Art school will open in Martinez

Columbia County residents looking to learn how to draw or improve their watercolor brush strokes soon will be able to do so in a much more convenient locale than a downtown studio.

The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art will open a satellite studio and art school Tuesday in Martinez.

The success of the institute's summer camps in Columbia County led to the creation of the studio, located at 364-C Furys Ferry Road in the Shoppes at Furys Ferry retail center.

"It has become really evident that those students, both youth and adults, have a problem dealing with the traffic and getting to the downtown location," Gertrude Herbert Education Director Dorothy Eckmann said. "And there are a whole series of senior citizens that really have a hard time driving downtown at night. This is a way that we came up with to meet the needs of that vast population that is out there."

In addition to adult and weekend classes, the Martinez studio will offer courses for home-schooled pupils and after-school programs, Eckmann said.

In the winter quarter, four art teachers will teach classes. Fees vary from $60 to $150, depending on the type and length of the course.

To get more information or register, call 722-5495, or visit www.ghia.org.

"We're real excited about the programs," Eckmann said. "It will continue to grow and develop as the needs become evident."

Columbia County courses by Gertrude Herbert

Adults

Drawing and sketching: Eight-week course beginning Jan. 11 at cost of $90 for Gertrude Herbert members and $100 for nonmembers, along with a $15 supply fee.

Acrylics: Eight-week course beginning Thursday at cost of $135 for members and $150 for nonmembers.

Pastels: Six-week course beginning Jan. 27 at cost of $67.50 for members and $75 for nonmembers, along with a $20 supply fee.

Watercolor: Six-week course beginning Feb. 7 at cost of $99 for members and $110 for nonmembers.

Youth

Mixed media and art appreciation for home school pupils: Session one is for ages 5-9 and is an eight-week course beginning Jan. 11. Session two is for ages 10-16 and is an eight-week course beginning Jan. 13. Both sessions cost $85.50 for members and $95 for nonmembers, along with a $4 supply fee.

Mixed media and art appreciation for after-school students: Session one is for ages 5-9 and is an eight-week course beginning Tuesday. Session two is for ages 10-16 and is an eight-week course beginning Jan. 13. Both sessions cost $63 for members and $70 for nonmembers, along with a $4 supply fee.

Drawing basics and beyond: Six-week course for ages 9-14 beginning Jan. 22 at a cost of $63 for members and $70 for nonmembers, with a $3 supply fee.