Registration Open For New Life Long Learning Classes

The Parks and Recreation Department works to provide the citizens and visitors of San Marcos the highest level of programs, parks, facilities, and services that will positively enhance our vision of the community.

San Marcos Parks and Recreation is offering new Life Long Learning courses for the greater San Marcos area beginning in October. The classes are primarily for those age 50 and above, but adults of any age are welcome to register.

To register or for more information, visit the Activity Center at 501 East Hopkins or the Parks and Recreation Main office at 401 East Hopkins; call 512.393.8400; or go online at www.sanmarcostx.gov/activeSMTX and search LLL for Life Long Learning courses.

Exploring Early Texas Art of the 19^th to mid-20^th Centuries 

• Wednesday Evenings (4):  Oct. 11, 18, 25, & Nov. 1st
• Time:   6 – 7:30 p.m.
• Site:     San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins
• Cost:    $25

Course Description

The course will take you on a fascinating journey through the exciting and eclectic world of early Texas art – presented by Charles Morin, owner of Charles Morin Fine Art in San Antonio. Morin has been in the art and antique business since he was 14 years old when he began buying and selling vintage automobiles. Through the years his interests have evolved, and he now primarily concentrates on vintage Texas paintings by such artists as Porfirio Salinas, Exa Wall, Santa Duran, and A.D. Greer.

Introduction to Standard American and Duplicate Bridge

• Fridays (5):  Oct. 6, 13, 20, & 27 and Nov. 3
• Time:   3 – 5 p.m.
• Site:      San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins
• Cost:     $25

Course Description:

This is a class designed to teach basic bridge to beginners and introduce the challenge and pleasure of competitive duplicate bridge. Social bridge enthusiasts will benefit from introductions to winning strategies for bidding and play. The course is presented by Cathy Supple and Barbara Morgan, both of whom are American Contract Bridge League certified bridge teachers and “life masters” with a combined 1,300 master points awarded by the league.

Give Falls the Boot **Registration Required – Limited Number of Participants

• Mondays and Wednesdays (9 classes):  Oct. 2 – 30
• Time:   10 a.m. – noon
• Site:       San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins
• Cost:     FREE

Course Description

Many senior citizens assume that sub-par balance is just another side-effect of aging. However, it need not be. You will be involved in light exercises to build strength and balance, as well as the mental habits required to gain confidence in being more active. The course is presented by Camille Phillips, Certified Aging in Place Specialist. For more information, visit her non-profit organization Safe, Sassy, and Strong online at: www.safesassy.org.

Beginning Watercolor: Techniques and Color Theory

• Fridays (5):  October 6, 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3
• Time:   10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Site:       Cephas House, 215 W. MLK Drive
• Cost:      $50 (approx. $4/hour)

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the basic materials and techniques of watercolor, but will also focus on color mixing concepts. There will be a series of demonstrations and guided projects each week. The course is intended to give the beginning watercolorist a foundation for continued study of the medium.

 The Travel Sketch: Sketching with Pen & Ink and Watercolor  

• Fridays (5):  Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3
• Time:   2 – 4:30 p.m.
• Site:      Cephas House, 215 W. MLK Drive
• Cost:     $50 (approx. $4/hour)

Course Description

In this course, you will learn to document cityscapes and landscapes with quick single line studies in pen & ink with watercolor washes applied. There will be demos and digital presentations as well as a few field studies. We will discuss perspective rules for drawing buildings and basic pen & ink and watercolor techniques for building the illusion of mass, depth, and texture. We will talk about mixing color, color theory and the basics of light and shadow.

Mixed-Media Techniques in Drawing Workshop

• Fridays (3):  Dec. 1, 8, and 15
• Time:            10 a.m. – 3 p.m. with an hour lunch break
• Site:               Cephas House, 215 W. MLK Drive
• Cost:             $50

Course Description

Mixed-media implies not only the coming together of two or more materials on a varied surface, but also suggests multiple readings and interpretations provoked by those richly varied topographies not readily produced by a single medium on an unremarkable surface. The concept of mixed media opens up possibilities and challenges artistic approach. This course will give students a good opportunity to create holiday decorations, cards and gifts.

Art Classes Presented by Roxana Tuff, a metalsmith and illustrator who holds a BFA in Painting and Drawing and a MFA in Painting. She has taught in the art studio area at Texas State University for 14 years. For a list of materials needed for the art classes, please pick up a class packet at the San Marcos Activity Center or visit us online at www.sanmarcostx.gov/activeSMTX and search LLL for Life Long Learning classes.

About The City of San Marcos’ Parks and Recreation Dept.: The Parks and Recreation Department works to provide the citizens and visitors of San Marcos the highest level of programs, parks, facilities, and services that will positively enhance our vision of the community. The Parks and Recreation Department has a history of providing not only diverse and continuous programs for citizens and visitors alike but also excels in providing maintained parks such as Rio Vista park, educational centers such as the Discovery Center, and many more activities and resources for everyone in San Marcos.