Expanding Creatively

Each class will start with individual and/or collaborative exercises designed to get us out of our own way - come with an open mind and a willingness to play! Most of the exercises are meant to be a surprise. However, to build some excitement, I can say for one exercise we will be making our own paint brushes! Supplies will be provided for the teacher-led exercises.

The bulk of the course will be focused on developing a personal project (large or small!) to be worked on over the 4 weeks. Students should bring their own supplies for their personal project, as we are welcoming all mediums! Perhaps you would like to create a large painting, produce an edition of woodcut prints, sculpt with ceramics or even a combination of all three! The only limit is your imagination! We have access to an etching press for printmaking and a kiln for ceramics (the kiln is not on location, we would have someone fire it for you). Though your personal project will be largely self driven, you will receive individual attention to help you develop your ideas and we will conclude each class with constructive communal critique (an opportunity for you to get feedback and improve!). Additional sketching and journaling exercises will be given to work on at home (bring your favorite sketchbook!).

You do NOT have to "be an artist" or "be creative" to join this class, but you DO need to have interest. Everyone has ways to expand creatively, whether you haven't started yet, you're just beginning or you're "halfway through'' your art journey! By including artists with varying degrees of experience, we can all learn from each other. If you have questions about this aspect of the course (tell me what project or thinking of or ask me what supplies to buy) before you join, do not hesitate to reach out! You may email me personally: maddiecorsaro@gmail.com (response time 24 hours) or email/call The Cheshire Union: cugifts@gmail.com/585-394-5530.

About the Teacher: 

Madeline Corsaro is a printmaker, painter, and ceramicist, born and raised in the beautiful finger lakes region. Her work and printmaking studio can be found inside an old 4 room schoolhouse, The Cheshire Union. In 2018, Madeline received her BFA degree at Nazareth College and has since supplemented her education by taking classes with local artists such as Cheryl Leonard, Cindy Harris, Pat Rini Rohrer, Pat Tribastone and Kari Ganoung Ruiz. In her career so far, Madeline has packed a ton of experience in several different realms of the art world: from coordinating gallery exhibitions to website editing, online marketing, teaching, archival processing and... creating art! She runs the tech, social media, classes and events for The Cheshire Union, and has worked and volunteered for several artists and organizations such as Albert Paley, Laura Wilder, The New York State Summer School of the Arts, The Print Club of Rochester and The Ontario County Arts Council. Her favorite part about being involved with the arts in all capacities is developing an open understanding of the breadth and depth of an artist's career.

Speaking on her own artwork, Madeline writes: “My goal as an artist is to create work that speaks to what it means to be human. Subject matter such as the landscape and the figure are my jumping off points, while self reflection and observation are my ways of navigating the fall.”

**We are now offering online registration for our classes!** Simply pick the quantity of tickets you would like below, click checkout, and fill out the prompts to register and pay online. By signing up online, you will be able to pay in advance to officially reserve your spot. As a result, we have a new cancellation policy: In order to respect the time and money our teachers invest into their classes, there are no refunds given for no shows or cancellations the day of the event. All other requests for refunds will be handled on an individual basis, are not guaranteed, and may include credit towards a future class.

If you are having trouble or have any questions, we always welcome a call: 585-394-5530. or stop by in person :) Hope to see you at a class soon!