MIDDLETOWN— Middletown Art Center’s (MAC) RESTORE project features a Needle Felting (Felt Painting) Workshop this Saturday November 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. Adults and teens 12 and up are invited to join one of Lake County’s most prolific artists, Alana Clearlake, to learn some of the techniques and tricks she employs in her work with felt. The cost of this class is $10 to cover the many specialized materials required.
The name ‘needle felting’ describes the process of this art form: poking repeatedly at natural animal fibers with a barbed needle that eventually entwines the fibers creating a solid fabric. The result is similar to felt that is machine made and widely available. Since hand felting is individual, the texture and look is very different from felt, which is purchased. “Come stab with me and become familiar with a new terminology: drafting, carding, roving, tops,” said Clearlake.
Alana is a master of the medium. Her colorful and impressive felt paintings and evocative felt sculptures are regularly featured in MAC exhibits. She has taught extensively, and her work in a variety of media has been exhibited worldwide and featured in artisan journals and magazines. Two large-scale felt paintings, sculptures, and traditional mixed media paintings by Alana are currently on view in the ALL SOULS exhibit at MAC. Enjoy ALL SOULS through Dec. 2, Thursday 11-4, Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-4, or by appointment.
Please register in advance for this one-of-a-kind class at www.middletownartcenter.org/restore, email middletownartcenter@gmail.com, or call 707-809-8118. Space is limited and reservations are required.
The RESTORE project provides Lake County residents with low-cost art classes and the opportunity to learn or refine skills in a variety of materials and techniques. Classes take place most Saturdays through May 2019. Fall and winter classes include clay, woodworking, metalworking, felting, concrete, dry point, block printing, creative writing and more. Late winter and spring classes will focus on personal and collaborative projects, studio time, mentoring and guidance to create personal and group work.
On Saturday Dec. 1, John Jennings will lead a Life Drawing session from 10:30-12:30 p.m. followed by a linocut printmaking class from 1 to 5. The cost is $10. Please bring a lunch or plan to purchase one in town. Sunday December 9th, Clive Matson returns for Writers Workshop from 1 to 5 p.m.. Please pre-register.
The RESTORE project was made possible with support from the California Arts Council, a state agency, with additional support from local organizations, businesses, and individuals. Visit www.ca.arts.gov to learn more about the California Arts Council’s important work in communities and schools throughout California.
Middletown Art Center (MAC) is located at 21456 State Hwy 175 at the junction of Hwy 29. Be a part of the growing arts scene in South Lake County by becoming a MAC member, by joining MAC this Saturday and participating in RESTORE, or by attending one of the many arts and cultural events or classes at MAC. Visit www.middletownartcenter.org or ‘Like’ Middletown Art Center on Facebook to stay up-to-date with what’s happening at MAC.
