Handcrafted Ceramic Vessels

In this class, rising middle and high school students will explore the art of ceramic vessel-making, focusing on form, texture, and functionality. Using hand-building techniques, students will create sculptural and functional pieces while learning essential skills in shaping, glazing, and finishing. Any functional pieces will be glazed with dinnerware safe glaze, and will be safe for eating, drinking, holding fresh flowers, etc. All student works will be kiln-fired. Pickup of some clay projects may be scheduled after projects are fired.

What You'll Learn:

• Hand-Building Techniques – Explore slab, coil, and pinch methods to construct unique pieces.

• Surface Design & Texture – Incorporate carving, stamping, and glazing to enhance visual appeal.

• Functional & Decorative Approaches – Create vessels suited for everyday use or artistic display.

This class is ideal for both beginners and experienced artists who want to develop their skills in ceramics while crafting one-of-a-kind vessels. Supplies are included in the registration fee $150 (clay, glazes, etc.).

Oil Painting Techniques

In this class, rising middle and high school students will learn the fundamentals of oil painting, focusing on color mixing, brushwork, and composition. Using structured techniques, students will develop confidence in layering, blending, and building texture to create realistic still lives. Students will do an acrylic underpainting with primary colors to have the opportunity to discuss color theory and expedite the painting. Students will also learn proper studio practices for handling oil materials. Because oil paints take longer to dry, pickup of some canvases may be scheduled after the week concludes.

What You'll Learn:

•  Color Mixing & Theory – Understanding how to mix accurate colors and create dynamic palettes.

•  Brushwork & Application – Using different brushes to create smooth blends and textured strokes.

•  Layering & Underpainting – Developing structure and depth through foundational layers.

•  Value & Contrast – Using light and shadow to create dimension and form.

This class is ideal for students interested in learning traditional painting techniques, improving their observational skills, and exploring personal artistic expression. Supplies are included in the $150 registration fee.

Watercolor Painting

In this class, rising middle and high school students will explore the fundamentals of watercolor painting while creating a still life or nature scene. Focusing on water control, transparency, and layering, students will explore wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques. Through step-by-step guidance, they will develop the skills needed to use light and shadow to build depth in their paintings, with the option to incorporate pen work for added detail and structure.

What You'll Learn:

•  Water Control & Washes – Understanding how to balance water and pigment for flat and graded washes.

•  Wet-on-Wet & Wet-on-Dry – Exploring different techniques for blending colors and creating sharp details.

•  Light, Shadow & Depth – Using transparent layers and values to create realism and dimension.

•  Optional Pen Work – Adding fine lines, outlines, and illustrative details to enhance the final composition.

This class is ideal for students interested in fluid media, illustration, and refining their painting techniques. Supplies are included in the $130 registration fee.

Figure Drawing

In this class, rising middle and high school students will explore the fundamentals of figure drawing, focusing on proportion, gesture, and anatomy to create expressive and dynamic human figures. Using structured techniques, students will develop confidence in capturing movement, posture, and character through quick sketches and refined studies.

What You'll Learn:

• Human Proportions & Structure – Understanding basic anatomical forms and how they relate to movement.

• Gesture Drawing – Capturing the essence of motion with quick, expressive sketches.

• Simplified Figure Construction – Using basic shapes and lines to build the human form.

• Character & Expression – Developing unique characters through pose and form.

This class is perfect for students interested in character design, animation, comics, or improving their ability to draw the human figure with accuracy and style. Supplies are included in the $130 registration fee.

Portrait Drawing: Capturing Expression and Detail

In this class, rising middle and high school students will learn the fundamentals of portrait drawing, focusing on accurately capturing facial structure, expression, and detail. Through step-by-step guidance, students will explore proportions, shading techniques, and facial features, developing the skills needed to create realistic and expressive portraits.

What You'll Learn:

• Facial Proportions & Structure – Understanding measurement techniques for accuracy.

• Drawing Facial Features – Breaking down eyes, nose, lips, and ears into simple forms.

• Shading & Depth – Using light and shadow to create realism and dimension.

• Expressive Portraits – Capturing personality and emotion through subtle details.
  
  

This class is perfect for students interested in developing strong observational skills, refining their portrait techniques, or exploring personal artistic expression. Supplies are included in the $130 registration fee.