The Vita Arts Center offers studio classes in a wide range of visual arts. Whether you are a novice or professional the Vita Art Center has a class just right for you. Your space in a class cannot be confirmed until payment is received or payment arrangements are made with the office.
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CERAMICS • DRAWING • PAINTING • METALSMITHING • FIGURE DRAWING • WORKSHOPS….
Friday October 17, 6-8pm
$45.
Adults, 21 and over
Teaching Artist: Jem Morris
Join us for a fun and relaxed evening of creativity, conversation, and connection. At this social paint party with a twist, you’ll explore the playful art of blind contour drawing—an expressive, imperfect, and often hilarious way to capture portraits.
Bring a friend, a date, or come solo and make new friends as you sip, sketch, and laugh your way through a series of guided drawing prompts. Then, add color with watercolor paints to bring your creations to life. No experience needed—this is all about enjoying the process, loosening up, and sharing a memorable night of art. Materials and wine provided.
WORKSHOPS
• Adults
• 2-day workshop (attend one or both sessions)
• Saturday, October 18 & 25, 3:30-5:30pm
• $25.. per person
• Pre-Registration Required
• Teaching Poet: Laura Mullen
Writers in all genres are invited into the VITA gallery to work in conversation with the current exhibits in order to explore associative gestures and the power of symbols (personal and cultural) while harnessing the force of the fragment on the energized page. Bring tools to write with and a curiosity about the possibilities of abstraction in language, for a workshop that will lead you into a deeper appreciation of the process and a stronger trust in your own voice.
Current Exhibits include: MIKE BLAHA: Subsupernal, MAX PRESNEILL: Bread & Circuses, TOM PAZDERKA:
A Quiet Surrender, PETER OLSON: Marked for Life
Fall 1, Fridays
12:30-2:30pm, Oct.10 - Oct 31
Instructor: Alexis St. John
Adults
$20 per session
All materials included
Looking for a welcoming place to unwind and create? Creative Sanctuary is a drop-in studio session designed for anyone—beginner or seasoned artist—who wants time and space to make art in a supportive atmosphere. Bring your own project to work on in peace, or collaborate with the instructor (an MFA-trained artist) to design exercises and projects that fit your interests and skill level.
This is your chance to enjoy a stress-free, judgment-free environment where creativity can flourish. Come once, come often—the door is open, and the atmosphere is calm, friendly, and inspiring.
Seaweed Rattles
Sunday, October. 12 , 2-5pm
$35. per person
Pre-Registration Required
Ages 9 thru Adult
Youth ages 9 -12 must be accompanied with a registered adult
Instructor: Alan Salazar
Seaweed Rattles are a traditional tribal rhythm instrument of the Chumash People.
Learn to make traditional tribal Seaweed Rattles with Alan Salazar. As an elder in both the Chumash and Tataviam tribes, Alan works to revitalize his Native culture through his books, storytelling and traditional arts. Alan will bring an assortment of Bull Kelp bulbs, respectfully collected along the central coast of California along with driftwood from the same area and teach how to transform these natural materials into traditional rhythm instruments.
Earth pigments from traditional Chumash lands will also be available if you would like to paint your rattle as well. Mona Lewis, artist, author and Alan's wife, will guide participants in making paint from locally foraged ocher rocks to paint your rattle.
This class is suitable for adults and children, aged 9 and up. Students ages 9-12 are welcome if a parent is registered for the class and is there to help with the project.
Looking forward to our time together!
Community Felting Workshop
Saturday, October 18, 3-5
$20. per person
Pre-Registration Required
Ages 8 thru Adult
Youth ages 8 -12 must be accompanied with a registered adult
Instructor: Michelle Wilson
Join us for Community Felting, a gathering designed for felting enthusiasts and beginners eager to learn. Whether you already enjoy felting or are interested in picking up this craft, this event is perfect for you.
All necessary supplies and tools will be provided for use during the class. Even if you've never tried needle felting before, our supportive community will help you get started with a small and manageable project.
FALL CLASS SERIES
Thursdays, Oct. 2-Nov. 20
Instructor: Sheri Garwood
Time: 10:00-1:00pm
$280 for 8 Classes
Materials not included. see list
Explore the versatility of acrylic paint with fellow artists in beautiful covered patio classroom. Guidance and suggestions gently offered as needed or desired, as you learn or hone your skills in technique, color and composition. All levels welcome.
SATURDAYS, Nov.. 1 - Dec,. 13 no class 11/29
Instructor: Michelle Wilson
10am-12:30pm
$315. for 6 sessions
materials included
Limited to 8 students
Explore the fundamentals of metalsmithing through jewelry making. We will learn the basics of sawing, filing, and soldering nonferrous metals. We’ll experiment with stamping, hammering, and finishing techniques. Students will leave with finished pieces, and a foundation in jewelry and metalsmithing.
Fridays, Nov. 7 - Dec. 19, No class 11/28
Instructor: Jem Morris
Time: 11-2pm
Adults
Fees: $200.
supplies not included
This introductory class is designed to build foundational skills and prepare you for our next-level drawing course. In this class, we’ll cover the essentials of drawing, including basic line work, shape construction, and the understanding of light and shadow. Through guided exercises and simple projects, you'll gain confidence in handling materials and developing observational skills. This class is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced concepts in drawing and composition.
Supplies are available online from Michaels.com and Blick.com
SUPPLY LIST:
Strathmore 400 series 11”x14”
2B pencil
Kneaded eraser
Blending Stump
14” x 18” drawing board
Wednesdays, Nov. 5 - Dec. 17, 2025, no class 11/26
Instructor: Jem Morris
Time: 6-8:30
$250. (includes supplies) for 6 Classes
Canvases not included
Students will need (2x) 9x12 Canvas Board
6-8:30 pm
Discover the timeless art of oil painting in our upcoming class at Vita Art Center. This course is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of oil painting through a traditional approach, ideal for beginners and those looking to refine their skills. You will explore classic techniques, from mastering brushwork and color mixing to understanding composition and light. Through guided instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on practice, you’ll gain a solid foundation in oil painting that will serve as a stepping stone for your artistic journey. Join us and unlock the beauty of this enduring medium.
Mondays, Sept. 29-Nov. 17
Instructor: Sheri Garwood
Time: 11:00am-2:00pm
$280 for 8 classes
Materials not included. see list
Fun projects are introduced each week to demonstrate the fundamentals and techniques for watercolor painting. Color theory and composition are covered. This class is appropriate for all levels from beginner to advanced.
Thursdays, 6-8:30
Sept.25-Oct.23
Oct.30-Dec4 (no class 11/27)
Instructor: Lee Ballard
Time: 6-8:30pm
Adults
DROP INS $25.
$125 for 5 class session
Drawing materials not included
Figure drawing is used to heighten skills of observation. Simple tools are taught which help students see the relationships of forms, shapes and values to each other and to the whole. Underlying anatomy is discussed to support the structure of the drawing. Students will draw from a nude model during this course.
Suggested materials include: 18”x24” smooth newsprint or 18”x24” smooth paper, carbathello charcoal pencil or any medium charcoal pencil, drawing board and kneaded eraser.
DROP-INS call to check availability.
Thursdays, 12:30-3:00pm
Sept.25-Oct.23
Oct.30-Dec4 (no class 11/27)
DROP INS: $25. per session
Instructor: Lee Ballard
Adults
$125 for 5 class session
Drawing materials not included
Figure drawing is used to heighten skills of observation. Simple tools are taught which help students see the relationships of forms, shapes and values to each other and to the whole. Underlying anatomy is discussed to support the structure of the drawing. Students will draw from a nude model during this course.
Suggested materials include: 18”x24” smooth newsprint or 18”x24” smooth paper, carbathello charcoal pencil or any medium charcoal pencil, drawing board and kneaded eraser.
CERAMIC CLASSES
Sundays, Nov. 2-Dec. 21
Instructor: Thomas Weber
Time: 10am-1pm
$240. + $25. Per bag of clay + $35. tool kit
If you already have a tool kit, use the discount code NOTOOLS at checkout to deduct the $35. fee.
Bring a small towel or rag and an apron to each class
Classes are limited to 10 students
This class will cover hand-building techniques such as pinching, coil building, slab building, carving and glazing. With the use of carving tools, slab roller, and extruder students will build their own projects of both functional and/or sculptural nature. Two hours per week of open studio hours are included with the class.
Wednesdays, Sep 17 - Nov 19, 2025
Instructor: Jody Cooper
Time: 6-8:30pm
Fees: $350. per 10 class session ($35. per class)
$25. for first 25 lb. bag of clay, (included in the price)
$35. for your own personal tool kit , (included in the price)
If you have your own tool kit use the discount code NOTOOLS at checkout
Payment option available $145 per month for 3 month.
Bring a small towel or rag and an apron to your classes
Classes are limited to 10 students
This is the perfect class for beginners and intermediate level students who would like to learn or perfect their skills on the potter’s wheel. 3 hours studio time per week is available for students to work independently. Glazes and firing included. Additional clay can be purchased from Vita.
Fridays, Nov. 7 - Dec. 5, 2025, No Class 11/28
Instructor: Thomas Weber
Time: 6-8:30pm
Fees: $160. per 4 class session
$25. for first 25 lb. bag of clay, (included in the price)
Bring a small towel or rag and an apron to your classes
Classes are limited to 10 students
This is the perfect class for beginners and intermediate level students who would like to learn or perfect their skills on the potter’s wheel. 3 hours studio time per week is available for students to work independently. Glazes and firing included. Additional clay can be purchased from Vita.
Thursdays, Sep 4 - Nov. 6
Instructor: Wyn Matthews
Time: 6-8:30pm
Fees: $350. per 10 class session ($35. per class)
$25. for first 25 lb. bag of clay, (included in the price)
$35. for your own personal tool kit , (included in the price)
If you have your own tool kit use the discount code NOTOOLS at checkout
Payment option available $45 per month for 3 month.
Bring a small towel or rag and an apron to your classes
Classes are limited to 9 students
This is the perfect class for beginners and intermediate level students who would like to learn or perfect their skills on the potter’s wheel. 3 hours studio time per week is available for students to work independently. Glazes and firing included. Additional clay can be purchased from Vita.
Saturdays, Sep 6 - Nov. 8
Instructor: Wyn Matthews
Time: 10:30-1pm
Fees: $350. per 10 class session ($35. per class)
$25. for first 25 lb. bag of clay, (included in the price)
$35. for your own personal tool kit , (included in the price)
If you have your own tool kit use the discount code NOTOOLS at checkout
Payment option available $145 per month for 3 month.
Bring a small towel or rag and an apron to your classes
Classes are limited to 9 students
This is the perfect class for beginners and intermediate level students who would like to learn or perfect their skills on the potter’s wheel. 3 hours studio time per week is available for students to work independently. Glazes and firing included. Additional clay can be purchased from Vita.