Upcoming Classes
Member Moments: Garden of the Gods Acrylic Landscapes
Capture the magic of Garden of the Gods with vibrant acrylics. Whether you bring your own photo or use one of ours, you’ll leave with your own masterpiece and a new set of painting skills. As a member, you can enjoy this normally $60 class for only $10, an exclusive perk you won’t want to miss. No experience necessary, we’ll guide you through each step of the way. Supplies will be provided. 16-Adult
Thursday @ 5-7 p.m.
April 9 ($10)
Instructor: Zandra Zieman-Foster
Bemis Community Printshop: Block Printed Cards
NEW SERIES! In this fun workshop you’ll learn the magic of reductive block printing, a technique where you progressively carve a single linoleum block to create a two-color design. Block printing is fun for everyone, regardless of drawing skill or art experience! You’ll leave with ten beautiful hand-printed cards and envelopes! This is a supportive and fun, beginner-friendly workshop. Optional: Please bring a simple, high-contrast 4” x 6” (or smaller) image to print for your cards. Supplies will be provided. Ages 16-Adult
Bemis Community Printshop Open Sessions
Unlock your creativity during our Printmaking Open Studios. Held in the Bemis School of Art printmaking studio, these sessions are non-instructional, self-directed studio time exclusively for individuals with prior printmaking experience at Bemis. Whether you're working on an ongoing project, wanting to experiment with an idea, or starting something new, you'll have drop-in access to our printmaking facilities in a supportive and creative environment. Colorado College student proctors will be on-site to oversee the studio and ensure safe use of equipment, but no instruction will be provided. Participants must be familiar with studio practices and safety protocols. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Drawing Foundations
Discover the joys of drawing in this beginner level graphite class. We will sharpen our visual observation skills while learning about contour drawing, weighted lines, motion, perspective, and more. Our subjects will include botanicals, mammals, urbanscapes, and the human face. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Partner Wheel Throwing
Join a friend or loved one for a unique night of creative excitement. 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
Partners in Art: Toddlers Paint! Tempera and Texture
Join your toddler for an hour of experimental finger painting on slippery paper! We’ll use sticks, sponges, brushes and more to discover a range of delightful textures and marks. You’ll leave with one or more frame-able pieces of bright and joyful art created by your child. Supplies will be provided. Ages 2-4 with participating adult
Prompts with Purpose: Poetry & Collage
Join us for a one-night creative workshop where art and words come together! Teens will explore self-expression through hands-on collage-making and poetry writing, then combine the two into powerful mixed-media pieces. No experience needed—just bring your imagination and a willingness to create. Supplies will be provided. Ages 13-16
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
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, sizing, and soldering techniques to create (at least) two finished, wearable rings. There is a materials fee of $40-$80 due to the instructor on the first day of class. Adults
Simplified Animals in Watercolor
Much like watercolor itself, animals are a bit illusive and unpredictable. Learn to convey the personality and character without an exact replica. Infuse creative license with a bit of surprising color and whimsy. We will take a short lunch break so bring a drink and snack. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Wellness: Sewn Worry Dolls
Come join us for a course where you will learn the basics of hand sewing and how to create your very own Worry Monster! This course will guide you in deciding how to design a plushie that can soothe your worries away. Supplies will be provided. Ages 9-12
Discover Gesture Drawing
Do you love drawing human figures, but have difficulty drawing them in complex poses or showing movement? Join us as we practice sketching proportionate people in more natural, action poses. These classes warm you up with quick gesture drawings, then ease you into longer times. Come ready to pose yourself and have fun! Feel free to bring a snack as we will take a break during class. Supplies will be provided. Ages 13-16
Saturday @ 1-4 p.m.
March 21 ($77.40/$86)
Instructor: Ronee Smith
Art & Movement
Come join this playful and energetic workshop where kids will explore the exciting connection between movement and creativity! Through fun activities that combine dance and expressive motion, young artists will learn to use their bodies as tools for making art. This blends physical movement with hands-on projects—like painting to music or drawing with body motion—to help kids express themselves in new and imaginative ways. Get ready to move, create, and have fun! Supplies will be provided. Ages 6-9
Open Studio Plus Workshop
This course empowers students to take an idea — functional, sculptural, or conceptual — and bring it to life through thoughtful planning, skillful execution, and refined finishing. Designed for motivated learners, this open studio provides structure, checkpoints, and studio resources to guide students along the journey from sketch to fired work. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Watercolor & Acrylic Sampler
This adult painting class offers a creative introduction to two water mediums — watercolor and acrylic — with guided instruction, hands-on experimentation, and personal expression. Each session focuses on core techniques, such as blending, layering, brush handling, and composition, while exploring a range of subject matter from abstract to representational. You will build confidence in both media through focused exercises and complete a small work of art each day. Whether you're a total beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this class invites you to explore painting with curiosity and creativity. Supplies will be provided. Ages 16-Adult
Clay & Creative Play
This fun and tactile class will give young artists the opportunity to dive into the world of clay and creative exploration through playful projects and hands-on making. Your artist will squish, roll, pinch, and build using studio clay, exploring forms, textures, and storytelling through sculpture. Each session introduces a new project with an emphasis on creativity over perfection, encouraging kids to imagine, experiment, and bring their ideas to life in 3D. From animal mashups to imaginative monsters and more students will leave with both skills and joy in their hands. This class is perfect for kids who love to play, explore, and make art in a supportive, sensory-rich environment. Supplies will be provided. Ages 6-9
Mini Masters: Alma Thomas, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe & Keith Haring
This is a playful, hands-on art class that introduces young artists to famous artists and iconic art styles in a way that sparks creativity and imagination. Each day focuses on a different “master” artist, combining a short, engaging introduction to their life and work with a related art project. Kids will explore color, pattern, shape, texture, and emotion through painting, collage, and more — while developing their own unique artistic voice. At the end of the session, students will participate in a “Mini Masters Gallery Show” to share their creations. Supplies will be provided. Ages 6-9
Clay Figure Sculpting
Start your child’s journey into understanding our universe with this focused approach to creating ceramic hands, teeth, and bones. Through step-by-step guidance and creative freedom, young sculptors will explore basic handbuilding techniques — such as pinch, coil, and slab. The week ends with a group critique or mini showcase of their final pieces. Supplies will be provided. Ages 9-12
Drawing & Painting Studio
Young artists will develop their foundational art skills while learning how to express themselves through drawing and painting. Each day introduces a new concept—shading, perspective, or color blending—paired with fun, age-appropriate projects that encourage personal style and creative confidence. Your artist will explore pencil, ink, watercolor, and acrylic while learning how artists plan, observe, and bring ideas to life on paper and canvas. Perfect for tweens who love to draw, paint, or just get creative! Supplies will be provided. Ages 9-12
Kids Figure Sculpting
Start your child’s journey into understanding our universe with this focused approach to creating ceramic hands, teeth, and bones. Through step-by-step guidance and creative freedom, young sculptors will explore basic handbuilding techniques — such as pinch, coil, and slab. The week ends with a group critique or mini showcase of their final pieces. Supplies will be provided. Ages 6-9
Mini Masters: Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Yayoi Kusama, and Claude Monet
Young artists will discover the imaginative worlds of four iconic artists who transformed how we see art, nature, and storytelling. Through painting, printmaking, and mixed media, students will learn to think like an artist and create their own artwork. Each day explores a different artist’s style, process, and inspiration — empowering the artists to connect with art history while expressing themselves in unique and meaningful ways. The week ends with a fun Mini Gallery Walk for family. Supplies will be provided. Ages 6-9
Clay & Creative Play
Young artists will dive into the world of clay and creative exploration through playful projects and hands-on making. Your artist will squish, roll, pinch, and build using studio clay, exploring forms, textures, and storytelling through sculpture. Each session introduces a new project with an emphasis on creativity over perfection, encouraging kids to imagine, experiment, and bring their ideas to life in 3D. From animal mashups to imaginative monsters and more students will leave with both skills and joy in their hands. This class is perfect for kids who love to play, explore, and make art in a supportive, sensory-rich environment. Supplies will be provided. Ages 9-12
Wellness: Just a Phase, Moon-Stud Earrings
This one-day workshop will teach you how to make a simple pair of sterling silver moon (phase of your choice) stud earrings. We will utilize a circle-punch, disc-cutter, flush-cutters, files, and sandpaper. You will learn this simple and satisfying process, start to finish, and leave with (at least) one pair of wearable moon stud earrings. There is a materials fee of $15 due to the instructor on the first day of class. Adults
Monday @ 4-7 p.m.
March 30 ($77.40/$86)
Instructor: Kenny Idleman
Draw, Paint, Paste
Join us for an introduction to the basics of drawing, printing, and collage using a variety of materials. We will learn how to create values and textures with pencil, print a simple picture with tempera paint, watercolor paper, and wax paper, and collage a picture with a variety of papers and textures. Instruction will focus on encouraging students to create and empower them to explore many ways to approach art that will last a lifetime. Supplies will be provided. Ages 9-12
Collaging: Paper, Plastic, and Cloth
We will explore new ways to integrate unlike materials layered in collage compositions. Heat fuse soft paper like plastics with applied colorants creating stunning collages. We will make tissue paper fabric, create fabric paper to Gelli® print, also combining wonderful imported and prepared papers and organza. Paints, inks, glazes, and pastels will be your colorants in collage composition. There is a material fee of $38 due to the instructor on the first day of class. Adults
Introduction to Drawing
This drawing class is designed for adults who want to learn the fundamentals of drawing through hands-on practice, demonstrations, and instructor-led activities. Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time or revisiting art after years away, this course will help you build confidence and skill in observing and rendering the world around you. You'll explore line, shape, proportion, shading, perspective, texture, and composition while working with simple tools like pencils and paper. Each week includes live demonstrations, drawing exercises, and take-home practice. By the end of the course, you'll have completed several studies and a final drawing that brings together your new skills. No experience is required — just curiosity and a willingness to try! Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Peter and the Wolf
Students will create illustrations for the presentation of Peter and The Wolf at the Colorado College Summer Music Festival. Drawing skills are required as well as a love of making art. This class will focus on creating art inspired by the classic children's story Peter and The Wolf. During the music festival a special children's concert presentation will feature the illustrations created in this class. While the orchestra performs a musical composition and a narrator reads Peter and The Wolf, the illustrations will be shown on a screen for the audience to view. This is a unique opportunity for young creatives and their families to enjoy. Supplies will be provided. Ages 9-12
Spring Into Nature Painting
Celebrate the beauty of spring through painting in this fun, nature-themed class! Young artists will explore color, texture, and composition while learning new painting techniques each week. This class encourages creativity, confidence, and a love of nature while ensuring every child leaves with a finished work of art. Supplies will be provided. Ages 6-9
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
Acrylic Foundations
Join us for these 4 classes where you’ll learn about the qualities of acrylic paint, and the joy of painting with acrylic paint. You will learn how to mix colors, explore different painting techniques, how to form a composition, and more. We will have fun exploring many options of working with acrylic paint on canvas that will keep you painting for a lifetime! Supplies will be provided. Ages 13-16
Beyond the Watercolor Brush
Explore an exciting technique in each class. Learn to master a limited palette vignette style, architecture with line and watercolor, and finally tell a story combining collage and watercolor on panel. The techniques are limitless and so are the options for achieving them. Many materials will be provided. Let's have some fun! Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Whimsical Boxes
You won’t believe that you can do this! Learn slab construction to handbuild whimsical boxes from textured clay slabs with sculptural elements added. Move from flat to free-standing using simple measurements and your own handmade flat patterns. Glazing for textured surfaces will be taught. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Wellness: The Art of Mending
Join us as we learn a variety of hand sewing techniques to include seams, buttons, mending, and applique! Come join us in learning how to tend to our own garments and home crafts! Taking care of your garments is taking care of yourself. Bring your jeans, shirts, and goods that need a breath! There is a material fee of $10 due to the instructor on the first day of class. Ages 16-Adult
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
Animal Portraits
Join us for these after school classes where you’ll get an introduction to learning how to paint and draw your favorite animals or pets, and/or imaginary creatures. We will also explore how to bring character to your animals of choice. You’ll learn about the qualities of both watercolor paints, tempera paints, and several different canvas mediums to paint on. Together we will explore creative ideas that will inspire you and give you the freedom to create your own works of art. Supplies will be provided. Ages 9-12
In-Person – Military Artistic Healing: An Introduction to Poetry through Healing
The potential for poetry to mend us, sometimes in small, sometimes profound ways will be our task, as well as exploring cathartic energy. We will engage with specific poetic forms such as epistolary, apostrophe, lament, and persona poetry, among others, and work with generative prompts to produce your own work. There will be opportunities to workshop the poems you produce each following week (as desired) and the course will culminate in a final full 2-hour workshop to share work from throughout the course. Supply list online. Adults
Beautiful Botanicals
Engage with the growing season. Join us as we illustrate the growing botanical world with many different mediums. Enjoy learning some botany knowledge and some artistry skills at the same time. Supplies will be provided. Ages 9-12
Macrame Mirror
Dive into the art of macrame with us and learn multiple basic macrame knots. This beginner-friendly project will get you well on your way to creating your own projects and get your ideas flowing. We will assemble and knot our way to a beautiful macrame framed mirror making this piece not only aesthetically pleasing, but functional. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Intuitive Drawing for Kids
Join this fun and creative class, where young artists will explore drawing through intuition, imagination, and self-expression—no experience needed! Instead of focusing on perfect lines or realistic techniques, students will be guided to trust their instincts, experiment with shapes, colors, and textures, and discover their unique artistic voice. It's a playful, judgment-free space where creativity leads the way and every mark is meaningful. Supplies will be provided. Ages 6-9
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
Fundamentals of Drawing
Young artists will learn essential drawing skills like linework, proportion, perspective, and shading. They will apply these techniques through projects such as still life drawings, self-portraits, and abstract name art. Students will also learn to break down complex objects into simple shapes and gain confidence in their drawing abilities. The class encourages personal expression and is perfect for building strong fundamentals and a love for illustration! Supplies will be provided. Ages 9-12
In-Person: Military Artistic Healing
Military Artistic Healing is designed to support adult service members through art creation activities and museum engagement. We aspire to provide a safe setting for each person to participate in whatever way feels 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
Introduction to Wheel Throwing
Whether you’re brand new to the wheel or looking to refresh your skills, this class is the perfect entry point into the art of wheel throwing. Designed for adult learners, this hands-on course introduces the essential techniques needed to create functional pottery from start to finish. You’ll learn how to center clay, pull walls, trim your work, and glaze your final pieces — all in a supportive studio environment. In addition to the core wheel-throwing techniques, this class includes guided activities to deepen your understanding of the ceramic process. You'll explore different types of clay bodies through tactile comparison, practice blind centering to build muscle memory, and use cutaway demos to evaluate wall thickness and form. By the end of the class, you’ll complete a variety of pieces (cups, bowls, or cylinders). No prior experience is required. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Intermediate Teen Wheel Throwing
This class is for those looking to continue learning the ins and outs of wheel throwing and to practice and polish their skills. You will get a chance to practice lidded forms, bottle forms, and vessels with handles. Individual goals will be discussed and encouraged. Glazing techniques will be introduced with options for some new firing methods. Some experience in wheel throwing required. Supplies will be provided. Ages 13-16
From Sheep to Felt
Learn about sheep physiology, characteristics, varieties, and lifeways. Understand the process of shearing, processing, dying, and uses of different kinds of wool to achieve different effects and to make different objects for fun and function. We will take a look at felting traditions, experiments and create a tailored kit of tools, materials and understanding that will allow you to continue your practice at home. The first half of this class will be instructional, and the last half will be time for you to work on your projects and ask the instructor for help as needed. There is a $35 materials fee due to the instructor on the first day of class. Adults
Introduction to Watercolor
This watercolor course is designed for adults who are new to watercolor or want to refresh foundational skills. You will learn the essential techniques of watercolor painting — from brush control and color mixing to creating washes, textures, and simple compositions. Each class combines demonstrations, hands-on practice, and guided projects. By the end of the course, students will feel confident using watercolor to express themselves and will complete a small final painting using their new skills. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Lost Wax and Jewelry Casting Techniques
Discover the art and science behind creating stunning, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces using traditional lost wax casting methods. This hands-on course introduces you to the complete process of jewelry design, from concept to finished product. You'll learn the fundamentals of wax modeling, mold-making, metal casting, and finishing techniques. We’ll also cover essential skills in gemstone selection and setting, allowing you to bring your custom designs to life with professional detail. Whether you're interested in fine art jewelry, custom pieces, or small-scale production, this course equips you with the knowledge and experience to design, cast, and finish your own unique creations. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Introduction to Oil Painting
The focus centers on foundational skills, hands-on practice, and completing at least one finished painting project, while maintaining a manageable pace for beginners. This course introduces adults to the fundamentals of oil painting in a supportive, hands-on environment. You’ll learn how to safely handle materials, mix colors, and apply essential techniques that form the backbone of classical and contemporary oil painting. Whether you’re new to art or returning after a break, this class will guide you through creating your own original paintings with confidence. By the end of the course, you will have completed value studies, a color exercise, and at least one finished oil painting. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Intro to Handbuilding Ceramics
Get ready to get your hands dirty in this exciting ceramic class! We will dive into the world of clay using fun handbuilding techniques with plenty of room for playful experimentation. We will 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
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! 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
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
Intermediate Watercolor
Dive deeper into the wonderful world of watercolor as we paint landscapes, flowers, mammals, and birds! We'll paint loose and free while also exploring tighter, more layered styles. Participants can expect to try their hand at plenty of in-class exercises alongside developing a longer, more complex and polished piece. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
Geometric Plates and Mugs
Explore the exciting possibilities of building various geometrically shaped plates and mugs. Learn to handbuild with pre-textured clay slabs using flat patterns that fold-up into 3-dimensional forms. Design your own flat patterns to build geometrical self-expressive pottery. Glazing for textured surfaces will be taught. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult
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 required. Supplies will be provided. Ages 9-12
Beginning Wheel Throwing
This hands-on course introduces you to the fundamentals of wheel-thrown pottery. You will learn essential techniques for centering, pulling walls, shaping forms, and finishing functional pieces. Through structured demos, individual coaching, and plenty of practice, you will complete a small collection of glazed ceramic pieces by the end of the class. Supply list online. Ages 16-Adult