Poway’s Xpressive Arts Center Launches New Classes this Fall

Powegians have a chance to find their inner artist at this fall, which has a plethora of activities for artists of all ages. The center boasts some new classes, along with a popular annual Halloween Party.

The center is a great place to try new things, from silk painting to jewelry making, with classes for kids, teens and adults.

“It’s a place that people can go to be creative, even if they don’t think they are creative,” said Bonnie Stromer, a registered art therapist who runs the studio and its programs. “I started this center to provide arts-based activities to a wide audience.”

Here are some of their new offerings:

Alla Prima Oil Painting Class: Thursdays starting Oct. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. The class explores all levels of oil painting designed for beginners, intermediate and advanced painters.

Mosaics, Mosaics, Mosaics: This Sunday, Oct. 9, from 3 to 5 p.m. This class teaches the basic techniques of mosaic, where participants can choose from several projects.

Earrings, Earrings, Earrings: This Sunday, Oct. 9, from 3 to 5 p.m. and Oct. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. The class will show how to make earrings of every shape and size you can dream of.

Mosaic Glass Art: Oct. 13, 18, 23 and 27 (times vary). The class teaches how to create a piece of mosaic art. If friends sign up together, you both save $10 each.

Let Me Bead: Sunday Oct. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. The class teaches the basics of jewelry making, creating treasured bracelets, necklaces, anklets and key chains.  

Portrait Drawing/Caricature Drawing: Tuesdays starting Oct. 18 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The class will be taught by John Wismont, who began his career working at Disneyland as a watercolor portrait artist. Named “the world’s most prolific portrait painter,” Wismont earned himself a place in the Guinness Book of World Records (1978-1987) by painting more than 45,000 watercolor portraits in a five-year period. He later surpassed his caricature-drawing record at other theme parks, including Sea World and the San Diego Zoo.

Halloween Party: Sunday Oct. 30 from 2 to 6 p.m. This free event will include Halloween crafts, cupcake decorating, costume contest and games, as well as a free drawing class and art demonstrations. Refreshments will be served, and guests are invited to participate in the costume contest.

BYOB Painting Class: Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. Yep, that stands for bring your own beer, or wine! Because, after all, a little wine can bring out your creative side. Stromer recommends trying this new class with a small group of friends or colleagues.

Some of the ongoing programs are:

Preschool Art (ages 3½ to 5 years) Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Painting Workshop for Children Tuesdays from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.

Afterschool Art Club Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.

Adult Painting Class Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursdays from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. 

Drawing for Kids (ages 5 to 12 years) Saturdays from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m.

Teen Art Class Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

“The arts are a vital form of communication, and that exposure to the arts helps children and adults develop skills and creativity, as well as providing a relaxing, fun experience to nurture the inner soul,” said Stromer.

The Xpressive Arts Center is located in a charming historic building in Poway, 12257-B Old Pomerado Rd. Prices for the courses vary. For more information, call 858-679-ARTS (2787) or email bonnie@xpressivearts.com.