A free weekly drawing class is being held each Thursday at Wisconsin Makers in Whitewater. Taught by Mike Alvarez of Whitewater, the class takes place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay Street. The first drawing class — presented by the Whitewater Art Club — was held February 2. However, interested area residents of all ages are welcome to attend whenever they are able. “You can start at any time; these are not formal academic classes,” Alvarez said. “These classes are to have fun and spark imagination.”

The next class on February 9 will address other drawing techniques, including paper-cut art. Alvarez is the owner of Handy Mike LLC, a handyman service. He particularly enjoys drawing, painting, woodcarving, and pottery, and eventually plans to hold classes in those subjects. as well. Being bilingual, Alvarez hopes to generate interest from the Latino community, as well. Club members need not join Wisconsin Makers to participate. However, donations toward paying utilities would be greatly appreciated.

Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to becoming innovators within their communities by unlocking their skills through continual training. It has members from Jefferson, Walworth, Rock and Waukesha counties and beyond, and all have access to the workshops around the clock. The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics, automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers pottery, ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric arts, matting/framing and more. The building is accessible and has off-street parking, WiFi, and many other amenities. For more information about the makerspace, contact Chris Spangler at (920) 728-2960. For more information about the drawing class, contact Alvarez at (920) 397-1022 or
whitewaterartclub@gmail.com.