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. 

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. 

Bring your ideas to three-dimensional life by creating one-of-a-kind handbuilt ceramic art pieces! You’ll learn to roll unfired clay into slabs by hand, securely join clay

components, add textures, and more. Projects may include a lidded box/jar, wall pocket, mug/vase, or other small vessels depending on participants’ interests. We’ll take our time and craft each piece in phases, working on each project across multiple class meetings, so you can savor the details and smooth out the edges. Works will be fired off-site after the class is finished and will be available for pickup from the Joel Fund offices after class is over. No experience is necessary; 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!

Specific dates: 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12 Makeup date: 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. 

Learn how to naturally dye fabrics to transform a simple bag into accessory art. Make a personalized tote bag using a pocket face made from naturally dyed fabrics.  Your unique textile collage pocket will bear artwork made from stitch meditations from your own hand as you learn from the instructor, Grace McFetters Caldwell, how to use specialized stitches to create a composition then apply to the tote bag as a pocket.  No one in the world will have a matching tote bag like yours, and you’ll be learning skills like dyeing with natural materials like plants and bugs and hand stitching techniques that can be used every day to embellish, mend, and create.  

Students will participate in the Spring Student Showcase in May 2025 to showcase their work.  

Specific dates: 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3 (make up date 3/10) 

SKIP 1/20 (MLK Day) and 2/17 (Presidents Day)

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.

This class is for women only. 

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.