Blog

Intermediate Acrylic Painting

April 02, 2025

Advance your knowledge of acrylic painting by practicing technical applications of paint. Students will develop their own style of painting as they learn advanced techniques. We will learn how to paint in various genres, to paint from life, and to develop a concept from sketch to completion. Students will complete multiple paintings but will finish […]

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Intermediate Pencil Drawing

April 02, 2025

In this intermediate drawing class centered on pencil work, students will learn the intricacies of capturing proportion and mastering composition. They will discover the nuanced art of using pencils to create harmonious and visually compelling pieces of art. Through individualized feedback and guidance, students will learn how to effectively balance proportion and composition to create […]

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Raku Firing

April 02, 2025

The focus of each session is the raku process. Participants will need to have 6 bisque fire pieces ready to raku for this class. We will raku 1 piece/week. Please have your first bisque piece ready to fire for the first class. There will be time to work on pieces independently during class time as […]

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Introduction to Digital Photography (C)

April 02, 2025

Learn what all the buttons on your digital camera actually do. You’ll learn about things like white balance, resolution and megapixels. We’ll discuss how to capture an image, ensure proper exposure and create an effective composition. Weekly assignments coupled with in-class discussions will help you troubleshoot problems and develop a creative eye.

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ONLINE: Writing About Time

April 02, 2025

In this intro-level fiction writing class, we’ll explore different understandings of time and what they can do to our writing. We’ll learn about cyclical time, déja vu, spacetime, and the twin paradox. There will be plenty of in-class prompts. You are wel

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Introduction to Digital Photography (B)

April 02, 2025

Learn what all the buttons on your digital camera actually do. You’ll learn about things like white balance, resolution and megapixels. We’ll discuss how to capture an image, ensure proper exposure and create an effective composition. Weekly assignments coupled with in-class discussions will help you troubleshoot problems and develop a creative eye.

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Introduction to Sewing (B)

April 02, 2025

Learn basic sewing techniques and create a project of your choice with instructor guidance. Weekly demonstrations will include sewing machine basics, fabric basics, simple seams, simple hems, zipper application, how to take body measurements, and how to follow a sewing pattern. The first classes will be demonstration-based and the final classes will focus on the […]

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Here Be Monsters: Creature Design + Illustration

April 02, 2025

Learn to design and illustrate monsters. We’ll study mythological beasts, and generate ideas by coming up with our own composite animals. Drawing on ideas from naturalism and botanical illustration, as well as illuminated manuscripts and bestiaries, we’ll imagine and illustrate some monsters of our own!

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Introduction to Letterpress: Stationery Workshop

April 02, 2025

Plan and print your own stationery project! Through invitations, business cards, greeting cards, and letterheads, students will explore the medium of letterpress and its historical and contemporary uses, through the lens of stationery and graphic design. We will cover the basics of safe typesetting, composing a piece, proofing, letterpress printing, using the flat-bed and proofing […]

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Mechanisms in Metal

April 02, 2025

Learn the basics of fabricating mechanisms found in jewelry. From basic hinges to pin-back mechanisms to making a brooch, these techniques will help you elevate your jewelry designs and tighten your fabrication and soldering skills! The class will work mostly in sterling silver. Beginners to seasoned practitioners are welcome!

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Introduction to the Wheel (D)

April 02, 2025

Learn to throw clay on a potter’s wheel. We’ll cover the foundations of wheel work, including wedging and centering clay and forming cylinders, cups and bowls. Basic glazing information will help you finish your final forms.

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Next Level Letterpress (Limited Offering)

April 02, 2025

Take your letterpress skills to the next level with multiple-color prints. We'll use the Platen and Challenge presses and explore other advanced typesetting methods. You’ll receive lots of guidance as you work on your own individual projects.

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Intermediate Metal Jewelry

April 02, 2025

Take your metal jewelry making to the next level. We’ll focus on design execution, stone setting as well as fabricating and soldering with sterling silver. You’ll also advance your polishing skills for finishing pieces.

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ONLINE: Editing the Digital Photograph in Adobe Photoshop

April 02, 2025

Adobe Photoshop is one of the leading editing programs for photographers. In this course, we will dive into both editing basics in Camera Raw and applying tools. In this four-week class, students will learn how to import images, navigate folders and collections, filter and rate photos, fix exposure and color casts, export images for various […]

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Ceramic Surface Decoration

April 02, 2025

Explore surface decoration processes using unique materials to take your ceramics to the next level. Each week, we’ll cover new techniques such as sgraffito, inlay, stencils, slip transfer, decals, lusters and more. We’ll discuss visual concepts to facilitate a greater understanding of design and make thoughtful decisions about finishing a piece we'll take home with […]

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Introduction to Letterpress

April 02, 2025

Explore the letterpress printing process, which dates back to the 15th century and the time of Gutenberg. We’ll cover typesetting, inking, printing and paper selection as you become familiar with the terminology and VisArts’ presses. You’ll have time to create multiple pieces and trade work with classmates, which will help you build a small collection […]

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ONLINE: Journaling for Artists, Writers + Photographers

April 02, 2025

This course is designed for anyone interested in the techniques and development of visual journaling. We'll review the contributions of visual diarists such as Dan Eldon and Frida Kahlo. Each session will begin with a short presentation on a visual diarist, technique, or significant artist with follow up time for guidance, feedback, and group discussion.

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ONLINE: Writing About Time

April 02, 2025

In this intro-level fiction writing class, we'll explore different understandings of time and what they can do to our writing. We'll learn about cyclical time, déja vu, spacetime, and the twin paradox. There will be plenty of in-class prompts. You are welcome to use the class as an opportunity to write memoir or nonfiction as […]

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Flameworking: Marbles + Sculpture (B)

April 02, 2025

Students will focus on using the torch to create one-of-a kind marbles out of Italian glass. Several designs will be taught and we will discuss how these tools and techniques can also be used to make simple sculptures like ornaments and plant decorations.

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Advanced Poetry Workshop

April 02, 2025

Have you taken poetry workshops at VisArts? Do you feel ready to deepen your craft? Work with other experienced writers to study, learn new forms and critique your classmates' work.

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Introduction to Clay (B)

April 02, 2025

Explore the basics of clay. We’ll cover the proper use of studio tools, equipment and materials. You’ll learn about slab construction, coil building and combined techniques. We’ll also demonstrate wheel throwing and discuss how various clays and glazes respond to each other.

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Guerrilla Filmmaking: From Script to Screen

April 02, 2025

This class is a seven-week journey into the world of guerrilla filmmaking, and is perfect for those ready to make a feature film with little-to-no budget. This class is all about leveraging creativity over cash, focusing on the down-and-dirty techniques that get your film shot, no matter your resources. Through practical exercises, on-set problem-solving, and […]

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Introduction to Etching for Printmaking

April 02, 2025

This class will be an introduction to intaglio printing, or etching. Students will learn drypoint, hardground, and soft ground etching techniques, as well as the proper way to ink and print intaglio plates. They will leave class with at least two sets of intaglio prints and the knowledge of how to operate and print on […]

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Leatherworking: Make Your Own Tote Bag With Hand-Painted Flowers

April 02, 2025

In this course, students will explore the art of painting on an unconventional surface and transform their creations into wearable accessories. They'll gain skills in creativity, functionality, visual art, and design. By the end of the course, each student will leave with a unique tote bag featuring their own artwork. This class uses faux leather […]

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