The New School, Community Courses


Community Courses SPRING 2008

Science | Health | Art Workshops | Art Weekly Courses |  Language

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Science and Nature

Astronomy This course focuses on various heavenly bodies with current knowledge on their behavior, origin and place in the universe.  The conflicting theories on black holes, quasars, the creation and process of the universe will also be explored.  Students will gain a new concept of the universe and better understand motions, rhythms and cycles, learn some constellations and how to orient oneself by the night sky as well as use a telescope and a camera at night. 
Instructor: Bernie Reim                    Thursdays 6:30-8:30                          Course Fee: $200.00

Composting  Toilets Theory, Applications and Alternatives to Waste Water Treatment
This group will discuss the realistic benefits and drawbacks of composting toilets. Their water saving abilities are enormous and they yield a rich compost that can be used on non-edible plants, thus retaining nutrients that would normally be viewed as pollutants in standard waste water treatment facilities. In addition, the group will discuss water gardens and other biological means of using the nutrients that would otherwise be lost. The group will also discuss the legal limitations that are in place in the state that control the use of these alternatives.
 Instructor: Ben Davison      Feb. 16, Saturday      10am-2pm Course Fee: $30.00

 

Wetlands: Their Importance and Value Wetlands are so much more interesting and useful for society than the public generally perceives. This class will get a sense of what wetlands are providing us with. The group will visit as many wetland types as time permits, swamps, marshes, fens, bogs, salt marshes, flood plains, etc. There will also be discussion about all the adaptations that wetland plants possess in order to deal with the stresses that living in a wetland places on them.
Instructor: Ben Davison     Thursdays, Feb. 28-May 15th 5:30-7:30       Course Fee: $170.00

Environmental Issue Readings and Discussion This group will meet and discuss readings, current events and viewpoints about various topics such as renewable energy, local environmental issues, sustainability and the American lifestyle, corporate “green” incentives (such as carbon reducing credit cards). There will be room to explore any interests and topics that the group would like to talk  and learn more about.
Instructor: Ben Davison Thursdays, May 29th - August 14th 5:30-7:30pm      Course Fee:  $170.00

Long Distance Hiking Planning, and Experiences Ben Davison and his partner recently hiked the Appalachian Trail and would love to share information about how to plan, prepare for and hike long distances. Most of these same principals would apply to other long distance adventures. Topics covered would include food planning, equipment recommendations and advice, psychological stress and dealing with it, and physical conditioning among others. Ben’s partner , Amanda, is a registered dietitian and can provide information about how to take care of your nutrition on these long and challenging hikes. There will be plenty of time provided for Q&A.
Instructors: Ben Davison & Amanda Hopkins
Saturday February 2nd,  10am-2pm  Course Fee: $30.00

Health and Fitness

Ballroom Dancing  We will explore the basic patterns and technique in Waltz, Foxtrot and Swing, and the fun dances: Merengue and Salsa. As time allows, we will add Rumba, ChaCha, Tango and Samba.  No Partner Necessary.  Comfortable clothing and non-stick footwear suggested. This course will be presented by Jane Rexroad. Jane is a former Pro-Am and Amateur competitor in the International Standard and Latin Ballroom Dances.
Instructor: Jane Rexroad      Friday 3:30-5:30  February 29th   -  Friday June 6th
 Course Fee $150.00 for one person,  Bring a partner: $200.00 for a couple

Dance for the Heart  Expressive dance is a time to go wonderfully wild, to learn about yourself and your body.  Linda Simmons, the teacher, says this is a way of dancing that is elating and energizing as well as a deeply felt art form.  You’ll never be the same after dancing like this. Instructor: Linda Simmons  Monday  3:30-5:00                                                   Course Fee: $150.00

Nutrition Workshop This class will provide information and discussion about healthy eating, vitamins, and varieties of food. This class is meant to empower each individual to start becoming active in their health and to learn to educate oneself about balancing healthy foods, lifestyle and mindset in order to enhance your life. There will be a discussion about what you know about healthy eating and what experiences you have had regarding healthy eating habits over the years. Please bring a notebook and pen you because you may wish to take notes. 
Instructor: Sheila Nixon Saturday March 1, 1:00-2:30             Course Fee:$10.00                       

Beginning Italian Cooking Come unwind on a Friday evening while learning how to prepare  basic , delicious and authentic Italian meals. Meet new people and have great conversation while eating your deliciously prepared dishes!
Instructor: Andrea Byrnes  Monday 3:30-5:00pm  Feb. 25-June 10
Course Fee: $25.00 (covers materials as well)           

The Arts
 

 Graphic Design Learn the elements and principles of graphic design that govern effective design and page layout. Graphic design is the process and art of combining text and graphics and communicating an effective message in the design of logos, graphics, brochures, newsletters, signs and any other type of visual communication.
Instructor: Cherie Herne     Monday 3:30-5:30 February 25th– June 9th        Course Fee: $ 195.00

Theater  Do you love to act, write plays, direct, do costuming and learn the inner discipline required in theater?  There will be exercises, improvisation and production of a one act play.
Instructor: TBA              Wednesday 3:30-5:00        Course Fee: $150.00

Drawing/Cartooning With simple lines and shapes you will learn to create moods and feelings while also telling a story.  You will learn the basics of drawing faces, bodies, creating emotions, moods and expressions, generating action, developing characters, creating funny situations and telling stories. Instructor: Nantz Comyns     Mondays  3:30-5:30        Feb. 25– June 9 Course Fee: $200.00     

 The Illustrated Narrative A studio like class ending in the creation of a 10 to 15 page short illustrated story of students choice. From start to finish we will go from idea, through the many stages or making a comic book until we have a finished final product you can be proud of. Its not just superheroes anymore, we will be taking a look at other creators in the comic book/graphic novel world for ideas and inspiration. Learn efficient working methods to take your future work to the next level, and have fun while drawing comic books!
Instructor: Ben Bishop  February 26-June 10,  Tuesday & Thursday 5-7pm Course Fee: $400.00
Materials to bring: plastic ruler, 11/14 bristol board paper, drawing materials (pencil, pens, erasers) other items may be needed as your project unfolds.

Watercolor for Beginners This class will cover the very basics of watercolor. Participants will apply their newly learned techniques to create greeting cards with their personal artwork on them.
Instructor: Sheila Nixon (Class spans three days)
Monday, Wednesday and Friday (Feb. 25, 27, & 29)  6-8pm                                                        Course fee: $40.00 + cost of materials, please see list below.
Please bring the following Materials: One  20X20 inch piece of  wood or cardboard.  One round watercolor brush, one  20x20 piece of  140 lb cold press watercolor  paper or pad of paper, 6 blank note cards. A supply  List can be found at the Art Mart in Biddeford. 3 paints in primary colors, Yellow, Red, and Blue.

Shadowbox/Memory Collage  Spend 15 weeks learning and perfecting your skills creating shadowboxes and memory collages in this multidimensional scrap booking workshop.
Instructor: Sarah Keezing February 26– June 10, Tuesday & Friday  10:00-12:00
Course Fee: $450.00

Art Workshop  Come explore many varied art forms and unleash your creativity! This workshop will explore different mediums based on the interest of the students
Instructor: Sarah Keezing Feb. 25– June 10, Tuesday & Friday 1:30-3:00 
Course Fee: $350.00

Illustration Informational Workshop This workshop for aspiring illustrators/writers will delve into the publishing and marketing aspects of children’s books. A quick how-to on preparing your work for review or making a dummy of a picture book will also be included. Bring a manuscript or your illustrations! Judith will be available to review individual projects (Please call ahead for an appt.). Refreshments will be served. To attend please bring 5 samples of work for review and to share. (This workshop will not be covering how to illustrate children’s books). Her latest book is “Prunes and Rupe” by Filter Press. www.huntjudith.com
Instructor: Judith Hunt-26 year veteran of the children's publishing field.
Workshop fee: $50.00   Workshop size limited to 10.  Saturday May 24, 3:30–5:00pm 
Senior and 8th grade discounts do not apply to this class.

Demystifying Instrument Construction Have you ever wanted to make your own guitar, violin, or maybe a tin can banjo? Have you been discouraged because you did not know how to get started? This course intends to demystify the art of stringed instrument construction and get you started on an instrument. It provides basic woodworking instruction as well as the foundations of stringed instrument construction theory. The making of a simple or complex stringed instrument is your choice depending on your ambitions.
Instructor: Jonathan Oliver Course Fee:$420.00 + material cost depends on the scale of the project, fixed cost material kits available upon request.
Saturdays Feb 16—April 5  11:00am-6:00pm
 

World Languages

All language courses cost $300.00 for the 14 1/2  week semester and require a 5 person minimum sign up in order to commence.

Wednesday Classes: February 27-June 4

Tues/Thurs Classes: February 26– June 10

American Sign Language   Class is at half way point in the semester but if you have some basic knowledge, you are more than welcome to join them.
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30-5pm
Instructor: Roland Bracy, Jr.

French
Class is at half way point in the semester but if you have some basic knowledge, you are more than welcome to join them.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-5pm              Instructor: Tom McGovern

German
Class is at half way point in the semester but if you have some basic knowledge, you are more than welcome to join them.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-5pm             Instructor: Lucille Gentsch

Beginning Spanish
Class is at half way point in the semester but if you have some basic knowledge, you are more than welcome to join them.
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30-5pm                  Instructor: Ruby Lyman

Intermediate Spanish
Class is at half way point in the semester but if you have some basic knowledge, you are more than welcome to join them.
Wednesdays 3:00-5:00    COURSE FEE: $200.00
Instructor: Rubi Lyman
 

Miscellaneous Workshops

Stick Trellis Making Make a decorative sapling trellis for vines such as morning glory, clematis, or climbing roses; wall mounted or freestanding. Supplies will be provided.
 Instructor: Judith Hunt-owner of Mille Fleur Farm, Kennebunk
Saturday, April 5, 9:00am –12 noon           (Rain date: April 12 9:00-12:00)
Course Fee: $35.00 + Materials fee: $10.00
Class size is limited to 10. Outdoor class.

Creating Mosaics Ever dream of turning that old patio table into something beautiful? How about an old coffee table or a lamp that has been kicking around in storage? Learn to mosaic old furniture (bring your own, please!), or design a mosaic for a mirror frame (this will be provided). Please bring materials to use in your decorating which can be anything that is waterproof and fairly flat such as old tiles, beach glass, shells, toys, ceramic plates, marbles, stones or any odds and ends that you can dig up!  Instructor: Judith Hunt   Sat. May 10 & 17, 9:00am-12pm
Course Fee: $45.00 + Materials Fee: $20.00 (which covers the following: adhesive, mortar, gloves, sponges, grout, safety glasses, sealer, mirror frame and tile nippers). Remember to bring your decorating materials!   Class size is limited to 10.

Caring for Houseplants Sick of your old houseplants? Bring the houseplants you want to refresh, share, and make brand new! Learn how to identify pests and get rid of them with organic treatment. Learn propagation & repotting. Renew your plants and bring home a new one too!
 Instructor: Judith Hunt-owner of Mille Fleur Farm, Kennebunk
Wed. February 27th 5:00pm– 6:30pm Course Fee: $10.00 + Materials fee: $10.00

Your Aide For Financial Aide If you're confused about college financial aid, join the group!  That is, the group that is learning all they need to know about the forms and files that make up financial aid.  Learn from a New School alumnus who is a former college loan counselor for a national college loan company.  Get information about federal as well as private loan programs, the FAFSA, grants, scholarships, and more.  Great for the whole family, at any point in the process.  Come to a workshop, or schedule a private or small group session at your home or another convenient location (contact The New School for more information about private assistance).         
Instructor: Lynne Somers, TNS Alumna & Former College Loan Counselor for a National College Loan Company Wednesday March  5, 5:30-6:30pm                  Course Fee: $10.00

Architecture Exploration Learn the basics of architectural history and design principles as well as two and three dimensional drawing representation. We’ll also examine alternative solutions for energy efficient buildings and search for functional and aesthetic improvements/additions to the TNS building, then present those findings. 
Instructor: Nikos Pangalis  Feb. 25– June 9th, Mon. & Wed. 3:30-5:00 Course Fee: $325.00

Making Hypertufa Containers for Alpines and Succulents Make a hypertufa container to plant your alpines and succulents in! Hypertufa is a lightweight concrete mix that is applied to a form and after curing makes a durable, attractive, weatherproof  planter for your more precious and tiny plants.
 Instructor: Judith Hunt-owner of Mille Fleur Farm, Kennebunk
Saturday, April 19, 9:00-12:00 noon Rain date: April 26, 9:00-12:00
Course Fee: $35.00 + materials: $10.00 Class size is limited to 10. Outdoor class.

 

"After School" Community Learning

The New School believes that learning should be a community endeavor, not an isolated experience for particular age groups. To that end our Community Courses give people of any age the chance to interact through their desire to learn new things.
To encourage youth and senior participation, students that are 8th grade and under and people over 65 receive a 50% discount.

"After School" is a community service.

Costs for these courses are based on a rate of $5 to $7 per hour depending on materials needed and cost of instruction. Some courses require student supplied materials or books. There is no profit to The New School, only expenses are covered.
Some expenses are covered through the generosity of Tom's of Maine, the Kennebunk Savings Bank, and the Irving Foundation.