Teeth, hair, make-up, sweeping, dusting, decorating. Portrait painting. Brushes are everywhere! Whatever their function, they're all broadly the same; a shaped handle—usually of wood or plastic—and a bristly end with varying degrees of softness.
Then there's the pinnacle of brushes; the apex that is the artist's brush. Perfectly designed with precise functionality and aesthetic lines. Pick one up and try to disagree that it's the height of brush evolution.
Back in the 17th century, you would probably have to make your own. Animal hair was ideal for the bristles—often from sable since their hair is thin, tapered, and has a soft tip—but squirrel, horse, goat, or rabbit were common. The hair usually had to be treated and refined, depending on the final use. The handle was wooden, carved, and shaped for easy handing. Glue and knotted twine would be used to bind the two pieces together.
By the 18th century, brush making was part of a growing guild industry. Produced by dedicated instrument makers and sold alongside other specialist tools and apparatus for many occupations. Brushes were still made by hand, but long apprenticeships ensured a high quality of craftsmanship for those who could afford it.
Jump to the mid 19th century and brush making became largely automated, increasingly in factory production lines powered first by steam, then electricity. Robotic technology and industrialization ensured brushes, like many other tools and instruments, could be made in huge numbers very quickly. As a result, prices fell, and sales increased, and the specialized professionals gradually died out. That being said, dedicated artisans who wanted the quality of a handmade brush would make their own.
As you might guess, the paintbrush's origin is about as clear as a misty fall morning. It's at least as old as the oldest known paintings—about 40,000 years—but there's no reason to think it doesn’t date to much further back, perhaps to the earliest days of tool-making. Back then, paintbrushes would have been little more than an animal tail tied to a stick. And thinking about it, with a bit more precision, they are pretty much the same today.
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Beginning September 10
Introduction to Drawing
With Craig Caldwell
Six Thursdays from 6-8pm
This class is designed for the beginning drawer who appreciates art and has always wanted to learn to draw as well as for those looking for a refresher course. Instruction will cover the fundamentals of free-hand drawing: line, perspective, composition, understanding light and form, as well as creating illusions of depth, contrast, and texture. Different drawing material, techniques, and methods will be explored. Open to all levels of experience.
$125 Members, $150 Non-Members
When onsite, class is socially distanced and a mask is required
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Beginning September 11
Acrylic Studio
With Odin Smith
Six Fridays from 2-4pm
Find out why acrylic is one of the hottest trends in making art. Become familiar with the techniques to best use this exciting medium. Learn to use stronger values, better composition, and more dynamic color to give work strength, depth, and interest. Beginners to intermediates will learn to use this expressive medium to bring light and life to their paintings and a sense of self to their work. Our on line acrylic class will start off with a quick critique of any work that students need help with or a discussion of how to approach and begin work on a new project, so please be prepared for that. We will then work in a typical classroom fashion with each student getting individual attention as they work.
$125 Members, $150 Non-Members
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Beginning September 14
Double Up! Watercolor & Ink
With Grace Emmet
Two Mondays from 6-8pm
Ink and watercolor are a perfect pair for making fun and beautiful illustrations. In this class, we will review the basics of these two popular mediums and learn new tricks to take your art to the next level. Through demonstration and application, we will talk about technique, line quality, mixing color, and more! All levels welcome!
$50 Members, $60 Non-Members
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September 15 from 9am - 12:30pm
Big Brush Painting Workshop
With Joe Gallant
Paint large! Experience the fun, freedom, and spontaneity of using large brushes available at hardware stores and water-mixable oil paints to create landscapes and seascapes. Sandwich artist Joe Gallant will demonstrate and guide students through the steps of creating large seascapes, in oil in this workshop that suitable for beginners, intermediate painters, and past participants in his workshops. A great chance to learn an exciting technique in a flexible and welcoming environment. You will complete your own oil painting during this fun workshop. Joe will provide a reference photo of a coastal scene that will be painted.
$75 Members, $90 Non-Members
Socially Distanced | Mask Required
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Beginning September 16
Kitchen Table Clay
With Holly Heaslip
Four Wednesdays from 10-11:30am
Yes you can do pottery at home, in your kitchen or any small space, with your hands as your primary tools! Everything else we will need can be found in the kitchen, garage or elsewhere in your home! You will be surprised at what we find and make use of! Your clay will easily wash off your clothing and all surfaces. It is not super messy and it’s non-toxic! You will be provided with clay through a safe pick up on an arranged day and time. No experience necessary just an openness to learn something new and have fun! Join me in making some simple pottery pieces along with some laughter and chat!
Pieces will be glazed and fired at a later date to be arranged.
Please note, registration for this class ends on Sunday, September 13 at noon so clay pick up can be coordinated.
$55 Members, $65 Non-Members
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September 17 from 6:30-8:30pm
Figure Painting & Drawing
With Sarah Holl
In this class, students can practice their drawing or painting skills while working from a live model. Students will be encouraged to find their own voices and explore various mediums. Students will receive individual instruction as well as group critiques. Open to all levels of experience.
Nude models are often used, but don't worry, they will be wearing their mask! Artists will have the opportunity to paint or draw the model in various settings, lighting and props... There will be artists of different abilities in the same class, which makes this a great way to learn. A beginner might work along side an expert and have the opportunity to watch him or her put things together. The creativity that moves around the room is contagious, often at the end of the class during the critique each piece will be completely different, just like the painters!
$25 per person - registration is now required
Socially Distanced | Mask Required
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Beginning September 24
Woodturning: Mastering the Basics
With Dave Arnone
Six Thursdays from 1-3pm
Have you ever seen wooden bowls and wanted to create your own designs for your home or as gifts? Maybe you’ve acquired a lathe and aren’t sure how to use it … or you’re a bit rusty and need a refresher. This class will provide instruction on using the wood lathe, lathe safety, turning tools, project design, and turning wooden bowls from both green and dried wood blanks. Upon completion, you will have the knowledge and confidence to begin exploring other shapes and creations.
Onsite: $175 Members, $200 Non-Members
Online: $135 Members, $155 Non-Members
When onsite, class is socially distanced and a mask is required
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September 25 from 5-7:30pm
Happy Hour Painting
With Odin Smith
Friday Night Wine Down just turned into HAPPY HOUR!! Grab a glass of your favorite spirit or a cup of coffee, and get ready to paint along with Odin. Simply follow along as she guides you step by step through a painting, all while you relax and engage in the creation of a work of art made by you. At the end of the class, you will have created your very own masterpiece!
You will need your own supplies and feel free to get creative putting them together.
$30 Members, $35 Non-Members
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MUSIC AND MOVEMENT CLASSES
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Beginning September 17
Tai Chi Sampler
With Holly Heaslip
Four Thursdays from 10-11am
This is a simple to learn Tai Chi practice made up of four moves, or “forms” as they are called, proven to reduce stress and boost immunity when practiced regularly. The practice may be done seated if necessary or with a chair nearby to rest a hand upon. Both will be demonstrated during the lessons. We will learn the four forms in both the left and right directions along with proper “Dantian” (energy center) breathing. The four forms are from three different styles of Tai Chi named Chen, Yang and Sun. The class is called a “sampler” for this reason. Students need no special equipment, very little space and should wear comfortable clothing. Tai Chi is done very slowly and is very safe.
$50 Members, $55 Non-Members
When onsite, class is socially distanced and a mask is required
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Yoga is back! Fridays from 8:30-9:30am
Yoga for Wise Warriors!
With Lees Yunits
Beginners will be taught basics; more experienced will deepen their knowledge, and all will learn varied ways to enhance their knowing. Lees’s background includes many assorted styles of yoga, including hatha, viniyoga, yin and kundalini. Just as important are the invaluable techniques of breath work. Always there will be some form of meditation, as well, whether simple stillness, or transcendental, counting, mantra singing, or guided. The whole of a yoga session depends on joining body work, breath work, and meditation. Not to mention some humor here and there! Whether fast, or slow, all of Lees’s yoga classes intend to move you forward on your Journey to Joy.
$15.00 - Drop-In, $75.00 - 6 weeks
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September 11
Gourmet Take Out with Chef Joe
Curbside pick up between 4:30-5:30PM
Remember New York!
- Manhattan clam chowder
- Hudson Valley foie gras
- Smoked duck breast salad
- NYC steakhouse cheesecake
$35 Members, $40 Non-Members
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September 18
Gourmet Take Out with Chef Joe
Curbside pick up between 4:30-5:30PM
- Seared risotto cake
- Speck and burrata
- Quail stuffed with foie gras and wild rice
- Rice pudding with apricots, figs, and candied blood oranges.
$35 Members, $40 Non-Members
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Interactive Dinner at the Cultural Center
Tuesday, September 15 from 6-8pm
Seasonal Fruits de Mer with Chef Joe Cizynski
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Don’t miss the (fishing) boat! Just 16 lucky people will have the chance to be part of an amazing culinary experience in the Center’s Constantinidis Great Hall where Chef Joe Cizynski will demonstrate cooking techniques for each course before it is served.
- Gravlax of Bay of Fundy salmon
- Seared local blue fin tuna with lentils and caviar
- Local lobster and scallop ragout
- Local baby vegetables in puff pastry
To finish, all will enjoy cheeses from the Chatham Cheese Company.
Bring your own beverage … and your appetite! We can’t wait to see you again.
* CDC protocols in place
$65 Members, $70 Non-Members
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Open House on Saturday, September 12 from 12-5 pm.
The ART of Social Distancing - where we keep our distance while staying connected. We welcome you to join us outside on the Cultural Center porch for homemade cookies paired with lemonade or ice tea before heading into the gallery to enjoy our new exhibitions.
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IMAGE: Fall in New England by Catherine Meeks for Larkin Gallery
Larkin Gallery Artists: William Barron, Matthias Christensen, Ronni Farrell, Claudia Goldstein, Neva Hansen, Tighe Hanson, Kenneth Hawkey, Jane Manco, Catherine Meeks, Lisa Molyneux, Elisabeth Pearl, Emilie Walker, Robin Wessman.
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Every Saturday Afternoon
Italian Class with Guido Farina
Advanced Italian from 12:30-2pm
Beginning Italian from 2-3:30pm
Italian is an incredibly beautiful and intricate language. The good news is, learning Italian is quite easy for English speakers, or speakers of other Romance languages. It is also proven that studying a foreign language stimulates the brain and improves memory.
This class is FREE for Cultural Center Members. Participants are required to purchase "Learning Italian With or Without a Teacher," by Guido Farina, available in our gift shop or from Amazon for $19.95.
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Saturday, September 19 from 1-2:30pm
Baking the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie With Barbara Lueck Steinkrauss
Four Wednesdays from 10am-11:30am
Chocolate chip cookies are a favorite for many. From the original Toll House recipe through a thousand variations, many have claimed to be “the best,” but this class intends to celebrate two really outstanding versions. Participants will learn to prepare both, focusing on baking techniques and variables that affect the results, and then judge which is their favorite (a contest with no real loser). Everyone will go home with delicious cookies! All ages welcome. All materials needed for this class are provided.
$25 Members, $30 Non-Members
Socially Distanced | Mask Required
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Sunday, September 13 at 3pm
The Art Ensemble of Cape Cod
The Art Ensemble of Cape Cod is rooted in improvisational performance and a variety of styles that reflect the fusion of traditional music from a diverse world. In addition, its repertoire is influenced by each member and includes selections from the Great American Song Book as well as many Cape-based originals. The ensemble’s goal is to allow the audience to experience the “musical” conversation so they both hear and feel what’s conveyed. Featuring four seasoned musicians: Wayne Naus on piano, Gary Gross on guitar, Rick Cain on bass, and John DiSanto on drums. The Art Ensemble of Cape Cod has been together since 2014 and has performed at numerous venues throughout the Cape.
$20 per person
Socially Distanced - Mask Required
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PLEASE NOTE: If you make a reservation and are unable to attend, please call ASAP so we can offer this seat to another patron. With the reduced capacity within the Center, this would be most helpful and much appreciated.
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Sunday, September 20 at 3pm
Joe Mongelli and the Cape Jazz Crew Play Sinatra!
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Sunday, September 27 at 3pm
The Clayton/Restaino Project
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Sunday, October 4 at 3pm
Trio Vivo: Classical Music by an Uncommon Ensemble
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Saturday, October 17 at 4pm and 7pm
Dawn Derow & Gregg Sullivan, in Concert!
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