In this inventive, ongoing drawing class, students will learn new ways to express their experience of the visual world through drawing.

Using dynamic set-ups, still life, and natural objects, each class is devoted to drawing from observation with ease. Specific elements of realistic drawing – such as positive/negative space, perspective, proportion, value, composition, etc. — will be demonstrated and practiced. For inspiration, we will study the drawings of Rembrandt, Durer, Van Gogh, Cezanne and several contemporary artists, in order to see through their eyes more deeply. The goal of this class is for students to develop a joyful drawing practice with freedom and confidence, while silencing the narrative of the inner critic. Questions are encouraged, and gentle homework assignments will be suggested. 

This class is appropriate for anyone who loves to draw! Students of all skill levels are welcome, and all materials are included. Feel free to bring any favorite drawing supplies or sketchbooks.

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.

This hands-on class guides students through the process of creating a realistic humpback whale sculpture using needle felting techniques. The class combines wire armature construction with wool sculpting to produce a detailed, lifelike marine creature that captures the graceful form and movement of the humpback whale.

Learn:

-How to design and build a sturdy wire armature to support the whale’s body and fins.

-Techniques for layering and shaping wool to achieve accurate proportions and contours.

-Methods for blending wool colors to create natural-like skin.

All materials provided. Each class will run approximately 3 hours and each student will complete a fully formed needle-felted humpback whale sculpture with a wire-supported structure, ready for display or as a unique handmade gift.

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.

Have you begun to learn the basics of painting and are ready for more? Build on the skills you learned in Learning to Paint Again (or a similar experience) and take your painting to the next level. This class focuses on refining your technique, deepening your understanding of color theory, and experimenting with advanced brushwork and texture. You’ll work from life to improve composition, light, and shadow, while developing a more intuitive and personal approach to painting. Whether you're refining your skills or exploring new techniques, this class offers a supportive environment where you can push your boundaries while continuing to develop your skills and artistic voice. This class is for advanced beginners who are building their confidence and are interested in going beyond an absolute beginner-level class. 

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.

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.

Screen printing is a rich, expressive, and versatile medium. This course will cover all of the basics of screen preparation and printing. Express your ideas using hand-drawn, digital, or photographic techniques. Experimentation is encouraged! Printing on paper, wood, fabric, metal, and glass is possible. Previous printmaking experience is not required.

This class is for adults and mature teenagers of all skill levels and includes 2 hours a week of open studio time. All materials are included.

No class on February 17th. 

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.

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.

In the Watercolor Techniques sessions, students get hands-on with a variety of brushwork and watercolor methods. They explore everything from wet-on-wet and dry brush to lifting, glazing, masking, and more—starting with loose washes and moving into more detailed studies. These sessions are all about building technical skills and deepening your understanding of color and value. As students grow more confident, they start applying what they've learned to painting landscapes and seascapes, picking up new techniques along the way. We check in on progress through evaluations that focus on technical skills, refinement, and the development of each student’s personal style. While this session is best for those already comfortable with colors and values, both are considered essential building blocks. 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.

For returning students who have taken a Shibori class at GAC within the last 2 or 3 years.

This hands-on lab is open to students who have previously taken a Shibori class or workshop at Garrison Art Center. Bring your own items to dye and spend the day experimenting, creating, and deepening your Shibori practice. Materials and tools will be provided, and if you'd like to learn a new technique, your instructor will demonstrate additional patterns and methods.

Two weeks before class, you’ll receive a Shibori sampler project featuring a stitch-resist technique to complete at home and bring in to dye during the session.

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.