Fusing Fun Art: September 2017

Welcome Back Everyone!

The school year is revving up, families are figuring out their after school fall schedules and trying to make it all work out! I know it often takes a bit of juggling and conversation to get an after school plan together. I know... because I am doing the same thing right now! Sports, classes, after care, pick ups, car pooling.... Whew! It eventually all figures itself out and routines set in. Hooray!

Will any of my wonderful art classes be a part of your routine this Fall? I hope so! Please scroll to the end of this post for a gallery of student work from all my classes!

fused glass friendship dishes

All Classes begin the week of 9/18- that is just next week!
I have listed the classes with links to sign up- I am a little behind getting the word out about my classes this Fall but classes are already filling up - Sign up soon to ensure a spot!~

1st Session:

9/18- 10/30 Bascich Elementarty -Glass Fusing( Larkspur)
9/19-10/24 Vallecito Elementary -Glass Fusing (wait list)
9/19-10/25 Coleman Elementary -Glass fusing
9/20-10/26 Glenwood Elementary- Oven Baked Clay Time

2nd Session:

11/6-12/11 Basich Elementary- Jewelry (Larkspur)
10/31-12/19 Vallecito Elementary- Oven baked Clay
11/1-12/20 Coleman Elementary- Oven baked Clay
11/2-12/21 Glenwood Elementary- Glass Fusing

clay unicorn village

restaurant with clay food!

What's New..

I am happy to announce that I am introducing a new class to my after school classes this Fall- Oven Baked Clay Time! I have been teaching this class the past 2 summers at Super School Summer School in Larkspur. SO MUCH FUN. I am tweaking the class a little bit by adding in my recyclable collections to the mix so that students can create props and sets to go along with their creations.YES!!

(If you are looking for a camp next summer that has a little bit of everything; art, sports, language, science, cooking etc., this is it! Click on the link to see what they offered this past summer. )

All my classes are designed to foster creativity, problem solving, risk taking, confidence and develop fine motor skills. RELEASE THE INNER CRITIC!
Full Class Descriptions:(returning students always welcome)

Fused Glass:This class is Glass Fantastic!! Students explore the ancient art of fused glass. They will learn how to safely bend glass using flame and will also learn to cut and layer glass into creative and functional forms which will then be kiln fired. Students come away from the class with lots of beautiful glass work and will be AMAZED at what they can make with glass. New projects/techniques will be introduced each week and students will develop a firm understanding of the craft of fusing. This is a great opportunity to make one-of-a-kind hand-made gifts for the holidays as well! Class fee covers all glass, firings and materials. 2nd-5th grade

clay sushi

Oven Baked Clay Time:In this FUN class students will use a polymer clay that can be baked in a kitchen oven! Imaginations go wild as students decide what to make: tiny creatures and miniatures of any kind including food, robots, unicorns, monsters, beautiful jewelry, pinch pots, magnets, ornaments and other collectables. Instructions, project ideas and guidance provided, but students are encouraged to create from their own vision! Students can make entire sets of characters and props for their imaginative stories and will be able to pull from Nikki’s large collection of recyclable supplies and art materials to complete their projects. All clay and materials are included in the class. 1st-5th grade

Jewelry:Learn some real jewelry making skills in this fun and experimental jewelry class! Students will learn to use jewelry tools and also use traditional and not so typical materials to create their own sophisticated jewelry! The class will be making some of their own beads and will also have a treasure trove of beautiful new and vintage beads to choose from Nikki’s collection! Using wire, beads, leather, glass and other elements, students will create their own one of-a-kind jewelry masterpieces; Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, and more…Develop awesome jewelry making skills and come away with lots of wearable art to wear and share with their family and friends! ALL materials are included in this class and healthy snacks are provided. 2nd- 5th grade

cork earrings

leather key chain

Perhaps your viewing this blog for the first time- wondering who am I? Here is a little background on me.. Nikki Contini is a long time local glass, eco-artist and educator. She teaches glass fusing, jewelry, eco-art, oven baked clay (and really, whatever craft has her enthusiasm at the moment) to children in after school enrichment programs throughout the school year. She also holds workshops for adults and loves to host art parties as well. Nikki brings her experimental nature and passion to her classes and is committed to helping her students joyfully explore their creativity. Nikki's artwork is colorful and whimsical and has been exhibited in shows over the last 17 years. Nikki's focus is on art as a healing force. She has a degree is clinical psychology and often takes classes and trainings for personal and professional development.
Nikki is married and has two boys who go to school in San Rafael. She loves to cook, dance, laugh, read, walk in nature and talk alot! She also loves cats!

The city of San Rafael has a new web address and website. www.livelifelocally.com Please click on the link to sign up. You can also call # 415 485-3333 or drop by- San Rafael Community Center 618 B Street (8:30-5pm)
Various Student Work..So Awesome!