ART19

Cape Art Classes

Cape Cod Art  /  ART Annual 2019 / ,

Writer: Julie Craven Wagner

Cape Art Classes

ART19

Cape Cod Art  /  ART Annual 2019 / ,

Writer: Julie Craven Wagner

Sandwich Arts Alliance

After forming barely five years ago, the Sandwich Arts Alliance has grown into a diverse resource for the Upper Cape. An ever-growing curriculum rolled out over 60 classes, for both adults and youth, in the last year, in all three categories of visual, performing and literary arts. Set up as a seasonal schedule, the Alliance offers classes and workshops throughout the year, with some of the more popular courses repeating in multiple sessions.

Pauline Tessein, classes coordinator at the Alliance, says that the response to the robust offerings put forth by the organization has been met with both positive feedback and high rates of enrollment. “The community seems to be responding positively. We have grown a bit more each session and with every new class we add to the schedule; people immediately express interest.” Membership of the organization has grown to over 300 members, and a new building space (124 Route 6A) with two classrooms and a gallery will be open for the 2019 summer season.

Examples of some of the unique offerings found within the Alliance’s curriculum include a painting class with locally renowned painter Elizabeth Mumford. Mumford, whose whimsical, iconic paintings depict Cape Cod life, leads a five-week class of students with a wide range of artistic ability. Mumford encourages the students to create something that speaks to them on a personal level: a favorite pastime, a familiar vista, or an event in their family such as a wedding or a birth. Utilizing technique and insight, she is able to guide the students through the nuances of painting with watercolor or gouache, all the while sharing her life’s stories as a painter. The opportunity to not only spend five weeks with an artist of such note and talent, but also be able to connect on such a personal level, are just some of the benefits of the kind of classes offered by the Alliance.

A lampwork bead workshop, conducted by Cape glass craftsman Michael Magyar, is sure to be a popular offering. The workshop includes not only the unique instruction by a true master but also supplies each student with a kit to be able to continue the practice on their own.

Tessein says one of the most unique classes they offer is the Art Sampler Class. “Students are exposed to a wide variety of mediums, everything from drawing to mixed media, and since it is underwritten by a grant from The Fund for Sandwich, we provide all of the materials as part of the class fee. That way anyone interested in art can explore what appeals to them without it becoming a budgetary issue.”

Learn more at sandwichartsalliance.org

Julie Craven Wagner

Julie Craven Wagner began her experience with Cape Cod Life in 2010 when she joined the sales team after 10 years of working with local businesses on the Cape and Islands with WMVY. In addition to sales, she is the Associate Publisher/Editor of Cape Cod LIFE, Cape Cod HOME, and Cape Cod ART. Growing up on the Outer Cape has given her a unique perspective of life on Cape Cod, from tip to bridge, and that is reflected in her appreciation and presentation of stories found within the pages of our publications. Julie lives in North Falmouth with her husband, Eric, and their yellow lab, Enzo. When she finds free time, she enjoys her Cape Cod life sailing on Buzzards Bay, spending time on the beach in Wellfleet, or exploring Martha’s Vineyard.