Sherry and I are having our first "one man" show in April. A collection of approximately twenty five of our watercolors, half mine and half hers, the show is titled "The Two Of Us," it will run from April 5 through May 1, 2007, at the First Show Gallery at CC Lowell, 258 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA.

An artists' reception will be held at the gallery on April 7, 2007, from 1 PM to 3 PM.

Gallery hours are Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 7 PM, Thursday, 9 AM to 8 PM, Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday, 12 PM to 4 PM.

Note that 10% of the proceeds from any sales from the show will be donated to the Paul Wilgoren Baseball Scholarship Fund.

In case you're interested, here's the artist's statement I wrote for the show, which briefly explains our perspective on the show's theme, "The Two Of Us".

The Two Of Us

When Sherry and I met thirty four years ago, our mutual love for art was a major part of what attracted us to each other. Ironically, though art drew us together, we did very little with it until two years ago when we made the fateful decision to take a watercolor class at the Worcester Art Museum.

We’ve been painting up a storm ever since, taking one class after another with the same wonderful teacher, Kat O’Connor. We’ve been developing our skills together, often tackling the same subjects and struggling with the same problems, influencing each other, yet remaining distinct. We keep each other going, inspiring and encouraging each other.

As for Kat’s classes, we’ve taken three at the Worcester Art Museum, and three at our home. Out of these classes, a small yet vital group of fellow artists and friends has developed. We paint together, encourage each other, visit museums together, and just have fun together. We owe much of our continuing progress as artists to their influence and friendship.

As you can see as you view our show, our styles are similar, yet distinct, reflecting our differing personalities and interests, yet inevitably expressing the unity that comes from thirty three years of marriage. Sherry paints with great sensitivity and subtlety, building up her images with numerous small brushstrokes and delicate washes, while I paint boldly, often aggressively, using layers to build strong value contrasts and intense color. Sherry has most recently been experimenting with shape and the use of negative space to enhance her compositions, while I’ve been pushing my use of color, size and value to achieve even more boldness.

We hope you enjoy our show and thank you for coming.

Steve Collins

History:

• (Steve) Massachusetts College of Art, Boston, MA, fine arts 1970-1971
• (Steve) Southeastern Massachusetts University, N. Dartmouth, MA, graphic design 1978-1979
• (Steve & Sherry) Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA, 3 watercolor classes with Kat O’Connor, 2005-2006
• (Steve & Sherry) Worcester Art Museum Fall Adult Student Show 2005
• (Steve & Sherry) Wachusett Greenways Annual Art and Photography Show - Spring and summer exhibit 2006; Steve’s image included in annual cookbook
• (Steve & Sherry) Hopkinton Cultural Arts Alliance juried show, 2006.
• (Steve & Sherry) Clinton Olde Home Days juried show, Steve won 1st place in watercolor, 2006
• (Steve & Sherry) Arts Alliance, Hudson, MA, juried show; Steve won honorable mention
• (Steve & Sherry) Worcester Art Museum Special Exhibition, November 11 – 24, 2006

Sherry and Steve Collins live in Clinton, MA. They have three daughters, two sons, and five grandchildren with a sixth on the way. Sherry is the nurse coordinator for Accept Education Collaborative in Natick, MA. Steve is a software engineer at IBM in Westford, MA.

To give a sense of what our First Show Gallery exhibit looks like, I took a few photos at the gallery shortly after our paintings were hung.

This is the wall to the left as you enter the building, along with the first part of the longer back wall:

This is the rest of the back wall (with Sherry, in case you're wondering):

This is the wall on the right as you walk down the ramp into the C. C. Lowell store:

For more information about our show, see Our First One Man Show.

To sign up, click here and fill out the form, or call (978) 368-3300.

Art Classes for groups and seniors

Would you like an art teacher to come to your group, parties, nursing home, senior center etc.? We have art teachers to teach at your group at reasonable prices. Classes taught are drawing, watercolor, mixed media, or acrylic painting. We can plan art classes for groups at Collins Artworks, too. Call us for information.

Adult Just for fun ceramics and small fun art projects-
Have fun with a group of your friends and spend some time creating and having fun!
Paint your own ceramics- Dragons ($10), Pots ($5), Duckling ($8), Elephant ($10), Dinosaur in its egg ($6), and a Cat ($8).
Make a collage in mixed media-( $10)
Create your own Aboriginal, Indian, or other culture project- ($10)

Kid’s Art Programs

We are currently registering children for our kids programs.
Our programs are very affordable, educational and fun.
Here is a list of our kids art programs. For more information e-mail collinsartworks@comcast.net or use Contact Us, or stop in the store.

Art birthday parties- ALL AGES KIDS OR ADULTS!
Themed and fun.
Let Collins Artworks entertain at your child's next birthday party! Our birthday packages are custom tailored to fit your child's personality or their own birthday theme. Choose from our themed programs or craft art activities such as painting cars, designing stylish hats or masks, making crazy critters or make a collage like a famous artist, American graffiti urban art, cultural art forms and much more. All activities are age appropriate for children 3 - 12 years. There is a minimum cost of $200 for up to 10 children including the birthday child. Additional children may be added for $15 per child to a maximum of 12 for children ages 3 - 5 years and 20 for children ages 6 - 12 years. Also included is art goody bags for each party guest and a special art gift for the birthday boy or girl. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking. Minimum of two weeks notice required. Please call 978-368-3300 and ask for Sheryll to arrange.

A beautifully designed birthday cake can be added for an additional $15-$20 in the design of your choice. Add a birthday party photographer to capture the birthday party memories in photos or have your child's birthday pictures taken at our photography studio for an additional cost. We offer affordable package discounts.

At Collins Artworks we provide the entertainment for the children at your next party, special event, family reunion, wedding. Many lessons to choose from - children leave with beautiful, original art work to remember the day- and they have a blast while creating it !! Contact us to for details!!!

"Mommy and Me"- You can come in and take the class at any of the days and times noted in the schedule. The class is every day at 1pm and on Friday at 11 am. This class will expand to other mornings as interest increases.
With our Mommy and Me program you have a choice of projects to do with your child. "Mommy and Me" is for moms, grandmas or dads to enjoy art projects with their children. Project directions and supplies are included in the price. Each week projects are added.

Some of the art projects-
Paint Your Own Ceramics- elephant,($10) dinosaur baby/egg ($6), dragon ($10), duckling ($8)
Bird House-Build and paint a bird house -($8)
Wooden Car-Paint a wooden car- ($6)
Creative Collage- Make a collage after a famous artist. -($10)
Puppet- Make and paint your own puppet- ($6)
Pottery- Make and paint a coil or slab pot. Two sessions needed to complete- ($12)
Masks- Make your own mask for Halloween or just for fun. A choice of masks will be available. -($8 to $10)
Make a landscape. Use print making, painting and collage to make your landscape.- ($10)
Canvas Bag- Design and paint your own canvas bag with fabric markers- $10
Discovery Planet- Paint and create things under your feet, inside the earth and out of this world. -($10)
Night At The Museum- Make your own Egyptian art or aboriginal dot painting- ($10-large project) ($8 -small project)

Scout projects-
We offer projects for the boy or girl scout that needs an art project to earn a badge.
Show the teacher your badge project and she will guide you with an art project that will earn you the badge. Prepare to be the envy of your troop.
-Price varies depending on complexity and length of the project. Call to sign up.

Open Enrollment
Kid's Art Classes
After school programs -Classes are held every afternoon. Come 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 times a week. Tuition is prorated for depending on how many days a week child goes to class. Example:1 day a week is $50 per month. Classes start after school between 3- 3:30 pm - 5:00 -5:30 pm. Transportation from the Clinton's schools is available at $2 per ride

Monday through Friday After school- Kids Art Discovery- 7 yrs through 11 yrs.. Themed class. We will explore different media including clay work. Also the children will use several methods and media to produce their works of art such as watercolor, tempera, oil pastels, cray- pas, colored pencils, watercolor crayons, makers, clay, model magic, crayons, batik and making their own textured papers etc. Also taught is basic art theory- line, drawing, positive/negative space, composition, color etc.

Teen Art Discovery- Starting soon call for details
Portfolio development or for fun. Themed class. We will explore different media including clay work. Also the children will use several methods and media to produce their works of art such as watercolor, oils, acrylic, tempera, oil pastels, cray- pas, colored pencils, watercolor crayons, makers, clay, model magic, crayons, batik and making their own textured papers etc. Also taught is basic art theory- line, drawing, positive/negative space, composition, color etc.

Each lesson is taught for the age of the students participating. Tuition - $50 for 4 weeks
Teens arrive from 3-3:30pm. Transportation from the Clinton's schools is available at $2 per ride.
The program ends from 5-5:30pm.

Monday through Friday After school- Kids Art Discovery- 7 yrs through 11 yrs.. Themed class. We will explore different media including clay work. Also the children will use several methods and media to produce their works of art such as watercolor, tempera, oil pastels, cray- pas, colored pencils, watercolor crayons, makers, clay, model magic, crayons, batik and making their own textured papers etc. Also taught is basic art theory- line, drawing, positive/negative space, composition, color etc.

Saturday Kids Art Discovery
10 - 1pm- Kids Art Discovery
Themed based. The children will use several methods and media to produce their works of art such as watercolor, tempera, oil pastels, cray- pas, colored pencils, watercolor crayons, makers, clay, model magic, crayons, batik and making their own textured papers etc. Also taught is basic art theory- line, drawing, positive/negative space, composition, color etc. Each lesson is taught for the age of the students participating. cost -$50 a month

Home school groups-
Monday -1-2 pm- Ask about low tuition group rates. Programs are designed for the specific group. Special rates for groups apply. Call for details.

No school Kids Art Discover Camp-

No school because of a professional development day, snow day, or holiday? Sign up your child for a day of art making!
Great for working parents and for last minute arrangements for your child on a snow day or professional development day. Call to register. Parents are responsible for transportation on snow days. Class will be canceled on a day of a snow emergency. Over 2 inches. Cost - $50 from 8:30 am- 5 pm

School and summer vacation camps- See above
Christmas school vacation, February vacation, April vacation and 6 weeks of Summer vacation
Christmas vacation begins December 28-January 1st. Register now. February Winter Vacation- February 15- 19, 2010. April Spring Vacation- April 19- 23, 2010. Summer camp begins June 28, 2010. 9 weeks total. see entry about camp

Run 5 days. Camps run either 9 am-12 noon or 1 pm- 4 pm each session is $85 for the week or full day program is from 9 am to 4 pm for $150 for the week. Rates are prorated for 2 or more children to save you money.

Different themes are explored. Examples are movie Making with clay models,Something modern, Artistic time travel. etc.. The children will use several methods and media to produce their works of art such as watercolor, tempera, oil pastels, cray- pas, colored pencils, watercolor crayons, makers, clay, model magic, crayons, batik and making their own textured papers etc. Also taught is basic art theory- line, drawing, positive/negative space, composition, color etc. Each lesson is taught for the age of the students participating.

Holiday and Educational Themes
During the holidays special projects will be taught with the holiday in mind. Collins Artworks will also work with the schools to develop art projects that include subjects taught in school. Example- Egyptian history is being taught in school. An art project will be taught to augment your child's education.

To sign up, click here and fill out the form, or call (978) 368-3300.

Modern Master Portrait Painting

Dates: Wednesday evenings starting April 7, 14, 21, 28 and May 5, 2010
Time: 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Instructor: Sid Solomon
Tuition: $155, includes model fee
Location: Collins Artworks Art Center, 18 High Street, Clinton, MA 01510 Maximum class size: 12

Learn:

- Construction of the head
- Bones and muscles of the head and neck
- Colors to use in light and shadow
- How to use highlights and half tones
- Using colored backgrounds
- Cool and warm flesh colors
- Using hard and soft edges
- Mediums, thinners and varnishes
- Use of viewfinders
- Direct vs. indirect painting methods
- Improve your drawing and painting up to 100%

Materials and supplies: Vine charcoal, 11” x 14” pad of heavy drawing paper, kneaded eraser, 12 inch ruler, paper palette, set of oil paints, paper towels, paint thinner, 16” x 20” canvas.

To sign up, click here and fill out the form, or call (978) 368-3300.

Watercolor Painting - Beginner and Intermediate Workshop

Dates: 4 classes: May 20, May 27, June 3, and June 10, 2010
Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Instructor: Sheryll Collins
Tuition: $65 Special price Credit Cards Accepted
Location: To be held in the Dexter Room at the Thayer Memorial Library 717 Main St. Lancaster, Ma.
Maximum class size: 12

Description: Watercolor class for beginning and intermediate students. Beginning students will learn basic art theory and design principles, and the use of the medium of watercolor. Intermediate students will advance their understanding of color theory and design principles. Subjects covered will include portraiture, landscape, and still life.

Materials and supplies: We sell an optional supply kit (see below) that contains most of what the student needs for the class. Whether or not the student purchases a kit, the listed supplies are required by the start of class. You may bring your own watercolor supplies or use the list as a guide. Also required is a 24” or longer ruler, 2 water containers (cups, etc.), masking or artist tape, plastic wrap, salt, wax paper, natural sponge, and a small white candle. Masking fluid is optional.

Optional Supply Kit for the Above Classes

For the convenience of the student, a basic art supply kit will be available for sale at the gallery, specifically tailored for the Beginner and Intermediate Watercolor classes and the Watercolor and Mixed Media class. (You may bring your own supplies.)The kit costs $180 plus tax and includes the following:

1 Arches 12x16 140 lb. cold press watercolor block, 20 sheets
1 tube each Da Vinci Artists Watercolors 15 ml Quinacradone Permanent Rose, Quinacradone Gold,
French Ultramarine, Cobalt Blue, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Yellow Lemon, Cadmium Red
Medium, and Burnt Sienna
1 tube M. Graham Watercolors 15 ml Burnt Umber
1 each Loew Cornell American Painter Brushes 1" wash, #8 round and #12 round
1 Drawing Pencil 3B
1 Alvin Vinyl eraser
1 Design kneaded eraser
2 Covered paint containers
1 Butcher tray palette, 7 1/2" x 11"
1 8”x10” sketch book

The kit is optional, but the student should have these supplies in time for class.

Dragons of Myth and Legend
April 19 through April 23, 2010
Dragons throughout history have been part of myth and legends of cultures around the world. This week we will exam dragons as painted by several countries. The students will create their own work of art like those seen through history.
The children will use several methods and media to produce their works of art such as watercolor, tempera, oil pastels, craypas, colored pencils, watercolor crayons, markers, clay, batik, model magic, foam core, crayons, handmade textured papers, etc. While having fun, the kids will learn basic art theory - line, positive/negative space, composition, and color.
Each lesson is taught according to the developmental level of each child. A registered nurse will be present during each session.
Tuition: Half day (9 AM to noon or 1 PM to 4 PM): $85; Full day (9 AM to 4 PM): $150. Discounts are offered for families registering more than 1 child. Ask us for details.
To sign up, click here and fill out the form, or call (978) 368-3300.

To sign up, click here and fill out the form, or call (978) 368-3300.

The 2010 Collins Artworks Summer Art Camp offers nine exciting, fun and educational weeks of theme-based art instruction for kids of all ages. For more information, or to register, call us or stop in at the gallery.

Week 1, June 28 through July 2, 2010: Artistic Time Travel

Travel through time to explore the art of ancient cultures. Learn about the methods used by ancient artists, and the beliefs that inspired them. Students will discover ancient art forms and customs and will apply what they learn to making art like the artists of ancient Egypt, Australia, America, China, and more.

Week 2, July 5 through July 9, 2010: Mixed Media Sculptor

Create works of art using different sculpting media. Students will study the work of other sculptors and use what they learn to create works of art using similar methods and techniques.

Week 3, July 12 through July 16, 2010: 2D to 3D

Students will create 2D works of art in vibrant colors, and 3D versions of the same works.

Week 4, July 19 through July 23, 2010: Exploring Color

The kids will learn basic color theory by looking at images of paintings by famous artists. Several different artists will be studied and their art explored. Children will make a color wheel and create art pieces in different color schemes.

Week 5, July 26 through July 30, 2010: Painting Animals from Around the World

While drawing and painting animals from around the world, color relationships will be explored. Children will study artists who painted animals using different color families.

Week 6, August 2 through August 6, 2010: Under the Sea

You are in a submarine exploring the deep oceans. You see large, strange fish and creatures no one has seen before. Using mixed media you learn new ways to work with color as you paint these previously unseen creatures of the deep.

Week 7, August 9 through August 13, 2010: Night at the Museum

You are a night watchman and it is your first week on the job. Hours into the night, the dinosaur suddenly moves. This week the student will experience a museum full of art and history. The student will learn about dinosaurs and cave art, Chinese brush painting, Egyptian art, and more.

Week 8, August 16 through August 20, 2010: Something Modern

The Kids will learn about such well known modern artists as Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, Robert Motherwell, and Robert Rauschenburg. The students will practice the methods used by these artists in making their own works of art.

Week 9, August 23 through August 27, 2010: Movie Making

You are an artist at a movie studio, hired to make a clay animation movie. The students will write a story using a "story board", create clay models to animate the story, photograph each "frame", finally combining the frames into a movie clip. The students will practice writing and drawing skills to create the story and models while learning the basic principles of animation.

Additional Information

The children will use several methods and media to produce their works of art such as watercolor, tempera, oil pastels, craypas, colored pencils, watercolor crayons, markers, clay, batik, model magic, foam core, crayons, handmade textured papers, etc. While having fun, the kids will learn basic art theory - line, positive/negative space, composition, and color.

Each lesson is taught according to the developmental level of each child. A registered nurse will be present during each session.

Tuition:Half day (9 AM to noon or 1 PM to 4 PM): $85; Full day (9 AM to 4 PM): $150. A 10% discount is given to families registering more than 1 child.

Wanted, artists to display their work at the Collins Artworks Art Center Art On Rotation Galleries.
We are currently taking applications from artists for shows at the AOR galleries. Each show is a 2 month commitment. For details and more information call Sheryll Collins at Collins ARTworks Art Center 978-368-3300. Also visit us on FACEBOOK. See link on sidebar

To sign up, click here and fill out the form, or call (978) 368-3300.

Introduction to Acrylics

Instructor: Lori MacDonald
Wednesday: 4 Wednesday evenings. New start date- Starting: July 7, 14, 21, and 28
Class will begin when enrollment is full. Call for details.
When: 6:30- 9 pm
Where: Collins Artworks 18 High St. Clinton

Cost: $75 tuition plus $79 (includes tax) -the complete materials package -- brushes, paints, sample mediums, painting grounds, and more! A great value!
Learn to make a color chart using a split primary palette. You’ll learn to work with a variety of acrylic mediums and painting grounds, explore the brushes included in the materials package, and prepare a masonite panel for painting. Later we'll paint a landscape using my photo reference as I guide you step-by-step. We’ll paint on watercolor paper, canvas, mixed media pads, and masonite. We’ll work with glazes, and washes, and explore impasto techniques.

This class takes place in FOUR, 2 1/2 hour sessions. I schedule my classes based on enrollment (a minimum of 6 people are needed).

Coming this fall an art class for teens. An american graffiti art class will be taught on paper. Teens will learn the vocabulary of graffiti drawing and painting. A brief history of this art form will be discussed.They will produce works of art on paper. Class will meet after school one day a week. The tuition is affordable. $50 for 4 classes and $10 supply fee Call the store for details.

Dates: 7 weeks in September 2010 Call for dates
Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Instructor: Sheryll Collins
Tuition: $85
Location: Collins Artworks Art Center, 18 High Street, Clinton, MA 01510
Maximum class size: 12

Description: Watercolor class for beginning and intermediate students. Beginning students will learn basic art theory and design principles, and the use of the medium of watercolor. Intermediate students will advance their understanding of color theory and design principles. Subjects covered will include portraiture, landscape, and still life.

Optional- For the convenience of the student, a basic art supply kit will be available for sale at the gallery, specifically tailored for the class. The kit costs $180 plus tax and includes the following: The student may also bring what you have for supplies.

1 Arches 12x16 140 lb. cold press watercolor block, 20 sheets
1 tube each Da Vinci Artists Watercolors 15 ml Quinacradone Permanent Rose, Quinacradone Gold,
French Ultramarine, Cobalt Blue, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Yellow Lemon, Cadmium Red
Medium, and Burnt Sienna
1 tube M. Graham Watercolors 15 ml Burnt Umber
1 each Loew Cornell American Painter Brushes 1" wash, #8 round and #12 round
1 Drawing Pencil 3B
1 Alvin Vinyl eraser
1 Design kneaded eraser
2 Covered paint containers
1 Butcher tray palette, 7 1/2" x 11"
1 8”x10” sketch book

The kit is optional, but the student should have these supplies in time for class. Also required is a 24” or longer ruler, 2 water containers (cups, etc.), masking or artist tape, plastic wrap, salt, wax paper, natural sponge, and a small white candle. Masking fluid is optional.