Visit Samford this fall for art classes, special events + more

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Samford Arts
Point and shoot. (Meg McKinney Photos)

Wondering how to make the most of these last few months of the year? The answer—Samford Arts! They’re wrapping up 2022 with a variety of art classes and live performances for all ages, now through December. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out. Read on to discover and plan for what’s ahead.

Sign up now for these Academy of the Arts classes

1. Drawing for Adults

Samford Arts
Have you always wanted to learn to draw? (Samford Arts)

In this Drawing for Adults class, you’ll explore the basics of drawing with graphite to create compositional drawings of still-life objects. Some things you’ll learn include:

  • Different weights + marks graphite makes and how to use them in drawing
  • Elements of art like line, value + form

When: Mondays, October 17-December 5 | 5:30-7:30 PM
Cost: $275 (includes supplies)
Requirements: Ages 18+
Register for Drawing here

2. Painting: Watercolor

Love watercolors? Learn how to paint with them while learning about color theory, color mixing, creating compositions and painting techniques.

When: Tuesdays, October 18-December 6 | 12:15-2:15PM OR 5:30-7:30PM
Cost:
$285 (includes supplies)
Requirements:
Ages 18+
Sign up: Register for Afternoon Classes here | Register for Evening Classes here

3. Painting: Acrylics

Samford Arts
Ready to paint? (Samford Arts)

Want to paint like the greats? Learn how in this fun class that teaches you how to paint with acrylics.

You’ll learn many things, such as:

  • Color theory
  • Color mixing
  • Creating compositions
  • Painting techniques

When: Thursdays, October 20-December 8 | 12:15-2:15PM OR 6-8PM
Cost: $285 (includes supplies)
Requirements: Ages 18+
Sign up: Register for Afternoon Classes here | Register for Evening Classes here

4. Architectural Photography

Samford Arts
Behind the lens. (Meg McKinney Photos)

If you’ve fallen in love with the impressive architecture located around the Greater Birmingham Area, then this is the ultimate class to further pique your interest. You’ll discover architectural photography, exteriors, interiors and more. You can even go on field trips to cool photography locations around the city.

When: Wednesdays, October 26-December 14 | 6-8PM
Cost:
$225
Requirements:
Ages 18+
Prerequisites:
Understanding Your Canon/Nikon DSLR; Photography I: Basic Student(s) must be high school graduate(s) or have GED
Register for Architectural Photography

5. Understanding Your Canon DSLR

You’ll no longer feel intimidated by your camera when you take this helpful class. You’ll learn all about your Canon DSLR including basic camera controls, navigating menus + settings and much more.

When: October 25-December 6 | Tuesdays, 6-8PM
Cost: $225
Requirements: Ages 18+
Prerequisites: None
Equipment Needed: Canon DSLR Camera
Register for Understanding Canon DSLR here

6. Photography I

Jump into the fantastic world of photography in this beginner-friendly class. You’ll learn:

  • Proper exposure
  • Appropriate uses of shutter speed + aperture
  • Lens choices
  • Lighting options
  • Methods for creating a strong composition

When: October 25-December 6 | Tuesdays, 6-8PM
Cost: $225
Requirements: Ages 18+
Prerequisites: Understanding Your Canon/Nikon DSLR
Equipment Needed: DSLR Camera
Register for Photography I here

Want more Samford Arts classes? View Spring 2023 classes + sign up.

Fall performances you won’t want to miss!

1. The Shadow of Your Smile featuring Charles Billingsley and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Samford Arts
Charles Billingsley performs on November 3 in the Wright Center. (Samford Arts)

Get ready for a night you won’t forget! Renowned singer and entertainer Charles Billingsley returns to his alma mater on November 3 at the Samford Wright Center.

Performing alongside the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Billingsley will wow you with music from his latest solo offering The Shadow of Your Smile. Trust us, it will make you smile! This phenomenal album draws from the hits of Broadway, big band, smooth jazz and the Great American Songbook. 

What: The Shadow of Your Smile featuring Charles Billingsley and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra presented by Portraits of Hope and Samford University Wright Center
When: Thursday, November 3 | 7PM
Where: Wright Center, 872 Montague Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229
Cost: Adults – $45-65 | Students – $35 | Kids – $25
Tickets

2. Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play

You won’t want to miss this weird, wild and wacky production this October. Set in a dystopian world without power (eek!), you’ll follow the lead character Mr. Burns as he shows how memories of our present become the myths of our future. Will these stories become the glue that holds a society together? Or will they tear it apart?

*This show is for mature audiences.

What: Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play, presented by Michael J. And Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series
When: October 27-30 | 7:30-9PM
Where: Boren Courtyard Stage, located between Buchanan and Brock Halls, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Homewood, AL 35229
Cost: $10-20
Tickets

Holiday events for a joyful season

1. Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith Opera Series presents Amahl and the Night Visitors

Samford Arts
Deck the halls with performances at Samford. (Samford Arts)

Delight in the Christmas season with a trip to the opera. In this heartwarming American opera by Gian Carlo Menotti, you’ll go on a musical journey with Amahl and his mother who are visited by three wise men on their way to Bethlehem.

What: Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith Opera Series presents Amahl and the Night Visitors – Sponsored by Elouise Williams
When: December 1-3, 7:30-9PM | Matinee: December 3 + 4, 2:30-4PM
Where: Harrison Theatre, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229
Cost: $5-20
Tickets

2. A Cappella Choir – Christmas Choral Vespers

Samford Arts
Nothing beats holiday events at Samford. (Samford Arts)

If you haven’t heard the Samford A Cappella Choir perform, here’s your chance! On December 8, this special group performs a choral vesper service at Samford’s Reid Chapel. Join them for a time of music and worship.

What: A Cappella Choir – Christmas Choral Vespers
When: December 8 | 5:30PM
Where: Reid Chapel, 808 Montague Dr, Homewood, AL 35209
Cost: Free admission

Love the Samford Arts events you’ve learned about so far? There’s more to attend. See the full list here.

The fun never stops with Samford Arts. Visit their website + follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Sponsored by:

Patience Itson
Patience Itson
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