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.
Winter Program Registration Is Open
There are three ways to search for classes and programs.
- Click on the image on the left to browse a digital version of our Winter 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– January 1 – March 29
Session I: January 12 – February 22
Creating Spontaneous Watercolor with Abstract Elements and Techniques Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Rocco Pisto
Saturday, January 31 AND Sunday, February 1
Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM each day
2-day workshop: (M) $125 ; (NM) $137
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
This two-day workshop is taught by Rocco Pisto, whose paintings will be on view in the Art House gallery throughout the month of January. He will focus on creating lively watercolor pieces using various techniques learned from over 50 years’ experience.
Printmaking Play Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Shannon Karol
Monday, February 2
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $45 ; (NM) $50
Materials included
Did you know that a plethora of printmaking materials are hiding in your pantry and kitchen cupboards? Join us for this one-day workshop to learn more about “kitchen lithography” and other printmaking techniques that utilize supplies like tinfoil, Coca Cola, foam plates, curtain sheers, and more. You’ll leave with three completed prints, and the inspiration to see what else you can create using everyday items from around your home.
Colorful Koi: A Mixed Media Collage Workshop for ages 13+
Instructor: Shadia Derbyshire
Sundays, February 8 & 15
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM each day
2-day workshop: (M) $75 ; (NM) $83
Materials included
Dive into the serene and shimmering world of koi fish in this vibrant, beginner-friendly mixed media workshop. Over two creative days, students will explore the art of collage through the graceful forms and flowing movement of koi—symbols of perseverance, balance, and good fortune. We’ll begin with an acrylic underpainting to establish color and motion beneath the surface, then build layers of patterned, textured, and translucent papers to capture the depth and rhythm of koi gliding through water. Shadia will guide students step by step as they experiment with color harmony, paper layering, and composition to bring their koi to life in a luminous, modern style.
This workshop is perfect for all skill levels—no prior art experience required! Our focus will be on collage and layering techniques rather than traditional drawing or painting. By the end, you’ll have a stunning, ready-to-hang koi collage that reflects both your creativity and the tranquil energy of these beautiful fish.
Galentine’s Art Party: Create Your Own Colorful Collage for ages 10+
Instructor: Shadia Derbyshire
Friday, February 13
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $65 ; (NM) $72
Materials included
Get ready to grab your gals, roll up your sleeves, and dive into a fabulously fun Galentine’s celebration! In this hands-on art party, students will layer, paint, and collage their way to a one-of-a-kind heart themed masterpiece—all while surrounded by friends, laughter, and, of course, tasty treats!
What’s in Store:
- Create Your Own Bouquet Masterpiece: Think bold colors, funky patterns, and all the collage elements your heart desires! With plenty of inspo and easy guidance, you’ll design a unique flower bouquet bursting with personality.
- Layer, Mix & Play: No boring techniques here! We’ll be mixing paint pens, acrylics, patterned paper, and metallics, giving you all the tools you need to get creative and make something that’s as bold and beautiful as you are. And yes—glitter and gold leaf are in the house!
- Snacks & Sips: You bring the creativity, we’ll bring the snacks! Our spread is packed with both sweet and savory bites, so you can munch while you masterpiece. Plus, we’ve got a mini mocktail bar to keep you refreshed and in the Galentine’s spirit!
Session II: February 17 – March 29
Mastering Proportions and Shading for Sight Sized Drawing for ages 16+
Instructor: Fred Keebler
Tuesdays, February 17 – March 17
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
5-week class: (M) $125 ; (NM) $136
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
This class 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.
Stained Glass Painting Workshop for ages 14+
Instructor: Ghada Ayoub
Wednesday, February 18 – Friday, February 20
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM each day
3-day workshop: (M) $225 ; (NM) $248
Materials included
Experience the vibrant world of creativity with an artistic session by Ghada Ayoub. Specializing in unique designs and bold, colorful expressions, this class offers a personalized approach to creating one-of-a-kind artwork using stained glass paints techniques.
Join this 3-day course and unleash your creativity by learning the basics of stained glass painting techniques using high end materials. The instructor will work step-by-step with you to complete a small stained glass painting project. It is designed to be a manageable yet rewarding experience, allowing you to go through the entire process to create a beautiful piece to take home.
Topics in Art History for ages 16+
Instructor: Shannon Karol
Mondays, February 23 – March 23
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $110 ; (NM) $121
Materials included
Mastering Perspective and Drawing from Imagination for ages 16+
Instructor: Fred Keebler
Mondays, February 23 – March 23
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $125 ; (NM) $136
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
This is a simplified but comprehensive basic 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 constructive drawing 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.
Beginning Impressionistic Oil Painting: It’s All About the Color of the Light for ages 16+
Instructor: Roselyn Rhodes
Tuesdays, February 24 – March 24
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $175 ; (NM) $193
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
In this class, students will start with the basics: set up, contour line, exploring and mixing colors, and composition. We will work with still lives and from photographs. Working from still life is the best way to train the eye for composition, three-dimensional drawing, and painting techniques. Expressive impressionistic brushstrokes and laying color next to color to achieve excitement in a painting will be taught and demonstrated. Oil paint preferred, acrylic is also welcome.
Impressionistic to Abstract Painting Level 2: Atmosphere and Brushwork for ages 16+
Instructor: Roselyn Rhodes
Wednesdays, February 25 – March 25
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $175 ; (NM) $193
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
Intermediate painters will better comprehend how to achieve atmosphere and radiance in their paintings. Working more independently on subject matter, students may work from still life, photos, or dive into abstracting their work. Personal expression through brushstrokes, mark making, and glazing will be explored. Oil paint preferred, acrylic is also welcome. Completion of Beginning Impressionistic Painting is highly encouraged.
Painting with the Masters for ages 16+
Instructor: Tricia Hampo
Wednesdays, February 25 – March 25
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
5-week class: (M) $135 ; (NM) $149
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
Each week we’ll explore the techniques of great artists—both Old Masters and contemporary painters—using oil and acrylics. One week, students will paint a “copy” of a master artwork to learn how they used color, light, and brushwork. The next week, students will use their own reference photos or ideas to create an original painting inspired by what they have learned. It’s a great way to grow skills, try new approaches, and discover your own artistic style in a supportive and creative environment. All levels are welcome!
Community of Artists for ages 16+
Instructor: Stacy Pearson
Thursdays, February 26 – March 26
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
5-week class: (M) $150 ; (NM) $165
Students bring supplies (bring any projects you’re currently working on)
Have you ever wanted to work in a community of artists? Do you love the relaxed and social atmosphere of creatives? Calling all types of artists! Painters, textile artists, illustrators, cartoonists – everyone is welcome! Join us for this course that gathers all types of creatives! You’ll bring your own work, half-finished pieces, or begin new ones and work in a vibrant, group setting. The instructor will give individualized instruction and tutorials when needed, and guide daily group discussions on positive, no stress constructive art critiques. Learn how to “talk” about art while having fun and being inspired!
Art + Mindfulness Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Shannon Karol
Saturday, February 28
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
1-day workshop: (M) $20 ; (NM) $25
Materials included
Bring an open mind and join us in the gallery for a mindfulness workshop. We invite you to slow down, look closely, and reflect on what you see in the artworks on view in the Art House gallery. You’ll leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and connected to art in ways you never would have imagined.
The Full Spectrum of Colored Pencil for ages 16+
Instructor: Dean Rogers
Sunday, March 1
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $75 ; (NM) $83
Students bring supplies (Supply List Available Here)
Learn to use colored pencils like never before! All experience and skill levels are welcome. There will be multiple lessons from beginner to intermediate, and return students have many choices for additional projects, or may bring one of their own. We will take a break around the halfway point – please feel free to bring a snack.
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!
