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.
Spring and Summer Programs Registration Open
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Winter Programs– JANUARY 6 – MARCH 31
Session II: February 17 – March 23
Open Studio
Instructor: Self-Guided
February 14 – March 21
Day: Fridays
Time: 12:30 – 2:30 PM
Weekly Class: (M) $10; (NM) $15)
Artists must register in advance.
The Northville Art House is open for artists to use our studio. All students bring their own supplies, clean up area, and put easels away.
Printmaking Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Tricia Hampo
March 26 & March 27
Wednesday & Thursday
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
2-day workshop: (M) $88 ; (NM) $97
Materials Included
Discover the joy of monotype printing with its immediate gratification and delightful unpredictability! In this workshop, we’ll create monotype prints using both gel plates and plexiglass, with and without a press. You’ll experiment with multi-layer and single-layer prints, applying and removing paint using brayers, cotton cloths, brushes, and various other tools. Your instructor will demonstrate a range of additive and reductive techniques, and if time allows, we’ll explore ‘ghost prints’—the unique impressions left on the plate after the first pull.
Spring Programs– MARCH 31 – JUNE 13
Session I: March 31 – May 4
Open Studio
Instructor: Self-Guided
April 1 – April 29
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Weekly Class: (M) $10; (NM) $15)
Artists must register in advance.
The Northville Art House is open for artists to use our studio. All students bring their own supplies, clean up area, and put easels away.
Beginning/Intermediate Watercolor
Instructor: Theresa Uptergrove
March 31 – April 28
Day: Mondays
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
5-week class: (M) $140; (NM) $154
Student brings supplies: Beginning/Intermediate Watercolor Supply List
Explore your creativity and expand your painting skills with artist Theresa as we focus on the basics of color mixing, layering, and texturing. Master the unpredictability of watercolor while learning to control the pigments through the secrets and shortcuts our instructor has discovered through much trial and error. Together, we will discover and enjoy the looseness of watercolor.
“Learning to Look”
Instructor: Shannon Karol
April 1 – April 29
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
5-week class: (M) $125; (NM) $138
Materials Included
Do you ever feel lost when you enter an art gallery or museum, like you don’t know how to make sense of what you’re seeing or feeling? Join Art House Executive Director Shannon Karol for a class that will equip you with a variety of strategies that can be used to describe, analyze, interpret, and evaluate artworks—whether you know anything about them or not! While we will look at images of famous artworks, this class is not intended to be an art history lesson. Instead, you’ll discover tips and tricks that can be used in any setting to help you interpret the artwork in front of you.
Acrylic & Oil Fine Art Painting Studio
Instructor: Nancy Barick
April 1 – April 29
Day: Tuesdays
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
5-week class: (M) $150 (NM) $165
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.
Painting with Gouache: Learn the Versatile Medium
Instructor: Tricia Hampo
April 2 – April 30
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
5-week class: (M) $160; (NM) $176
Students bring supplies: Painting with Gouache Supply List
Discover the vibrant and flexible world of gouache painting! This class is perfect for all skill levels, whether you’re new to gouache or looking to refine your technique. Learn how to layer, blend, and create bold or delicate effects with this water-based medium. Explore color mixing, brush techniques, and composition while painting a variety of subjects. Join us and unleash the potential of gouache in your artwork!
Art Through Words Creative Writing
Instructor: Patrick Gibson
April 2 – April 30
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Five-week class: (M) $110; (NM) $121
Students bring supplies (see below)
Come write at the Northville Art House! This class welcomes artists and writers to explore short stories, flash fiction, and poetry inspired by our creative surroundings. Each session covers writing elements like poetic form and personal essays, with opportunities for peer feedback. Bring your preferred writing tools—pen and paper, tablet, or laptop. All skill levels and returning students are welcome! Let me know your interests (poetry, short stories, character design, novel structure, etc.), and I’ll provide personalized coaching.
Pastel Exploration: Guided Studio
Instructor: Marchelle Brotz
April 3 – May 1
Day: Thursdays
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Five-week class: (M) $170; (NM) $187
Material fee: $30 to be paid to the 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. 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: Beginner & Intermediate
Instructor: Stacy Pearson
April 3 – May 1
Day: Thursdays
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Five-week class: (M) $150; (NM) $165
Students bring supplies: Beginning/Intermediate Drawing Supply List
From beginners to intermediate, learn the foundational skills of drawing to develop your understanding of line, space, composition, and more.
Easter Whimsy Cupcake Workshop for ages 12+
Instructor: Audrey Edwards
April 6
Day: Sunday
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
One-day workshop: (M) $80; (NM) $88
Materials Included
Join Audrey Edwards of Sweetflour LLC for a fun Easter-themed cupcake class! Create whimsical designs like bunnies, chicks, and egg nests with step-by-step guidance. You’ll learn to fill six cupcakes, load decorating bags, and use various tips to bring your creations to life.
Art + Mindfulness Workshop for ages 14+
Instructor: Shannon Karol
April 12
Day: Saturday
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
One day workshop: (M) $12; (NM) $15
Bring an open mind and join us in the gallery each month for this new series of mindfulness workshops. Each session will introduce a variety of techniques that will force you to slow down, look, 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.
Felting Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Marchelle Brotz
April 13
Day: Sunday
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
One day workshop: (M) $34; (NM) $37
Material fee: $15, payable to the instructor on the day of the workshop
Felting with wool is a relaxing, therapeutic activity that nurtures both creativity and well-being. In this workshop, you’ll work with Styrofoam balls, wool, and felting needles on felting mats.
Seasonal Watercolor Postcard Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Theresa Uptergrove
April 18
Day: Friday
Times: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
One day workshop: (M) $33; (NM) $36
Materials included
Create a unique, seasonal postcard to send to a loved one! In this class, students will follow step-by-step watercolor techniques to craft a heartfelt and memorable gift. Perfect for all skill levels!
Stitch Craft 101: Alterations for ages 16+
Instructor: Mila Pershyna
May 4
Sunday
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $60 (NM) $66
Materials included
Dive into sewing with a workshop led by a seasoned fashion designer! Learn machine basics, threading, troubleshooting, seams, hemming, and fabric essentials. Optional: Bring a garment, and we’ll guide you through professional hemming techniques. Perfect for beginners or those looking to refine their skills.
Session II: May 5 – June 13
Open Studio
Instructor: Self-Guided
May 6 – June 10
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Weekly Class: (M) $10; (NM) $15)
Artists must register in advance.
The Northville Art House is open for artists to use our studio. All students bring their own supplies, clean up area, and put easels away.
Beginning/Intermediate Watercolor Portraits
Instructor: Theresa Uptergrove
May 6 – June 10 (no class on 5/27)
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
5-week class: (M) $140; (NM) $154
Student brings supplies: Beginning/Intermediate Watercolor Supply List
Adapt drawing and painting techniques, along with color and skin tone mixing, to create stylized watercolor portraits. Artist Theresa will share fresh skills she learned in New York from a world-renowned master watercolor artist. Together, we will explore many exciting texturing and layering effects, aiming to build your confidence with this medium.
Acrylic & Oil Fine Art Painting Studio
Instructor: Nancy Barick
May 6 – June 10 (no class on 5/27)
Day: Tuesdays
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
5-week class: (M) $150 (NM) $165
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.
Exploring Printmaking: The Painterly Print
Instructor: Tricia Hampo
May 7 – June 11 (no class on 5/28)
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
5-week class: (M) $160; (NM) $176
Students bring supplies: The Painterly Print Supply List
Discover the exciting world of printmaking using gelli plates and plexiglass as your printing matrix! This hands-on class is perfect for all skill levels, whether you’re new to printmaking or looking to experiment with new techniques. Learn how to create unique monoprints, layer colors and textures, and use stencils, masks, and mark-making tools to achieve stunning results. No press required—just creativity and a willingness to explore!
Pastel Exploration: Guided Studio
Instructor: Marchelle Brotz
May 8 – June 12 (no class on 5/29)
Day: Thursdays
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Five-week class: (M) $170; (NM) $187
Material fee: $30 to be paid to the 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. 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: Beginner & Intermediate
Instructor: Stacy Pearson
May 8 – June 12 (no class on 5/29)
Day: Thursdays
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Five-week class: (M) $150; (NM) $165
Students bring supplies: Beginner/Intermediate Drawing Supply List
From beginners to intermediate, learn the foundational skills of drawing to develop your understanding of line, space, composition, and more.
Painting Outdoors: En Plein Air for All Levels
Instructor: Tricia Hampo
May 9 – June 13 (no class on 5/30)
Day: Fridays
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
5-week class: (M) $170; (NM) $187
Students bring supplies: En Plein Air Supply List
Additional supplies will be discussed on the first day of class to keep costs minimal.
Experience the joy of painting in the open air! This class welcomes all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists, and focuses on capturing light, color, and atmosphere in nature. Learn essential plein air techniques, composition strategies, and how to work efficiently outdoors. Bring your preferred painting materials and enjoy a creative and inspiring outdoor painting experience!
Felting Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Marchelle Brotz
May 7
Day: Wednesday
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
One day workshop: (M) $34; (NM) $37
Material fee: $15, payable to the instructor on the day of the workshop
Felting with wool is a relaxing, therapeutic activity that nurtures both creativity and well-being. In this workshop, you’ll work with Styrofoam balls, wool, and felting needles on felting mats.
Unique Alcohol Ink Jewelry Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Julie Tibus
May 14
Day: Wednesday
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
One day workshop: (M) $80; (NM) $88
Materials Included
Design unique jewelry from your own abstract alcohol ink creations! Blend vibrant inks and metallics on three sheets of art paper, then transform them into stunning pieces. Choose from pendants, earrings, bracelets, or rings in stainless steel, antique brass, or gold-plated settings (chains included). All materials are provided, and you’ll take home three beautiful jewelry pieces.
Wycinanki: Polish Folk Art of Hand-Cut Paper Workshop for ages 10+
Instructor: Cheryl Chidester
May 17
Day: Saturday
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
One-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. Your finished art will be ready to frame!
Petoskey Stone Watercolor Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Theresa Uptergrove
May 23
Day: Friday
Times: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
One day workshop: (M) $60; (NM) $66
Materials included
Join our beginner to intermediate workshop and learn essential loose watercolor techniques like color mixing and layering. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll gain new skills and confidence, all while experimenting with this expressive medium. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a finished, frameable masterpiece to showcase your creativity!
Art + Mindfulness Workshop for ages 14+
Instructor: Shannon Karol
May 31
Day: Saturday
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
One day workshop: (M) $12; (NM) $15
Bring an open mind and join us in the gallery each month for this new series of mindfulness workshops. Each session will introduce a variety of techniques that will force you to slow down, look, 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.
Plein Air Painting Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Roselyn Rhodes
June 4 & 5
Day: Wednesday & Thursday
In case of inclement weather, the make-up dates will be June 11 & 12
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Two day workshop: (M) $130; (NM) $143
Students bring supplies: Plein Air Workshop Supply List
This workshop will meet at Mill Race Historic Village
Capture the beauty of nature in this outdoor painting workshop. “En plein air,” meaning “painting in the open air,” allows you to explore natural light, movement, and atmosphere—just as the Impressionists did.
Set in the scenic Mill Race, this workshop includes a live painting demonstration, guidance on equipment setup, and expert tips to enhance your plein air experience. Enjoy time to paint independently, take in the surroundings, and participate in a friendly critique.
Demonstrations will be in oil, but all mediums are welcome. Some prior experience in your selected medium is recommended.
Paris in Spring Cookie Decorating Workshop for ages 12+
Instructor: Audrey Edwards
June 4
Day: Wednesday
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
One day workshop: (M) $75; (NM) $83
Materials included
Bonjour! Experience the charm of Paris in this Parisian-inspired cookie decorating class! Create edible masterpieces like a delicate macaron and the iconic Eiffel Tower while learning royal icing techniques, including outlining, wet-on-wet, transfers, and tipless piping. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, this class will leave you with the skills and confidence to decorate your own sweet treats at home!
Sip in Style: Sew Your Own Bottle Holder Workshop for ages 16+
Instructor: Mila Pershyna
June 6
Friday
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $50 ; (NM) $55
Material Fee: $10, payable to the instructor on the day of the workshop.
Looking for a fun, creative way to connect with friends or meet new ones? Join us to sew a stylish bottle holder—perfect for water bottles, wine, or a handmade gift! This beginner-friendly workshop covers cutting, measuring, fabric grain, machine sewing, and seam finishes. No experience needed—just come sew and socialize in a relaxed, inspiring setting!
