The Foley Performing Arts Association has been busy with events, including Trim-A-Tree last month and Uptown Foley events, for the past few months.

Despite the association’s busy schedule, organizer Bonnie Blaylock has no intention of slowing down. Earlier this week Blaylock announced a schedule of classes, which will ensure the association’s location on Laurel Avenue in Foley is bustling with activity throughout January.

The Foley Performing Arts Association had one of its most successful Trim-A-Tree events ever this past Christmas season.

“The Trim-A-Tree was a success this year. Our traffic was really good. The shoppers were buying again this year. We actually were up in sales, so I have to say the community didn’t forget us and that is great news,” said Blaylock.

The success has prompted Blaylock to make big plans for the New Year, beginning with an eclectic offering of arts classes through the performing arts association.

“Our classes are expanding by the month it seems like. We now offer evening classes, daytime classes for kids and adults and evening classes for both. It is really expanding a lot. A lot more than what I thought it might this quickly. We have only been doing this over here for two years. So to get this to build up to this degree is really great,” said Blaylock.

Blaylock is excited about some of the new teachers and classes being offered beginning in January, with hopes to expand the offerings even more for the next session beginning in March. Blaylock and her teaching staff have also expanded the hours classes are offered to include more evening classes to accommodate more schedules.

“New this year we have got this lady doing beaded necklaces and wire wrapping, both daytime and evening sessions. We are trying to make it much friendlier for working people,” said Blaylock.

Eliza Husky will offer jewelry classes. She will offer three different workshops in the upcoming session. The first, Basic Beaded Necklace Workshop will be offered at 6 p.m. Jan. 21, Feb. 11 and March 4, at 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 25 and February 15, and at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 13, Feb. 3 and Feb. 14. This course will cost $20 per class. Her second course, Basic Beaded Bracelet Workshop will cost $20 per class and be offered at 6 p.m. Jan. 14 and Feb. 4, 3:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Feb. 8 and March 1 and at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 27 and Feb. 17. Her final course, Basic Wire Wrap Dangle Earrings will be offered at 6 p.m. January 28 and Feb. 18, 3:30 p.m. Jan. 11, Feb. 1 and 22, and at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 20, Feb. 10 and March 3 for a $25 per class fee.

“This year also we have Lance Selava and he is a professional cartoonist. His work is phenomenal. He is doing cartooning four nights a week and kids just stop when they can and pay a minimum of $5 per session,” said Blaylock.

According to Blaylock, the cartoon class is a new offering.

“He takes all age levels. Somehow or another it all comes out. I have seen some of the younger ones come up with some very creative things,” she said.

Selava’s classes are offered Monday through Thursday 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. for $5 per class.

The association will also host a new watercolor instructor, Mary Lou Nicolai.

“Mary Lou Nicolai is a new instructor for us, she is doing watercolors. I have seen her work and it is incredible, beautiful,” said Blaylock.

Nicolai’s courses will be offered on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 11 for a $90 fee for the six-week course.

Blaylock is especially excited about Konstantyn Sylin, who will be giving a demonstration at the performing arts association in January and possibly teaching a class in February. Sylin is a master and world renowned artist from the Ukraine who was classically trained in watercolors. According to Blaylock, most of the materials he uses to paint have to be shipped from the Ukraine because they are not sold locally.

“Just to see how he works with such sharp lines and angles and vibrant colors. It is incredible. When I first looked at it, I assumed it was oils, but it is watercolor. Just watching him will be incredible,” she said.

Blaylock also has been contacted by a few snowbirds wishing to teach classes while staying on the coast.

“Now we are getting more of the winter visitors who are wanting to teach while they are here so that is a really good thing. Birgit Scott is from the north; she is going to teach knitting for us this year,” said Blaylock.

Scott’s classes will be offered Jan. 18 and 19 from 1-4 p.m. for a cost of $50.

Jane Sellier will also offer a class on acrylics on Fridays from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for $75 beginning Jan. 14. Elizabeth Blaylock will offer classes in oils and acrylics Jan. 10, 11 and 12 from 1-4 p.m. for $155.

Blaylock is thrilled with all the offerings for the upcoming class session, even taking a few classes herself.

“I am real excited about it,” she said.

The performing arts association also offers classes for home school children.

“Home school classes are expanding. Surprisingly we get quite a few students in here. We have about 17 children right now, hoping to increase that every semester. My goal this semester is 30,” said Blaylock.

  Blaylock is currently taking applications for instructors wishing to begin teaching in March. The performing arts association retains 25 percent of class fees.

Blaylock also announced the open house event for winter visitors and newcomers to the area will be held Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Probably 300 come through,” said Blaylock. “It is an open house so they come through and look at the place. It is like, they don’t necessarily stay the whole time but we do have door prizes and we serve refreshments. It is a real nice time and they get to visit and see everything that we have to offer and check out our classes.”

 For more information, to volunteer, or to join the art co-op which currently has open spaces, contact the Foley Performing Arts Association at 251-943-4381.