A variety of winter art workshops are on tap in December at Shippensburg Arts Programming and Education (SHAPE), including a "date night" outing and activities geared for children.

SHIPPENSBURG, PA (Friday, November 30, 2012) - A variety of winter art workshops are on tap in December at Shippensburg Arts Programming and Education (SHAPE), including a "date night" outing and activities geared for children.

Two special glass-blowing workshops, hosted by talented glassblower Mike Peluso, will be offered in December at SHAPE Gallery, 20 W. King St., Shippensburg. Taught by Peluso, a well-known participant at SHAPE's annual Solstice Arts Festival, the classes are geared for adults. However, no prior glass blowing experience is required for the courses.

Looking for a one of a kind gift? If so, try out "Christmas Ball Mania" on Saturday, Dec. 22, from 3-6 p.m. At this interactive workshop, participants will create decorative Christmas balls of many shapes and colors. Under the guidance of Peluso, guests will learn the basics of glass blowing. Space for these hands-on sessions are limited to 2-3 students, so please register early.

Couples looking to try something new might enjoy a "Date Night with Glassblowing," hosted Peluso, on Saturday, Dec. 22, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Advance registration is required. On this special evening, pairs will learn the basics of glass blowing by using a torch to shape and blow a small vase.

Then, later in the month, Carlisle artist Deb Feller, owner of LeTort Glass, will host a special Christmas-themed sun catcher workshop for children. The course kicks off at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9.

At this fun, family-friendly workshop, children (ages 5 and up) can creatively arrange prepared glass pieces on a background piece. Then Feller will take the pieces to her studio to fire them. Families will then pick up the finished sun catcher pieces at a later date. The deadline for registration is Dec. 7.
Another winter art workshop includes a beaded bracelet-making workshop on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. Adults and children are also encourage to sign up for this fun course.

All materials are provided for workshops, which are held at SHAPE gallery, 20 W. King St., Shippensburg. There is a fee to participate in the workshops, and families receive a multi-child discount.
To register, call the gallery at (717) 532-2559 or email classes@shapeart.org. Please include your name, age, address, phone number email and the workshop you are interested in attending.

For more information about SHAPE or upcoming workshops visit www.shapeart.org or visit the gallery at 20 W. King St, during gallery hours on Wednesday-Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

These workshops are hosted by SHAPE, a non-profit arts organization that aims to enrich the quality of life in the Shippensburg community through interactive cultural, artistic, and heritage activities. SHAPE serves as an information center for the arts, promotes and supports local artists and arts organizations, provides opportunities for participation and education in the arts for all members of the community, and plays an active role in helping our schools maintain the arts as an integral part of their curriculum.