MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Join artist John Jennings and create linocuts at the Middletown Art Center this Saturday, Jan. 27, from noon to 5 p.m.

Adults of all ages and teens 12 and up of all levels of art making experience, from newbies to professionals, are invited to attend this fun and inspiring class for just $5.

“In my journeys through the various modes of printmaking, I’ve found none quite as dynamic as block printing, which includes linocuts,” explained Jennings. “The range of possibilities runs from the exquisitely delicate lines and gradient colors of the Japanese landscape artists to the almost primitive strokes of the European Expressionists. In our class I hope to introduce the participant to the magic of block printing: from the drawing stage to the transfer of the drawing to the linoleum block, to the carving of the block and finally the printing of the image. The thrill of pulling the rice paper off the block and seeing your work in ink on the page is like no other.”

Middletown Art Center is in now in its eighth month of the Resilience Project which provides low cost, high quality art classes in photography, creative writing, painting and printmaking.

Classes cycle every first through fourth week of the month until May. The project was inspired by nature’s recovery and revitalization post fire, as a mirror for our own resilience.

“The Resilience workshops are providing me with a much needed life-line,” said Patti Jahsman, a Cobb resident and regular participant in Resilience Painting and Printmaking. “I can afford the classes, art supplies are provided, the teachers create an encouraging and inspiring environment, and being part of a group of people engaged in art making all contribute to my healing from fire trauma. I cannot imagine how I would be recovering without these classes!”

Resilience will culminate in countywide exhibits and a chapbook of writings and images created by project participants. “This is also a wonderful exhibition and publishing opportunity for students and new artists or writers who will be able to add the experience to their body of work and resume,” added MAC director and teaching artist Lisa Kaplan. “We are grateful to the California Arts Council and Adventist Health for funding this project.”
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The public is invited to participate in one or many Resilience classes. To reserve a spot for this or other Resilience classes, visit www.middletownartcenter.org/resilience. Preregistration is required. Bring lunch or snacks, and painting clothes.

Middletown Art Center is a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to the arts in Lake County. It is supported by donations, membership and events. Visit the MAC Gallery or join us for classes, concerts, poetry readings and more at 21456 Highway 175 at the junction of Highway 29.

To learn more about what is happening at MAC today, or how you can support the arts in Lake County, visit www.MiddletownArtCenter.org.