Classes & Workshops

Weekly monitored life drawing sessions, without instruction, open to individuals of all levels of experience. 

We are currently limiting the number of participants to 8 per session.

Participants may register in advance for individual sessions on the registration page. Individual session are $20 regardless of membership. 

Participants are also welcome to "drop-in" to a open studio session and pay in the AVA office, but we cannot guarantee that a spot will be available. 

Weekly monitored life drawing sessions, without instruction, open to individuals of all levels of experience. 

We are currently limiting the number of participants to 8 per session.

Participants may register in advance for individual sessions on the registration page. Individual session are $20 regardless of membership. 

Participants are also welcome to "drop-in" to a open studio session and pay in the AVA office, but we cannot guarantee that a spot will be available. 

Continue your watercolor journey and move beyond the basics. Technique demos, along with critiques and discussions, will guide you through a painting each class. Beginning and more experienced students are welcome. This class meets in-person at AVA.

Learn to throw the natural way, using techniques like rhythm, mechanical advantage, fingertip sensitivity, and collaring to center clay on the potter's wheel and make vases, mugs, bowls, pitchers, casseroles and much more. Complete beginners to experienced potters can gain ease and control and have fun. Gain mastery through group exercises that break throwing down to discrete skills. Receive personal instruction tailored to your skill level; beginners and more experienced potters welcome.  This class meets in-person in AVA's Sculptural Studies Building and is limited to 5 students. No class February 17. $70 materials fee applied at check-out.

Paint the beautiful New England winter landscape in watercolor. The subtle tints of snow will be teased out using glazing techniques and layering, and you'll learn how to use tonal value, composition, light and shadow to capture your scene. Learn to create a finished painting using a photographic reference (provided a few days before the class begins). Robert O'Brien will demonstrate his approach and provide hands-on guidance to each student. This class will meet online via Zoom.

Learn the basics of watercolor painting, including flat wash, wet-in-wet, and dry-brush techniques. Technique demos, along with critiques and discussions, will guide you through a painting each class. There is no experience necessary, but experienced students are also welcome to brush up on the basics. This class will meet in-person at AVA.

Whether you are new to painting in acrylics or experienced, this fun and engaging zoom workshop will surely get your creativity flowing. Working on a small scale on your choice of paper, canvas or board, paint along, step-by-step, with noted and popular artist Robert Carsten. We’ll create a stunning skyscape from a photo provided by the instructor. Learn painting tips and techniques in this fun and easy-to-use medium. Photo and a materials list provided via email. All levels welcome. This class meets online via Zoom. 

Hone your skills as you continue stretching your mastery of line from beginning drawing. Poetic contour drawing, various approaches to light and shadow and linear perspective. Individual instruction will encourage a personal style and approach to drawing. Bring whatever drawing material you are comfortable using to start. Drawing from model included. Prepare for lively discussions, hard work and fun. This class meets in-person at AVA.

What does one do with all the lines? The class will try to answer that question with two sessions exploring line with graphite and charcoal pencils, followed by a shift to mild steel and aluminum wire. As your 2D work on paper guides your 3D drawings, a bridge will be built in your mind, on paper, and in space. Objects from nature, still life sets, and a live model may be sources of inspiration and analysis. All levels and ability welcome. The class meets in-person at AVA's Sculptural Studies Building.

Encaustic is an ancient method of painting with hot wax that results in luminous, layered works of art. Beginners will learn about choosing appropriate work surfaces, application of pigment and medium, how to mix colors, fuse layers and create texture. Image transfer, stencils and collaging will be included. If you have experience with encaustics and want to work with support and guidance from an experienced practitioner and learn more advanced techniques, this workshop is also for you. This class meets in-person at AVA.

Metal heads: Design, measure, fit, and weld. Work on a whimsical or functional project that will also teach your about accuracy and metal craftsmanship. Some welding experience preferred: Welding for Beginners class or equivalent. This class meet in-person at AVA's Sculptural Studies Building. Click here for a class syllabus.

Strike the torch and spark your imagination. AVA's metal studio offers everything you need to learn welding basics. Get hands-on practice measuring, cutting and joining metal using MIG and "stick" welders, plasma cutters and oxyacetylene torches. Safety, fun and learning are the priorities. Beginners welcome. This class meets in-person in AVA's Sculptural Studies Building and is limited to 6 students. $85 Materials Fee applied at checkout.