Whether you’re looking to explore, develop, or re-visit a hobby, meet new people, or enjoy a date night or fun night out with friends, colleagues, or family, we have classes for you. With a mix of stand-alone (one-time) classes and recurring series, keep an eye on our programs calendar throughout the year! We have classes and workshops on weekdays, evenings, and weekends to meet a variety of schedules. Please contact Callie Johnson with any questions: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 904-280-0614 ext. 1206.
Introduction to Watercolors with Gouache with Elaine Bergstrom
Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 AM
Location: First Coast Cultural Center
3972 Third St. South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
March 23-May 11 (8 sessions)
Cost: $265 (non-members) or $240 for current First Coast Cultural Center members
About the Class
It is not taboo to use transparent and opaque colors when painting with watercolors! Feel free to grab that opaque white paint with your watercolors in this series. This class uses both watercolor and gouache paints, which are similar in many ways, but also exhibit key differences, from the transparent and fluid washes of watercolors to the more opaque, matte, and pigmented properties of gouache. Under the instruction of instructor Elaine Bergstrom, you will learn values, opaque highlights, and glazing techniques on tonal paper to create dynamic paintings. Expand the six-tube palette and add opaque gouache mixes or tubes and see what happens to transparency and light. While this class expands on concepts taught in the “Watercolors with Six Tubes” class, this class is open to any interested student, from beginner to intermediate/experienced. Students will have some “homework” to do focusing on a theme from the class.
Students will secure their own supplies. A supply list will be provided in advance of the class (note that Cultural Center members receive a 30% discount at PV Arts and Crafts). If you have questions about supplies before registering, please contact Toni Thomas at the contact information listed below.
About Elaine
Originally from Chicago, Elaine received her BA in Design from the University of Illinois, Chicago, a Botanical Illustration Certification from the Morton Arboretum and a Teaching Education Certification from Carlow University in Pittsburgh. Always continuing her education with workshops, she is a member of the Sumi-e Society, American Botanical Society of Artists, Jacksonville Watercolor Society. Her work has been published on the cover of the “Jerusalem Stone” and in the 2020 and 2019 Publications (a) river rising Anthology and Warton Heart. For over 30 years she has been teaching students of all ages to express the beauty of nature.
The Art of Murals with Charley Edelman
Mondays, 10:00-11:30 AM
April 17-May 22 (6 sessions)
Location: First Coast Cultural Center
3972 Third St. South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Cost: $250
Immerse yourself in art and learn how to create vibrant murals in this six-week series taught by Charley Edelman. Students with all levels of experience, from beginner to intermediate/experienced, will use both drawing and watercolors to create the bases for murals. We will also cover fundamentals of composition such as the use of lines and space in the context of murals. In class, we’ll work on oversized paper, but you will leave with the ability to take your art to a much larger scale. Topics covered will include:
• Developing a triptych mural.
• Henri Matisse and other artists who painted triptychs.
• Creating your own “commissioned” mural.
Instructor Charley Edelman will be teaching two series at the Cultural Center this spring; find an overview of his background under the "Drawing Into Sculpture" class description below.
Drawing Into Sculpture with Charley Edelman
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM
April 19-May 24 (6 sessions)
Location: First Coast Cultural Center
3972 Third St. South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Cost: $250
This educational and fun six-week class is designed for both beginner and experienced students who want to learn fundamental aspects of drawing while also translating their work into three dimensions. Under the direction of instructor Charley Edelman, we will start with a focus on drawing before moving onto creating sculptures from foam core. We will work from real life and our imaginations for inspiration, particularly fish, coral, turtles, and other ocean life. We will also touch on major ideas from Vincent Van Gogh, as his life’s work entailed exploring nature, as well as learn from other master artists and sculptors.
Sessions will include:
• Learning about materials and cool fundamentals
• Creating an original accordion book
• "Special guest" Vincent Van Gogh
• Drawing into sculpture – creating the 3D form
• Strengthening and stabilizing your sculpture
• A harmonious whole
A Message from Instructor Charley Edelman
When I was 12, I was given a box of paints. Three years later, I was out painting at sunrise in the football stadium at school, including painting snow scenes in 20 degrees weather! I had discovered that something magical happened when I held a paintbrush, pencil, or pen in my hands. These tools became an extension of my arm and mind, unlocking the beauty and dynamics of the world around me.
My love of art and color extends globally. The art and cultural aspects of Europe, Central America, and South America have intrigued me for many years, and over this time I have been rewarded with amazing friendships from people from across the world. Until recently, I was living in Peru and creating works in the mountainous regions of this beautiful country. I have countless drawings from life-study sketches in museums that are always created with the concept of retaining my own individuality.
As a result of my international travels, my artwork encompasses themes, colors, and influences from many nations. These experiences have shaped who I am and the art I create. Between art and being able to reinvent myself, I am ever fascinated with the world around me!
Charley’s Education and Experience:
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Kansas City Art Institute, Master of Fine Arts, Queens College, NYC
Yale University Summer Program in Connecticut
New York Studio School in NYC
Visiting Professor at Parsons School of Design in NYC
Visiting Art Professor at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire
Numerous group shows and one person exhibitions including:
• Nelson Atkins Museum, Kansas City
• Godwin Ternbach Museum, Queens, New York
• Abilene Texas Fine Art Museum
• Center of Culture, Lyon, France
Material Exploration Workshop: Watercolor, Pastel and Watercolor Pencils with Teresa Cook
Sunday, April 23, 2023
10 AM - 12 PM
Location: First Coast Cultural Center
3972 Third St. South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Cost: $60
Wednesdays, 10 AM - 12 PM
August 16 -September 6
Location: First Coast Cultural Center
3972 Third St. South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Cost: $60
During the first week of class, we will go over some of my everyday materials and more. Then we will work on basic methods of painting watercolor through making a color wheel, layering colors, color mixing, the wet-n-wet method, dry brush method, and more. All of the basics of watercolor can be applied to all your future watercolor fun. During the second week, we will talk about how to use the methods from the previous weel on different types of paper. We will work on cold-pressed, hot-pressed, mixed media, and Yupo paper. During the third week, we will work on my favorite drawing method called, “blind contour drawing.” During the final week, we will use the watercolor methods and this drawing style to create an image of Jacksonville.
This class is to help you learn how to paint watercolor and use the tools to create your own art for future projects. Come learn watercolor with me. I am so excited to paint with you.
This workshop also includes a dot card of the colors I use for painting, my How to Watercolor PDF printout, and a round watercolor brush.
All supplies will be provided.
Virtual Private Piano/Violin/Cello Lessons with Sabrina Krisberg
Timing as convenient for student and instructor
For more information, please contact Toni Thomas, Programs Manager at 904-280-0614 ext.1206 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Don’t miss your opportunity to unleash your creativity in one of our many art classes and workshops. If you are an artist, novice or professional, we have programs that will enhance your creative process. Please review our Program Policies before registering. If you are unsure about the status of your membership, please call 904-280-0614 ext. 1206. If you would like to become a member of First Coast Cultural Center, please visit membership. Supplies are not included unless otherwise noted. Our dedicated hotel sponsor, Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra, provides special room rates for First Coast Cultural Center workshop attendees, click here to learn more and book a room to use during your workshop.
These programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
