Adult Art School Classes
Registration is now OPEN for Spring Session & closes
Sunday, April 1 at 11pm!
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 6, 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, April 6, 2026 - June 1, 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, April 7, 2026 - June 3, 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, April 9, 2026 - June 4, 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.
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 Continued Practices | 9 Weeks
Saturdays, April 11, 2026 - June 6, 2026 | 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.
Live Figure Studio-Long Poses | 6 Weeks
Tuesdays, April 7, 2026 - May 12, 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, April 11, 2026 - May 16, 2026 | 12-2:30pm
Instructor: Maeghan Landa
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
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!
Live Figure Studio for Teens | 6 Weeks
Saturdays, April 11, 2026 - May 16, 2026 | 3-5:30pm
Studio Monitor: Maeghan Landa
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
Cost: $45
Thank you for your interest in this class. Registration is temporarily on hold. Please check back for further updates. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Intro to Pastels | 6 Weeks
Saturdays, April 18, 2026 - May 23, 2026 | 4:30-6:30pm
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.
Chasing Sunsets with Pastels | 6 Weeks
Saturdays, April 18, 2026 - May 23, 2026 | 6:30-8:30pm
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 spring skies!
Watercolor Foundations 1 | 6 Weeks
Mondays, April 6, 2026 - May 11, 2026 | 6:30-8:30pm
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!
Abstract Painting | 6 Weeks
Wednesdays, April 8, 2026 - May 13, 2026 | 1:30-3:30pm
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, April 8, 2026 - June 3, 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!
Capturing Florida Birds | 6 Weeks
Thursdays, April 9, 2026 - May 14, 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
Watercolor Foundations 2 | 6 Weeks
Thursdays, April 9, 2026 - May 14, 2026 10am-12pm
Instructor: Natalie Brooks
Location: Cottage at Lake Lily
Cost: $215 + Supply List
Ready to take your watercolor skills to the next level? Explore advanced techniques and strengthen your skills in Watercolor Foundations II. 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).
Color Theory Using Acrylics | 6 Weeks
Sundays, April 12, 2026 - May 17, 2026 | 10-11:30am
Instructor: Liamel Cohen
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.
Learning The Magic of Paper Mache | 6 Weeks
Sundays, April 12, 2026 - May 17, 2026 | 4-7pm
Instructor: Klaudio Xhindoli
Location: The Cottage at Lake Lily
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!
Silk Flow - An Intro to Silk Painting & Batik | 6 Weeks
Tuesdays, April 7, 2026 - May 12, 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.
Introduction to Book Arts | 9 Weeks
Thursdays, April 9, 2026 - June 4, 2026 | 6-8:30pm
Instructor: Ryan Price
Location: Maitland Art Center Studio 10
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.
Relief Printmaking | 6 Weeks
Sundays, April 12, 2026 - May 17, 2026 | 1-3pm
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.
Refund Policy
Classes & Workshops:
- Class registration ends Wednesday, April 1, 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.