The Danforth Art School provides an inviting and inspiring setting within which students of all ages and levels can explore studio art practices. We are excited to offer several new classes this session in addition to unique workshops.
For Children
At the Danforth, children develop an understanding of the elements and principles of design, use high quality artists materials, explore ideas and spend time in the museum to expand critical and creative thinking. All students go home at the end of the session with a portfolio of quality work. Our weekly 2 hour classes are designed to provide opportunities for self-expression while learning foundational techniques in a variety of fine-art practices. All students visit the Danforth Art Museum to enhance study.
For Teens
Our program for High School students focuses on providing more advanced instruction in drawing and painting, allowing each student to begin the process of developing a personal viewpoint. Instructors encourage students to explore ideas and content as well as refining skill with various media. Strategies for enhancing portfolios will also be explored.
For Adults
We offer five levels of study suited to everyone from absolute beginners to those developing their own body of artwork. Students may remain in any level for as long as they would like; instructors will adjust lessons to accommodate new and returning students. Our diverse faculty pool allows students to study painting, drawing and other media with instructors from many backgrounds and perspectives.
. Click here to visit our website to get more detailed information about our faculty, studios and available scholarships or to contact us for help in selecting a class or workshop.
Fall Pricing (price change due to longer session length)
Join us for this new class which creates a link between viewing art in the museum with learning to make art in the studio. Students will be inspired by colorful artworks in the museum galleries as they experiment with many types of art materials and methods including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, printmaking and more. Children at this level benefit from exposure to multiple art materials as they learn skills of self-expression and to think like an artist. At the end of the session, students will participate in an exhibition in the studio and go home with a portfolio of artwork that expresses their unique point of view.
Artist’s Studio: I Spy in the Galleries
Liz Gorman (Wed. 4-6 PM)
Join us for this new class which creates a link between viewing art in the museum with learning to make art in the studio. Students will have fun looking closely at the art on view in the Danforth Art Museum, making sketches and notes of what they see. These sketches will inspire creations in the studio as they experiment with many types of art materials and methods including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, printmaking and more. Children at this level benefit from exposure to multiple art materials as they learn skills of self-expression and to think like an artist. At the end of the session, students will participate in an exhibition in the studio and go home with a portfolio of artwork that expresses their unique point of view.
Grades 2-3
Artist’s Studio: Nature in Art
Instructor TBD (Tues. 4-6 PM)
Instructor TBD (Sat. 10 AM-12 PM)
New! A visit to the Danforth Art Museum will provide students with many examples of nature in art to inspire creating a body of work all their own. They will have the chance to experiment with many types of art materials and methods including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, printmaking and more. As children grow, our approach becomes a little more focused on skill and concept development as they continue to learn to think like an artist. At the end of the session, students will participate in an exhibition in the studio and go home with a portfolio of beautiful artwork.
Artist’s Studio: Exploring Shapes in Art
Elizabeth Payne (Thurs. 4-6 PM)
New! Circles, spheres, squares and cubes…many of the pieces on view in the Danforth Art Museum feature shapes and forms like these. Students will be inspired these works, creating their own unique pieces by experimenting with many types of art materials and methods including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, printmaking and more. As children grow, our approach becomes a little more focused on skill and concept development as they continue to learn to think like an artist. At the end of the session, students will participate in an exhibition in the studio and go home with a portfolio of beautiful artwork.
Grades 4-5
Art Studio: What’s the Story in the Picture?
Lee Ball (Wed. 4-6 PM)
New! Many works of art at the Danforth Art Museum tell a story, through images, materials or other methods. After visiting the museum, students will learn how to use color, line, form, texture and other concepts to communicate an idea in their own art.
At this level, instruction includes building skills with observational representation and craftsmanship with materials. At the end of the session, students will participate in an exhibition in the studio and go home with a portfolio of artwork that expresses their unique point of view.
Art Studio: People, Places and Things
Instructor TBD (Sat. 10 AM-12 PM)
New! The object or subject of any work of art is the inspiration for the students as they visit the Danforth Art Museum. Back in the studio, they will learn to highlight a singular object in a series of artworks using many types of art materials and methods including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, printmaking and more. At the end of the session, students will participate in an exhibition in the studio and go home with a portfolio of artwork that expresses their unique point of view.
Grades 6-8
Painting Discoveries
Lee Ball (Thurs. 4-6 PM)
Students will explore both realistic and abstract styles while developing their own unique visual voice using acrylic and watercolor paint. Instructor will demonstrate techniques to provide students opportunities to experiment with color, texture, light, and patterns to set mood and movement. We will look at contemporary examples and visit museum exhibitions to inspire exciting artwork to fill a portfolio by the end of the session.
Games as Art
Zach Shiff (Sat. 10 AM-12 PM)
Creative problem solvers and finders, stem enthusiasts, and/or table top / video gamers, bring your ideas or find inspiration in Zach Shiff’s hybrid: Digital and/or Analog Art Maker Space. Your goal is to create something interactive: it could be a Board Game, Card Game, or even Video Game! It could even be Role Playing Game inspired art like his past class Fantasy Art . Here the term Art is open to interpretation: Writing, Programming, Inventing, Building: this is a space for you to follow your own passions and use time the way you need to be your most creative self. The tools at your disposal are both real and/or digital (your choice). Zach is an illustrator turned art teacher who is really passionate about how art is used to tell interesting and interactive stories. His background in comic book storytelling, animation, and illustration allows him to simulate real world commercial art experiences for young aspiring artists.
Artwork by Danforth Student Qinan Yang (High School)
Teen Classes
Painting
Hannah D’Amato (Wed. 4-6 PM)
Working mainly from direct observation, students will explore concepts of color, form, light, and composition while learning about the unique qualities of acrylics and drawing materials. Students will learn basic skills and techniques needed to create strong works for portfolios. This class is perfect for students who enjoy art as a hobby in addition to those pursuing art as a career.
Portfolio Builder
Zach Shiff (Sat. 12:30-2:30 PM)
Are you a serious art student intending to apply to art school soon? This Portfolio Builder class will provide targeted, individualized instruction to help you fill in gaps you may have in your portfolio. From observational drawing samples, to mixed media works or digital, we can support you as you prepare to submit a portfolio. Includes visits to the Danforth Art Museum to illustrate ideas and provide inspiration for developing and advancing your personal viewpoint. Limited to 6 students.
Adult Classes
Tuesdays
Independent Painting
Leslie Graff (Tues. 9 AM-12 PM)
This class is designed for the student who seeks to develop their painting practice while receiving individual critical feedback from the instructor. Work alongside peers to further develop your personal approach. Bring a sample of your work (in oil or acrylic) to the first class. Bring any supplies and materials that you prefer to work with.
Abstract Landscapes
Richard Kattman (Tues. 9 AM-12 PM)
Join landscape artist Richard Kattman in this class as you discover new methods to achieve abstraction in the landscape genre. Using vibrant acrylics or water- based oils, students will examine and refigure representational landscapes inspired by photos, works in the Danforth Art Museum exhibitions and the instructor’s artistic practice. Through technique demonstrations and discussion, students will focus on mark-making, mood, atmosphere, color, composition, and design as they build landscape images in the abstract style.
Intermediate Drawing
Doug Ashby (Tues. 9 AM-12 PM)
Build on your drawing foundation in a supportive studio environment that emphasizes careful observation, experimentation, and creative problemsolving. Through short exercises, observational drawings, and longer projects you will strengthen your understanding of value, texture, perspective and composition while exploring a range of drawing materials. Ideal for students with previous drawing experience looking to deepen their practice.
Herbal Floriography: Decoding and Drawing Plants
Colleen Colvin (Tues. 12:30-3:30 PM)
4 weeks: 11/10 - 12/8
Join herbalist Colleen Colvin in this new class exploring the ways that various plants have been imbued with meaning and even used to convey messages across time and culture. Students will participate in a live botanical study and create observational drawings of various plants, practicing techniques to capture nuance and details of the plants in colored pencil and other drawing media. Throughout the session, the instructor will provide historical context for the significance of the plant subjects during times of change. Visits to the museum will round out discussion and understanding of the natural world around us.
Foundations of Landscape Painting
Richard Kattman (Tues. 1-4 PM)
Would you like to take your landscape paintings to the next level? Join Richard Kattman for this foundational level class to learn techniques for creating accurate proportions, blocking out forms and capturing color and light in your paintings. Some drawing and painting experience is recommended.
Intermediate Portrait Painting
Farzaneh Safarani (Wed. 12:30-3:30 PM)
6 weeks: 9/15 - 10/20
This class is designed for the student who seeks to develop their painting practice while receiving individual critical feedback from the instructor. Work alongside peers to further develop your personal approach. Bring a sample of your work (in oil or acrylic) to the first class. Bring any supplies and materials that you prefer to work with.
Wednesdays
Foundations of Drawing and Watercolor
Angela Ackerman (Wed. 9 AM-12 PM)
Continue your painting and drawing studies and work with artistinstructor, Angela Ackerman, to learn how to create an accurate and simple line drawing to form the basis of your composition. Using transfer techniques as well as simple observational drawing, students will develop confidence with realistic as well as experimental and abstract subject matter. The instructor will review several techniques with watercolors, using brushes, sponges and other tools to build up the watercolor image.
Intermediate Monotype and Collage
Paula DeSimone (Wed. 9 AM-12 PM)
Create unique and experimental prints and collages using the Printmaking Press (etching press). Work in nontoxic water based media on plexi-glass. Students will learn how to use the press and develop skills to create one of a kind prints to be combined with collage where integration and adhering with gel medium will be discussed and demonstrated. All supplies provided for the first class at which time the instructor will review supplies to be purchased.
Beginning Palette Knife Painting
Ruth Scotch (Wed. 9 AM-12PM)
Want to take your painting to the next level? Try painting with the palette knife instead of a brush. You will get clean color, beautiful texture, and deeper space with very little blending, if any. Through a series of fun exercises, students not only learn how to paint with the palette knife but also acquire the skill of seeing color with more confidence and being able to mix pigments in order to match what they are seeing. Clean up is a snap as all you have to do is wipe your knife clean. No solvents or soap necessary.
Intermediate Acrylic Painting
Lee Ball (Wed. 12:30-3:30 PM)
In this intermediate level class, students will continue to explore painting concepts using direct observation of still life set ups, photographic images or other teacher-generated subject matter. The instructor will cover exploring concepts of color, form, light, and composition as well as teaching about the unique qualities of acrylic or oil paint media. Bring painting supplies to the first class.
Wednesdays
Independent Painting: Palette Knife
Ruth Scotch (Wed. 12:30-3:30 PM)
This class is designed for the student who seeks to develop their palette knife painting practice while receiving individual critical feedback from the instructor. Work alongside peers to further develop your personal approach. Have a sample of your work (in oil or acrylic) available for the first class. Please use any supplies and materials you prefer.
2D Intensive: Mixed Media
Angela Ackerman (Wed. 12:30-3:30 PM)
Drawing is the foundation of art making and brings to light our own individual mark making. Join us as we explore both observational drawing from life as well as combining mixed media (ink wash, watercolor, and other mixed media to explore different drawing solutions and create personal and unique image.
Independent Painting
Ron Krouk (Wed. 6:30-9:30 PM)
This class is designed for the student who seeks to develop their painting practice while receiving individual critical feedback from the instructor. Work alongside peers to further develop your personal approach. Bring a sample of your work (in oil or acrylics) to first class. Bring any supplies and materials you prefer.
Watercolor & Gouache for Beginners
Zen Crosby (Wed. 6:30-9:30 PM)
6 weeks: 9/16 - 10/21
Experiment with the beauty and immediacy of the sister mediums of watercolor and gouache as you explore basic techniques. Classes will consider color theory and color mixing, brush handling, wet-into-wet, dry brush, washes, and layering.
Open Life Drawing
(Wed. 6:30-9:30
6 weeks: 10/21-12/9
Come to the Danforth practice your of models. There drawing boards, registrations in
Drawing Studio (with a model)
6:30-9:30 PM)
10/21-12/9
Danforth for a leisurely life model class, where you can work at your own pace and life drawing skills. This open session meets weekly for three hours with a rotation There is no instruction and you must bring your own supplies. Easels, painting tables, boards, stools and chairs are in the studio for your use. We must receive at least 4 in order to run this open session.
Thursdays
Creativity Club
Noelle Fournier (Thurs. 10 AM-12 PM)
Are you over 50 and would like to spend some time learning about art and creativity? to a generous gift from a donor, we have created this program to welcome older adults community to enjoy the Danforth at no charge. In this class you can explore ideas, meet friends and have fun experimenting with art materials in a relaxing, no-pressure environment. We begin in the museum viewing selected works, discussing ideas related to the process artists use and the subjects they focus on in various paintings, drawings, photos, sculptures and more. We then gather in an art school studio to practice creativity together with guidance from an instructor.
Gelli Plate Printing
Lee Ball (Thurs. 9 AM-12 PM)
Create unique artwork and skilled prints without a press using the incredibly flexible These sticky, cushioned plates allow for painterly prints with unique textures and lots Experiment with inks, paints, stencils, objects, and substrates as you learn fun techniques. Build planned compositions, create a series or spontaneous, playful prints. Using inks paint and other media, students can build planned compositions in addition to spontaneous, playful results collaged into multimedia work. . Having so many options opens new and possibilities to jump start your practice. collaged into multimedia work
Creativity Club Alumni Gathering
(First Thursday of the month, 12-2 PM)
Calling all Creativity Club Alumni! Please join your fellow alumni for this monthly lunchtime meet up. Bring recent work for show and tell and your lunch! Includes museum admission.
Learning to Love Drawing
Lee Ball (Thurs. 12:30-3:30 PM)
6 weeks: 9/17 - 10/22
Do you have experience with drawing, but still feel it is intimidating? Are you looking find joy in mark making and build your skills? Then this class is for you! Instructor Lee presents a variety of prompts and is also responsive to student interests, adapting new exercises to suit. Through exercises, sketching skills, basic perspective and exposure alternative ideas in mark making, you will learn to feel more comfortable creating drawings that express you and better inform your personal art style. Students will explore drawing with color using colored pencil and soft pastel, as well as, graphite, charcoal, ink and Some drawing experience necessary.
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Gelli plate. lots of layers. techniques. inks as well as spontaneous, and exciting lunchtime admission.
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Fridays
Independent Painting with Critique
Susan Bauer (Fri. 9 AM-12 PM)
A weekly three-hour studio period for those who enjoy painting independently within a welcoming community. This class includes critique and guidance from artist-instructor, Susan Bauer. Bring any current work and all supplies and enjoy a relaxed time at the art school with other artists.
Advanced Monotype with Collage: Creating Unique Prints
Paula DeSimone (Fri. 9 AM-12 PM)
For those who have taken at least 3 Intermediate Monotype with Collage classes. Color overlays and multiple plate processes will be explored while advancing composition and conceptual building. Integration techniques for collage will be covered through instructor demos. Students in this class will expand upon their existing printmaking skills and techniques building a series and strong personal point of view.
Introduction to Ceramics
Zen Crosby (Fri. 9 AM-12 PM)
Learn basic techniques (slab, pinch, coil) to create innovative hand-built works, and begin to throw on the potter’s wheel. Explore glazes, detail and finish. Tuition includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, and firing. For beginning and continuing students.
Art & Play through Stories for Toddlers
Thursays 10 AM-10:45 AM
$120 per family for 12 weeks
In this innovative class, caregivers and child alike will be introduced to a new picture book and artful idea each week. Storytime will be followed by exploratory time with art materials and time for adults to visit together. Maximum of 12 child/adult pairs. Adults remain with child(ren) throughout. There is no formal instruction.The museum remains closed to the public for this program, providing a quiet and safe space for artistic exploration.
New on Saturdays! Creation Station
Saturdays, 12:30 - 2:30 PM
Fun for the whole family! Drop in on Saturday afternoons for creative time for the whole family. We will have a different selfguided project set up in one of our studios for a fun afternoon outing of creation. Free with paid museum admission or $10 per family per visit.
Workshops
Gelli Plate Printing
September 19, 10 AM-4 PM
Kimberly Stoney
Explore the magical world of printmaking using a “Gelli” plate. No art experience is needed. In this fun and relaxed workshop, you’ll learn how to use a gelatin printmaking plate to create beautiful patterned papers using color, texture, and simple tools. The process is playful and surprising, and perfect for both beginners and experienced makers.
Wooden Spoon Carving
September 26, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Gary Pivovarov
Come spend a day learning how to hand carve wooden cooking spoons! Whether you’re totally new to woodworking or just looking to slow down and make something with your hands, this one-day class is a great way to dive in. You’ll learn how to safely use carving tools, work with green wood, and carve your very own spoon from start to finish. We’ll focus on knife and gouge skills but will talk about axe work as well! The day is designed to be hands-on, relaxed, and beginner-friendly—no experience needed and all tools and materials are provided. Limited to 6 participants.
Hand Built Tea Cup
October 3 & 17, 10 AM-12 PM
Zen Crosby
Take time for yourself to enjoy working in clay creating your own unique teacup. Using hand building techniques, you will build and smooth out a teacup of your own design, suitable for enjoying your favorite tea blend. This is a two day workshop, the first is for creating the teacup, the second is for glazing. Works will be available for pickup within 3 weeks after the pieces are fired. Includes material and firing fee.
Workshops continued
Taking Tea with Colleen Colvin
October 3, 12:30 AM-2:30 PM
In this multi-faceted workshop, students will be introduced to the historical use of herbs as a feature of overall wellness, learning about the formulation of herbal teas for specific wellness goals, followed by a hands-on experience of blending their own teas. Participants will have the opportunity to illustrate the herbs they learn about and create hand drawn botanical monographs. Sample various herbal infusions as you enjoy a relaxing art-making session in the studio that emphasizes the ritual of making time for self-care.
Stained Glass Workshop: Moravian Star with Audra Murray
October 8, 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Create something truly eye-catching in this immersive stained-glass workshop. You will design and build your own iconic Moravian Star- a striking glass sculpture that catches the light beautifully and makes a perfect home accent or gift. Includes material fee
3-Day Palette Knife: Painting from the Model with Ruth Scotch
October 23-25, 10 AM-4 PM
Take advantage of the opportunity to work with artist Ruth Scotch in this 3-day figure painting class, learning techniques with the palette knife to get clean color, expressive texture and depth in your work. Featuring a live model each day, this class is perfect for those who have been working on the figure as well as those who are new to the practice.
Wood Carving 101: Jam Spreaders with Gary Pivovarov
November 7, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Learn the fundamentals of woodcarving by creating your own wooden butter or jam spreader! Whether you’re completely new to woodworking or simply looking for a creative way to work with your hands, this class is the perfect introduction. You’ll learn the basics of safely using carving tools, reading wood grain, and shaping green wood into a functional kitchen tool. We’ll focus on safe knife grips and fundamental carving concepts that can serve as the foundation for many other traditional woodworking projects. The course is designed to be hands-on, relaxed, and beginner-friendly—no experience needed, and all tools and materials are provided.
Fine Craft Series: Jewelry Makeover with Nadia Byczko
November 14, 10 AM-2 PM
Do you have a drawer full of old jewelry you don’t wear but still love? Bring them to the Danforth to turn once-loved pieces into newly imagined works of wearable or hangable art. If you don’t have anything, but still want to play, we have a huge collection of previously enjoyed beads, chains, charms and other sparkly things along with all the tools and findings needed to create gorgeous new pieces.
Fine Craft Series: Embroidered and Beaded Brooch Workshops with Nadia Byczko
November 21, 10 AM-2 PM
In this workshop, Fashion Designer Nadia Byczko, will demonstrate several techniques for embroidery and decorative beading to create a unique design. Then she will guide students through embellishing fabric into a pin or patch. Students will leave at the end of the session with a lovely piece of wearable art. Materials fee included. no experience necessary.
And be sure to check the website for more programming including Early Release programs, Kids’ Night Out, Parent’s Night Out and more!
