Adult Art School Classes
Registration Opens Monday, August 24 at 10am for Fall Session
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.
Fall session begins Monday, September 28, 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.
Please note all upcoming classes will be held at our new Que Throm and Cicero Greathouse education building starting this session.
Make sure to check the updated directions and studio before your course.
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, September 28, 2026 - November 30, 2026 | 6-9pm
Instructor: Bert Bogdany
Location: Ceramic Studio
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, September 29, 2026 - December 2, 2026 | 6-9pm
Senior Instructor: Jim Patterson
Location: Ceramic Studio
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, October 1, 2026 - December 3, 2026 | 6-9pm
Senior Instructor: Jim Patterson
Location: Ceramic Studio
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.
A material fee for the class covers 25 pounds of clay, tools, glazes, firing services, slips, stains, molds, and access to lockers.
Beyond Functional Pottery and Continuing Practices | 9 Weeks
Saturdays, October 3, 2026 - December 5, 2026 | 11am-2pm
Instructor: Bert Bogdany
Location: Ceramic Studio
Cost: $270 + $45 Materials Fee
*Prerequisite: Introduction to Functional Pottery, Intro to Ceramics or equivalent experience.
This class is designed for students with previous experience in ceramics in either hand building or wheel throwing. 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 contemporary concepts in clay. These concepts can be applied to functional or sculptural forms furthering the student's visual vocabulary and understanding of the various possibilities this medium has to offer. 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, the use of slips, slip trailing, sgraffito, and glaze alternatives. 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.
Exploring Realism with Color Pencils | 6 Weeks
Saturdays, October 17, 2026 - November 21, 2026 | 11am-1pm
Studio Monitor: Nishtha Agarwal
Location: Studio C
Cost: $200 + Supply List
Transform your basic skills into professional-grade artistry. In this comprehensive course, you will master a structured, step-by-step workflow from initial visual observation to final evaluation.
Learn tos paper values (GSM) & color pencil grades. You will dive deep into color theory, mastering value scales, color relationships, and precise palette selection. Through hands-on practice, you will learn to build rich luminosity layer by layer using expert pressure control, seamless blending, and strategic highlight planning. Elevate your work by using directional strokes to create striking 3D form, volume, and painterly realism.
Live Figure Studio-Long Poses | 9 Weeks
Tuesdays, Septembers 29, 2026 - December 1, 2026 | 6-8:30pm
Studio Monitor: Danielle DeGuglimo
Location: Studio A
Cost: $135
We have extended our live figure drawing studio to nine weeks! Dedicated to long poses and is 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 Part 1 | 6 Weeks
Saturdays, October 3, 2026 - November 7, 2026 | 12-2:30pm
Instructor: Maeghan Landa
Location: Studio A
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!
Still Life Drawing Part 2 | 6 Weeks
Saturdays, October 3, 2026 - November 7, 2026 | 3-5:30pm
Instructor: Maeghan Landa
Location: Studio A
Cost: $215 + Supply List
This class is a continuation of Intro to Still Life Drawing PART 1. In this intermediate class, students will continue to refine and expand on the skills they started in PART 1, in addition to developing new fundamentals, including Design, Composition, and Rendering. With the skills explored in this class, students will strengthen their understanding of decision-making during the drawing process as well as create finished still life drawings.
Intro to Pastels | 6 Weeks
Saturdays, October 3, 2026 - November 7, 2026 | 3:30-5:30pm
Studio Monitor: Natalia Diaz
Location: Studio B
Cost: $215 + Supply List
Explore the vibrant world of pastels in this beginner-friendly course designed to introduce you to the techniques and creative possibilities of pastel drawing. Whether you're new to it or looking to expand your skills, this 6-week course will guide you through the basics of pastels. You’ll learn to create notable works of art, working from picture references from still life to landscape, with the rich, expressive texture that pastels are known for. By the end of the course, you’ll have learned all about blending, layering, shading techniques, composition, basic color theory, and how to mix pastels effectively.
Chasing Sunsets | 6 Weeks
Saturdays, October 3, 2026 - November 7, 2026 | 6-8pm
Studio Monitor: Natalia Diaz
Location: Studio B
Cost: $215 + 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!
(Re)Igniting the Creative Spark | 6 Weeks
Mondays, September 28, 2026 - November 2, 2026 | 2:30-4:30am
Instructor: Natalie Cruse
Location: Studio B
Cost: $215+ Supply List
Wondering how to get in touch with the creative freedom you felt as a child? Or maybe you feel stuck in the creative practice you’ve been working hard at. This is the perfect class for beginners to professionals who want to loosen up, get creative, and (re-) ignite your artistic spark! Each week of class will offer a different guided exercise for exploring creativity in a new way. While students can expect the class to focus more on creative exploration than academic study, your artistic skills and techniques will be strengthened along the way.
Watercolor Foundations 1 | 6 Weeks
Mondays, September 28, 2026 - November 2, 2026 | 6:30-8:30pm
Instructor: Natalie Brooks
Location: Studio B
Cost: $215 + Supply List
Explore the intricate world of watercolor art! Discover techniques, color blends, and creative expressions as you immerse yourself in this beautiful medium. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, watercolor offers endless possibilities for artistic expression. Unleash your creativity and enjoy the calming experience of painting with watercolors. Dive in and let your imagination flow!
Intro to Outdoor "Plein Air" Painting | 6 Weeks
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 - November 3, 2026 | 8-10:30am
Instructor: Roland Cruse
Location: Studio C
Cost: $215+ Supply List
Starting to paint plein air can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! This fun, group-oriented course brings expectations down to earth with foundational exercises designed to build confidence. Using the Art School grounds as a reference, students create strong charcoal sketches to capture light and a sense of place. Transitioning from charcoal to paint—using white and two dark tones—you’ll produce small studies in a supportive environment. This approach focuses on composition and value, while avoiding common stumbling blocks like complex color and overwhelming detail. Enjoy learning the craft alongside fellow artists!
Breakthrough with Automatic Painting | 6 Weeks
Tuesdays, September 29, 2026 - November 3, 2026 | 6-8:30pm
Instructor: Roland Cruse
Location: Studio B
Cost: $215 + Supply List
Whether you’re a beginning artist or a seasoned creator looking for a spark, this course will bring out the artist within. Inspired by the Surrealists, automatic painting emphasizes spontaneity, chance, and the joy of process over a final result. Using acrylic and latex paint, we’ll explore visual expression using the elements and principles of art. Create artwork in each class in a supportive environment where sharing ideas is encouraged. Bring your painting clothes and an open mind—let’s have fun!
Abstract Painting: A Gentle Introduction | 6 Weeks
Wednesdays, September 30, 2026 - November 4, 2026 | 1:30-3:30pm
Instructor: Monica Diaz
Location: Studio A
Cost: $235 + Supply List
This is an introduction class to abstract painting for beginners, but open to all skill levels. No experience is needed. The class is not heavily based on serious academic teaching, but is more oriented towards fun, enjoyment, and experimentation. Discover the joy of painting abstractly, in a relaxed, beginner‑friendly class designed for curiosity, creativity, and fun. All that is required is an open mind and a willingness to explore.
We’ll easily cover the basics of color, composition, and use simple designs. You’ll get to try different textures, marks, and color combinations while discovering your own intuitive style. There’s no “right” or “wrong” in abstraction — just room to explore, enjoy, and express yourself. By the end of the session, you’ll finish your own abstract painting that reflects your personal vision.
Painting with Acrylics | 9 Weeks
Wednesdays, September 30, 2026 - December 2, 2026 | 6:30-8:30pm
Instructor: PJ Svejda
Location: Studio B
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!

Birds & Their Surroundings | 6 Weeks
Thursdays, October 1, 2026 - November 5, 2026 | 10am-12pm
Instructor: Monica Diaz
Location: Studio A
Cost: $235 + Supply List
Learn to paint vibrant birds and their beautiful surroundings 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 and landscape.
- 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.
Beyond Watercolor Foundations | 6 Weeks
Thursdays, October 8, 2026 - November 12, 2026 1:30-3:30pm
Instructor: Natalie Brooks
Location: Studio B
Cost: $215 + Supply List
With foundational watercolor techniques in your repertoire, the world is your palette! In this class we will explore new surfaces (like Aquabord), and spend a day painting outdoors (en plein air)! Each week will be an opportunity to hone and expand your watercolor skills. Students taking this class will also have an opportunity to meet with Natalie for help/guidance in preparing a painting for submission, if they would like to enter a show.
Watercolor Foundations 2 | 6 Weeks
Mondays, October 8, 2026 - November 12, 2026 1:30-3:30pm
Instructor: Natalie Brooks
Location: Studio B
Cost: $215 + Supply List
Ready to take your watercolor skills to the next level? Explore advanced techniques and strengthen your skills in Watercolor Foundations 2. We’ll refine our eye for dynamic compositions, expand our color palettes, and enhance our skills as we paint from nature-inspired photos and still-lifes. This class is perfect for students who have taken Watercolor Foundations (or a similar equivalent).
Modern Impressionism | 6 Weeks
Fridays, October 2, 2026 - November 6, 2026 | 10am-12pm
Instructor: Monica Diaz
Location: Studio B
Cost: $235 + Supply List
This six‑week Modern Impressionism course invites students to explore light, color, and expressive brushwork through three distinct subjects: landscape, interior space, and portraiture. Inspired by the spirit of contemporary Impressionist painters, the class blends observation with personal interpretation, encouraging each artist to develop a fresh, modern voice.
Across the six weeks, students will create three complete paintings:
- A landscape that captures atmosphere, shifting light, and the poetry of place
- An interior scene that explores mood, composition, and the beauty of everyday spaces
- A portrait that focuses on gesture, character, and expressive color
Through weekly demonstrations, guided exercises, and individual feedback, students will learn to loosen their technique, build confident brushwork, and use color intentionally to convey emotion. The course emphasizes experimentation, personal style, and the joy of seeing the world through an Impressionist lens. Perfect for beginners ready to grow and experienced painters looking to refresh their approach, this class offers a structured yet playful path into modern Impressionist painting.
Beginning Color Theory | 6 Weeks
Sundays, October 4, 2026 - November 8, 2026 | 2-3:30pm
Instructor: Liamel Cohen
Location: Studio B
Cost: $140 + Supply List
Using acrylic paints, students will explore the fundamental principles of color theory as it applies to painting. Through a series of creative exercises and hands-on projects, students will learn about color mixing, color harmonies, and temperature.
By the end of the course, students will have a deep understanding of how to effectively use color in their paintings to convey mood, create depth, and evoke emotional responses from the viewer. This class is suitable for beginners as well as those with some prior painting experience.
Brush Techniques and Intro to Textures | 6 Weeks
Sundays, October 4, 2026 - November 8, 2026 | 4-5:30pm
Instructor: Liamel Cohen
Location: Studio B
Cost: $140 + Supply List
Learn the basics of acrylic painting. Students will explore essential brush techniques, paint application, blending, and texture-building methods while creating the look of materials such as wood, stone, metal, and fabric. Through guided practice, participants will develop confidence with acrylic paints and gain skills to add depth, detail, and realism to their artwork. No experience necessary.

Learning The Magic of Paper Mache | 6 Weeks
Sundays, October 4, 2026 - November 8, 2026 | 4-7pm
Instructor: Klaudio Xhindoli
Location: Studio C
Cost: $175 + $75 Materials Fee
Learn to create sculptural works with paper mache. Use your creativity in this beginner-friendly, six-week course, designed for anyone with a willingness to learn. No prior experience is necessary. This is a cost-effective, guided learning environment where artistic exploration is encouraged.
Over the six weeks, we will cover the fundamentals of paper mache, starting with mixing various custom formulas to achieve different consistencies, strengths, and textures suitable for diverse forms.
By the end of the course, you will have completed your own hand-crafted sculpture brought right out of your imagination. For a bonus, the course concludes with a comprehensive mini scenic painting tutorial, providing you with the skills to bring your unique creation to life in vibrant color.
We hope to see you there!
Introduction to Book Arts | 9 Weeks
Wednesdays, September 30, 2026 - December 2, 2026 | 6-8:30pm
Instructor: Ryan Price
Location: Studio C
Cost: $250 + $25 Materials Fee
Introduction to Book Arts is an all-level class that aims to introduce and inform students of three styles of books: Accordion books, Japanese stab bindings, and Coptic books. These three styles of books will teach students a variety of processes that are used in bookbinding, such as sewing, paper mechanics, and making hardcover books. The Class will culminate with the student's final book, which can be based on either of the three styles taught and can be narrative or image-based.
DIY Hoodie: Print & Crochet Your Style | 6 Weeks
Sundays, October 4, 2026 - November 8, 2026 | 1-3pm
Instructor: Meg Carroll
Location: Studio C
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!
Refund Policy
Classes & Workshops:
- Class registration ends Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 11PM. 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.



