For the Tomahawk Leader
RHINELANDER – Military veterans looking to explore and advance their creative side can do so for free in a series of non-credit art classes at Nicolet College in Rhinelander.
The four classes cover a range of media, with offerings including Beginning Ceramics, Welding, Expressive Mask-Making and Make Your Own Peace Pole.
“Offered through Nicolet’s Arts & Enrichment program and in partnership with ArtStart and the Oscar G. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the classes are intended to support connectivity and creativity throughout the veterans community in the Northwoods,” Nicolet stated.
“We’re learning more about the amazing benefits of art-making on community health and wellness,” said Melinda Childs, ArtStart Community and Cultural Development director.
“The VA medical center shared with us that programs like this are an essential part of creating spaces for veterans to connect with one another and, of course, create art. We are proud to support the programs Nicolet offers to the veteran community.”
Details of each class are as follows:
Beginning Ceramics, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., three Tuesdays, March 7, 14 and 21. Nicolet College, Tamarack Center 211. Open to all skill levels and no experience necessary. Participants will learn to hand-build clay projects and the instructor will have examples of project options to choose from. Glazing will also be taught to decorate pieces. This class is designed to explore creativity, learn about clay, and meet fellow Veterans in our community.
Welding Workshop, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., three Fridays from March 10 to March 31. Nicolet College Birchwoods Center Welding Lab. Work in Nicolet’s new manufacturing center on cutting-edge equipment used in industry and taught by an experienced technical college instructor. During this hands-on course, participants will explore basic welding techniques with no prior experience required; gain a basic understanding of various welds, materials and equipment; experience the artistic side, explore welding careers; and complete a small welding project of choice. All necessary equipment and supplies will be provided.
Expressive Mask-Making, noon to 4 p.m., Friday, June 8. Nicolet College, Tamarack Center 213. Mask-making can be a way to express complex feelings, explore various aspects of the self and give visual voice to experiences seeking healing. This workshop is an opportunity to allow some of the varying sides of yourself to emerge in a safe space and way. In addition to mask-making, this experience will include breathwork, visual journaling, guided meditation and more. Participants are encouraged to use old uniforms in the creation of a mask.
Making Your Own Peace Pole, noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 9. Nicolet College, Tamarack Center 213. Participants are invited to share their wishes for greater peace for themselves, their community, and the world by creating a personal peace pole. A peace pole is a hand-crafted monument, colorfully painted with images and words that express a message of peace and hope. Peace poles can be found in gardens, as well as outside of homes, churches, and other buildings. While peace poles are traditionally decorated in black and white with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages, in this workshop experience participants will have the opportunity to create a pole with colors, words and pictures that best convey their own personal hope for and message of peace. No art experience required. All necessary supplies will be provided.
To register for a class, visit www.nicoletce.tix.com.
For more information about Nicolet, visit www.nicoletcolelge.edu or call 715-365-4493.