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.

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 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 beautifully designed birthday cake can be added for an additional $20-$25. 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. 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.

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.

Teen Art Discovery- Wednesday after school
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 school is available.
The program ends from 5-5:30pm.

Tuesday 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.

Thursday 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.

Each lesson is taught for the age of the students participating. Tuition - $50 for 4 weeks
Teens arrive from 3-3:30pm. Transportation from school is available.

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 -$85 for 5 weeks

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-
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. 6 weeks total.

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 Discovery planet, Escher Experience, Creative collage. New Themes are being developed. 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.

List of themes. New themes are being developed and added.

"Artistic Time Travel,"
Travel space and time in your imagination thru history and ancient places. Learn about methods and beliefs of art produced in and by these ancient peoples. Students will discover ancient art forms and customs each day and will apply what they learned in making art similar to that time period and people ie; Egypt, Australia, Native Americans, China etc. The children will use several methods and media to produce their works of art such as watercolor, tempra, oil pastels, cray pas, colored pencils, watercolor crayons, makers, clay, model magic, crayons 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 by the age of the students participating.

“Night At The Museum,”
You’re a night watchman and it is your first week on the job……after hours suddenly the dinosaur moves…. This week the student will experience a museum full of its’ art and history. The student will learn about different countries and history ie; dinosaurs and cave art, china and Chinese brush painting, Egyptian art etc. The children will use several methods and media to produce their works of art such as watercolor, tempra, oil pastels, cray pas, colored pencils, watercolor crayons, makers, clay, model magic, crayons 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.

“Creative Collage,”
Explore the work of several artists that used collage to create some of their most beautiful artwork. Students will create collages using the techniques and methods used by these artists. Artists explored; Earl Carle, Andy Warhol, Pueblo Picasso, Marc Chagall and Jacob Lawrence. 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 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.

“Escher Experience,”
Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) is one of the world's most famous graphic artists. His art is enjoyed by millions of people all over the world, as can be seen on the many web sites on the internet. He is most famous for his so-called impossible structures, such as Ascending and Descending, Relativity, his Transformation Prints, such as Metamorphosis I, Metamorphosis II and Metamorphosis III, Sky & Water I or Reptiles.
Students will explore Escher’s techniques and create works of art like him. Tessellations, metamorphosis and design will be explored and created by the students. 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 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.

Color Magic 1
In Color Magic 1 color theory will be taught so that the children will understand. In week one several different artists will be taught and their art explored. Children will make a color wheel and create art pieces in different color schemes. 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, 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.

Color Magic 2
In Color Magic 2 color families will be explored. Children will explore artists that painted using color families such as Picasso etc. Children will make a color wheel and create art pieces in different color schemes. 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.

Art Whirlwind
A sampling of different themes and subjects. 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.

Discovery Plant
Discovery Planet explores what is under your feet, under the earth and out of this world. Children will explore macro and micro subjects, aliens, lost worlds and out of this world. 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.
Fall Theme
Creepy, crawly things that go EEK in the night
Children will explore macro and micro animals, bugs, alien insects, and lost worlds. 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.

Digital photography
Children will learn the basics of camera use. Also taught are design principles for photographers. A lesson plan for teaching children photography is used. Great fun! This was one of our most popular classes this past summer.

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

Watercolor and Mixed Media – Creative Experimentation

Dates: Alternating Mondays: Starting March 2010
Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Instructor: Sharon Carloni
Tuition: $90
Location: Collins Artworks Art Center, 18 High Street, Clinton, MA 01510
Maximum class size: 12

Description: The students will explore the use of a variety of materials to create pieces of artwork that they can be proud to display. They will experiment with combining watercolors, crayons, Cray-pas, and other materials with a variety of drawing and collage techniques. The main focus will be on experimenting and having fun.

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. Also required are a 24” or longer ruler, 2 water containers (cups, etc.), masking or artist tape, plastic wrap, oil pastels, colored pencils, Elmer’s glue, 1 or more magazines with good pictures (National Geographic, etc.), scissors, crayons, scrap booking paper, and a black fine point Sharpie permanent marker.

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. 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.

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)

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

Oil Portrait Painting

Dates: Wednesdays starting in the Spring April 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 from the skull outward
- How to create a nice expression
- What colors to use in the lights and shadows on flesh
- How to see and paint highlights and half tones
- How to make a grisaille underpainting
- How to glaze and scumble
- How to use optical grays
- How to use hard and soft edges
- How to use a viewfinder
- How to use toned grounds and imprimaturas
- What chiaroscuro is used for
- To improve your drawing and painting dramatically

Description: Paint like an old master! A course that takes you through the stages of painting oil portraits from life done in the technique used by the masters of the Renaissance. Create works of art using grisaille underpainting, glazing, and scumbling oil on canvas. Prior experience in oils painting is useful but not required.

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.

Introduction to Acrylics

Instructor: Lori MacDonald
Wednesday: 4 evenings. Starting January 20 and 27, February 3 and 10, 2010
When: 6:30- 9 pm

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).

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

Watercolor Painting - Beginner and Intermediate

Dates: Alternating Tuesdays:
Winter session begins January 2010. Starting January 19, February 2, 16, March 2, 16, 30, April 13, 2010
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.

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. 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.