Colleen will lead you through creative watercolor techniques to discover the artist in you. Your unique talents will shine as you learn step-by-step in the relaxed, informal atmosphere of Colleen's art studio and gallery. She is a Ringling Art School graduate and Sarasota resident since 1977. Her award-winning Watercolors will inspire you.

"Rags to Riches". Learn the fascinating finger knitting method of knitting without needles. Also learn how to make fabulous crochet handbags, bowls or scarves using a variety of yarns, fabrics and beads.

Includes four classroom sessions and one bonus photo outing to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Get to know your camera and what it is capable of beyond the automatic settings.

Includes four classroom sessions and one bonus photo outing to Marie Selby Botainal Gardens. Students will work with available light, use of flash, and various focal length lenses. Learn about color balance, reading histograms, and file information. Getting the best prints from your files and use of Photoshop tools and creative filters will be covered.

Just beware, it's addictive! This class is designed for beginners to Adobe Photoshop. Please bring a laptop computer/battery supply with Photoshop Elements or Photoshop software.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is becoming the industry standard for managing, adjusting and presenting images. You will hopefully spend less time in front of the computer and more time behind the lens. We will discuss how Lightroom fits into the overall workflow of processing/developing images from importing to printing. You will learn exactly what you need to do and in what order you should do it. Students should bring a laptop computer with Lightroom and Photoshop CS3 (or earlier) installed. Students are expected to have basic computer skills including how to create, open and save files, and a basic understanding of Photoshop. Please bring images to work on (images may also be supplied by the instructor).

Do you have trouble getting your trees, palm fronds, clouds and water to look natural or your color to ring true in a landscape? Come and explore some techniques that will help you create a landscape that is inviting and believable.

Create a truly unique mosaic using tempered safety glass as your tesserae. The complex fractures in the safety glass catch the light and make the colors below look like sparkling gem stones. CLICK HERE to see mosaic examples.

Beads, beads, beads. Create beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings designed by you. Also learn how to repair your own beaded jewelry.

Create an easy to make woven treasure bag. No experience needed to weave this charming collectible. Your creation evolves, woven with a large needle on a simple cardboard loom. You'll make a unique keepsake of many textures and colors of yarn, woven together in wonderful patterns. The strap is a simple crochet stitch. All materials are provided in a kit, including the loom, needle, and yarns.

Have you always wanted to gather your ancestral photos together in some artistic way or wanted to display them on your wall? This class is for you! Learn how to artfully arrange your images, attach them securely and add lettering to identify individuals or places. You will also learn how to include personal mementos or fabric swatches and how to give your photos an antique appearance. Please bring your own personal photos for your collage. Photos should be copies, not precious originals. Materials provided include the canvas, paints, adhesives, specialty papers and use of tools and brushes.

Week 1: build frame to cast mold. Week 2: make clay tile prototype. Week 3: cast clay tile prototype in plaster. Week 4: use mold to create several tiles. Visit www.thefunkymermaidartgallery.com for samples and more information.

Create a unique teapot using the slab hand building clay technique. Step-by-step process. Project will be returned as unglazed bisqueware. Visit www.thefunkymermaidartgallery.com for samples and more information.

Week 1: pinch pots. Week 2: coil pots. Week 3: slab. Week 4: finish and fine-tune projects. Each student will be provided with a 12 lb. bag of clay. Tools will be available for use during class. Projects will be bisque fired and ready to glaze. Visit www.thefunkymermaidartgallery.com for samples and more information.

Learn various glazing and decorating techniques to adorn projects from handbuilding class. A limited selection of glazes will be provided. Visit www.thefunkymermaidartgallery.com for samples and more information.