Northville Art House
Adult Classes, Ages 16+
Adult Classes and Workshops offer the opportunity to experiment, learn, and develop art skills in small classroom sizes. Unless otherwise noted in the title, these classes are designed for ages 16+. Programs are led by Art House instructors and offered in daily or weekly sessions. Classes limited to 10 or 12 students.
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REFUND / CANCELLATION POLICY
A refund will be issued minus a 10% non-refundable deposit on ALL classes and workshops when cancelled 48 hours or more before the first class or workshop starts. Students who wish to cancel less than 48 hours before the first day of class are not eligible for a refund or credit.
EXTRA ACTIVE SERVICES
When you complete your purchase, ACTIVE may prompt you to enroll in ACTIVE Refund, ACTIVE Advantage, or other service. We highly recommend that you CLICK NO. These programs and fees are associated, charged, and collected by ACTIVE.COM and not the Art House. These are NON-REFUNDABLE and DO NOT apply to our classes or refund/cancellation policy.
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- Click on the image on the left to browse a digital version of our Spring & Summer 2026 brochure.
- Click on the Click to Register button to browse classes and to register on Active.com.
- Click on the Program Images below to browse on our website, then register on Active.com.
Winter Programs
Session II: February 17 – March 29
Art Sampler Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Maria Latour
Fridays, March 13 – March 27
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM each day
3-week workshop: (M) $125 ; (NM) $136
Materials included
Do you want to get into art making but don’t know which medium is for you? Are you an artist who wants to try something different? This sampler workshop is the perfect place to start. We will try a different medium each week of this 3-week workshop. Explore mixed media collage, mosaics and textile arts. Engage with your creative side, explore and experiment with new materials and techniques!
Hidden Blooms Workshop for ages 12+
Instructor: Shadia Derbyshire
Sunday, March 15
Time: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $55 ; (NM) $61
Materials included
Ready to explore the magic of painting what’s not there? In this lively and beginner-friendly workshop, artist Shadia Derbyshire will introduce students to the beautiful art of negative painting—a technique that reveals the subject by painting around it rather than inside the lines. We’ll pair this with rich collage layering to create a dynamic, textural floral composition that’s bursting with color and depth.
We’ll begin with a colorful, abstract underpainting, then build up layers of collage papers to add pattern, texture, and personality. From there, students will learn how to use negative painting techniques to carve out elegant floral shapes—allowing a bouquet to emerge organically from the layers beneath.
Watercolor Workshop: Celebrate Your Favorite Place for ages 14+
Instructor: Cheryl Chidester
Saturday, March 28 AND Sunday, March 29
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM each day
2-day workshop: (M) $140 ; (NM) $154
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
Capture the memory of a meaningful place by turning it into a watercolor painting! Students will bring 8” x 10” photos of a location they would like to commemorate. We’ll explore color theory, color mixing, and watercolor techniques—including wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and dry-on-dry—using a variety of papers. Students will also get to experiment with creating texture. If you’re unsure about your drawing skills, no worries—tracing and image transfer options will be available, along with guidance on composition and drawing. This class is ideal for beginners and intermediate painters, but all levels are welcome!
Spring Programs
Session I: April 6 – May 10
Classical Art Education 1: Mastering Perspective and Drawing from Imagination Part I for ages 16+
Instructor: Fred Keebler
Mondays, April 6 – May 4
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $125 ; (NM) $136
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
Classical Art Education 1 is an advanced class on one-point and two-point perspective to help you make your art more believable and improve your spatial intelligence. This class focuses on artistic studies to improve skills such as proportion, scaling objects, volumetric representation, and creating artwork from imagination. It also aids the artist in creating observational artwork. Expand your spatial intelligence and advance your creativity to the next level. Prerequisite: none.
Click here to learn more about the Mastering Perspective class syllabus.
Fabric Painting I for ages 16+
Instructor: Sara Daneshvar
Tuesdays, April 7 – May 5
Time: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $125 ; (NM) $138
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
Explore the art of transforming fabric into beautiful wearable design! Participants will learn techniques for designing and painting on fabric using professional textile paints and will create unique and decorative pieces.
Acrylic & Oil Fine Art Painting Studio for ages 16+
Instructor: Nancy Barick
Tuesdays, April 7 – May 5
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $150 ; (NM) $165
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
Some experience required. This class is designed for continuing painters looking to bring their work to the next level. We will work on expanding painting skills and exploring different methods of achieving personal goals. Each participant will get personal instruction and support. Students bring their own painting supplies with reference for something they would like to paint.
Classical Art Education 2: Mastering Proportions and Shading with Sight Sized Drawing Part I for ages 16+
Instructor: Fred Keebler
Wednesdays, April 8 – May 6
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $125 ; (NM) $136
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
Classical Art Education 2 uses sight-size drawing to teach proportions and chiaroscuro (i.e., shading). The class focuses on developing the ability to see and reproduce accurately shapes, proportions, and angles. Special emphasis is placed on light and shadow to render tonal works beautifully. The historical Charles Bargue plates and plaster casts/3-D models will be used as the subjects of drawings. Sight size provides a solid foundation for other drawing and painting methods by improving observational skills. Prerequisite: none.
Click here to learn more about the Mastering Proportions class syllabus.
Pastel Exploration for ages 16+
Instructor: Marchelle Brotz
Thursdays, April 9 – May 7
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $170 ; (NM) $187
Material fee: $30 paid to instructor on the first day of class
In this flexible PanPastel and Pastel Pencil class, students can choose to work with either or both mediums while exploring their own subject matter. Students will also experiment with different underpaintings. Whether you’re new or experienced, you’ll work at your own pace with personalized guidance from the instructor, receiving one-on-one support and feedback on your individual projects.
Watercolor Landscape Painting for ages 16+
Instructor: Sara Daneshvar
Thursdays, April 9 – May 7
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
5-week class: (M) $110 ; (NM) $121
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
Discover the beauty of watercolor through a step-by-step landscape painting course designed for beginners and art lovers. In this 5-week class, students will learn the basic techniques of watercolor and gradually build confidence in creating complete landscape artworks.
Figure Drawing for Portraits for ages 16+
Instructors: Jeremy “Sunny” Johnson-LeMieux
Thursdays, April 9 – May 7
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $135 ; (NM) $149
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
In this all-levels course, students will develop gesture drawing skills and deepen their understanding of human anatomy as it applies to figure art. Learn to draw specific body parts—such as hands, faces, and the full figure—using shapes to construct the human form. We’ll explore how light affects the form and master body proportions. Each class begins with a brief art history lecture on the old masters’ approach to figure drawing, followed by demonstrations from instructor, using live clothed models for realistic and dynamic references.
Intuitive Abstract Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Catherine Adamkiewicz
Friday, April 10
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $60 ; (NM) $66
Material fee: $10 paid to instructor on the day of the workshop
Would you like to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind paintings inspired by your own intuition and experiences?
This workshop will be a time to explore and tap into your creativity! Together, we will embark on an enriching and spirit-lifting practice of self-exploration, bringing to the surface the things that YOU love. In the process, you’ll discover a way to translate them into unique art that you can be proud to share.
Stitch Craft 101 Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Mila Pershyna
Sunday, April 12
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $55 ; (NM) $61
Materials included
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewist, this hands-on workshop with a seasoned fashion designer will elevate your skills. Beginners will learn sewing machine basics, threading, seams, hems, fabric grain, and simple finishing techniques. Advanced students are welcome to bring their own project to work on with professional guidance.
Participants are welcome to bring their own sewing machine and a garment of their choice—such as a skirt or pants—to practice hemming or simple alterations. Whether you’re new to sewing or looking to refresh your skills, this workshop will help you elevate your craft with a touch of designer expertise.
Bloom Florals on a Tote Bag Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Sara Daneshvar
Sunday, April 26
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $50 ; (NM) $55
Materials included
In this workshop participants will learn how to paint floral design on a fabric tote bag using fabric paints. We will cover basic floral shapes, color, and layering. This class is beginner –friendly and focuses on creativity while creating hand painted totebag to take home.
Native Plants Workshop for ages 16+ with the Plymouth Pollinators
Sunday, April 26
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $50 ; (NM) $55
Materials included
The Art House and the Plymouth Pollinators are teaming up to to teach you about native plants and why they are crucial for the environment. In this collaborative workshop, Lindsay Nielsen from the Plymouth Pollinators will discuss common native plants in Michigan and their role in the ecosystem. This discussion will be followed by a watercolor painting workshop focused on native plants.
Intuitive Abstract Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Catherine Adamkiewicz
Friday, May 1
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $60 ; (NM) $66
Material fee: $10 paid to instructor on the day of the workshop
Would you like to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind paintings inspired by your own intuition and experiences?
This workshop will be a time to explore and tap into your creativity! Together, we will embark on an enriching and spirit-lifting practice of self-exploration, bringing to the surface the things that YOU love. In the process, you’ll discover a way to translate them into unique art that you can be proud to share.
Zen Painting for ages 16+
Instructor: Jane Ryan
Sundays, May 3, May 17, and May 31
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM each day
3-week workshop: (M) $180 ; (NM) $198
Materials included
This 3-part workshop introduces students to Sumi-e [soo’-me-ay], the mindful art of Japanese ink painting. Developed by Zen monks, Sumi-e is a form of Impressionism that captures a moment in time and the essence or “chi” of a subject rather than an exact representation. The key concepts of simplicity and spontaneity are achieved with minimal brush strokes.
Session I: Bamboo and Dragonflies will introduce the materials and methods unique to Sumi-e.
Session II: Orchids and Butterflies moves on to graceful Japanese orchids and colorful butterflies.
Session III: Blossoms and Birds explores the more complex subjects of plum blossoms and songbirds.
Exploring Watercolor Techniques and Papers Workshop for ages 14+
Instructor: Cheryl Boc-Chidester
Friday, May 8
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $120 ; (NM) $132
Student brings watercolor palette and brushes; all other materials included
Students will explore techniques, tools, and materials for creating original watercolor artwork. In this four-hour workshop, students will be introduced to basic techniques, different substrates, such as black watercolor paper, mineral paper, and handmade paper, combining watercolor with other media, and a few “tricks” of watercolor.
Spring Programs
Session II: May 11 – June 15
Slow Looking and Mindful Art for ages 16+
Instructor: Shannon Karol
Mondays, May 11 – June 8
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
4-week class: (M) $88 ; (NM) $97
Materials included
Classical Art Education 1: Mastering Perspective and Drawing from Imagination Part II for ages 16+
Instructor: Fred Keebler
Mondays, May 11 – June 15 (no class 5/25)
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $125 ; (NM) $136
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
This is an advanced class on one-point and two-point perspective to help you make your art more believable and improve your spatial intelligence. This class focuses on artistic studies to improve skills such as proportion, scaling objects, volumetric representation, and creating artwork from imagination. It also aids the artist in creating observational artwork. Expand your spatial intelligence and advance your creativity to the next level. Prerequisite: Mastering Perspective and Drawing from Imagination Part I.
Click here to learn more about the Mastering Perspective class syllabus.
Fabric Painting II for ages 16+
Instructor: Sara Daneshvar
Tuesdays, April 7 – May 5
Time: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $125 ; (NM) $138
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
Explore the art of transforming fabric into beautiful wearable design! Participants will learn techniques for designing and painting on fabric using professional textile paints and will create unique and decorative pieces. This intermediate level class will explore more difficult fabric textures, such as denim and chiffon.
Acrylic & Oil Fine Art Painting Studio for ages 16+
Instructor: Nancy Barick
Tuesdays, April 7 – May 5
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $150 ; (NM) $165
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
Some experience required. This class is designed for continuing painters looking to bring their work to the next level. We will work on expanding painting skills and exploring different methods of achieving personal goals. Each participant will get personal instruction and support. Students bring their own painting supplies with reference for something they would like to paint.
Cyanotype: Camera-less Photography Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Cheryl Boc-Chidester
Wednesday, May 13
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $75 ; (NM) $83
Materials included
In this workshop, participants will create one-of-a-kind cyanotype images. Our camera-less photography technique (invented in 1842) will involve lying (flattish) objects on paper coated with an iron salt solution, exposing them to UV light, and washing the paper with water to create stunning white and Prussian blue images. The images can also be enhanced with light watercolor washes. During the two-hour class, students will create at least two images. While the instructor will have (flat) objects, such as dried flowers and leaves, lace and ribbon, and seashells, used to create, students are welcome to bring their own.
Classical Art Education 2: Mastering Proportions and Shading with Sight Sized Drawing Part II for ages 16+
Instructor: Fred Keebler
Wednesdays, April 8 – May 6
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $125 ; (NM) $136
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
Classical Art Education 2 uses sight-size drawing to teach proportions and chiaroscuro (i.e., shading). The class focuses on developing the ability to see and reproduce accurately shapes, proportions, and angles. Special emphasis is placed on light and shadow to render tonal works beautifully. The historical Charles Bargue plates and plaster casts/3-D models will be used as the subjects of drawings. Sight size provides a solid foundation for other drawing and painting methods by improving observational skills. Prerequisite: Mastering Proportion and Shading with Sight Sized Drawing Part I.
Click here to learn more about the Mastering Proportions class syllabus.
Pastel Exploration for ages 16+
Instructor: Marchelle Brotz
Thursdays, April 9 – May 7
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $170 ; (NM) $187
Material fee: $30 paid to instructor on the first day of class
In this flexible PanPastel and Pastel Pencil class, students can choose to work with either or both mediums while exploring their own subject matter. Students will also experiment with different underpaintings. Whether you’re new or experienced, you’ll work at your own pace with personalized guidance from the instructor, receiving one-on-one support and feedback on your individual projects.
Watercolor Landscape Painting for ages 16+
Instructor: Sara Daneshvar
Thursdays, April 9 – May 7
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
5-week class: (M) $110 ; (NM) $121
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
Discover the beauty of watercolor through a step-by-step landscape painting course designed for beginners and art lovers. In this 5-week class, students will learn the basic techniques of watercolor and gradually build confidence in creating complete landscape artworks.
Wycinanki: Hand Cut Paper Art Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Cheryl Boc-Chidester
Friday, May 22
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $85 ; (NM) $94
Materials included
Create with paper! You will have the option to personalize the instructor’s samples (no two are ever exactly alike) or create your own design. Your finished art will be ready to frame! Students will learn techniques and design elements, as well as a brief history of the Polish folk art form Wycinanki. In this three-hour workshop, we’ll work with traditional themes using more modern tools and materials to create one-of-a-kind artwork.
Introduction to Encaustic Painting Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Maria Latour
Saturday, May 30
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $74 ; (NM) $81
Materials included
Students will explore the versatile art of painting with molten, pigmented wax. Various encaustic techniques will be covered including layering, fusing, incising, image transfers and embellishments. We will take a mixed media approach by combining the wax with handmade paper, fabric, metal leaf, and pastels. This class is intended for beginners, safety and material resources will be covered so students can set up their own encaustic studio at home.
Revamp & Refresh: Fashion Upcycling and Customization Workshop for ages 18+
Instructor: Mila Pershyna
Saturday, June 13
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $65 ; (NM) $71
Material fee: $10 paid to instructor on the day of the workshop
Give your wardrobe a second life in this immersive one-day fashion workshop! Join professional designer Mila for a creative day dedicated to sustainable style, textile art, and upcycling. Instead of buying new, bring your loved (or neglected!) garments and learn how to transform them into one-of-a-kind wearable art. In this workshop, we will explore mixed-media techniques to customize your clothing, including:
- Fabric Painting: Learn techniques to paint on denim, canvas, and leather.
- Hand Embroidery: Add texture and detail with creative stitching.
- Sewing & Alterations: Use hand sewing or machine sewing to resize, reshape, or embellish your pieces.
What to Bring: To get the most out of the workshop, please bring 1–2 items to work on. Best materials for these techniques include:
- Denim: Jackets, jeans, or skirts (perfect for painting and embroidery).
- Canvas/Leather: Tote bags or sneakers (Converse/Vans style). Note: Light colors work best for painting.
- Your Sewing Machine: A few machines are available, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer working on a familiar machine.
Whether you want to paint a statement design on a denim jacket, embroider a pair of sneakers, or rework an old dress, you’ll leave with a refreshed piece of fashion and the skills to keep creating at home.
