Written by Emily Thiel

If you’re looking for a way to warm up this winter, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is the ideal local spot to light your fire of creativity. Winter Term Classes will run Jan. 8 through March 31. 2018 and online registration is now available at goggleworks.org/classes.

SWEETHEART ART

Let GoggleWorks be your cupid this February with our featured Valentine’s Day series of Maker Dates, a perfect way to kindle the fire between you and your special someone. With classes in ceramics, warm glass and hot glass, you and your sweetheart will handcraft a unique piece of artwork together. Enjoy a glass of champagne and chocolates as you craft your keepsake.

 

LOCAL PAIRINGS

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts has teamed up with two local West Reading businesses that will bring your art to life with one toast! Hot drinks, whether whiskey or coffee, may be just what you need to CHEERS! to this winter.

Novelist and screenwriter Raymond Chandler said, “There is no bad whiskey. There are only some whiskeys that aren’t as good as others.” If you agree with Chandler, check out our Glassblown Rocks Class with glass studio manager Scott Krenitsky 6-8pm Tues. Jan 30. In this two-part hot shop class, you will blow your own Old Fashioned glass. Once ready, take the glass out on the town in West Reading to the Whiskey Bar at Winedown Café where you will enjoy a demonstration and taste testing with the experts 5:30-6pm Thursday, Feb. 1. If you don’t like the chill of winter, this two-part class will keep you both warm in the hot shop and toasty at the Whiskey Bar.

But if whiskey is a little too strong for your taste, you may want to go with some freshly-brewed java instead.

Create your own Benchwarmer’s Mug with Danielle Dimon at GoggleWorks’ Ceramics Studio 10am-2pm Sunday, Feb 11 or 6-8pm Tuesday, March 27. At this workshop, you’ll get to work the wheel with stoneware clay to create a handmade mug. After the mug is glazed and fired in the kiln, bring it over to Benchwarmers Coffee & Doughnuts on Penn Ave. in West Reading for a $1 hot cup of Joe.

That’s not the last we’ll see of Benchwarmers Coffee & Doughnuts, as they will be pairing up to pour over with Suzanne Molyneux 10am-1pm Sunday, March 4 in the Ceramics Studio. This West Reading business will be bringing their speciality coffee (and doughnuts) for a pour-over demo and tasting. Create your own ceramic coffee pour over to enjoy your own Benchwarmers’ ethically-sourced coffee in your own home.

NEW TOPICS

MAKE AN IMPRESSION

Break in our newly opened Printshop in Studio 201 with GoggleWorks’ Juried Studio Artist Suzanne Fellows, who will lead you to explore and expand your skills in printmaking. Ideal for a beginner, this series will get you off to the right start in your printmaking journey. Discover the art of transferring ink from one surface to another with this modern art form.

LIFE CASTING

If you ever had an interest in making molds or props, this new course could be for you! In our new Intro to Life Casting class, artist Emma Osle will help you create a replication of handmade sculptures and found objects. This 5-week course will have you working with both skin-safe molds and silicone rubber mold-making. This teen-friendly course runs Mondays 6-9pm Jan. 8 – Feb. 5.

BOTANY DRAWING

Are you fascinated by the intricate life of plants, flowers, and leaves? GoggleWorks’ new Botanical Drawing class will focus on how life in the natural world can energize your artistic spirit. Artist Margaret Saylor will provide weekly demos in this 10-week class, running Mondays 6-9pm Jan. 8 – Mar. 19 (no class 2/19). Saylor will encourage you to grow (not only by soaking up plenty of water and sun), but through exploring different mediums and learning fresh techniques.