Adult art classes currently enrolling for:
We offer five levels of study suited to everyone from absolute beginners to those developing their own body of artwork. Students may remain in any level for as long as they would like; instructors will adjust lessons to accommodate new and returning students. Our diverse faculty pool allows students to study painting, drawing and other media with instructors from many backgrounds and perspectives.
All artwork on these pages was created by our students or faculty.
Beginning classes- are for people who may have never taken an art class before. The instructor will explain suggested materials on the first day of class and provide instruction in technique and concepts. Students may remain in the beginning level for several sessions of classes.
Foundations classes- are for those who have taken one or more beginning level classes; instructors offer lessons which build off beginning level concepts. Students may remain in either level for several sessions.
Intermediate classes- are for those who have taken some classes and would like more focused and complex study. Instructors continue to set lessons, as well as allowing students to pursue individual goals. Many students remain in intermediate level for a year or more.
Independent classes – are for those who have a body of work and would like individualized critique on works in progress to help develop specific personal artistic goals.
Professional Development- are classes and workshops designed for working artists and teachers.
No class 4/22
Study with experienced artist Angela Ackerman as you develop skills to create beautiful botanical drawings and paintings of the beauty of nature. Students will practice observational drawing, expressive brushstrokes, charcoal techniques, and mixed media to create vibrant work. Intermediate Watercolor: Botanicals Supply List
Register For ClassesNo class 4/22
This class is designed for the student who seeks to develop their painting practice while receiving individual critical feedback from the instructor. Work alongside peers to further develop your personal approach. Bring a sample of your work (in oil or acrylic) to the first class. Bring any supplies and materials that you prefer to work with.
Please note that there will be no instructor on 4/29, but we will still hold class for students to work independently together (price reflects this adjustment).
Register For Classes
No class on 4/22
Students in this drawing class will explore a broad range of drawing ideas, focusing on line, value, texture, proportion, composition and expression. This class is suitable for anyone who has taken at least one drawing class and wants to continue to develop foundational skill with this practice. Foundations of Drawing Supply List
Register For ClassesNo class 4/23
Create unique and experimental prints and collages using the Printmaking Press (etching press). Work in nontoxic water based media on plexi-glass. Students will learn how to use the press and develop skills to create one of a kind prints to be combined with collage where integration and adhering with gel medium will be discussed and demonstrated. No previous printmaking experience necessary. All supplies provided for the first class at which time the instructor will review supplies to be purchased.
.
Register For ClassesNo class 4/23
In this foundational level class, work with artist-instructor, Angela Ackerman to learn how to create an accurate and simple line drawing to form the basis of your watercolor composition. Using transfer techniques as well as simple observational drawing, students will develop confidence with realistic as well as experimental and abstract subject matter. The instructor will review several techniques with watercolors, using brushes, sponges and other tools to build up the watercolor image. Foundations of Drawing & Watercolor Supply List
Register For ClassesNo class 4/23
Although drawing portraits and the figure can be complex, in this class students will practice methods and techniques in manageable lessons. Portrait studies will include the skull, planes in the face and facial features. Figure studies will include using schematics and simple shapes to create the complex form of the figure. In this class we will work from a live model and printed material. Intermediate Drawing: Portrait & Figure Studies Supply List
Register For ClassesNo class on 4/23
This class is designed for the student who seeks to develop their palette knife painting practice while receiving individual critical feedback from the instructor. Work alongside peers to further develop your personal approach. Have a sample of your work (in oil or acrylic) available for the first class. Please use any supplies and materials you prefer to work with.
Register For ClassesNo class on 4/23
This class is designed for the student who seeks to develop their painting practice while receiving individual critical feedback from the instructor. Work alongside peers to further develop your personal approach. Bring a sample of your work (in oil or acrylics) to first class. Bring any supplies and materials you prefer to work with.
Register For ClassesDoes not meet on 5/21.
Come to the Danforth for a leisurely life model class, where you can work at your own pace and practice your life drawing skills. This open session meets weekly for three hours with a rotation of models. There is no instruction and you must bring your own supplies. Easels, painting tables, drawing boards, stools and chairs are in the studio for your use. We must receive at least 4 registrations in order to run this open session.
Register For Classes
No class 4/24
Do you have experience with drawing, but still feel it is a task or intimidating? Are you looking to find joy in mark making and build your skills? Then this class is for you! Through exercises, sketching skills, basic perspective, experiment, and exposure to alternative ideas in mark making, you will learn to feel more comfortable creating drawings that express you and better inform your personal art style. Examples of materials we will explore: graphite, charcoal, ink and marker. Some drawing experience necessary. Learning to Love Drawing Supply List
Register For Classes
No class 4/25
This is the perfect class for those who have taken a few painting classes and are interested in expanding their skill. Join instructor Lee Ball, learning about color theory, compositional strategies, and methods for creating dimension through brushwork and blending. Students will work from still life, photography and instructor generated exercises. Foundations of Acrylic Painting Supply List
Register For Classes
No class 4/25
Create complex, colorful prints and collages. Students in this intermediate class will continue to work with the etching press and expand upon their existing printmaking skills and techniques. Color overlays and multiple plate processes will be explored while advancing composition and conceptual building. Integration techniques for collage will be covered through instructor demos. This course is ideal for students who have printmaking experience using the etching press and wish to advance their techniques.
Intermediate Monotype with Collage Supply List
Register For Classes
No class on 4/25
A weekly three-hour studio period for those who enjoy painting independently within a welcoming community. This class includes critique and guidance from artist-instructor, Marguerite White. Bring any current work and all supplies and enjoy a relaxed time at the art school with other artists. Students are welcome and encouraged to visit the museum to help support learning.
In this multi-faceted workshop, students will be introduced to the historical use of herbs as a feature of overall wellness, learning about the formulation of herbal teas for specific wellness goals, followed by a hands-on experience of blending their own teas. Participants will have the opportunity to illustrate the herbs they learn about and create hand drawn botanical monographs. Sample various herbal infusions as you enjoy a relaxing art-making session in the studio that emphasizes the ritual of making time for self-care.
Register For ClassesLearn to bring your old jeans or other garment back to life and make them into new works of art! In this workshop you will learn the best way to deconstruct clothing to optimize material and then use your “new” material to make a one-of-a-kind wearable art piece of your choice! Bring in a garment or two from your closet that you intended to donate or dispose of and we will learn the basics of sewing and garment construction to transform them.
Register For ClassesJoin us for a relaxing day in the studio incorporating slow stitching into your art practice. Participants will learn techniques using embroidery floss, yarn and other textiles, for creating depth and texture on paper or canvas to enhance designs. Adding a second media to paintings and drawings can be a great practice for revealing new ideas in your work. Please bring any artwork you’d like to modify with slow stitching. All other materials will be supplied.
Register For ClassesTake time for yourself to enjoy working in clay creating your own unique teacup. Using hand building techniques, you will design and build a teacup, suitable for enjoying your favorite tea blend. This is a two-day workshop: the first is for creating the teacup, the second is for glazing. Finished pieces will be available for pickup within 3 weeks after the pieces are fired. Includes material and firing fee. Meets twice.
Register For ClassesHow do identity, meaning, and materiality merge through the process of collaging? Join artist Julie Bernson for a fascinating exploration of this question at the Danforth. The day will start with warm up exercises using consumer collage materials and an exploration of visual, physical, and conceptual layering in the Danforth exhibitions. We will then develop our own collages and projects imbued with layers of personal and social meaning using materials from the instructor’s collections and any materials preferred by participants. No supplies required, all levels are welcome
Register For ClassesExplore meditation combined with art as a vehicle for inspiring joy through the practice of wellness. This program offers you an opportunity to slow down, and connect with works of art and yourself. Learn how to combat stress by eliciting the relaxation response with gestural drawing and incorporating mind-body techniques derived from mindfulness and meditation.
Participants will gather after public hours in the calm of a museum gallery. Join us to practice mindfulness exercises followed by explorations in gestural drawing in a journal to use at home. The program will offer a supportive space free of assessment and “right” answers. You will be invited to focus on the natural instincts to play, invent, and trust creative intuition.
This workshop is available for beginner to advance levels.
$20 for non-members and $16 for museum members.
This program is sponsored by the Framingham Cultural Council.
In this event for adult child pairs, join local herbalist Colleen Colvin in a hands-on wellness workshop learning about the plants right here in our own backyard. After an herb walk around the Danforth grounds, participants will create botanical illustrations and create beeswax salves as they learn how to utilize medicinal benefits of these native plant species.
Register For ClassesJoin herbalist, Colleen Colvin, for this three-hour workshop to celebrate the beauty of herbs and their healing properties. Participants will learn about the emotional and sensory impact herbs can have on our bodies as well as the medicinal support they can provide. Participants will be encouraged to journal and illustrate a variety of herbs and enjoy creating your own herbal infused oil to take home.
Register For ClassesLearn how to transform everyday snapshots into dynamic digital collages using just your phone. This class will explore what makes a compelling image, how to build a library of photos and backgrounds, and the fundamentals of layering and composition. You’ll get hands-on experience with editing apps to seamlessly blend images and create unique, artistic composites, and if desired, even painting into your images with an iPad. Finally, we’ll cover output options, from printing on canvas and art paper to aluminum and other creative surfaces.
Register For ClassesKnow someone who loves art? Consider the gift of an art class! Gift Certificates for art classes may be purchased through the Register for Classes Link.
Important Information
Please see all policies here.
The Danforth Art School is accessible by elevator which is located in the lobby of the building directly connecting the parking lot. Our parking lot has several designated accessible spots adjacent to the building. If you need additional accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to school staff: danforthartschool@framingham.edu.
We have created a series of experience levels to help, but we understand that these levels may not capture the full picture of individual experience. School staff are always happy to speak with you to help place you with an instructor and class that will meet your goals. Reach us by phone 508-215-5116 or danforthartschool@framingham.edu
We are unable to prorate the class cost due to student absences with the exception of health emergencies. Please call us if you have further questions.
We order online from blick , many of our teachers use jerrysartarama, and Michael’s or Post Road Art Center in Marlborough usually has most of what you will need.
At this time, we have decided to offer classes in our studios and not online in order to provide the most effective learning environment.
Ruth sees the essence of what is being painted and guides me to feel accomplished as an artist ” Beth B.-student in Ruth Scotch's Independent Palette Knife Painting class—read more about Ruth here
Donate to the Danforth — Your support helps fund exhibitions, programs and scholarships.
