ALLA PRIMA STILL LIFES are the subject of a workshop to be given by Richard Oversmith a nationally-recognized artist, will conduct a three-day workshop for Dare County Arts council (DCAC), Aug. 11-13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The course, entitled ”Painting the Alla Prima Still Life,” is designed for intermediate to advanced students to improve their still life oil painting skills. Oversmith will teach his tried and true Alla Prima Method, throughwhich students will explore all aspects of still life paintings from set-up to finish. Working on canvases (9×12, 11×14 and 12×16) with large brushes will help students focus on the bigger shapes of a composition. Emphasis will be put on values, edges and color, and simplifying a composition to create paintings that have unity. Oversmith will give daily demonstrations and offer individual instruction and critique. Bring your own easel.

  Oversmith received formal training in fine art and illustration at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Mich. While at Kendall, he was invited to study at the Royal College of Art in London, England. There he gained experience in plein air painting and found direction in his work as an oil painter. He graduated from Kendall College with a bachelor of fine arts degree in 1995 and moved back to his home state of North Carolina. His paintings have won numerous awards nationally, and his work has been featured in several publications. You can see more of his work at www.richardoversmith.com.

  The cost for this three-day workshop is $300. For more information or to register, call 252-473-5558.

  Nationally recognized waercolor artist Catherine Hillis will conduct a”Flower Power Workshop” Aug. 16 and 17. Learn to paint colorful florals in glass vases, from the richest reds to the most delicate whites. Discover classic ways to paint realistic looking glass and water, with delicate stems floating through.

  These ” Flower Power” watercolor workshops conducted by Mrs. Hillis have been immensely popular in arts centers and galleries throughout the region. Her work has been selected for national and international watercolor exhibits and has won numerous awards. Her work was featured in American Artist Magazinein September of 2006, and her writings will be published in a book during 2010. She is an artist representative for Trekell brushes and can be seen presenting a mini-lesson online at www.monkeysee.com(type in the word ”watercolors”). For more information about Mrs. Hillis and her work, visit her website at www.catherinehillis.com. 

  During this workshop, the instructor will set up fresh flowers in glass vases to paint from, providing instructional guides and multiple demonstrations of how to paint several types of flowers, how to paint multiple glazes, successful greens in stems and leaves and ow to paint realistic glass and water.

  Students will be individually coached to draw a well-composed design on watercolor paper and will be led, step-by- step, to paint a beautiful floral watercolor painting in class. Each day ends with a positive and helpful critique when every student is presented the opportunity to put their painting up on the ease,.

  Students should bring their own watercolor supplies. A supply list is available at Mrs. hillis’ website. Bring lunches, snacks and cameras. Students are encouraged to bring flowers from their gardens as well, to add to the class set-up.

  This workshop is suited for beginning to intermediate painters, 15 and older. The cost for this two-day course is $145 for DCAC members or $175 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, call 252-473-5558.

  BUXTON NATIVE CAROL DILLON (far right) was the REAL Taffy of Torpedo Junction, the central character in Nell Wise Wechter’s novel about a 13-year-old tomboy and her antics on the Outer Banks during World War II. This particular program, which is given every Wednesday, 2 p.m., June, July and August at Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site and Museum, had, among others, 17 girls in attendance who were all about the same age as Taffy in the novel. They were on an educational field trip from the Columbus Girls School in Ohio. Each girlwas delighted to buy a copy of the book and have Mrs. Dillon personalize and autograph it. This program is one of many of Chicamacomico’s Summer Porch Programs. To discover the rest, visit www.chicamacomico.net and then click on the ” Summer Programs” tab at the bottom.

  Joe Maury is teaching Kung fu classes on Thursdays at The Dare County Center.

  Kung Fu uses the whole body in a way that exercises and strengthens all muscles, tendons and ligaments. Kung Fu works on harmonizing the external and internal (the mind and body). These inner changes can allow you to improve perceptions, attitudes and inner feelings, making one feel more positive of themselves and others around them. The ultimate goal of Kung Fu training is to master yourself physically, mentally and emotionally.

  This class costs $45 per month. (From Dare Center newsletter)

  OBX Coin Club will meet Wednesday, June 9, 7:30 p.m.

  Bring coins to show and trade. The group will finalize their summer plans.

  Anyone of any age from 6-106 who is interested in old or new coins and paper money, U.S. or world, is invited.

  For more information, call Tom Johnson at 475-1197 or email him at johnsontn@juno.comor contact Sandra McMurray at 573-9394. (From Dare Center newsletter)

  An afternoon of Beach Bingo will be offered at The Dare Center Tuesday, June 15, beginning at 1 p.m.

  There will be 10-12 games with prizes, all less than $10 in value.

  No need to sign up ahead of time, just show up. From Dare Center newsletter)

  An ice cream social will be held at the Baum Center July, 1-3 p.m. Please bring your favorite topping.

  A double elimination billiards tournament will be held at the Baum Center July 27, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

  A day trip to the Chrysler Museum is planned for July 14 to see the Women of the Chrysler exhibit. This is a day trip.

  The van will leave no later than 8:15 a.m. This is free, just bring money for lunch.