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Beginning Watercolor: Online
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Learn to create luminous watercolors from the ground up. Observe an instructor demo each week and gain technical skills to achieve greater control and enjoyment with this medium. Color mixing, brush technique, composition, and drawing skills will be covered. No prior experience is necessary. A supply list will be sent. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance.
- 6 Wednesdays April 30 – June 4, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – noon or
- 6 Tuesdays, September 9 – October 21, 2025, 1 – 3:30 p.m. or
- 6 Tuesdays, October 28 – December 9, 2025, 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Judith Joseph, artist and educator
Online Course |
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Select Date/Time
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Botanical Drawing 1: Online
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Strong drawing is the cornerstone of botanical art. In this class, we will work in pencil, covering the fundamentals of proportions, line, tone, dimensionality, and expression. We will work from live specimens, flowers, seeds, and fruit. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance. A supply list will be sent. ART requirement.
8 Saturdays, September 6 – October 25, 2025, 9 a.m. – noonMarlene Hill Donnelly, scientific illustrator, The Field Museum
Online Course |
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9/6/2025 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Botany for Botanical Artists
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Bring realism to your botanical artwork with a focus on identifying the morphological features of plants. Emphasizing specific plant parts in illustrations is critical to the identification of plant species in both scientific flora and identification manuals. Through a combination of lectures and lab/studio time, you will identify key characteristics in each plant specimen and then transfer them to botanical illustrations. A supply list will be sent. ART requirement
6 Thursdays, September 11 – October 23, 2025, 6 – 8:30 p.m.Emily Woodworth, research assistant, Chicago Botanic Garden
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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9/11/2025 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
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Brushstrokes and Beyond: Online
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New! Experience a multimedia art journey with watercolor, pen, and colored pencil. Watercolor is a luminous, beautiful medium. Learn to pair the delicacy and gestural brushwork of watercolor with expressive line work in pen. Add depth and vibrancy to your paintings with the enhancement of colored pencil. Some experience with watercolor will be helpful. A supply list will be sent. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance.
- 6 Wednesdays, September 10 – October 29, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – noon or
- 6 Wednesdays, November 5 – December 17, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – noon
Judith Joseph, artist and educator
Online Course |
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Select Date/Time
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Capturing the Colors of Summer
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Bring color into your landscape painting this summer. Discover how painters think about composition and color in nature. A brief review of color and light will help you represent the landscape. You will create small paintings in the medium of your choice, such as gouache, acrylic, and oil. Color drawing materials including pastel and colored pencils also welcome. A supply list will be sent.
2 Mondays, August 4 & 6, and 2 Wednesdays, August 11 & 13, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.Nina Weiss, fine artist and educator
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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8/4/2025 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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Climbing Plants in Colored Pencil
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New! To reach for the sun, many plants climb towards the light. Whether the plant latches on firmly to a wall like ivy, or sends tendrils feeling for support like clematis, the results provide opportunities for compositions that show the structure of the vines as well as the blooms they may produce. Gain inspiration from the gardens, plant specimens, or photographing the subject. Colored pencil media. Portions of the course will be held outside. Dress for the weather. A supply list will be sent. Prerequisites: Colored Pencil Drawing or similar coursework. The School’s CEUs=15 hours ART elective
5 Thursdays, July 24 – August 21, 2025, 6 – 9 p.m.Claudia Lane, freelance artist
Design Studio, Regenstein Center |
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7/24/2025 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Creating Jewelry and Collage with Tin
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Create colorful jewelry and mixed media art using upcycled metal material. You will learn tools and techniques for cutting, shaping, and hammering tin into beautiful earrings, rings, pins, bracelets, as well as mosaics and collages. All skill levels welcome. Basic supplies are provided; bring decorative containers such as mint or cookie tins and metal bottle caps.
8 Tuesdays, July 1 – August 19, 2025, 10 a.m. – noon Bonnie Arkin, artist and designer
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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Sold Out
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Enhance Nature's Patterns in Watercolor
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New! Repetition with variations is an important element shared by both artists and the natural world. In finding and painting these patterns in the trees, flowers, and plants en plein air, you will learn to incorporate pen-and-ink techniques with watercolor to fully enhance this artistic beauty of patterns through observation. Dress for the weather. A supply list will be sent. The School’s CEUs=14 hours ART elective
4 Tuesdays, June 10 – July 8, 2025, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (no class July 1)Thomas Trausch, artist, TWSA master status
Design Studio, Regenstein Center |
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Sold Out
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Fiber Arts: Mystical Mermaid
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New! Dive into the enchanting world of needle felting as you create your very own mermaid, measuring 8 inches from curly-topped head to shimmering, sparkling tail. No prior experience necessary and all materials—locally grown and dyed—are included.
Tuesday July 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – noon Natasha Lehrer Lewis, fiber artist and educator, Esther's Place Fiber Arts Studio
Classroom 1, Learning Center |
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7/22/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Floral Inspired Nuno Scarf Workshop
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New! Create a piece of wearable art with a wet felting technique called nuno, which is Japanese for "cloth." You will use a silk scarf base and paint a floral design onto the ends of the scarf with wool. Then, using soap, water, and agitation, gently fuse the fibers into the fabric for a sheer, beautiful piece perfect for a summer ensemble. All materials included
Tuesday July 22, 2025, 1 – 4 p.m. Natasha Lehrer Lewis, fiber artist and educator, Esther's Place Fiber Arts Studio
Classroom 1, Learning Center |
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7/22/2025 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Halloween Haunted House Workshop
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Create a miniature Halloween haunted house keepsake. You will use a small Ouija board tin box for the base and then adorn with a selection of trinkets, including witches, spiders, bats, skulls, ribbons, and trims. Finish it off with paper images, labels, and a brass portrait frame for a fun touch of spooky magic for home or to give as a gift.
Saturday October 4, 2025, 10 a.m. – noon Bonnie Arkin, artist and designer
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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10/4/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Holiday Tin Pins Workshop
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Create three festive holiday pins from whimsical, printed tin patterns. Choose from a colorful variety of designs and learn the art of cutting, shaping, and assembling your pieces. Add your personal touch with sparkles, gems, and trims to make each pin truly unique. These handcrafted pins are perfect for holiday gifting or adding a special touch to your holiday outfit.
Saturday December 6, 2025, 10 a.m. – noon Bonnie Arkin, artist and designer
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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12/6/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Introduction to Weaving Workshop
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Learn to make a small weaving by exploring traditional tapestry approaches such as interlocking, inlay, and shape-building alongside basket weave, twill, soumak, pile, rya, and twining techniques. No experience is necessary—this class is ideal for beginners. A supply list will be sent.
- Saturday May 3, 2025, 1 – 3:30 p.m. or
- Saturday July 12, 2025, 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Emily Breidenbach, teaching artist
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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Select Date/Time
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New! Learn and refine jewelry skills such as bead stringing, wire working, and earring making. You will practice a new technique each week and explore incorporating different materials such as decorative tins, crystals, buttons, antique jewelry, and china shards. All skill levels welcome. This class replaces Rejuvenated and Advanced Rejuvenated Jewelry; the instruction will be customized to each individual skill set.
- 8 Tuesdays May 6 – June 24, 2025, 1 – 3 p.m. or
- 8 Tuesdays, July 1 – August 19, 2025, 1 – 3 p.m.
Bonnie Arkin, artist and designer
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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Select Date/Time
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Leaf Printing: Natural Patterns & Colors
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Experience the joy of creating your own unique papers created by eco-dyeing with plants and flowers. Explore printmaking methods that use leaves to create a simple print plate and direct mono-prints. Finally, apply both printing methods to freshly made paper. You will leave with a stack of papers that can be used in mixed media works, papercrafts, and other projects. Most printing supplies are included. A supply list will be sent. No prior experience required.
Saturday July 26, 2025, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sarah Rehmer, visual artist, Rehmer-Studio
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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7/26/2025 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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Learn Calligraphy Mini Session: Online
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Learn the basics of using a wedge-shaped pen to create the wide and narrow strokes that give calligraphic letters their rhythm and beauty. You will learn chancery cursive, a versatile, foundational italic style of lettering. Practice layout for envelopes and decorative quotes. Beginners and experienced students who wish to brush up their skills are welcome. A supply list will be sent. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance.
2 Thursdays June 12 – June 19, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – noon Judith Joseph, artist and educator
Online Course |
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Sold Out
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Mosaic Collage Oak Tree Workshop
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For centuries the oak tree, with its sturdy trunk and sprawling branches, has represented strength, longevity, and endurance. Create a collage depicting an oak tree from a wonderful assortment of beads, mosaic tiles, glass, china, buttons, floral tin, and vintage jewelry parts. If you have a special family dish you would like to incorporate into your collage, bring it along. You might even want to create your own family tree. All levels welcome and all materials included.
Saturday August 23, 2025, 10 a.m. – noon Bonnie Arkin, artist and designer
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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8/23/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Mosaic Dragonfly Workshop
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Create an original mosaic dragonfly from various materials, including broken china, tiles, glass, mirror, beads, patterned tin, found objects, and jewelry. Learn how to professionally cut china dishes and other materials into mosaic and apply to a 9-inch wooden dragonfly. All materials included. Feel free to bring something sentimental or a favorite dish to incorporate into your design.
Saturday July 19, 2025, 10 a.m. – noon or 1 – 3 p.m. Bonnie Arkin, artist and designer
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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Pique assiette, or “broken plates,” incorporates a blending of color, form, and texture. This folk art can be found in many cultures and is popular today as a way to recycle a favorite piece of china or broken heirloom. Complete a unique mosaic from shards of china, ceramic, or glass. All skill levels welcome. A supply list is given at the first class; bring your own decorative china pieces.
- 8 Thursdays May 8 – June 26, 2025, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. or
- 8 Thursdays, July 10 – August 28, 2025, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. or
- 8 Thursdays, July 10 – August 28, 2025, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Bonnie Arkin, artist and designer
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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Select Date/Time
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Composing quick studies in the field is an important skill. You will gain the experience to create these sketches, complete with notes on field conditions, colors, plant measurements, and textures, for a complete workup in the studio. Folding chairs are provided. In case of inclement weather, the class will draw in the Greenhouses. A supply list will be sent. Dress for the weather. ART requirement.
6 Saturdays, July 19 – August 30, 2025, 9 a.m. – noon (no class August 23)Kimberly Mullarkey, freelance artist
Lakeside Room, Visitor Center |
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7/19/2025 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Painting the Natural World: Online
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Watercolor is a fresh, beautiful way to express a sunset or the reflection of trees and clouds on a pond. You will learn to make expressive marks, mix colors, and apply water mindfully to achieve the sparkling, sensitive effects watercolor offers. Prerequisite: Beginning Watercolor or similar experience. A supply list will be sent. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance.
- 6 Wednesdays, April 30 – June 4, 2025, 1 – 3:30 p.m or
- 6 Wednesdays, September 10 – October 29, 2025, 1 – 3:30 p.m. (no class September 24 or October 1) or
- 6 Wednesdays, November 5 – December 17, 2025, 1 – 3:30 p.m. (no class November 26)
Judith Joseph, artist and educator
Online Course |
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Select Date/Time
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Paintings Inspired by Patterned Gardens
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New! Explore three different pattern-themed gardens that will inspire your paintings. The patterns of polka dots, chevrons, paisley, herringbone, and diamonds in garden design layouts, together with physical structures (walkways, walls, artistic displays), will spark interesting painted compositions. You will incorporate pen and ink to enhance the design and organization of the different elements in your en plein air paintings. Dress for the weather. Watercolor media with pen and ink. A supply list will be sent. The School’s CEUs=10.5 hours ART elective
3 Wednesdays, July 23 – August 6, 2025, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Thomas Trausch, artist, TWSA master status
Design Studio, Regenstein Center |
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7/23/2025 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
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Examine pen-and-ink drawing with the study of natural botanical forms and shapes. You will acquire valuable techniques including stipple, cross-hatching, contour-line, and combinations. Achieve successful execution of black-and-white elements to create value, tone, and texture such as leaf venation, stem texture, and shading. You will create positive and negative tones to establish depth and dimension. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance. A supply list will be sent. Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing 1 ART requirement, traditional track
6 Tuesdays, September 30 – November 4, 2025, 6 – 9 p.m. Claudia Lane, freelance artist
Online Course |
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9/30/2025 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Pressed Flower Textile Design
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Learn the process of creating imprints of flowers by transferring the natural dyes to textiles to create their own sustainable motifs. Students will leave class with their own textile designs that can be used for artworks or future garment projects. All materials are included.
Saturday July 26, 2025, 9 a.m. – noon Justin LeBlanc, fashion designer, artist, and teacher
Classroom 1, Learning Center |
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7/26/2025 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Rory McEwen’s Botanical Influences
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With an eye for detail, Rory McEwen (1932 – 82) was a stunning botanical artist. Inspired by seventeenth- and eighteenth-century masterpieces by great botanical illustrators, McEwen excelled in his craft, adding a modern interpretation. Discover botanical treasures by those who influenced him, including Pierre Joseph Redouté. The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Rare Book collection encompasses five centuries of literature in botany, botanical art, horticulture, agriculture, and landscape design. Rory McEwen, A New Perspective on Nature exhibition is at the Driehaus Museum in Chicago from May 17 to August 17, 2025. The School's CEUs=1 hour ART elective
Thursday, June 12, 2025, 6 – 7 p.m. Leora Siegel, senior director, Lenhardt Library
Lenhardt Library, Regenstein Center |
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Sold Out
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In this creative workshop, perfect for all skill levels, discover how to use reactive dyes and the power of the sun to create stunning floral print designs on fabric. You will explore the unique process of sun painting to produce beautiful textiles for personal projects. With a limited class size for a more personalized experience, this workshop offers hands-on instruction from a fashion expert, including all materials needed to bring your designs to life.
Friday July 25, 2025, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Justin LeBlanc, fashion designer, artist, and teacher
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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Select Date/Time
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The Life of Botanical Artist Rory McEwen
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New! Get inspired by the life and vision of renowned musician and one of the great botanical artists, Rory McEwen. Discover details of his fascinating career, relationships, travels, and artistic talents. McEwen’s artwork demonstrates technical precision, but he prioritized the poetry of the painted subject through his artistic approach and contemporary compositions. You will gain a greater appreciation for nature and botanical art through McEwen’s life history and perspective. Rory McEwen, A New Perspective on Nature exhibition is at the Driehaus Museum in Chicago from May 17 to August 17, 2025. The School’s CEUs=2 hours ART elective
Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 6 – 8 p.m. Claudia Lane, freelance artist
Design Studio, Regenstein Center |
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Sold Out
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New! Create three fun and whimsical flower pins recycled from colorful tin—the perfect complement to a straw hat or jean jacket. Choose from a large assortment of possibilities and learn how to expertly cut and dome your pieces. All skill levels welcome. All materials included.
Saturday June 14, 2025, 10 a.m. – noon Bonnie Arkin, artist and designer
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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Sold Out
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Unconventional Embroidery: Leaf Stitching
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Join Justin LeBlanc as he guides you through the art of embroidery on organic materials. Whether you are a seasoned stitcher or a beginner, learn to create unique embroidered leaves, exploring how stitching can transform an ordinary object into timeless art. The final artwork will be displayed in a shadowbox, preserving the leaves as they evolve over time, creating a lasting and meaningful piece. All materials are included.
Saturday August 9, 2025, 9 a.m. – noon Justin LeBlanc, fashion designer, artist, and teacher
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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8/9/2025 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Watercolor is an ideal medium to achieve a naturalistic style in botanical art. You will learn watercolor color mixing and do paint-handling exercises, progressing to rendering textures and form in color, and using paint-layering techniques. This course builds upon the Botanical Drawing 1 and Color Mixing courses. A supply list will be sent. Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing 1 and Color Mixing ART requirement
6 Thursdays, July 22 – August 26, 2025, 6 – 9 p.m. Nancy Halliday, freelance artist and naturalist
Classroom 4, Learning Center |
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7/22/2025 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Watercolor Exploration: Online
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This workshop offers an opportunity to try watercolor painting. Basic techniques will be taught, with an eye to having fun while gaining some control and skills. No experience is necessary. A supply list will be sent. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance.
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Tuesday July 8, 2025, 1 – 3:30 p.m. or
- Saturday July 12, 2025, 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Judith Joseph, artist and educator
Online Course |
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Select Date/Time
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Watercolor, Pen, and Colored Pencil: Onlne
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New! Pen lines, watercolor, and colored pencil go together like a stroll on a sunny day. Explore line-drawing and enhance it with luminous watercolor in a harmonious balance. Then enhance your work with colored pencil for texture and depth of color. All skill levels welcome. A supply list will be sent. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance.
4 Wednesdays June 11 – July 2, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – noon Judith Joseph, artist and educator
Online Course |
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Sold Out
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Whimsical Tin Turkey Pin Workshop
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Create two charming and festive turkey pins using a variety of antique and vintage tin patterns in vibrant colors. Explore a wide selection of designs and learn techniques to expertly cut and shape your pieces. These unique pins will add a cheerful touch to your holiday attire or make a thoughtful handmade gift.
Saturday November 8, 2025, 10 a.m. – noon Bonnie Arkin, artist and designer
Classroom 5, Learning Center |
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11/8/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Yin-Yang: Painting Opposites in Nature
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New! Learn to see and paint the tapestry of positive and negative, geometric and contour using an organization of shapes, edges, and planes. Bring harmony to your work by balancing the movements of sand patterns versus stationary rocks, opposite elements like light and dark, or tensions of vertical and horizontal. Gain inspiration from the gardens as you paint en plein air. Dress for the weather. All media welcome. A supply list will be sent. The School’s CEUs=10.5 hours ART elective.
3 Wednesdays, August 13 – 27, 2025, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Thomas Trausch, artist, TWSA master status
Design Studio, Regenstein Center |
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8/13/2025 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
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