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 students.

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 Registration will open on August 1 at 10 am

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 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.

Fall Programs

Session II: October 26-December 13

Abstracting the Landscape for ages 16+

Instructor: Tricia Hampo

Wednesdays, November 4-December 9 (no class 11/25)
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
5-week class: (M) $170 ; (NM) $187
Students bring supplies (.pdf supply list coming soon)

Move beyond simply painting what you see and discover how to interpret the landscape through abstraction. In this five-session workshop, students will learn how to simplify complex scenes into strong shapes, expressive color, dynamic compositions, and compelling value patterns while maintaining the essence of the landscape.

Working from photographs, sketches, and direct observation, participants will explore a variety of approaches to abstraction, from subtle simplification to bold, expressive interpretations. Through demonstrations, guided exercises, and individual instruction, students will develop confidence in making creative decisions rather than relying solely on realism.

Students may work in acrylic, oils, gouache or watercolor.

Loose Watercolor: Techniques from Italy Workshop for ages 16+

Instructor: Theresa Black

Friday, November 6
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $60 ; (NM) $66
Materials included

Beginner to intermediate artists will discover the foundations of loose watercolor studied in Italy through a variety of subjects including florals, landscapes and other elements of nature. Build confidence in color mixing, blending, movement and composition.

Intuitive Abstract Workshop for ages 16+

Instructor: Catherine Adamkiewicz

Saturday, November 7
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
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.

The workshop includes:

All materials necessary to create several intuitive abstract paintings
Insights on composition, color, and contrast
Instruction in a fun, low-stress process that will help you create with freedom
Inspiration and encouragement to begin (or ignite) your art practice

Royal Icing Basics Workshop for ages 16+

Instructor: Audrey Edwards

Saturday, November 14
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $75 ; (NM) $83
Materials included

If you struggle with getting your icing to the right consistency or just want to learn how to make royal icing and use it to decorate your holiday cookies, this is the class for you! You will make royal icing from scratch and learn how to color and thin down the icing to different consistencies. Then, under Audrey’s instruction, you will learn how to use these varying consistencies to decorate these cozy fall themed sugar cookies.

During class, participants will also be given tips on how to bake beautiful cut-out cookies that won’t spread in addition to learning how to make and use royal icing and its various consistencies. Participants will leave class with a basic understanding of how to make royal icing and how to apply sugar cookie decorating skills to cookies at home!

Satin Neck Scarf Workshop for ages 16+

Instructor: Sara Daneshvar

Sunday, November 15
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $60 ; (NM) $66
Materials included

In this creative workshop, you will learn how to paint on a satin neck scarf and design your own unique wearable art piece. We will explore simple fabric painting techniques; no prior experience is needed, just bring your creativity and enjoy the process. At the end of the class, you can wear your painted scarf as a fashion accessory to elevate your personal style.

Gouache Painting: Bird Postcards Workshop for ages 16+

Instructor: Lauren Garcellano

Sunday, November 15
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $36 ; (NM) $40
Students bring supplies (Supply List)

In this workshop, students will paint their own ornithological illustrations in the format of a postcard, using gouache paints. We will cover the basics of gouache painting: washes, transparent layers, and building up to opaque layers. We will also discuss understanding the structure of birds in order to inform illustration. You may be as realistic or as creatively interpretive as you’d like. Postcard stamps are included if you would like to mail your handmade postcard to a friend!

Color CoLab Pairs Workshop for ages 16+

Instructor: Catherine Adamkiewicz

Saturday, November 21
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $125 ; (NM) $138
Each registration covers 2 adults
Material fee: $15/pair, paid to the instructor on the day of the workshop

Color CoLab is a collaborative painting workshop where creativity is shared and celebrated! Working in pairs, participants will create two unique intuitive abstract paintings on canvas, with both artists contributing to each piece. Through guided prompts, playful techniques, and plenty of room for personal expression, you’ll explore color, composition, and collaboration while creating meaningful artwork together. No experience is necessary—just bring a partner (spouse, partner, sibling, parent, friend—any combo of two adventurers is welcome!) and an open mind.

The Full Spectrum of Colored Pencil Workshop for ages 16+

Instructor: Dean Rogers

Sunday, November 29
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $80 ; (NM) $88
Students bring supplies (Supply List)

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.

Loose Watercolor: Techniques from Italy for ages 16+

Instructor: Theresa Black

Friday, December 4
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $60 ; (NM) $66
Materials included

Hidden Blooms Workshop for ages 12+

Instructor: Shadia Derbyshire

Friday, December 11
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 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 you to the beautiful art of negative painting—a technique that reveals your 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, you’ll learn how to use negative painting techniques to carve out elegant floral shapes—allowing your bouquet to emerge organically from the layers beneath.

You’ll Learn How To:

Use negative space to define shapes and add visual interest

Layer collage papers to create depth, color, and movement

Blend acrylic paint and collage for a cohesive mixed media look

Loosen up and trust your creative instincts—no drawing skills needed!

This workshop is perfect for all experience levels—whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned artist looking to shake things up and explore new creative territory.

All materials are provided (just bring your imagination and wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little artsy in!).

You’ll head home with a stunning ready-to-hang floral artwork and a whole new way of seeing the beauty that lives in the spaces between.

Wycinanki: Holiday-Themed Cut Paper Workshop for ages 12+

Instructor: Cheryl Boc-Chidester

Saturday, December 12
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM each day
1-day workshop: (M) $85 ; (NM) $94
Materials included

Students will learn techniques and design elements, as well as a brief history of the Polish folk art form, Wycinanki, which was recently designated a cultural heritage art form by UNESCO. We’ll work with traditional themes using more modern tools and materials to create one-of-a-kind artwork.

Stitch Craft 101: Sewing Basics, Alterations, and Open Studio Support for ages 18+

Instructor: Mila Pershyna

Sunday, December 13
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
1-day workshop: (M) $75 ; (NM) $83
Materials included, but students may bring their personal sewing items to work on

Whether you are sitting down at a sewing machine for the very first time or seeking expert guidance to complete a complex personal project, this supportive workshop offers the perfect collaborative environment. The class is structured to meet you exactly at your skill level.

We will cover the foundational essentials: machine setup, threading, troubleshooting, and mastering precise hand and machine stitches. You will also learn practical garment adjustment tips and professional hemming techniques. For intermediate and continuing students, this workshop serves as an open-design studio. Bring in your current independent sewing projects, patterns, or garments needing specific alterations, and receive personalized, step-by-step guidance, tailoring advice, and structural troubleshooting to achieve professional results. Enjoy a relaxed, creative space designed to build your skills and bring your ideas to life.

Questions? Contact office@northvillearthouse.org