Winter classes set to start at Multicultural Arts Center

Winter classes at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center will kick off Dec. 1 and end Feb. 6. All classes are $50 and run for eight weeks. The following courses will be offered:

▪ Li’l Leonardos – Get your 5- to 7-year-olds involved in all forms of art in this eight-week class. Each week will feature a different focus, including sculpture, painting, drawing and crafts. The class is offered 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays in Art Center Room 3A.

▪ Gallery Kids – This eight-week class is designed to get your 8- to 11-year-olds involved in all forms of art. Each week, the class will have a different focus, including: sculpture, painting, drawing, and crafts. The class is offered from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays in Art Center Room 3B.

▪ Oil and Acrylic Painting – Students in this class will learn the techniques required to create masterpieces in both oil and acrylic. The class is offered from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays in Art Center Room 1.

▪ Beginning Digital Photography – Students can learn the basics on how to use a digital camera and take better photos. They will go over the concepts of framing, composition, and settings to get a better understanding of how a camera works. Students must provide their own cameras. Classes are offered from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays in Art Center Room 5.

▪ Advanced Digital Photography – This class is for those who already understand the basics of digital photography. Students will learn advanced concepts such as lighting techniques, and lense usage. The class will be offered from 6:30 from 7:30 p.m. Thursdays in Art Center Room 5.

▪ Black-and-White Photography – In this class, students will enter the photo lab to develop the skills of composition, lighting, film selection, all while gaining practical experience by enlarging and developing photos. Classes are offered 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in Art Center Room 5.

▪ Short Filmmaking: Screenwriting – The center’s screenwriting course will show students the process of creative story development and scriptwriting. Classes will meet in Art Center Room 5. Days and time are to be announced.

▪ Short Filmmaking: Production – Those looking to acquire the necessary skills to produce their own film can enroll in the production class. They will learn casting, production organization and methodology, and by the end of class they will be prepared to make their own short film. Days and time are yet to be determined.

▪ Short Filmmaking: Editing – As the final stage of creating a film, editing is often considered the most important. In this class, students will learn how to effectively use digital editing software, and the finer points of timing and tone. Student must provide their own laptop.

This story was originally published November 6, 2014 at 7:27 PM with the headline "Winter classes set to start at Multicultural Arts Center."