Crafting for Cosplay: Leather Work  Add to Cart

Quarter(s): 3

Day(s): Fri

Open Spots: 3

Kratos wears a leather baldric. Captain America grasps a shield. Harley Quinn sports spiked wrist cuffs, and Lara Croft wouldn't go to war without her weaponry. Great accessories and carefully crafted garments make great cosplay. If you are interested in the world of cosplay and want to bring some of your favorite characters to life, this class will teach you the skills to craft costumes and accessories. Third quarter, students will learn to work with EVA foam and thermal plastics. They will learn to use patterns, cut, layer, glue, carve, heat-shape, and paint foam and thermal plastic accessories. Projects for the quarter include a leather wrist bracers and a leather travel journal. Note: These projects are different than those taught in 2023-24, so a student can re-take the class to improve their skill and create new pieces. In this class, students will follow templates and patterns provided by and demonstrated by the instructor. Pieces will be individualized through paint and embellishments, but the goal is for cosplayers to learn specialized crafting techniques that they can use at home to make additional, unique pieces. There is a $85.00 supply fee for in-class materials, the shared use of classroom tools/supplies, and some take-home tools to continue crafting at home. Third quarter, students will take home leather embossing tools. Note: Project themes or materials are subject to change due to availability or sourcing at the time of the class. Cosplayers who would like to create original fabric costume elements such as capes, vests, skirts, and more, may want to co-register for this instructor's Learn to Sew classes. Topics in this Series: Foam & Plastics (Quarter 1), Resins and Metal Work (Quarter 2), Leather Work (Quarter 3), Mending & Alterations (Quarter 4) etc. Students continuing from one quarter receive priority pre-registration for the next quarter. Prerequisites: None Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: Will be communicated in weekly e-mails and posted in a Google classroom. Assessments: will not be given Textbook/Materials: All materials will be furnished. Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $85.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in fine arts/theater for purposes of a high school transcript.

Friday Adventure Series: Role Playing Game (RPG)- Q3  Add to Cart

Quarter(s): 3

Day(s): Fri

Open Spots: 4

Teens will embark on an unforgettable fantasy journey each Friday with a virtual role-playing adventure. Aspiring adventurers, creative minds, and strategic thinkers will enjoy these one-shot (i.e. one-day) "shorts." From epic fantasy to futuristic sci-fi escapades, teens will experience a different genre and setting each week. They will unleash their creativity and collaborate with peers to shape the adventure, solve challenges, and make decisions to advance the story. The weekly meet-up will be managed by an experienced Game Master who will guide students through the art of role-playing. One-shot RPGs use a simplified rule system of 1-2 pages which make a great introduction for new role-players yet also fun for those with more extensive experience in D&D. The short format works well for a casual afternoon get-togethers.

Drawing Studio: Creative Compositions  Add to Cart

Quarter(s): 3

Day(s): Fri

Open Spots: 4

Students will draw in a relaxed, informal studio setting, where they will learn the fundamentals of drawing along with the elements of art and principles of design. Most drawing projects are "student's own" where each artist selects their own subject to incorporate demonstrated techniques such as representing light and dark, creating texture and patterns, and shading to show dimension. Third quarter, students will learn to "create narrative" and tell a story with their drawing through subject, placement, and composition. Over the course, students should progress to draw more carefully and more accurately and to represent more refined details in their drawings. The instructor will demonstrate various techniques by developing a sample drawing. Students may elect to follow the class sample or may apply the drawing skills to an entirely unique drawing. This class is suitable for beginners who have never drawn before and for intermediate art students who have worked with other media and are interested in exploring drawing. Drawing can provide a relaxing, needed break from rigorous academic classes and over-scheduled lives in a fun, supportive environment. Topics in this Series: Everyday Objects (Quarter 1), Portraits and Creative Caricatures (Quarter 2), Creative Compositions (Quarter 3), and Imitating Illustration Styles (Quarter 4). Workload: Work outside of class is optional for those who wish to practice their drawing techniques. Assessments: Individual feedback is given in class. Formal assessments will not be given. Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $18.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a sketchbook, a pencil box with pencils of varying hardness, and an eraser. Returning drawing students do not need to pay a supply fee and are expected to replace their drawing supplies as needed, with similar or better quality. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

Acrylic Painting: Open Studio (Q3)  Add to Cart

Quarter(s): 3

Day(s): Fri

Open Spots: 4

Students will be introduced to painting with acrylics in a relaxed, informal studio setting under the guidance of a professional art instructor. Students will work on canvas boards and will learn elements of art, principles of design, and color theory in addition to methods in painting. Each week, the instructor will demonstrate a different technique in acrylic painting rather than a different subject. Techniques will include mixing and blending paints, wet and dry brush techniques, sponge techniques, glazing, washing, gradient relief, sgraffito, impasto, smudging, dot techniques, stippling, pouring, splattering, dabbing, underpainting, and detailing. The emphasis will be on methods and effects so that each student has a "toolbox" of techniques for working in acrylics. Students will have the freedom to mix and match the techniques that they have learned to create original pieces. In the open studio concepts, each student will have a different goal and unique project in-progress such as still life, floral, landscape, portrait, fantasy, abstract, or pop art. Student will complete two or three boards each quarter, depending on the level of detailing. This class is suitable for beginners who have never painted before, and for experienced art students who have worked in other mediums and are interested in exploring acrylic painting. Compass parents are welcome to register for this class to work alongside their teens, or to work on their own, while their teen is in another Compass class. Painting can provide a relaxing, needed break from rigorous academic classes and over-scheduled lives in a fun, supportive environment. Prerequisites: None Workload: Work outside of class is optional, however students who want to continue to practice their painting techniques might want to purchase a tabletop easel (approx. $10.00) and set of basic acrylic paints ($30.00+) for home use. Assessments: Individual feedback is given in class. Formal assessments will not be given. Lab/Supply Fee: A supply fee of $25.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for up to 6 canvas boards and shared class supplies (paints, brushes, paper products, etc.). Students who paint more quickly need more than 6 boards can purchase additional ones from the instructor for $4.00/each. What to Wear: Students may wish to wear an apron, smock, or paint shirt when working with acrylic paints. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

Creative Journaling for Teens (Q3)  Add to Cart

Quarter(s): 3

Day(s): Fri

Open Spots: 5

Don't write poetry? Think you can't draw? Maybe not, but you may still want a creative way to record your thoughts, feelings, dreams, and ideas! Journaling is an ongoing process of discovery and exploration that allows one to be conscious of and connect with his/her own thoughts, emotions and ideas. It is a form of expression that supports both academic and personal growth. Creative journaling is not writing daily "Dear Diary" style entries on dated pages. Instead, students will explore various journaling methods, blending self-expression and self-discovery to guide them in learning new ways to problem-solve, achieve goals, and process emotions. Students will work with several writing techniques and a range of art media to develop a personal journal throughout the quarter and will have the opportunity to expand on it in subsequent quarters. Techniques such as freeform writing, black-out poetry, stream-of-consciousness writing, and creative list making will be explored, in addition to experimenting with a wide variety of layered techniques and mixed media with collage, photography, cardstock, book pages, art markers, stencils, tempera sticks, acrylic, paints, washi tape, and stickers. Weekly prompts will cover a range of topics such as gratitude, compassion, ambitions, choices, fear, self-care, and self-esteem as they relate to the students' personal lives and current events. Conversation around the prompts will complement the students' work in their individual journals. Topics in this Series: Journal work is done in an open studio environment that allows students to join in any quarter throughout the year. Prerequisites: No formal writing or art experience is needed. All teens are welcome. Workload: Work outside of class is encouraged but optional. Assessments: Not provided. Lab/Supply Fee: A supply fee of $35.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Fee covers art journal for student to use in class and shared class supplies (paints, inks, brushes, markers, collage materials, glue, washi tape, etc.) What to Wear: Students may wish to have an apron or old shirt to wear when working with paints. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English, Fine Arts, or general Elective for purposes of a high school transcript.

Century of American Music: 1970s-2020s  Add to Cart

Quarter(s): 3,4

Day(s): Fri

Open Spots: 4

If you like to "Turn Up the Music" (Chris Brown, 2012), "Play That Funky Music" (Wild Cherry, 1976), or "Dance to The Music" (Sly & The Family Stone, 1967), then you know that there is an impressive variety of American music. America is the birthplace of some of the most influential genres of music and musicians in the world. Much of the world's modern music has roots in American blues, jazz, or rock, while American music has elements from West Africa, the West Indies, and diverse communities such as New Orleans, Detroit, Memphis, St. Louis, Nashville, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the Bronx. American music has influenced behavior and culture such as dance, entertainment, fashion, technology, popular opinion, lexicon, marketing, and more. This is a focused class in music appreciation for students who enjoy listening to or playing music. The class will evaluate a century of American music by listening to and discussing influential performers, writers, and producers. Students will learn to identify music elements unique to each genre- melody, rhythm, harmony- and will develop a musical vocabulary to help them think and talk about musical works. They will also explore innovations in instruments and technologies that evolved with the music, such as drums being placed in a "set" at the advent of jazz music, the rise of electric instruments, and electronic production/mixing. Second semester will explore music from the 1970s to the present encompassing the genres of post-pop, heavy metal, hip hop, rap, grunge, punk rock, new age, alternative rock, Indie rock, post-punk and new fusion. Featured artists will include Michael Jackson, Prince, Van Halen, Nirvana, Metallica, Snoop Dog, Elise Trouw, Domi, Jacob Collier, Gunna, Pop Smoke, Esperanza Spalding, and more. Discover why Kurt Cobain was influenced by the Pixies, how Taylor Swift channels Joni Mitchell, and Lady Gaga's music resembles that of Madonna. Find out why Rolling Stone Magazine declared that without "Soul Queen" Aretha Franklin, there would be no Beyonce, Whitney Houston, or Adele. Like other fine arts classes, music appreciation is a fun break from academics which enriches and engages students in a topic they enjoy. Genres that will not be highlighted in this course include gospel, folk, country, western, tejano, reggae, zydeco, or salsa. Topics in this Series: 19202-1960s (Semester 1), 1970s-2020s (Semester 2), etc. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Acting- Teen Stage: Immersive Improv  Add to Cart

Quarter(s): 3,4

Day(s): Fri

Open Spots: 4

Snappy comebacks, one-liners, sarcasm, exaggeration, irony...and teenagers. These things just go together! Improv gives kids an outlet for fun, creative stories and spontaneous humor. Teens who find amusement in the unexpected and humor in the unpredictable will enjoy improvisational acting! Second semester, actors will continue to hone their "short game", or short form improv skills. Class activities will teach students how to do edits, perfect their scene work, create characters, escalate emotions, elevate relationships, and use object work to create a more involved stories. They learn about timing, transitions, and how to connect scenes and travel through the improv story with recurring characters, patterns, and common themes to portray a hilarious or witty situation. Class exercises will help students improve listening stills and build the collective, group imagination. Improvisation is the art of entertaining with connected, unpredictable twists and turns often seen from the great comedians and best live entertainers. Improv students will improve their ability to think on-their-feet, play off each other, and react with spontaneous wit, sarcasm, and irony. Actors' creative thinking and communication skills will be strengthened as they work "outside-of-the-box" and learn to read their audience. Improv can be for everyone! No previous experience is needed. Beginners are welcome, and experienced students will further develop their improv skills. If you have taken this class before, go ahead and take it again because no two classes are ever alike. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, flexible, and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work collaboratively in a group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. This is a 15-week class that does not meet in March 21. Topics in this Series: Innovative Improv (Semester 1), Immersive Improv (Semester 2. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hour per week outside of class. Assignments: If any, will be sent to parents and students by e-mail. Assessments: Informal, qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

Acting- Teen Scene: It's Not What it Seems  Add to Cart

Quarter(s): 3,4

Day(s): Fri

Open Spots: 6

It's not always what it seems! Sometimes, a thrilling performance seems to lead the audience in one direction only to make a theatrical turn-around to reveal a different tale. Teens will enjoy the creativity and camaraderie of selecting, casting, rehearsing, and performing a short play that presents a comical about-face. The class will begin by reading through two* possible scripts to select one that bests suits their group and grabs their interest from among:

• 39 Steps: A Live Radio Play (inspired by Hitchcock's classic tale)
• Superheroes: With Great Power Comes Ordinary Responsibility (fast-paced vignettes on the ordinary lives of superheroes)

Students, along with their acting coach, will cast, rehearse, and coordinate a class performance. Teens will enjoy taking on unusual personas and bringing their characters to life while interacting with classmates. They will be encouraged to design and assemble simple costumes, props, and backdrops from items at home. They will be expected to learn their lines and fully participate in planning their performance. The group will perform the 45-60 minute piece for family and friends at the end of the semester. Classes in acting and theater education build a teen's confidence along with improving their social and communication skills. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work collaboratively in a group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. (*An additional script might be introduced based on final cast size.) Note: This is a 15-week class that will not meet on 3/21/2025. Topics in this Series: Theater Abridged (Semester 1), It's Not What it Seems (Semester 2). Continuing students from the prior quarter will receive priority pre-registration for next semester. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: If any, will be posted in a Google Classroom. Assessments: Informal, qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided. Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a copy of the licensed script, performance royalty, and project materials. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

Mindful Mosaics Open Studio (Q3)  Add to Cart

Quarter(s): 3

Day(s): Fri

Open Spots: 4

Mindful Mosaics is run as a studio art class where students create unique compositions and work at their own pace under the guidance of an experienced mosaic artist. Each quarter, students are taught new design, cutting, layout, and finishing techniques and are introduced to new mosaic materials which they can incorporate into inspired, original pieces. The instructor can suggest possible themes for projects based on the featured materials, but most students work on individual projects that reflect their own interests, hobbies, or decor. Students who are new to mosaics will complete a quick checkerboard project (complete with wooden checkers) to teach pattern, layout, and lines before starting an individual projects. For each project, students will choose from a variety of substrates- rectangular, square, shaped, or circular backboards (typically first-year students), or special forms or 3D objects (experienced students). Each project will expand a student's understanding of color, pattern, rhythm, texture, and spacing as they complete rich, dimensioned compositions. Students will be able to incorporate other glass, ceramic, and porcelain tiles into their projects and may select feature elements such as beautiful glass gems, millefiori, sliced stone, metallic ornaments, mirrored bits, or shells, to serve as focal points in their mosaic piece. The mosaic can be monochromatic, complimentary, or contrasting colors. A broad pallet of colors is always available, and new colors are added each quarter to reflect the season. Students will develop a skillset for mosaic artistry over multiple quarters or years. As each student demonstrates mastery of basic skills, safety, and artistic expression, that student will be taught advanced techniques, materials, tools, composition, and color theory. A typical progression in mosaics is: (1) Whole tiles in symmetric design on a flat, rectangular substrate with emphasis on proper spacing and adhesion; (2) Tile cut with nippers in themed design and individual color choices on a flat wood substrate; (3) Sheet glass cut with pistol grip, breaking, and/or running pliers with emphasis on composition, color, and design on a flat or curved substrate; (4) Progress to 3D substrate and advanced adhesives; (5) Learn porcelain and ceramic cutting, special adhesives, and advanced design. Note:There is no prerequisite for this class. The number of projects completed each quarter depends on the student's work speed and attendance in class. Compass parents are welcome to register for the class to work alongside their teens, or to work on their own, while their teen is in another Compass class. Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hours per week outside of class. Assessments: will not be given. Materials Fees: All material fees are due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class by cash, check or electronic payment. Materials used vary depending on a student's experience with mosaic. Beginner Material Fee: $40.00 for a selection of Beginner Materials, including:

• vitreous glass, ceramic, mini, eco recycled glass, beach glass, glitter glass, glass gems, ceramic pebble, shells, metallic crystal, subway glass
• Adhesive: weld bond
• Grout: bone or charcoal color
• Cutters: wheeled tile nippers
• Substrate: 2D/Flat 12" x 12",10" x 10", 8" X 8", 4" X 4", framed mirrors, ornament shapes

Advanced Material Fee: $50.00 for a selection of Advanced Materials including:

• All Beginner Materials plus, iridized glass, cathedral sheet glass, opaque sheet glass, color fusion, millefiori, Van Gogh glass, natural stone and minerals, special effects glass, water glass, colored mirror, illumination glass, china plates, rhinestone, ball chain
• Adhesives: weld bond, thin-set mortar, silicone
• Grout: Custom colors (purple, rose, green, blue, earth, orange)
• Cutters: wheeled tile nippers, porcelain hand tool, hand file, pistol grip, beetle bits cutting system
• Substrates: All flat shapes plus, 3D forms (egg, sphere, cone, pyramid, etc.), cut out sentiments, trays, glass bottle, mini sleds, flower pot, picture frame, sun catcher.

Additional Fee: There may be additional fees for premium materials such as tesserae (by request and consultation with instructor), mother of pearl, 24 kt gold tiles (market rate), or specially cut substrates. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.