New art classes are now open for registration at Popopstudios International Center for the Visual Arts, just in time to learn some new skills for one-of- a-kind Christmas gifts or just to explore a new hobby.

The second half of semester three which runs from October 22 to December 1 will see the introduction of new classes and the continuation of a favorite. Six-week adult classes at three hours each will be offered but unlike the first section these courses will not provide the option of registering for less than the allotted time.

Equipment, materials and facilities are included unless otherwise noted in the costs which range from $250-$310. All fees must be paid before classes begin and are non-refundable.

Arjuna ‘AJ’ Watson will be teaching “Urban Realism” for the first time on Wednesdays 6-9 p.m. In this class, students explore urban art using mixed media techniques and technology.

Arjuna Watson did not go to art school. He does not have any fancy degrees. He is just a guy who paints. He always has been. His career started in 1985, in Melbourne, Australia, as a rebellious 13-year-old trying to leave his mark spray painting walls and trains and outrunning the authorities.

Since his first showing in 2006 he has had yearly shows and collectors of his work have watched his style gravitate more towards the human form and, most recently intricately detailed portraits using a bold, strong color palette. He enjoys painting on a large scale and still manages to throw up images (though now by invitation) on random buildings around town. He prefers to paint with enamel but has recently begun to experiment with the more traditional oils, which he treats with his usual irreverence and steadfastness.

Katrina Cartwright will offer the class “Functional Ceramics” on Mondays, 6-9 p.m. During the course of this class, students will use basic handbuilding techniques to create functional pottery while exploring the history of this ware in both Western and Eastern cultures.

In-class critiques will be held regularly to provide participants with feedback on their progress over the six-week period. This class is suitable for individuals of all skill levels especially those interested in working with high-fire stoneware.

Originally from Long Island, Katrina Cartwright is based in Nassau and maintains a studio practice at Popopstudios International Center for the Visual Arts, where she is also the education officer. Additionally, she has taught primary art at Xavier’s Lower School and is currently employed at The College of The Bahamas as an adjunct instructor in the Art Department.

Cartwright holds a BFA in ceramics from Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine and has had the opportunity to apprentice with professional ceramists both locally and internationally while participating in multiple exhibitions.

Sonia Farmer will offer “The Art of the Book II: Letterpress and Journal-making” on Saturdays. This class is designed to help students think of the many ways a book structure can become an art object. Students will begin with hardcover pamphlet-stitch books and explore complex multiple-signature codex binding such as coptic and case bindings to make a variety of hardcover journals. In addition, field trips to Poinciana Paper Press will allow students to explore letterpress printing to add unique spins to their journals.

Sonia Farmer is the founder of Poinciana Paper Press, a small fine press that produces hand-bound limited-edition chapbooks of Caribbean writing, based out of The Bahamas. She is a bookbinder, letterpress printer, hand papermaker and printmaker, and aims to publish books as beautiful as the words they hold. She has a BFA in writing from Pratt Institute.

For more information, check out www.popopstudios.com/programming/. To register, call 322-7834 or email popopstudios@gmail.com.

Sonia Farmer,
Arts & Culture
The Nassau Guardian