The Farm Class, a week long intensive exploration of the creative process of finding one’s own voice in the visual arts, took place on the rolling hills of a farm in Middlebrook, Virginia, in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley. It was a residential program presented by the Art Department of Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, N.C.
Students explored the process of creating art through drawing, painting, photography, and writing.
A visiting artist was in attendance to facilitate the creative process. All accommodations and meals were provided in a rustic atmosphere. Each session started on Saturday evening and ended a week later on Sunday afternoon.
The week will included presentations by visiting artists, writing, workshops, yoga, and time around the fire pit at night. The week also included excursions to local points of interest for on-site inspiration and activity.
Jon Houghton, nationally known portrait painter and teacher, lives in Florida. He has conducted a number of portrait painting workshops at CPCC. This summer Jon concentrated on drawing skills and the use of a variety of drawing media. Finished work included work on paper or wood that utilized mixed media. The subject matter was the local habitat and included portraiture or figurative work.
Nan R. Covert, chair of the Art Department of Bridgewater College in Virginia, returns to the Farm Class from 2008. Her paintings reflect her passion for color and the process of painting. The subject matter for this session was found in the local habitat: hills, streams, plants, and animals. Students used both oil and acrylic.
Nan was awarded Bridgewater College’s Martha B. Thornton Faculty Recognition Award which honors faculty who “provide caring concern for students well beyond the role as teacher.” Covert’s enthusiastic teaching will inspire both the beginning and the advanced painter.
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An exhibition of work from the Farm Class was scheduled at CPCC following the class.