Adult All-Levels Art Classes

Adult Art Classes

Current Offerings

Register online for classes or by calling the Museum at (970) 962-2410 or stopping by the front desk.

Members can access discount benefits by logging in with the email address connected to your membership. Gift certificates and class credits cannot be redeemed online. Please contact the Museum to redeem.

For ages 16 and older (younger students may be approved with an attending adult)

All classes meet at the Museum’s Beet Education Center at 201 E. 5^th St

Our class environment focuses on building self-confidence in creative expression. Adult art classes delve into a variety of artistic explorations at beginner and intermediate levels in one or two sessions. Classes range from beginners who would like to learn the very basics, to classes that refine skills in drawing, oils, acrylics, watercolor, and more. Supplies are provided by the Museum so that you can experiment without having to buy your own. You may bring your own supplies, if you have questions about what you have and how to use them!

All supplies will be provided by the Museum, unless noted in the class description.
Pricing is based on class length and supplies used.

Registration Policy

We depend on your enrollment for a successful class. Please plan your schedule carefully to avoid cancellations. If you must cancel your registration, please call (970) 962-2410 at least five (5) business days before the class. You may choose to transfer to another class, retain a credit for a future class, or receive a refund. If you do not call to cancel or do not show up for a class, your registration fee will be forfeited. For refunds, please allow for two weeks for checks to be processed. No cash refunds. The Museum has the right to cancel classes. If class enrollment is below the minimum requirement, a class may be cancelled. Class cancellation decisions are made at least three (3) days prior to class.

The Tulip Craze of the Dutch Golden Age (media: acrylic)

Friday, May 29, 1-3 pm

$68 (non-member), $55 (member)

Explore the captivating history of how tulips first arrived in Europe and their explosive impact on the societies of the time. Then, create an acrylic painting of the famed Semper Augustus tulip, learning drawing and painting techniques as you work on canvas. Instructed by Shelby Lynne Bledsoe

Paint Your Pet (media: acrylic)

Monday, June 1, 10 am – 4 pm

$92 (non-member), $74 (member)

No drawing skills needed-just bring your love for your furry (or feathered!) friend! Bring a black-and-white reference photo measuring 3″x 3″ and a color photo of your pet (any size). Project your pet’s image onto a 16″x 20″ canvas so you can easily trace the outline. Then, learn the instructor’s favorite acrylic painting techniques to bring your pet portrait to life. Pack a lunch or enjoy a 45-minute break outdoors during class! Instructed by Pat Saunders-White

Beginning Oil Painting (media: oils)

Friday, June 5, 1-3 pm

$68 (non-member), $55 (member)

No experience? No problem-oil painting is more approachable than you think. Learn the fundamentals of working with oils using a simple, limited color palette that makes mixing intuitive. Explore how to blend smooth transitions, build rich shadows, and shade basic forms while getting comfortable with the unique feel of oil paint. Instructed by Shelby Lynne Bledsoe

Rothko Pastels (media: soft pastels)

Monday, June 8, 1-4 pm

$68 (non-member), $55 (member)

Students will dive into the world of Mark Rothko-an American artist who believed color could speak directly to the soul. Using soft pastels, create a large-scale abstract inspired by emotional and spiritual color. Learn how to blend hues, build glowing layers, and create color fields that capture mood and feeling. Instructed by Pat Saunders-White

Figure Drawing (media: pencil)

Friday, June 12, 1-3 pm

$55 (non-member), $44 (member)

In this intermediate drawing class, take your figure‑drawing skills further as you learn to build, refine, and shade the human form with confidence. Strengthen core techniques by simplifying the figure with envelopes, basic shapes, crosshairs, and gestural strokes. Then move into a longer, focused study, developing depth, volume, and detail through careful shading and observation. Instructed by Shelby Lynne Bledsoe

Basic Watercolors (media: watercolor)

Monday, June 15, 1-2:30 pm

$55 (non-member), $44 (member)

Learn the essential techniques and materials for beginning watercolor painting. Through simple, confidence‑building exercises and guided instruction, explore how this expressive medium can capture everything from colors to layers to luminous effects. A relaxing, creative class perfect for anyone ready to dip their brush into the world of watercolor. Instructed by Pat Saunders-White

Sunflowers in Oil (media: oils)

Friday, June 26, 1-3 pm

$68 (non-member), $55 (member)

Learn to draw simple sunflower shapes and then paint them in oils on canvas. The lesson covers basic sketching, color mixing, layering, and blending techniques to create a bright, dimensional sunflower painting. A relaxed introduction to oil painting that guides students step by step from sketch to finished artwork. Instructed by Shelby Lynne Bledsoe

Acrylic Pour (media: acrylic paint)

Friday, July 10, 1-2:30 pm

$55 (non-member), $44 (member)

Let loose and get creative in this playful class, as you discover the mesmerizing world of acrylic pour painting. Mix, swirl, and tilt your way to one-of-a-kind abstract masterpieces. Must be willing to get a little messy and have a lot of fun! Instructed by Pat Saunders-White

Warhol Acrylics (media: acrylic)

Monday, July 13, 1- 4 pm

$68 (non-member), $55 (member)

Explore bold colors and big statements as we paint like the King of Pop Art. Learn how to transform everyday images into eye‑catching graphic masterpieces. Inspired by Andy Warhol’s signature style, choose your own subject from popular culture and re-create it using flat shapes, striking contrasts, and fearless color choices. Instructed by Pat Saunders-White

Cherries in Oil (media: oils)

Friday, July 24, 1-3 pm

$68 (non-member), $55 (member)

In this approachable class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of painting in oils while creating a vibrant cherry study alla prima- painting wet‑into‑wet. Explore essential concepts like color mixing, light, shadow, and form, then move step‑by‑step through drawing the cherries, blocking in shapes, and building rich, juicy color. Instructed by Shelby Lynne Bledsoe

Devil’s Backbone (media: oils)

Friday, July 31, 1-3 pm

$68 (non-member), $55 (member)

Follow a step‑by‑step tutorial to create your own oil painting of the iconic local landmark, Devil’s Backbone. You’ll learn foundational oil‑painting techniques while building confidence on canvas, making this class perfect for first‑time painters as well as those looking to expand their skills. Instructed by Shelby Lynne Bledsoe

Basic Colored Pencil (media: Prismacolor)

Monday, August 3, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

$68 (non-member), $55 (member)

Colored pencils are simple tools with endless possibilities. Explore how Prismacolor pencils behave on different types of paper and how surface texture can transform a drawing. Using a provided line drawing as a starting point, experiment to see just how rich and expressive colored pencils can be. Instructed by Pat Saunders-White

Acrylic Pour (media: acrylic paint)

Friday, August 7, 10 :30 am – 1:30 pm

$68 (non-member), $55 (member)

Alcohol Ink Experiments (media: alcohol ink)

Monday, August 10, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

$68 (non-member), $55 (member)

Discover the luminous world of alcohol inks on Yupo paper and ceramic. This vibrant, jewel‑like medium has a mind of its own-in the best way. Explore the basics of alcohol ink and learn how color flows and transforms across different surfaces. A playful introduction to a medium that shines and surprises. Instructed by Pat Saunders-White

Toulouse-Lautrec Oils (media: oils)

Friday, August 14, 1-3 pm

$68 (non-member), $55 (member)

This oil‑painting class is ideal for students from emerging to intermediate skill levels and beyond. Learn how to block in your composition with vine charcoal, develop a bistre underpainting, and layer in essential colors to create a simplified interpretation of Henri de Toulouse‑Lautrec’s “La Blanchisseuse.” Instructed by Shelby Lynne Bledsoe

O’Keeffe Pastels (media: soft pastels)

Tuesday, August 18, 1-4 pm

$68 (non-member), $55 (member)

Celebrate the bold beauty of Georgia O’Keeffe through the radiant world of pastels. Start with a short introduction to pastel techniques and paper types before diving into artwork inspired by O’Keeffe’s iconic style. From sweeping petals to dramatic close‑ups, we’ll explore how color, shape, and softness come together to create powerful imagery. Instructed by Pat Saunders-White

Graphite Drawing (media: graphite)

Friday, August 21, 1-3 pm

$55 (non-member), $44 (member)

Step into the enchanting world of Art Nouveau as you explore the elegance and precision of Alphonse Mucha’s work. In this intermediate‑level drawing class, study Mucha’s mastery of composition, flowing linework, and expressive form by creating a detailed graphite copy of one of his celebrated pieces. Instructed by Shelby Lynne Bledsoe

Paint Your Pet (media: acrylic)

Tuesday, August 25, 10 am – 4 pm

$92 (non-member), $74 (member)

Still Life Oil (media: oils)

Friday, August 28, 1-3 pm

$68 (non-member), $55 (member)

In traditional Classical Ateliers, students often begin their oil‑painting journey by studying plaster casts of ancient sculptures-a practice passed down through centuries. In this class, you’ll learn to mix a full range of black‑and‑white values, build tonal structure, block in simple shapes, identify different shadow types, and more as you create a cast study in oil on canvas. Instructed by Shelby Lynne Bledsoe