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.
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 ClassesNo class 8/12 and 8/13
Treat yourself this summer to six drawing classes that take place entirely in the Danforth Art Museum! Students will take inspiration from a variety of incredible art in the museum galleries, developing skills in observation along with techniques for creating dimensionality, accurate proportions, and variety with drawing tools. Each meeting will include discussion and critique. Suitable for anyone who has had at least one previous drawing class. Please meet on the second floor in the museum lobby. Drawing at the Museum Supply List
This class meets twice as week (Tues & Wed) for 3 weeks (no class the week of Aug. 12 & 13). Class dates are: 7/29, 7/30, 8/5, 8/6, 8/19, 8/20.
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
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