Arts & Crafts Series

There’s more than shopping and fun in the sun on Amelia Island. The Florida House Inn offers instruction in a variety of arts and crafts such as woodworking, music, art, and dance. Class availability is on a first come first served basis and cannot be guaranteed unless registration and deposit is made prior to arrival. There is no need to pre-register for group dance lessons.

Woodworking --  Music   --  Arts & Crafts   --  Dance

Woodworking Crafts

Large Bowl Turning – 1 day class – 9am to 5pm
This class takes the wood turner from preparation, selection of wood and proper mounting, through selection and use of tools, sharpening, sanding, and finishing. Student will make and finish a medium to large bowl. Unlike most schools, our lathes are large and have the capacity to turn medium and large bowls up to 24”. Emphasis is made on proper tool handling and shop safety. Class size is limited to two students. All tools and materials are provided although students are allowed to bring personal wood stock, like that from the tree that fell in grandpa’s yard last fall. Class is for beginner and intermediate wood turners and is available seven days per week. $250.00 per student.

Hollow Vessel Turning – 1 day class – 9am to 5pm
This class takes the wood turner from preparation, wood selection and proper mounting, through selection and use of tools, sharpening, sanding, and finishing. Student will make and finish a medium to large size hollow vessels. Emphasis is made on proper tool handling and shop safety. Class size is limited to two students. All materials are provided although students are allowed to bring personal wood stock, like that from the tree that fell in grandpa’s yard last fall. Class is for beginner and intermediate wood turners and is available seven days per week. $250.00 per student.

Segmented Bowl Turning – 2 day class – 9am to 5pm
The turning of segmented bowls allows woodworkers to make use of small wood scraps created in their shop. The finished product can be a beautiful piece of work. This class covers the concept of building and turning a segmented bowl including geometric determination of segments, cutout, glue-up, clamping, turning, sanding and finishing. Student will make and finish one segmented bowl. Emphasis is made on proper tool handling and shop safety. Class size is limited to three students. Class is for beginner and intermediate wood turners and is available seven days per week. $350.00 per student.

Relief Carving with Chuck Hall - 2 day class -
Spend two days with relief carver Chuck Hall. Chuck instructs in the process of carving in the round for the creation of busts and figurines and the process of flat panel relief carving of planks and natural flat surface items. His sculptures have received the ‘best of show’ award numerous times and adorn the homes of private collections throughout the United States. He displays his work only at select art shows and fine galleries. As an old-world style sculptor, Chuck uses and instructs in the use of hand tools such as mallet, chisel, rasps and files in the creation of the final work. Each one unique, original, and will never have a duplicate. Class is given weekdays only and only by appointment. Beginner and intermediate carvers are welcome with a limit of 2 students allowed per class. Tools and supplies are provided. $350 per student.

Music

Jerry Garcia Banjo Workshop with Alan Dalton – 1 or 2 day class.  Spend a day or two with Alan Dalton, author of the Old & In The Way Banjo Song Book. Alan is one of the best banjo pickers around and we are lucky to have him play every Tuesday evening. He has played with the likes of Vassar Clements, Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, and many more. Alan is a Scruggs style expert but can teach the styles of many famous banjo pickers, including Jerry Garcia. Alan will customize a private lesson for the individual and if you desire will help you set up a system where he can give you online lessons thereafter. This class is for students of all levels and is limited to one student only.  Tuesdays and Wednesdays only by appointment. 1 day $250, 2 days $450 per student.

Blues Guitar Workshop with Mike Dowling –  Join Mike Dowling in a two and one half day group study session on acoustic blues techniques. $400.

Blues Harmonica Masterclass Workshop with David Barrett – February 2008.  Spend a weekend with David Barrett and the most comprehensive educational program ever developed for blues harmonica. This classes offer a high level of education for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. Utilizing lectures, hands-on training, workbooks, and accompanying music, Barrett and his staff of instructors and guest artists have all the tools to make each and every participant advance in their studies and playing abilities. Class size is limited so reserve today. $To Be Announced.

Art

Watercolor Workshop with Kelley Harrison – 2 day workshop – 10am to 4pm  "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." Pablo Picasso Bring out the artist in you! Learn the basics and more of watercolor painting, on paper and on canvas. The fundamentals of composition, wet-on-wet, dry brushing, layering, lifting and washes using watercolor and ink will be explored. Learn the different use of brushes, liquid frisket, sponges, sprays and other creative materials. This workshop is project-based: one day will be instruction and completion of painting on watercolor paper (e.g., your pet's portrait); the next will be a painting on watercolor canvas (e.g., your favorite landscape.) Use your imagination or bring your favorite photo(s) as the subject of your painting. Expand your horizons - think BIG! Paintings will be 11 x 14 size or larger if you wish. A supply list required for the class will be available upon registration. Class size is limited; register early. Course fee is $225. Take a journey of a different kind - find your own path by painting!

Kelley Harrison obtained her A.A. degree from San Diego Mesa College and her B.A. from Indiana University. She has sold and exhibited her work both publicly and privately in the United States; Isla Mujeres, Mexico; Placencia, Belize; Rio Dulce, Guatemala; and Roatan, Honduras. She paints the natural wonders of the world around her, including landscapes, still-life and portraits (animal and human.) She has participated in juried art shows, art festivals and art competitions and has won several awards. Her paintings have been included in the catalogues and the corporate lobby of the Longaberger Basket Corporation. She also paints residential and commercial "trompe l'oeil" murals. She accepts commissioned requests and can be contacted at irish1054@yahoo.com.

Dance

Shag Dancing - Every Sunday 4-7pm
Join the Northeast Florida Shag Club every Sunday from 4-7pm learn the dance that originated on the beaches of Myrtle Beach South Carolina. This smooth lindy style swing dance is an American classic and is suitable for all ages. You are welcome to join in. If you’ve never tried it don’t hesitate to jump in. The first hour is dedicated to free lessons and there are always those willing to help you along. - Free