Upcoming Classes
B&W Darkroom Printing Workshop
Do you have some black & white negatives you would like to print but don’t have your own darkroom? Have you have taken one of our great darkroom classes and have more black & white negatives you want to print? Here is your chance! We are offering several 3-hour darkroom printing periods with expert help on hand to answer questions, help you with a difficult negative, or provide guidance so you can achieve the fine art print you are working towards. Please bring a sack lunch or snack. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Micro Torch Bezel Soldering
One day workshop into the art of creating a ring with a bezel and setting a stone! The instructor will bring all the supplies for the ring, which you will wear home that day, you just bring your creativity as well as a micro torch and some basic tools. One day class with an hour break for lunch, bring your own or head off campus. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Mini Fresco Painting
Join us for this inspiring course where we’ll dive into the timeless technique of painting with tempera on a plaster surface—echoing the methods of the old masters, but adapted for a modern, small-scale format. You'll be introduced to the materials and techniques needed to create rich, vibrant artwork using joint compound, Styrofoam, and tempera paint. Each class will guide you through hands-on projects, giving you the skills to craft multiple textured and colorful pieces. Along the way, we’ll spark your imagination with creative prompts and collaborative exploration, helping you develop original works of art that are both deeply personal and lasting keepsakes. There is a $5 materials fee due to the instructor on the first day of class. Ages 16-Adult
Keum-Boo!
What do you call a sterling silver ghost embellished with 24k gold foil? We will learn basic contemporary jewelry applications of the ancient Korean gilding technique, “Keum-Boo,” to create (at least) one wearable piece of jewelry to take home! This technique may sound scary, but the only scary thing about this course is how fun it will be! Supply list online. Adults
Layer on Layer: The Art of Collage
Discover collage through an exciting variety of techniques using papers that you create and alter yourself. Layer and blend with paints, spray inks, glazes, pastels, and more. You will create fabulous compositions by combining these textual materials and colorants. There is a $20 materials fee due to the instructor on the first day of class. Ages 16-Adult
Exploring Mexican Folk Art: Repujado for Dia de Muertos
In this hands-on workshop, you'll will learn the traditional Mexican technique of repujado — metal embossing on tin — to honor the rich heritage of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). We will explore the history and symbolism behind this meaningful holiday to create your own embossed metal art inspired by traditional motifs such as calaveras (skulls), marigolds, and sacred hearts. No prior experience is necessary — just a curiosity for culture and creativity. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Live Model: Figure Drawing
This workshop will allow you to practice the traditional method of figure drawing in charcoal with a live model! We will work on a series of long poses focusing on proportion, value, form, and composition rendering your artwork life-like. You will leave this class with a better understanding of how to draw the form of the human figure. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Watercolor Floral Painting
In this watercolor floral painting class, you will have the vibrant and relaxing experience where learning to capture the delicate beauty of flowers using soft, flowing brushstrokes. We will explore a variety of techniques to bring floral scenes to life with elegance and charm. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Mixed Media Exploration
Push your creativity to new heights! We will work with a range of media and found objects to build layered, visually dynamic artworks. The class encourages experimentation, play, and personal expression. It is ideal for young artists of all levels who want to expand their creative process and discover new artistic possibilities through mixed media. Supplies will be provided. Ages 6-9
Intro to Handbuilding Ceramics
Get ready to get your hands dirty in this exciting ceramics class! We will dive into the world of clay using fun handbuilding techniques with plenty of room for playful experimentation. We’ll shape, sculpt, and decorate unique creations, all while discovering the magic of clay. Whether you’re making cool sculptures or fun functional pieces, you'll have fired masterpieces ready to show off or use at home! Supplies will be provided. Ages 6-9
Wondrous Wizards
Experience the excitement of learning to handbuild your own individual wizard sculpture or jar. Learn how to construct humorous and expressive faces, hands and feet and then attach these features to textured slab body components or jar structures. Glazing for textured surfaces will be taught. Supply list online. Adults
Colorful Wooden Sculptures
Create animal sculptures inspired by the Oaxaca-painted animal figurines of Mexico. You will learn about color theory, rhythm, repetition, and how to mix colors. You will then apply these skills to a variety of projects including painting, pattern making, and sculpture. Sculptures will be made with wood in the shape of an animal or something else of your choosing. Supplies will be provided. Ages 6-9
Life Imitates Art
Join us for an opportunity to learn how to use your eyes as well as your hands to draw exactly what you see! In this course you will explore observational drawing techniques such as gesture drawing and contour drawing and will culminate in a self-portrait style still life done in oil pastel! Learn how to SEE and DRAW! Supplies will be provided. Ages 12-16
Exhibition Viewing & Creative Response: Gathering Place
Join us to explore the new permanent collection exhibition at the FAC, "Gathering Place," via gallery visits and responses in writing and mixed media. We'll visit the exhibition at the beginning of each class, each time focusing on a particular way of viewing (cultural/historical contexts, materials/media, art elements, etc.), each person selecting one or more pieces of personal interest, then return to the classroom and create responses to your chosen works. You will use your own preferred medium/materials and/or writing and/or collage/mixed media (some materials will be available). You'll leave with a greater understanding of this exhibition from the FAC's permanent collection, and with your own tangible compilation of ways of looking at and responding to art. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Wellness: Calaveritas Literarias – The Funny Thing About Death
Find humor in the inevitability of death through this workshop that resurrects the traditional Mexican form, Calaverita Literarias. This playful form humorously recontextualizes and embraces the inevitable continuity of passing on, helps us to find peace in the strangeness of death, and serves as a celebration of life. Día de Muertos is coming soon, and there’s no better way to bring a smile to all those deceased ancestors’ faces! Supply list online. Adults
Mini Makers
Young artists will explore their creativity through hands-on art projects using a variety of materials and techniques. From painting and collage to sculpture and mixed media, kids will express themselves while building confidence and having fun. Perfect for imaginative minds who love to make and create with their hands! Supplies will be provided. Ages 6-9
B&W Darkroom Printing Workshop: Holiday Edition
Do you have some black & white negatives you would like to print but don’t have your own darkroom? Have you have taken one of our great darkroom classes and have more black and white negatives you want to print? Here is your chance! We are offering several 3-hour darkroom printing periods with expert help on hand to answer questions, help you with a difficult negative, or provide guidance so you can achieve the fine art print you are working towards. Please bring a sack lunch or snack. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Wellness: Coming Full-Circle with Stackable Rings
Why wear just one ring on your finger when you can stack two, three, or even more? This workshop honors excess in the form of stackable rings, focusing on techniques that encourage thoughtful repetition. You’ll learn the basics of stamping, hammer textures, filing, basic forming, and soldering techniques to create three complete (two brass, one sterling silver) stackable rings. Supply list online. Adults
Romancing the Fall in Watercolor
Take a new subject in each class that captures the essence of autumn. The sensational sunflower, the glorious aspen, and the fascinating bounty of the season: pumpkins, gourds, and more. All are delightful and inspiring themes to paint in watercolor, emphasizing light, texture, and movement. What better time of year to create magic! Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
High Contrast Self-Portrait
This class will teach you how to create a strong voice through the use of high contrast and blended gradations. Your self-portrait will be created from a reference photo using the grid process for accuracy in contour line as well as in scale. After an accurate drawing is formed, the emphasis will be shifted to strong, high-contrast shading. Supplies will be provided. Ages 12-16
Collage: Line, Color, Texture
First day you will prepare your own collage papers with altered magazines pics, Gelli® plate prints, layering color and texture. work with Inks, Glazes, paints, pastels and graphite. Day 2, create collages on various surfaces completing final layer with visual texture and gestural mark making. There is a $22 material fee for all fabulous supplies due to instructor. Ages 16-Adult
Painting with Color
Explore basics as we learn fundamental surface design techniques using fiber reactive dyes. You will be introduced to basic color theory and color mixing by creating a color wheel with thickened dye. This class is tailored for those who are technically minded and wish to understand the essential processes of working with fiber reactive dyes before exploring their creative applications. Be sure to bring water and/or snacks to keep your energy up. There is a $20 materials fee due to the instructor on the first day of class. Ages 16-Adult
Intro to Papier Mâché
Get creative and a little messy in this fun papier mâché sculpture class for adults. Using wire, paper, and paste, you’ll bring whimsical animals, fantastical creatures, or your own imaginative designs to life. No experience needed—just a sense of play and a willingness to explore! Supply list online. Adults
Date Night: “Fall” in Love
Celebrate the beauty of autumn with a cozy, creative evening of acrylic painting! In this step-by-step guided session, you'll create a fall-themed masterpiece while learning essential techniques such as color mixing, value, blending, form, and various acrylic styles. Whether you bring a friend or come on your own, this relaxed and festive class is the perfect way to embrace the season, connect with others, and fall in love with painting—all while capturing the warm, vibrant spirit of fall on canvas. Supply list online. Adults
Paint Your Own Holiday Cards
Join us as we paint our own cards to share with friends and loved ones. We will learn and practice some watercolor techniques while creating one or more cards that can also be reproduced and shared on a larger scale. Supplies will be provided. Ages 6-9
Odd Peyote Rings
Join us for an introduction to the off-loom bead weaving technique Odd Count Peyote Stitch, by constructing one, or possibly two beaded rings. You will learn about basic beading techniques, and beading materials. We will explore creative ideas on graph paper that will inspire you to create your own beaded art for future fun! There is a materials fee of $15 due to the instructor on the first day of class. Students should bring sharp scissors and a small container to carry supplies to and from class. Ages 16-Adult
Enameling Explorations
Dive deeper into the exploration of themes and/or techniques in your enameling work. You may choose to develop an idea or theme in greater depth (for example, sense of place), refine your technical enameling skills (such as color use, etched metal), or other topics; the instructor will provide individual guidance. In pursuing your own independent visions, the class will share insights, discoveries, skills, and inspiration. There is a material fee of $40 due to the instructor on the first day of class. Ages 16-Adult
Wheel Thrown Alternative Firing
Have an itch to try something new? Join us as we learn how to fire pottery with raku glazes and/or horsehair depending on what projects students would like to spend time on. If we wish to do horsehair pottery, we will learn how to apply a refined slip typically colored with pigments called terra sigillata. There are many applications that are possible with this slip, and this is a great introduction to applying this specific technology to our work. A multitude of forms can be explored during the duration of this class. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Wellness: Writing Hope at the End of the World
The world can feel dire sometimes, with poetry often being the perfect vessel to commiserate! But this course aims to move poetry away from the morose and into a space of optimism and endurance. We will explore numerous examples of poetry that, while still acknowledging an often-foreboding reality, chooses to find hope in the darkness. Through various prompts and exercises you’ll work to create your own poem, which you will be able to share (if you choose) in a workshop setting in the second week of the course. Supply list online. Adults
Pen and Ink Techniques
Using “pen and ink” is a wonderful old descriptive way of creating an image. This meditative process slowly produces a very guided image through cross hatching, stippling, brushing, and other techniques. These techniques and others will be explored in this class. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Sewing 101
Do you have a sewing machine you yearn to know how to use? Come join us as we go over the basics needed for a variety of types of garment sewing and are catered to you and your interests! We will talk about patterns, fabric types, thread types, and go over many of the basics of your machine. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Wheel Thrown High Fire Pottery
Join us for a unique ceramics experience focused on gas kiln firing at cone 10—a rare technique that creates rich, unexpected glaze effects you won’t get from electric kilns. At cone 10, the gas kiln heats up to 2,350 °F. Think copper turns green? In reduction, it fires to brilliant red! Work independently on functional forms like mugs, bowls, vases, and composite pieces while pushing your skills to the next level. Demos will support your learning, and throwing basics will be revisited as needed. Bring your project ideas. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Contemplative Calligraphy
Experience calligraphy as a wellness and meditative practice. Writing primarily in any calligraphic style you already know, our focus will be on the process itself, although finished pieces may emerge. Through gesture, sense of touch, breath, and rhythmic vitality, we will allow the act of writing to open us to quiet awareness. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Partner Wheel Throwing
Join a friend or loved one for a unique night of creative excitement in this exciting workshop. You and your partner will learn the basics of wheel-throwing on a pottery wheel through this hands-on, guided experience that covers the steps of preparing, centering, and throwing your very own clay vessel to cherish for years to come. Your handmade creations will be clear-glazed and fired for you to pick up about two weeks after your workshop. Supplies will be provided. Adults
Hybrid AI Creatures
Play with AI and learn to turn a drawing into a stuffed animal! Brainstorm with AI to develop your hybrid critter ideas. Then, learn to design custom patterns and hand sew your very own creative creature. Supplies will be provided. Ages 9-12
Eerie Elsie
One of the most beautiful and haunting paintings in the Fine Arts Center is that of Miss Elsie Palmer painted by the amazing John Singer Sargent. Join us to learn some history behind this painting, John Singer Sargent, some of the basics for capturing a portrait in Sargent style, and the tricks of his oil painting technique. There is a material fee of $35 due to the instructor on the first day of class. Ages 16-Adult
Hybrid AI Creatures
Play with AI and learn to turn a drawing into a stuffed animal! Brainstorm with AI to develop your hybrid critter ideas. After you’ve developed your idea, you will learn to design custom patterns and hand sew your very own creative creature. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Intermediate Wheel Throwing
If you already know the basics of wheel throwing, come expand your skills and learn how to hone them to create a variety of new forms. The focus of this class will be centered around refining our throwing skills, exploring new vessel shapes, and using new techniques such as faceting. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Wellness: Bangles to Put Your Mind at Wrist
Try something new and join us as we learn how to make your very own one-of-a-kind bangle embellished with techniques that focus on meditative repetition! You will learn various stamping, texturing, filing, forming, and soldering techniques to apply in your creation of a unique sterling silver (or metal of your choice) bangle. Rest assured that you will love showing off what you make! Supply list online. Adults
Artist Trading Cards
Join us as we cover a brief history of ATCs, rules and regulations for creating and trading these tiny art works, available trading options, and most excitingly, we will make our own sets for trading. Supplies will be provided. Ages 9-12
Festive Foil: Repujado Holiday Creations
Repujado, the art of metal embossing, is a technique used to create beautiful, dimensional designs on thin aluminum sheets. In this festive course, you'll learn the basics of repujado—tracing, embossing, and finishing—while crafting your own shimmering holiday ornaments. Perfect for beginners and art lovers alike, this workshop combines cultural heritage with holiday cheer. By the end, you’ll leave with a set of handmade ornaments ready to decorate your home or give as heartfelt gifts. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
The Art of Wabi-Sabi in Watercolor
This Japanese aesthetic philosophy is centered on finding beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. If you have a love for the ordinary, the aged, the humble or are inspired by nature, you will be drawn to Wabi-Sabi. This workshop will give you the freedom to approach mistakes and experiment with the glorious marks of time. Look for happy accidents, slow down, breathe deep, and let the paint do the work. We will take a short break so please bring lunch and a drink. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Batik-Like Tapestries
Join us for this class where you will get an introduction to using watercolor paints and oil pastels as a resist medium to make a batik like work of art on muslin cloth. Students will also learn how to use a simple running stitch to sew their work of art onto a felt piece for hanging. Students will learn some history about Batik making and will be encouraged to explore the materials and techniques to give them the freedom to create their own art that will be enjoyed for a lifetime! Supplies will be provided. Ages 12-16
Book Making
Join us as we learn how to create your own one-of-a-kind bound sketchbook or journal! You'll be guided through each step—from selecting and sizing paper to exploring binding techniques and assembling the spine and cover. By the end, you’ll have a beautifully handcrafted book that’s entirely your own. Supply list online. Adults
Wellness: Lighten the Load with Hollow-Formed Rings
Bring your skills to the text level and join us as we learn how to make a hollow-formed ring with all the visual weight of a cast signet ring, but with only a small fraction of the physical weight (and cost!) We will cover advanced, thoughtful small-scale forming and fabrication techniques to build up volume from sheet metal with the end result of a totally hollow-formed ring from copper with an inner band of sterling silver (or metals of your choosing). The rings will be hollow, but your experience in this course will leave you brimming! Supply list online. Adults
Wellness: Living in a World of Wonders
This class explores the potential for the personal narrative essay to delineate underlying meaning that one derives from the wonder found in other life forms. In the vein of Aimee Nezhukumatathil we will select and conduct personal research into a living being (other than the self) that brings us a sense of wonder, then through various prompts and essays we will craft personal narrative essays around those selections. The final week of this course will conclude with a workshop setting in which, if you choose, you may share your writing. Supply list online. Adults
Live Model: Portrait Painting
Join us for the opportunity to practice the traditional method of portrait painting in oils with a live model! Using a minimal color pallet, we will focus the first day on the oil paint medium and how to achieve flesh like skin tone while studying the correct proportions of the model. The second day we will focus on the shadow shapes and achieving correct value, rendering your artwork life-like. You will leave this class with a better understanding of how to paint the human face! Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Shoot on Film: Tell Your Story Through the Lens
Grab a 35mm camera, shoot your film, and develop it by hand. No experience needed, just your creative eye, your voice, and your story. Supplies will be provided. Ages 12-16
Holiday Greetings in Watercolor
The most exciting paintings in watercolor are often simple and familiar. Choose a seasonal subject and add a touch of sparkle. Explore the mono print method or a simple watercolor image to create a lasting treasure. Bring it all together for a personal and original greeting with a touch of bling...Voila! Happy Holidays! We will take a short break so please bring your lunch and a drink. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Wellness: Poetry of Self-Love
Love is a staple in the world of poetry, though generally reserved for the lover, the relative, or even a special object or place, but this course aims to shift the focus of love towards the self. We will enter the conversation of love poetry through various examples and exercises, then we will spend time exploring how to direct that loving language towards ourselves. Ultimately, you will generate a love poem for and about yourself that honors you as you should be; as a beloved. Supply list online. Adults
Still Life Oil Painting
If you are looking to brush up on your oil painting skills or new to the oil painting medium, this class will guide you through a traditional approach to painting a still life in oils. We will cover how to choose an interesting composition, color mixing with a minimal pallet, understanding shadow shapes, rendering form life-like and much more. We will work on one painting for the entirety of the course, leaving you with the confidence to continue painting in oils and a gorgeous painting for your portfolio! Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Craft Lab: Needle Felting Your New Year’s Motto
Join us for this new Craft Lab Series! Craft a small felted banner or pocket talisman that carries your 2026 intention. Learn needle-felting basics—tool safety, shaping, color blending—and simple lettering techniques to translate a word or short phrase into wool. Choose from soft, natural palettes or go bold; finish with a dowel or pin-back for display or everyday carry. Beginner-friendly; all materials provided. Participants leave with a finished piece. There is a $10 materials fee due to the instructor on the first day of class. Adults
Wreaths Yule Love
Celebrate the winter with nature. Join us in making wreaths from nature, creating a log to celebrate the New Year, and creating a beautiful natural garland to bring the outside inside, in this cold time. There may even be some hot cider to enjoy as we create. There is a material fee of $25 due to the instructor on the first day of class. Ages 16-Adult
Introduction to Enameling: Pins, Pendants, Ornaments
Join in discovering how to fuse powdered glass to metal to create simple enameled copper jewelry or ornaments. You'll learn basic techniques of cleaning the metal, applying the enamels, firing, repeating the process, and building up your designs. You will leave with several colorful pins, pendants, ornaments. Please bring a sack-lunch. There is a material fee of $25 due to the instructor on the first day of class. Ages 16-Adult
Partner Paper Portraits
Working together, you’ll begin by sketching your partner’s face onto a canvas. Then, choose construction paper in colors that complement your partner’s features, tearing it into small pieces to collage over your sketch. Once your mosaic is complete, you can add finishing touches with a marker and seal it all with liquid glue. The result is a vibrant, one-of-a-kind portrait of your partner! Supply list online. Adults
Craft Lab: Tiny Felt Sewing Project
NEW CRAFT LAB SERIES! Join us for an introduction to simple sewing and embroidery using a simple small pattern, felt, a needle, and embroidery thread. There will be several projects to choose from where you will learn a few sewing stitches such as the blanket stitch, and the running stitch. We will explore creative ideas that will hopefully inspire you and give you the freedom to create your own little works of art that will last a lifetime. There is a material fee of $5 due to the instructor on the first day of class. Adults
Craft Lab: Ukrainian Egg Decorating (Pysanky)
NEW CRAFT LAB SERIES! Explore the luminous folk tradition of pysanky—Ukrainian wax-resist egg decorating. Using a kistka (stylus), beeswax, and layered dyes, you’ll draw symbols, build color from light to dark, and reveal intricate patterns in the final wax melt. Learn the meaning of motifs, how to plan color sequences, and how to seal and preserve your work. All tools and dyes provided; safety briefing included (open flame used for heating the stylus). Participants will leave with 1–2 finished eggs. There is a material fee of $10 due to the instructor on the first day of class. Adults
Craft Lab: Rosette Beading with Lane Stitch
NEW CRAFT LAB SERIES! Learn the traditional lane stitch technique to create a beaded rosette, a form that can be turned into a pin, barrette, or embellishment for clothing and accessories. Seed beads—tiny glass beads that have traveled widely across the world—are prized for their color, versatility, and ability to bring intricate designs to life. In this class you'll learn how to work with them step by step, and by the end you'll have your own finished rosette and the skills to continue exploring beadwork on your own. There is a material fee of $10 due to the instructor on the first day of class. Adults
Craft Lab: Dragonfly Sun Catcher
NEW CRAFT LAB SERIES! Join us to learn how to use wire and glass beads to make a sparkly dragonfly sun catcher. You will have 2 projects to choose from and be provided with the knowledge of how to use the tools and materials to make these fun projects. We will explore creative ideas that will inspire you to keep creating into the future. There is a material fee of $5 due to the instructor on the first day of class. Adults
Sketch 365
Do you want to improve your drawing skills? Well, practice leads to refinement! In the time spent in this course, we will cover several techniques to utilize in your sketches. You'll be encouraged to carry your pen and sketchbook with you everywhere you go to develop a DAILY drawing habit. Supply list online. Adults
Teen Beginning Wheel Throwing
Fall in love with the ancient art of throwing on the potter’s wheel. Students will learn basic wheel throwing skills to form cylinders and bowls. We will explore various glazing techniques to enhance our projects. Additionally, projects and demonstrations can be tailored to a variety of interests and abilities beyond the basics. Supplies will be provided. Ages 12-16
In Person: Military Artistic Healing
Military Artistic Healing is designed to support adult service members and family members through art creation activities and museum engagement. We aspire to provide a safe setting for each person to participate in whatever way they feel most comfortable. Various art techniques and interventions will be introduced to encourage practice outside of Bemis studio time. Wellness focus will be explored to supplement trauma healing. This class includes alternating weekly visits to the Fine Arts Center Museum. Supplies will be provided. Adults
Beginning Wheel Throwing
Have you always wanted to learn the ancient art of throwing on the potter’s wheel? With gentle guidance and in a patient environment, learn basic wheel throwing skills. Create mugs, bowls, and vases while exploring various glazing techniques to enhance your first time projects. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Glazing Demystified
As you may already know, glazes are unpredictable. Whether mixing your own, applying someone else’s, or just trying to figure out what happened, the more glaze knowledge the better. Participants of this class are guided through a variety of deliberate glaze application techniques as the chemistry and alchemy of four different glaze types: raku, oxidation, crystalline, and gas reduction. Supplies will be provided. Adults
Exploring Watercolor
Discover the unrivaled and endless possibilities of watercolor. Build a repertoire of skills from choosing materials to creating brilliant colors, radiant blends, shadow, and light. No need for natural talent, just the desire to learn the limitless opportunities combining traditional and experimental methods and having lots of fun along the way! Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Virtual: Military Artistic Healing
Discover the techniques to inspire creative skills and gain greater self–awareness. Explore possibilities, develop your creativity, and gain personal insight through working with a variety of mediums. Learn therapeutic techniques to heal from past trauma issues. Supply list online. Adults
Beginning Wheel Throwing
Explore the fundamentals of making pottery in this perfect introduction to the medium. Centering, throwing, trimming, and glazing will be the core focus, with an emphasis on learning how to create fundamental forms: bowls and cylinders. You will also explore additional techniques such as making mug handles. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Clay Open Studio Sessions
Need some extra time to work on your clay projects? This non-instructional session is available to any current or past Bemis clay students. Some clay experience required. Clay not included. Supply list online. Adults
Beginning Wheel Throwing for Kids
Starting early feels great. Learn the skills necessary to create bowls, plates, and vases on the potter’s wheel. From wedging the clay to glazing the finished form, this class provides an amazing foundation for all art and design mediums. No experience needed. Supplies will be provided. Ages 9-12
Art Explorers
Dive deeper into the world of art through fun, challenging, and creative projects. Using a wide range of materials and techniques—from drawing and painting to sculpture and printmaking—students will explore artistic styles, experiment with their own ideas, and develop their unique voice. This class encourages creative thinking, skill-building, and self-expression in a supportive and inspiring environment. Supplies will be provided. Ages 9-12
Clay Handbuilding
Learn the basic steps required to make fired clay sculptures which vary in size from pins to breadboxes. Knowing how to successfully make things out of clay means learning how clay acts as it fires. When you combine those new skills with a number of surface design processes, you'll be able to make and fire whatever you want. Supply list online. Adults
Realistic Animal Drawing
Over the course of this class, you will learn how to accurately capture the form, texture, and personality of animals through detailed drawing techniques. We will practice shading, proportion, and contour to bring their subjects to life on paper. This class is ideal for young artists who are passionate about wildlife, nature, or illustration and want to enhance their ability to draw animals with precision and realism. Supplies will be provided. Ages 12-16
Abstract Watercolor
Over the course of this class, you will be encouraged in your creative freedom and intuitive mark-making! We will learn how to use water, pigment, and various tools to create texture, layering, and dynamic compositions. It's a journey of self-expression, where each piece becomes a unique reflection of mood and imagination. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Let the Clay Speak
Do you want to learn how to work more efficiently with clay and develop advanced techniques? Then, this is the class for you! This class is open to intermediate and advanced level students. You will learn new techniques to create more advanced forms in wheel throwing and can pursue handbuilding, sculptural work, and/or a combination of any of these methods. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Black & White Darkroom
Join us in the darkroom to explore silver-process black and white film photography. You will learn how to develop film and create handcrafted gelatin-silver prints from your negatives. You will explore many creative options, from camerawork to finished print, while developing an enhanced understanding of exposure, depth of field, lighting, and composition. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Beginning Drawing
Discover the joy of drawing in this beginner level graphite class. We’ll sharpen our visual observation skills while learning about contour drawing, weighted lines, motion, and more. Our subjects will include Rocky Mountain landscapes and wildlife, as well as feathers, stones, and bones. Supply list online. Adults
Wild West Acrylic Painting
WANTED.... Painters of the Colorado region, to paint animals of the WILD WEST! Students will create artwork influenced by animals of the west. We will have fun while exploring the acrylic medium, learning about proportions of animals, color mixing, texture, value, and much more! Students will leave each class with a new painting and some awesome new painting skills. Supplies will be provided. Ages 6-9
Make It Happen
How would you like to improve your pottery skills? Handbuilding, sculptural work or throwing bigger or different forms on the wheel will be addressed in this lesson and tailored to your individual needs and desires. This is the class for you. We will have fun working together to accomplish your goals. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
The Belle Epoque
An art journal, bound in class together, will be used to create pages inspired by art from the iconic turn of the century era. A bit of art history exploring Alphonse Mucha, William Morris, and Gustav Klimt combined with mixed media techniques inspired by these artists will be the focus. The Belle Epoque pages will include layered painting techniques based on textile motifs from the era, cyanotype nature prints, and collage. This class encourages the discovery of personal style, intuitive painting, and playful expression. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult