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Art Classes and Creative Workshops

May

Tuesday May 27 2:00-4:00

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Brushstrokes of Freedom: An Artistic Journey Through 250 Years of Independence

As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of our Independence, Paul Arsenault, a traveling painter since the early 1970s, has documented with his art many destinations around the world whose struggles for self determination were inspired by the American Revolution. While maintaining a career as a regional painter based in Florida and New England, Paul has sought in his travels to capture on canvas the intrigue and essence of these destinations. His paintings from these excursions, especially to the islands of the West Indies and Caribbean, provide a glimpse of these places, often before they were homogenized by tourism or decimated by natural disasters. Mr. Arsenault will reflect on the milestones of his 50 year career as a professional artist, the 150th anniversary of Highlands, and the 250th anniversary of American Independence. He presents through his paintings and stories compelling examples of the enduring spirit of Independence that unifies humanity.

 

This program is in collaboration with the Highlands Historical Society.

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Location:  CLE Lecture Hall

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Paul Arsenault was raised in Hingham, Massachusetts where his love for the sea and travel emerged. After graduating from the Art Institute of Boston (1973), he worked as a deckhand on a research vessel that brought him to Florida. Moving to Naples in 1974, he honed his skill as a landscape artist and traveling painter. His ability to capture the essence of place and his love of history give him a distinct and entertaining perspective.

June

Wednesday June 11 10:00-12:00

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Not Your Ordinary Greeting Cards!

Create a collection of beautiful greeting cards and matching envelopes! A variety of techniques will be taught to create one of a kind greeting cards you will be proud to present to family and friends, such as printmaking, multimedia techniques, and collage. The possibilities are endless with these fun and easy ideas! All creativity levels are welcome, and supplies to make your extraordinary cards will be provided for this class. Please simply bring your favorite pair of scissors and prepare to wow your friends and family with your creations!

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Location:  CLE Lecture Hall/Porch

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Cindy Guinn is a creator, business owner, author, and award winning elementary art teacher. She is best known as a presenter with her company, The Bag Ladies. Cindy enjoys crafting handmade journals, altered books, and creative pieces to add to her journals. She continues to teach classes to communities and groups.

Thursday June 12 2:00-4:00

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A Shell-A-Bration Art Workshop!

Create beautiful shell art with little-tono art skills needed. This is a fun and creative way to decorate ordinary shells into beautiful works of art. Create a collection of shells that will be perfect to gift or keep for yourself. These can be used as jewelry dishes, bottle decorations or even ornaments. Choose from different designs and themes such as beach, holiday, floral, and many more. All materials for decorating will be provided. Bring your favorite pair of scissors and spend a few hours getting crafty!

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Location:  CLE Lecture Hall/Porch

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Cindy Guinn is a creator, business owner, author, and award winning elementary art teacher. She is best known as a presenter with her company, The Bag Ladies. Cindy enjoys crafting handmade journals, altered books, and creative pieces to add to her journals. She continues to teach classes to communities and groups.

July

Monday July 7 10:00-12:00

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​Chasing Waterfalls: Mastering the Art of Day and Night Photography

With a subject as popular as waterfalls, you may wonder if there’s anything new to talk about. After Kevin Adams’ program, you’ll wonder how you’ll find the time to apply all the new techniques he talks about. Kevin will have you photographing waterfalls in ways you’ve never imagined. And you won’t be putting your camera away once the sun goes down, as he’ll introduce you to the unique and exciting world of nighttime waterfall photography. Think you’ve seen it all when it comes to waterfalls? Think again! Note: this program is a lecture, not a workshop.

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Location:  CLE Lecture Hall

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Kevin Adams is a naturalist, writer, teacher, and photographer who has had a lifelong love affair with nature and the outdoors. In addition to photo credits in all manner of publications, Kevin is the author and photographer of ten books. An accomplished photography instructor, he leads photo tours and teaches numerous workshops and seminars throughout the year. Often called the “MacGyver of Photography,” he designed and sells several unique products for night photographers. Kevin lives in Waynesville, North Carolina with his wife, Patricia, their elderly cat Lucy, two cats he personally rescued from Puerto Rico, and three more cats that showed up one day and decided to move in.

This program is sponsored by William Meyers

Wednesday July 9 2:00-4:00

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Kyoto’s Essence: Exploring the Art, Traditions, and Beauty of Japan’s Cultural Heart

Japan is known for its unique culture and thousands of years of tradition. The presentation will focus on the beauty, art and traditions of Kyoto. Harmony and respect for others is essential to the Japanese, as well as sound design and the value of the natural world. Samples of traditional art and clothing will be presented, and a discussion will follow the presentation. Join us for this exciting look into a very special part of our world! Note: this program is a lecture, not a workshop.

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Location:  CLE Lecture Hall

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Mary Cavaioli was an award winning teacher and instructor in Broward and Palm Beach County Public Schools for over 40 years. She taught in the classroom and worked at the District level in Broward and Palm Beach. She has written articles for art journals, presented at state and national conferences all while mentoring many educators in the state of Florida. She has taught in Florida, Iowa, Sweden and Japan. She currently teaches for the Boca Raton Museum of Art and serves on the Boards for WITVA (Women in the Visual Arts in Palm Beach) and CLE.

Tuesday July 15 2:00-4:00

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Drawing For All!

Back by popular demand! Mary will teach you how to draw using the elements of art: line, shape, form, value, and texture. Graphite pencils, ebony pencils, Sharpies, etc., are your tools. Using these elements, we will create a value scale and simple drawings of still life and landscape. Bring a sketchbook or journal. This will be a “process over product” style of learning. All participants will be supported in drawing ideas they would like to develop. All materials for this class are provided, and you will leave with a supply list for continuing your art exploration at home.

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Location:  CLE Lecture Hall/Porch

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Mary Cavaioli was an award winning teacher and instructor in Broward and Palm Beach County Public Schools for over 40 years. She taught in the classroom and worked at the District level in Broward and Palm Beach. She has written articles for art journals, presented at state and national conferences all while mentoring many educators in the state of Florida. She has taught in Florida, Iowa, Sweden and Japan. She currently teaches for the Boca Raton Museum of Art and serves on the Boards for WITVA (Women in the Visual Arts in Palm Beach) and CLE.

Wednesday July 30 10:00-12:00

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Introduction to Alcohol Inks

Designed for beginners, this workshop is an introduction to alcohol inks and their versatility in creating translucent and very fluid artworks. Alcohol inks are highly pigmented and fast drying. We will be using 91% Isopropyl Alcohol, Yupo paper, plus the inks to create beautiful, colorful art. If you have used watercolors, you will enjoy seeing the beautiful effects these inks can achieve! All materials for this class will be provided, and you will leave with a supply list for continuing your art exploration at home.

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Location:  CLE Lecture Hall/Porch

​

Mary Cavaioli was an award winning teacher and instructor in Broward and Palm Beach County Public Schools for over 40 years. She taught in the classroom and worked at the District level in Broward and Palm Beach. She has written articles for art journals, presented at state and national conferences all while mentoring many educators in the state of Florida. She has taught in Florida, Iowa, Sweden and Japan. She currently teaches for the Boca Raton Museum of Art and serves on the Boards for WITVA (Women in the Visual Arts in Palm Beach) and CLE.

August

Friday August 8 2:00-4:00

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Art Workshop: Creating a Watercolor Brush Painting in the Style of Japanese Tradition

Create a work of art based on the tradition of watercolor brush painting! Practicing traditional techniques and using traditional design materials, class participants will produce a final project: a watercolor painting of a “sakura” cherry blossom tree on handmade paper. All materials will be provided for this class, and you will leave with a supply list for continuing your art exploration at home.

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Location:  CLE Lecture Hall/Porch

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Mary Cavaioli was an award winning teacher and instructor in Broward and Palm Beach County Public Schools for over 40 years. She taught in the classroom and worked at the District level in Broward and Palm Beach. She has written articles for art journals, presented at state and national conferences all while mentoring many educators in the state of Florida. She has taught in Florida, Iowa, Sweden and Japan. She currently teaches for the Boca Raton Museum of Art and serves on the Boards for WITVA (Women in the Visual Arts in Palm Beach) and CLE.

Monday August 18 10:00-12:00

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Night Visions: Unlocking the Secrets of Photography After Dark

People used to ask Kevin Adams what is there to photograph at night? Today, night photography is extremely popular, with photographers capturing all sorts of nighttime subjects. Nothing new to do, right? Not so fast! In this presentation, Kevin covers the typical stuff—Milky Way, star trails, lighthouses, cityscapes, etc.—but he’ll also talk about photographing subjects you’ve never thought of, and he’ll share techniques for photographing ordinary subjects in ways you’ve never imagined. Fair warning, though. Kevin says that after you attend this presentation, you won’t be getting much sleep going forward—unless you do it in the daytime! Note: this program is a lecture, not a workshop.

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Location:  CLE Lecture Hall

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Kevin Adams is a naturalist, writer, teacher, and photographer who has had a lifelong love affair with nature and the outdoors. In addition to photo credits in all manner of publications, Kevin is the author and photographer of ten books. An accomplished photography instructor, he leads photo tours and teaches numerous workshops and seminars throughout the year. Often called the “MacGyver of Photography,” he designed and sells several unique products for night photographers. Kevin lives in Waynesville, North Carolina with his wife, Patricia, their elderly cat Lucy, two cats he personally rescued from Puerto Rico, and three more cats that showed up one day and decided to move in.

This program is sponsored by William Meyers

Tuesday August 19 2:00-4:00

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Alcohol Inks (Advanced)

Designed for artists who have taken the beginner course or those with some experience using this medium, alcohol inks are highly pigmented and fast drying. We will be using 91% Isopropyl Alcohol, Yupo paper, plus the inks to create beautiful, colorful art. If you have used watercolors, you will enjoy seeing the beautiful effects these inks can achieve! All materials for this class will be provided, as well as a supply list for continuing your art exploration at home.

​

Location:  CLE Lecture Hall/Porch

​

Mary Cavaioli was an award winning teacher and instructor in Broward and Palm Beach County Public Schools for over 40 years. She taught in the classroom and worked at the District level in Broward and Palm Beach. She has written articles for art journals, presented at state and national conferences all while mentoring many educators in the state of Florida. She has taught in Florida, Iowa, Sweden and Japan. She currently teaches for the Boca Raton Museum of Art and serves on the Boards for WITVA (Women in the Visual Arts in Palm Beach) and CLE.

September

Monday September 15 10:00-4:00

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Art Workshop: The Techniques and Inspiration of Andrew Wyeth with Alan Shuptrine

Join nationally awarded artist Alan Shuptrine for this exclusive watercolor painting workshop! Alan’s favorite teacher was his father, Hubert Shuptrine (1936-2006), and of course, both Hubert and Alan’s pieces are inspired by artist, Andrew Wyeth. For this class, he will focus on weathered farm homes, clapboard buildings, shadows, and distant grass fields. Alan will cover Wyeth’s preferred techniques, including drybrush watercolor, layering of washes, and detailed Realism. This is a six hour program, so please wear comfortable clothes to paint in, and bring a lunch.

 

 Participants will also need to purchase supplies for this program on their own prior to the program date. Please call the CLE office to request the supply list.

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Location:  CLE Lecture Hall/Porch

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Alan Shuptrine, nationally awarded artist and master craftsman, is renowned for his intricate watercolors, oils, gilded panels and handcrafted gold leaf frames. Alan continues the legacy of Realism painting established by his father, Hubert Shuptrine (1936-2006). Shuptrine has exhibited in several museums, including his solo 4-museum exhibition with his published award-winning book, I Come From A Place. He has exhibited and taught at The Florence Academy of Art, Italy, and recently was the Artist in Residence at Palmetto Bluff Resort, South Carolina. Shuptrine is currently planning an exhibition of works in Scotland in Summer 2025 as the Artist in Residence at The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle.

Mailing Address

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Highlands-Cashiers Center For Life Enrichment

Contact Us

Tel: 828-526-8811

Email: office@clehighlands.com

PO BOX 2046

Highlands, NC 28741

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348 S. 5th Street

Peggy Crosby Center

Highlands, NC 28741

Physical Address

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