Classes & Workshops

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. 

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. 

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 AVA. No class July 4.