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.

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.

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 6 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.