activities that our instructors can present to your group to earn badges, fulfill requirements or just have fun! Have your group leader contact McCord for more information.
Art Activity Fun
$95 for 2 hour event
Looking for a unique artistic theme for a special event? McCord staff will facilitate an artistic project at your home and take care of all the details. Inspire your children or adult guests to a creative and fun experience they will not forget. Prior consultation is required and supplies are the expense of the host.
Facilitator: Maria DeCaprio-Sunta
Private Children's Watercolor Instruction
$45.00 per 2 hour Session
Maria DeCaprio-Sunta
Help your child to bring art to the next level. This one-on-one opportunity will allow your child to learn watercolor techniques such as wet-into-wet, create a variety of textures, color mixing, creating depth, lifting and more. Drawing elements are heavily discussed and included in these fantastic sessions. Suggested supplies are not included.
Semi-private Instruction for Adult and Child
$80 per 2 hour Session
Maria DeCaprio-Sunta
This is the perfect opportunity to connect with your child or grandchild through art! Schedule your lessons today to work on watercolor and drawing elements. Individual attention allows both participants to work at their own pace. Enhance your quality time by adding art to the equation.
Thinking Abstract
Two Day Workshop, Saturday April 26 - 9am to 4pm,
Sunday April 27th - 11am to 4pm
Margi Hafer, $150, $125(Members)
A good understanding of composition and the use of design principles is key to the development of abstract drawing and painting. Explore color relationships, tonal value, texture, shape and spatial illusion during this two-day workshop using your choice of dry and/or waterbased media. A suggested materials list will be supplied at registration. Start "thinking ABSTRACT" and let your creativity soar.
Palos Plein Air
Saturday April 5, 9:30am to 11:30am
Liz Wall, $35, $30 (Members)
The class will take advantage of the varied landscape subjects at Lake Katherine. You may choose to work in any media or just bring your sketchbook and camera. Instructor will give tips on organizing the information in front of you into an interesting composition. Choose between fields, forests, flowers or waterscapes. We will have a short discussion after the painting session to answer any questions. Supply list at registration if needed.
Support Your Art
Saturday April 19th, 9am to 1pm
Beth Leahy, $75, $70 (Members)
Prepare a support ready for various mediums. Participants will learn to stretch their own canvas, make a rough surface for pastels on masonite and museum board, and prepare a panel for oil or acrylic. These surfaces will be ready to take home and use for your creativity. Terminology of each process will be explained. Supplies are included.
Spring Bulbs Floorcloth Painting
Saturday May 3rd, 9am to 1pm
Beth Leahy, $65, $60
Paint your own 2'x3' floorcloth appropriate for a hallway or kitchen or a gift for mom! A bright and cheery springtime flower design; canvasses will be gessoed and ready for you to paint. Experience not necessary, this is a great girlfriend activity. Supplies included.
Sketchbook, Camera and Color-recording
Landscapes & Interiors
Thursday May 29th, 9:30am to 12:30pm
Liz Wall, $30, $25 (Members)
No matter what level, style or media you like, working in a sketchbook improves observational and drawing skills while recording information for a visual journal or for future paintings. A short discussion on organizing and techniques used in sketchbooks will be followed by stops at a few local places to record the day. Small supply list and itinerary will be given at registration.
No music classes are currently scheduled for the spring semester.
Music lessons are booked monthly with open registration. For more information please call (708)671-0648.
Lesson Rates:
Private 1/2 hr. lesson $22
Ensemble 1/2 hr. lesson $11
Private 45 min. lesson $33
Private one-hour lesson $44
If a student wishes to cancel their regularly scheduled lesson 24 hours notice must be given to the instructor in order to be eligible for a make-up lesson. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor if any lessons are to be missed. Failure to notify or notification less than 24 hours prior to the lesson will result in no refund for the missed lesson and no make-up lesson. Each student is limited to one make-up lesson per month unless otherwise discussed with their personal instructor. Remember: McCord Members receive 3% discount on music lessons, please see the Membership Info for more details.
Please see our registration and policies section for more details.
Damien Aherene - Classical Guitar
B.M., B.M., M.M., Roosevelt University. With undergraduate degrees in Classical Guitar Performance and Music Education and a Master's Degree in Classical Guitar Performance, Mr. Aherene is a wonderfully qualified instructor. Strengthening his career in both areas, Damien is a Band Director for the local school district and Moraine Valley Community College while continuing to perform classical guitar in the Chicago Land Area. Past performances include "Tony & Tina's Wedding" in Chicago and lead guitarist at Napper Tandy in Chicago.
Rocco Bartolini - Hammered Dulcimer
Mr. Bartolini has been playing professionally for about five years. He has performed at weddings and played at restaurants, art galleries, churches, coffee houses, high schools, nature centers, festivals, live on the radio and at various special events. He teaches hammered dulcimer non-credit classes at Moraine Valley Community College and has conducted workshops at the prestigious Gebhard Woods Dulcimer held in Morris, IL. He is also past president of the South Suburban Dulcimer and Folk Music Society.
John Howard - Multi-Level Watercolor, Still & Life Drawing
Mr. Howard received his training from the American Academy of Art in Chicago. As a professional artist and Muralist, he has been awarded the CFS medal from the American Watercolor Society's 136th Annual International Exhibition in New York. He has been teaching various classes for over 21 years and joined McCord in January 2005. His murals and paintings can be found in the corporate, residential and gallery settings.
Ronnamarie Jensen - Violin
B.M., M.M., University of Arkansas. Ronna is presently a concertmaster for Opera in the Ozarks and second violin section in the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. Her honors include but are not limited to, 2nd place University of Arkansas Concerto/Aria Competition and Winner of the Arkansas National Federation of Music Clubs Competition. Ronna has also participated in the Hot Springs Music Festival, the Round Top Music Festival and the Music Festival of Arkansas.
Christina Kedzior - Voice, Piano
Affectionately referred to as "Miss. Christine" by her students, Ms. Kedzior holds performance degrees in both Musical Theater and Theater from Illinois State University. Performing since the age of three, she has credits in theater, opera, and dance ranging from Miss. Julie to The Magic Flute to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. While she will always cherish these memories, her greatest joy is teaching and the opportunity it allows her to enrich her student's lives
Beth Leahy - Adult Oil, Workshops, Youth Oil & Drawing
B.A., St. Xavier University with additional classes taken from the Art Institute of Chicago, American Academy of Art, Palette and Chisel, and School of Representational Art. Beth is a member of the Oil Painters of America and has taught oil painting to adults and children since 1997. McCord has been privileged to have her teach since opening in 2004. Beth has exhibited and taken many awards over the years.
Amy Miller - Voice
B.M., St. Xavier University. Ms. Miller teaches general music and choir at the elementary and junior high levels and maintains a private studio for adults and children in both voice and piano. Amy is a classically trained Soprano who performs for weddings and special events and has participated in numerous choral performances.
Alexa Muhly - Cello, Piano
B.M. Cleveland Institute of Music, M.M. Yale School of Music. Alexa is formerly the principle cello in the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, involved in the Burdick-Thorne String Quartet, Fontana Chamber Music Series and the Grand Rapids Symphony. She also teaches cello at Kalamazoo College. Alexa joined McCord in the fall of 2005, teaching cello and beginning piano. Her awards include but are not limited to, Banff Center for the Arts, Aspen Music Festival Scholarship, 1st prize Iowa Center for the Arts, 1st prize Jugend Musiziert national competition in Germany.
Keith Murphy - Piano, Composition, and Music Theory
B.A. with Honors in Music, University of Chicago, and M.M. and M.M.A. in Composition, Yale University. Mr. Murphy has taught at both Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University in the areas of Composition, Music Theory, 20th-Century Music, American Music, and World Music, and was a Teaching Fellow in Yale University's Department of Music. He has also taught piano and accompanied middle and high school students on the faculty of New England Music Camp, and has worked in arts education programs in local elementary and middle schools in both Chicago and Michigan. Recently returned to the Chicago area, he is now available to teach piano, composition, and a wide range of other topics such as music theory or history, counterpoint, ear training, etc.
Teresa Notermann - Saxophone, Piano
B. M. University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. Mr. Notermann has been one of McCord's prized faculty since 2004. She has experience in teaching flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, percussion, drums, piano, and violin. While teaching band at the elementary and high school levels, she has taught private students from ages 3 to 78.
Steve Orejudos - Trumpet Trombone
B.A. Eastman School of Music, M.M. Wichita State University. Steve is an active freelancer in and around the Chicago area and is currently the principle trumpet of the Southwest Michigan Symphony, the Whiting Park Festival Orchestra and the Opera in the Ozarks Festival. He also performs regularly with the Northwest Indiana Symphony, South Bend Symphony and the New Philharmonic. While maintaining an active private lesson studio, Mr. Orejudos is also a trumpet instructor with the Merit School of Music in Chicago. Previously, he has been a member of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and the Ohio Light Opera Orchestra.
Alicia Poot - Flute, Piano
Alicia Poot is a freelance flutist in Chicago. She currently serves as principal flutist for the Pine Mountain Music Festival's Symphony Orchestra in the summers and also serves as a substitute player in several orchestras in Michigan and Ohio. A favorite highlight in her career was a tour with The Irish Tenors several summers ago. While a graduate student at The University of Akron, she won the University's concerto competition and was a winner in both the National Flute Association's Masterclass Competition and in Akron's Tuesday Musical Club Competition. Past summer festivals include Orford Arts Centre, the Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacific, the Rome Festival, and the Julius Baker Masterclasses. Enthusiastic about contemporary music and experimental chamber music, she is currently involved with a new sound project called "Flag Ceremony." She has studied at DePaul University, The University of Akron, Western Michigan University, and The Catholic University of America with Mary Stolper, George Pope, Christopher Kantner, Christine Smith, and Alice Weinreb. Also an accomplished pianist, she accompanies most of her flute students as well as teaches piano lessons.
Mike Roti - Guitar
Playing since the age of 12, Mr. Roti attended Columbia College where he majored in Music Performance for Jazz and Blues Guitar. Mike has played with several bands and has performed at the Taste of Chicago on the Fox Stage and currently performs on weekends. Mike teaches over 60 private students each week and has been a wonderful addition to McCord since 2004.
Maria DeCaprio-Sunta
B.A. University of Illinois Chicago. Maria has been a volunteer board member for Palos Fine Arts Association, Moraine Valley Community College Foundation and Co-Founder of the Curriculum Committee at McCord Gallery & Cultural Center. She has taught Multi-Level Watercolor to adults and children. Maria has exhibited her watercolors locally and is an Art Awareness presenter for Palos East School.
Liz Wall - Pastel, Palette Knife, Youth Classes
Certificate in Drawing, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, B.A. Marycrest University. Ms. Wall is an Artist Member of the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, art instructor, as well as a participant in juried shows for many years. As a founding member of the Gallery Committee and an instructor, McCord is honored to have her on staff and faculty since opening in 2004.
Kate Weilandt - Oboe
B.M. DePaul University. Kate has studied with Robert Morgan or the Lyric Opera and has experience in Music of the Baroque. Kate's teaching experience includes 3 years at DeDiego Academy in Chicago and she has also been involved in the Palatine Concert Band, Illinois Music Educators Association - Student Chapter and National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
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