Adult Art School Classes
Registration for Winter Session opens Monday, November 17 at 10am!
Whether you're just starting out or have been practicing for years, Art School at A&H is the perfect place to explore your creativity. From painting to book-making, we offer an array of learning opportunities to begin a new journey or enhance your craft. The choice is yours. Select your preferred courses from the listings below to get started.
Winter session begins Monday, January 5, 2026. Classes run for 6 or 9 weeks.
Click here for 1-2 day workshops>>
Important Note: Workshop registration will close 4 days prior.
About Materials Fees and Supplies
Each course has either a supply list or a materials fee associated with it. Click the button below to view the supply list for each class. Materials fees must be paid in cash directly to the instructor, and are due on the first day of classes. No additional materials are required for classes that have a materials fee unless otherwise noted.
For questions, please call the Education Department at 407-539-2181 ext. 103 or email iriascos@artandhistory.org.
Early Registration for Current A&H Members
Members get 3 days early access to register, and a discount on classes & workshops! You must join/renew at least 4 days before public access to receive the member code in your email at noon on early access day. Click here to join/renew >>
Intro to Ceramics | 9 Weeks
Mondays, January 5, 2026 - March 2, 2026 | 6-9pm
Instructor: Bert Bogdany
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 4
Cost: $270 + $45 Materials Fee
To provide a solid foundation for the beginning ceramic student, as well as enhance the student’s visual vocabulary through class project examples in clay. Throughout the semester, we will explore basic hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glaze techniques to create sculptural and utilitarian forms. We will cover the following techniques in Intro to Ceramics: slab construction, pinch pots, coil construction, open form, and closed form (on the wheel). During project demonstrations, I will present the proper techniques to make the project; the student will determine what to make by utilizing the parameters of the assignment, so your creativity is strongly encouraged.
By the end of the semester, the student will be familiar with proper studio procedures and terminology. We will be working with a cone 5 “Tan Speckled” clay. The clay we will be using is a mid-range temperature clay body that will be fired in a kiln. Each class will begin with a demonstration. Being on time at the start of the class is to your benefit. Students will be asked to keep a journal in a bound sketchbook or 3-ring binder. Your journal should consist of notes from the projects, sketches, and glaze combinations/finishes used in your final work. By this method, you will have a record of all the techniques, concepts, and experiments you will have learned throughout the semester. Participation in the projects will reveal the diversity of this medium, so your creativity is strongly encouraged.
Ceramics: Open Studio | 9 Weeks
Tuesdays or Wednesdays, January 6, 2026 - March 4, 2026 | 6-9pm
Senior Instructor: Jim Patterson
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 4
Cost: $270 + $45 Materials Fee
*Prerequisite to attending the “Open Studio Class” is Intro to Ceramics or the equivalent.
The “Open Studio” class is designed to maximize the creativity and inspiration of each student to work independently in a relaxing, positive, and encouraging atmosphere. Experienced ceramic students will work on advanced hand-building, wheel-throwing, and decorating techniques through individual guidance and group instruction. Each student will be encouraged to research, problem-solve, and experiment to create unique projects using sculpture techniques, hand-building/wheel-throwing combinations, textures, open forms, and more. Experimenting with glazing, slips, stains, underglaze, and other advanced decorating techniques will be encouraged. This class will also include an introduction to alternative firings such as Raku, Horsehair Raku, and Saggar Firing. Students will be asked to keep a “Pottery Journal” which can be purchased on Amazon, obtain a small sketchbook, or download a journal app like "Clay Lab", "Pottery Log", or Pottery Journal" to their smartphones. The Pottery Journal should consist of project sketches, notes, glaze combinations/finishes, type of clay, firing temperatures, decoration details, techniques, size, measurements, etc. The Material Fee includes 25 lbs. of clay, the use of tools, glazes, firings, slips, stains, molds, locker, etc.
Select your class day & register >>
Intermediate / Open Studio Ceramics | 9 Weeks
Thursdays, January 8, 2026 - March 5, 2026 | 6-9pm
Senior Instructor: Jim Patterson
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 4
Cost: $270 + $45 Materials Fee
The Intermediate Ceramics / Open Studio class is a hybrid course that combines both Intermediate Ceramics instruction and an Open Studio experience.
*Prerequisite to attending the "Intermediate / Open Studio class” is Intro to Ceramics or the equivalent.
Intermediate Ceramics: This part of the class is designed for students who have completed the “Introduction to Ceramics" and wish to further develop their hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques with instructor guidance. The focus will be on specific projects and group discussions aimed at replicating various objects. You will learn how to plan, further understand the properties of clay, problem-solving, and become comfortable handling clay, ultimately achieving your desired aesthetic.
Open Studio: In this segment, students will work at their own pace while focusing on advanced techniques such as hand-building, wheel-throwing, and decorating. They will receive individual assistance and engage in group discussions. Students are encouraged to research, solve problems, and experiment to create unique projects. Techniques explored will include sculpture, combination methods, and working with textures and open forms. Additionally, students will delve into advanced decorating methods, including glazing, slips, stains, and underglazes. An introduction to alternative firing techniques, such as Raku and Horsehair Raku, will also be provided.
To help students document their progress in either Intermediate Ceramics or Open Studio, they will maintain a "Pottery Journal." This journal can be purchased online, or students may opt for a small sketchbook or download a journal app on their smartphones. It should include sketches of their projects, notes on glaze combinations and finishes, details about the clay they use, firing temperatures, decoration techniques, measurements, and more.
Intro to Functional Pottery and Continued Practices | 9 Weeks
Saturdays, January 10, 2026 - March 7, 2026 | 11am-2pm
Instructor: Bert Bogdany
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 4
Cost: $270 + $45 Materials Fee
This class is designed for students who would like to create utilitarian forms designed for functionality, such as bowls, cups, vases, lidded vessels, and plateware. Although previous experience in ceramics in either hand building or wheel throwing, is welcome, no previous experience is required for this class. Through visual demonstration, the student will be introduced to a variety of wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques that can be applied in a variety of ways to further explore the functional form in clay. The project demonstrations are techniques rather than work descriptions, so the student is encouraged to apply these concepts in their own unique way. This class is designed to provide a positive learning environment that will encourage the student to explore the various possibilities of form in the medium of clay. The materials fee will include clay, firing, glazes, the use of our in-house tools, and storage for your works in progress. In addition to traditional glazes, students will also have the option to use a variety of finishes to complete their works, such as slips and underglazes. Students will be asked to keep a journal in a bound sketchbook or 3-ring binder. Your journal should consist of notes from the projects, sketches, and glaze combinations/finishes used in your final work. By this method, you will have a record of all the techniques, concepts, and experiments you will have learned throughout the semester.
Live Figure Studio-Long Poses | 6 Weeks
Tuesdays, January 6, 2026 - February 10, 2026 | 6-8:30pm
Studio Monitor: Danielle DeGuglimo
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $90
Join us for this six-week live figure drawing studio for students of all levels and abilities looking to explore live figure drawing. During each session, a nude model will hold a single pose for students to draw, with the pose changing weekly. Model holds a long pose for the entirety of the session (20-minute increments with 5-minute breaks). Students have the option of using their own media within a safe and structured classroom setting. Drawing horses and easels will be provided. This is not an instruction-based class, but rather a structured environment for observation, experimentation, and investigation of the human form. A studio monitor will oversee the session without instruction.
Intro to Still Life Drawing | 6 Weeks
Saturdays, January 24, 2026 - February 28, 2026 | 12-2:30pm
Instructor: Maeghan Landa
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $215 + Supply List
Drawing is an important first step in becoming an artist. Drawings are geometric shapes with lines connecting them. In this introductory class, students will learn the fundamentals of drawing, focusing on still life setups. Through observation, students will gain an understanding of form, proportion, and perspective. Additionally, they will explore concepts of value, planes, and lines, which will serve as essential tools for interpreting any visual information. This class is open to all skill levels!
Chasing Sunsets with Pastels | 6 Weeks
Saturdays, Janaury 10, 2026 - Februrary 14, 2026 | 4:30-6:30pm
Instructor: Natalia Diaz
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $250 + Supply List
Join us this winter for a 6-week plein air pastel adventure, chasing sunsets and capturing their fleeting colors on paper. Each 2-hour class meets outdoors, where we’ll work quickly, stay loose, and let intuition guide our strokes.
We’ll begin the first session with guidance and a short demo to introduce this playful, spontaneous way of painting. In the weeks that follow, as we set up together, there will be time to share approaches and techniques before diving into the changing sky.
This class is about fun, experimentation, and discovery not perfection. You’ll practice making bold, decisive marks and enjoy the process of painting sunsets as they unfold. Bundle up, bring your pastels, and celebrate the glow of winter skies!
In-Depth Digital Painting for Adults | 6 Weeks
Mondays, January 12, 2026 - February 16, 2026 | 6-8pm
Instructor: Ynon Mabat
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $270
This unique art class is designed for adults of all skill levels! Over the course of six engaging sessions, each lasting two hours, participants will embark on a creative journey that progresses from basic foundational techniques to more advanced artistry. The class is designed to be both comprehensive and enjoyable, incorporating a wide array of hands-on exercises. You'll have the opportunity to explore various tools and methods that the art medium has to offer, all while being encouraged to investigate freely.
Whether you're an artist with prior experience in drawing, painting, and collaging, looking to expand your artistic repertoire, or a newcomer with limited experience, this class is perfect for you. Our instructor understands that everyone has different comfort levels, especially when it comes to artistic tools and technology; therefore, the sessions can be easily adapted to cater to everyone, including older adults who may feel less confident in tech-savvy environments.
Throughout the class, you'll be guided by an enthusiastic instructor who is passionate about helping you unlock your creative potential. Expect to have fun, make and immerse yourself in a supportive atmosphere that celebrates learning and artistic exploration. By the end of the course, you'll not only learn a new technique but also gain the confidence to express your unique artistic vision. This class will have a limited space for five participants. All the necessary equipment will be provided. Students will be using a free version of the Sketchbook App.
For more information, please email mabatart@gmail.com
Abstract Painting | 6 Weeks
Wednesdays, January 7, 2026 - February 11, 2026 | 3-5pm
Instructor: Monica Diaz
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $210 + Supply List
This is an introduction class to the world of abstract painting open to all skill levels. It is not heavily based on serious academic teaching, but is more oriented towards fun and discovery. Learn about composition, design, and color. The class will also focus on the intuitive vision of the students and their freedom in the use of colors, textures, and marks. Students will complete their personal abstract painting towards the end of the session.
Painting with Acrylics | 9 Weeks
Wednesdays, January 7, 2026 - March 4, 2026 | 6:30-8:30pm
Instructor: PJ Svejda
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $225 + Supply List
This nine-week multi-level class gives students the opportunity to explore acrylic paint and create three guided paintings, each completely different in subject and style. Students will also complete a fourth painting independently with their choice of subject. Whether you have basic skills, are already a painter, or want a refresher, this is a fun class to learn skills and techniques!
Watercolor Foundations | 6 Weeks
January 5, 2026 - February 12, 2026 | Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm or Thursdays, 10am-12pm
Instructor: Natalie Brooks
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $215 + Supply List
Dive deep into the art of watercolor! In this course, students will develop and strengthen essential skills to master this versatile medium. Each week, you’ll gain confidence as we cover key topics such as composition, value, color, brushwork, texture, and layering. Throughout the classes, we will practice our skills by painting various studies. Everything will culminate in a final project that showcases what you've learned. This class is ideal for beginner to intermediate students who want to enhance their love for and proficiency in watercolor!
Painting Landscapes & Seascapes | 6 Weeks
Thursdays, January 8, 2026 - February 19, 2026 | 6-8pm
Instructor: Avido Khahaifa
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $210 + Supply List
This class will introduce participants to a simple, non-intimidating approach to painting landscapes and seascapes in oil that look and feel lifelike. With an emphasis on abstraction, color-and-value contrasts, and basic composition, participants will begin with thumbnail sketches and then progress through small studies to fully rendered full-size paintings. All sessions will include discussion and demonstration of techniques and tools for simplifying the process for artists at any stage of development. Open to all levels! *Please note there will be no class on February 12.
Capturing Florida Birds | 6 Weeks
Thursdays, January 8, 2026 - February 12, 2026 | 10am-12pm
Instructor: Monica Diaz
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $210 + Supply List
Learn about the vibrant world of Florida’s avian life through the use of acrylic painting using the techniques of abstract impressionism and expressionism. This 6-week painting course is designed for those eager to explore the beauty, personality, and movement of birds using bold brushwork, expressive color palettes, and imaginative techniques.
Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your creative voice, this course offers a supportive space to experiment, learn, and connect with nature through art. By the end, you’ll have a series of unique bird-inspired paintings that reflect your personal style and artistic growth.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to observe and interpret bird forms, postures.
- Techniques for abstracting natural shapes while preserving essence and emotion
- Layering, texture-building, and color theory to evoke mood and motion
- How to work with acrylics, mixed media, and unconventional tools to create dynamic compositions
Painting Your Travels | 6 Weeks
Saturdays, January 24, 2026 - February 28, 2026 | 9:30am-11am
Instructor: Nicora Gangi
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $175 + Supply List
*Prerequisite: knows how to draw, use a brush, and paint on paper.
Unlock the vibrant world of gouache and capture your favorite memories in vivid color. This opaque and versatile medium is more forgiving than watercolor and delivers beautiful, saturated results, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Whether you want to illustrate the sun-drenched beaches of Florida, a delicious meal, or a beloved statue, this class will give you the skills to confidently create stunning artwork.
In this immersive workshop, you will:
- Learn essential gouache techniques through a thorough, step-by-step demonstration.
- Master applications that allow you to create rich textures, bold graphic shapes, or soft blends.
- Receive personalized feedback and guidance in a supportive, interactive environment.
Join us and start your journey toward painting with beautiful, bold colors! Students need to provide their own travel photo for reference.
Creating Murals for Community | 6 Weeks
Saturdays, January 10, 2026 - February 14, 2026 | 2-4pm
Instructor: Tony Passero
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $270
Join us on Saturday afternoons for a six-week, hands-on class to learn the complete process of creating large-scale public murals.
The course begins with five weeks of classroom sessions focused on the fundamentals of public art. You will be guided through every stage of the mural-making process, including:
- Concept development
- Design planning
- Site preparation
- Scaling and transferring the design
- Painting techniques
In class, you'll also explore essential artistic concepts such as color theory and composition, and learn to incorporate positive, community-focused messaging into public art. This practical teamwork environment provides invaluable experience in project execution.
The workshop culminates in a collaborative mural project, painted by students at a location near the Art Center. This installation will take place over the final weekend, or two weekends, depending on the group's vote and weather. Please note, the final two sessions require a minimum of 10 hours each day for painting.
You'll Gain:
- A completed mural installation in the community near the Maitland Art Center for your portfolio.
- Practical experience in collaborative public art projects.
- Technical skills in mural design, preparation, and painting.
- An appreciation for the cultural significance of murals in community expression.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is open to all skill levels, from those new to painting to experienced artists looking to expand into large-scale work. You will leave with valuable tools, techniques, and insights into the collaborative world of mural-making.
Beginning Sculpture: Portrait Busts | 6 Weeks
Thursdays, January 8, 2026 - February 12, 2026 | 1-4pm
Instructor: Alexander Alvarez
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $225 + $60 Materials Fee
No prior experience is required; this course introduces students to the fundamental techniques and concepts of sculpting a portrait head and bust. Through hands-on experience, students will learn the principles of proportion, anatomy, and expression while working from life and photographic references. Students will explore traditional and contemporary approaches to portrait sculpture, developing skills in armature construction, form building, capturing likeness/character, and refining surface details using air-dry clays as the primary medium. Class sessions will include demonstrations, critiques, and discussions on historical and modern sculptural portraiture.
Sculpting Fantasy Art Faces | 6 Weeks
Sundays, January 11, 2026 - February 15, 2026 | 1-4pm
Instructor: Brian Angeloff
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $300 + $70 Materials Fee
Join us for a 6-week sculpting course that blends creativity with craftsmanship! Each participant will receive a custom face armature to bring their artistic ideas to life.
In the first three classes, we'll explore different types of clay and sculpt dynamic forms like whimsical witches, eerie skulls, and reptilian faces.
In week four, you'll learn to create mold walls using brush-on silicone and conceptualize your unique final project. In week five, you'll take a mold of your masterpiece and create a cradle mold with plaster bandages.
Finally, in the last session, we will cast your designs with high-quality 2-part plastic and backfill with rigid foam, resulting in a stunning display-ready face. Unleash your creativity and join us on this artistic journey!
Intro to Sculpting & Multiples | 6 Weeks
Sundays, January 11, 2026 - February 15, 2026 | 6-8pm
Instructor: Brian Angeloff
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $250 + $70 Materials Fee
In this 6-week course, students will learn the basics of sculpting with three types of clay: Alien Clay (hard oil-based), Sculptex (soft oil-based), and Wed Clay (water-based). All sculptures will take the form of bas-relief. Every student will keep one wedge of Alien Clay and one brick of Sculptex.
Course Outline:
Days 1-3: Introduction to the three clay types, starting with a 5-minute sculpting exercise of a random object. Follow-along projects will include a bird’s wing, a reptile head, and a skull (subject to change each season).
Day 4: Demonstration on making a mold box, mixing and pouring silicone, and casting with two-part plastic using various color powders, along with a quick painting demo.
Day 5: Students will finalize their sculptures, create mold walls, mix silicone, and pour it.
Day 6: Students will cast their sculptures using color powders, resulting in two plastic castings to take home, along with their molds.
DIY Hoodie: Print & Crochet Your Style | 6 Weeks
Tuesdays, January 6, 2026 - February 10, 2026 | 5-7pm
Instructor: Meg Carroll
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $150 + Supply List
Join us for an exciting and innovative class by customizing your very own hoodie! Dive into the world of textiles as you design a unique relief print to stamp onto your fabric, giving it a personalized flair that's all your own. But that’s just the beginning! You’ll also learn how to craft cozy, eye-catching crocheted sleeves using the classic granny stitch, adding a fun and playful touch to your hoodie. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, this hands-on workshop promises to be a fantastic blend of art and fashion, allowing you to express your style in a way that's truly one-of-a-kind. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform a simple piece of clothing into a masterpiece that showcases your unique personality!
Silk Flow - An Intro to Silk Painting & Batik
Tuesdays, January 6, 2026 - February 10, 2026 | 10am-1pm
Instructor: Leslie MacMillan
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $250 + $70 Materials Fee
In this 6-week course, students of all levels will learn silk painting and batik through three unique projects. After exploring materials and practice samples, participants create a scarf using the French Serti technique, developing design, line work, and layered dye effects. The second project combines silk painting with wax batik for added texture and color and is stretched on canvas. In the final project, students craft a small purse, scarf, or handkerchief with a repeating resist pattern. By the end, participants gain hands-on experience in both traditional and creative applications of these beautiful textile arts.
Refund Policy
Classes & Workshops:
- Class registration ends Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 5PM. Registration for workshops is ongoing and closes 4 days prior to the scheduled workshop date. If space is available, late registration may be available before the start of the first class, subject to a $35 late registration fee.
- Classes & workshops in duration of one week or less are not refundable.
- Exchanges or refunds must be requested 7 days before the first class meeting and subject to a $25 administrative fee.
- Withdrawals are available the week of and before the second class for 50% of refund.
- After the second class, refunds are not available, and classes are not prorated for students who are not able to attend the entire semester.
- A&H reserves the right to cancel classes for unforeseen circumstances.
- Classes with insufficient enrollment may be canceled. Students will be notified in advance and full refunds will be issued.