Join us for a hands-on class or workshop in painting, photography, ceramics, metalworking, woodworking and more. Our educational offerings include two- or three-day workshops and weekly classes that meet during daytime or evening hours, ranging in ability from novice to professional. Classes are open to all skill levels unless otherwise noted in the descriptions.
- learn from passionate, accomplished regional and national artists
- actively participate in a low student-teacher ratio setting
- enjoy spacious, light-filled, state-of-of the-art facilities
- draw inspiration from unique, challenging exhibitions
- surprise yourself and make new friends!
Click on the plus sign (+) below for a full class description. Members receive 15% off all classes and workshops.
Become an AVA Member | Apply for a Scholarship (up to 75% toward tuition)
| Workshop Name | Category | Level | Instructor | Description | Dates | Times | Members' Price (15% Off) | Non-Members' Price | Drop-In Fee | Materials Fee | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Adventures Session 1 | Youth | Grades 1-4 (Ages 6-9) | Allison Zito | In Art Adventures I & II elementary school-aged artists (ages 6-9) will discover great works of art, observe nature, and refine their artistic skills while exploring new and familiar art materials and techniques. Students will observe, explore, make connections and create their own masterpieces inspired by art history and the natural world. They’ll will draw, paint, sculpt, print, and much more. Each session will culminate with an exhibition at AVA. | Thursdays, Sep 12-Oct 10 | 3:30-5:15 PM | $136.00 | $160.00 | NA | NA | Register Now |
| Art Adventures Session 2 | Youth | Grades 1-4 (Ages 6-9) | Allison Zito | In Art Adventures I & II elementary school-aged artists (ages 6-9) will discover great works of art, observe nature, and refine their artistic skills while exploring new and familiar art materials and techniques. Students will observe, explore, make connections and create their own masterpieces inspired by art history and the natural world. They’ll will draw, paint, sculpt, print, and much more. Each session will culminate with an exhibition at AVA. | Thursdays, Oct 2- Dec 5 (No Class Nov. 28) | 3:30-5:15 PM | $149.00 | $175.00 | NA | NA | Register Now |
| Art Academy: Drawing & Painting I | Youth | Grades 5-8 (Ages 10-14) | Lea Wells | Art Academy: Drawing and Painting I & II are great opportunities for middle school-aged artists (ages 10-14) to discover new ways of making 2-dimensional art. Students will use a variety of drawing and painting supplies to develop their skills as visual artists. The classes will emphasize art making, but also the improvement and refinement of art making skills, culminating in an end-of-class exhibition at AVA. | Mondays, Sep 16-Oct 21 (No Clas Oct 14) | 3:00-5:15 PM | $149.00 | $175.00 | NA | NA | Register Now |
| Art Academy: Drawing & Painting II | Youth | Grades 5-8 (Ages 10-14) | Lea Wells | Art Academy: Drawing and Painting I & II are great opportunities for middle school-aged artists (ages 10-14) to discover new ways of making 2-dimensional art. Students will use a variety of drawing and painting supplies to develop their skills as visual artists. The classes will emphasize art making, but also the improvement and refinement of art making skills, culminating in an end-of-class exhibition at AVA. | Mondays, Oct 28-Dec 2 (No Class Nov 11) | 3:00-5:15 PM | $149.00 | $175.00 | Register Now | ||
| Art Academy: Sculpture I | Youth | Grades 5-8 (Ages 10-14) | Karl Neubauer | Art Academy: Sculpture I & II are great opportunities for middle school-aged artists (ages 10-14) to discover new ways of making 3-dimensional art. Students will use clay, wood, plaster, and other materials to develop their skills as visual artists, and explore the opportunities of working in 3 dimensions. The classes will emphasize art making, but also the improvement and refinement of art making skills, culminating in an end-of-class exhibition at AVA. | Mondays, Sep 16-Oct 21 (No Clas Oct 14) | 3:00-5:15 PM | $149.00 | $175.00 | $15.00 | Register Now | |
| Art Academy: Sculpture I | Youth | Grades 5-8 (Ages 10-14) | Karl Neubauer | Art Academy: Sculpture I & II are great opportunities for middle school-aged artists (ages 10-14) to discover new ways of making 3-dimensional art. Students will use clay, wood, plaster, and other materials to develop their skills as visual artists, and explore the opportunities of working in 3 dimensions. The classes will emphasize art making, but also the improvement and refinement of art making skills, culminating in an end-of-class exhibition at AVA. | Mondays, Oct 28-Dec 2 (No Class Nov 11) | 3:00-5:15 PM | $149.00 | $175.00 | $15.00 | Register Now | |
| Daytime Open Studio | Open Studio | Adults & Teens | Monitor | Weekly monitored life drawing sessions, without instruction, open to individuals of all levels of experience. | Wednesdays, Sep 11-Nov 13 | 9 AM-Noon | $145 | $170.00 | $20 | Register Now | |
| Evening Open Studio | Open Studio | Adults & Teens | Monitor | Weekly monitored life drawing sessions, without instruction, open to individuals of all levels of experience. | Wednesdays, Sep 11-Nov 13 | 6:30 PM -9:30 PM | $145 | $170.00 | $20 | Register Now | |
| Long Pose Open Studio | Open Studio | Adults & Teens | Monitor | Experienced sculptors and painters looking to work from long poses are invited to practice their art in this weekly session. Participants are responsible for all materials, and instruction is not provided. Tuition includes model fee. | Fridays, Sep 20-Nov 15 | 9 AM-Noon | $136 | $160 | $20 | Register Now | |
| Fiber Open Studio | Open Studio | Adults & Teens | Meredith Smith | Learn a new skill, rekindle a passion for what you already know, or get advice on how to repair that favorite piece of clothing. Try stitchery, needle felting, art quilts, garment construction and repair, artful embellishment and more! Bring a project or start something new. No experience necessary, everyone welcome! | Mondays, Sep 9-Dec 30 | 9 AM-Noon | Free | $5 Drop-In Fee for Non-Members | $5 | Drop-In; Non-members pay $5 to monitor or in AVA Office | |
| Basic Drawing | Drawing | Adults & Teens | Michael Kraatz | Put pencil (and charcoal) to paper and see where you can go! Learning to draw is learning to see and a wonderful way to slow down. Understand line, contour, gesture and form while using various materials and the unique marks they make. Begin your creative journey at AVA! Working from a model included. | Mondays, Oct 7-Nov 25 | 9:30 AM-Noon | $255 | $300 | Register Now | ||
| Continuing Drawing: Stretching Your Line | Drawing | Adults & Teens | Dan Gottsegen | Hone skills as you continue stretching your mastery of line from Beginning Drawing. Poetic contour drawing, various approaches to light and shadow and a closer look at linear perspective will enrich your draughtsmanship. Skill build using interior and exterior views, landscape drawing if weather permits, portraiture, and new approaches to drawing the figure. Ink, oil stick, dry pastel, and oil pastel, are just some of the media at hand. Join the fun and be emboldened! | Mondays, Oct 7-Nov 25 | 6:30-9 PM | $255 | $300 | Register Now | ||
| 40 Hours: Drawing Seminar | Drawing | Adults & Teens | Michael Kraatz | Drawing Seminar is an extended series of drawing classes, group guided critiques and lively discussions designed to allow motivated participants to develop a body of work during 16, 2 1/2 hour sessions over the course of seven months. Drawing Seminar combines the best of group study and independent study in a supportive and enthusiastic setting. After three sessions over three weeks starting in October, class meetings will be spread at about two week intervals with longer breaks at the holidays. Drawing Seminar will culminate with a group exhibi in the Spring or early Summer. This is an excellent opportunity to engage in an in depth course of study to improve skills regarding all things drawing. | Tuesdays, Oct 15, 22, 29; Nov 12; Dec 10; Jan 7 & 21; Feb 4 & 8; Mar 3, 17, 31; Apr 7 & 21; May 5 & 12 | 6-8:30 PM | $510 | $600 | Register Now | ||
| Japanese Calligraphy: The Dancing Brush | Drawing | Adults & Teens | Ginger Armastrong | Come join the Dance for a day! Try the reflective art of Japanese Calligraphy, or Shodou, and learn the meditative movement of the brush. We will begin with investigating the individual strokes that form the shapes and images of the art, and then use these to write some kanji (words) for universal concepts. You will pick a word that speaks to your heart and dance with it in an exploration of image and expression, taking home a scroll or plaque of your work that can be displayed. | Saturday, Oct 26 | 10 AM-4 PM | $85 | $100 | Register Now | ||
| Zen Archery: A “First Shot” at Kyudo | Experiential Art | Adults & Teens | Ray Chin | Kyudo means "the way of the bow" and is an ancient form of Japanese archery. It is also a meditation practice, and is often referred to as “Zen archery.” Practicing kyudo involves focusing attention and calming one’s mind for precise drawing of the bow and releasing the arrow. It is a path to opening one's heart and mind to the natural dignity of being human, against the obstacles of ambition, doubt, and fear. Anyone interested in learning kyudo can sign up for "First Shot," a daylong program that gives beginners an introduction to the Seven Coordinations (Shichido), the basic form of kyudo, as well as the meditation aspects. "First Shot" is required before one can practice regularly with other kyudokas (practitioners). Older teens and Adults are welcome to participate. Proceeds will go to the Aya Itagaki Scholarship Fund at AVA. | Saturday, Oct 19 | 9 AM-4 PM | $90 | $90 | Register Now | ||
| Oil Painting: A Little Square of Blue | Painting | Adults & Teens | Meg McLean | Long before people discovered Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Monet advised artists to approach painting the same way. He said: Try to forget what objects you have before you - a tree, a house, a field or whatever. Merely think, ‘here is a little square of blue, here is an oblong of pink, here a streak of yellow’ and paint it just as it appears, the exact color and shape. In this class we will work on 12 exercises to quiet the bossy left side of the brain, so unhelpful in creating art, and let the right side have its day. You’ll see form, color, and light in whole new way and turn your painting upside down. Literally. On the last class, weather permitting, we’ll go outside for a plein air session. “Only when he no longer knows what he’s doing does the painter do good things.”—Edgar Degas | Thursdays, Oct 3-Nov 7 | 6-9 PM | $230 | $270 | Register Now | ||
| Expressive Portraits With Prismacolor | Painting | Adults & Teens | Patricia Killian | Prismacolor combines ease of medium with great subtly of personal expression. With it you’ll learn to create an true likeness of your chosen subject through accurate proportion, tonal range, and observational nuance of expression. Take home a frame-able portrait! | Mondays Sep 9-Sep 30 | 9 AM-Noon | $153 | $180 | CANCELED | ||
| Introduction to Watercolor | Painting | Adults & Teens | Jennifer Brown | 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. | Tuesdays, Sep 10-Oct 8 | 9:30 AM-Noon | $162 | $190 | Register Now | ||
| Continuing Watercolor | Painting | Adults & Teens | Joan Hoffmann | Continue your watercolor journey and move beyond the basics. Technique demos, along with critiques and discussions, will guide you through a painting each class. Some watercolor experience is suggested, but beginning students are also welcome. | Mondays, Sep 9-30 | 6 - 8:30 PM | $153 | $180 | Register Now | ||
| Watercolor: The Basics and Beyond | Painting | Adults & Teens | Margaret Dwyer | Do you love watercolor? Have you only dabbled a bit? Then take this workshop! Numerous watercolor techniques will be demonstrated and the differences between paints, brushes, and papers defined. Try your hand at simple studies. Use a variety of watercolor paints, papers, and brushes that will be provided. Watercolor is so accessible and so very satisfying. | Saturday, Sep 14 | 10 AM-2 PM | $68 | $80 | Register Now | ||
| Watercolor Discoveries | Painting | Adults & Teens | Margaret Dwyer | This workshop begins with core watercolor techniques and focuses primarily on understanding how to get the most out of each one. Each week will cover a new technique. Demonstrations, references, and informative hand-outs will inform your painting process as you work on individual studies with one-on-one instruction. This class is for all levels and challenges will be given to more experienced painters. | Fridays, Sep 13-Oct 4 | 10 AM-2 PM | $276 | $320 | Register Now | ||
| Capturing the Figure with Drawing and Watercolor | Painting | Adults & Teens | Margaret Dwyer | This workshop will focus on drawing techniques that help to capture the gesture of the figure without overdrawing it. This leaves room for basic watercolor techniques as we learn about the vast amount of colors and values you can mix from a limited palette. Small figurative studies will evolve into a larger piece. This class is a good fit for anyone wanting to try their hand, or for those wishing to strengthen their skills and challenge themselves further with this wonderful subject matter. | Fridays, Nov 1-22 | 10 AM-2 PM | $276 | $320 | Register Now | ||
| The Bees Knees: Continuing Encaustic Painting | Painting | Adults & Teens | Stephanie Gordon | Expand your facility with encaustic painting. Continue to experiment with the endless applications of this wax medium. Use this workshop to hone skills or to try something new. Take advantage of Stephanie Gordon's years of experience, expert instruction, and nurturing support. Some encaustics experience suggested. | Saturday & Sunday, Sep 21 & 22 | 10 AM-4 PM | $153 | $180 | $75 | Register Now | |
| Still Life Alive With Pastels | Painting | Adults & Teens | Jonathan Rose | The still life genre comes alive with pastels! Bring your energy, curiosity and personal expression to the subject at hand. Class will start with a short presentation of pastel artwork and culminate with supportive critique. Open to all levels. | Tuesdays, Oct 8-29 | 9 AM-Noon | $153 | $180 | Register Now | ||
| Spontaneity in Oil Painting | Painting | Adults & Teens | Rich Gombar | Intuitive or perceptual painting is based on a strong relationship with your subject, be it landscape, a still life, or the figure. Use alla prima, or wet-on-wet, techniques to dive right into the core of oil painting with little or no preliminary drawing. This process builds confidence in the art of oil painting and it will teach the artist how to work through any problem. | Tuesdays, Nov 5 - Dec 3 | 9:30 AM-Noon | $162 | $190 | Register Now | ||
| Making the Ordinary Extraordinary: Painting the Light in Watercolor | Painting | Adults & Teens | Robert O'Brien | Learn how to paint “the light”! This course will explore techniques on how to achieve spectacular light effects from ordinary images through the use of light and shadow. Subject matter will range from landscape, to close focus studies of architectural and agricultural motifs. Composition and values will be explored in this workshop. All levels of painting ability are welcome. Students will work from photo reference. Some drawing experience is recommended. There will be a critique and class discussion at the end of the workshop. | Saturday & Sunday, Nov 23-24 | 10 AM-4 PM | $153 | $180 | Register Now | ||
| Working with Color Harmonies in the Pastel Landscape | Painting | Adults & Teens | Robert Carsten | Explore the expressive potential of using color harmonies to add strength and beauty to your pastel landscape paintings. First, we will create small, organized color studies of our subject using an array of limited color choices to find the just the right combination to add pizzazz and sparkle to our final composition. Demonstration and lots of painting time. All levels welcome. | Saturday, Sep 28 | 10 AM-4 PM | $102 | $120 | Register Now | ||
| Encaustics & Cold Wax | Painting | Adults & Teens | Lia Rothstein | In this three-day workshop you’ll learn the basics of encaustic and cold wax painting and how, in combining the two materials, unique textures and effects can be achieved. The advantages of combining the materials and safe practices and limitations will be explored in-depth. Participants can work on cradled panels, encaustic monotypes created in the workshop, and/or on their own photographs (printed previously) mounted on panels or boards and then use encaustic and cold wax paints to enhance and extend the meaning of their work. For those wanting to work on their photographs, detailed instructions for printing and mounting them on your panels will be sent in advance of the class.In addition, mounting photographs and previously made encaustic monotypes in class on the first day onto panels will also be possible so we can work on them on the successive days with the waxes. Come prepared for some exploratory fun with these versatile painting materials! Please feel free to contact the instructor with any questions about this workshop at lia.rothstein@gmail.com. | Saturday, Sunday, & Monday November 9-11 | 9 AM-4 PM | $425 | $500 | $75 | Register Now | |
| Introduction to Printmaking | Printmaking | Adults & Teens | Derek Bell | Get ready to have fun and learn different ways to create your visual ideas in AVA's print shop. Topics will include relief, monotyope, and collagraph printmaking. Discover what can be done with colorful ink and a press! | Thursdays, Oct 3 - 21 | 5:30-8:30 PM | $192 | $225 | $20 | Register Now | |
| Monoprints and Monotypes | Printmaking | Adults & Teens | Mary Mead | In this workshop, using non-toxic Akua Inks, you’ll explore a variety of approaches to creating monoprints: prints based on an underlying matrix that can be printed in multiple different ways, and monotypes, which are completely unique prints. Both are often referred to as “painterly” prints because they frequently defy the strict technical rules that govern many printmaking processes. Come prepared to experiment! | Mondays, Nov 4-Dec 2 | 5:30-8:30 PM | $192 | $225 | $20 | Register Now | |
| Innovations in Collage | Mixed Media & Writing | Adults & Teens | Liz D'Amico | Let’s look at the history of collage. How has it has evolved? Can it inspire the new? When does expropriation become a problem? Experiment with principles and elements of design, explore innovative compositions and materials while building your visual statement. Start collecting images, objects, and textures and leap right in! | Wednesdays, Sep 25-Oct 16 | 9 AM -Noon | $183 | $215 | Register Now | ||
| Writing Memoir: A Sense of Memory | Mixed Media & Writing | Adults & Teens | Jenny Gelfan | Our lives are full of stories: comedies, dramas, mysteries, the wonders of everyday moments. This class will guide you to dive in and gather images, sounds, fragrances, feelings, and experiences, that you can capture in words. These fragments together tell a story about each life. The class' focus will be on exploration. You will write from prompts, have an opportunity to read what others have written, and enjoy each other’s creativity. | Tuesdays, Sep 24-Nov 12 | 12-2 PM | $25 | $25 | Register Now | ||
| Artist as Small Business | Creative & Professional Practice | Adults & Teens | Kim Bernard | From A-Z, everything an emerging artist needs to know to be a small business: artist-gallery relationships, banking, branding, budgeting, business plan, business structure, contracts, commissions, copyright, federal and state tax ID’s, funding, hiring an assistant, insurance, inventory, licensing, marketing, money management, permits, registering, sale of works and taxes. Bernard will tackle these dry but necessary topics with interactive exercises, humor and dark chocolate. | Saturday & Sunday, Nov 2 & 3 | 9 AM - 5 PM | $370 | $435 | Register Now | ||
| Through a New Lens – Introduction to Digital Photography | Photography | Adults & Teens | Nicholas Gaffney | Gain command of your digital camera and use that knowledge to create photos for discussion and critique. Bring your DSLR camera and a notebook and see the world through a new lens! | Wednesdays Sep 25-Oct 23 | 6-8 PM | $153 | $180 | Register Now | ||
| Pixel Perfect - Editing Digital Photographs | Photography | Adults & Teens | Nicholas Gaffney | You know how to use your camera and have taken some great shots. Now what? This class is all about editing your images. You'll leave the class knowing how to control your photos' color and tonal values, when (and when not) to crop, and how to choose the best images from the many you've taken. A variety of image editing software platforms will be covered, but students are encouraged to bring their own laptops so they can get used to controlling their images on the software they use the most. | Wednesdays Oct 30-Nov 20 | 6-8 PM | $128 | $150 | Register Now | ||
| Stone Carving | Stone | Adults & Teens | John Hikory | This weekly workshop on stone begins with a presentation covering mineral content, grain qualities and different carving techniques. Various methods of carving stone, carver’s safety, and the proper use of the tools will be covered. Learn to analyze the shape of the stone in relation to your vision of form, be guided in translating the image on to the stone, and then coached to reveal the form concealed within. For beginners and intermediate carvers. | Tuesdays, Oct 8-Nov 12 | 6-9PM | $255 | $300 | $40 | Register Now | |
| Wood Sculpture | Wood | Adults & Teens | Jay Singh | Learn the fundamentals of fine woodworking and transfer these skills to the construction of wood sculpture. Design, shape, texture, and join! Build a take-away three-dimensional piece and learn about color as it relates to sculpture. | Wednesdays, Oct 1-Nov 20 | 6-9 PM | $306 | $360 | $45 | Register Now | |
| Wood Projects | Wood | Adults & Teens | Jay Singh | Have an idea for a wood project, and looking for the skills and resources to build it? This is the class for you! Individualized, experienced instruction will help guide you from the project-planning stages all the way to a finished product. Though students new to wood creation are welcome, this class is meant for students with some work-working experience looking to create small-to-medium sized projects. | Thursdays, Oct 3-Nov 21 | 6-9 PM | $306 | $360 | $45 | Register Now | |
| Woodworking 1: Hand Tools | Wood | Adults & Teens | Chris McGrody | Learn to square up rough boards, lay out and cut a variety of wood joints including lap joints, bridle joints, mortises, tenons, and dovetails. Use the hand-joinery skills of a professional to complete a take-home project that demonstrates the skills you're learned. | Tuesdays Oct 29-Nov 19 | 6-9 PM | $204 | $240 | $30 | Register Now | |
| Woodworking 2: Powertools | Wood | Adults & Teens | Chris McGrody | The hum of jointers and planers, table saws and drill presses, band saws and routers, signal a new creation in wood. Safe use of these power tools will turn a rough length of pine into a handsome and functional two-step stool ready for finishing. This class will prepare you to work solo during open studio hours. | Tuesdays, Sep 24 - Oct 15 | 6-9 PM | $204 | $240 | $30 | Register Now | |
| Welding 1 | Metal | Adults & Teens | Jimmy Martell | Become a creative welder! AVA's metal studio offers everything you need to learn welding basics. Get hands-on practice measuring, cutting and joining metal in this introductory class. Use MIG and “stick”welders, plasma cutters and oxy-acetylene torches. Safety, fun and learning are the priorities. | Wednesdays, Sep 25 - Oct 23 | 5:30-8:30 PM | $247 | $290 | $75 | Register Now | |
| Welding 2 | Metal | Adults & Teens | Jimmy Martell | 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 oxy-acetylene torches. Safety, fun and learning are the priorities. | Wednesdays Nov 6-Dec 18 (No Class Nov 27) | 5:30-8:30 PM | $247 | $290 | $75 | Register Now | |
| Be There, Be Square – Metal Fabrication (F19) | Metal | Adults & Teens | Jimmy Martell | Metal heads: Design, measure, fit, and weld. Finish a project – whimsical or functional that relies on accuracy and your newly refined craftsmanship. Will it fit through your doorway or on your living room shelf? You have the skills to make it so! Some experience preferred, but beginners are also welcome. | Saturday & Sunday, Nov 8 & 9 | 10 AM-4 PM | $192 | 225 | $75 | Register Now | |
| The Cutting Edge: Stained Glass with Copper Foil | Metal | Adults & Teens | Stephanie Gordon & Sue Martin | You can do it! In this weekend workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of stained glass panel design, glass cutting, and the copper foil construction method developed by Louis Comfort Tiffany to get a complete introduction to this exciting medium. You will learn about safety and how to create a pattern, choose glass, cut, foil, assemble, solder and patina to complete your own small stained glass panel in this fun beginner class. No experience is needed. Tools and materials will be supplied. Bring your own apron. Wear shoes with closed toes and comfortable working clothes. | Saturday & Sunday, Nov 16 & 17 | 10 AM-4 PM | $213 | 250 | $75 | Register Now | |
| Introduction to Wheel Thrown Pottery (F19) | Clay | Adults & Teens | Evan Williams | Learn the basics of working on the potters wheel. Anyone can learn to throw but it takes lots of practice and persistence! We will cover centering, basic throwing technique, trimming, handles, and glazing. All work will be fired and taken home by students. | Fridays, Oct 4-Nov 15 | 5:30-7 PM | $153 | $180 | $30 | Register Now | |
| Intermediate Pottery (F19) | Clay | Adults & Teens | Evan Williams | Anyone with some wheel throwing experience will learn more advanced pottery techniques. The clas will explore forms such as lidded jars and boxes, pitchers, plates and platters, bottles, and maybe even a teapot. | Mondays, Sep 30-Nov 11 | 5:30-7 PM | $153 | $180 | $30 | Register Now |