The most talented artist must not only create art, but also support himself or herself in some way. Most often this means understanding not only how to create beautiful art, but also how to run a thriving business. Many artists love producing art but have received little training on how to effectively market their work and manage a business. This four-week class is designed to help make the business aspect of the artists' career interesting, enjoyable, and effective. Topics include creating an effective web site, taxes and other accounting basics, increasing confidence in self-promotion, and other techniques to more effectively market your work. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 12 hours.

Develop your rendering skills as well as observational abilities. Use perspective to learn two-dimensional design and the principles of drawing. Use drawing pencils, charcoal, and ink while learning the principles of perspective, line, space, form, and composition as well as other basic drawing techniques. Each class focuses on a specific strategy and includes demonstrations and practices. Basic Drawing and Design is a "must" for students considering a move to painting. 12 hours.

Continue to refine your drawing and design skills while using a variety of materials to draw still lifes and botanical objects, with an emphasis on composition. Expand your ability to create two-dimensional representations and compositions as you study light, shadow, and proportions. Learn specific techniques for rendering a more sophisticated appearance of form, depth, and distance in your drawings. 12 hours.

This interactive course is a general introduction to the history of western art, its ancestry, and heritage. Major surviving monuments of painting, sculpture, and architecture from prehistory to circa 1300 AD are shown, including methods and media of their production. Learn fundamental skills of visual analysis and vocabulary and concepts for discussing works of art. Textbook required. 12 hours.

This interactive course is a general introduction to the history of western art, its ancestry, and heritage. Major surviving monuments of painting, sculpture, and architecture from the early Renaissance to present day are shown, including methods and media of their production. Learn fundamental skills of visual analysis and vocabulary and concepts for discussing works of art. Textbook required. 12 hours.

This course is an introductory survey of Islamic art from the seventh century to the modern era. Students study a broad range of art forms, including calligraphy, carpets, manuscript illumination, metalwork, ceramics, and architecture from the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and North American. The course provides students with a basic understanding of the arts in Islamic cultures. No art historical background is necessary. 12 hours.

Three local artists teach a painted furniture workshop to create pieces for the Independent Animal Rescue Annual Auction, which benefits thousands of animals in the Triangle. Well-know Durham artists Emily Weinstein, Kathryn DeMarco, and Paula MacLeod show how to prepare furniture for application and explain faux finishes, mosaic and collage techniques. participants then create works of art out of ordinary, household furniture. Most materials are supplied but a short materials list will be provided.

A piece of furniture will be provided for each student to use for class and this piece will then be donated to independent Animal Rescue. This is a non-profit organization that receives no public funds. Finished furniture will be auctioned at the Independent Animal Rescue Auction later in the year. An introductory meeting and furniture pickup will be held on Wednesday, April 22, from 6-9 p.m. at Northgate Mall. For more information, contact Dina Logan at 919-536-7238, ext. 4202, or email logand@durhamtech.edu. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.)  11 hours.

More information about the workshop, IAR, and the artists are available at www.AnimalRescue.net; www.FlowerSoup.com; www.WeinsteinArt.com; or www.KathrynDemarco.com