The Exchange Street Gallery and the Artists League of the Sandhills in Aberdeen present the annual Art Instructors' Exhibit in the gallery for the month of January.

On Sunday, Jan. 11, from 2 to 5 p.m. the League will host a reception for the exhibit with many of the instructors demonstrating classes they will offer in drawing, oils, acrylics, watercolor, inks, collage, pastels, or colored pencil. This reception is free and open to all who would like to visit.

"If you ever thought you might like to paint or even if you have years of experience, there is a class for you," says a spokesman. "These demos offer an excellent chance to meet and talk to the instructor-artists and see them demonstrate their media. It is a perfect time to make sure you get on their class list."

There will be classes for everyone. For example, for the watercolor enthusiast, Andrea Schmidt's class, "Get Ready For a Brush Full of Color and Fun" is a good choice. Schmidt will start with basic watercolor blending techniques and advance to the analogous style of painting and more.

"Schmidt has many years of experience teaching art and is a welcome addition to the League," says the spokesman.

"Kids Kaleidoscope," taught by Barbara Sickenberger, is a class for ages 5 through fourth grade. This class explores the use of different mediums to create art with new subject matter in each class. References are available.

"Draw It" is a class Sandra Kinnunen teaches for beginning and intermediate artists who want a solid foundation to build or improve their drawing skills.

"Drawing is no more magical that playing the piano," says Kinnunen. "Both require skills than can be learned."

In "Color Theory," Diane Kraudelt teaches in oils and acrylics, but the class is good for all artists who want to improve color harmony in their works.

"Getting a Grip on Perspective" by Jonathan Brower focuses on understanding, use and manipulation of the systems of perspective.

"Brower brings his teaching talents to us from Syracuse University, where he was an adjunct art professor," says the spokesman.

"Collaging Out Of The Box" is a class for those who like to work with tissue paper, photo transfers and other materials to create works of art. Sandi Stratil returns to teach this popular class.

"New Ideas: Painting Landscapes In Oils" with Eileen Strickland is a class for artists of any level. Strickland will give detailed demos, individual attention and take artists step by step through a painting.

"Impressionistic Oil Painting" is offered by Sara Gray for those who love the techniques of the great Impressionists.

"Colored Pencil Plus" with Betty Hendrix is a class sharing tips on bringing one's art up to the next level. Hendrix covers ways to improve subject matter, composition and formats. Hendrix also offers "Painterly Pastel Painting" later in the year. Hendrix's art works have won a number of regional and national awards.

"Beginning To Paint With Oils" is a class by Linda Bruening that covers the equipment and supplies for oil painting and how to use them.

"You will want to check with Bruening for her supply list before you buy additional supplies," says the spokesman.

"Alcohol Based Inks" is offered by Karen Walker to those who want to try a new medium to create both planned and spontaneous paintings.

"The vibrant color and unpredictable nature of the ink is what makes this medium so exciting," says Walker.

"Watercolor Project -- Start To Finish" by Lisa Mathis takes a watercolor project from beginning to finish. Mathis welcomes all levels of artists and works on strong color and powerful content. Mathis is a past "People's Choice Award" winner at the Artists League.

"Using Limited Palettes For Acrylics And Oils" is a class for acrylics or oils taught by Harry Neely. This is a class for all levels of artists who want to explore the benefits limited palettes offer in creating works that carry and harmonize. A special part of this class is an introduction to the new "slow drying" open acrylics.

The Artists League is a volunteer, nonprofit organization of over 200 members with a mission of promoting interest in the visual arts by providing classes, workshops and a friendly environment for artists to work and exhibit.

"If you are new to the Sandhills or have an interest in art or supporting art, the Annual Instructors' Show is a great opportunity to see the exciting work the League is doing," says the spokesman.

The Exchange Street Gallery and the Artists League of the Sandhills are located in a historic railroad warehouse at 129 Exchange Street in Aberdeen.

For more information, call (910) 944-3979 or visit www.artistleague.org.