Debbie Zwanut hands out pieces of rattan to students in her class at the Tamaqua Arts Center, and soon they will be woven into colorful Easter baskets.
As they work, others gather on the lower level of the Pine St. Center. 125 to finish the pottery they shaped and baked.
And the gallery hosts an Easter egg writing course, where a local artist’s work is on display for a month-long exhibition.
It’s another busy night at the nonprofit center.
The center is in its 12th year and continues to offer art classes, children’s programs and live performances.
The center recognizes that “everyone is an artist,” just like those who were on hand to weave.
“It’s a simple little basket that you’ll be able to take home tonight,” said instructor Zwanut of Baskets in the Woods, New Tripoli.
She works with her class, showing them how to find the center of the reeds, then arrange and assemble them.
“It’s a good thing to start with,” Zwanut told his class of mostly beginners. “The rattan is flexible, so we don’t get splinters.”
After some training, the students found their pace and the reeds began to take shape.
“You’ll get out of here with a basket,” Zvanut promised.
She will be back on May 11th for the Easy Green Bowl Knitting Workshop.
Students in Abby Shumgart’s ceramics class at the center’s Clay Works pottery studio will also take home their creations.
Shumgart recently completed “Introduction to the Wheel” classes, where students shape slabs of clay into bowls or cups.
It’s a process she says is both messy and fun.
Shumgart, an art teacher at Tamaqua Area School District, will also teach during the summer children’s camp.
Amanda Mincavage, the center’s events coordinator, mentioned a number of upcoming events.
For starters, she said, weekly free children’s craft classes are held on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. They are recommended for ages 2 to 8, but all are welcome. Classes are popular so pre-registration is required.
New classes include “Paint Like Bob Ross,” which complements the many other painting classes offered frequently.
There are also lessons in mosaics, stained glass and jewelry.
“Our tai chi classes also start up again next month,” Mincavige said. “Our yoga teacher, Jennifer Betz, is a local nurse who teaches yoga weekly (on a chair and a regular mat) here at the arts center, but also volunteers to teach yoga to teenagers at the Tamaqua Public Library.”
Live entertainment usually takes place on weekends and can range from comedy to dance and tribute bands.
Upcoming concerts include tributes from Tom Petty, Elton John, Stevie Nicks and The Eagles, along with bands playing a selection of favorite tunes.
A ‘big benefit’ concert featuring Micah and the Loose Threads is set for 7pm on April 26th. Proceeds will help support the center and keep its mission alive.
The gallery changes monthly and features the work of local artists. It has hosted exhibitions of painting, drawings, sculptures and photography.
The schedule is updated frequently. To see more, register for classes, or purchase tickets, visit https://www.tamaquaarts.org/
Above: Debbie Zwanut, right, of Baskets In the Woods, shows Ben Mincavage and Jill Salmon how to weave an Easter basket during a recent class at the Tamaqua Arts Center. JILL WHALAN/TIMES NEWS
Students made Easter baskets like this one at a recent class at the Tamaqua Arts Center. JILL WHALAN/TIMES NEWS
Debbie Zwanut shows how to arrange cane for a basket during a recent class she teaches at the Tamaqua Arts Center. JILL WHALAN/TIMES NEWS
Left: Ceramics students at the Tamaqua Arts Center put the finishing touches on the pieces they’ve created. Shown here are Amy Skotek, Kim Balazs and Darlene Martin.
