Ringling College of Art and Design

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Wildacres Art Workshops 2012
SUMMER SESSION A:  JULY 15-21 (Sunday-Saturday)
Classes meet Monday–Friday

Clay Studio: Taking it Beyond the Craft
Annette Sidner
In this project-based clay studio you will focus on the construction of a multiple stack form consisting of a series of 3-to-5 components.  Vertical or horizontal, using one or more building methods, you will develop and advance technical skills while you address balance, form and structure to build your sequence.  Each week includes instruction on wheel throwing and hand building using coil, pinch, slab and extrusion methods, as well as demonstrations in the construction of fitted lidded forms and flanges.  Raku firing processes are emphasized including lessons in glazing techniques and chemistry. Students will come to the workshop with a developed idea incorporating a sequential relationship to develop their piece.  Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome. Clay Studio is a fun and demanding course.  To accomplish building, drying, glazing and firing in a short workshop week, students should expect to work several afternoons and some evening hours in addition to the morning class schedule.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: AE, FR, FE.)  2 CEUs
CE920A, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm (additional afternoon + evening hours required), $315 

Deconstructing the Landscape
Kathy Wright
This fresh approach to landscape painting frees you to express your interpretation of the landscape, mountains, flora and vistas through colors, forms, and textures. Exploration of the myriad of creative opportunities the landscape presents will encourage you to be bold in your approach to creative expression. Painting will take place outdoors on the grounds of the retreat, with an optional offsite field trip (weather permitting).  Group and individual critiques will be on location and/or in studio if weather demands.  Students enrolling in this course will be working outdoors and must be capable of independently traversing the landscape on foot with their supplies. Students may work in oil or acrylics.  Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE.)  2 CEUs
PT125A, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $235

A Color Workshop: 5 Things All Artists and Designers Need to Know
Peter Brown
Color is one of the most perplexing aspects of the visual arts. How does an artist or designer make sense of such complex information, and then actually use it? Even color books written specifically for artists are extremely heavy on theory and very light on the actual application in art and design. No wonder so many people are confused! By using straightforward language, easily understood illustrations, and hands-on exercises, this workshop explains the logic behind the theory and how it can be directly applied in making artwork. The advantages and disadvantages of each application are discussed at length, so that students end up with a solid knowledge base that provides viable color options. This course is hands-on, low tech and lots of fun. For more details visit: www.peterbrowncolorworkshop.blogspot.com.   Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome. (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE, IE, PE, GE.)
PT135A, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $275 

Printmaking
Don Brandes
This class will explore a variety of printmaking methods, both traditional and nontraditional. Students will experiment with a range of materials and tools including printer’s ink, rust and embossing, while printing with a press as well as printing by hand. Methods can be used alone or layered together to produce multiple plate limited editions.  Discover your personal creative approach to printmaking as you explore these creative processes.  Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE.)  2 CEUs
PR952A, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $275

Watercolor Landscape Painting & Drawing
Kevin Costello
Keep your natural curiosity alive by developing an understanding of the interrelated elements of organic and architectural (geometric) form and color in the world of nature. Working on site in the landscape, you will learn simple techniques using water-soluble colored pencil, graphite pencil, watercolor and ink on paper. Attention will be given to the individual interests and emerging style of each student. Through this course you will grow and renew your appreciation of how art can inspire and improve how we express who we are.  Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome.  Note: Students enrolling in this course will be working outdoors and must be capable of independently traversing the landscape on foot with their supplies.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE.)  2 CEUs
WC240A, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $235

Portraiture in Color: Traditional and Explorative
Michael White
One of the most extraordinary things an artist can achieve is the ability to capture a likeness realistically or interpretively. In this class we’ll explore realism, exaggeration, cartooning and symbolism. The goal is to creatively portray the essence of our subjects. Family, friends, famous people and our own reflection will be our departure point. We will be drawing from life and from photographs using pencil, charcoal, ink and mixed media. Everyone is welcome to join this ‘seriously fun’ class.  You don’t have to be a ‘star’ to capture one on paper. Michael says, “This is a fun filled, inspired exploration… a group of friends drawing and perhaps reinventing the art of representing likeness on paper.”  Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE.) 2 CEUs
PA430A, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $235

Digital Photography
Omar Otero
This workshop focuses on teaching students fundamental photographic skills to understand camera techniques, design, composition, digital work- flows, and concepts regarding light and exposure.  Here in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains the class will explore various approaches to landscape photography, as well as the students’ individual interests of the surrounding locale. Back in the classroom photos are downloaded and edited, and the group participates in critiques to review the success of their work and provide constructive feedback.  Photography is also useful to collect source material for printmaking, drawing or painting, and to help artists develop a better understanding of exposure, light, optics and perspective concepts. Students must have a digital camera with manual functions and camera operator manual, and a laptop or notebook computer with Photoshop Elements and be familiar with downloading image files from your camera to computer.  Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: PR, PE, FR, FE, GE, AE.) 2 CEUs
PH450A, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $235 

The Earth Art Project:  A Workshop in Site-Specific Sculpture (free)
Kevin Costello
Working with water based paints, twine, axe, knives, water based glue, saw, hammer, and nails, participants will fabricate site-specific primary structures in the woods and on the grounds of Wildacres.  The purpose of this workshop is to heighten awareness to the hidden harmonies of nature and to transpose that understanding into sculpture.  Only cut dead wood will be used as a support for paint and glue.  At the conclusion of the workshop all structures will be disassembled and the site left in pristine condition. For some of the best examples of site-specific sculpture on the international scene, Google Andy Goldsworthy to view images that will get you excited to get started.   Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome. This afternoon workshop is offered as a compliment to your immersion workshop experience.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE.)  CEUs will be determined based on participation.
SC275A, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, free to students enrolled in a Session A art workshop.

For those enrolling in both Sessions A & B, a $55 overnight fee will be charged for Saturday, July 21, 2012.  Please note that meals are served through breakfast on the final day of week A, and do not resume again until dinner the following opening day of week B.  Local restaurants are a 10-30 minute drive, and an on-premise kitchenette offers use of a refrigerator and microwave.

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Wildacres Art Workshops 2012
SUMMER SESSION B:  JULY 22-28 (Sunday-Saturday)
Classes meet Monday-Friday

Clay Studio: Taking it Beyond the Craft
Annette Sidner
In this project-based clay studio you will focus on the construction of a multiple stack form consisting of a series of 3-to-5 components.  Vertical or horizontal, using one or more building methods, you will develop and advance technical skills while you address balance, form and structure to build your sequence.  Each week includes instruction on wheel throwing and hand building using coil, pinch, slab and extrusion methods, as well as demonstrations in the construction of fitted lidded forms and flanges.  Raku firing processes are emphasized including lessons in glazing techniques and chemistry. Students will come to the workshop with a developed idea incorporating a sequential relationship to develop their piece.  Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome. Clay Studio is a fun and demanding course.  In order accomplishing building, drying, glazing and firing in a short workshop week, students should expect to work several afternoons and some evening hours in addition to the morning class schedule.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: AE, FR, FE.)  2 CEUs
CE920B, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm (additional afternoon + evening hours required), $315 

Acrylic Materials and Techniques
Peter Brown
Experience a thorough investigation into the many and diverse uses of acrylic paint, mediums and grounds. Acrylic has gone through a remarkable transformation over the last 20 years due to unprecedented research by artists and paint manufacturers. The new acrylic paints and mediums are more versatile in their applications, easier to use, and safer than other paints. They are also used in printmaking, collage, and mixed media. Personal exploration and an adventuresome approach to subject matter, materials and techniques are emphasized. Discussions, demonstrations and projects are designed to investigate: Paint Properties and Application - alla prima, washes, glazes, impasto, scumbling, spraying, masking, and layering; Brushes, Palette Knives and other Assorted Tools; Printmaking Techniques - stamping, stenciling, photo transfers, sgraffito, acrylic skins, collography; Mediums and Varnishes - gels, pastes, and fluid mediums; Grounds; and Collage and Mixed Media. Assorted varieties of acrylic mediums will be supplied. Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome. (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE.)  2 CEUs
PT111B, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $295

Book Art with Printmaking
Patrick Lindhardt
This course teaches book processes that combine drawing, painting, monoprint, lino-cut and paper techniques. Explore materials, color, tools and methods as you develop personal imagery and problem solving skills inherent in these creative processes. Participants will create images and bind them in an accordion book format.  Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE.)  2 CEUs
PR720B, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $275

Nature Sketchbook/Journal
A multi-media approach to seeing the world around you
Don Brandes              
This class focuses on Nature and how to keep a record of what you see around you. We will observe and research the local flora and fauna as well as those from distant lands. Techniques for drawing, watercolor, writing, photography, collage, etc. will be demonstrated and discussed, with many visual examples for inspiration. The class experience will be a mix of creating work in the studio as well as working outside. This workshop will help you discover your personal approach to sketchbook journaling.  Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE, IE.) 2 CEUs
DR164B, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $235 

Landscape Drawing in Color
Michael White
Grab your easel and stool and set off for a fun week of creative exploration. Using Nu Pastels, charcoal, pencils and ink we will take traditional, non-traditional and explorative approaches to interpreting the beauty and honesty of the landscape.  Students will learn to draw the magic of light and shadow and move beyond the common stumbling points that subject matter often presents. Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome.  Note: Students enrolling in this course will be working outdoors and must be capable of independently traversing the landscape on foot with their supplies. (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE.)  2 CEUs
PA229B, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $235 

Painting en Plein Air
Robert Nulf
Learn to see the landscape as a support for technical daring, and appreciate landscape painting’s true value as an infinitely variable and fitting means for exploring color and form. Exceptional opportunities for atmosphere and narrative in the Blue Ridge landscape await you in this non-toxic oil painting class. Painting will take place outdoors on the grounds of the retreat, with an optional offsite field trip (weather permitting).  Group and individual critiques will be on location and/or in studio if weather demands.  Students may work in oil or acrylics. Students enrolling in this course will be working outdoors and must be capable of independently traversing the landscape on foot with their supplies. Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE.)  2 CEUs
PT129B, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $235

Photography: An Exploration through Art History and Color Theory
Omar Otero
Create mood and evoke emotion in your photographs through an approach bringing art history and color theory together to communicate your ideas. Looking at color from a painter’s perspective through the lens of your camera, you will consider and practice the use of color and historical reference to dramatically impact your work. Class will include art and photography history discussion; project and research planning, as well as group and individual critiques of the images. Students must have a digital camera with manual functions and camera operator manual, and a laptop or notebook computer with Photoshop Elements and be familiar with downloading image files from your camera to computer.  Basic Photoshop skills are helpful. Prior digital photography experience is desirable.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: PR, PE, FR, FE, GE, AE.)  2 CEUs
PH455B, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $235

The Earth Art Project:  A Workshop in Site-Specific Sculpture (free)
Kevin Costello
Working with water based paints, twine, axe, knives, water based glue, saw, hammer, and nails, participants will fabricate site-specific primary structures in the woods and on the grounds of Wildacres.  The purpose of this workshop is to heighten awareness to the hidden harmonies of nature and to transpose that understanding into sculpture.  Only cut dead wood will be used as a support for paint and glue.  At the conclusion of the workshop all structures will be disassembled and the site left in pristine condition. For some of the best examples of site-specific sculpture on the international scene, Google Andy Goldsworthy to view images that will get you excited to get started.   Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome. This afternoon workshop is offered as a compliment to your immersion workshop experience. (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE.)  CEUs will be determined based on participation.
SC275B, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, free to students enrolled in a Session B art workshop.

For those enrolling in both Sessions A & B, a $55 overnight fee will be charged for Saturday, July 21, 2012.  Please note that meals are served through breakfast on the final day of week A, and do not resume again until dinner the following opening day of week B.  Local restaurants are a 10-30 minute drive, and an on-premises kitchenette offers use of a refrigerator and microwave.  

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Wildacres Art Workshops 2012
FALL SESSION C: OCTOBER 22-28 (Monday-Sunday)
Classes meet Tuesday-Saturday

Clay Studio: Taking it Beyond the Craft
Lynn Merhige
In this project-based clay studio you will focus on the construction of a multiple stack form consisting of a series of 3-to-5 components.  Vertical or horizontal, using one or more building methods, you will develop and advance technical skills while you address balance, form and structure to build your sequence.  Each week includes instruction on wheel throwing and hand building using coil, pinch, slab and extrusion methods, as well as demonstrations in the construction of fitted lidded forms and flanges.  Raku firing processes are emphasized including lessons in glazing techniques and chemistry. Students will come to the workshop with a developed idea incorporating a sequential relationship to develop their piece.  Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome. Clay Studio is a fun and demanding course.  To accomplish building, drying, glazing and firing in a short workshop week, students should expect to work several afternoons and some evening hours in addition to the morning class schedule.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: AE, FR, FE.)  2 CEUs
CE920C, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm (additional afternoon + evening hours required), $315 

Drawing in Color        
Michael White
Render with line and explore blending color drawing mediums in this energetic and friendly class.  With focus on composition, form and proportion draw from a variety of sources including still life, your imagination or photo references using NuPastels, pencils, colored pencils and colored Conté crayons.  Pursue your unique artistic expression.  Class includes daily demonstrations in a variety of techniques and personal guidance to support your individual creative development.  Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FE.)  2 CEUs
PA901C, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $235        

Mixed Media
Elena De La Ville
Explore color, texture, collage, surface design and composition! In this class we will mix wet and dry media, learn how to combine materials and understand how different materials work alone and together to discover new and dramatic techniques that cannot be accomplished with traditional materials. This workshop will be a wonderful way to get your creative mind to think in new ways. Personal direction is emphasized and you will receive constructive critique.  Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE.) 2 CEUs
MM255C, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $235       

Digital Photography
Omar Otero
This workshop focuses on teaching students fundamental photographic skills to understand camera techniques, design, composition, digital work- flows, and concepts regarding light and exposure.  Here in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains the class will explore various approaches to landscape photography, as well as the students’ individual interests of the surrounding locale. Back in the classroom photos are downloaded and edited, and the group participates in critiques to review the success of their work and provide constructive feedback.  Photography is also useful to collect source material for printmaking, drawing or painting, and to help artists develop a better understanding of exposure, light, optics and perspective concepts. Students must have a digital camera with manual functions and camera operator manual, and a laptop or notebook computer with Photoshop Elements and be familiar with downloading image files from your camera to computer.  Beginner through advanced skill levels welcome.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: PR, PE, FR, FE, GE, AE.)  2 CEUs
PH450C, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $235

Painting in Oil or Acrylic
Kathy Wright
In this concentrated exploration students gain a greater understanding of color theory, paint application, color value, space, color interaction, intensity and temperature.  We will investigate a range of approaches to develop the ability to make informed decisions on content and compositional relationships, to generate creative ideas and painterly approaches to successfully describe objects using proportion, planar analysis and value.  Beginner through advanced skill levels.  Some prior drawing experience is desirable.  (Students working toward a Ringling College of Art and Design Certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE.)  2 CEUs
PT941C, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $235 

Printmaking: Mixed Media Monotype
Kore Loy Wilderkinde-McWhirter
Explore traditional and non-traditional printmaking methods in this workshop designed for experimentation and exploration.  Students will be encouraged to move beyond the limitations of traditional printmaking to incorporate layering and multiple plate projects to produce limited edition and one-of-a-kind images. A short history survey will reveal how past artists used printmaking as an alternative to painting -- and how artists today continue to incorporate the diverse elements of printmaking in fine and commercial art. All skill levels welcome.   (Students working toward a certificate may apply this course to meet the following contact hour needs: FR, FE.)  2 CEUs
PR952C, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm, $275

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COSTS, POLICIES and PROCEDURES

COST: $439 lodging fee per person, per session plus course fees as listed with course description.

ACCOMMODATIONS are double-occupancy lodging with private baths. You are welcome to enroll a friend or spouse to enjoy the mountaintop with you, or roommates are paired according to gender.  Special requests at the time of registration will be accommodated as much as possible on a first-come, first-served, needs basis.  If you require ground level accommodations, it is important to let us know this need when you enroll. (There are no elevators at Wildacres.) Specific room requests are considered when possible but cannot be guaranteed.  Lodging includes 17 family style meals served in the retreat dining hall.   Every effort is made to accommodate special dietary needs.  Each registrant, including non-enrolled companions will be charged a lodging fee per session (of which room and board in the amount of $270 per registrant, plus gratuity, reception, canteen service and studio fees is remitted to Wildacres Retreat). Those enrolling in Sessions A & B will be charged a $55 per person overnight fee.   

Each room provides two twin beds or a twin and a double, pillows, linens and a light blanket and spread, a ceiling fan, and one set of towels per person.  Towel change is mid-week.  There is minimal storage for clothing and personal belongings. Rooms have no air conditioning but cool summer nights are comfortable; there is self-regulated heat when needed.

The workshops are adult oriented; students 15-18 years of age must be enrolled in a class and be accompanied by an adult.  Children under the age of 15 are NOT permitted to attend. 

There are NO pets permitted at the retreat.

Transfer Policy
An administrative fee of $45 will be assessed for all transfers. Transfers from the Summer to Fall session are not permitted after June 1. 

Refund Policy
July 2012: Cancellation in writing received prior to June 1, 100% refund minus a $50 cancellation fee. After June 1, refunds are not possible.
October 2012: Cancellation in writing received prior to September 1, 100% refund minus a $50 cancellation fee. After September 1, refunds are not possible. 

• You may substitute someone to attend in your place up to one week prior to the program start date.  At the time of substitution, the person filling your space must register with CSSP and pay a $45 administrative fee.
• Ringling College will not refund the cost of any unused portion of your program.Ringling College and/or Wildacres Retreat reserve the right to require persons not complying with College and/or Retreat policies to leave the program with no refund.

Liability
In the event a workshop is cancelled, the College’s liability is limited to the return of fees paid to us for that course and session. All students accept full responsibility for personal injury and/or personal losses during the program. Applications and payments are acknowledgement of the terms and conditions as outlined in this brochure. The College assumes no liability for travel expenses or nonrefundable airline tickets that cannot be used due to any workshops being cancelled or any misprints in this catalog.

Negotiating the Wildacres Grounds:
Be prepared for a certain amount of required walking for meals, classes and lectures. Participants must be able to negotiate some steps and/or inclines on paths to the dining hall, lodges, patio, canteen, auditorium, amphitheater, and some of the studios.  Please note that Wildacres elevation is 3,300 feet.

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WILDACRES 2012 FACULTY BIOS:

Don Brandes received his BFA from University of Missouri and his MA from Syracuse University. He was formerly an illustrator for Hallmark Cards. He has taught at Kansas City Art Institute, was a MFA Thesis Adviser for Academy of Art College, San Francisco. He has numerous clients including Northwest Airlines. Don is a member of the Illustration faculty at Ringling College of Art and Design.  www.donbrandes.com

Peter Brown is a painter and full time faculty member for Ringling College of Art and Design. His works have been included in numerous regional and national exhibitions and collections, including galleries in Florida, Maine and New York City. He holds a BS from University of Massachusetts and an MFA from Indiana University. Brown has received the Florida Visual Artist Fellowship, the Delta Fricke grant, and the 2010 Rome Prize Fellowship. Peter is a member of the Ringling College Computer Animation faculty. www.peterwbrown.com

Kevin Costello holds BA and MA degrees. He attended Chelsea School of Art/Goldsmiths College [Sculpture], Goldsmiths College, University of London [Art History]. Kevin is an adjunct faculty member for Ringling College of Art and Design and has previously taught at Stetson University, Eckerd College. He is a writer and reviewer of Sculpture, Painting and Architecture for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and has also worked for the Bradenton Herald, West Coast Woman Magazine, Artshows International, and Sarasota Art Review. www.kevincostelloart.com

Elena De La Ville is a mixed media artist working with photography, encaustic and collage. She studied painting at the School of Fine Arts, Venezuela; Textile Design at the Chelsea School of Art in London; and Photography at the Art Institute of Boston. Her work has been exhibited at the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, Venezuela; Danforth Museum of Art in Massachusetts; Shaw Cramer and Dragonfly Gallery on Martha’s Vineyard. She has taught various courses for Ringling College’s Continuing Studies and Special Programs at various times, for the past 8 years. www.edelaville.com

Patrick Lindhardt earned a BA from St. Cloud State University and an MFA from University of South Florida. He is a Master Printer and is the Fine Arts Department Coordinator at Ringling College of Art and Design.  His work is included in the collections of Federal Express, Mase Art Center and other private collections. He is the owner of Flatstone Studio and serves as Advisor for Printmaking by Saff and Sacilotto. He is a member of the Florida Printmaking Society.

Kore Loy Wilderkinde-McWhirter is the founding operator of hellbendre presse (South Toe, NC) offering etching, stone lithography, letterpress, and hand bookbinding. Essentially a self-taught artist, Loy is a published author and illustrator.  She has been a visiting artist, exhibiting and lecturing extensively throughout the U.S. Her studies include plate lithography with Wayne Kimball and Stone lithography with Charles Massey, Frogman Printmaking Workshops, University of South Dakota; wood engraving with Gaylord Schanilec, Penland School of Art and Craft, NC; and printmaking at the University of North Carolina, Asheville, NC. “Curiosity and constant practice are how I learned to draw.  I learned printmaking because of my love of drawing. …. Working in a series is a way to observe the evolution of what I am learning and makes it possible to see where I have been to help clarify where to go.”

Robert Nulf is an artist/educator with fine arts/education degrees from Florida State University. His paintings are included in corporate and private collections throughout the country.  He is a celebrated decorative finish artisan and muralist who has been featured in several popular PBS shows.  He taught the first decorative painting session at the Penland School of Crafts. More recently, he has been teaching painting at the summer NC Lions Camp Dogwood for the Blind and Visually impaired; his techniques are being replicated by other regional blind services' agencies. In his "free time," he can often be found exploring North Carolina with his portable easel and paints in tow.  Bob is also the Charlotte coordinator for "Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School," "where cabaret meets art school."   

Lynn Merhige, artist/teacher has been teaching and working in clay for over 30 years. She holds a MA in Art Education from University of South Florida, Tampa and a bachelor degree in Education from University of Florida.  She has received numerous awards including the Pinellas Council award to attend Summer Six Art Program at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, and most recently a State of Florida Artist Enhancement Grant to attend the NCECA conference in Baltimore.  Her teaching experience includes art in public school in Volusia County, Community Programs at Manatee Community College, Ringling College of Art and Design Wildacres Art Workshops for the past 15 years, the Art League of Manatee, and she was the artist-in-residence at Booker High School Visual Arts Program.  Exhibitions include many juried art festivals throughout the state including most recently 2011 Temple Beth-El Invitational.  Collectors include William R. Hough and Associates, Poly Pac Corporation owned by Alain and Jacqueline Cerf, Phil Graham, Landscape Architect, Ambassador and Betty Sembler, and artist, Jack Thursby.   Her gallery in downtown St. Petersburg was host for one of the national concurrent juried exhibits in conjunction with the National Council for the Education of Ceramic Arts conference held in Tampa in March 2011 and offers ongoing group and solo exhibitions.

Omar Otero holds a BFA in Photography and Digital Imaging from Ringling College of Art and Design. Otero has worked with actors and New York television crew on the daytime shows  All My Children, One Life to Live, Guiding Light, and As the World Turns.  In 2006, he established his company, Omarr Photography specializing in weddings, individual and family portraits, and fine art. He has photographed Food Network’s own Paula Dean, and has worked nationally and internationally across Europe, Russia and Guatemala. He is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and the local chapter of the Professional Photographer’s Guild, and has received national honors, winning the Ava Video Award.  Omar has an incomparable passion for teaching, photography, art, and travel and enjoys sharing this with everyone he meets. www.omarrphotograhy.com

Annette Sidner holds an MFA from University of South Florida and BFA from Eckerd College. She has served on the faculty of State College of Florida for the past 10 years, where she teaches sculpture, 3-D design and advanced ceramics courses, and has been a Ringling College of Art and Design Continuing Studies faculty for 5 years.   Sidner has served as a senior staff artist at the Sarasota Design Studio of Feld Productions, producers of all domestic and International units of the Walt Disney Ice Shows and the Ringling Brothers Circuses where she oversaw the design and construction of thirteen Disney on Ice productions.   Sidner’s sculptural clay pieces are conceived in her imagination and then skillfully presented in realistic figurative clay work.  Her work is exhibited at the Manatee Art Center, and annually at the SCF and Ringling College of Art and Design faculty exhibitions.

Michael James White graduated in 1985 from the first Illustration class at Ringling College of Art and Design. He started drawing at age 2 and was published by age 11. At 14 he completed his original comic book series and was painting murals for churches and creating courtroom sketches for newspapers. Since then, his clients have included Marvel Comics, Coca-Cola, Amoco Oil, Delta Airlines, Hyatt Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, and Atlantis Resort. He has taught at Ringling College for 18 years, and says, “Growing up, I was always the teacher’s helper.  Now that I’ve become a teacher, I try to teach art the way I wish I had been taught.” www.michaelwhiteart.biz.

Kathy Wright has a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Science from Georgia Institute of Technology. She is a recipient of a 2009-2010 Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant, and she has enjoyed multiple artist residencies through the Everglades National Park Artist-in-Residence Program in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Her work can be found in corporate, public and private collections internationally including The United States Department of the Interior and The United States Embassy, Sofia, Bulgaria. www.kathywrightstudio.com

Clay Studio Assistant:
Seth Barendse received his BFA from Oregon College of Art and Craft. Working with mud for the past 15 years, his studies began under the instruction of Tuu Din Nguyen at Booker High School in Sarasota, FL where he later taught from 2001-2006 following his studies at State College of Florida (SCF, formerly Manatee Community College) under the instruction of Ted Camp and Annette Sidner.  He is currently the Studio Technician for SCF, Venice Campus, has taught for Ringling College Continuing Studies, and has assisted with the Clay Studios at Ringling College’s Wildacres Art Workshops since 2008.  Barendse is a highly skilled artisan throwing much of his clay work, and also incorporates mixed media in his pieces.  His work is exhibited in Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, and Oregon.

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YOUR WEEK AT WILDACRES

JULY sessions begin on SUNDAY.
OCTOBER session begins on MONDAY.

Check-in is between 3 and 5 PM in the North Lodge.   Participants may settle into their rooms and stroll the grounds until dinner at 6:30 PM.

ORIENTATION is at 7:30 PM the evening of check-in.  Attendance is mandatory. 

• Meet the Ringling College and Wildacres Retreat staffs
• The Wildacres Story
• Program Announcements
• Faculty Introductions
• Break out sessions with your instructor in your workshop studio.

Throughout the week a wake-up bell rings at 7:30 AM. Breakfast is served at 8 AM.  All meals are announced with a bell rung 10 minutes before the dining hall opens.  Lunch is at 12:30 PM daily and dinner is at 6 PM, except for the first and last days of the program, when it is at 6:30 PM.  Many people enjoy relaxing in rocking chairs on the patio or around the fireplace in the North Lodge after a creative day.

Faculty presentations are given each evening to enhance your experience.  Take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about art topics and processes that may inspire your own work.

In October, a Halloween party with creative costumes is scheduled. All are encouraged to participate in the fun with food, music, and dancing to make the party lively.

Friday’s Schedule in July / Saturday’s Schedule in October:  This final full day on the mountain has a unique schedule. ALL classes meet in the morning for critiques or completion of final work. Students and the faculty select work for the evening’s art exhibition. After lunch, instructors hang the show, and at 5 PM everyone gathers for a wine and cheese reception followed by dinner at 6:30 PM. 

On the final morning at breakfast, goodbyes are exchanged as everyone prepares to head back down the mountain. The week will be remembered as a wonderful time of sharing friendship and creative focus.

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