New Classes and Art at Whitcomb's This October

Here at Whitcomb’s we are packing A LOT into this wonderful month. It’s all pretty great stuff, so I hope you can make some time between the fall foliage chasing to come by and join in the fun. 🙂

Check out the Grange website for more details, events at the Grange, and to register for classes at Whitcomb’s.

Ceramics Workshop: Introduction to Handbuilding Tools and Techniques
Part I: Handbuilding Saturday, 10/16 12-4 PM
Part II: Glazing Saturday, 10/30 12-2 PM
Cost: $50 per person + $15 materials fee
Ages 16+ (younger participants considered on a case-by-case basis) 8 students max

Join us for an adult art education workshop at Whitcomb’s Community Space led by veteran visual arts instructor, Reagan Monarch. The first workshop will encompass learning handbuilding construction techniques to create lovely pinched clay pumpkins and gorgeous slab autumn leaves. The second workshop will involve applying underglazes to the bisque fired work using the magical palette of autumn.

To learn more about Reagan Monarch, please visit her teaching website at https://monarchartmagic.org/.

Making Fire Cider with Nichole Gerding of Thankful Sage Farm School
Saturday, 10/23 11 AM-1 PM
$20 per person all materials included except tools mentioned below
Please pre-register; this class is limited to 20 participants.

In this hands-on session, we will make and take our own fire cider. Fire cider is a digestive tonic traditionally made in the fall season and used as a cold and flu preventative. It derives its name from the combination of wild-collected natural ingredients, including spicy roots, fruit, and hardy herbs, balanced with lemons and honey. Get hands-on experience preparing the ingredients while Nichole discusses oxymels and folk medicine in early America. Take home a quart of fire cider to keep you warm and well this winter.

Participants must bring a sharp knife, a cutting board, a grater, and a quart jar.

Nichole’s background is in Early American Domestic skills. For most of her life, it has been Nichole’s goal to integrate the past into the present and educate the public on these skills which lead to the creation of her company, Thankful Sage Farm School.

Sketchbook Traveler: Drawing and Painting the Mindful Landscape
Saturday, October 23 from 2-5:00pm
Cost: $35

With the rise in popularity of plein-air painting, Sketchbook Traveler proposes a deeper engagement with nature that incorporates the history, science, and culture of a place. This more immersive approach to drawing and painting outdoors not only develops visual skills. It deepens our awareness of environmental conditions, the world around us, and our place in it. This workshop series will help you learn how expeditionary journaling can enrich your encounter with nature in ways that promote environmental awareness, general knowledge and ecological civics, using time-honored concepts and methods, along with practical demonstrations.

Workshop is led by author, historian and visual artist James Lancel McElhinney, author of Sketchbook Traveler Hudson Valley. and Art Students League of New York on Painting. McElhinney is a recipient of grants from the Pollock Krasner Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. He resides in Essex, NY.

Art Opening: Sky Beam Sculptures by Mac MacDevitt
Saturday, 10/30 4:30-630 PM
5 PM Brief talk and presentation by the artist

Outdoor art, festivities and fire!

SAVE THE DATE

Storytelling Open Mic Night
$5 suggested donation
Wednesday, November 10, 7-9 PM (the 2nd Wednesday of every month)

The Storytelling Open Mic invites community members and visitors from all walks of life, backgrounds and orientations to come together and connect through the sharing of personal stories. This is a safe, supportive environment free from pressure and judgment. No experience is necessary to participate. All are welcome to speak or simply listen.

Everyone has a story to tell, and we want to hear yours.

Hosted by Essex resident Mac MacDevitt.

“I spent a bunch of time in Chicago over the past 6 years. I found connection in the diversity that is Chicago thru the storytelling community. I co-hosted a monthly open mic in a bar in Old Town. Took classes. Started a Story Circle. Told at numerous curated venues. And most recently co-hosted an online storytelling show and workshop. I can’t wait to hear you share your stories with each other.”

***Masks required by all in attendance***

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