Events & Classes


 

Please scroll down to see the many Promotions, Events & Art Classes (Youth and Adult) Offered!  Thank you!

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“Pandemic Portraiture: Reflections of Healing”

is now published on Amazon!

Get your copy here!

“Pandemic Portraiture: Reflections of Healing” addresses our pandemic condition through art.   A small group of Connecticut youth artists reflect and share what they have experienced to be healing during that time in our history.  A great read for elementary school children through adults! “Pandemic Portraiture: Reflections of Healing” is an excellent choice for reading and engaging classrooms or small groups with engaging conversation. There are some pages in the book that invite readers to jot down their experiences. Please consider Gifting some copies to your local schools, library’s and Historical Societies! Your review on Amazon helps people to find the book! Thank you!

*ARTIST-AUTHOR TALKS & Book Signings:
  • Watch as new dates and places are added! 


ART LESSONS:



All Ages & Abilities!!!

Private Art lessons are perfect for any artist wishing to improve their skills.    Classes may be in person or via Zoom.  Your classes are catered to your specific artistic goals and needs. 

Packages:

Recommended Minimum of ten lessons:

Ten Half Hour lessons: $350;

Ten One hour lessons: $600;

Ten Portfolio development lessons including specific caring critiques: $750.

  artist@shawnalee.com   or   artistshawnalee@gmail.com

 



YOUTH Art Classes:

Afterschool Art Studio

In Person! Private Art Studio just minutes from MES & MMS.

CLASSES ARE FORMING NOW FOR THE FALL 2023 SESSIONS

Email your student’s age/interest and your recommendation for days/times.  Classes form when a min. of 3 students are enrolled. Max class size 6.  Ten Weeks: $345 per session;   Some materials provided; Students will need their own pencils, erasers & art pads (a recommended list will be provided to all enrolled students).

What would your artist love to do?  Here are our FALL STUDIO Class Ideas:

Fine Arts Training: Geared for students ages 12 & up and VITAL for any art student.  Studio habits will have a direct impact on their art portfolios for future college applications.  Classes will be structured with life sketching, technique lessons, and drawing challenges.  Students will be encouraged to sketch outside of class time for group sharing with caring “oreo cookie” feedback.

Multimedia Fine Arts: Students ages 8 & up will enjoy learning and experiencing the joy of drawing, painting & sculpture in a small class size environment!  Seasons will influence our subject matter while artists will be encouraged to stretch their creativity while learning about art media. 

Sculpture Arts: From papier mache, to various air dried clays, this class will experience sculpture by creating varied creative projects. 

Horses, of Course!  Our favorite subject!  Equestrian artists will gain a deeper understanding of our Equine friends through drawing, painting and sculpture! 

The Cat’s Meow! Another studio favorite!  This class will focus on our feline friends. Students will learn how to draw, paint and sculpt meow-tastic works of art!

 

Fall, Winter & Spring into art through the joy of drawing, painting & sculpture.  This class is an EXCEPTIONAL value for your youth! This class will be a mix of fine arts skill building with fun and educational projects that are seasonal!   Ages 8-18!  (yes, I have had several students go through the entire ten year program!!!!)

Students will be gently guided through the artistic thought process according to each individual’s needs & strengths. Older / more advanced & continuing students will gain experience learning how to see and think like an artist as skills are reinforced and built upon. Seats are limited.   Email your interest & sign student enrollment form.   Payment may be made with a check made out to: ShawnaLee Kwashnak OR Venmo (please use the start date for memo) to @Andrew-Kwashnak 


SUMMER 2023 Art Programs:

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: MCC. June 19-23rd.  To register a child (K-6th), go to: https://middleburycc.breezechms.com/form/VBS2023.

Brookfield Craft Center:

Beginner Realistic Drawing July 10-14th 9-12

Beginning Multimedia Painting July 10-14th 1-4pm

Summertime Arts July 24-28th 9-12

Summertime Arts July 24-28th 1-4pm

GIRL SCOUT CAMP ANSEOX  Sign up here

ShawnaLee will be directing the arts program during these weeks: Ultimate Survivor, It’s wild out there, Camp scene Investigator, AnSeOx Olympics



ADULT  CLASSES:



EdAdvance/Farmington Continuing Ed: Watch for Fall Schedule of classes!  Is there a class you’d like?  email ShawnaLee your interest!  Class schedules are formed in June for the Fall/Winter schedule.

 


Online: Medieval Inspired Watercolors with ShawnaLee

This class will be offered again Winter 2023! Watch for details! Please let me know what’s convenient for you! 

In this eight week watercolor class, we will take our inspiration right out of 12th century manuscripts that were illuminated with incredibly detailed paintings of flora, fauna, fruits, and seeds!  The first class we will focus on exploring and getting comfortable with sketching and painting techniques followed by discovering the color-value blends for our initial lay in.  As the class progresses, students will be lead through the finishing process that brings a special “glow” to our subjects.   Each step will be demonstrated as we paint through the process together.   A PDF of our subjects will be emailed to registered students for convenience reference printing.  Class time allowing, we may also create a smaller painting of Chinese lanterns after our focus painting is completed together.  This is a very rich, fun and meditative class filled with uplifting artistic conversation and camaraderie!  

Materials needed:

Watercolors, rinse cup, paper towels, paint brushes (liner & round, and a 1” flat such as from a hardware store), mixing plate/tray, pad of watercolor paper about 11×15” – (hot or cold press is fine; I will be using Fabriano watercolor paper), an “H” pencil, kneaded eraser, chopsticks or similar, low-tack tape.  For questions, email artist@shawnalee.com

Sign up here!  Students may also pay via Venmo: @Andrew-Kwashnak

 


ART SHOWS:


  • Oxford Public Library: “Favorite things”  https://www.oxfordculturalarts.org/
  • Richter Association for the Arts Members Show Sunday afternoons through June 4th.
  • Howard Whittemore Naugatuck Library JUNE 2023 A collection of Portraits of People and Pets
  • October 2023 Prospect Public Library FALL Foliage & Acorns In person show & virtual art show; Artist’s Reception TBA

The Town Hall Women’s Portraits Project

Art Show in person at the Ridgefield Town Hall. Permanent collection. ShawnaLee’s Oil Painting of Amy being held back by the corded phone stands as a historical reminder to the challenges women continue to face.

 


Pandemic Portraiture Art

VIRTUAL student ART SHOW!

Seven students ages 11 through 15 participated in a special art lesson program supported by an Artist’s Respond Grant from the State of CT over the summer of 2020. 

See the Grant Program Virtual Art Show!

 


Watch for Exciting New Classes to be offered!

I am always bubbling with new inspiration and want to expand the types of classes offered!  Please tell me what would be exciting for you to take!!!!!

 


SCOUT GROUPS:

Invite ShawnaLee to your Troop to teach art lessons on the foundations of drawing skills including a dynamic drawing demonstration.  The Lesson can be catered to any lesson badge / group interest (e.g., animals, horses, outdoors, etc.).   Cost includes all materials & handouts. Your Art Lesson may end with a makeshift “lantern campfire” and pep talk if you wish.  Classes are about 1 1/2 hours in length.  $75 ($150 value).



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Interested in an art class? Private Lessons?

QUALITY art lessons for your hard earned dollars.  Your class will be catered to your needs and goals for your artistic endeavors.  My lessons begin with learning techniques and then transition to learning how to apply the learned skills in a way that leaves you empowered with the media.  I will explain, demonstrate and draw/paint you through the process in an enjoyable way while we share life, pets & artsy stories!  My demonstrations will be short to allow you the opportunity to see and try for yourself immediately.   I will also allow you the personal space to explore your new skills.  Many times I will have finished works of art to share as examples for lively enriching discussion.  

I look forward to sharing the joy and discovery of art with you! 

ZOOM classes are currently being offered.

Email me today! Thanks! artist@shawnalee.com


About ShawnaLee’s Art Lessons:

ShawnaLee’s art lessons are kind and inclusive with an emphasis on personal advancement.  She has been instructing art for over 30 years and serves as a board member of the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists. Instruction is rooted in the tradition of the masters while upholding a Mother’s instincts for the natural progression of learning for each artist!   ShawnaLee is an active Girl Scout Leader (over 10 years).  The girls in my oldest troop (64146) ALL earned their Girl Scout Gold Awards and my Ambassador Troop (64171) have earned their Silver Awards and are currently working towards their Gold Award Projects!    Nothing could be more rewarding than sharing the joy of art and creative discovery with others!  Sign up for art lessons today!

Parent Testimony:

“Evan has been busy sketching since he left you. I can’t believe how much he has improved! Thank you for sharing your gift.” Traci Elliott July 2018

“Hi ShawnaLee, I just had to share that Maddie did a wonderful charcoal of a friends dog and gave it as a wedding gift! Thank you for inspiring her…. Thanks, Amy”  Blais July 2018

During the 4th of July  at the MRA, I was treated to an update from a parent of a student from several years ago when I taught through parks and recreation.   “My daughter is showing her art work in Greenwich now (2019) and did very well in her High school AP Art classes!  She attributes her time spent in your classes for giving her the art foundation that has supported her continued success in art!”  Father of Rachel Ali

ART LESSON POLICIES:

Portraits by ShawnaLee / Art Lessons follow the following policy guidelines as listed below:

Refund Policy for Private Studio Classes: All refunds must be requested one week prior to the first class day.  Pre-payment of tuition is required. No refunds will be honored after the class/course has begun except in medical situations with doctor’s note.  There are no make-ups, refunds or credits for missed regularly scheduled classes.  Refunds are subject to a $10 administrative surcharge/materials fee. Classes canceled due to bad weather (follows Region 15 cancellation) or instructor illness will be rescheduled or offered via Zoom at the discretion of the instructor;  Rescheduled classes typically are added to the end of the session.

Photographs-Students may be photographed or sketched for the purpose of promotion or advertising in future brochures, in newspapers or in other media such as Facebook, Google, Instagram etc.  You provide your consent when signing up for classes.  Recordings: Classes are not recorded.

Behavior– Participants are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times.  Students are to show courtesy and respect to other participants and art instructor.  Only positive comments about art or others allowed; we practice a positive “Oreo cookie” art critique format as taught in class.  Students are to respect personal space of self, pets and others.  Students will Only draw/paint on their own work.  Students are to Show respect for equipment, supplies and facilities.  Discipline, if needed, will follow a positive redirection or gentle reminder of class expectations.

Take-home supportive materials/worksheets may be provided to your student upon request and with your understanding that you will be billed at $75/hr for the research, thought and custom development of the requested supportive materials/worksheets specific to your student’s needs outside of class instructional time. All materials provided are the intellectual property of the instructor and may only be used for your student’s education while enrolled.