Creating art is a lifelong pursuit full of twists, turns, growth and discovery. In this class, we will explore artmaking while learning more about your own creative process by using Harvard College's "Studio Habits of Mind". By using these proven techniques, we can expand our ways of working in all mediums. Materials will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring in their own supplies too. No experience necessary!
Are you curious about protecting your artwork but feel overwhelmed by legal terminology jargon? Join us for this relaxed, artist-focused workshop that breaks down copyright basics into clear, practical guidance you can actually use and relates to the art you make. No legal background needed – we'll translate complex concepts into simple, actionable steps that make sense for your creative practice.
In this friendly, interactive session, we'll explore:
This workshop is designed specifically for artists by artists, focusing on what you really need to know without getting lost in complicated legal terms. Whether you're sharing your art on social media, selling prints, or just starting to think about protecting your work, you'll walk away with practical knowledge you can start using right away to protect and share your creative work with peace of mind. Come with your questions! We'll work through them together in plain, everyday language.
Online registration, Demystifying Copyright: A Friendly Guide to Artists
Before you can sell your art online, you need a solid system for documenting and organizing your work. This practical workshop focuses on creating professional documentation of your artwork that will streamline your future online sales process.
You'll learn:
Leave this workshop with a clear documentation process that will make publishing your work online significantly easier.
Online registration, Documenting Your Art: Preparing for Online Sales
Online registration, Wheel Throwing Fundamentals: Monday Session
Online registration, Wheel Throwing Fundamentals: Tuesday Session
Are you new to wheel throwing? Have you taken a wheel throwing class before but want to learn new skills? This class will cover the basics of throwing including wedging, centering, and creating simple forms on the wheel. Classes will begin with an instructor demonstration and move into hands-on activities to help you learn the basics of throwing and preparing your work to be fired. Students will leave this 8 week course with at least 3 finished forms to take home. All levels welcome.
Try your hand at clay! Beginners and those interested in refreshing their skills are welcome in this class as we learn about the materials, methods, simple tricks, tips, and rules involved in hand-building ceramic items. Learn how to make a layered tile, then move up to three dimensions with a vase or cup. The instructor will guide you through handbuilding methods such as coils, pinch pots, log rolls, soft slabs, hard slabs, stamps, and sprigs. We will also learn various glaze techniques like staining, sgraffito, resist, inlay, stencils, and more. As you work on projects of your own choosing, you will have the instructor there to help you consider the best design and construction methods.
Learn to stylistically draw this Spring's most beautiful blooms in this demo-based course. We will begin by rendering plants in simple linework, and gradually add color throughout the course. Demos focus on how to plan out a drawing and where to make creative decisions. This class is great for beginning artists and advanced students alike!
Learn about the versatility of ink in just eight weeks! This class is perfect for folks who have either taken a beginner drawing or watercolor class and want to take their art to the next level. Together we will explore inking through a variety of techniques, including using fineliners, dip pens, scratchboard, and brushes. Students will work in black and white as well as color to create stunning works of art. Some painting and/or drawing experience is recommended.
Develop your skills in watercolor painting while watching your budget. Learn about basic materials and identify ways to mix a variety of colors with a limited paint palette. With the instructor's demonstrations and individual guidance, you will learn about transparency, value, composing and planning your images, and a variety of watercolor painting techniques. Throughout the eight weeks, you will practice painting exercises and finish a final painting. Come practice in a relaxed environment where there is no wrong way to learn this magnificent medium.
This nine-week, extended class period offers the perfect atmosphere for self-exploration and artistic camaraderie. Students with skills in their chosen medium have the opportunity to learn from each other’s methods, practice new techniques, and paint in a positive and supportive group setting. Each class begins with a critique reviewing the previous week’s work facilitated by Kate. Carefully designed still lifes are provided, and students may take advantage of studio time (three and a half hours) to work on projects of their choice.
This eight-week class period offers the perfect atmosphere for self-exploration and artistic camaraderie. Students with skills in their chosen medium have the opportunity to learn from each other’s methods, practice new techniques, and paint in a positive and supportive group setting. Each class begins with a critique reviewing the previous week’s work facilitated by Kate. Carefully designed still lifes are provided, and students may take advantage of studio time (three hours) to work on projects of their choice.
Explore the fundamentals of oil painting. You will be introduced to the tools and techniques of this medium, such as paint mixing, value study, and color theory. Aided by instructor demonstrations, you will learn how to paint landscapes, create atmospheric abstract art, and work from still-life displays. The last two weeks will be dedicated to harnessing the techniques and tips you have learned as you work to complete your own oil painting. Beginners, fear not! Oil painting is forgiving. No experience is necessary. We invite you to develop a new artistic practice.
Join us for a fun, hands-on class that combines creativity with practicality! In this course, you’ll learn how to mend clothes with artistic techniques such as embroidery and patchwork. Whether you’re fixing a torn sleeve or giving a whole new look to a pair of jeans, you’ll gain the skills to breathe new life into your wardrobe and reduce waste. Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, this class will guide you step-by-step in creating beautifully mended garments.
Come join us for this fun class series to learn basic bookbinding methods, then use this knowledge to create your own unique, functional, and aesthetically pleasing art books. In addition to learning the binding techniques, you will gain an understanding of bookbinding types, book anatomy, and the tools that are needed to create hand bound books. To explore these artistic book forms further, we will be using different materials like papers, recycled papers, magazines, fabrics, beads, ribbons, and more. You will have the opportunity to personalize your books with hand stitching, painting, drawing, and writing to create a self-expression of your ideas, feelings, and visions.
For those who would like to learn the art of observation and capture the beauty of the world in the moment, join us in learning how to keep a nature sketchbook. In this class, students will learn how to use a variety of materials to observe and capture the details around you that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. We will take a closer look at what surrounds us and go through many exercises that encourage unique observation of nature’s details, color, light, and more. During the course of the class, participants will build the skills and confidence to capture their surroundings in a thoughtful and creative way. **
**The first two sessions will take place at the Art Center. The following sessions will likely take place off-site (weather permitting). Discussion about travel plans and needs will be held during the first class session. When registering, please be prepared to walk or drive to locations other than Maude Kerns Art Center.
Open Studio: Figure Drawing has a total of 20 sessions per term, 10 in the morning and 10 in the afternoon. By registering, attendees can take a total of 10 sessions. After all 10 sessions have been used, the attendee will be required to pay the drop-in fee to continue taking sessions. Open Studios are meant for personal practice without an instructor. Participants must bring their own drawing supplies and paper. The model will be nude and change weekly. The length of each pose will vary.
Please see our open studio guidelines linked on our website for more information on the format of the class.
This figure painting open studio has 10 sessions. The model will be clothed and change weekly. This class has one long pose. Open Studios are meant for personal practice without an instructor. Participants must bring their own painting supplies and canvas or paper. Please see our open studio guidelines linked on our website for more information on the etiquette and format.
Courtesy of Eugene Darkroom Group
This course is available for those who are interested in working in a darkroom but are unfamiliar with shooting on film. In these individually scheduled, one-on-one courses, an instructor will guide you through the basics of manual camera function and shooting on black & white 35mm film. Bring your own camera or check one out with us.
*All other materials for this course are available through Eugene Darkroom Group*
Courtesy of Eugene Darkroom Group
This flexible and customizable course is designed for beginners with no previous experience in a black & white darkroom. In this individually scheduled, one-on-one course, an instructor will guide you through the basics of darkroom photography processes, adjusting the curriculum to focus on your goals within the medium. Topics covered include processing black & white film, contact printing, and enlargement printing in a black & white darkroom. Please note: This course does not include instructions on camera function & shooting. An additional lesson can be scheduled for those enrolled who require such instruction.
*All other materials for this course are available through Eugene Darkroom Group*
Courtesy of Eugene Darkroom Group
This one-day session is designed for those who have had some previous experience in black & white photography, processing, or printing but have been away from it for some time. We will go through the process of black & white film processing and darkroom printing together as a refresher to these hands-on procedures. Participants must bring an exposed roll of film to work with for this class.
*All other materials for this course are available through Eugene Darkroom Group*
Learn a new skill in this made-for-beginners printmaking class. Your instructor will guide you through the basics, from technique and safety to style and design. By the end of these eight weeks, you will have learned everything you need to take your practice home and work confidently in a print studio!
Materials List, Intro to Printmaking
Enjoy this open-ended printmaking studio class where you can freely explore your printmaking designs and process. An instructor will be present to offer guidance when you need someone to help you brainstorm ideas, answer your questions, provide technical assistance, and give demonstrations. Sessions allow you to try out our tools, presses, and materials while you work side by side with an active and engaged studio community!
Online registration, Mokuhanga: Japanese Woodblock Printmaking
Come be a part of the Eugene Collage Collective and celebrate collage with us in this open studio session! Meet fellow collage artist and learn from a variety of interesting styles. Open to all levels of experience. Some collage materials will be provided. Please bring your favorite materials and tools. *This is an open studio - no instruction will be provided.
Come try your hand at watercolor in this step-by-step crash course! By the end of the workshop we will have created a painting - from sketch to finish art peice - using layered paint to block out lighting and build up colors and shapes.
Have you ever wanted to paint on the go? Join us in making your very own travel watercolor palette and even get started using it! Come empty-handed and leave with a fully functional travel palette, ready to get painting en plein air!
Relax, get creative, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of spring during this afternoon workshop! Learn how to transform various plant pulps into beautiful paper art, including eco-friendly seed paper that you can plant and grow! With a mix of traditional paper-making techniques and playful, experimental methods, you’ll explore endless pulp possibilities.
All cancellations for classes, camps, and labs will incur a $50.00 administrative fee ($25 for workshops). Your refund will reflect this fee.
Full refunds or credits (minus the cancellation fee) will be offered if cancellation is made 10 business days or more prior to the start date of the class, workshop, lab, or camp.
A 50% refund or credit (minus the cancellation fee) on the cost of the class will be issued if a cancellation request is made within 6-10 business days prior to class, workshop, or camp.
No refund or credits will be given for cancellation requests made 5 business days or less prior to class, workshop, or camp. There are no refunds after the first session of the class, workshop, or camp.
No refunds, credits, or make-ups are offered for individuals who miss a class session, workshop, lab, or camp. No refunds or credits if asked to leave a current class, workshop or camp due to misconduct. Please read our behavior policy.
We are currently offering scholarships for 50% of the cost of tuition for classes. Scholarships are available for all age groups through the Susi Larsen & Cameron Serbu Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Madeleine Christenson Scholarship Fund.
To be considered applicants must fill out the application prior to registration and payment. If awarded applicants will be contacted for the remaining payment.
Print Scholarship Application ~ OR ~ Online Scholarship Application
In the event of bad weather, including snow to high heat conditions, the Art Center will hold any outdoor classes inside. If traveling to the art center isn't advisable, we will cancel classes for that day and a make-up session will be held at a later date. Please check our website for updates after 12 pm on the day in question to see if afternoon and evening classes are canceled.
MKAC has a parking lot for art students, visitors, and staff. If you happen to arrive for your class and the parking lot is full, please come into the office and grab a parking pass. This will override the street parking time limits for your class time!