Studio School Adult Classes

Gain basic drawing skills as you explore a variety of mediums to see which you like best, including graphite, ink, grayscale colored pencil, and charcoal. Learn how to shade, blend, and create texture as we practice both drawing from life and using grids to draw from a photo. We will try realism and stylized illustration.

Instructor Allise Noble / Beginners & Intermediate

Gain basic drawing skills and learn techniques to add a splash of color using a variety of mediums including colored pencil, alcohol markers, and watercolor ink. Learn how you can combine various mediums together to achieve your desired end result and discover which tools you enjoy best. We will practice drawing from life and using image references. Projects will include realism, stylized illustrations, and surrealism.

Instructor Allise Noble / Beginners & Intermediate

Add texture, pattern, and dimension to your illustrations by learning how to combine traditional drawing with mixed media touches. If there is a material you've always wanted to try, now is your chance! We will use a variety of drawing tools in addition to adding fabric, metal, collage, and paint to our designs. All levels are welcome. For beginners we will go over basic drawing techniques step-by-step for each project. More advanced students will have the opportunity to take their projects further.

Instructor Allise Noble / All Skill Levels

This class will cover basic camera operation. Some of the topics we will explore are: correct exposure, aperture, shutter speed, depth of field, focus, and lighting. Composition will be an ongoing part of this class. Bring your camera (DSLR, mirrorless, smartphone, etc.), its manual, and a tripod to the first class.

Instructor Stephen Grewe / Beginners & Intermediate

In this intermediate level photography course, we will start by reviewing the basics and then explore more complex photography concepts and skills. Weeknight classes will consist of instruction, discussion, and hands-on experience. This course will also address the basics of using photo editing software. One Saturday will be a field experience decided upon by the class participants. The other will be held at the Center and will focus on studio lighting and photography. Please pack a lunch for Saturday classes.

Instructor Jon Harrison / Beginners & Intermediate

Students will meet at 9 AM at one of our local parks or gardens and spend 2 hours walking, taking photos, and discussing concepts such as composition, depth-of-field, etc. Afterward, the group will spend about 1 hour back at the Center to review pictures that were taken and the skills that were used.

Instructor Jon Harrison / All Skill Levels

In this intermediate level photography course, we will start by reviewing the basics and then explore more complex photography concepts and skills. Weeknight classes will consist of instruction, discussion, and hands-on experience. This course will also address the basics of using photo editing software. One Saturday will be a field experience decided upon by the class participants. The other will be held at the Center and will focus on studio lighting and photography. Please pack a lunch for Saturday classes.

Instructor Jon Harrison / Beginners & Intermediate

This 12-week, hand-fabricated jewelry class offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the versatility and endless possibilities of manipulating precious metals and gemstones into objects of adornment. Students will learn fundamental jewelry manufacturing techniques while working in gold and silver. Students will dig deep in essential geological information about gemstones and how they should be cared for during the manufacturing process. Students will purchase all raw materials in class with the guide of the instructor.

Instructor Roger Schmidt / All Skill Levels

Take your designs on paper through the process of lost wax casting to create finished jewelry. Beginning students will execute a guided project; intermediate and advanced students will work on their own designs. Wax working, casting, and finishing techniques will be demonstrated. At the start of the class, a group order will be placed for metal and supplies.

Instructor Sharon Berkan-Dent / All Skill Levels

Come make a suncatcher with glass powders! Students will make several pieces using powdered glass before it is fired and fused together. Necessary tools, glass supplies, and kiln firings provided. Takes place at instructor’s home studio, so please dress for the weather (no heat, no AC). N95 mask required as we will be working with glass powders. $30 materials fee due to the instructor on day of class.

Instructor Emmy Heger / Beginners

Come make some ornaments for someone special! Students will make holiday ornaments by cutting glass and using glass frit before it is fired and fused together. Necessary tools, glass supplies and kiln firings provided. Takes place at instructor’s home studio, so please dress for the weather (no heat, no AC). $30 materials fee due to the instructor on day of class.

Instructor Emmy Heger / Beginners

Take your designs on paper through the process of lost wax casting to create finished jewelry. Beginning students will execute a guided project; intermediate and advanced students will work on their own designs. Wax working, casting, and finishing techniques will be demonstrated. At the start of the class, a group order will be placed for metal and supplies.

Instructor Sharon Berkan-Dent / All Skill Levels

Learn the basics of oil painting or hone your current skills as you learn to manipulate brushes, mix color, and apply paint using traditional and contemporary processes. Students will study old masters’ techniques such as grisaille and painting alla prima, and develop an individual painting style while painting from still life, landscape, and portrait subject matter.

Explore the creative possibilities of transparent and opaque watercolor while learning about color mixing, brush handling, value, composition, and the characteristics unique to watercolor. Class sessions include instructor demonstrations, student practice time, and group discussions.

Enjoy painting the fall landscape while you explore concepts and techniques that enable artists to capture the landscape en plein air. Value, composition, and the benefits of using a limited color palette will be covered. One of our local gardens or parks will provide the inspiration for this workshop.

This workshop will explore encaustics by teaching a core understanding of fundamental techniques and different styles of application and design. Each participant will have the opportunity to create 2-3 completed pieces of encaustic art through guided demonstrations and exploration. No previous encaustic experience is required and all necessary supplies will be provided.

In this class we will begin to learn more advanced techniques and styles of application and design which include photographs. Each participant will have the opportunity to create several encaustic pieces of varying size. No previous encaustic experience is required. 2 lbs of Encaustic Wax is included in the cost of the class. If additional wax is needed, it will be purchased from the Center at the Ticket Office for $20/lb.

Join Pam Hart and explore the three major handbuilding methods: pinch pot, coil, and slab using a project-based approach. Handbuilding teaches the properties of clay and skills all potters need.  Every session introduces NEW projects that will allow students to explore making both functional and artistic work. Experienced potters can build on their own work with instructor support. All students are expected to purchase clay through the Center at the Ticket Office for $40.

The Studio School offers four levels of ceramics classes. Students new to clay are expected to start with handbuilding and master each level before advancing to the next. Students are welcome to stay in a certain level class as long as they like. If you are new to the Studio School and have taken ceramics elsewhere, please contact the Center Education Department to help determine which level is best for you.

Instructor Pam Hart / Beginners & Intermediate

You’ve taken handbuilding and now you want to learn to throw on the potter’s wheel. Intro to Wheel Throwing is for you! Mike will leverage your handbuilding skills and show you the 10 basic steps to throw on the potter’s wheel. You’ll be applying your new skills in sequence to make cylinders, bowls, and plates while practicing with fellow students and having a lot of fun along this 12-week journey! All students are expected to purchase clay through the Center at the Ticket Office for $40.

The Studio School offers four levels of ceramics classes. Students new to clay are expected to start with handbuilding and master each level before advancing to the next. Students are welcome to stay in a certain level class as long as they like. If you are new to the Studio School and have taken ceramics elsewhere, please contact the Center Education Department to help determine which level is best for you.

Instructor Mike Zureich / Intermediate

If you have taken the beginner handbuilding and wheel classes and want to continue, Intermediate Ceramics is the next step for you! Becca will take you through a 6-week project-based session with weekly demos and guidance that will help you learn new techniques, spark creativity, and sharpen your skills through repetition. Topics such as quality, quantity, craftsmanship, design, and play will bring each student closer to discovering their own aesthetic and finding meaning in their work. This class serves as the foundation for future advanced classes. All students are expected to purchase clay through the Center at the Ticket Office for $40.

The Studio School offers four levels of ceramics classes. Students new to clay are expected to start with handbuilding and master each level before advancing to the next. Students are welcome to stay in a certain level class as long as they like. If you are new to the Studio School and have taken ceramics elsewhere, please contact the Center Education Department to help determine which level is best for you.

Instructor Becca Watz / Intermediate & Advanced

Now that you have learned all the basic forms and techniques, let’s have fun with them! In Advanced Ceramics, Beth will cover skills like combining methods of wheel and handbuilding to create a cohesive body of work. We will explore more advanced forms and surface techniques and take a closer look at glazes to understand their chemistry, all while we consider the question, “What do I want to say with my art?” Come join us for loads of fun as we dive deeper into the vast ceramic possibilities!  All students are expected to purchase clay through the Center at the Ticket Office for $40.

The Studio School offers four levels of ceramics classes. Students new to clay are expected to start with handbuilding and master each level before advancing to the next. Students are welcome to stay in a certain level class as long as they like. If you are new to the Studio School and have taken ceramics elsewhere, please contact the Center Education Department to help determine which level is best for you.

Instructor Beth Thomas / Advanced

Are you interested in working in clay but not ready to commit to a full session of classes? Join instructor Pam Hart for a “Taste of Ceramics,” a three-week workshop at which you will make a charcuterie board, glaze it, and then a local chef will teach you how to arrange an expert charcuterie board. Afterwards we will celebrate with a glass of wine as you enjoy the charcuterie our chef put together and admire everyone’s finished boards.

Instructor Pam Hart / Beginners

Join Pam Hart and explore the three major handbuilding methods: pinch pot, coil, and slab using a project-based approach. Handbuilding teaches the properties of clay and skills all potters need.  Every session introduces NEW projects that will allow students to explore making both functional and artistic work. Experienced potters can build on their own work with instructor support. All students are expected to purchase clay through the Center at the Ticket Office for $40.

The Studio School offers four levels of ceramics classes. Students new to clay are expected to start with handbuilding and master each level before advancing to the next. Students are welcome to stay in a certain level class as long as they like. If you are new to the Studio School and have taken ceramics elsewhere, please contact the Center Education Department to help determine which level is best for you.

Instructor Pam Hart / Beginners & Intermediate

If you have taken the beginner handbuilding and wheel classes and want to continue, Intermediate Ceramics is the next step for you! Becca will take you through a 6-week project-based session with weekly demos and guidance that will help you learn new techniques, spark creativity, and sharpen your skills through repetition. Topics such as quality, quantity, craftsmanship, design, and play will bring each student closer to discovering their own aesthetic and finding meaning in their work. This class serves as the foundation for future advanced classes. All students are expected to purchase clay through the Center at the Ticket Office for $40.

The Studio School offers four levels of ceramics classes. Students new to clay are expected to start with handbuilding and master each level before advancing to the next. Students are welcome to stay in a certain level class as long as they like. If you are new to the Studio School and have taken ceramics elsewhere, please contact the Center Education Department to help determine which level is best for you.

Instructor Becca Watz / Intermediate & Advanced

Now that you have learned all the basic forms and techniques, let’s have fun with them! In Advanced Ceramics, Beth will cover skills like combining methods of wheel and handbuilding to create a cohesive body of work. We will explore more advanced forms and surface techniques and take a closer look at glazes to understand their chemistry, all while we consider the question, “What do I want to say with my art?” Come join us for loads of fun as we dive deeper into the vast ceramic possibilities!  All students are expected to purchase clay through the Center at the Ticket Office for $40.

The Studio School offers four levels of ceramics classes. Students new to clay are expected to start with handbuilding and master each level before advancing to the next. Students are welcome to stay in a certain level class as long as they like. If you are new to the Studio School and have taken ceramics elsewhere, please contact the Center Education Department to help determine which level is best for you.

Instructor Beth Thomas / Advanced