WATERCOLOR LANDSCAPE Create the atmosphere, mood, and personality of a place using nature as inspiration. The instructor will work with students to choose color palettes, develop compositions, create perspectives, and add detail to their landscape...
Read MoreABSTRACT PAINTING Challenge your approach to abstract painting by exploring acrylic and watercolor media. Experiment with painting on various surfaces using different types of artistic tools. Discover a unique way of developing complex composition turning...
Read MoreABSTRACT MARKS AND CALLIGRAPHY Join fellow students for this one-day workshop through the lens of calligraphy. Students will use various tools, including balsa wood and automatic pens, to make expressive calligraphic marks and letters on...
Read MoreBOOK BINDING – WITCHCRAFT AROUND THE WORLD In this workshop, students will learn about the many histories of witchcraft and the occult throughout the world. Tying together this vast amalgamation of “witchcraft” is the written...
Read MoreWORLD OF WINE: BOTTLE DESIGN AND DECORATION Work on your own or team up with someone to create your own bottle design wrap and decoration for a carrying device in this workshop. While you are...
Read MoreNATURE JOURNALING Recording data, drawings and the written word outdoors has produced a wealth of information about our natural world. Enjoyment of the natural environments produces a greater appreciation of its importance. Drawing natural objects,...
Read MoreTRY IT! WATERCOLOR PAINTING – SUNFLOWERS Try out watercolor painting in this no stress, two-day workshop. Students take home a sunflower painting each day. Instructor guides students through the painting process. No guessing what to...
Read MoreNATURE JOURNALING Recording data, drawings, and written words about time outdoors has produced a wealth of information about our natural world. The enjoyment of experiencing natural environments produces a greater appreciation of its importance. We...
Read MoreART FOR THE CURIOUS If you have always wanted to take a class but are not sure which one, this class is for you! Art for the Curious is for beginning students who are interested...
Read MoreBEGINNING WHEEL THROWING Discover the joy of working with clay and make items you can use. Students will be introduced to the potter’s wheel and all its possibilities. Students will learn to make functional forms,...
Read MoreALL LEVELS WHEEL Whether you’re new to the potter’s wheel, have a few classes under your belt, or independent and looking for a studio to create work in the company of other artists, this is...
Read MoreINTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED PAINTING & DRAWING Develop your artistic vision and expand your drawing and painting skills in a dynamic open studio environment with individual and class critiques. Students will work closely with the instructor...
Read MoreOIL PAINTING AND OPEN STUDIO Paint from observation while studying the traditions of oil painting. Gain a working knowledge of chiaroscuro, composition, and the formal issues of color theory using a limited palette. Inspiration will...
Read MoreACRYLIC PAINTING FROM THE START: NATURAL OBJECTS Step into the world of acrylic though organic objects by reflecting the natural world around us in this 7-week acrylic painting class. Students will learn to handle acrylic...
Read MoreON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO! Join us for this exciting class that focuses on using unconventional marks as inspiration for your art journaling. Students will learn to make a variety of mark making tools...
Read MoreALL LEVELS WHEEL Whether you’re new to the potter’s wheel, have a few classes under your belt, or independent and looking for a studio to create work in the company of other artists, this is...
Read MoreINTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED, AND INDEPENDENT STUDIO?CERAMICS Join fellow artists in a dynamic ceramics studio environment to strengthen your artistic voice, all while advancing your knowledge and understanding of form, construction, glazes, and surface design. The instructor...
Read MoreCERAMICS SURFACE DESIGN Join fellow design-curious students in this creative surface class. Students will learn and experiment with various surface decoration and treatments on clay. Instruction will focus on decoration methods including sgraffito, Mishima, monoprint...
Read MoreFROM BLACK TO WHITE: DRAWING FROM OBSERVATION Join fellow students for this deep dive into the dynamic contrast one can explore through the blacks, whites, and grey tones of drawing. You will work with the...
Read MoreINTRO TO PAINTING AND MORE In this 8-week class, students will learn about building color palettes, explore color theory, and then create works of art at their own pace. Compositions will come from still life,...
Read MoreTRANSPARENT WATERCLOR PAINTING: PAINT YOUR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Transparent Watercolor painting is similar to drawing in that the white of the paper is the light illuminating the artwork. Brushwork, color mixing basics and guided exercises...
Read MoreWATERCOLOR AND FLORAL EXPLORATION Discover the possibilities of creating from reference or imagination on the canvas through the lens of watercolor and flowers. Students will focus on a variety of techniques and approaches in this...
Read MoreADVANCED AND INDEPENDENT STUDIO: ENAMELING Design and create one-of-a-kind wearable works of art as you explore the world of enameling. Enameling is one of the oldest forms of working with both glass and metal to...
Read MoreENAMELING FOR BEGINNERS Join us for the semester in Enameling for Beginners where students will learn the foundations of this unique metals process. Enameling is one of the oldest forms of working with both glass...
Read MoreINTRODUCTION TO PRINTMAKING AND OPEN STUDIO Printmaking is a highly varied discipline which can create a wide range of aesthetic effects. In Introduction to Printmaking, students will learn about different forms of printmaking and try...
Read MoreMOVEMENT AND ART MAKING WORKSHOP Partake in one or multiple workshops that combine yoga, exploration of a piece of art in the Des Moines Art Center, and calligraphy/lettering. Students will explore yogic techniques of pranayama,...
Read MoreBEGINNING WHEEL THROWING Discover the joy of working with clay and make items you can use. Students will be introduced to the potter’s wheel and all its possibilities. Students will learn to make functional forms,...
Read MoreALL LEVELS WHEEL Whether you’re new to the potter’s wheel, have a few classes under your belt, or independent and looking for a studio to create work in the company of other artists, this is...
Read MoreINTRO TO DRAWING Whether you are a first timer, or just a bit rusty, Intro to Drawing allows you to develop the fundamental skills needed to create representational drawings and gain the confidence to explore...
Read MoreGROUND WORKS: EXPRESSIVE APPLICATIONS FOR DRAWING Students will explore creating depth to your drawings or paintings with layers through techniques like watercolor build up, alcohol rubs, reacting to the surface to build interesting bases to...
Read MoreLIFE DRAWING AND THE FIGURE If you can draw still life and the human figure – you can draw anything! Life Drawing is not only a learning process but a ‘chops-builder’ for any artist at...
Read MoreINTRO TO ABSTRACT PAINTING In this introductory class, students will explore their approach to painting by experimenting with abstract concepts in paint media. Students will learn painting on various surfaces using different types of artistic...
Read MoreCITYSCAPES OF DES MOINES – WATER MIXABLE OIL PAINTING (SOLVENT FREE) Students will begin with a refresher on perspective, then explore accurate drawings of an iconic feature of the Des Moines cityscape. Students will then...
Read MoreINTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED METALS & JEWELRY: ELECTROFORMING COPPER Explore the fun aesthetics of electroforming metal surfaces in this class. This open studio and advanced metals class will guide students looking to continue their path of...
Read MorePORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY: OFF-CAMERA LIGHTING Learn the fundamentals of off-camera lighting, for both in-studio and outdoor portrait photography to enhance your images. Use lighting techniques with strobe lights, modifiers, and other accessories to create stunning images....
Read MoreSTAINED GLASS PLUS Learn the techniques of both foiled and leaded stained glass. Students will develop an understanding of the tools, materials, and techniques involved with making windows, lamp shades, or kaleidoscopes through the duration...
Read MoreFIGURE DRAWING: FROM THE INSIDE OUT Students will learn to produce dynamic figure studies and final works from observation of anatomy using the medium of your choice. Explore movement, gesture, and expression, using color and...
Read MoreCOLORED PENCIL DRAWING – BEES AND BUTTERFLIES Colored pencils are easy to set up and start drawing fast. Good quality pencils are available in a wide array of colors, allowing artists to accurately record details...
Read MoreINTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED, AND INDEPENDENT STUDIO CERAMICS Join fellow artists in a dynamic ceramics studio environment to strengthen your artistic voice, all while advancing your knowledge and understanding of form, construction, glazes, and surface design. The...
Read MoreMIXED MEDIA DRAWING + PAINTING Create complex artwork through the exploration and application of multiple mediums; explore a variety of methods such as image transfer, mono prints, texture development, collage, and glazing. Experiment with paint...
Read MoreWATERCOLOR LANDSCAPE Create the atmosphere, mood, and personality of a place using nature as inspiration. Instructor will work with students to choose color palette, develop composition, create perspective, and add detail to their landscape paintings....
Read MoreABSTRACT PAINTING Challenge your approach to abstract painting by exploring acrylic and watercolor media. Experiment with painting on various surfaces using different types of artistic tools. Discover a unique way of developing complex composition from...
Read MoreWATERCOLOR EXPERIENCE Engage in the vast opportunities to express yourself with watercolor. Enhance your practice in watercolor and grow your knowledge of the medium while enjoying the company of other likeminded artists. Explore new techniques...
Read MoreINTRO TO DRAWING Whether you are a first timer, or just a bit rusty, Intro to Drawing allows you to develop the fundamental skills needed to create representational drawings and gain the confidence to explore...
Read MoreBLACKLETTER, GOTHIC, AND ABSTRACT CALLIGRAPHY This 4-week class will embrace themes, practices, and lore behind the musical genres of Doom, and Black Metal. A short lecture about Gothic, Blackletter, and Fraktur will be given. Students...
Read MoreBEGINNING PHOTOSHOP Learn the essentials of editing portraits in Photoshop; from color balance, layers, saturation, sharpening, PS tools and presets, removing objects, skin retouching and more. Class will meet in the computer lab and students...
Read MoreMOVEMENT AND ART MAKING WORKSHOP Partake in one or multiple workshops that combine yoga, exploration of a piece of art in the Des Moines Art Center, and calligraphy/lettering. Students will explore yogic techniques of pranayama,...
Read MoreNATURE JOURNALING Recording data, drawings, and written words about time outdoors has produced a wealth of information about our natural world. The enjoyment of experiencing natural environments produces a greater appreciation of its importance. We...
Read MoreHORROR MOVIES: POSTERS IN INK Join fellow horror movie and ink enthusiasts in this 2-day workshop. Students will explore the world of poster art through the lense of the horror film genre and Inktober fun....
Read MoreMOVEMENT AND ART MAKING WORKSHOP Partake in one or multiple workshops that combine yoga, exploration of a piece of art in the Des Moines Art Center, and calligraphy/lettering. Students will explore yogic techniques of pranayama,...
Read MoreCHAINMAIL, WEAVING, & PATTERNS In this workshop, students will learn different weaving patterns of chainmail to apply to jewelry making. Add different beads and findings to make your own unique items. With stainless steel rings,...
Read MoreINTRO TO DRAWING Whether you are a first timer, or just a bit rusty, Intro to Drawing allows you to develop the fundamental skills needed to create representational drawings and gain the confidence to explore...
Read MoreFLOWERS IN WATERCOLOR From abstract to realism, this watercolor class offers demonstrations for many painting styles. In any style, our focus is to keep the light and softness of the flowers. We will simplify color...
Read MoreWATER MIXABLE OIL PAINTING – LANDSCAPES (SOLVENT FREE) Simplifying the complex landscape nature creates will let us enjoy the colors and shapes of nature in our solvent free oil paintings. Students may bring in a...
Read MoreMOSAICS FOR ALL Gain inspiration from traditional and contemporary mosaic work in this 6-week class. Use colorful glass, tile, and ceramic pieces to create beautiful patterns, designs, or images as you learn how to cut...
Read MoreART FOR THE CURIOUS If you have always wanted to take a class but are not sure which one, this class is for you! Art for the Curious is for beginning students who are interested...
Read MorePASTELS AND OPEN STUDIO Explore an assortment of pastel techniques and color theory. The underlying properties of pastel and conté will be presented. This class is designed for all levels; instruction will be tailored to...
Read MoreACRYLIC PAINTING: SKY’S THE LIMIT – ATMOSPHERE Atmosphere says a lot in a painting. Whether it’s sunny, stormy, a sunset, or twilight, the atmosphere can evoke a spectrum of feelings. With the use of retarders...
Read MoreINTRODUCTION TO PRINTMAKING AND OPEN STUDIO Printmaking is a highly varied discipline which can create a wide range of aesthetic effects. In Introduction to Printmaking, students will learn about different forms of printmaking and try...
Read MoreCALLIGRAPHY Learn the practices of traditional calligraphy and explore modern fonts. Each student will have the opportunity to work with the instructor to develop their own calligraphic style. This class will start with pointed pen,...
Read MoreCOLORED PENCIL DRAWING – BOTANICALS Using photographs and live plants, students will draw botanical style illustrations with easy-to-use colored pencils. Simple yet detailed drawings of plants and flowers will never go out of style. Students...
Read MoreWATERCOLOR EXPERIENCE Engage in the vast opportunities to express yourself with watercolor. Enhance your practice in watercolor and grow your knowledge of the medium while enjoying the company of other likeminded artists. Explore new techniques...
Read MoreBOOK BINDING – WITCHCRAFT AROUND THE WORLD In this 2-day workshop, students will learn about the many histories of witchcraft and the occult throughout the world. Tying together this vast amalgamation of “witchcraft” is the...
Read MoreUKRAINIAN PYSANKY HOLIDAY EGG DECORATION Learn the art of Pysanky decoration in this fun holiday workshop. Pysanka, coming from the verb pysaty meaning “to write” or “to inscribe”, is a Ukrainian egg decorating technique used...
Read MoreMOVEMENT AND ART MAKING WORKSHOP Partake in one or multiple workshops that combine yoga, exploration of a piece of art in the Des Moines Art Center, and calligraphy/lettering. Students will explore yogic techniques of pranayama,...
Read MoreMASTER CLASS: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY, STILL LIFE, AND EDITING Still life, a venerable genre, activates the meaning of objects to reflect or comment on our shared world. This class guides beginning and advanced students through the...
Read MoreNATURE JOURNALING Recording data, drawings, and written words about time outdoors has produced a wealth of information about our natural world. The enjoyment of experiencing natural environments produces a greater appreciation of its importance. We...
Read MoreFILM NOIR AND GERMAN EXPRESSIONISM: POSTER DESIGN Private eyes, femme fatales, gangsters, vampires, gothic romances, warped senses of reality, alternate universes, and murder. The early film movements of German Expressionism and its Hollywood spin off,...
Read MoreWORLD OF WINE: BOTTLE DESIGN AND DECORATION Work on your own or team up with someone to create your own bottle design wrap and decoration for a carrying device in this workshop. While you are...
Read MoreMOSAIC ORNAMENTS – MAKE AND MINGLE Come in from the cold and make a unique mosaic ornament with fellow students in this one day make and mingle event. Use colorful glass, tile, and ceramic pieces...
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