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 •….
• Adults
• Saturday, March 22, 3:30-5:30pm
• $25. per person
• Pre-Registration Required
• Instructor: Laura Mullen
Experience the powerful connection between art and language in this immersive poetry workshop led by acclaimed poet Laura Mullen. The session begins in the gallery with slow looking, a contemplative practice that encourages deep observation and personal engagement with the artwork. As participants take time to explore the visual world of the exhibition, they will gather impressions, emotions, and ideas to fuel their writing.
Guided by Laura Mullen, participants will dive into Ekphrastic poetry—poetry that responds to visual art. Working with questions that emerge from our experience of the artworks, we’ll immerse ourselves in a responsive practice that blurs critical and creative modes. In this workshop session we’ll use the practice of slow-looking, as well as suggested prompts and exercises to generate new modes, approaches, and strategies for writing “about” artworks, working both individually and in brief, comfortable, collaborations. Participants should plan to bring writing instruments (whatever mode you work well in) and a playful, process-oriented spirit to this engagement with the artworks on display. Note: while there’s a poetry slant here, all genres of writing are welcome.
Current Exhibits include: Ann Diener:“Invented Land”, Ralph Corners: “The View from under the Bed”, Scott Chatenever: Ceramics
Reiki Infused Sound Bath, Gallery Slow Looking and a Curated Tea Blend
Sunday, March 23, 4:30-5:45pm
$25.00
with Kimmy Bragat
Please bring a yoga mat, blankets and dress comfortable and warm.
Enter through the front door on Main St.
Nurture your body, mind, and soul in this unique gallery workshop inspired by Ann Diener’s exhibit, Invented Land. This immersive experience blends slow looking, a custom tea blend, and a deeply restorative sound bath, offering a profound way to connect with art and self.
Begin by sipping a thoughtfully crafted tea blend as you engage in slow looking, an intentional and meditative approach to experiencing art. Allow the warmth of the tea to ground you while you take in the intricate details of Invented Land, deepening your connection to the work through quiet observation and reflection.
The experience culminates with a sound bath led by Kimmy Bragat, Reiki Master and Sound Healing Practitioner. Recline in a restful posture as the resonant tones of chimes, crystal singing bowls, and other healing instruments wash over you, guiding you into deep relaxation and integration.
This multi-sensory workshop invites you to slow down, tune in, and explore the intersection of art, sound, and mindfulness—leaving you refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected.
Tuesdays, Mar 4-Apr 1
Instructor: Lee Ballard
Time: 12:30pm - 3pm
Adults
$150 for 5 classes
supplies not included
Required basic perspective class
This class will cover the basics form rendering as well as how to create compositions for painting and storytelling .
SUPPLIES
18x24 newsprint
2 Large bulldog clips
Prisma color pencil one or more of following.
Indigo blue
Violet blue
Parma violet
Denim blue
Or similar value
Needed eraser
Ruler
Fridays, Mar 7-Apr 11
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, Mar 5 - Apr 9
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, Feb 27- April 3, no class 3/27
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, Feb 27 - April 3, no class 3/27
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.
Thursdays, Mar. 13 - May 1
Instructor: Sheri Garwood
Time: 10:00-1:00pm
$260 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.
Mondays, Mar 10 - Apr 28
Instructor: Sheri Garwood
Time: 11:00am-2:00pm
$260 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.
CERAMIC WINTER CLASSES 2025
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.
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 12, no class 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 7, 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.