Classes & Workshops

Members receive a discount off all classes and workshops.

All in-person students must follow AVA’s Visitor Guidelines

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Workshop NameScheduleMedium / FormatLevelInstructorDescriptionMaterialsMembers / Non-Members PriceRegistration
Spring Daytime Life Drawing Open StudioWednesdays, March 29-June 14; 9 am-NoonDrawing / In-personContinuingMonitor

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

Participants may register in advance for individual sessions. Click "Show individual events" below to register for a particular session. Individual session are $25 regardless of membership. 

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

-$247.50/ $275 / $25 Individual sessionRegister Now
Spring Evening Life Drawing Open StudioWednesdays, March 29-June 14; 5:30-8:30 pmDrawing / In-personContinuingMonitor

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

Participants may register in advance for individual sessions. Click "Show individual events" below to register for a particular session. Individual session are $25 regardless of membership. 

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

-$247.50/ $275 / $25 Individual sessionRegister Now
Blacksmithing, Plain and FancySaturdays & Sundays, March 18 & 19 and 25 & 26 (both weekends), 10 am-4 pmMetal / In-personBeginning / ContinuingMIKE PLATT
Experience the heat and hammer of the blacksmith under skilled and patient guidance.  You’ll learn a wide variety of blacksmithing techniques and complete several projects in this immersive one-weekend workshop.  Students will use gas and coal-fired forges and learn to bend, twist, taper, scroll, drift, rivet, fuller, and temper.  Previous experience working with metal is helpful but not required.  Beginners are welcome.  This class meets in-person in AVA's Sculptural Studies Building, over the course of two full weekends.
$85 Materials Fee$432 / $480IN SESSION
Steam + Wood = SculptureThursday, April 6, 6-8 pmWood / In-personBeginning / ContinuingJACOB ELIASJoin visual artist and woodworker, Jacob Elias, for an interactive glimpse into the world of lantern sculptures he's built for the performance Vulture Sister Song, scheduled for Friday, April 7 at 6:30 PM. Jacob will introduce participants to bending wood with steam, an age-old technique employed in utilitarian and decorative applications alike. In this workshop, you'll be steaming strips of native species of oak and ash in a purpose-built box.  Once the wood is pliable, you'll collaboratively use forms already present in the space - trees, furniture, architectural features, etc. - to make site-specific impressions, which can then be lashed together with twine to achieve a loose sculptural translation of the environment. The final emergent form can remain on site. As envisioned it can easily be deconstructed, repurposed, burned, or put into the woods to biodegrade, returning the carbon from which it is constructed to the soil.  The workshop is open to adults and young adults; children ages 10-16 years old are welcome with an Adult registration.-$24 for Adults / $5 for ages 10-16 with additional adult registrationRegister Now
Introduction to WeldingMondays, April 10-June 12, 5-8 pmMetal / In-personBeginningJIMMY MARTELLStrike 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.$85 Materials Fee$495 / $550Register Now
Introduction to Woodworking with PowertoolsTuesdays, April 11-June 13, 6-9 pmWood / In-personBeginningCHRIS MCGRODYThis ten-week class begins by reviewing measuring accuracy using tape measures, and combination squares and learning to select your rough sawn wood. With the hum of the jointer, planer, table saw, band saw, and routers begin you begin making your new creation in wood. Safe use of these power tools will be emphasized while you transform lengths of rough pine or poplar into a handsome, functional, shaker-style step stool ready for finishing.$85 Materials Fee$495 / $550Register Now
Continuing PotteryWednesdays, April 12-May 31, 6-8:30 pmPottery / In-personBeginning/ContinuingARA CARDEWLearn to center clay on the potters wheel, make mugs, bowls, pitchers, casseroles and much more. If you are a beginner or more advanced you will enjoy the clay experience. Acquire the skills of throwing, trimming, making handles, glazing and kiln firing.$70 Materials Fee$360 / $400Register Now
Continuing PotteryThursdays, April 13-June 1, 9:30 am-12 pmPottery / In-personBeginning/ContinuingROGER NOBLELearn 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.$70 Materials Fee$360 / $400Register Now
Introduction to Woodworking: Basic BoxesThursdays, April 13-June 15, 6-9 pmWood / In-personBeginningDAVE SHINNLINGERThis course will cover the safe use of the power tools in the AVA woodshop to cut, surface and create a wooden sliding top box the participant gets to take home. If time and interest allow, a wooden knob can be turned on a lathe and bandsaw boxes crafted as well. This class is ideal for beginners, anyone interested in the subject matter, or getting to know the AVA woodshop.$85 Materials Fee$495 / $550Register Now
Continuing WeldingFridays, April 14-June 16, 4:30-7:30 pmMetal / In-personBeginningJIMMY MARTELLStrike the torch and spark your imagination. AVA's metal studio offers everything you need to continue your welding education. 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. Welding experience necessary; Intro to Welding or equivalent required.$85 Materials Fee$495 / $550Register Now
Continuing PotteryMondays, April 17-June 5, 9:30 am-12 pmPottery / In-personBeginning/ContinuingROGER NOBLELearn 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. $70 Materials Fee$360 / $400Register Now
Introduction to Wood Carving and Whittling 

Sundays, April 23-June 4 (no class May 28), 9:30 am-12:30 pm

Wood/ In-personBeginning/ContinuingANTON PIRKAZCHIKOVThis 6 week workshop will introduce you to woodcarving and carving safety. You'll make everything from wooden spoons to small animals while you learn basic techniques like stop cutpush cut, and draw cut. This is a great way to get both your hands and creative energies moving while learning something new. No class May 28 $85 Materials Fee$324 / $360Register Now
Beginning & Continuing Watercolor: Great CompositionsMondays, April 24-May 15, 9:30 am-12 pmPainting / In-personBeginning/ContinuingJOAN HOFFMANNBegin your watercolor journey or continue beyond the basics! Technique demos, along with critiques and discussions, will guide you through a painting each session. This class will emphasize the importance of composition when putting brush to paper. Beginning and more experienced students are welcome.Click here for a class materials list$180 / $200Register Now
Getting Started with Oils

Tuesdays, April 25-May 30, 10 am-12:30 pm

Painting / In-personBeginningMEG MCLEANLearn the basics of oil painting, from color to composition. Exercises will be aimed at not only mastering the material, but also learning how to see differently in order to create a more dynamic painting. Some Drawing experience is recommended.Click Here for a Materials List$270 / $300Register Now
Beginning & Continuing Watercolor: Great CompositionsWednesdays, April 26-May 17, 6-8:30 pmPainting / In-personBeginning/ContinuingJOAN HOFFMANNBegin your watercolor journey or continue beyond the basics! Technique demos, along with critiques and discussions, will guide you through a painting each session. This class will emphasize the importance of composition when putting brush to paper. Beginning and more experienced students are welcome.Click here for a class materials list$180 / $200Register Now
Hand-building with Clay: Sculptural CeramicsFridays, April 28-June 9, 10 am-1 pmPottery / In-personBeginning/ContinuingKÄRIN ROTHWELL

Let your imagination come alive using clay as a medium for expression. Techniques shared will allow students to form artistic vessels as well as freestanding three-dimensional art objects.  Students will create pieces never seen before as clay is paddled, carved and manipulated into various forms -- lidded boxes, wind chimes, musical instruments and mobiles may be on the agenda. Learn how to construct with clay as well as ‘deconstruct’ as we cover the basics in sculptural design. Work may be decorated with slips and glazes, then fired when finished. The instructor is there to assist in the creation of both functional and ‘non-functional’ creations! Bring a notebook to class.

$70 Materials Fee$360 / $400Register Now
Hand-building with ClayWednesdays, May 3-June 14, 5-8 pmPottery / In-personBeginning/ContinuingKÄRIN ROTHWELL

Ceramic ideas come alive as you explore methods of ‘hand-building’ with clay. Without the use of the wheel, you can choose to make whatever you want by modeling and constructing with coils and slabs of clay. Following techniques used globally from antiquity, you'll make objects for both functional use and art for art’s sake. Classes begin with a demonstration and group time then open up for individual work on independent projects. Projects are open to student expression and whim, while incorporating the weekly lesson. After building, the class will cover slip decorating and glazing techniques. Students go home with completed projects at the end of the session. Open to all skill levels. Bring a notebook.

$70 Materials Fee$360 / $400Register Now
Creative Play with Clay for ages 13-16Thursdays, May 4-June 8, 10 am-1 pmCeramics / In-personTeensKÄRIN ROTHWELL

Bring ceramic ideas alive as you learn how to make things out of clay without using the wheel. Find out how to move clay around, putting pieces together to create something from your imagination. We can make functional things to use at home, or artwork worthy of standing on a pedestal! Each class will begin with a demonstration and group time before working on individual projects that are open to student expression, while incorporating our weekly lesson. After building, the class will cover decorating and glazing techniques, and students will go home with completed projects at the end of the session. This class is meant specifically for teens. No class May 25.

$70 Materials Fee$180/ $200Register Now
Basic DrawingFridays, May 5-June 16, 9:30 am-12 pmDrawing / In-personBeginningFRED FAUDIE

This class is a traditional yet a novel approach to drawing and image making. It's for beginners to learn new skills, for the intermediate to expand existing skills, or for the experienced to renew and refresh understanding­. What are we doing when we make marks? What do those marks represent? What do they mean? We will explore the making of expressive images from drawing with sticks to whatever it is we do with our phones, cameras, and other media. Be prepared to arrive with questions, open minds, curiosity, and a commitment to draw, to learn and to have fun! 

Click here for a Materials List$315 / $350Register Now
Drawing - Building on the BasicsThursdays, May 11-June 29, 9:30 am-12:30 pmDrawing / In-personBeginning / ContinuingROGER GOLDENBERG

Using the drawing skills already in ones "toolbox", students will develop richer drawings. How? By strengthening observation skills, building more complex layers of resolution, mastering chiaroscuro (shading), advancing composition skills, using multiple point perspective and overlap to push all aspects of depth. The result: A truly compelling drawing. With ones appetite whet, this eight-week class will continue as part-two during the summer. For Adults, Teens (16 and up), and teachers interested in Professional Development. Some drawing experience recommended.

$432 / $480Register Now
Steel Tabletop Sculpture using Gas Forge + MIG Welding New Dates: Thursdays, May 11-June 29, 3:30-6:30 pmMetal / In-personBeginning / ContinuingROGER GOLDENBERG

Explore the visual world of steel sculpture, then imagine, design and build a tabletop sized work of your own. Using steel sheet, wire, and rod, you will begin developing skills and use existing skills to create a three-dimensional sculpture. With your appetite whet, this eight-week class will continue as part-two during the Summer months. For Adults, Teens (16 and up), and teachers interested in Professional development. Beginners and more experienced welders welcome.

$85 Materials Fee$432 / $480Register Now
Hot Wax: A Short Introduction to Encaustic Painting  Saturday, May 13, 10 am-4 pmEncaustic / In-personBeginning / ContinuingSTEPHANIE GORDON

Encaustic is an ancient method of painting with hot wax that dates from Greco-Egyptian times. It results in luminous, layered works of art. Beginners will learn the basics of what they need to know to start using this fun, versatile and engrossing medium. Learn to choose appropriate work surfaces, apply pigment and medium, mix colors, fuse layers, use tools, collage and create texture. There will be time to practice what you have learned. Safety considerations will be covered. All materials are supplied.

$45 Materials Fee$108 / $120Register Now
Wood EngravingFridays, May 12-June 9, 5-8 pmPrintmaking / In-personBeginning/ContinuingDEREK BELLIn this class you’ll use wood engraving tools to carve an image into a wood block, and then create prints based upon your wood engraving. The tools you’ll use will give you the ability to create detailed images in hard wood, and then turn those images into multiple prints using a variety of inks and papers. Come try your hand at this old yet engaging printmaking technique. This class meets in-person at AVA. A $35 materials fee will be applied at check-out.$35 Materials Fee$270 / $300Register Now
Moving Metal: Basic Forging, Fold-forming, Inflated Forms, and Sculpturenew dates: Saturdays & Sunday, June 3 & 4, 10 am-4pmMetal / In-personBeginning / ContinuingSABRINA FADIALThis one weekend workshop will introduce you to basic forging, fold-forming and inflating forms, including an understanding of the elasticity of cold and heated steel. Inspired by what you’ve learned, you'll generate ideas, draw, and make paper models, and utilize your new skills to create your new design in steel. Welding experience not required, but helpful.$85 Materials Fee$270 / $300Register Now
Beginning & Continuing Watercolor: Using Color Mondays, June 5-July 24, 9:30 am-12 pm. No class July 3. Painting / In-personBeginning/ContinuingJOAN HOFFMANNBegin your watercolor journey or continue beyond the basics! Technique demos, along with critiques and discussions, will guide you through a painting each session. In this class there will be an emphasis on effectively using your paints for brilliant colors. Beginning and more experienced students are welcome.Click here for a class materials list$315 / $350Register Now
Beginning & Continuing Watercolor: Using Color Wednesdays , June 7-July 26, 6-8:30 pm; No Class July 5Painting / In-personBeginning/ContinuingJOAN HOFFMANNBegin your watercolor journey or continue beyond the basics! Technique demos, along with critiques and discussions, will guide you through a painting each session. In this class there will be an emphasis on effectively using your paints for brilliant colors. Beginning and more experienced students are welcome.Click here for a class materials list$316 / $350Register Now
Painting Spectacular Flowers in Watercolor Saturday & Sunday, June 10 & 11, 10 am-4 pmPainting / In-personBeginning/ContinuingROBERT O'BRIENBring your ceramic ideas alive as we explore methods of creating with clay without using the wheel. Modeling, coiling, and building with slabs are techniques that have been used throughout time to make diverse objects for both functional use and art to behold. Each class will begin with a demonstration and group time before working on individual projects that are open to student expression, while incorporating our weekly lesson. After building, the class will cover decorating and glazing techniques, and students will go home with completed projects at the end of the session. Open to all skill levels.Click here for a class materials list$216/ $240Register Now
Drawing: Yoga Poses and PortraitsMondays, June 19-July 17 (no class July 3), 5:30-8 pmPainting / In-personBeginning/ContinuingSUSAN GREY BÉ

Styles emerge as we express the human form in strong light.

This drawing series will focus on the human figure, drawing both fast and long poses from an experienced model and yoga teacher. You'll learn to add structure and detail to your drawings, while contrasting shape and blending edges. Come prepared to draw and, if you wear yoga attire, strike a few yoga poses yourself (optional). You'll finish class with a charcoal portrait of the model. This is perfect workshop for both beginners to more experienced artists. This class meets in-person at AVA, and a live model will be present at all sessions. No class July 3.

Click here for a class materials list$180 / $200Register Now
Expressive Portraiture in Oils or AcrylicMondays, July 24-Aug 28, 5:30-8 pmPainting / In-personBeginning/ContinuingSUSAN GREY BÉ

Aesthetic expression emerges as compositions in Oil or Acrylic evolve, and no matter how realistic, a painting needs to work at an abstract level. In this class you’ll be encouraged to balance your painting compositions in terms of abstract art elements on each layer of the painting - especially at the beginning and end of the process. Your compositions will evolve and be refined with contrasting color, tone, and line.  Beginning and more Advanced painters are welcome: Beginners will be given extra attention on the first day and beyond; Advanced artists will be encouraged to develop their visual ideas, improve technique, and to experiment with paint application. Students may choose to use either Oil or Acrylic paint. This class meets in-person at AVA.

Click here for a class materials list$270 / $300Register Now
Still Lifes in Oils or Acrylic Tuesdays, June 20-Aug 1 (no class July 4), 5:30-8 pmPainting / In-personBeginning/ContinuingSUSAN GREY BÉ

Using oil or acrylic, learn the fundamentals of painting, from organizing a palette and blending, color mixing, brushwork, and glazing techniques to the elements of design and composition. All levels are welcome, especially beginners.  Students may choose to use either Oil or Acrylic paint. This class meets in-person at AVANo class July 4.

Click here for a class materials list$270 / $300Register Now
Plein Air in the Summer with Watercolors Tuesdays, June 20-July 18, 10 am-12 pm - no class July 4Painting / In-personBeginning/ContinuingJENNIFER BROWNThis summer, explore the joy of painting outside with watercolors. The class will emphasize gathering an outside painting kit for easy travel, finding a focus in the outdoors, and capturing a sense of place. Each class will begin at AVA, and then take walks, exploring the nearby neighborhood landscapes. Make sure to wear good walking shoes!Click here for a class materials list$144/ $160Register Now
Introduction to 3D Encaustics: Sculpture and Hot WaxSaturday & Sunday, June 24-25, 10 am-4 pmEncaustic / In-personBeginning/ContinuingMON KACZYKDiscover the versatile medium of molten wax. Receive hands-on introduction to the encaustic process with demonstrations in three-dimensional construction. Explore the art of repurposing material: you'll develop forms with paper and fabric, and touch upon a variety of molds and armatures. Basic encaustic techniques are presented with a focus on safe studio practices. On day 1, you'll learn the basics of tools and materials and explore constructing with paper; on day 2 you'll venture into building with fabric. Remember to bring lunch, Nitrile gloves (not latex; check CVS or Home Depot), and parchment paper. All other materials provided.$60 Materials Fee$270 / $300Register Now
Moving Metal: Basic Forging, Fold-forming, Inflated Forms, and SculptureSaturdays & Sundays, July 22 & 23 and 29 & 30, 10 am- 4pmMetal / In-personBeginning / ContinuingSABRINA FADIALThis intensive sculptural sheet-forming class will span two consecutive weekends! On the first weekend you'll learn basic forging, fold-forming and inflating forms, as you investigate the elasticity of cold and heated steel. Inspired by what you’ve learned, you'll have the intervening week to think, generate ideas, draw, and make paper models at home. On the second weekend you'll have the opportunity to utilize the skills learned the previous week, to create your new design in steel. Welding experience not required, but helpful. This class meets in-person in AVA's Sculpture Building over two weekends.$85 MAterials Fee$540 / $600Register Now
Introduction to 3D Encaustics: Sculpture and Hot WaxSaturday & Sunday, August 12 & 13, 10 am-4 pmEncaustic / In-personBeginning/ContinuingMON KACZYKDiscover the versatile medium of molten wax. Receive hands-on introduction to the encaustic process with demonstrations in three-dimensional construction. Explore the art of repurposing material: you'll develop forms with paper and fabric, and touch upon a variety of molds and armatures. Basic encaustic techniques are presented with a focus on safe studio practices. On day 1, you'll learn the basics of tools and materials and explore constructing with paper; on day 2 you'll venture into building with fabric. Remember to bring lunch, Nitrile gloves (not latex; check CVS or Home Depot), and parchment paper. All other materials provided.$60 Materials Fee$270 / $300Register Now
Plein Air in the Summer with Watercolors Tuesdays, August 8-29, 10 am-12 pmPainting / In-personBeginning/ContinuingJENNIFER BROWNThis summer, explore the joy of painting outside with watercolors. The class will emphasize gathering an outside painting kit for easy travel, finding a focus in the outdoors, and capturing a sense of place. Each class will begin at AVA, and then take walks, exploring the nearby neighborhood landscapes. Make sure to wear good walking shoes!Click here for a class materials list$144/ $160Register Now