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The Joel Fund: Operation ART



Our Classes

Virtual Rocking to the Beat: Creative Writing Inspired by Music and Sound!

$25

with June Guralnick

Calendar May 28, 2026 at 6:30 pm, runs for 6 weeks

Class Title: Virtual Rocking to the Beat: Creative Writing Inspired by Music and Sound!

Dates: Thurs: 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, make up date 7/9

Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm EST

Location: Virtual via Zoom

Pre-req: none

Have you ever heard a song playing on the radio or perhaps an evocative sound outside your window and immediately felt a story come to mind? Then this class is for you! Using inspiring prompts related to sound to spark original stories and poems (non-fiction and fiction), this class is open to writers looking for a fresh springboard for their imagination as well as anyone new to writing who wants to explore a fun, creative avenue of self-expression! Many memorable works of literature have been inspired by music! 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.

Please Note: All classes and workshops are for Military Connected Individuals who are 18 years or older.

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.

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 Assistant at stephanie@thejoelfund.org or 919.213.0054.

Full Course

Virtual: Advanced Writing Master Class

$25

with June Guralnick

Calendar May 29, 2026 at 11 am, runs for 6 weeks

Class Title: Virtual Advanced Writing Master Class

Dates: Fri: 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3 make up date 7/10

Time: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. EST

Location: Virtual via Zoom  

Pre-req: Participants must have previously completed at least two (2) creative writing TJF classes or have direct permission from the instructor to attend.

Open to authors of all forms and genres, this class will focus on deepening understanding of the craft and art of writing! Giving individualized feedback pertaining to each participant’s specific writing projects and goals, we’ll also cover critical aspects of the writing process including shaping ideas, scene structure, in-depth character development, stages of editing, and publication. 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. Participants must have previously completed at least two creative writing TJF classes or have direct permission from the instructor to attend.

Please Note: All classes and workshops are for Military Connected Individuals who are 18 years or older.

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.

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 Assistant at stephanie@thejoelfund.org or 919.213.0054.

Full Course

Paper & Book Making

$25

with Kristianne Ripple

Calendar Jun 4, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 6 weeks

Title: Paper & Book Making

When: Thurs 6-8 pm

6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/9, 7/16. MAKE UP DATE: 7/30 (SKIP 7/2)

Where: The Joel Center, 115 W Young St, Rolesville, NC 27571, USA

Instructor: Kristianne Ripple

Please Note: All classes and workshops are for Military Connected Individuals who are 18 years or older.

Make a book from pages to the cover!  In this tactile, hands-on class, you will master the ancient craft of hand-casting paper from raw pulp to create a custom collection of unique sheets. After exploring various botanical inclusions, pigments, and textures to give your paper character, you will learn the fundamental techniques of bookbinding to transform your creations into a one-of-a-kind journal. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a hand-stitched volume that is entirely your own, from the individual fibers of the pages to the finished structural bind.

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.

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 Assistant at stephanie@thejoelfund.org or 919.213.0054.

Virtual Drawing I

$25

with Reuben Mabry

Calendar Jun 9, 2026 at 10 am, runs for 6 weeks

Class Title: Virtual Drawing I

Dates: Tuesday, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 6/30, 7/14, and 7/21 MAKE UP DATE: 7/28 (SKIP 7/7/26)

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm EST

Location: Virtual via Zoom

Our drawing classes are focused on being able to introduce each member of our class to the fundamentals and formal qualities of drawing. We will be exploring and experimenting with various materials and techniques surrounding the practice of drawing. Our classes will consist of lectures, demonstrations and practical exercises. During our time together will have various projects from lit object still lifes, illustrations of various subjects, and a final project that you will research and create. Come join our class and let’s get drawing!

Please Note: All classes and workshops are for Military Connected Individuals who are 18 years or older.

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.

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 Assistant at stephanie@thejoelfund.org or 919.213.0054.

Full Course

One-Day Dreamcatcher Workshop

$10

with Jessica Streamo

Calendar Jun 13, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 1 week

Instructor: Jessica Streamo

Location: The Joel Center l 115 W Young St, Rolesville, NC

When: 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Dates:  Saturday, June 13

Please Note: All classes and workshops are for Military Connected Individuals who are 18 years or older.

Create your own original dream catcher using circle forms, cord, beads and feathers.  Feel free to bring any old or broken jewelry that you would love to incorporate into your piece!

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.

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 Assistant at stephanie@thejoelfund.org or 919.213.0054.

One-Day Kintsugi: The Art of Golden Repair

$10

with Annelies Gentile

Calendar Jun 27, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 1 week

Workshop Title: Kintsugi: The Art of Golden Repair

Date: Saturday, 6/27

Time: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Location: The Joel Center | 115 W Young St, Rolesville, NC

Instructor: Annelies Gentile

Join us as we explore the art of repair through an easy version of the 15th- Century practice of Kintsugi, meaning “to join with gold”. The essence of Kintsugi is about recognizing the beauty and strength in the broken parts made whole. Expect to break some pottery and glue it back together with epoxy and gold colored mica. The ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi can help us accept our losses, flaws, and hurts by embracing "broken as a beautiful" as an artistic practice.The precious art of fusing pieces back together signifies strength, confidence, and value of transforming our own breaks into valuable unique marks of beauty. Join us! Facilitated by Artist and Integrative Life and Leadership Coach, Annelies Gentile, MA, PCC of Conduit for Change.

Please Note: All classes and workshops are for Military Connected Individuals who are 18 years or older.

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.

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 Assistant at stephanie@thejoelfund.org or 919.213.0054.

Virtual Interplay: The Art of Creative Movement for Wellbeing

$25

with Annelies Gentile

Calendar Jul 1, 2026 at 12 pm, runs for 3 weeks

Class Title: Virtual Interplay: The Art of Creative Movement for Wellbeing

Dates: Wednesday, 7/1, 7/8, and 7/15 MAKE UP DATE: 7/22

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Location: Virtual via Zoom

Pre-req: none

Instructor: Annelies Gentile

Join us as we explore the art of creative self-expression using the interplay of movement, laughter, gesture, storytelling, dance, and noticing. The goal of this interactive experience is to unlock the wisdom of your body in a naturally creative way that’s freeing, fun and inspiring! We are all creative and sometimes we forget this. We all need little reminders to get out of our heads and play! Join us! Facilitated by Artist and Integrative Life and Leadership Coach, Annelies Gentile, MA, PCC of Conduit for Change.

Please Note: All classes and workshops are for Military Connected Individuals who are 18 years or older.

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.

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 Assistant at stephanie@thejoelfund.org or 919.213.0054.

One-Day Printing with Gelli Plates

$10

with Kristianne Ripple

Calendar Jul 18, 2026 at 10 am, runs for 1 week

Instructor: Kristianne Ripple

Where: The Joel Center l 115 W Young Street, Rolesville, NC

When: Saturday, July 18, 2026

Time: 10AM - 2PM

Please Note: All classes and workshops are for Military Connected Individuals who are 18 years or older.

Come discover the addictive and versatile world of Gelli plate printing. This process is a modern form of monoprinting that uses a soft, reusable silicone plate to create unique, layered works of art without the need for an expensive printing press. Perfect for both beginners and experienced artists, this workshop focuses on "creative play" and the "happy accidents" that occur when you let go of perfectionism.

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.

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 Assistant at stephanie@thejoelfund.org or 919.213.0054.





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