Amana Arts Guild plans summer programs

AMANA — The Amana Arts Guild, at 1210 G St. in High Amana, will host several events during the next few months.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 9-12, Sharon Larson will teach painting pet portraits in watercolor.

Students will explore how to convey the essence of different animals by making informed choices in color, contrast and shadow while emphasizing expressive techniques over photo-realism.

Portrait drawing will the focus of classes June 16-19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This course covers foundational techniques for understanding head structure, achieving accurate proportions and developing advanced observational skills essential to portraying the subtle features that define different ages.

This class will be taught by Susanne Sudmeier.

Kirk Niehouse will teach Raku from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 23-27.

This hands-on workshop explores ceramic hand-building, wheel-throwing and texturing techniques, culminating in Traditional, Horsehair, and Naked Raku firings.

From July 7-11, the Arts Guild will host Colony Art Camp for Kids.

This is a fiber arts class taught by Hailey Seaba. Children from 4-7 years of age will meet from 1-3 p.m. and children 8 and older will meet from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Festival of Arts is set for Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the market barn, 707 46th Ave. in Amana.

More than 40 local and regional artists will be on site while families enjoy this festival's unique amenities: fine and folk art, crafts, demonstrations and live music.

Food truck cuisine will be available, along with homemade Amana goodies. Admission is free, but a donation of $5 will support the Guild’s mission to provide diverse programs and activities that include a wide range of cultural experiences in all areas of the arts.

The Amana Colonies hots Plein Air Aug. 29-31.

Fresh Paint is a three-day plein air painting event. Artists from across the region gather to capture the beauty of the landscape, architecture and culture — right out in the open.

An Art Party awards ceremony will be held on the final day at Amana Performing Arts Center, 39 38th Avenue, Amana.

Carrie Schaefer will teach Cold Connection Jewelry from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 13 at Amana Arts Guild, 1210 G St. in High Amana

This beginner-friendly course introduces cold connection techniques, teaching participants to craft stunning, fire-free jewelry.