Senior art classes available in SO

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Thanks to the support of South Orange and the Baird Community Center, Arts Unbound is bringing its participatory art program to local seniors at an affordable rate. These group fine art classes include quality visual arts instruction, first-rate art supplies and a professional teaching artist experienced in working with seniors.

In portrait painting, learn acrylic portrait painting techniques from Arts Unbound instructor Esmeralda Vazquez. Students will learn classical approaches to portrait painting with the use of acrylic paint and mediums. Beginner and advanced students will incorporate painting techniques like portraying accurate skin tones, facial symmetry and proportions. At the conclusion of the 10-week class, students will gain enough skill to produce a stunning portrait painting. This class runs Fridays, March 31 through June 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. A class fee applies. Register for classes online.

In the mixed-media collage class, students will learn mixed-media collage techniques that will unleash their creativity through the use of watercolor, ink, wax pastels, decorative paper, fabric and more. Students will learn how to build substrates, shapes and colors to tell a vibrant story or capture a vase in a still life. No drawing experience required; all the student needs is an imagination and willing to take creative risks. This class, taught by Lorena Vera, will run Tuesdays, April 4 through June 6, expect May 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. A class fee applies. Register for classes online.

The Baird is located at 5 Mead St. in South Orange. For more information, call 973-675-2787.