Adult art classes currently enrolling for:
We especially welcome new students as well as returning students to join us this summer to learn together.
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.
View the digital Spring Catalog Here.
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.
Treat yourself this summer to a drawing class taking 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 at the museum lobby on floor 2. Drawing at the Museum Supply List
Register For Classes
New this summer! Join us for a relaxing landscape painting class outside on the lawns of the Danforth working with artist Richard Kattman. He will guide you through setting up an interesting perspective, capturing form and depth, and building dynamic compositions with expressive color. Easels and drawing boards will be provided. Evening En Plein Air Supply List
Register For ClassesTreat yourself this summer to a week of creative play – meeting new friends and simply enjoying the artistic process. Each day will bring a new exploration of ideas and materials, introduced by our talented instructors, with visits to the Danforth Art Museum to encourage discussion and connection among participants.
This program is designed such that participants can attend all week or just for one day. Discounts apply for multiple days, with the first day priced at $100 and each additional day discounted to $90. All supplies provided, no experience needed. Includes boxed lunch.
Monday: Playing with Paint
Watercolors are the focus today as we play with some unusual techniques to create textures, layers and bold imagery. you will go home with a unique, expressive watercolor piece ready for hanging.
Tuesday: Treasure Boxes – FULL
Who doesn’t like a little box filled with treasures? Enjoy a few hours in our studio embellishing a box with your own meaningful imagery and trinkets or be inspired by the supplies we provide. Add feet, a decorative handle, fabrics and more.
Wednesday: Creative Wind Chimes
Today, campers will enjoy working with flexible reeding, wood, brass rings and other found objects to create a delightful chiming sculpture to hang in the garden or porch.
Thursday: Sun Prints and More
Have fun in the studio today with the addictive practice of printmaking. The sun is our medium as we use photo sensitive paper and natural or found objects to create a silhouette of the object. Once the paper is rinsed and dried, we will transform these images into additional prints or add other media for unique effects.
Friday: Make Space for Collage – FULL
Working with artist Julie Bernson, campers will explore all the possibilities of arranging and building beautiful images with various papers, fabrics and other flat media. Discover textures, colors, patterns and other properties of these materials as you create your own expressive collage to frame and enjoy.
Register For ClassesKnow someone who loves art? Consider the gift of an art class! Gift Certificates for art classes may be purchased here
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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