Technical Foundations for Serious Practice

This course focuses on the essential techniques that govern watercolor behavior and control. Students work systematically with brush handling, water management, and paint application, including wet-on-wet, dry brush, lifting, glazing, masking, and layered washes. Emphasis is placed on understanding cause and effect in watercolor rather than working by guesswork.

Instruction progresses from broad, controlled washes to increasingly precise applications. Students apply techniques to structured studies and selected subjects such as landscapes and seascapes, with close attention to value, edge control, and color interaction.

Regular critiques and technical evaluations address accuracy, control, and refinement. The goal is not stylistic imitation, but the development of reliable technique upon which personal expression can later rest.This course is intended for students who already have a basic familiarity with color and value, as both are considered prerequisites for technical study. Materials are not included; here is a suggested supply list. 

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.

On-going sessions for those who want to work on their own to develop and refine their techniques of drawing and painting from the live model. Short poses. Bring your own materials. This is a monitored event, not a class. Interested in paying for 8 sessions all at once and receiving a discount? Reach out to us at 845-424-3960 for more information.

In this workshop, kids will be using geometric and organic shape to explore placement, space, and layering to create a simple or complex composition. Inspired by artist Jack Whitten, we will make rubbings with various crayons to highlight foundational shapes, adding depth, definition, and color conversation to complete the piece. All materials are included.

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 workshop will cover mixing alternative materials into your clay to create unique clay bodies. Traditionally, clay has materials mixed into it to allow for porosity. In commercial clay, this is typically grog, but ancient people used to use materials such as sand, ground stone, ground ceramics, volcanic ash, diatomaceous earth, shells, charcoal, plant fibers, manure, and more! Inspired by this history, as well as the work of artists such as Don Ricardo and Masaomi Yasunga, we are going to play around and experiment with introducing organic materials to clay. This workshop is taught by teaching artist Lisa Knaus, who has been experimenting with clay additives and the unique effects they create in her own works for years. All materials are included.

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 workshop, participants will learn how to spin wool into hand-made yarn with a drop spindle. It’s a wonderful and meditative craft perfect for fiber lovers of any kind. Participants will learn what makes wool such a special fiber, as well as the tools and techniques that turn a sheep’s fleece into spun yarn. All materials are included.

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.

Join Garrison Art Center for a two-hour figure drawing session with a live nude model. Work from a series of short poses and enjoy wine and seltzer as you settle in for an evening of focused creativity. This is an independent, open studio-style session—bring your own materials. A limited number of easels will be available.

This event is only for individuals 21 years of age and older.

Join teaching artist Linda Barboni and learn how to create strong contrast with value changes in a still life setting with pastels.  A set-up will be provided using colorful objects that we’ll have fun painting, or you can have the option to work on a landscape. Students will provide their own materials; we will reach out to you to discuss before the workshop.

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.

Seven different day/times available, check other listings for evening classes

Come be part of the pottery community at GAC! Adult Pottery is a class where you can develop or refine your skills on the wheel or with hand-building techniques—whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced potter! This 10-week, multi-level class is open to adults and mature high school students, and offers a flexible learning experience tailored to a variety of skill levels.

Beginners will focus on essential techniques like centering clay on the wheel, throwing basic pots, handbuilding, and learning foundational glazing methods. For intermediate and advanced students, the class provides a great opportunity to deepen your expertise, refine your technique, and explore new creative possibilities. Plus, you'll have access to 6 hours per week of open studio time to practice and work on your projects outside of class.

This is a fantastic chance to build your skills at a great value, with individualized instruction and a collaborative, supportive environment. While materials and firing fees are not included, the knowledge and experience you'll gain over 10 weeks will be well worth the investment. Whether you're looking to start from scratch or take your pottery to the next level, this class offers something for everyone!

No classes on May 22 + 25

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.