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Garrison Art Center

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Painting From Observation

$280

with Lori Sanford Ross

Calendar Next available session starts Oct 19, 2025 at 10 am, runs for 4 weeks
1 additional session on Nov 23, 2025

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.

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

No class on November 2nd + November 30th 

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.

 

Learning to Paint Again

$280

with Lori Sanford Ross

Calendar Next available session starts Oct 19, 2025 at 2:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks
1 additional session on Nov 23, 2025

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.

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

No class on November 2nd + November 30th. 

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.

Japanese Shibori

$120

with Katrin Reifeiss

Calendar Next available session starts Oct 25, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 2 weeks

In this two-day hands-on class, you’ll explore two traditional Japanese Shibori techniques: Nui Shibori (stitching) and Itajime Shibori (folding and clamping).On the first day, teaching artist Katrin Reifeiss will guide you through stitched resist techniques to create intricate patterns, using fabric provided for you to create samples. On the second day, you’ll learn how to fold fabric in various ways and use wood or plexiglass shapes with clamps to create geometric designs. Everyone will have the chance to dye their pieces in an indigo vat!

Please bring your own washed, natural fiber items for the Itajime Shibori technique—cotton, linen, hemp, silk, wool, rayon, or blends of these work well. Avoid anything oversized (no sheets or duvet covers, please). Items like t-shirts, scarves, napkins, pillowcases, tea towels, or clothing are perfect. 

Please bring plastic bags to take your dyed items home.

No experience is necessary—just a curiosity to experiment! All materials except for fiber items to dye 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.

Needle Felted Animal Sculpture

$210

with Carlise Azmitia

Calendar Next available session starts Oct 25, 2025 at 10 am, runs for 3 weeks

Learn the amazing art of sculpting animals with wool! In this hands-on class, you’ll discover how to create lifelike animal figures using the technique of needle felting. Whether you're a total beginner or have some experience, you'll be guided step-by-step through each of the processes of wool sculpture. We’ll cover foundational techniques such as building a sturdy wool core with armature, adding realistic shapes and proportions, blending and layering colors, detailing features like eyes, ears, fur textures, and more. All materials are included, and you’ll have handcrafted your very own animal sculpture and the skills to keep creating at home.

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.

Wax & Wonder: Techniques in Encaustics through color, layers and mixed media

$235

with Alaina Enslen

Calendar Next available session starts Oct 27, 2025 at 6 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Unlock the magic of encaustic painting in Wax & Wonder, a dynamic four-week course where color, composition, and mixed media techniques come alive through layers of molten wax. Whether you’re new to encaustic or looking to deepen your practice, this class will guide you through innovative ways to blend pigment, texture, and collage into striking, multi-dimensional artworks.

What You’ll Explore:

• Week 1: The Alchemy of Color – Learn how to mix and layer encaustic pigments for depth, luminosity, and impact. Experiment with blending techniques that create harmony and contrast in your compositions.

• Week 2: Layering & Texture – Discover how to build rich, tactile surfaces using wax as both a sculptural and painting medium. Explore scraping, incising, and mark-making to add depth to your work.

• Week 3: Mixed Media & Collage – Fuse fabric, paper, and found materials into your encaustic pieces, transforming simple elements into evocative narratives.

• Week 4: Composition & Refinement – Learn the principles of strong composition and how to balance color, texture, and form. Finish your final pieces with expert tips on polishing and preserving encaustic art.

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.

Needle Felted Abstract Sculpture

$155

with Carlise Azmitia

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 16, 2025 at 10 am, runs for 2 weeks

Dive into the world of abstract expression with wool as your medium! Join us for an immersive needle felting experience where you'll learn to sculpt stunning abstract forms using just wool, needles, and your imagination. Explore texture and shape in a hands-on, meditative environment. You’ll learn essential felting techniques while creating your own one-of-a-kind 3D artwork. Walk away with a beautiful abstract sculpture—and a new creative skill. This class is for students of all skill levels and 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.





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