Adult Art School Classes
Registration for Spring Session opens Monday, February 24 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.
Spring session begins Monday, April 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 >>
Admin Work as an Artist | 6 Weeks
Wednesdays, April 9 - May 14 | 5:30-7:30pm
Instructor: Ivan Riascos
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $210
This class aims to assist artists at any level of their careers in developing the skills, understanding, and knowledge necessary to succeed. We will learn the following subjects: artist statements, artist bios, the correct use of the first and third person, talking about your art, navigating costs, seeking opportunities and funding, understanding options that benefit you or hurt you, and the use of social media. The paperwork and research involved in being an artist can lead to artist growth. The class will consist of lectures, exercises, and homework.
The focus will be:
- Empowering artists to express themselves effectively through crafting compelling artist statements: - Understanding the purpose and importance of artist statements and the difference of an artist bio..
- Understanding what type of artist you would like to aim towards. Are you seeking to be an artist that is locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally recognized? Are you interested in being an artist who shows in galleries vs. side-walk art festivals? We will discuss the differences.
- Navigating Costs, Funding, and Opportunities: - Researching and identifying funding sources for artistic projects - Writing effective grant proposals and funding applications - Budgeting and financial planning for artistic endeavors. Planning and understanding how to price your art, stipends, framing and shipping costs, paying to play, and tracking time.
- Applying for Artist Residencies: - Understanding the benefits of artist residencies - Identifying suitable residency programs - Developing strong residency applications and portfolios .
Upon completion of the class, students will be better equipped with the tools necessary to articulate their artistic vision through compelling artist statements, pursue funding opportunities for their projects, and effectively apply for artist residencies. This will empower them to not only express themselves creatively but also be better adept at the business side of making an art career.
Intro to Ceramics | 9 Weeks
Mondays, April 7 - June 2 | 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, April 8 - June 5 | 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 >>
Beyond Functional Into Ceramics & Cont. Practices | 9 Weeks
Saturdays, April 12 - June 7 | 11am-2pm
Instructor: Bert Bogdany
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 4
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.
Finding the Form: Live Figure Drawing | 9 Weeks
Mondays, April 14 - June 16 | 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, April 8 - May 13 | 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, April 10 - May 15 | 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 your practice for interpreting any visual information. Open to all levels!
Learn Indirect Method of Painting | 9 Weeks
Mondays, April 7 - June 2 | 6-9pm
Instructor: Jose Pardo
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $275 + Supply List
This nine week course will help start you on the road to mastering the indirect method with oil paints in order to achieve a high level of realism. Students will all work from an instructor provided photo for consistency. We'll cover ideas about composition, drawing, color theory, and oil painting as we work through the different stages of the painting. Every class will begin with a brief demonstration so students can understand where they're headed. Once you have a handle on this method of painting you'll be able to paint anything in a very realistic style.
Painting Still Life with Expression | 6 Weeks
Tuesdays, April 8 - May 13 | 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, April 9 - May 14 | 3-5pm
Instructor: Monica Diaz
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $250 + 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, enjoyment, 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.
Color Theory | 6 Weeks
Wednesdays, April 9 - May 14 | 4:30-6pm
Instructor: PJ Svejda
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $140 + Supply List
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.
Painting with Acrylics | 9 Weeks
Wednesdays, April 9 - June 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, April 10 - May 15 | 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, April 8 - May 13 | 4:30-6:30pm
Instructor: Meg Carroll
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $200 + 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.
Intro to Sculpting & Multiples | 6 Weeks
Sundays, April 13 - May 18 | 6-8pm
Instructor: Brian Angeloff
Location: Cottage at Lake Lilly
Cost: $250 + $50 materials fee
In this course students will learn about the varieties of clay, and sculpting techniques with basic sculpting tools. Each class will start with a fun warm-up consisting of a five-minute speed sculpture on a picked subject, such as animals, or simple objects. Each student can create up to 3 different relief sculptures. They will then pick their favorite one to mold, make proper mold walls, and mix silicone properly. By the end of the course the students will have their own mold and casting to take home.
Refund Policy
Classes & Workshops:
- Class registration ends Wednesday, April 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.