It is just a one day event this year but that doesn't mean we will be
skimping on the free classes. Just to give you an idea of what May 14th brings, here is non-comprehensive list to get you geared up and ready!
If you plan on bringing your kids, please email me their ages so we know how much support and materials the kids classes need.
SCHEDULE
10:30am - 12:00
Loosen Up Your...
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It is just a one day event this year but that doesn't mean we will be
skimping on the free classes. Just to give you an idea of what May 14th brings, here is non-comprehensive list to get you geared up and ready!
If you plan on bringing your kids, please email me their ages so we know how much support and materials the kids classes need.
SCHEDULE
10:30am - 12:00
Loosen Up Your Writing
We'll exercise the imagination based on a writing process which was created by Lynda Barry, the artist and writer of Cruddy and Ernie Pook's Comeek. The process relies on short, timed writing, beginning with sensory experience and memories. We'll keep it fast and loose, avoiding any critique or revision or over-thinking. It's a way to keep the hand moving and the images streaming, free of the inner critic. No experience, good grammar or spelling skills required.
Foraging In Austin
In this workshop participants will learn the basics of foraging; foraging necessities, foraging etiquette and identifying local edible plants. We will talk about (and bring some samples of) some the more commonly found edible plants here in Austin including where and when they can be found and how to eat them. After the talk we’ll walk around the surrounding neighborhood and try to identify some edible plants.
Beginner Hatha Yoga
It will be a one hour beginner's hatha yoga workshop. The class involves basic sun salutation movements, forward / backward bends, twist and upside down poses, and a 2 minutes relaxation at the end.
DIY Low Power FM
Basic primer on applying for a licensed LPFM station in 2012, or just going on the air on your own! A description of the past and current Free Radio Movement. Will include video of 2011 KAOS bust, info from the folks at Free Radio Berkeley, dos and don't.
Oil Pastel Batik
You can make small pendants and/or art for your house that have the look of batik without all the waxy mess. In this workshop you'll create a small sample oil pastel batiks on paper. This workshop can accommodate 15 participants.
Basic Sign Language
Learn the basics of Sign Language like fingerspelling the alphabet, basic hand-shapes, and fun and simple phrases.
Happy Fun Yoga (4+)
In this workshop, kids ages 4+ will unite their minds, bodies, and imaginations as we journey through a storybook. Through creative movement, songs, and games, kids will have the opportunity to express their energy and creativity. Please bring a mat if you have one. If not, no worries! Just bring your whole self and our possibilities will be endless. Little ones under 4 years of age are welcome to participate with their parents.
Flip Book Animation! (all ages)
I will be teaching the kids how to create basic animation projects through hand drawn pictures with crayons and markers. They can create a flipbook to take home, or make a series of drawings which I will later put together and post on the interweb for them to view their finished work. All kids are welcome from ages 2-95, and no drawing experience necessary.
LUNCH 12:00 - 12:30
Argentine Tango Beginner Workshop
Tango is a social dance that is highly improvisational! True beginners will be guided in understanding the structure of the dance as well as the skills of leading and following.
Students will learn to connect with each different partner and the music. Learning Argentine Tango help students confidence soar and empowers them to create the dance and express themselves. Class do not require a partner or prior experience.
12:30 - 2:00
How to use Austin Indymedia to support and publicize your group's work and events.
Austin Indymedia re-formed late last year after being dormant for several years in Austin. This new collective seeks to be a resource for the radical and activist community in Austin. Learn how to use the open publishing website to post events, news relevant to your community in Austin and more. Don't hate the media, be the media!
Gutsy Cuts
This workshop will show you how to cut your hair from someone who has been cutting his own hair for the past 15 years. I will show you what tools you want to use for different hair types and textures. I will also show you how to decide on the right style to fit your face.
Fertility Awareness
This will be an introduction to the central concepts of Fertility Awareness. We will cover the basics of the menstrual cycle, learn about the observable signs that your body exhibits during this cycle, and find out how this information can be used as an effective birth control method-- or simply to have more control and knowledge of your body and health. Everyone welcome!
The Wonderful world of Emulsions
Remembering high school chemistry? Let's look at a little chemistry in the kitchen and learn about making vinaigrettes, aiolis, and other spreads, sauces, and dressings.
Public Speaking
I will give tips on public speaking with a socially conscious analysis and a fun interactive atmosphere. I will incorporate techniques for dealing with nervousness, breath control, voice projection, confidence and presence. No one will be required to participate beyond their comfort level. All welcome.
Seed bombs (all ages)
Making seed bombs is a great way to spread fun and native wildflowers! We will be rolling seeds into little clay packages that are easy to throw and sprout in your neighborhood. Come prepared to get your hands dirty.
The Great Crayon Experiment (all ages)
As a crayon-coloring guru and leading proponent of The Great Crayon Experiment, I know what makes a good crayon drawing. I will share this with the children, from age 1 to 167.
Relief Printing Basics
Learn the basic techniques of relief printing using linoleum and wood. With the exploration of various carving tools, print methods, inks and paper, you will learn how to turn images and original drawings into prints.
2:15 - 3:45
Stop Motion Animation
Want to make stop animation movies and don't think you have the equipment or skills? If you have access to a cheap digital camera or phone that takes pictures, and a computer built in the last 10 years, you too can make stop animation videos. In this class we will create our very own original digital stop-motion masterpiece from start to finish. I will show you how to capture the frames, compile them on a computer and convert them into a finished video file to be enjoyed by all. Our finished video will be available for download from the skillshare website.
How to Ride a Unicycle
Learning to ride a unicycle can be challenging—but YOU can do it! We are going to look at mounting the unicycle, balancing on the unicycle, and obtaining rotations.
Growing herbs in pots
The workshop will teach people how to grow various popular culinary herbs in pots, and also how to use them in simple food and drink recipes.
Rhyme Share
Participants will rap anywhere from 4 to 40 bars over provided instrumentals. After each person is done rapping the person who is next must use the last word of the previous rapper or rhyme with the last word of the previous rapper. This will create what today’s hip-hop community refers to as a cipher (a group of people actively free styling together). A freestyle rap is spontaneous with no premeditated ideas of what the rapper is going to rap about. Each rapper is encouraged to rap for as long as they would like, but at least must rap 2 to 4 lines worth. Each person will get up to 4 or 5 chances to rap.
Bike Maintenance
Flat Tire? Broken Chain? Perhaps the ever elusive brake adjustment...All the basics and more to get you on to two wheels keep you there.
Crochet Your Plastic Bags Into A Bag! -
Got a ton of plastic grocery bags? Me too! Want to reuse them in a more crafty way? I totally do. Know how to crochet? Well, if you do, than lets turn that plastic bag clutter into something functional!
Crayon Suncatchers (all ages)
Use your old broken crayons to make beautiful, colorful suncatchers for friends and family. There will also be other small easy to do projects for children.
4:00 - 5:30
Audio Effects Processing
Learn what different audio effects are doing to sound and how to use them in music production, sound design, and other applications.
Kitchen Circus (all ages)
Step right up! See the Amazing Kitchen Circus. Learn to make your own incredible squishy Creatures from simple household ingredients. Behold the incredible Bubble creations that you too can make in your very own home! Fascinate your friends with two step slime! Join us for these and other fun.
Canning 101
A mysterious, age-old method of preserving food, “canning” is something that our grandmothers, and theirs before, just seemed to be born knowing how to do. In Canning 101, you’ll be taught the basics of preserving your hard earned harvest and seasonal crops from pickling, to jams and jellies. You will make your grandma proud!
Intro. To Improv
Our workshop is an introduction to improv comedy. We teach fun group warm-ups and move into the basics of scene building.
Ceiling light installation/Table lamp rewire
Participants will learn step by step procedures required to install your basic overhead light fixture starting with electrical safety and ending with illumination. The second half of the workshop will be a hands-on and how-to instruction on rewiring your standard table lamp. Participants can bring in their own "sick" lamp or pick from our "pile-o-lamps"!
Stamp Carving
Learn basic stamp-carving techniques, designing and carving with soft erasers and artcarve medium. Create designs to decorate paper or textiles, personalize your mail art, stationery, patches, and more! You'll create at least one stamp to take home.
**Note: due to use of sharp knives & tools used, we ask that any kids under 12 years old wanting to participate bring an adult who can carve their designs for them.
Backyard Beekeeping
Did you know that keeping bees by your garden will make your plants grow much better and you get the added bonus of your own household honey source? And bee keeping is much easier than you think. This workshop will cover the basics of backyard bee keeping for the novice apiarist.
Do you want to be a part of Skillshare Austin this year? If you are
interested in teaching, we are almost at capacity, so email Charity, and fast!! We always need volunteers to welcome people at the door, support the kid's classes, and help set up and break down. We are also looking for a street team to get the word out about the event by either putting up flyers around town or posting to austin blogs and websites. Email me, Charity, and we can talk more about ways you can be involved in Skillshare Austin!
charibird(at)gmail(dot)com