Aland Lane Art Center Logo Allens Lane Art Center

Living together in the community through the arts

Since its founding in 1953, Allens Lane Art Center has been a cornerstone of the Mt. Airy community by bringing the residents together to participate in and enjoy the arts.  Whether its art classes for children or adults, amazing art exhibitions or cutting edge plays on the mainstage, there is something for everyone at Allens Lane.

 
601 West Allens Lane ~ Philadelphia, PA 19119 ~ p: 215.248.0546 f: 215.248.0559

Classes

Pre-registration is REQUIRED for all classes. 

To register for classes, please print registration form at the bottom of this page and mail with check, money order or Mastercard/Visa number to address on form. To receive a brochure or if you have questions, call 215-248-0546 ext. 3.

To register, please print this acrobat form (.pdf), fill in the form and mail it with your check.

Dance

Classes for Children & Adults

The Fall 2008 session will begin in September.  To receive a brochure, please contact Eve at 215-248-0546 or eve@allenslane.org.

NOTE:  The Dance Program classes (instructor Kim Williams) will continue throughout the summer.  Beginning June 2, the schedule is as follows:

Mondays

7 – 8:30 pm: Teen & Adult Ballet III Intermediate/Advanced Ballet (plus pointe)

 

Thursdays

7 - 8 pm:      Teen & Adult Beginner/Intermediate Ballet
8 - 9 pm:      Teen & Adult Jazz and Tap (combination class)

(no Toddler Tap & Ballet on Thursdays this summer)

 

Saturdays

10 - 10:45      Toddler Tap & Ballet (ages 3 – 5)
11 - 11:45      Ballet I (ages 5-9)
11:45 - 12:30 T
ap I (ages 5+)
12:30 - 1:30   Jazz/Hip Hop & Tap II*

1:30 - 2:30     Ballet II & III*

 

For more information contact instructor Kim Williams at 215-849-5962

You can call to register or click on registration information below to print out form, then mail in with check.

Registration Information
Faculty 

Pre-registration is required for all classes. 
To register, call 215-248-0546 or print and mail registration form.

 

CLASSES FOR KIDS AND TEENS

Performing Classes

Children’s Theater (ages 7-10) 
Kim Williams
Introducing basic acting skills in a fun and lively setting.  Children read and act out short stories to develop their confidence and talent.  The session culminates with a final workshop performance in the theater for family and friends. 

Cost: $100

Mondays, 5 - 6 pm   
10 sessions, March 24 - June 2
 (no class May 26)

 

Teen Theater (ages 11-14) 
Kim Williams
Students learn how to develop and practice skills in drama with and without a script.  Shape ideas, learn warm-up techniques and put on a performance of a scripted play.  The session culminates with a final workshop performance in the theater for family and friends. 

Cost:  $100

Mondays, 6 - 7 pm  
10 sessions, March 24 - June 2 
(no class May 26)

 

Acting Workshop (ages 16+)
Marjory Silver
Actors of all levels are invited to join this class. Studying acting is fun, creative and practical. Learn tools to enhance communication, presentation and acting technique. Develop acting skills through improvisation and work on scenes and/or monologues. Script analysis and audition technique will also be covered. If there is a scene or monologue from a play, movie, or TV show you would like to work on, please bring a typed copy to the first class. Please bring a journal or notebook and dress comfortably.

Sundays, 2 – 3:30 pm   Cost:  $120

6 sessions, April 20 – June 1 (no class May 25)

 

 

Creative Writing and Creative Support
Creative Writing for Teens (ages 12 - 14 & 15 - 18)
Emily Wardell

Writing skills improve a child’s ability to excel in all subjects. Students will utilize their unique perspectives to develop works of poetry, fiction and/or memoir. They will be introduced to poetic devices (metaphor, simile, alliteration), which will be reinforced by readings from both classic and contemporary authors. Students will discuss the development of character and plot, parts of a story, and the benefits of outlines, while saving plenty of time to practice the craft itself and discover their own poetic voices.  Students should bring a journal of their choice, a folder with brackets and pockets, pens and pencils.

Cost:  $90Ages: 12 – 14: Tuesdays 4 – 5:30 pm, 8 sessions, April 8 – May 27

Ages: 15 – 18: Thursdays 4 – 5:30 pm, 8 sessions, April 10 – May 29

 

Mental Training for Artists, Writers and Creative People

Marjory Silver

If you want to stay committed to living your optimum life-style while creating your best work, this ongoing process will provide the strategies and motivation to do so. Learn mental training skills athletes use to set goals, stay focused and work through blocks. Practice time management, stress management and visualization techniques to keep yourself energized, inspired and open to possibilities. Please bring a journal or notebook and dress comfortably.

Thursdays, 7 – 8:30 pm   Cost: $100 (plus $20 materials fee)

8 sessions, April 10 – May 29

 

 

Please see Dance Program classes page for more Kids & Teens performing classes.

 

Studio Classes

 

Animation! (ages 8 – 12)

John Serpentelli

Students will learn traditional hand-drawn animation, covering the basics such as character design, fluid movement and visual storytelling.  Animation timing and pacing will also be covered, as well as professional techniques for more advanced students.

Cost: $120 (plus students will need to buy a Lightracer, available from Amoeba Art Shop for $35)

Mondays, 4:15 – 6:15 pm  
8 sessions, April 7 - June 2
(no class May 26)

 

Illustration: Fairytales, Folktales & Fables (ages 6 – 12)
Jillian Kesselman
Learn to illustrate popular fairytales, folktales, fables and legends from around the world.  Students will become familiar with the work of past and present illustration and design.  Discover interesting techniques in creating detailed drawings for children’s stories.
Cost: $120 (includes materials)
Saturdays, 12 - 2 pm
8 sessions, April 12 - June 7
(no class May 24)

CLAY! (for pre-schoolers, but all ages are welcome)
Cornelia Kietzman
Where is clay from?  Can you tell the difference between clay and mud?  Can you paint with clay?  Come find out the answers to these questions and more as we make our own special pots and other creations.  Expect to get dirty and have fun!
Cost:  $100

Fridays, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm 
8 sessions, April 11 - May 30

Introduction to the Arts (for pre-schoolers, but all ages are welcome)

Cornelia Kietzman

Art on a big scale for little children!  They will explore clay, dance, painting, cooking and more…  A little bit of everything to inspire creative young ones.

Cost:  $100

Wednesdays, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm 

8 sessions, April 9 - May 28

 

Recycled Art Jewelry and Metalwork (ages 10 - 15)
Martha Kent MartinUse found objects and recycled materials to create fun and attractive jewelry pieces.  Students will learn stringing and metal techniques to create and finish specific projects.  Instructor will provide basic materials but students are encouraged to bring beads, buttons and interesting small pieces of metal (and questions) to class for brainstorming. Saturdays, 9:30 – 11 am    Cost: $80 (plus $30 material fee)7 sessions, April 5 – May 17

 

Fabulous Flat Glass – Part I (ages 13+)Part I is a hands-on introduction to the art and craft of fused glass.  Learn about glass compatibility, techniques of cutting & designing and preparing glass to be melted together at 1800 degrees to fuse.  Instructor will provide compatible colored art glass, dichroic glass, precious metals and findings so students can create unique pieces which will then be “coldworked” and refused or completed.  Students will complete two to three projects.  See examples at annasworkshop.comCost: $125 plus $40 materials fee
Mondays, 7:30 – 9 pm4 sessions, April 7 – 28
 

Fabulous and Funky Flat Glass Open Studio– Part II (ages 13+)
Part II is geared to students who have some experience fusing glass (such as Part I).  Students will have a chance to plan and complete projects such as a window panel, jewelry or cabinet knobs, and to create one of a kind fused glass pieces.  Fusible glass, basic jewelry findings and high temperature wire will be supplied.  Additional materials can be purchased. 
Cost:  $125 plus $40 materials fee
4 sessions, May 5 – June 2
(no class May 26)
 If students register for both Parts I & II at the same time, the cost is $225 (plus $80 materials fee). World Art Paper Making and Bookbinding (ages 12 to adult and under 12 with parent)Richard AldorasiLearn how to do four paper arts/paper making techniques from around the world: Momigami/Paste Painting, Turkish Marbling, Suminagashi Marbling and Decorative Papermaking.  Students will experiment with a variety of materials including silk, linen, flower petals, ferns and metallics.  The final two classes will involve making paste board covers and putting it all together with the art of bookbinding.  A great start for making your own journals or special books.  See examples at www.2makepaper.com.  Bring a smock to class.Tuesdays, 7 – 9 pm   Cost:  $160 (includes materials; bring a smock)6 sessions, April 8 – May 20 (no class April 29 and May 6)

 

Landscape Oil Painting Sketch Workshop (ages 13 through adult)Dianne CorbeauIn this workshop we will learn about the techniques of the landscape oil painting sketch.  A brief description and visuals will be given of the Old Masters and how the related to painting in the present day.  All the various techniques of how to create depth, composition, atmosphere, light and color will be taught.  We will paint outdoors on-site for maximum experience of the landscape.  This workshop is designed for all skill levels from beginners to advanced.Cost: $80

Sunday, May 18 from 12 – 5 pm (rain date is Sunday, June 1)

 

ADULT CLASSES

SPRING 2008

 Performing Classes


Introductory Ballroom Dancing
Michael Posner

Mad Hot Ballroom, Shall We Dance, Strictly Ballroom and Dirty Dancing.  These are the movies that inspired us to want to get up and dance.  This class will teach students the life long skill of Ballroom Dancing.  Students will be introduced to the most popular of ballroom dances, including swing, cha cha, waltz and foxtrot.  Singles welcome.

Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9 pm   Cost:  $125

8 sessions, April 8 - May 27

 

Tap Dance for Fun & Exercise 
Audrey Bookspan
Enjoy happy exercise while learning the hoofing style of tap dancing.  A great opportunity to study with ALAC Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award-winner Audrey Bookspan, a tap student of the eminent LaVaughn Robinson (winner of the National Heritage Award).  Especially beneficial for seniors and all levels of infirmities are welcome!  Flat-soled tap shoes required. 
Thursdays, 2:30 – 3:30 pm   Cost:  $90

8 sessions, April 10 - May 29

Clogging
Peggy Leiby
Learn the basics of Appalachian Clogging, percussive dancing to old time music.  A country cousin to tap dance, though rhythmically quite different, it is a uniquely American dance form that emerged from a melting pot of influences- Celtic, African and Cherokee.  Hard soled shoes that slide or low-heeled tap shoes are recommended. 
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:00 pm   Cost:  $8 per class 
Students may drop in anytime

Waltz Enrichment
Ret Turner & Peggy Leiby
Waltz is a beautiful dance that never goes out of style.  This is a course for those who wish to advance beyond the basics to expand their repertoire of moves and develop partnering skills.  Material will include intermediate-level moves in closed and promenade positions.  Video samples of intermediate level material can be seen at www.mostlywaltz.com. Each class will start with a short rotary waltz technique clinic.
Cost:  $90 individual/$160 per couple

Wednesdays, 8 - 9:15 pm

6 sessions, April 16 – May 21

 

Acting Workshop (ages 16+)
Marjory Silver
Actors of all levels are invited to join this class. Studying acting is fun, creative and practical. Learn tools to enhance communication, presentation and acting technique. Develop acting skills through improvisation and work on scenes and/or monologues. Script analysis and audition technique will also be covered. If there is a scene or monologue from a play, movie, or TV show you would like to work on, please bring a typed copy to the first class. Please bring a journal or notebook and dress comfortably.

Sundays, 2 – 3:30 pm   Cost:  $120

6 sessions, April 20 – June 1 (no class May 25)

 

Studio Classes

Illustration for Children’s Books

J.D. Gibson

Learn to interpret stories through drawings and paintings.  This class will allow each student to develop the skill of storytelling with pictures.  Classes will include portfolio development and making your way through the world of publishing.  We will explore illustration using creative media techniques from watercolor and pastel to pen and ink.

Cost:  $160 (does not include materials)
Wednesdays, 7 – 9 pm  

8 sessions, January 23 - March 12 

 

Beginning/Intermediate Ceramics 
Cornelia Kietzman
A ceramics class for beginner and intermediate students.  Learn to develop hand-building techniques such as pinch pots, coil and slab.  Students will experiment with glazes to create finished pieces. 

Cost:  $225 (includes materials)

Tuesdays, 7 - 8:30 pm   

10 sessions, April 9 - May 28

 

Ceramics Open Studio 
Cornelia Kietzman (moderator)
For advanced students who can begin and finish their own projects.  The moderator will be available for student questions and will fire students’ work.  Some clay and basic glazes will be available. 

Wednesdays, 7 – 9 pm   Cost:  $150 for 10 classes

This class is ongoing throughout the year.  Upon registration, students will get a punch card to present each time they come to class.  When the card is full, they can re-register for another set of 10 classes.  (Students cannot pay for each class separately.)   

 

Sculpture for All Levels

Jesse Harrington

Instruction in wood-carving, stone-carving and clay modeling for students at all levels of experience.  This class is a great opportunity for advanced sculptors looking to work on self-directed projects.  Registrants are responsible for providing their own materials and tools. 

Cost:  $200

Tuesdays, 1 – 4 pm 

10 sessions, March 25 -May 27

 

The Creative License

Lauren Bohy

All levels, from professional to beginner, are welcome to explore the creativity that lies within all of us.  Lessons will include creating a sketch journal, meditative drawing and expressive painting.  In a comfortable and non-judgmental environment, have fun with art and harness your personal creativity.

Thursdays, 7 – 9 pm   Cost:  $140 (materials not included)

8 sessions, April 10 - May 29

 

Figure Drawing with a Model
Dianne Corbeau

This course will provide students with individual instruction to accommodate varying levels of ability. This class will focus on drawing from the model and will cover skills such as line, tone, composition, proportion and space. Midway through the course the students will work on extended poses and will continue to build on their skills while studying light and shade, form, and 3-dimensional volume while drawing directly from the model.
Tuesdays, 12 – 2:30 pm   Cost: $180 (does not include materials)

8 sessions, April 8 - May 29

 

Landscape Oil Painting Sketch Workshop (ages 13 through adult)

Dianne Corbeau

In this workshop we will learn about the techniques of the landscape oil painting sketch.  A brief description and visuals will be given of the Old Masters and how the related to painting in the present day.  All the various techniques of how to create depth, composition, atmosphere, light and color will be taught.  We will paint outdoors on-site for maximum experience of the landscape.  This workshop is designed for all skill levels from beginners to advanced.

Cost: $80

Sunday, May 18 from 12 – 5 pm (rain date is Sunday, June 1)

 

The Elements of Drawing

J.D. Gibson
Drawing is the foundation of all of the visual arts. If you draw well you will be a better painter, a better sculptor, a better artist!  In this class, each student will develop the skill of drawing what they see through the technique of correct observation. We will learn to draw using the methods of the great masters. All levels are welcome. 
Saturdays, 3 – 5 pm   Cost: $160 (materials not included)

8 sessions, April 5 - May 31 (no class May 24)

Painting on a Sunday Afternoon

J.D. Gibson

You are invited to join our group of creative, motivated students as we continue to explore oil painting techniques of the great masters of art.  With solid instruction we are guided in the knowledge of color theory, composition, spatial relationships and much more.  We will study still life, figure and portraiture.  All are welcome.

Sundays, 3 – 5 pm   Cost: $160 (materials not included)

8 sessions, April 6 – June 1 (no class May 25)

 

Watercolor – Beginner to Advanced

Lauren Bohy

Designed for all stages of artists - beginner, intermediate and professional - this class will help you feel confident tackling this difficult media!  You will learn what equipment to use and why, and how to control the paint and make it behave on wet paper.  You will work with elements of design, including color, value, composition, line, contrast and texture to form dynamic paintings.  You will learn what kind of paint to use and what types of papers are available.  Delete rest. 

Cost:  $120 (additional material cost approx. $50)

Tuesdays, 7 – 9 pm  

8 sessions, April 8 – May 27

 

Oil Painting

Debby Souders

Here's the opportunity to develop artistic skills effectively, and experiment with theory for color, design and paint technique.  Technical and intuitive approaches will be explored in a comfortable setting where you can enjoy choosing from still life, photos and more to inspire your personal imaginative creations.  Demonstration is shown for each studio project along with historical and contemporary visuals.  All will combine to give you inspiration for a great adventure.

Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12 pm  Cost: $130 (plus $10 materials fee)

6 sessions, April 8 – May 13

 

Vision Thru Art
Robert Fluhr
A sculpture class for visually-impaired and blind adults at all levels of art experience.  A variety of media are explored in this friendly and supportive atmosphere.  Call for more information.
Cost:  $25  (plus $1 per class for materials)

Wednesdays, 10 am – 12:30 pm    

Creative Writing and Other Classes

Creative Writing Workshop for Women

Emily Wardell

It is time to put pen to paper, whether it is the smell of your grandmother’s buttermilk biscuits, the look on your mother’s face while she hung laundry on the line, or the movement of your own body through a crowded train that you feel the need to recreate with words. How long since you’ve listened to and been inspired by yourself?  Come write with us, and let us share words longing to be written.  For the first class, students should bring something to write with and a journal that she enjoys touching, looking at, smelling, and putting her thoughts inside.

Tuesdays, 7 – 8:30 pm   Cost:  $120

8 sessions, April 8 – May 27

 

Mental Training for Artists, Writers and Creative People

Marjory Silver

If you want to stay committed to living your optimum life-style while creating your best work, this ongoing process will provide the strategies and motivation to do so. Learn mental training skills athletes use to set goals, stay focused and work through blocks. Practice time management, stress management and visualization techniques to keep yourself energized, inspired and open to possibilities. Please bring a journal or notebook and dress comfortably.

Thursdays, 7 – 8:30 pm   Cost: $100 (plus $20 materials fee)

8 sessions, April 10 – May 29

 

 

Dance Program Classes
Instructor:  Kim Williams

Summer Schedule:  June 2 - August 30, 2008

Mondays
7 – 8:30 pm: Teen & Adult Intermediate/Advanced Ballet (plus pointe)

Thursdays

7 - 8 pm:      Teen & Adult Beginner/Intermediate Ballet
8 - 9 pm:      Teen & Adult Jazz and Tap (combination class)

 

Saturdays
10:00 – 10:45   Toddler Tap & Ballet (ages 3 – 5)

11 - 11:45        Ballet I (ages 5-9)
11:45 – 12:30   Tap I (ages 5+)
12:30 – 1:30     Jazz/Hip Hop and Tap II*

1:30 – 2:30       Ballet II & III*

 

*students are placed in these classes by instructor

 

·         Classes run continuously throughout the year.  Students may join at any time. 

·         Please register before coming to class. 

·         There will be a free final performance in June 2008. There are NO costume fees.

·         Ballet Class – Pink tights, pink or black leotard and pink ballet shoes required for  children & toddlers. (Assistance is available.) Ballet classes begin at age 6, unless instructor grants special permission for younger students.  Instructor will place children in the appropriate class based on experience/ability. 

·         Tap Class – leotard & tights and tap shoes.

·         Jazz and Hip Hop – Wear lose, comfortable clothes. NO JEANS!

·         Work/Study Scholarships available. Please call for more information.

·         Classes are not pro-rated; there are no refunds for missed classes. They must be made up in another class.

·         Fees are due the first class of each month.  There is a $5 fee for late payments.

·         Fees:

o        $40 per month for 1 class per week

o        $70 per month for 2 classes per week

o        $100 per month for 3 classes per week

o        $12 for a single class

 

Registration Information

Pre-registration is required for all classes. 
To register, call 215-248-0546 or print and mail registration form.  For questions about these dance classes, call Kim at 215-849-5962.


The dance classes below run on a semester schedule.  They are also listed in the Adult section of classes.

 

Spring 2008

 

Introductory Ballroom DancingMichael PosnerMad Hot Ballroom, Shall We Dance, Strictly Ballroom and Dirty Dancing.  These are the movies that inspired us to want to get up and dance.  This class will teach students the life long skill of Ballroom Dancing.  Students will be introduced to the most popular of ballroom dances including swing, cha cha, foxtrot and waltz.  Singles welcome.Tuesdays, 7:30 – 9 pm   Cost:  $1258 sessions, April 8 – May 27 

Clogging

Peggy LeibyLearn the basics of Appalachian Clogging, percussive dancing to old time music.  A country cousin to tap dance, though rhythmically quite different, it is a uniquely American dance form that emerged from a melting pot of influences- Celtic, African and Cherokee.  Hard soled shoes that slide or low-heeled tap shoes are recommended.  Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:00 pm   Cost:  $8 per class  April 2 – May 28; students may drop in anytime

 

Tap Dance for Fun & Exercise
Audrey Bookspan
Enjoy happy exercise while learning the hoofing style of tap dancing.  A great opportunity to study with ALAC Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award-winner Audrey Bookspan, a tap student of the eminent LaVaughn Robinson (winner of the National Heritage Award).  Especially beneficial for seniors, and all levels of infirmities are welcome!  Flat-soled tap shoes required. 
Thursdays, 2:30 – 3:30 pm   Cost:  $90
8 sessions, April 10- May 29
 Waltz Enrichment
Ret Turner & Peggy Leiby
Waltz is a beautiful dance that never goes out of style.  This is a course for those who wish to advance beyond the basics to expand their repertoire of moves and develop partnering skills.  Material will include intermediate-level moves in closed and promenade positions.  Video samples of intermediate level material can be seen at www.mostlywaltz.com. Each class will start with a short rotary waltz technique clinic.
Cost:  $90 individual/$160 per coupleWednesdays, 8 - 9:15 pm6 sessions, April 16 – May 21 Tap for Adults

Timothy Yue

Develop your rhythmic skills with Philadelphia low, fast hoofing, which was created on the city's streets in the 1930s. This session we'll focus on great classic tap pieces from the Legendary LaVaughn Robinson, and blues from Howlin' Wolf.  Especially useful for musicians. (Tap shoes required.)Sundays, 12:30 – 1:30 pm   Cost:  $90

8 sessions, April 6 – June 8 (no class May 18 or 25)