This seven-week class for students 65+ years of age focuses on basic drawing and painting from objects. Still-life displays will be set up around the room. Class will begin with a drawing and painting demonstration and then students will continue independently with support from teaching artist Beth Bohrer. This class is for beginners and for those looking to refresh their skills. Senior citizen students looking for a creative outlet and camaraderie are encouraged to join in the fun! Some basic drawing materials will be provided but students are also encouraged to bring in their own favorite supplies.

These sessions are for senior citizens only and are low-cost to help ensure that art is available to experience at any age.

NO CLASS ON FEBRUARY 17

Our class/workshop cancellation policy can be found here.

We believe art should be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

This class is designed for senior students who are self-motivated and have their own projects to work on. Instructor will be working on their own piece, for students to observe and to be inspired by. Students are encouraged to bring in their own reference photos to work from. Pastels will be available for use; all other materials need to be supplied by the student. 

Students are encouraged to bring a lunch or snack for a half-hour break during the class.

No class on February 19th 

Our class/workshop cancellation policy can be found here.

We believe art should be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Explore almost any material you can bring in (excluding welding) with James Murray.

Work inside (and outside) the studio of sculptor, and master woodworker, James Murray. Learn to use tools (safely) in Jim’s well-tooled workspace, including an introduction to basic woodworking. Blend various materials including wood, stone, and metal into sculpture. Bring those found objects to class and create a new work of art or bring that project that you might be wrestling with and finally bring it to completion.

Introduction to steam wood bending applied to sculpture and furniture.

Our class/workshop cancellation policy can be found here.

We believe art should be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

In this five part workshop, participants will make hand-spun yarn from fleece to fiber. It’s a great fit for complete beginners or fiber lovers of any kind - whether they are a knitter, weaver or even farmer. In any craft, it's important to know the origins of the material you’re working with, and this workshop is the perfect opportunity to form a greater understand of the way wool and other fibers work. It’s hands-on, meditative, and a way to engage with local ecosystems and fiber suppliers. 

On the first day, we will prepare a raw fleece from a nearby farm. Through skirting, separating and scouring, we will end up with a clean fleece no longer covered in dirt and lanolin. Participants will learn about the characteristics of wool and other cellulose and protein fibers. 

On the second day, we will dye the fiber into vibrant colors using natural dyes. 

Then, the next day we process the clean fiber through carders and combs - transforming the fleece into top, roving, and rolags ready to be spun. 

On the fourth day, participants will transform their fiber into yarn by hand using a drop spindle, with a spinning wheel available if anyone feels ready for it. It’s a tricky craft that requires a lot of patience, but participants will leave with a great foundation and an excitement to continue spinning. Making your own yarn is so fulfilling and makes every knitted, woven, or crocheted textile even more personal. 

On the last day, participants will be introduced to different methods of making textiles with wool like wet felting, needle felting, and weaving. There will be free time to explore these techniques to create an artwork with our clean wool and yarn - a labor of love from start to finish.

Our class/workshop cancellation policy can be found here.

We believe art should be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

No class March 20.

Open to new and experienced students, this class will explore the world of blending pigment with water. Students will learn traditional techniques and be encouraged to take risks using different techniques and materials. Enjoy the freedom that watercolor provides!

This class is open to students of all skill levels. New students will receive an email about what supplies they will need to bring. The class runs for 4 weeks and does not include materials.


Our class/workshop cancellation policy can be found here.

We believe art should be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Learn the basics of drawing cartoon characters! Using shapes as a foundation, students will experiment with creating their own characters for comics. Attention to beginning technique will be given while fostering students' creativity and character ideas!

This class is open to students ages 8 and up of all skill levels. All materials are included.

This class is scheduled to be in our print studio, which is only accessible by stairs. 

Our class/workshop cancellation policy can be found here.

We believe art should be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

If you haven’t picked up a paintbrush since college, high school or kindergarten — or if you have never even picked up a paintbrush — this class is for you. Painting is a joyful, teachable skill that will open up a universe of color, expression, personal mark-making and visual perception. We will break down the basics of painting, everything from how to set up a palette, handle brushes, start a painting, mix color, apply paint to canvas —even the best practices for easy clean up. Our class will paint directly from life, using natural objects to explore color and composition. Every class will include a variety of time-tested painting exercises designed to increase your proficiency. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your skills will advance. It is time to start painting again, and re-enter the visual world with confidence.

All materials are included. The quality of water-based acrylic paint has improved greatly over the years, and we will be working with acrylic and a slow drying medium that increases paint flow. If you prefer to use oil paint, please email the instructor.

There is no class on January 31st. 

Our class/workshop cancellation policy can be found here.

We believe art should be accessible to all.  Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Take advantage of our fully equipped printmaking studio and work on our own projects on your own time! This pass gives you unlimited access to our print studio during open studio hours for one month.This is not a class and is for experienced printmakers only. Artists are responsible for their own ink and paper. Open Studio hours will be sent to all registrants.

We require anyone new to our print studio to set up a time to meet with a member of our staff so we can show you the studio and answer any questions in person. Please contact info@garrisonartcenter.org to make an appointment.

We believe art should be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available for those that qualify.