Classes
With the concerns about COVID-19, FVAC has temporarily suspended all classes until it's safe again to come together. Please check out our online classes below!
Classes
Welcome to Farmington Valley Arts Center Classes and Workshops. Click on any area of interest below to find the classes you are looking for. ✵Members save 10% for a year on tuition.
Registration
Please register online by clicking on the "Register here" button or fill out the online form here and send a check.
Click here for membership information
Click here for our class policy
Payment
• Pay online with a click on the "Register here" button
• Send a check to FVAC, 25 Arts Center Lane, Avon, CT 06001
• Phone registration 860-678-1867
Online Class: A Painting Experience For All Levels
Dates: 6 Thursdays, June 11 - July 16, 2020
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Strengthen your skills and gain the confidence to explore the use of color, mark-making, surface quality, and composition, emphasizing your pictorial language. All levels of experience are welcome. Personal consultations will cultivate your vision and enable you to realize your artistic ambitions.
Have several canvases and reference photos ready. Download suggested materials list here
Instructor: Souby Boski
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / $130.50 Members
Register Now
This class will meet online via Zoom
You will receive a link to join the virtual classroom with your registration confirmation.
Video how to join Zoom for the first time
Online Sketching Architecture Workshop
Date: 4 Thursdays, June 18 - July 9, 2020
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
In this class, Maurice will introduce students to some of the basic techniques to create architectural sketches. Students will learn a step-by-step traditional process of drawing architecture using different materials and only a few tools.
Materials:
color pencils (any brand)
watercolors (any brand)
mixed media pad (any brand, no smaller than 11x14)
#4 pencil
1 black pilot fine liner pen (or similar)
1 ultra-fine point black sharpie
1 fine point black sharpie
drawing triangle (medium size)
ruler
soft eraser
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: No prior experience is needed
Tuition: $95 Non-Members / $85.50 Members
Register Now
This class will meet online via Zoom
You will receive a link to join the virtual classroom with your registration confirmation.
Video how to join Zoom for the first time
Online Drawing from Photographs Workshop
Date: 4 Mondays, June 22 - July 13, 2020
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Students will learn an easy technique to draw using the grid method to enlarge and transfer images. Step-by-step, students will learn how the materials work, the tools, and the process to create a realistic charcoal drawing.
Materials:
Extra-soft charcoal sticks (box of any brand)
#HB, 2B, 4B and 6B Charcoal pencils (any brand)
#4b or 8B regular pencil
Soft eraser
18 x 24 sketch pad Canson if possible
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: No prior experience is needed
Tuition: $ Non-Members / $ Members
Register Now
This class will meet online via Zoom
You will receive a link to join the virtual classroom with your registration confirmation.
Video how to join Zoom for the first time
Online Watercolor for Beginners
Date: 4 Tuesdays, May 19 - June 9, 2020
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
The perfect introduction to watercolor where you learn from the comfort of your home. This session is great for beginners and those who have been exploring the medium a bit at home. This is an immersive online session where you will learn how to start a watercolor painting from beginning to end. Mo will provide informative demonstrations of the whole process from sketching to laying your washes. In addition to learning the process of a painting, Mo will teach you how to set up your own dramatic still life at home. You will come away from this session with a deep understanding of laying flat washes to build volume, you will be given the tools to enhance your drawing skills and ultimately you will be provided the tools to continue your watercolor journey confidence. Use what you have at home or download suggested materials list here.
Instructor: Mo Myra Giannola
Level: Beginners and students looking to enhance their skills
Tuition: $60 Non-Members / $54 Members
Register Now
This class will meet online via Zoom
You will receive a link to join the virtual classroom with your registration confirmation.
Video how to join Zoom for the first time
Online Watercolor Part 2
Date: 5 Tuesdays, May 19 - June 16, 2020
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
A secondary watercolor class for students who have completed Mo's first watercolor session and wish to greater enhance their skills. Use what you have at home or download suggested materials list here.
Instructor: Mo Myra Giannola
Tuition: $95 Non-Members / $85.50 Members
Register Now
This class will meet online via Zoom
You will receive a link to join the virtual classroom with your registration confirmation.
Video how to join Zoom for the first time
Online Charcoal Drawing
Date: 4 Mondays, May 25 - June 15, 2020
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Maurice will cover the various charcoal techniques and the process of creating a work of art from start to completion. We will be working from photographs and exploring light, value, composition, edge, surface, and experimental textures and materials.
Materials:
Extra-soft charcoal sticks (box of any brand)
#HB, 2B, 4B and 6B Charcoal pencils (any brand)
#4b or 8B regular pencil
Soft eraser
18 x 24 sketch pad Canson if possible
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: No prior experience is needed
Tuition: $95 Non-Members / $85.50 Members
Register Now
This class will meet online via Zoom
You will receive a link to join the virtual classroom with your registration confirmation.
Video how to join Zoom for the first time
Online Art Discussions and Critique
Date: 4 Wednesdays, May 20 - June 10, 2020
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Connect with a group of art lovers and delve deep into art. The first hour of the class is dedicated to a new topic each week. During the second hour, participants present and share their own works. The goal is to open up a positive discussion where every participant will gain valuable insights, dive deeper into a subject, or discover something entirely new.
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Tuition: $95 Non-Members / $85.50 Members
Register Now
This class will meet online via Zoom
You will receive a link to join the virtual classroom with your registration confirmation.
Video how to join Zoom for the first time
Exploring Abstract and Semi Abstract Painting
Learn the process to develop the freedom to create. Discover how exploring and “playing” with abstract painting is one of the best approaches to create non-objective artworks with an array of possibilities. In this class, we will learn some basic techniques and an easy way to apply the principles and elements of design to produce effortless, but well-structured art. If you like the works of Wassily Kandinsky, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, this class is for you. In addition, we will also discuss and learn why even to this day artists like these are still very important and relevant in the art world. Min. 3 / Max. 8 students. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: Beginners and Intermediates
Location: Classroom 3A
Tuition: $215 Non-Members / 193.50 Members
6 Mondays, 1-4 PM
Contemporary Acrylic Painting
Art lovers, explore your creative side in this contemporary beginner acrylic painting class. Learn a few easy painting techniques, composition and color and how to use them effectively. Very different from “Traditional painting” this class is very loose and geared to learn to create works that are not intended for accuracy but for an emotional punch. We will discuss artists like Richard Diebenkorn (see image), Frank Auerbach, Leon Gottlieb, and their works. Please be advised, this class might discuss paintings that contain imagery of the nude body. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: Beginners and Intermediates
Location: Classroom 3A
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Mondays, 7-9 PM
All Medium Painting
Creativity is what it's all about! Whatever your level, you can improve your work with Deborah’s easy teaching style, tips, and guidance. Students will explore the flexibility of their preferred medium. Everyone has a unique style and in class, you’ll discover yours! Students will have the freedom to experiment and find satisfaction with their work. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Deborah Leonard
Level: All levels welcome
Location: Classroom 3A
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Tuesdays, April 7 - May 12, 2020, 1-3 PM
***POSTPONED, new date to be determined***
Beyond Watercolor FUN-damentals
A watercolor class for students who have completed the 6 week Watercolor Fundamentals session and wish to greater enhance their skills. Students will focus on working from a mix of intricate still lives and personal projects they wish to complete. Mo will guide each student on their individual watercolor journey and help them reach their artistic goals. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Mo Myra Giannola
Level: Advanced and students looking to enhance their skills
Location: Classroom 3A
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Tuesdays, 7-9 PM
WATER MEDIA! Painting Basics
Learn to use watercolor, acrylic, and water-soluble oil paints, and decide which one is for you. Concepts such as shading, color mixing, subject selection, and composition will be demystified. We will also experiment with the historic casein paint that dates back to the 11th century! Min. 3 / Max. 9 students Download materials list here.
Instructor: Carolann Dvorak-Brewer
Level: Beginners
Location: Classroom 3A
Tuition: $285 Non-Members / 256.50 Members
8 Wednesdays, April 8 - June 3, 2020
12:30PM - 3:30PM
***POSTPONED, new date to be determined***
Register Now
WATER MEDIA! Advanced
This class is for the intermediate to advanced student looking to sustain or improve their watercolor, acrylic or water-soluble oil painting techniques in a supportive environment. Min. 3 / Max. 10 students. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Carolann Dvorak-Brewer
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: Classroom 3A
Tuition: $285 Non-Members / 256.50 Members
8 Tuesdays, April 7 - June 2, 2020, 9AM - 12PM (no class 4/14)
***POSTPONED, new date to be determined***
Call 860-678-1867
8 Wednesdays, April 8 - June 3, 2020, 9AM - 12PM (no class 4/15)
***POSTPONED, new date to be determined***
Call 860-678-1867
OPEN EASEL STUDIO
FVAC’s Open Easel Studios are intended for students who are working on a painting or drawing at home and would like to receive some feedback from an instructor and reflect their goals with others. All skill levels and all types of mediums are welcome. Bring your painting/drawing and your own supplies. A professional artist/instructor will be in the classroom from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, and you will be able to use the studio until 4:00 pm. Drop-Ins welcome!
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: All levels welcome
Location: Classroom 9A
Tuition: $285 Non-Members / 256.50 Members / Drop-In: $40/$36
8 Wednesdays, April 1 - May 20, 2020, 12:30PM - 4:00PM
***POSTPONED, new date to be determined***
Register Now
Drop-Ins are welcome!
Register for Drop-In
Movements in Watercolor
Join us for an exploration of different movements in watercolor painting and find your own style! Each week we will focus on a new movement in art history such as Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, Abstraction, and more. Instructor demonstrations will guide you in developing your technique.
Instructor: Carolann Dvorak-Brewer
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Location: Classroom 3A
Tuition: $215 Non-Members / 193.50 Members
6 Thursdays, 9 AM - 12 PM, no class 4/16/2020
Watercolor FUN-damentals BEGINNERS
Learn the fundamentals of exploring and playing with watercolors. Students will watch informative demonstrations, learn how to set up a painting from start to finish, and work from still life. Mo will also walk students through drawing challenges and show you how to check for accuracy before turning your work into a watercolor. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Mo Myra Giannola
Level: Beginners and students looking to enhance their skills
Location: Classroom 9A
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Thursdays, 7-9 PM
Painting Basics
Students wishing to work in Acrylic, Watercolor or Pastel are welcome. The basics of painting including: color mixing, paint application, drawing, and composition, will be addressed in this course. Subject matter will include landscape, still life, and portraiture. Students are encouraged to express creativity and personal vision. Min. 3 / Max. 9 students. Download material list here.
Instructor: Paul Iezzi
Level: All
Location: Classroom 3A
Tuition: $285 Non-Members / 256.50 Members
8 Saturdays, February 22 - April 18, 2020, 2-5 PM (no class 4/11)
Sketching Architecture
This class will introduce students to some of the basics of creating handmade architectural drawings. Students will learn about the principles and elements of design, perspective, how to work with the tools and the importance of observation. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Location: Classroom 3A
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Mondays, 10 AM - 12 PM
Figure Drawing
Learn to draw the human figure using a variety of media including charcoal, pastels, ink, and pencil. Hone or find your ability to "see" through an artist's eye working with a new live model each week. Personal growth and self-expression are developed through this beginner-friendly series of classes focused on lessons such as gesture, contour, and proportion. Please be advised: live nude art models are the focus of this drawing class. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Paul Iezzi
Level: All
Location: Classroom 3A
Tuition including $35 model fee: $180 Non-Members / 165.50 Members
4 Wednesdays, April 1 - April 29, 2020, 7-10 PM (no class 4/8)
***POSTPONED, new date to be determined***
Register Now
Classical Drawing Skills
Experience an awareness of the necessary components needed to draw a successful three-dimensional, representational drawing using graphite, pen and ink, charcoal and/or pastels. Generate confidence in your drawing by having exciting interactive creative exercises each week. Working from still life, exploring the landscape, the human figure and capturing intriguing composition. Empower your abilities to create by working alongside others encountering the same discoveries. Bring a sketchbook and draw with us! Min. 3 / Max. 10 students. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Carolann Dvorak-Brewer
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Location: Classroom 3A
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Thursdays, 12:30PM - 2:30PM
Basic Drawing Evening
This class is about learning the importance of knowing and understanding the difference between looking and observing to create and draw with accuracy. Students will learn some techniques absolutely necessary to observe and draw with almost perfect accuracy. Students will learn about the importance of understanding their subject and how to perceive it; how to make the fundamental mental shift vital to unleashing their creative side; how to stay in creative mode, connected and fully engaged with their subject. Students will also learn about the importance of measuring and how to do it. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: Beginners to Intermediates and painters in need of sharpening their drawing skills and improve structure.
Location: Classroom 9A
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Thursdays, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Basic Drawing
This class is about learning the importance of knowing and understanding the difference between looking and observing to create and draw with great accuracy. Students will learn some techniques absolutely necessary to observe and draw with almost perfect accuracy. Students will learn about the importance of understanding their subject and how to perceive it; how to make the fundamental mental shift vital to unleashing their creative side; how to stay in creative mode, connected and fully engaged with their subject. Students will also learn about the importance of measuring and how to do it. Download materials list here.
Instructor: Maurice Casas
Level: Beginners to Intermediates and painters in need of sharpening their drawing skills and improve structure.
Location: Classroom 3A
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / 130.50 Members
6 Saturdays, 10AM - 12PM
iPhone Photography - Make it Work For you Part 2!
Students who have already taken the beginning iPhone class with Andy Mars will be eligible to take this new class. You will discover more artistic photo apps that will take your iPhone photos to the next level. Learn more advanced tips using some of the iPhone apps you have now. Students are required to have an iPhone 6/6S or later &/or an iPad with the option to purchase photo apps for a few dollars (average $2-7) for your devices. Bring your iPhone &/or an iPad (batteries charged and remember your Apple id/passwords for downloading apps).
Instructor: Andy Mars
Location: Studio 1B
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / $130.50 Members
6 Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Photoshop For Beginners: Have FUN while learning!
Do you want to make ordinary photos extraordinary? Learn how to edit your images adjusting contrast, highlights/shadows, hue/saturation, etc. so they look the best. Learn how to “tell a story” by using multiple images in a collage. Discover how to add textures to your photos by using masks, layers and blend modes for the wow factor!
Class requirement: A laptop with Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop subscription installed. (Note: After class, you can cancel the monthly subscription, ~$10)
The photos you want to work within the class should be on your laptop.
Instructor: Andy Mars
Location: Studio 1B
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / $130.50 Members
6 Saturdays, 2-4 PM
Learn How To Take Better Photos Of Your ART With Your Smartphone ~ Editing Tips For ARTISTS
Do you often need decent photos of your artwork updated on your website? Are you interested in entering competitions or shows but need technical help with image sizing and how to expose the photograph of your art correctly for submissions? Is the white balance correct on your images (so the colors look natural)? You will learn step by step instruction to get the best results.
Requirement: iPhone, Android, and/or iPad
(6 Mini iPads are available for this workshop, first come, first serve)
Instructor: Andy Mars
Location: Studio 1B
Tuition: $45 Non-Members / $40.50 Members
Saturday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fast and Loose Oil & Acrylic Painting Workshop
This workshop is for students who want to loosen up and work with less restraint. Using personal photographs, as reference students will work on several fast paintings. Guided towards discovering and trusting their mark/painting statement and developing a critical eye. This is not a “how-to” class. You will be encouraged to experiment and embrace spontaneity. By combining fast, bold, loose strokes, students will engage in the “process” of the painting in the “present” rather than concentrating on the result. Fast paintings will be analyzed for their unique painterly style to transfer the best qualities to larger canvases (30x30 or larger).
In the words of the artist, KiKi Smith, “Making art is a lot about seeing what happens.”
Bring several canvases and reference photos. Also, bring your lunch.
Download suggested materials list here.
Instructor: Souby Boski
Location: Classroom 3A (Building 27)
Tuition: $125 Non-Members / $112.50 Members
Sunday, June 28, 2020, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Register Now
Learn How To Take Better Photos Of Your ART With Your Smartphone ~ Editing Tips For ARTISTS
Do you often need decent photos of your artwork updated on your website? Are you interested in entering competitions or shows but need technical help with image sizing and how to expose the photograph of your art correctly for submissions? Is the white balance correct on your images (so the colors look natural)? You will learn step by step instruction to get the best results.
Requirement: iPhone, Android, and/or iPad
(6 Mini iPads are available for this workshop, first come, first serve)
Instructor: Andy Mars
Location: Studio 1B
Tuition: $45 Non-Members / $40.50 Members
Saturday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Turn Your Smartphone Photos into Works of ART
This workshop will benefit any endeavor, from small businesses to restaurants, start-ups to senior citizens, from inspiring artists to photo sharing with family and friends. Learn how to turn your photos into works of art that can be used in your blog, on your website, or in your social media posts. Find out how to edit your photos so they look phenomenal. Learn tips on photo composition. And discover how to use creative photo apps.
Bring your Smartphone or an iPad (batteries charged and remember your devices id/passwords for downloading apps). Please download the free app Snapseed on your devices before the workshop.
Instructor: Andy Mars
Location: Studio 1B
Tuition: $45 Non-Members / $40.50 Members
Saturday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
iMovie for Beginners
This workshop is an introduction to creating movies using iMovie with your iPad. Students will tell a story by creating movies using videos and photos taken with their smartphone or iPad and using the free iMovie app to put it all together! You will be creating a project and a Hollywood-style trailer. Learn how to combine photos and videos with transitions, voiceovers, titles, and music. You will discover other details such as the split option to cut pieces out, duplicating clips and adding filters to individual clips. You will be able to put your movies on your website, use them for business purposes and post them on social media. You might even be the next Youtube celebrity or influencer by starting your own Youtube channel to share and promote your work.
Andy, the instructor, will recommend a few apps that will be helpful in pre & post-production. The cost will be a few dollars (average $2-$8).
Bring your iPad (batteries charged and remember your Apple id/passwords for downloading apps). 6 Mini iPads are available for this workshop, first come, first serve.
Instructor: Andy Mars
Location: Studio 1B
Tuition: $60 Non-Members / $54 Members
DATE TO BE DETERMINED!
Family Studio Sunday
Enjoy family time together in a fun, creative environment while exploring a variety of techniques and new art ideas under the guidance of a teaching artist. These workshops are for children and an accompanying adult. Children cannot be left alone.
Instructor: Elena Gibson
Age: 5-99
Location: Classroom 3A (3/29) or 9A (4/26)
Tuition: $15 per person
Materials Fee: $5 per person payable to the instructor
Sunday, 1:00-2:30PM
Paste Paper Party: If you like finger painting, you will love making this beautiful paste paper! You will learn methods to create an abundance of patterns on paper using tools to manipulate pigmented paste. Everybody will take home multiple finished pieces, which can be turned into wrapping paper, cards, collage paper etc.
Stained Glass Art
FVAC studio artist Sandi Johnston of Art Glass Alchemy is teaching the art of stained glass. You will learn the basics of stained glass cutting, foiling, techniques of pattern design, the importance of glass selection, and soldering. This is a perfect class for students with no experience as well as intermediate students with some experience who may want a refresher course. Create one or two beautiful glass projects to decorate your home or give as a gift!
Instructor: Sandi Johnston of Glass Alchemy and FVAC studio artist
Location: Classroom 9A (Building 27)
Tuition: $125 ($80 tuition/$45 materials fee that includes: 1x 6x12 sheet of clear glass, 3x 12x12 sheets of glass, material bucket, 2 brushes, use of flux, patina, and cutting oil, breaking/grozer pliers, bandaids, copper wire, glass patterns
Student material list to bring to first class. All materials available at Hobby Lobby in Bristol:
• Safety Glasses ($4.47)
• Glass Cutter ($4.99-$19.99)
• 1/4” Copper Foil Tape ($6.99)
• 60/40 Solder ($14.99)
• 100-Watt Soldering Iron ($14.99)
• Your Signed Forms (Safety, Liability, Photo)
3 Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24, 2020, 6:30-8:30 PM
Interior Design
Learn the design principals used by professional decorators! This four session interactive workshop allows participants to discuss the components of successful residential interiors.
Session 1: Learn the fundamental elements involved in design. Explore space planning, measurement, and scale.
Session 2: Emphasis on the role of color, pattern and texture.
Session 3: Style, trends and historical influence are discussed.
Session 4: Complete your personal space by effective use of lighting and accessories.
Instructor: Interior Designer Donna Miller
Location: Classroom 9A
Tuition: $120 Non-Members / $108 Members
An optional step by step workbook is suggested for participants. $20 payable to instructor.
4 Tuesdays, April 7-28, 2020, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
***POSTPONED, new date to be determined***
Register for AM Class
4 Tuesdays, April 7-28, 2020, 7-9 PM
***POSTPONED, new date to be determined***
Register for PM Class