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.
Have you always wanted to learn to draw? In this eight-week course, develop your drawing and observational skills all while learning the foundational building blocks of artistic creation. With these simple elements - line, edge, volume, value, texture, and perspective - anyone can begin their artistic journey. Weekly demonstrations and consistent drawing practice throughout the course will build your skills and contribute to the simple enjoyment of drawing.
Explore the foundations of portrait drawing in this beginner friendly class focused on observation, proportion, shading, and facial features. Students will learn essential techniques for capturing likeness and expression through guided exercise. Perfect for beginners and artists looking to strengthen their drawing skills in a supportive and creative environment.
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.
Get a fresh perspective this term as we sketch spaces and places. The first week, we will meet in the Maude Kerns Art Center. During this class, the instructor will provide details about different spaces we will visit. Those might include a garden or natural space, a more densly populated, "metropolitan" space, or a big vista. The last class we will spend time in the gallery refining a drawing. Learn how to draw perspective, consider overhead views and unique vantage points, frame crowded spaces, and build multiple sketches into vignettes. We will spend the last week making a final, finished work. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to the locations. Bring a lunch and water bottle. All skill levels are welcome! If there is a weather event, class will be held at the Art Center.
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.
OS: Figure Drawing - Open Studio: Figure Drawing has a total of 10 sessions per term. 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 refer to our open studio guidelines linked on our website for more information on the format of the class.
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!
Printmaking Studio Use Agreement
A three-part mixed media workshop experience designed for beginners who want to explore creativity in a fun and approachable way. Students will learn foundational mixed media techniques including layering, collage, texture building, and expressive mark-making. Instruction will focus on how to combine paint, paper, and simple tools to create cohesive and visually interesting artwork.
Make eco prints using summertime flora and botanical dyes in this fun, family workshop. Prints can be enjoyed as art pieces, gifts or pages for a handmade book. Family workshops are a great way to spend to spend time together, make memories and find your unique expression through art!
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!