Wood Carving, Whittling, and More! This is a 4-week course that meets once a week for 3 hours at a time. Over the course of our four sessions, we will explore different types of whittling knives and how to keep them sharp, safely perfect the various cuts and techniques involved in whittling, learn more about carving gouges and how to use them, as well as practice the Viking art of wood decoration known as "kolrosing." Everyone will finish the course with some items to take home, as well as the skills needed to make more in the future.

Beginners are welcome, as no previous woodworking experience is necessary to enjoy the class. All tools and materials provided. NOTE: Closed-toed shoes are required.

Specific dates: 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25 Make up date: 3/4

A make up date will be used if a class is canceled due to the instructor's illness, inclement weather, or an emergency. If you are running late to class, or will miss a class, please contact the instructor directly or the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919 200 0886.

We offer scholarships for those who cannot afford the registration fee. To receive the scholarship promo code, email the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org with your name and military connection. 

Course Description, Objectives and Requirements: 

This drawing and painting class is focused on being able to introduce each member to the fundamentals of drawing and painting. During our time together, we will be experimenting, exploring and developing our skills with drawing materials, and with acrylic paint as our primary painting medium. 

The overall objectives of this course: 

1) Become familiar with various drawing and painting methods, processes, and terminology 

2) Become familiar with the materials we will work with during the course of our time together

3) Develop formal, conceptual and critical thinking skills in order to incorporate them into your overall drawing and painting process 

4) Successfully work together as a class to problem solve and help each other move forward with each project 

5) Develop our critique abilities in ways that are helpful for both the student whose work is being critiqued and for those that are providing feedback. 

We will cover material during lectures and demonstrations, which will start at the beginning of the class to afford the class maximum amount of time to work in class for your assigned projects. We will also have individual research assignments within some of the assigned projects. I love to engage in dialogue with my students especially throughout the progress of your projects. Learning through dialogue I have found to be a great tool from both as an instructor and as a student. I encourage you all to help each other, bounce ideas off of each other, but also focus on your personal development in this course and not compare your work with your peers. My overarching goal as the instructor is to ensure you all are provided an environment and space that is safe, welcoming, educational, and helpful in your desires to learn about drawing and painting. My only requirement is to come to our classes with motivation and positivity. If there is something that bothers you, taking a break or breaks is totally acceptable and fine. If you need assistance with something never hesitate to ask and if there is an issue in the class never hesitate to bring it to my attention. 

All class materials provided. Include a mailing address in the registration form so the class materials can be mailed to you. 

Specific dates: 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18 MAKE UP: 2/25

This is a live virtual class taught via Zoom. If this class meets the minimum number of students, the Operation ART Program Manager will send the Zoom link the week of the first class.

A make up date will be used if a class is canceled due to the instructor's illness, inclement weather, or an emergency. If you are running late to class or know you will miss a class, please contact the instructor directly or let the Operation ART Program Manager know at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919 200 0886.

We offer scholarships for those who cannot afford the registration fee. Email the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org to receive the scholarship promo code with your name and email address.

Beading is a wonderful way to spend chilly evenings! Time literally flies when you become immersed in your project. Don’t be intimidated by the photos of final projects as you will learn each type of stitch involved with large beads and easy to maneuver thread techniques. We will build on your color and pattern designs as you get more comfortable with the techniques. 

Whatever your ultimate goal might be, you will learn skills that will provide you with the ability to make anything from intricate jewelry designs, ornaments, or wall hangings. What better way to gift your loved ones with a handmade item of your own creation, or gift yourself! 

The best part of this art form is that every piece created is unique and one of a kind. The possibilities are endless! And ultimately, you can be as simple or as complicated as you choose in your designs. Happy beading! 

All class materials provided. 

Specific Dates:1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18 MAKE UP: 2/25

 A make up date will be used if a class is canceled due to the instructor's illness, inclement weather, or an emergency. If you are running late to class, or will miss a class, please contact the instructor directly or the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919 200 0886.

We offer scholarships for those who cannot afford the registration fee. To receive the scholarship promo code, email the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org with your name and military connection. 

Students will gain an understanding of how to mix, use and apply the element of color accurately. We will learn how colors affect, and are affected by, other colors. Students will benefit from this color theory class regardless of their chosen medium, as the truth of colors spans across all context. Color theory affects clothing, room and decor color as well as watercolors, glaze and painting or drawing medium. We will do exercises in color mixing with various paints, color juxtapositions with collage, light’s effect on color, etc. Students will work in collage, color pencil, pastel, watercolor and acrylic paints.

Specific dates: 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19 MAKE UP: 2/26

A make up date will be used if a class is canceled due to the instructor's illness, inclement weather, or an emergency. If you are running late to class, or will miss a class, please contact the instructor directly or the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919 200 0886.

We offer scholarships for those who cannot afford the registration fee. To receive the scholarship promo code, email the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org with your name and military connection. 

Elevate your photography skills with our Intermediate Photography Class, designed for those who have an understanding of the basics (shutter speed, aperture, ISO) and are ready to explore new techniques. Learn to take full control of your camera's manual setting, and harness the power of natural and artificial lighting. Dive into specialized topics such as long exposure, portraiture, and post-processing to enhance your artistic vision. Receive feedback on photos you have taken and areas you would like to explore. Join us to unlock your creative potential and take your photography to the next level.

Specific Dates: 1/15, 1/22, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19 2/26 (SKIP 1/29) MAKE UP DATE: 3/5

There are three loaner cameras for those who do not have their own camera. They are available first come, first served. Loaner cameras are on loan to a student for the duration of class but belong to The Joel Fund. You must contact the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919 200 0886 to reserve one for class. 

A make up date will be used if a class is canceled due to the instructor's illness, inclement weather, or an emergency. If you are running late to class, or will miss a class, please contact the instructor directly or the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919 200 0886.

We offer scholarships for those who cannot afford the registration fee. To receive the scholarship promo code, email the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org with your name and military connection. 

This is a beyond basic course that will focus on Self-Expression through pre-visualization of a chosen subject matter. Pre-planning will be an important part of how images are captured. Students will explore Landscape photography, producing High and Low-Key Images. Portrait Photography will address lighting, both natural and artificial, producing one of each. Close-up Photography will focus on the use of lenses, both long focal length and Macro. Students will produce close-up images using both lenses. We will continually work on compositional skills.

Students will work with Adobe Lightroom Classic to sort, organize and manage your image library. The class will have weekly shooting assignments which will then be viewed in class and discussed during class critiques. The course will be tailored around student needs and interest.

Prerequisite: Photography I or permission of Instructor

Specific Dates: 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/5, 2/13, 2/20 MAKE UP: 2/27

This is a live virtual class taught via Zoom. If this class meets the minimum number of students, the Operation ART Program Manager will send the Zoom link the week of the first class.

A make up date will be used if a class is canceled due to the instructor's illness, inclement weather, or an emergency. If you are running late to class or know you will miss a class, please let the Operation ART Program Manager know at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919 200 0886.

We offer scholarships for those who cannot afford the registration fee. Email the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org to receive the scholarship promo code with your name and email address. 

Every life is filled with memorable, compelling experiences! This class is for writers who have taken VIRTUAL MEMOIR WRITING 1 as well as those commencing their memoir journey! We will explore in-depth techniques (narrative writing techniques that build action, character, conflict, sharpen dialogue, and propel plot forward) to help you discover the truth and urgency behind your own story. Offering a safe, supportive online group environment, the class welcomes veterans, current active duty, and reserve members of the armed forces as well as veteran caregivers and immediate adult military family members.

Recommended class reading: Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing a Memoir by Natalie Goldberg.

Specific Dates: 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20 MAKE UP: 2/27

This is a live virtual class taught via Zoom. If this class meets the minimum number of students, the Operation ART Program Manager will send the Zoom link the week of the first class.

A make up date will be used if a class is canceled due to the instructor's illness, inclement weather, or an emergency. If you are running late to class or know you will miss a class, please let the Operation ART Program Manager know at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919 200 0886.

We offer scholarships for those who cannot afford the registration fee. To receive the scholarship promo code, email the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org with your name and military connection. 

This class is for writers who have at least a partial draft of a book. Participants must have previously taken The Joel Fund’s WRITING YOUR BOOK class or have direct permission from the instructor to attend. If you have been working on a new book (fiction or nonfiction), collection of stories, a poetry chapbook, or a drama/screenplay, this class is for you! This writing class employs advanced writing exercises and mindfulness-based prompts to keep you inspired and on track to either hone and edit your book’s first draft, or complete your first draft! Offering a safe, supportive online group environment, the class welcomes veterans, current active duty and reserve members of the armed forces as well as veteran caregivers and immediate adult military family members.

Specific Dates: 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21 MAKE UP: 2/28

This is a live virtual class taught via Zoom. If this class meets the minimum number of students, the Operation ART Program Manager will send the Zoom link the week of the first class.

A make up date will be used if a class is canceled due to the instructor's illness, inclement weather, or an emergency. If you are running late to class or know you will miss a class, please let the Operation ART Program Manager know at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919 200 0886.

We offer scholarships for those who cannot afford the registration fee. To receive the scholarship promo code, email the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org with your name and military connection.