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+. Visual art instruction covers painting, drawing, printmaking, hand-sculpture, photography, graphic design, crafts, and mixed-media. Programs are led by Art House instructors and offered in daily or weekly sessions in the classroom. 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.
Fall 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 Fall 2025 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.
Fall Programs– September 15 – December 14
Session I: September 15 – October 26
Mixed Media Collage Foundations for ages 12+
Instructor: Shadia Derbyshire
Friday, October 17
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $55 ; (NM) $61
Materials included
Ready to dive into the colorful world of mixed media? In this lively and beginner-friendly workshop, artist Shadia Derbyshire will guide you through the foundational techniques of collage—using layered papers to explore value, texture, and color in a fresh and dynamic way.
We’ll start with a simple underpainting of an everyday object, then build depth and movement by layering papers of various weights, patterns, and transparencies. You’ll get hands-on instruction every step of the way as you play with shapes, experiment with textures, and choose your own unique color palette to bring your artwork to life.
This workshop is perfect for all skill levels—even if you’ve never picked up a brush or glued down a single scrap of paper. Please note: we’ll focus on collage and layering techniques, not traditional drawing or painting instruction. You’ll leave with a beautiful, ready-to-hang piece and a new set of creative tools under your belt!
Felted Memories Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Linda Larsen
Saturday, October 25
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $40 ; (NM) $44
Students bring supplies (Felted Memories Workshop Supply List)
Come learn the versatile art of felting! In this class, both wet and needle felting techniques will be taught to create your unique art piece: landscapes, flowers, abstracts-you decide and make it your own!
Session II: October 27 – December 14
Beginner/Intermediate Wildlife Watercolor II for ages 16+
Instructor: Theresa Uptergrove
Session II: October 27 – December 8 (no class 11/24)
Mondays
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
6-week class: (M) $192 ; (NM) $210
Students bring supplies (Beginner/Intermediate Watercolor Supply List)
Building on session one, adapt more advanced watercolor techniques to create desired textures to bring your painting to life!
Beginner to Intermediate Drawing for ages 16+
Instructor: Theresa Uptergrove
Session II: October 27 – December 8 (no class 11/24)
Mondays
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
6-week class: (M) $180 ; (NM) $198
Students bring supplies (Beginner to Intermediate Drawing Supply List)
Learn foundational skills of drawing to develop confidence in line and perspective!
Master shortcuts to create accurate and effortless drawings on paper.
Art History Time Machine: 18th and 19th Centuries for ages 16+
Instructor: Shannon Karol
Session II: October 27 – December 8 (no class 11/24)
Mondays
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
6-week class: (M) $150 ; (NM) $165
Learn to distinguish between the Rococo and the Romantic, between the Neo-Classical and the Neo-Impressionist, and more in this fast-paced art history class. We’ll explore the “who, what, where, when, and why” of some of the most famous art movements of the 18th and 19th centuries through lively discussions and engaging activities.
Impressionistic Oil Painting: It’s All About the Color of the Light for ages 16+
Instructor: Roselyn Rhodes
Session II: October 28 – December 9 (no class 11/25)
Tuesdays
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
6-week class: (M) $209 ; (NM) $230
Students bring supplies (Impressionistic Oil Painting Supply List)
We will start with the basics, set up, mixing colors, and composition. We will work with still lives, plein air (painting outside in the open air) and from photographs.
Working from still lives is the best way to train your eye for composition, three dimensional drawing and painting techniques. Plein air teaches you about color in natural light and through atmosphere. Using what you learn from these two experiences can then be applied to painting from a photograph. (Instruction will focus on oil painting techniques, but acrylic painters are also welcome).
Acrylic & Oil: Fine Art Painting Studio for ages 16+
Instructor: Nancy Barick
Session II: October 28 – December 9 (no class 11/25)
Tuesdays
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
6-week class: (M) $180 ; (NM) $198
Students bring supplies (Acrylic and Oil Painting Studio Supply List)
For newer painters we will work on the “how to’s”, such as starting a painting by choosing good reference material to the finishing details. For those painters with more experience we will work on expanding painting skills and exploring different methods of pushing your work to the next level. Each participant will get personal instruction and support. Students bring their own painting supplies with reference for something they would like to paint.
(Oil Painters: Please use Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits as your solvent, not turpentine.)
Abstract Oil Painting: Beginning, Messy Middle, and End for ages 16+
Instructor: Roselyn Rhodes
Session II: October 29 – December 10 (no class 11/26)
Wednesdays
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
6-week class: (M) $209 ; (NM) $230
Students bring supplies (Abstract Oil Painting Supply List)
We will explore different way to inspire you to paint an exciting abstract painting. We will experiment on different was to begin. What to do about the messy middle, and how to know when you’re done. Elements to help you succeed such as value, mixing colors, composition, texture and movement will be incorporated in our lessons. (Instruction will focus on oil painting techniques, but acrylic painters are also welcome).
Intuitive Painting for Self Expression for ages 16+
Instructor: Tricia Hampo
Session II: October 29 – December 10 (no class 11/26)
Wednesdays
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
6-week class: (M) $234 ; (NM) $257
Materials included
Unlock your creative voice — no experience necessary! Join us for a transformative six-week journey into intuitive painting, where the focus is on process over perfection. Using acrylics and mixed media, you’ll explore color, emotion, texture, and personal symbolism in a playful and supportive environment. Each session offers guided prompts and techniques to help you connect with your inner creativity, release expectations, and build confidence in your unique visual language. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned artist looking for fresh inspiration, this class invites you to paint freely, express authentically, and enjoy the joy of creative discovery.
In this class we will explore: emotional expression through color and gesture; texture and layering techniques; personal symbolism and storytelling through paint; the art of letting go and trusting the process. Come as you are — leave inspired.
Art Through Words Creative Writing for ages 16+
Instructor: Patrick Gibson
Session II: October 29 – December 10 (no class 11/26)
Wednesdays
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
6-week class: (M) $132 ; (NM) $145
Let’s write! Class welcomes both artists and writers, beginners and advanced. We’ll draw inspiration from our artistic surroundings, the fall season, and upcoming holidays, to develop short stories, flash fiction, personal essay, and poetry. Let’s capture experiences through words, using encouragement from moods, tones, colors, lighting, textures, and images. Each session includes a discussion of specific writing elements. You’ll have opportunity to share drafts for supportive peer feedback. Bring pen and paper, a tablet, or laptop to write with. All skill levels welcome.
Portrait Illustration for Beginner and Advanced Students for ages 14+
Instructor: Jeremy “Sunny” Johnson-Lemieux
Session II: October 30 – December 11 (no class 11/27)
Thursdays
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
6-week class: (M) $157 ; (NM) $173
Students bring supplies (Portrait Illustration Supply List)
Learn the classical approach to portrait illustration and the art history of portraiture in this beginner to advanced course. Deepen your understanding of human anatomy by focusing on creating portraits of live models, your classmates, and yourself. This class will build off of the lessons taught in Sunny’s Figure Drawing class from Session I, but participation in that class is not a requirement for enrollment in this class. Each class begins with a brief art history lecture on the history of portraiture, followed by demonstrations from instructor, using live clothed models for realistic and dynamic references. Small class sizes ensure individualized instruction.
Interested in modeling for this class? Sign up here.
Pastel Exploration: Guided Studio for ages 16+
Instructor: Marchelle Brotz
Session II: November 6 – December 18 (no class 11/27)
Thursdays
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
6-week class: (M) $204 ; (NM) $224
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.
Drawing: Intermediate & Continuing Education for ages 16+
Instructor: Stacy Pearson
Session II: November 6 – December 11 (no class 11/27)
Thursdays
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
6-week class: (M) $180 ; (NM) $198
Students bring supplies (Intermediate Drawing Supply List)
Join us for more exciting drawing education this fall on Thursday evenings. Deepen your understanding of the skills and techniques in drawing while being part of a lively, supportive, and enthusiastic creative community. Instructor will give both class wide tutorials as well as individualized project assistance, meeting each student where they are at in their journey toward drawing mastery. It’s never too late to improve your understanding of one of the most important skills in art! Come draw with us!
Please note: the dates listed only constitute 5 weeks. Stacy will work with students after class begins to identify a date for a 6th and final class session.
Mastering Commercial Patterns: A Hands-On Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Mila Pershyna
Friday, November 7
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $50 ; (NM) $55
Materials included
Curious about how to read and use commercial sewing patterns? This hands-on workshop is the perfect starting point for anyone ready to take their sewing skills to the next level!
In just two hours, you’ll learn how to understand, read, and cut a commercial pattern with confidence. We’ll walk you through how to decode pattern symbols and instructions; how to choose your size and adjust the pattern if needed; how to prepare your fabric and lay out the pieces; cutting techniques and best practices.
Commercial patterns will be provided in class for learning and practice. You’re also welcome to bring your pattern and fabric if you’d like to get a head start on a personal project with guided support.
Embroidered Vintage Photos Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Jessica Sundstrom
Sunday, November 9
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $45 ; (NM) $50
Materials included
Transform a vintage photograph using needle and thread! Bring your previous embroidery skills or come ready to learn stitches from scratch – embroidering on paper is easy and fun. The instructor will bring a selection of vintage photographs, seed beads, and sequins, but you are also welcome to bring your own supplies (including contemporary photos as well). We will look at examples from contemporary embroidery artists using photographs for inspiration.
Mixed Media Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Maria Latour
Saturday, November 15
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $54 ; (NM) $59
Materials included
Mix the following materials in various combinations to create an original work of art: handmade paper, fabric, gel medium, oil pastels, paint, book pages, wax and embellishments. All materials provided but bring your own copied of personal photos, poetry, etc to incorporate into your work.
Wycinanki Workshop: Polish Art of Cut Paper for ages 16+
Instructor: Cheryl Chidester
Friday, November 21
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $65 ; (NM) $72
Materials included
Originally, sheep shears were used to cut freehand designs out of tree bark and leather. Wycinanki were pasted on furniture or roof beams as decoration, hung in windows, and given as gifts. We will use decorative papers to create colorful works of art. Students will have the option to personalize the instructor’s samples (no two are exactly alike) or create your own design inspired by the upcoming holiday season. Your finished art will be ready to frame!
Festive Mixed Media Poinsettia for ages 12+
Instructor: Shadia Derbyshire
Friday, December 5
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $55 ; (NM) $61
Materials included
Royal Icing Basics Cookie Decorating Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Audrey Edwards
Sunday, December 7
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $75 ; (NM) $83
Materials included
One of the most asked questions with sugar cookie decorating is, “How do you make royal icing the right consistency to decorate with?” If you struggle with getting your icing to the right consistency or just want to learn how to decorate those fancy sugar cookies you see using royal icing, this is the class for you!
Join Audrey Edwards owner of Sweetflour LLC for a hands-on experience as she takes you through the royal icing making process from scratch. You will use the icing made in class to decorate some holiday themed sugar cookies.
