After finally having a place to call home, the Opp Cultural Arts Council has kicked off the new year with a full plate.

The OCAC started offering children’s arts classes Wednesday.

The organization plans to use the proceeds from its instructional classes to pay for its new home.

Classes are held each Wednesday, and are being taught by Anita Ellis and Kathy Grantham.

“We had eight children turn out for our first session this week,” Grantham said. “It was successful. We taught them about the color wheel, and they painted. Next week, we’re working on doing a canvas painting – probably a flower.”

Those who didn’t make it to the first session can still attend. Cost is $50 per child and all supplies are included.

Adults who wish to try their hands at oil painting can do so beginning Tues., Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. until noon.

The cost is $50 per person for four three-hour sessions, which will meet weekly.

Participants will need to pick up a supply list from the gallery or call Virginia Dowling, OCAC vice president, at 493-4811 for information.

“Space is limited,” Dowling said. “So, call as soon as possible. Class size is limited to eight persons.

“If you have ever wanted to take oil painting lessons from an accomplished artist, this is your chance,” Dowling said. “Colleen (Guy) is a self-taught artist, and has taken workshops and classes from noted artists. You can be assured that her classes will be well worth your time and money. She has taught many successful workshops and is presently teaching at the Dothan Art League.”

For those looking for something a little out of the ordinary, Dr. James Barnes, a noted artist and teacher, will hold an adult beginner drawing with scratchboard art technique class.

Scratchboard consists of three layers: a paper or hardboard support covered with a layer of white clay or chalk, which is topped with a fine coat of India ink. The artist uses a sharp tool to scratch through the black top layer to reveal the white layer below. An accumulation of meticulously placed scratches will form an image. The boards can be left in their original striking black and white, or colored with watercolor, ink or acrylic paint.

The class is a good introduction to drawing and is open to adult students, Dowling said.

Registration is required, she said.

The classes will begin Mon., Jan. 17, and the cost is $40 for four two-hour classes.

Participants should contact Dowling or stop by the gallery for a supply list.

Those looking for a more personal or more one-on-one classes can sign up for a beginning course for mixing colors and establishing one’s palette.

“This will be a one-on-one teacher and pupil experience,” Dowling said. “The class is limited for that reason to only eight participants per workshop.”

Cost is $350 per person with lunch provided and is scheduled for Feb. 23-25 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily. Stop by the OCAC to pick up a supply list.

Rounding out the first quarter will be a class for more experienced artists.

Guy will teach a class titled, “The Art of the Oil Portrait.”

“This class should be students who have knowledge and experience in working with oil paint,” Dowling said.

Cost is $350 per person with lunch provided and is scheduled for March 28-30 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., and a supply list is available at the OCAC.

Dowling said all fees must be paid in advance.