The Northwind Art School is excited to return to pre-pandemic levels as the organization has announced it will return with a large course load that features a plethora of class options for students.

The art school will have 36 in-person and 16 online courses scheduled from January through April 2022, on par will the course options available before the coronavirus pandemic hit.

From basic color theory to mixed media weaving, returning and prospective students will have plenty of courses to choose from.

“It’s been really wonderful to see the activity and creativity return to building 306 in Fort Worden,” said Meg Kaczyk, director of education for Northwind Art.

“Although the last two years have presented challenges and we had to move fast and furious to get online quickly when the pandemic hit, offering virtual classes helped us to diversify our class offerings, teaching artists, and reach[ing] out to a wider audience. More than ever, art making is a source of expression and healing for people, and we are committed to providing that outlet.”

As always, fundamentals for all levels of artists are offered such as painting, drawing, and mixed media.

And, in keeping with current creative trends, additions to the school’s creative process courses combine writing and visuals such as the graphic memoir workshop intensive by award-winning illustrator and journalist Steve Brodner, picture-book making for adults with Dana Sullivan, and “Envisioned Stories” with writer Jennifer Andrews and photographers Rick York and Ginny Banks.

Alongside the expanded course load comes 16 local and eight visiting teaching artists who will bring their expertise to the classroom.

Former beloved faculty from the Port Townsend School of Arts — before Northwind Arts Center and Port Townsend School of the Arts merged in January 2021 — are returning, including Max Grover, Jesse Joshua Watson, Kelly Drake, Anne Schneider, Rebecca Wild, Rick Myers, Darsie Beck, Katey Rissi, as well as several visiting artists like Santa Fe-based abstract artist Sandra Duran Wilson.

“I’m seeing such gratitude among our community of artists,” Kaczyk said. “For each other, for being able to be together again, and for the opportunity to learn, grow and make art!”

The cultural hub for creative learners in Port Townsend isn’t just for adults, as the school will have two spring break workshops in April including “Pattern Layering” with Dana Weir and “Graphic Novels & Comix for Teens” with local artist Dana Sullivan. Pupils can also expect a few pop-up surprises added during the term including lectures, workshops, and seasonal activities, according to Northwind Art.

With donations from benefactors, the classroom space in Building 306 at Fort Worden also includes a new air filtration system, projection equipment for seeing art demonstrations clearly from a distance, a fresh coat of paint, and additional tools and supplies. 

Northwind Art continues to follow mandates and requires students and teachers to be vaccinated and wear masks. In-person class sizes are limited to eight, and students are advised to sign up early before classes are filled.

For more information about the Northwind Art School and to sign up for courses, go to https://ptschoolofthearts.org/classes.