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 •….
Saturday, April 26, 3-5pm
$35. per person
Pre-Registration Required
Ages 9 thru Adult
Youth ages 9 -12 must be accompanied with a registered adult
Instructor: Alan Salazar
Join Chumash and Tataviam elder Alan Salazar and artist and author Mona Lewis for a unique and immersive experience that brings traditional Chumash stories to life through art.
Alan will begin by sharing traditional Chumash stories passed down through generations—tales of animals, nature, and sacred lessons rooted in the Central Coast landscape. After listening to these stories, participants will be invited to grind local ochre stones into natural earth pigments and use them to create an illustration inspired by the story that spoke to them most.
Artist Mona Lewis will guide participants in using these handmade paints to create their artwork inspired by the Chumash stories.
All materials are non-toxic, locally foraged, and provided.
Saturday, April 19, 10am-12pm
Adults
Fees: $55.
Instructor: Kathleen Kaller
Classes are limited to 12 students
Intro to Shibori - Japanese dyeing technique that involves folding, twisting or bunching cloth and binding it, then dyeing it in indigo and other natural botanicals. Explore this moving meditation and create distinctive color patterns on cotton. Leave with dyed tea towels and a peaceful mind.
Optional: Bring natural fabric items from home to upcycle.
Friday, May 2
Time: 6-8:30pm
Uninstructed
led by: Lee Ballard
Building on the fundamentals of figure drawing, participants will explore how to stylize the human form and bring garments to life through expressive line work. 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 costumed model.
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.
Sunday, April 27
Instructor: Jem Morris
Time: 9am-12pm
Adults
$45.
supplies not included Click on image for suggested supply list
Join us for Plein Air Ventura, a monthly outdoor painting workshop led by artist Jem Morris. Each session, students will meet at a different scenic location in Ventura, providing a fresh and inspiring setting to refine their plein air painting skills. The location will be disclosed upon registration.
Through expert guidance, Jem will share tips and techniques for capturing light, atmosphere, and composition in the ever-changing outdoor environment. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, this workshop offers the opportunity to enhance your artistic practice, develop confidence in painting en plein air, and connect with fellow artists in a supportive and engaging setting.
Come explore Ventura’s beauty and paint the landscape before you!
Community Felting Workshop
Felted Rabbits
Saturday, April 12, 3-5pm
$20. per person
Pre-Registration Required
Ages 8 thru Adult
Youth ages 8 -14 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.
Fridays, April 25 - May 30
Instructor: Jem Morris
Time: 11am-2pm
$250. (supplies included) for 6 classes
Canvases not included,
Students need (2x) 9x12 Canvas Board
Join us for a dynamic six-day program designed to immerse you in both traditional and contemporary oil painting techniques. This comprehensive course will guide you through creating a small color study and culminate in a large, finished landscape painting. Through a blend of engaging lectures, live demonstrations, and personalized feedback, you’ll master the art of planning, preparing, and completing a landscape in oil. Emphasizing the creative process, this class offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills and produce a completed work of art.
Saturdays, Apr 5 - May 24 (no class 4/26, 5/10)
Instructor: Michelle Wilson
Time: 10-12:30pm
$315 for 6 classes
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.
Wednesdays, June 11 - July 16
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.
Thursday, April 10 - May 8
Uninstructed, Led by Lee Ballard
Time: 12:30-3:00
Adults
$150 for 5 classes
Drawing materials not included
Figure drawing is used to heighten skills of observation, help students see the relationships of forms, shapes and values to each other and to the whole. 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.
Thursday, April 10 - May 8
Instructor: Lee Ballard
Time: 6-8:30pm
Adults
$150 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, Mar 9-Apr 27, 8 classes
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.
Tuesday, April 22 - June 24, 2025
Instructor: Kristen Clawson
Time: Time: 5:30 - 8pm
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 $150 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.
Wednesdays, Apr 2 - Jun 4, 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 $150 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.
Thursdays, Apr 3 - Jun 19, no class 4/17, 5/15
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 $150 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, Apr 5 - Jun 14, 2025, no class 4/19
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 $150 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.