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 and a new format for April School Vacation week.
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.
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.
Spring Session Dates: April 7 - June 6
Tuesdays
4/7, 4/14 (no 4/21) 4/28, 5/5, 5/12,5/19, 5/26, 6/2
Wednesdays
4/8, 4/15 (no 4/22) 4/29, 5/6, 5/13,5/20, 5/27, 6/3
Thursdays
4/9, 4/16 (no 4/23) 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4
Fridays
4/10, 4/17 (no 4/24) 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5
Saturdays
4/11,4/18, (no 4/25) 5/2, 5/9, 5/16 (no 5/23) 5/30, 6/6
Children’s Classes
Grades K-1
Studio Explorations
Jenny Sorblom (Tues. 4-6 PM)
Karen Lucy (Sat. 10 AM-12 PM - no class 5/2)
This class is designed to offer students a chance to try out a range of art materials so they learn how to use them in different ways. Students will have time to play with materials such as air dry clay, printing ink, charcoal pencils, acrylic paint and more. After they understand how the materials work, the instructor will lead a lesson designed to allow for self-expression in that type of media. Students will have access to the museum and will learn about other artists and how they have used these materials to create beautiful and interesting artworks.
Drawing the Museum
Noelle Fournier (Wed. 4-6 PM)
Join us for this fun drawing class which takes place both in the museum and the studio. Students will learn a variety of drawing techniques as they study artwork on display at the museum, practicing shading, different types of lines and how to look carefully in order to capture correct proportions and shapes. The instructor will explain how different types of pencils and materials can make drawings look very unique. Each student will go home at the end of the 8 week session with a portfolio of sketches and finished works.
Building Things
Ella Copelotti(Thurs. 4-6 PM)
This is an introduction to 3 dimensional art for our youngest friends. Children naturally enjoy building things, so in this class they will learn how to create sculptures with lots of fun materials like cardboard, wood, clay, paper mache, natural and found materials, textiles and more. They will get to visit the museum and learn about other artists who like to build things.
Grades 2-3
Studio Explorations
Lee Ball (Mon. 4-6 PM)
Jenny Sorblom (Sat. 10 AM-12 PM)
This class is designed to offer students a chance to try out a range of art materials so they learn how to use them in different ways. Students will have time to play with materials such as air dry clay, printing ink, charcoal pencils, acrylic paint and more. After they understand how the materials work, the instructor will lead a lesson designed to allow for self-expression in that type of media. Students will have access to the museum and will learn about other artists and how they have used these materials to create beautiful and interesting artworks.
Drawing the Museum
Elizabeth Payne (Thurs. 4-6 PM)
Join us for this fun drawing class which takes place both in the museum and studio. Students will learn a variety of drawing techniques as they study artwork at the museum, practicing shading, different types of lines and how to capture correct proportions and shapes. The instructor will explain how different types of pencils and materials can make drawings look very unique. Each student will go home at the end of the 8 week session with a portfolio of sketches and finished works.
Grades 4-5
Painting and Drawing
Liz Gorman (Wed. 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
Studio Explorations
Ella Copelotti (Sat. 10 AM-12 PM)
This class is designed to offer students a chance to try out a range of art materials so they learn how to use them in different ways. Students will have time to play with materials such as air dry clay, printing ink, charcoal pencils, acrylic paint and more. After they understand how the materials work, the instructor will lead a lesson designed to allow for self-expression in that type of media. Students will have access to the museum and will learn about other artists and how they have used these materials to create beautiful and interesting artworks.
Grades 6-8
Painting
Lee Ball (Wed. 4-6 PM)
Students will explore both realistic and abstract styles while developing their own unique visual voice using acrylic and watercolor paint. The 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
Digital Art
Zach Shiff (Sat. 10 AM-12 PM)
New! Have fun in this new class learning the essential skills for creating illustrations and paintings in the digital format. Experiment with techniques and tools, learning how to use layers to take your ideas to the next level. No previous experience with digital painting required.
Painting and Drawing for Fantasy Art
Zach Shiff (Sat. 12:30-2:30 PM)
If you like the art of Dungeons and Dragons, Magic the Gathering, Warhammer, Masks, Shadowrun, etc. this exciting new class will teach you how to draw and paint fantasy and science fiction art. Artist educator Zach Shiff can help you capture what you’re envisioning in your mind’s eye when you play your fantasy game of choice. In this class you’ll learn how to: create a character, pose them in a dramatic way, and paint a background setting to give them depth. Feel free to bring your dice, cards, and books since you’re very likely to make a friend or two in class.
Click here to register for children’s classes
Teen Classes
Portrait and Figure Studies
Steve Hayes (Thurs. 4-6 PM)
A must for all students working to create a strong portfolio, this class will explore the structure of the clothed figure and head. Working with a live model, you will learn different measuring techniques, spatial positioning, relationships and movement of the figure in space as well as how to render clothing with line and a full range of values.
Drawing and Painting
Steve Hayes (Sat. 12:30-2:30 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.
Click here to register for teen classes
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.
Floriography: Decoding and Drawing Plants
Colleen Colvin (Tues. 12:30-3:30 PM)
Join herbalist Colleen Colvin in this new class various plants have been imbued with meaning convey messages across time and culture. live botanical study and create observational practicing techniques to capture nuance colored pencil and other drawing media. instructor will provide historical context for subjects during times of change. Visits to discussion and understanding of the natural
class exploring the ways that meaning and even used to culture. Students will participate in a observational drawings of various plants, and details of the plants in Throughout the session, the for the significance of the plant the museum will round out natural world around us.
Exploring Mixed Media
Lee Ball (Tues. 12:30-3:30 PM)
Are you feeling stuck in your artistic practice? Join us for this class to learn how to loosen up and work with a variety of media in new ways. Artist instructor Lee Ball will introduce experimental techniques using familiar and not-so-familiar materials to help you re-conceive how to build compositions and your approaches to expressing ideas. Through demonstrations, discussions and experimenting, students will build a body of work to help springboard into the next iteration of their chosen media.
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. (No class 4/28)
Beginning Monotype with Collage: Creating Unique Prints
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. No previous printmaking experience necessary. All supplies provided for the first class at which time the instructor will review supplies to be purchased.
Intermediate Portrait Painting
Farzaneh Sarafani (Wed. 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.
(No class 4/28)
Foundations
of Landscapes: Acrylic Painting
Lee Ball (Wed. 12:30-3:30 PM)
Have you ever traveled somewhere that was so beautiful and wish you knew how to put that vista on paper or canvas? You can learn the elements of creating an effective landscape through a variety of exercises using beautiful acrylic paints. Students will learn how to design a strong composition, how to simplify forms and to accomplish a sense of perspective in a picture plane. This class is great for students who have taken a few painting or drawing classes in the past.
Wednesdays continued
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 to work with.
Intermediate Watercolor
Angela Ackerman (Wed. 12:30-3:30 PM)
This is a continuing class for those who have basic watercolor skills, and wish to improve them working from a variety of subject matter. Students will explore techniques for brush handling, wet-into-wet, dry brush, washes, and layering, strengthen their observation skills and understanding of color and composition.
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 to work with.
Ceramic Windchimes Mini-Class
Elizabeth Cohen (Wed. 6:30-8:30 PM)
Learn basic hand-building techniques in clay as you capture the sounds of spring with your own ceramic wind chimes. Inspired by the work of ceramic artist and instructor Elizabeth Cohen, students will create a number of small sculptural pieces which will come together to form a unified windchime design. Includes all materials and firing. Some assembly required after firing.
Classes held on 4/8, 4/15, and 5/6.
Open Studio Figure Drawing (Wed. 6:30-9:30 PM)
Come to the Danforth for a leisurely life model class, where you can work at your own pace and practice your life drawing skills. This open session meets weekly for three hours with a rotation of models. There is no instruction and you must bring your own supplies. Easels, painting tables, drawing boards, stools and chairs are in the studio for your use. We must receive at least 4 registrations in order to run this open session.
Thursdays
Creativity Club
Kathy DeAntonio (Thurs. 9 AM-12 PM)
Are you over 50 and would like to spend some time learning about art and creativity? Thanks to a generous gift from a donor, we have created this program to welcome older adults in our community to enjoy the Danforth at no charge. In this class you can explore ideas, meet new friends and have fun experimenting with art materials in a relaxing, nopressure 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 a little guidance from an instructor.
Portrait and Figure Studies
Steve Hayes (Thurs. 12:30-3:30 PM)
Students will practice methods and techniques in manageable lessons. Portrait studies will include the skull, planes in the face and facial features. Figure studies will include using schematics and simple shapes to create the complex form of the figure. In this class we will work from a live model and printed material.
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. Students are welcome and encouraged to visit the museum to help support learning.
Intermediate Monotype with Collage: Creating Unique Prints
Paula DeSimone (Fri. 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. No previous printmaking experience necessary. All supplies provided for the first class at which time the instructor will review supplies to be purchased.
Foundations of Acrylic Painting
Lee Ball (Fri. 9 AM-12 PM)
This is an introduction to the materials and techniques of painting in acrylic for beginning students. Working from direct observation and a variety of subject matter, this class will focus on color and basic concepts of form, light, and composition. No previous experience required. All supplies provided for the first class, at which time the instructor will provide a modest supply list.
Click here to register for adult classes
Museum Art & Play for Babies and Toddlers
Saturdays 10 AM-12 PM
$50 per family for 10 visits
In this innovative program, caregivers and child alike will enjoy an hour of enrichment and community in the Danforth Art Museum. Each week will offer new self-directed activities in the galleries with plenty of time for meeting new friends. 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. Each class purchase provides 10 visits, and is valid for 1 year, redeemable as convenient for your family.
April School Vacation Week
New Format! We will now be offering daily workshops for Grades K-5 with a maximum of 24 children per day for THREE DAYS ONLY from 9 AM- 4PM. There will be a break for lunch, and students will transition between two studios for AM and PM projects. The cost is $112 per day. Click to register.
Use colorful paper, fabrics and other embellishments to create a real or imaginary creature in the form of a collage and then learn some techniques for building sculptures using recycled cardboard- bringing their collage creatures to life.
Learn how to use colorful inks, brayers and other fun printing tools to create multiple beautiful images, that can be used for greeting cards or combined into larger works. Students will also select from bins of collected interesting objects to create unique sculptures designed to hang on the wall.
Thursday - Paint & Pencils/ Fantastic Baskets
Enjoy experimenting with watercolor paint and colored pencils, creating lots of fun effects layering color and practicing brushstrokes and adding texture. Students will also learn simple techniques for knotting and weaving strips of fun fabrics into a simple but beautiful basket.
Workshops
Intro to Mosaics: Inspired by Charley Harper
April 11, 10 AM-4 PM
Suzanne Owayda
New medium workshop! Spend the day with mosaic artist Suzanne Owayda of Mosaic Oasis Studio creating your own 8x10 mosaic inspired by the vibrant art of Charley Harper. Participants will learn about various tile materials including millefiori and murrini, and how they are made. Learn to cut and arrange tiles after choosing a design inspired by Charley Harper’s bird and fish illustrations. After gluing tile pieces, students will go home with grout to finish the mosaic after the glue has cured. This class is open to anyone who would like to experiment in a new medium. No mosaic experience needed! Includes $15 materials fee.
Bird mosaic by Suzanne Owayda
Wood Carving: Butter Spreader Workshop
April 11, 12:30-4 PM
Gary Pivovarov
Spend a few hours learning how to hand carve a wooden butter spreader! Whether you’re totally new to woodworking or just looking to slow down and make something with your hands, this one-day workshop 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 butter spreader from start to finish. We’ll focus on knife 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.
Mapping Memory through Collage and Stitch
April 18, 10 AM-2 PM
Michelle Lougee
This intensive workshop explores the concept that memory is a verb - an active, fluid process of construction and erosion. Drawing inspiration from the Danforth’s exhibitions, participants will delve into the fluidity of memory through the tactile medium of collage, utilizing both found objects and personal ephemera to explore the passage of time. We will investigate the uncanny nature of the everyday, looking for the traces and ghosts leftbehind by lived experience. Create “memory-shrouds” and layered compositions that grapple with mortality and the legacy of the objects we leave behind. Participants are encouraged to bring “souvenirs of the mundane” like old letters, discarded packaging, translucent papers, or photographs. Look for materials that feel uncanny—objects that are familiar but, when isolated, feel strange or storied. We are looking for the beauty in the loss and the strength in the legacy.
Digital photography collage of the Zakim Bridge by instructor Jenny Pivor
Workshops continued
Digital Photography Collage Workshop with Jenny Pivor
May 2, 10 AM-4 PM
Learn how to transform everyday snapshots into dynamic digital collages using your phone and the ipad. This class will use the Procreate program to explore what makes a compelling image, how to build a library of photos and backgrounds, and the fundamentals of layering and composition. You’ll get hands-on experience with editing apps to seamlessly blend images and create unique, artistic composites, and learn techniques for future painting into your images. Finally, we’ll cover output options, from printing on canvas and art paper to aluminum and other creative surfaces.
Tranquility & Connection Series: Herbal Salves with Colleen Colvin
May 10, 10 AM-12 PM
Join local herbalist Colleen Colvin and explore the ways herbs can be our allies for emotional, holistic and aesthetic tranquility. Learn about the benefits of these medicinal plants and how they can help us improve our lives. This workshop for adults offers a healing space for herbal monograph journaling, followed by hands-on blending of herbs to create personalized healing salves to take home.
Branching Out: A Drawing Workshop with Susan Bauer
May 16, 10 AM-4 PM
Tree branches will our be our inspiration in this workshop, students will create dynamic compositions utilizing the linear and twisting nature of the branches. We will discuss the elements of design; line, value, texture, color, shape and principles of design: harmony, variety, balance, proportion, dominance, movement and economy. Composition will play a large part of our exploration, examining how to arrange tree branches within the picture plane. Students will consider how to utilize the elements and principles of design, either using a singular approach or a combination. The formal practice of drawing will also be explored through demonstrations by the instructor.
Coloring with Nature Workshop for Children with Colleen Colvin
June 6, 1-3 PM
Join local herbalist Colleen Colvin as we learn how to extract natural pigments for creating art pieces! Children will have the opportunity to get messy outside with a variety of plant dyes and mediums. Children will create a mural together and get to take home prints made from the rainbow of the world around them and learn about the plants they use.
Click here to register for workshops
Early Release Program
March 12: Self Portrait Story Books
Lee Ball
Children in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. In this program, children will view portraits exhibited in the museum, and then learn how to develop illustrated pages to create a book that tells their story. They will use their own photograph as a cover, embellished with fun materials. Danforth will provide popcorn and lemonade for snack, after which the children will enjoy a fun scavenger hunt in the museum and a game of Pictionary if there is time. Everyone goes home with a goody bag. Limited to 10 participants, 10% sibling discount
March 26: Animal Mash-ups
Lee Ball
Children in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. For this event, children will use cardboard to create their own unique animal as a combination of two or more creatures, using paint to bring them to life. They will also create a habitat in which these creatures may roam. Danforth will provide popcorn and lemonade for snack, after which the children will enjoy a fun scavenger hunt in the museum and a game of Pictionary if there is time. Everyone goes home with a goody bag. Limited to 10 participants, 10% sibling discount.
May 14: Springtime Sun Prints
Colleen Colvin
Children in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. This month, children will have fun outside using photo sensitive papers and flowers, to create a series of prints. These prints can be copied and colored to build a body of lovely prints to take home. Danforth will provide popcorn and lemonade for snack, after which the children will enjoy a fun scavenger hunt in the museum and a game of Pictionary if there is time. Everyone goes home with a goody bag. Limited to 10 participants, 10% sibling discount.
Click here to register for an early release program
