GILROY
– Despite that it’s already July, there’s still time to sign up
for the city of Gilroy’s expanded offering of summer art
classes.
GILROY – Despite that it’s already July, there’s still time to sign up for the city of Gilroy’s expanded offering of summer art classes.
The city of Gilroy is sponsoring eight art classes – from beginner to intermediate – during July and August, said Cathy Mirelez, museum and cultural arts supervisor. Many of the classes are tailored to young children, such as Drawing for kids and Drawing for the Young-At-Heart, while others like Oil Painting Techniques are designed for adults and more experienced painters.
This summer’s offerings are more diverse and larger than in years past thanks to new teacher Scott Lance, who will teach the fundamentals of oil painting, Mirelez said. Lance, of Gilroy, has been working as a commercial artist for the last 25 years and will be lending his expertise this summer. He has worked as an art director, graphic designer, illustrator and creative director. Recently, he has spent most of his time on oil paintings and will teach four of the art classes being offered.
“Scott’s classes are very exciting, he is bringing a different art medium to the table,” Mirelez said.
Lance is also recognized in Gilroy as the winner of the 1987 and 2000 Garlic Festival poster contests. He can also be seen offering advice, while showcasing his work at a booth in Valley Fair Mall in San Jose.
“I love talking to people at the mall, and I always start by asking them if they are artists,” Lance said. “Everyone is always hesitant to say yes, but in my opinion all humans possess the ability to become an artist. They just need a little help letting it out.”
In each of Lance’s classes, he hopes to help people find their “inner artist.” For children, it is a much easier process, because kids don’t care who is watching them. But, in his adult classes, he must work to bring people back to when they were kids.
“As people get older, I find they are very concerned with having their work judged by other people,” he said. “I try and teach them to forget their surroundings and suspend their judgment for the time being.”
His oil painting techniques class is for ages 16 and over and is tailored toward new and experienced painters. The class will focus on color theory, history of oils, lighting effects and many other useful techniques. Lance says everyone will leave the class with their own still-life painting. This year he has decided to focus on a garlic themed picture that will develop techniques while showing a little community spirit.
“They will be painting a white garlic bulb with a shiny eggplant and red tomatoes,” Lance said.
The classes range from full-day workshops to week-long art camps with prices starting at $55 up to $114. The three-hour adult class will meet every Tuesday and Thursday for four weeks, starting this Tuesday at the Willey Cultural Center on Fifth Street.
Lance will be showcasing his work for the first time at the 2003 Gilroy Garlic Festival.
For those adults who don’t feel inspired, Lance recommends opening a box of crayons and taking a whiff.
“What you smell will bring you back to your youth,” he said, “and hopefully spark your inner artist.”
For more information, check the class schedule and registration deadlines at www.ci.gilroy.ca.us. People can also register at Gilroy City Hall in the Community Services office.
