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.

 

Painting with a cream table and white background. On the table are two vases.  
Photograph of a woman in a blue stripped collard shirt, standing behind a table, with various monotype prints in front of her.  
Photograph of a three dimensional paper sculpture on a small easel on a table lit with light from the left. In the foreground on the table is a drawing of the shadowed scultpure.  

 

 

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.

 

Note: the register for classes button will take you to the main registration page where you will see a Category drop down menu. Please select Danforth Classes- Adult or Danforth Workshops-Adult to see the specific class or workshop for which you are searching.

 

Register For Classes
Day + Time
Instructor(s)
Class
 
Level
Price
Feb. 20 - Feb. 21
Professional Development Workshop: Using Art and Art Museums in Early Childhood Curriculum
Adults
$100
meets 2 days , 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 

Using art as a tool for learning has been an established practice across many educational sectors. Many early childhood educators, while aware of the value of art and artmaking, may not have the basic understanding of how to use art when teaching; both as an activity by itself as well as an activity with which to experience/teach multiple disciplines.
Using an art museum to expand learning through experiencing primary resources is another valuable tool for early childhood educators.
This two-module workshop will cover methods and activities for use with early childhood programs during visits to an art museum. It will also provide an overview of artistic terms and techniques, along with tips for integrating art modalities in the curriculum. Art making activities, exercises in the museum, short readings and a useful resource guide will provide participants with practical tools to implement in their programs.

Qualifies for 10 PDP’s upon successful completion of course

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Tuesdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Independent Painting: Tuesday
Independent
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 14 - March 11
 

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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Tuesdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Intermediate Watercolor: Botanicals
Intermediate
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 14 - March 11

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

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Tuesdays: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Language and Art Explored
All levels
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 14 - March 11

No 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.

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Tuesdays: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Drawing at the Museum
Foundation
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 14 - March 11

No 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

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Tuesdays: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Foundations of Drawing
Foundation
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 14 - March 11

No 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

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Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.
Foundations of Drawing & Watercolor
Foundation
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 15 - March 12
 

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

No class 2/19

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Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Intermediate Painting: Portraits
Intermediate
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 15 - March 12

No 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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Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Beginning Monotype with Collage: Creating Unique Prints
Beginner
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 15 - March 12

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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Wednesdays: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Independent Painting: Palette Knife
Independent
Wait List
Meets 8 times , Jan. 15 - March 12

No 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.

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Wednesdays: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Independent Painting: Wednesday Evening
Independent
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 15 - March 12

No 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 Classes
Wednesdays: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Advanced Painting: Expand your Approach
Advanced
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 15 - March 12
 
 Join artist Marguerite White in this new class designed to introduce techniques and approaches to explore space and form in your paintings. Marguerite will teach students how to create experimental surfaces that provide texture and depth, while guiding you in strategies for organizing compositions from micro and macro views to create abstracted spaces. Take advantage of working with this exceptional artist at the Danforth this fall, learning from experimentation and taking your painting in new directions. Advanced Painting: Expand Your Approach Supply List
No class 2/19
Register For Classes
Wednesdays: 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Introduction to Landscapes
Beginner
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 15 - March 12
 

Have 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.

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Thursdays: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Learning to Love Drawing
Foundation
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 16 - March 13
 

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

No class 2/20

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Thursdays: 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Foundations of Painting
Foundation
$320
Meets 8 times , Jan. 16 - March 13
 

This 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

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Fridays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Independent Painting with Critique
Independent
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 17 - March 14

No 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.

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Fridays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Intermediate Monotype with Collage: Creating Unique Prints
Intermediate
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 17 - March 14
 

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 2/21.

Intermediate Monotype with Collage Supply List

 

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Fridays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Beginning Acrylic Painting
Beginner
$384
Meets 8 times , Jan. 17 - March 14
 

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

Register For Classes

Saturdays: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Open Life Drawing Session
All levels
$240
Meets 8 times , Jan. 25- March 22

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 Classes
Wednesdays, Jan. 15, 22, 29
Monotype Printmaking 3-Day Workshop
Foundation
$144
meets three times , 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
 

Explore 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

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Saturday, January 25
Landscape Photography Workshop with Suzanne Revy
All levels
$48
meets once , 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
 

This 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.

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Saturday, February 8
Drawing with Stitches Workshop
All levels
$106
meets once , 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 

Join 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.

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Saturday, February 22
Collage Workshop: Inspired by Nature
Foundation
$106
meets once , 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 

Work 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

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Saturdays, March 1, 8, 15
Saturday Studio Series
All levels
$154
Meets 3 times , 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
 

Join 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.

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Saturday, March 22
Museum Inspiration Workshop
Foundation
$96
meets once , 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 

Join 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.

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Know 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.

Photograph of a man standing at a table, drawing on brown paper a box of apples from a still life.  
Photograph of a woman leaning over a brown paper covered table. She has short white hair, glasses, and wearing a grey hooded sweater. She has watercolor paints, palettes, and paintbrushes around her, and is painting on a white piece of paper in front of her.  
Photograph of a man, seated at a table, from behind, drawing with pastels of a still life of a green bottle and a pear.  

Important Information

Is your school accessible?

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.

How do I know which skill level to choose?

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

I'd like to take a class but I will be on vacation for part of the session. Do you prorate class fees?

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.

Where can I purchase art supplies?

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.

 

Do you offer online classes?

At this time, we have decided to offer classes in our studios and not online in order to provide the most effective learning environment.