CAC lifetime learning program offers art, gardening classes

In preparation for its upcoming summer series of classes, the Central Arizona College Lifelong Learners program has a quartet of options beginning in mid-May.

Art Lab begins this Friday, May 14, and runs through July 30 at CAC’s Superstition Mountain Campus in Apache Junction. The cost of the class is $35 for non-members while there is no charge for those with current C.A.L.L. memberships.

Instructed by C.A.L.L. member Kittie McDermitt, participants will share their experiences and techniques with other art enthusiasts while meeting weekly to work on personal projects, compare ideas, and learn from others.

Painting with Oils also begins on Friday, May 14, under the direction of professional artist Karen McLain. The course will run through July 18 at the Superstition Mountain Campus and is available to C.A.L.L. members for $75. The non-member fee is $90.

Participants will learn a variety of painting techniques, focusing on color pallet, brushwork and layout. Aspiring artists also will learn to paint from their choice of still life, landscape or animal references while strengthening skills of composition, form, value and line.

Beginners and experienced painters will improve skills and confidence while benefiting from a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

McLain, a third generation Arizona native with a degree in studio art from Arizona State University, finds joy and inspiration from riding into the quiet places of the desert. She reflects that feeling in her work.A popular painter famous for her animal portraits, students will join McLain at her studio where she will demonstrate how she works. Her horse, Comanche, will serve as the model.

Carol Parrott and the Pinal County Master Gardeners arrive at the Superstition Mountain Campus on Tuesday, May 18, for the one-day class entitled Surviving the Sizzling Sonoran Summer.

The class will take place from 9-11 a.m. and is $15 for non-members. C.A.L.L. members do not pay a fee.

The Master Gardeners will teach participants how to protect their plants and yards from the summer desert heat.

Parrott, a Master Gardener since 2000, is a graduate of the Desert Botanical Garden Landscapers School. She is currently the Superstition Mountain master gardener coordinator.

Her field of expertise is native and desert adapted plants and their use in landscape design. In her spare time, she writes about gardening and does photography.

As a master gardener, Parrott also volunteers at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum where she does plant propagation under the direction of its horticulturist.

C.A.L.L.’s  Meet the Artist class will be held at CAC’s Superstition Mountain Campus on Wednesday, May 19 from 9-10:30 a.m.

Esteemed underwater photographer Robert “Bob” Dixon will share his equipment, story, tricks of the trade and amazing photos with the class.

There is no charge for C.A.L.L. members, while non-members may participate by paying a $25 fee.

 For more information about C.A.L.L., please visit the Central Arizona College website at www.centralaz.edu/call, or contact Joel Beck, program coordinator (480-677-7721 / 800-237-9814, x7721 / [email protected]).

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