Create something to crow about
Those who have had the good fortune to enter the artistic realm of the Crow's Nest Gallery and Studio in Toledo, have found a place of unusually rich imagination and ability.
Two summer classes in July invite kids and adults try their hand at some creativity, too; beginning with the free Fairy House Workshop on Saturday, July 17.
In collaboration with the Toledo Public Library, the festive afternoon of fairy fun will begin with children’s librarian Miss Denyse reading “Come One Come All to the Fairy Ball” by Sarah Gayle Strickland.
The book tells the tale of someone accidentally invited to a fairy ball and is targeted to anyone who has ever built a fairy house and wondered what the fairies do when you are not there to watch them. Next, the story will be used as inspiration to build fairy houses with help from artist Janet Runger, founder of Crow’s Nest Gallery. All materials will be provided and families will also go home with a copy of the book, which includes activity ideas and blank pages for adding your own artwork to the story. Though the event will be held at the Crow’s Nest, registration is required and can be completed in person at the library, located at 173 NW 7th Street, or by calling 541-336-3132.
Next up, on Sunday, July 25, bigger kids will have a chance to create interesting, wearable jewelry creations.
The class is an introduction to soldering, taught by jewelry artist Laura VanLandingham. Soldering is the process of joining metal parts together by heating an alloy that melts at a lower temperature than the metals being joined. Instructions will cover the basic steps, then you can choose any of the class suggestions or you can create something of your own design.
Basic materials will be provided including a soldering gun, solder, flux, pliers, copper tape and tiles. Because some supplies, like the soldering guns, are limited, please bring your own if you have them. You are also welcome to bring materials that you would like to use for creating your jewelry: glass, metal, shells, pottery shards — anything except plastic and paper. Other usable objects will be available for sale at the gallery. The class fee is $60.
The fairy house event is from 1 to 3 pm and the jewelry class is from 1 to 4 pm, both held at the Crow’s Nest, 305 N. Main Street. For more information, email janet.runger@gmail.com or call 541-207-8088.