AOY Art Center upcoming events

Handmade Felting Techniques, Wednesday 9:30 am - 12:30 pm (April 08, 2026)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Nelly Kouzmina

Learn various techniques of making one of the oldest textiles in the world - felt using simple tools and natural fibers. Student will get start up kit with necessary supplies on the first day of class ($30 cash or check made payable to the instructor on the first day of class). Information on additional material to purchase will be provided. Extra materials will be available during class to share. For ages 18+.

This class is also offered on Fridays, 9 am - 12 pm.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that checks are accepted only during the first 4 weeks of registration and the check payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of each class. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

Painting from Photographs, Wednesday 9:30 am - 12 pm (April 08, 2026)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Andie Olson

Have you noticed that some of your paintings from photographs fall a little flat, seem overworked? This class will help you successfully translate your favorite photographs into beautiful paintings.

This course is designed to help you bypass issues such as getting caught up in creating an exact copy of the photo and/or dealing with value and color distortions. These common pitfalls can be avoided by studying how the eye of the camera captures images very differently than the human eye. You will learn how you can take advantage of these differences through creative expression. These choices will serve to enhance the colors and improve elements of your composition.

Painting from photographs also offers many practical advantages such as capturing a subject in motion and working in a controlled, indoor environment so that you can take as much time as you need to study the fine details of your subject.

All skill levels welcome.

Please note that this class may be held on the second floor of the building, and there is no elevator access. Participants must be able to climb one flight of stairs.

I've Painted Before Let's Do More! Wednesday 1 - 3:30 pm (April 08, 2026)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: James Bongartz

Intermediate to Advanced. This painting class is a follow up to the beginner painting classes, "I've Never Painted Before In My Life!" Prerequisite class: "I've Never Painted Before In My Life!". "... Let's Do More" is an Intermediate class for students who have enjoyed repeating "I've Never Painted Before In My Life!" and wish to continue their painting journey using the blocking-in method. Students will continue to develop color mixing skills with a focus on value, mid-tones and underpainting techniques. Group and individual critique will help to examine which techniques are working and what could be explored further. Students are encouraged to use photos and/or laptops or pads to display imagery/reference material. For ages 18+.

Website: jamesbongartz.com

Approaching Abstraction, Wednesday 6:30 - 9 pm (April 08, 2026)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: James Bongartz

Suitable for all skill levels, Beginner to Intermediate. Explore abstract painting techniques by employing the elements and principals of art and design. Create a visual vocabulary with shape, line, color, depth, value and texture to transform canvases into well layered abstract paintings. For ages 18+.

Website: jamesbongartz.com

Pastel Techniques, Wednesday 6:30 - 9 pm (April 08, 2026)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Jessica Barnum

This six week class will focus on various soft pastel techniques which will be applied to several sustained studio drawings. This is a great class for both beginner and more advanced students as the subject matter will be of their choice. For ages 18+.

Please note that this class will be held on the second floor of the building, and there is no elevator access. Participants must be able to climb one flight of stairs.

Studio Painting and Drawing with Instruction, Thursday 9:30 am - 12 pm (April 09, 2026)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Anne Gannon

This class is for students with some experience in painting or drawing with oils, acrylics, pastels, charcoal or graphite. It offers a comprehensive approach to enhancing your skills and focusing on the key elements needed when creating successful artwork. The instructor will assess each student's skill level and discuss their goals, providing guidance from start to finish depending on their needs. We will talk about composition, perspective, beginning with an underpainting (grisaille), tonal value, and mixing colors to achieve harmony. Students can choose their own subject matter, whether it’s a still life setup, a photograph, referencing an iPad, or a previous unfinished painting. The instructor will help you decide if you are unsure. Each class concludes with a positive group critique, allowing students to share their work and gain valuable insights from their class peers. This supportive environment encourages reflection and growth as an artist. Everyone feels productive and happy at the end!
Students are responsible for their own supplies. A suggested list is provided upon the instructor receiving a working class roster.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced

For ages 18+.

Garden Magic: Lumen & Chlorophyll Printing, Thursday 9:30 am - 12 pm (April 09, 2026)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Devon Chebra

Spend your Thursday mornings in the garden at AOY learning two environmentally friendly processes to print with plants, photos, drawings and more! This experimental photography class utilizes the natural light-sensitivity of the plants that surround us, and a non-traditional use of traditional darkroom photo papers. Learn the basics of photograms utilizing eco-friendly lumen and chlorophyll printing processes, learn to make "negatives" from your digital photos or other source materials, and bring everything together to create your own multi-layered masterpieces.

Turn your collections of found objects and imagery into artwork that reflects your unique style and curious heart. Perfect for garden enthusiasts, collage artists, photographers, printmakers, visual poets and experimental artists of all skill levels!

No darkroom or toxic chemicals needed, and little to no water used in processing your prints. Come out and play, and leave (hehe) with everything you'll need to keep printing at home!

Classical Drawing for Everyone, Thursday 9:30 am - 12 pm (April 09, 2026)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Lisa Kennedy

Would you like to draw accurately? Stop making the same mistake over and over. Through the use of classical drawing exercises you will increase your ability to see. As you train your eye and improve your technique you will bring your drawing closer to a realistic finish.
We will discuss methods, technique and materials. Learn about Bargue plates and small atelier and why copying helps you draw better.
Drawing is the foundation for all visual art. This class is for anyone who wants to improve their drawing skills. All skill levels welcome. For ages 18+.

Please note that this class is held on the second floor of the building, and there is no elevator access. Participants must be able to climb one flight of stairs.

Open up NEW DOORS to WATERCOLOR! Thursday 1 - 3:30 pm (April 09, 2026)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Marina Ahun

Get breadth of experience with several watercolor techniques and tricks for beginners. Watercolors can be used in an amazing variety of ways. Step-by-step guides for layering, blending, flat & graded washing, wet-on-wet & wet-on-dry technique, blotting & splattering watercolor, sponge painting, watercolor with salt & sugar technique, dropping alcohol onto a wet watercolor.
Each technique requires a certain level of skill to pull it off successfully. You’ll love the way water and colors interact on paper in an untamed manner. Students will learn the ‘secret’ and practice the different watercolor techniques. Instructions and guidance, demonstrations and easy-to-follow tutorials will be given to you. The class involves creating your own watercolor paintings and hands-on exercises along with the instructor.
Allow yourself time to explore and experiment!
A basic supply list will be provided.

For ages 18+.

Foundations of Drawing, Thursday 1 - 3:30 pm (April 09, 2026)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Ilya Lerner

This course of drawing from observation is for artists of any level working in any monochrome media. A wonderful art form in itself, good drawing is a must for any artist, be it a painter, a sculptor, a print maker or a designer.

You will learn about composition, proportions, perspective, positive and negative shapes, light and shadow, value and other fundamentals of drawing. You will train your eye and hand, and will be acquainted with work of master draftsmen and various approaches to drawing. It’s recommended to work in charcoal on Bristol paper, but various drawing materials can be used and will be discussed.
A $65 modeling fee for the use of a model in two classes is included in the cost of this class. For ages 18+.

Ikigai: Finding Purpose through Japanese Art, Thursday 1 - 3:30 pm (April 09, 2026)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Leigh Ferello

IKIGAI represents the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be compensated for. Finding your ikigai can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment in life, encouraging individuals to pursue their passions while contributing meaningfully to society.

This class will explore:

Suminagashi Paper Marbling, Sumi-e Ink Painting
Chigiri-e Collage, Gyotaku Printmaking*
Kintsugi Golden Pottery Joinery
Ikebana Flower Arranging

Last half hour of class can be used for optional time to complete current or other outstanding projects. A $20 materials fee is included in the registration fee.

*no shellfish will be used.

Please note that this class may be held on the second floor of the building, and there is no elevator access. Participants must be able to climb one flight of stairs.

Handmade Felting Techniques, Friday 9 am - 12 pm (April 10, 2026)

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Nelly Kouzmina

This class is also offered on Wednesdays, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm.