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.
SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW ALL CLASSES
CERAMICS • DRAWING • PAINTING • METALSMITHING • FIGURE DRAWING •….
Community Felting Workshop
Felted Ornaments
Saturday, December 21, 3-5
$20. per person
Pre-Registration Required
Ages 8 thru Adult
Youth ages 8 -14 must be accompanied with an 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.
This class is a prerequisite for the drawing class that will be scheduled following this class.
Tuesdays, Jan. 21 - Feb. 11, 4 classes
Instructor: Lee Ballard
Time: 12:30pm - 3:00pm
Adults
Fees: $170..
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
Friday, Jan. 17 - February. 7, 4weeks
$145.
11am - 2pm
Instructor: Jem Morris, jem@vitaartcenter.com
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of color with our oil painting class at Vita Art Center. This course emphasizes the power of color in traditional oil painting, guiding you through the essential techniques to create dynamic and expressive works of art. You’ll learn the art of color mixing, the impact of color theory, and how to apply these principles to bring your paintings to life. Through a combination of expert instruction, live demonstrations, and hands-on practice, you’ll develop a deep understanding of how to use color to evoke emotion and atmosphere in your work. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this class offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich possibilities of color in oil painting.
Click on additional info for supply list
Tuesday, Jan. 14 - Feb. 4, 4 classes
11am-2pm
$145.
Materials not included
Instructor: Jem Morris, jem@vitaartcenter.com
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.
click on additional info for a material list
Saturdays, Jan. 19-Feb.23
Instructor: Michelle Wilson
10-12:30pm
$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.
Wednesdays, Jan. 15 - Feb. 5, 4weeks
$145.
6-8:30 pm
Instructor: Jem Morris, jem@vitaartcenter.com
Materials not included
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.
Click on additional info for supply list
Adults
Thursday, Jan. 23-February 20
12:30-3:00
Lead by Lee Ballard
$125., 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.
Adults
Thursday, Jan. 23-February 20
6-8:30pm
Lead by Lee Ballard
$125., 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.
Thursdays, January 16- March 6
10:00-1:00pm
Instructor: Sheri Garwood
$260. for 8 sessions
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.
Mondays, Jan. 13 - Mar.3
11:00am-2:00pm
Instructor: Sheri Garwood
$260. for 8 sessions
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.
CERAMIC WINTER CLASSES 2025
Sundays, Jan. 12-Mar.2, 8 classes
$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
Instructor: Thomas Weber
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 heir own projects of both functional and/or sculptural nature. Two hours per week of open studio hours are included with the class.
Mondays, Jan. 20 - March 24, 2025
Instructor: Travis Kennedy
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.
Wednesdays, Jan. 15 - March 19, 2025
Instructor: Kristen Clawson
Time: 10:30-1:00
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, Jan. 15 - March 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 $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.
Thursdays, Jan. 16 - March 20, 2025
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, Jan. 18 - March 22, 2025
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.
Fridays, Nov. 8 - Dec. 13, 5 weeks, No class 11/29
$200.
11-2pm
Instructor: Jem Morris, jem@vitaartcenter.com
Materials not included
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.
Click on additional info for supply list
Wednesdays, Oct.30-Dec.11,
12:30pm -3:30pm, 7 sessions
Instructor: Lee Ballard
$230.
Materials not included
Material list will be sent before first class
The course will cover the basics of still life painting from start to finish. Students will learn the fundamentals of form, light, shadow and composition. This is a great class for beginners or students who want to learn fundamental painting skill or get back to basics and refine their skills.
Thursdays, Nov.7-Dec.19, No class 11/28
Instructor: Michelle Wilson
6-8:30pm
$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.
2 Day Workshops
Sundays, November 10th and 17th
11-2pm
Instructor: Mara Colecchia
$180.00
$20. materials fee included in price
Limited to 8 students
This workshop is aimed to offer an overview in the creation of funky beaded ropes that can be worn like lariat necklaces, by knotting them on one’s décolleté. Sessions will focus on the acquisition of three specific tubular weaving techniques: Chenille, Peyote and Cubic Right Angle, and on the transition between one another.
Instructor will discuss her beading style and narrative, by showcasing different types of lariats, to stimulate a creative, personal approach to the classic beaded rope.