Adding another aspect to their mission to “Amplify the Arts” for local residents, the Berkeley Arts Council announces a schedule of instruction in various art subjects. Evening classes for adults begin in January with five six week courses:  Pottery/Handbuilding, Introduction to Oil Painting, Jewelry Design, and Introduction to Watercolor Painting. There will also be a daytime Art Exploration class for homeschoolers.

Registration is open now one the web at  www.berkeleyartswv.org/instruction, or in person at the Holiday Art and Craft Market at 115 South Queen Street in Martinsburg. Payment of $75 per person may be by cash, check or credit card. Registration for each series of six two-hour classes is first come, first served. Courses are designed for adults and young people ages 14 and up. Gift Certificates are available.

With the cooperation of MBC Parks and Recreation, the Pottery class takes place at the War Memorial Pool Building on Monday evenings. Other classes will take place in the Berkeley 2000 building at Lambert Recreation Center.

The deadline is approaching for application for the next round of “Amplify the Arts” grants from the Berkeley Arts Council.

The Council is currently accepting applications for the current fiscal year (2012-2013) with a submission deadline of December 17, 2012. We expect the first awards will be announced by the middle of January, 2013. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2013.

Residents, or organizations working primarily in Berkeley County, can be considered for support for projects to expand availability and accessibility of the arts; to involve young people in the arts; to provide arts experiences to new or underserved audiences; to use the arts in an innovative way to enhance community life. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2013. Information and applications are available on the web at www.berkeleyartswv.org/amplify. Email berkeleyartswv@gmail.com.

Members of the new Berkeley Community Chorus will bring some Holiday musical cheer to the Holiday Art and Craft Market on Saturday at 1pm. The market is located at 115 South Queen Street in Martinsburg. Come by and enjoy the music and shop for some wonderful locally produced creative gifts.

The Holiday Market is open Friday and Saturday, 12-7, Sunday 12-3 and Wednesday and Thursday 12-6 (Closed Monday-Tuesday) through December 23.

Local residents and visitors to Martinsburg will have a convenient shopping venue again this year as area artists and artisans offer their creations at the Holiday Art and Craft Market. This year’s opportunity opens Friday November 23 at 115 South Queen Street, conveniently across from city parking and in the midst of the downtown holiday activities. The Market will be open through December 23.

The sparkle of jewelry and glass will reflect holiday-themed decorations. Original designs will feature eye-catching color and texture, intriguing images in pastels and paints, and a variety of pottery, baskets and other fine crafts. Photography, wearables, gift ideas for youngsters, and greeting cards round out the offerings from our local talents.

In addition to pleasing family and friends, or treating yourself to a long-lasting treasure, purchases at the market also support local arts organizations including the Berkeley Arts Council, ArtBerkeley, and the Heritage Craft Center of the Eastern Panhandle, all 501(c)(3) organizations working to enrich the community through the arts. The Market hours will be Wed. and Thurs from 12 – 6 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. from 12 – 7 and Sun. from 12 -3. For more information visit http://www.berkeleyartswv.org.

Support the local arts community this holiday season!