Adult Art School Classes
Registration for Summer Session opens Tuesday, May 27 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.
Summer session begins Monday, July 7. Classes run for 6 or 9 weeks. Click here for 1-2 day workshops>>
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. 266 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 >>
Cultivating Creativity | 6 Weeks
Sundays, July 20 - August 24 | 12-2pm
Instructor: Abbey Kish
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $215 + Supply List
Feeling stuck or lacking inspiration? This class is for you! Each week, we'll explore techniques to overcome artist's block and reignite your creativity through sketchbook exercises, art journaling, and discussions of readings and video interviews with renowned artists. Activities will be tailored to individual needs as the course progresses, focusing on building a creative habit and making discoveries rather than finishing projects. You'll have plenty of time to create, too! All experience levels encouraged.
Intro to Ceramics | 9 Weeks
Mondays, July 7 - September 1 | 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. After completing this class the students are encouraged to enroll in our Open Studio, Intro to Functional Pottery & Continuing Practices, or Beyond Functional Into Ceramics & Continuing Practices to further their exploration of this medium.
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, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, July 8 - September 4 | 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 >>
Intro to Functional Pottery and Continued Practices | 9 Weeks
Saturdays, July 12 - September 6 | 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.
Finding the Form: Live Figure Drawing | 9 Weeks
Mondays, July 7 - September 1 | 7-9pm
Instructor: Channing Gray
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $275 + Supply List
Learn how to find the human form through drawing sessions of observing and making marks on paper with a live model. Sessions will include mapping the form, quick gestures, loose shapes, contour lines, close ups, adding values, putting the form in space with objects, long and short poses, and finally finding your style of drawing the human figure. The point of this course is to gain a skill in drawing people, observe the hidden and finer details of what makes us human, and appreciate other artists in their reasons for using the figure within their work. Preference to some drawing experience, but beginners are welcome to join in this fast-paced experience.
Live Figure Studio-Long Poses | 6 Weeks
Tuesdays, July 8 - August 12 | 6-8:30pm
Studio Monitor: Maeghan Landa
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 entirety of session (20 min. increments with 5 min breaks). Students have the option of using their own media to use 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
Thursdays, July 10 - August 14 | 5-7:30pm
Instructor: Maeghan Landa
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $215 + Supply List
Create a solid foundation of fundamentals for your art practice with this introductory drawing class. With an emphasis on Still Life, students will learn how to translate form, proportion, and perspective solely through observation. Students will also develop an understanding of value, planes, and lines that will become essential tools in their practice for interpreting any visual information. Open to all levels!
Intro to Pastels | 6 Weeks
Saturdays, August 2 - September 6 | 6-8pm
Instructor: Natalia Diaz
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $250 + 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.
Create Without Boundaries Using Mixed Media | 6 Weeks
Mondays, July 7 - August 11 | 5-8pm
Instructor: Njeri Kinuthia
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $235 + Supply List
In this class, we will create limitless possibilities of art by combining different/unexpected materials and processes. We will emphasize 'Mixed Media' work, blending different art forms including drawing, painting, paper collage, textiles, found/reused/recycled objects, fiber art, and sculpture. We will explore both 2 and 3-dimensional Work. This is your chance to bring your wildest imagination to life and create truly unique pieces of art!
Painting Still Life with Expression | 6 Weeks
Tuesdays, July 8 - August 12 | 10am-12:30pm
Instructor: Patti Shistle
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $210 + Supply List
Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of traditional realism art! In this dynamic class, we'll celebrate the beauty of compositions and master the art of creating stunning contrasts in values, colors, and brushwork. You'll be inspired by live demonstrations and receive personalized guidance to unleash your creativity. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, come and join us as we bring still life to life through your unique projects. Let's explore the art of traditional realism together! Open to all levels with some basic understanding of the application of paints. This class is open to acrylic and oil paints.
Abstract Painting | 6 Weeks
Wednesdays, July 9 - August 13 | 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 abstract painting towards the end of the session.
Painting with Acrylics | 9 Weeks
Wednesdays, July 9 - September 4 | 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!
Painting Landscapes & Seascapes | 6 Weeks
Thursdays, July 10 - August 14 | 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!
Relief Printmaking | 6 Weeks
Tuesdays, July 8 - August 12 | 4:30-6:30pm
Instructor: Meg Carroll
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $175 + Supply List
This class is open to beginners and experienced printmakers. In this course, students will learn and experience hands-on multiple relief print techniques carving linoleum to create single-block, multi-block, and reduction relief prints. Students will leave the course with beautiful hand-crafted art and have the opportunity to print on a fabric item of their choice at the end.
Beginning Sculpture: Portrait Busts | 6 Weeks
July 30 - September 5
Wednesdays | 6-9pm OR Fridays | 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.
Intro to Sculpting & Multiples | 6 Weeks
Sundays, July 13 - August 17 | 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 various mediums of clay such as Alien Clay(hard oil-based), Sculptex (soft oil-based), and Wed clay (water-based). These sculptures will all be a form of bas-relief. Students get to keep 1 wedge of Alien Clay and a brick of Sculptex clay.
The first 3 days will be introductions to the 3 styles of clay, which will begin with a fun 5 minute sculpt of a random object of my choosing. Once they get the feel of the clay I will teach a follow-along each day such as a bird’s wing, a reptile head, and a skull. Subject to change each seasonal class.
Day 4 I will demonstrate how to make a mold box, mix and pour the silicone properly, followed by a demo of casting a two-part plastic, using multiple casting color powders. I will also give a quick painting demo.
Day 5 students will have final sculpt ready to mold within the specific boundaries given. They will make the mold walls, mix silicone and pour.
Day 6 will be the students’ plastic castings, using the color powders and base color to add to the plastic. By the end of the class, the students will be able to take home their molds plus 2 castings.
Refund Policy
Classes & Workshops:
- Class registration ends Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 5PM. Registration for workshops is ongoing and closes the Wednesday 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.