The Muse in Montclair Workshops*
MAY 2, 9 AM-2 PM
WRITING
A. Fast Tips for New Writers
Workshop leader: Michael Laser
Michael has published two novels for adults (Dark & Light:A
Love Story and Old Buddy Old Pal), two novels for younger readers
(Cheater and 6-321) and many short stories, essays and feature stories
in newspapers and magazines.
The muse rarely visits those who are unprepared. Learn "practical
creativity" as it applies to fiction-writing: different ways
to grow ideas, develop characters, experiment with voice, construct
plot, use point of view, and edit your own work. This is not an
exhaustive study of
craft, but an informal tour of one working writer's creative process. Questions
will be welcome at every point, and participants may try techniques
with brief exercises.
Maximum number of participants: 17
B. In Praise of the Ordinary: Poetry and Prompts
Workshop leader: Barbara Crooker
Barbara has published over 600 poems, 14 of which have been read
by Garrison Keillor onTheWriter's Almanac on NPR. She has won numerous
prizes, fellowships and an award from the NEA. Visit www.barbaracrooker.com
for more information.
Bring a notebook and get ready to spark ideas on the blank page.
This workshop will stir ideas, provoke words and create the building
blocks of a good poem. Participants will craft at least one new
poem in praise of the ordinary in everyday life. There will be an opportunity (optional) to share the work in progress. Bring paper,
pen, and an open heart; leave your internal editor at home.
Maximum number of participants: 12
C. The First Page
Workshop leader: Martin Roper
A Fulbright scholar, graduate of the University of Iowa and leader
of their Irish Writers program in Dublin, Martin's fiction has been
published in the New Yorker. He is the author of Gone and teaches
at NYU.
Bring the first page of your novel or short story in progress.
After we explore the power of the first page to set the story in
motion, we'll workshop each participant's first page. We'll also
analyze the openings of some classic novels and stories. Bring 13
copies of your
double-spaced, 12 point Times Roman first page.
Maximum number of participants: 12
MUSIC
D. I've Got Rhythm: Jazz Improv
Workshop leader: Richard DeRosa
Rich has had extensive experience teaching improvisation to people
of all ages and all instruments, including beginners. His method
produces positive results instantaneously. He is the author of Concepts
for Improvisation and is a tenured professor of jazz studies at
William Paterson University.
Bring your instrument or voice and come away with the revelation that
improvisation is not as difficult as one might believe.A piano is
provided for those so inclined. Feel actively engaged in performing
and get immediate results.
Maximum number of participants: 20
VISUAL ARTS & CRAFTS
E. Beautiful Beads for You
Workshop leader: MaryAnn Cucci
Mary Ann is the proprietor of Montclair Beadworks on Church Street,
where this session will take place. She is known for her skill and
grace in teaching others how to bead and have fun doing it.
Make a personalized necklace or unique bracelet. Staff will help
and guide you every step of the way on this rewarding journey as
you learn and practice basic beading and wrapping.You'll leave with
a piece of jewelry to proudly wear or give as a gift.
Maximum number of participants: 20
F. Mind Your Own Beeswax: Intro to Encaustic Painting
Workshop leader: Karen Nielsen-Fried
Karen's encaustic paintings are widely exhibited in NJ, Philadelphia,
Seattle and New York. Her work is in numerous private collections
across the United States. Karen has a BFA from Binghamton University
and a Masters degree in ArtTherapy from Pratt Institute.
Learn the fundamentals of painting with the lush and luminous beeswax-based
medium of encaustic. Focus on the use of tools and materials, preparation
of surface and exploration of a range of techniques, including incision,
layering, collage and transfer. Come away with a clear grasp of
how to proceed on your own with this versatile medium. All materials
will be supplied. For more about Karen Nielson-Fried go to www.karennielsen-fried.com.
Maximum number of participants: 8
G. Sketch it up -The Art of Drawing
Workshop leaders: David G. Lewis and Donald Trawin
Dave and Don are accomplished artists with decades of experience
and success as painters, professional illustrators and graphic artists.
Their work has been published in magazines such as Fortune, Discover,
Changing Times and Saturday Evening Post, as well as part of many advertisements.They
are skillful teachers who engage, coach and support their students.
Drawing - from rapid sketching to detailed expression is central
to all the visual arts. Experienced or not, bring your pad and drawing
implements for a morning of this essential art form. In this session,
Dave and Don will share their wisdom and excitement about drawing
and invite participants to put pen to paper. A model (clothed!)
will help us tackle the human form and poses will vary in duration,
allowing students to practice different techniques. Students should
bring a large pad of white paper and felt pens, pencils or charcoal.
Maximum number of participants: 15
GALA TICKETS AND WORKSHOP REGISTRATION:
To register by for a workshop or purchase Gala tickets:
Download the attached pdf form
and return it to us via fax, mail, or an email attachment
or just email us your workshop choice at: MuseMontclair@gmail.com
or
call: (973) 744-6276 ext. 15.
HOW TO PAY:
Use the convenient PayPal link below or send check, made out ot UUCM (please write MUSE on the comment line) and mail to:
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
at Montclair
Attn: MUSE
67 Church Street
Montclair, NJ
PAYPAL
*Workshop information subject to change.
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