Whether emphasizing the structural, the conceptual, or both, the artists included transform paper—a familiar and seemingly mundane material—into vessels, sculpture, adornment, and artist’s books. Featured artists Kiff Slemmons, who makes ornate paper jewelry, and Julie VonDerVellen, who creates complex sculptural paper watches and clocks, are represented by multiple works. Artists from RAM’s collection—such as Dominic Di Mare, Walter Hamady, Caren Heft, Jim Lee, Ke-Sook Lee, Mary Merkel-Hess, JoAnna Poehlmann, Kay Sekimachi, Merle Temkin, and Michael Velliquette—expand the conversation.

While many contemporary artists use color as a primary element, Spectrum focuses on it as a defining principle, featuring works by those in RAM’s collection, such as Sonja Blomdahl, Sandra Byers, Rose Cabat, Jeffrey Lloyd Dever, Lindly Haunani, Cliff Lee, James Lovera, and Dante Marioni.

Mark Adams (1925-2006) and Frank Lobdell (1921-2013) explored pattern and color.

Frequent visitors to RAM see contemporary jewelry made of a wide variety of media.

Join this fun and informative pastels class and learn the fundamentals of this interesting media. Explore how to control and apply pastels in a multitude of ways and use color and value effectively in your composition.

Learn techniques such as cutting, grinding, foiling and soldering in the copper foil method.

Learn the basics of using water soluble oil paints while creating beautiful floral paintings. Water soluble oil paint is a versatile alternative to traditional oil paint with less fumes and easier clean up.

Learn the basic techniques of watercolor painting, including color mixing, washes, values, and composition. Apply these core elements to the images of Midwest spring. Still life, landscape, and some color based abstractions will be the genres we will focus on as a way to play and learn. We will avoid the pitfall that gives watercolor an unforgiving reputation. Beginners on up are welcome.

Focus on developing your drawing skills through your choice of medium and subject matter in an individual studio setting.

Explore this time-honored tradition of drawing used by the masters. Learn to draw from plaster casts, focusing on the face and other body parts. Light, proportion and shading will be addressed. Great for beginning students or those who wish to sharpen their skills.

Create a 12" x 18" banner with fabric crayons, wax and dye. Design with spring, summer or nature themes. Please bring a snack. $24 Members $30 Non-Members

Learn a variety of chain making techniques and styles while you practice fusing skills. Create jump rings and linked chains with copper, brass, and sterling silver. Walk away with beautiful wearable art and the knowledge needed to create different and unique chains at home. Please bring a bag lunch. $15 supply fee included

An introduction to basic concepts of how to draw your pet's portrait. Draw your beloved dog, cat, Guinea pig, fish, turtle, lizard or bird. Any and all creatures can be rendered with style, love, and panache. Work with this father-daughter team of art professors who find a special place for animals in their own lives. Discover how to render an animal's portrait by learning basic facial proportions and different ways of drawing texture. Have fun together while finding joy in drawing our creatures. Students need to bring a few 4 x 6 inch or larger photographs of their animal's face, at least one photograph in profile is necessary.

Create your own nature journal for capturing flora and fauna of all kinds. Please bring a snack. $24 Members $30 Non-Members