Adult art classes currently enrolling for:
Try a one-day workshop this fall! Upcycled Denim, Beading, Block-printing and more. See below for details.
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.
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.
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no class Feb 18
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 on Feb 18
Language has long been used as an important tool in visual art. Using language and text in visual art can allow ideas themselves to be art, and can work alongside a painting or a drawing. In this class, we will explore ways in which we can use language to enhance our concepts, or even use text as a visual element. Artist-educator and poet Anabel Hadad will lead students through different prompts and exercises that will introduce new modes of thinking more abstractly about language and visual art. Through this course, students will discover how drawing, painting, mark making, writing, and text can work together in beautiful ways.
Register For ClassesNo class Feb 18
Treat yourself this fall 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 ClassesNo class on 2/18
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 ClassesIn 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
No class 2/19
Register For ClassesNo class on 2/19
Working with portrait artist Ruth Scotch, students will explore the anatomy of the head, discovering how to reveal accurate proportion, structure, and likeness through demonstration and detailed instruction. Added focus will be on using light and color to articulate forms. Palette knife and brush techniques will be included. In this class we will work from a live model in addition to printed material. Intermediate Painting Portraits Supply List
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No class 2/19
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 2/19
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 2/19
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. No class on 2/19.
Register For ClassesHave you ever traveled somewhere that was so beautiful and wish you knew how to put that vista on paper or canvas? You can learn the elements of creating an effective landscape through a variety of exercises using your favorite drawing or painting materials. Students will learn how to design a strong composition, how to simplify forms and to accomplish a sense of perspective in a picture plane. This class is great for the beginner or more advanced students. No class 2/19.
Register For ClassesDo 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
No class 2/20
Register For ClassesThis is the perfect class for those who have taken a few painting classes and are interested in expanding their skill in working with acrylic and oils. Join instructor Farzaneh Safarani for an afternoon 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 Painting Supply List
No class 2/20
Register For ClassesNo class on 2/21
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. No class on 2-21.
Register For ClassesCreate 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 2/21.
Intermediate Monotype with Collage Supply List
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The hue, value and intensity of color is paramount when making a painting. In this class students will create color charts, copy master paintings, make value studies using only black and white as well as neutral studies with brown and blue, and eventually create their own compositions. Color theory will be covered and slides will be routinely used for students to visualize each concept. All supplies provided for the first class.
No class 2/21
Does not meet on 2/15
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 5 registrations in order to run this open session.
No session on 2/15
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. This is a three day mini-class. Monotype Printmaking Mini Class Supply List
Register For ClassesThis workshop will begin with a lecture on the history of landscape photography and how it relates to contemporary practice. We will learn about the 19th c. practitioners who created survey pictures for expanding railroads, the conflict between beauty and the banal of the mid-twentieth century and contemporary artists looking at land use and climate change. After a visit to the artist’s exhibition in the museum, Suzanne will lead a walk outside to make pictures including a demonstration and discussion of camera formats. The workshop will conclude with a critique of pictures made during our walk or pictures that students bring to share.
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 ClassesWork with juried show award recipient Elizabeth Cohen, as you design a beautiful collage inspired by natural forms. In a process-orientated free flowing approach, students will focus on compositions using torn color-saturated papers, discovering new color relationships and taking creative risks. This workshop is perfect for those working in other materials such as paint, pastels and fiber as a compliment to their art practice. Some art experience is suggested but not required. All supplies provided
Register For ClassesJoin us for three Saturdays with three different teachers and three different art projects in this relaxing art-making series. We have asked some of our most dynamic artist- instructors to participate in this relaxed series taking place on the weekends for your convenience. March 1- painting with Casey Libuda, March 8- collage with Marguerite White, March 15- sculpture with Katie Lee Haley.
No experience required, and all supplies included.
Register For ClassesJoin us for a relaxing day at the Danforth as you enjoy viewing the exhibitions and learning a little about the various techniques used in the artworks. Participants will select a work or works that speak to them for inspiration, and the instructor will help guide you through a response using your preferred media. Some supplies will be available to you to help in your quick study response of the museum piece. This workshop Is perfect for those with some art making background and are looking for a unique educational experience.
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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