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.
A three hour session for those who enjoy drawing and painting in community. This session will not have an instructor, artists are invited and encouraged to support each other during the 7 week period. Bring any current work and all supplies and enjoy a relaxed time at the art school with other artists.
Register For ClassesStudy 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 ClassesDive right into Photoshop Elements and do something incredible with your artwork. Join artist Leslie Graff as she teaches you the basics of opening/saving a file, manipulating ratios, cropping images, cut/paste and editing techniques, white balance, and filtering/simple layers. Grab your laptop or tablet and learn the digital tools to support your creative practice as an artist.
Register For ClassesNo class 4/17
In this class you will use a palette knife instead of a brush to learn how to define the planes of objects as they wrap around forms. Work to find the correct color and value for each plane, and your resulting paintings will be strong and sculptural with little (if any) blending. All supplies included for the first class; at that time your instructor will explain what materials to purchase.
Ruth Scotch, Sardine Study- detail, oil on canvas
Register For ClassesNo class 4/17.
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.
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Register For ClassesNo class on 4/17
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 4/17
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 on 4/17
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. No class on 4/17
Register For ClassesNo class on 4/18
This drawing class is designed for those who enjoy picking up a pencil to sketch things as you see them, or as you imagine them to be. Donna Melanson will lead you through a series of enjoyable and rewarding lessons in a variety of drawing media, focusing on capturing accurate proportions, creating textural effects, discovering blending techniques and expressive compositions. This class is suitable for anyone who has taken a couple of drawing classes and wants to continue to develop foundational skill with this practice.
Intermediate Drawing Supply List
Register For ClassesNo class on 4/18
In this foundational level class, work with artist-instructor, Lee Ball 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 Watercolor & Drawing Supply List
Register For ClassesNo class on 4/19
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 ClassesNo class on 4/19
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. No class 4/19
Intermediate Monotype with Collage Supply List
Register For Classes
Join artist Madge Evers in this 3-hour workshop to learn about and create cyanotypes. Magical and simple cyanotypes are a camera-less technique that results in graphic blue and white prints. Participants will enjoy viewing some of Madge’s artwork including pieces on view at the Danforth Museum, followed by a brief history and demonstration of the cyanotype process. Using pressed botanicals, participants will then compose and create their own cyanotypes to take home. Participants are invited to bring objects or pressed plants with interesting silhouettes to use in their compositions, however all supplies, including pressed plant material, will be provided. Suitable for all levels.
Register For ClassesSpend the day with us at the Danforth exploring the beauty of nature. Enjoy a sketching tour of the lovely nature-inspired works now on view at the museum, then use watercolor to bring these drawings to life. Students will learn how to enhance their work by allowing pencil and watercolor to collaborate, creating layers of washes and areas of emphasis with graphite. Watercolor-Drawing Workshop Supply List
Register For ClassesWe are pleased to present this unique workshop facilitated by artist and enamelist Jennifer Davis-Carey whose work is on view now at the Danforth Art Museum. Join Jennifer as she provides a tour of her exhibition, discussing her process and her approach to visual storytelling. Then, enjoy a demonstration in the studio, and take your time designing and creating your own special shadowbox honoring one or more special people in your life. Participants will use various collage techniques to build a story in images to take home and enjoy. Supplies: please bring any size shadowbox (available at any craft store) and any treasured objects, letters or photos to tell your personal story.
Register For ClassesExplore the process of creating monotypes (one-of-a-kind) works on paper. using an etching press. Incorporating the elements and principles of design, you will create prints using: natural materials (leaves, grasses, eggshells, water,…) and man-made objects (mesh, string, plastic forks, toothbrushes, rags, …). You will explore different ways of creating texture and depth on an inked surface. You will create and pull: the original print, a “ghost” print, and a third print utilizing what ink is left on the plate. The possibilities are endless. Caligo Safe Wash (water soluble, oil based) printing inks will be used in class. Clean up is with soap and water. Monotype Printmaking Mini Class Supply List
Register For ClassesIn this two-day workshop, explore the amazing material of stoneware as you learn from ceramic artist Elizabeth Cohen. No experience is necessary to enjoy the process of creating beautiful shapes and textures using stoneware clay. Participants will learn some simple techniques for building and manipulating clay into decorative forms, embellishing with surface textures and glazes. All materials provided, firing fee included.
Register For ClassesLearn how to create your own headware sculpture! Take advantage of this unique opportunity to study with exhibiting artist Jodi Colella as she shares her construction techniques and process for creating the work Wallflower, now on view at the Danforth Art Museum. Participants will create the form and reinforce the foundation, create petals from assorted materials and assemble onto the form. Next, students will line the center with fabric before adding beads and other items to simulate sunflower seeds. Enjoy learning additional suggestions and techniques to personalize the sculptures. The instructor will provide most materials however students are encouraged to bring fabrics, threads, buttons, beads and other decorative items. Jodi’s artwork includes crochet; participants may add crochet if they already have this skill; please bring a 2mm crochet hook. Otherwise, no experience is necessary.
Register For ClassesJoin us for this fun exploration of pattern as you enjoy the amazing baskets created by Sarah Sockbeson on view at the Danforth Art Museum. Participants will learn about how to translate the patterns featured in the woven elements of the baskets into beautiful collage images. Working with artist Donna Melanson, students will learn some fun techniques with paper and other materials to go home with a uniquely personal collage to enjoy.
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
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
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