Families in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel have a packed calendar heading into the new school year, with a free back-to-school party Saturday and two new art class series starting in the weeks ahead.
Collide Community hosts its Back to School Bash on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 4110 Avalon Park Blvd. The event is free and open to families. Pasco County schools open Thursday, Aug. 13, five days later.
Oil painting for grown-ups
Artist Sally Yoder is leading an Oil Painting for Absolute Beginners course at the same address, with two Tuesday evening sessions remaining: Aug. 11 and Aug. 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The four-week course costs $125 with all supplies included, and no prior drawing experience is required. Students create a finished oil painting each class.
Seats are almost gone. An Avalon Park Instagram post noted only about three spots remained as of early August. Tickets are available through Eventeny.
The community's August newsletter described the course as teaching a "fearless, modern approach to a classical style."
The class is adults only.
Homeschool art for grades 8–12
A nine-week Homeschool Art Class for students in grades 8 through 12 begins Friday, Sept. 4, and runs through Friday, Oct. 30. Classes meet Fridays from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Avalon Park Leasing Trailer at the corner of Avalon Park Blvd. and Beale St.
The $225 course covers a different medium and concept each week, including charcoal value studies, metallic acrylics, watercolor edges and perspective drawing. Students explore techniques inspired by John Singer Sargent, Van Gogh, Klimt, Turner and Richard Estes, among others. All supplies are included.
Stephanie Lerret wrote in the community's August newsletter that the class helps young artists build a well-rounded portfolio. Spots are limited.
What's next
- Saturday, Aug. 8: Back to School Bash, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 4110 Avalon Park Blvd. Free. Details at collidecommunity.com.
- Tuesdays, Aug. 11 and Aug. 18: Oil Painting for Absolute Beginners, 6:30–8:30 p.m., 4110 Avalon Park Blvd. $125 (all supplies included). Tickets via Eventeny.
- Fridays, Sept. 4–Oct. 30: Homeschool Art Class, 2–4 p.m., 4110 Avalon Park Blvd. (Avalon Park Leasing Trailer at Avalon Park Blvd. and Beale St.). $225 (all supplies included).
