ROCKLAND — The Art Loft, the newest nonprofit community art center will offer the following classes starting May 2.

The Art Loft is located at 385 Main St., suite 9 and is owned by Kathryn Matlack and Paula Apro. They can be reached at artloftrockland@gmail.com

Fiber Arts: No-Sew Pouch
Date/Time: May 2 from 5 — 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $15

Weave a no-sew pouch on a 'cardboard loom.' You're probably wondering what a cardboard loom is. Did you know you have several sitting in your recycle bin? All you need is a scrap piece of cardboard and some yarn in order to make a lovely little pouch. During this class, you will make a pouch that will fit your cellphone, but this simple weaving technique can be expanded upon after class to weave bigger bags of your own design.

No weaving experience necessary. Yarn and scrap cardboard will be provided, but feel free to bring your own yarn if you have a color preference.

Creative Paper Arts
Date/Time: May 2 from 7 — 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $15

Come learn different paper techniques which can be used as art, party decorations, room décor, etc. A different technique will be taught each week. Come to all four weeks or just drop into one. Each project involves paper, scissors, glue sticks, and the simple art of folding. Anyone can do these and create bright new décor for the home, office, or party. Paper snowflakes, paper lanterns, paper articulating lizard, and more.

No Experience necessary. All supplies provided.

Oil Painting with Chuck Paine
Date/Time: May 3 from 5 — 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 plus $5 material fee

No matter where you are in your oil painting process, Chuck will help you progress from wherever you are stuck. This class is suitable for raw beginners, completely new to oil painting, right through to more experienced painters who know the painting isn't finished, but don't know why. If you are new to oil painting, Chuck will show you how to get a painting started.

This Drop-in class will run for 4 weeks. Come to one or come to all. The more
classes you attend, the more you will learn.

Design Your Own Mandala
Date/Time: May 5 from 5 — 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $15

Come experience a fun and relaxing hour and a half at the Art Loft where you will design a 12" X 12" mandala using simple tools and pencil for the layout. The sketched interior design will be inspired by images of flowers and insects, then drawn over using black felt markers. Take your gorgeous mandala home after the class and have a great time continuing the fun by coloring it in on your own!

All supplies provided by the Art Loft.

WordPress and Blogging for Artists
Date/Time: May 6 from 9:30 — 11 a.m.
Cost: $15

Are you looking to create your own blog or website? WordPress is the most popular platform to accomplish this goal. This class will help you design and maintain a website or blog for yourself or your business.

The class will cover the following topics:
Getting your self-hosted WordPress website up and running
Choosing a WordPress theme
Plugins and widgets
Colors and design
Keeping your website functioning
Search engine optimization

No experience necessary. Bring your personal computer to class. The class will focus on individual needs. Karen will be working one-on-one with each participant. Email Karen at renukostyle@gmail.com for class content on any particular day.

Photography for Business and Instagram
Date/Time: May 6 from 11 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $15

An introduction to the still life and product photography, for business or personal imagery.

Are you interested in creating a brand presence with beautiful imagery? Do you want a cohesive and engaging feed on your Instagram account? Then this class is what you need!

This class with cover:
Setting up for a still life photo shoot
Using natural light
Backdrops and directing light
The power of editing software
Creating a cohesive look
Interacting on Instagram

Any type of camera can be used in this class, including your phone camera. A working knowledge of your own particular camera is helpful. Individualized instruction will be available during class. You may bring your own items to photograph. Email Karen renukostyle@gmail.com for class content on a particular day.

The Art of Still Life Photography
Date/Time: May 6 from 1 — 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $15

Discover the power of still life photography as an art form. Tap into your creative side with lessons designed to introduce "stillness" into your life. This satisfying medium is a wonderful way to explore your own personal style and awaken your creative abilities.

This class will cover:
Setting up a still life photo shoot
Using natural light
Making your own backdrops
The power of editing
Tapping into emotion
Creating a mood
Composition and color
Exploring you own personal style

Any type of camera can be used in this class, including your phone camera. A working knowledge of your own particular camera is helpful. Individualized instruction will be available during class. Email Karen at renukostyle@gmail.com for class content on a particular day.