Instructor: Kristianne Ripple

Location: The Joel Center, 115 West Young Street, Rolesville, NC, 27571

Date: Thursdays, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24 MAKE UP DATE: 10/1

Time: 6:00-8:00 pm

Break the rules of traditional painting in this high-energy, course. Designed for all skill levels, this hands-on class focuses on creative intuition over technical perfection as you dive into experimental techniques to build personal, multidimensional works. Over six weeks, you will master foundational underpaintings with gesso and vintage papers, build tactile dimension using found objects, and explore depth through fluid acrylic washes and inks. The journey continues with image transfer collage methods, expressive mark-making using unconventional tools, and a final week dedicated to unifying your unique composition.

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 Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919.200.0886.

Instructor:Kristianne Ripple

Location: The Joel Center, 115 West Young Street, Rolesville, NC, 27571

Date: Saturday, September 19th, 2026

Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

In this immersive one-day intensive, you will explore the limitless possibilities of mixed media collage, focusing on the harmony between found materials and fine art techniques. You’ll learn to build rich, evocative compositions by layering vintage ephemera, hand-painted papers, and textiles using adhesives and gel mediums. The workshop covers essential design principles—such as focal points and tonal balance—while encouraging experimental mark-making with charcoal, ink, and acrylic glazes to unify your work. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, you will leave with a finished, multi-dimensional piece and a new toolkit for storytelling through visual texture.

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 Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919.200.0886.

Instructor: Grace McFetters

Location: The Joel Center, 115 West Young Street, Rolesville, NC, 27571

Date: Mondays 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, Makeup Date: 11/16

Time: 1:00-4:00 pm

Join The Joel Fund for a celebration of the Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the year 2026! This class will produce a group project of a hand sewn tapestry quilt. We will work on a series of small hand projects that will then be sewn together to create a larger whole. The small projects will be created on pre-cut fabric tiles shaped in a hexagon. Projects will be mindful hand-stitching, also known as textile collage and stitch meditation; learn to hand embroider your signature in honor of the signing of the Declaration; and a custom quilted hexagon. Students will learn how to piece together the hexagons into a quilt sandwich and sew together, pieced and ready to sew together into the larger piece. Students will also have enough kit left over to make their own pieces for mementos.

Please note that there may be homework outside of class to complete the project. 

This class is designed for Women Only.

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 Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919.200.0886.

Instructor: Stacey Sprenz

Location: The Joel Center, 115 West Young Street, Rolesville, NC, 27571

Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Time: 11AM - 1PM

This class is designed for beginners and those with basic knowledge of photography on a smartphone.

Please make sure to bring a fully charged smartphone.

Students will learn basic photography knowledge applied to how smartphones capture images and the challenges of this type of photography. This hands-on class will provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice techniques, tips, and tricks for capturing the best images with their smartphones. Students should attend this class with a basic knowledge about their specific smartphone cameras.

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 Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919.200.0886.

Instructor: Emily Malpass

Location: The Joel Center, 115 West Young Street, Rolesville, NC, 27571

Date: Wednesdays, 10/7, 10/14, 10/28, 11/4, 11/18, 12/2 MAKE UP DATE: 12/9 (Skipping 10/21)

Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm

This class is designed for Women Only.

Bring your ideas to three-dimensional life by creating one-of-a-kind handbuilt ceramic art pieces! We will select projects that will build your skillset for handbuilding with clay: learn to roll unfired clay into slabs, securely join clay components, add textures, and glazing to finish items. Projects may include a lidded box/jar, wall pocket, mug/vase, or other small vessels, animal shaped sculptures, birdfeeders or garden ornaments, or seasonally inspired decorative items like votives or tree sculptures. No experience is necessary but experienced folks are also welcome! No matter what your background, your instructor will meet you where you are and provide the support you need to enjoy the creative process--the studio is fully accessible, participants will be able to stand or sit as desired, and accommodations are always available for any specific needs. Working with this medium provides a unique opportunity for sensory engagement and creative development--come connect to yourself and other makers as you find your way with clay!

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 Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919.200.0886.

Instructor: Flossie Hoy

Location: Online Via Zoom

Date: Thursdays, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, MAKE UP DATE: 11/19

Time: 2:00-5:00 pm EST

Students will be given an overview of the different photographic styles, beginning with early photography to the present time. We will explore the works of famous photographers from each of the styles. The class will choose 3 styles for more in-depth exploration. Students will be given assignments based of these styles which will include picture taking and editing in either Photoshop or Lightroom.

Students need to have taken photo 1 with TJF prerequisite or permission from the instructor. Contact the Operation ART Program Manager for more information at isabella@thejoelfund.org. 

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 Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919.200.0886.

Instructor: Kristianne Ripple

Location: The Joel Center, 115 West Young Street, Rolesville, NC, 27571

Date: Thursdays, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, MAKE UP DATE: 11/19

Time: 6:00-8:00 pm

Printmaking is the dynamic process of carving, etching, or mark-making on a matrix—such as a plate or block—to create a transferable image. By applying ink to the surface and using mechanical or manual pressure, the artist captures the design onto paper, resulting in an original work of art that can be produced in multiple editions. While traditional methods include woodcuts, etchings, screen prints, and lithography, this course brings the medium into the modern studio. You will explore the historical origins of the craft while learning to produce your own prints.

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 Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919.200.0886.

Instructor: June Guralnick

Location: Online Via Zoom

Date: Thursdays, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, MAKE UP DATE: 11/19 

Time: 6:30-8:30 pm EST

Every life is filled with memorable, compelling experiences! This class is for writers who have taken VIRTUAL MEMOIR WRITING 1 as well as those starting and 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.

This class is an open-level class. 

Textbook (TJF provides): Handling the Truth: On the Writing of Memoir by Beth Kephart. 

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 Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org or 919.200.0886.