This is an open studio art class designed for adults and teens with special needs, physical limitations, developmental disabilities and/or any neurodiversity. Art making topics are tailored to new and returning students and include drawing, painting, sculpting, mixed media, and fiber arts. Students are encouraged to express their own vision in this fun, supportive class.  An exhibition of work and a celebration highlight the final class.  

This is class is for beginners and those seeking to build on a little experience.  Students will explore core concepts while building confidence and skills in drawing and painting from observation.  Artist Oscar Peterson provides guidance and demonstrations inspired by his own practice.

This is a fun and relaxed class designed for students of all levels. There’s no need to be afraid if you are a beginner. All students can work at their own pace and will receive individual instruction. This course will introduce and build upon fundamental drawing concepts that translate across mediums, as well as basic through advanced techniques to take your talents to a whole new level. We will be working from a still-life or photos and if weather permits, we will go outside and paint on the beautiful museum patio overlooking the river.

Please note: This hybrid class provides students the freedom to attend their session either in-person or via Zoom. Lena Shiffman will be in-person interacting with students in-person and virtual alike.

We will be working on learning how to see differently, understand what's important (this may surprise you), simplify what's there, and understand color and how it creates depth and drama. This workshop will take place outdoors, rain or shine, under a covered tent on the Museum's terrace.

Please bring a minimum of 1-2 canvases, small to medium 8 x 10, 10 x 10, 11 x 14, 16 x 20, 12 x 20, or whatever what you feel comfortable with.

If you would like to paint large, please email 4 jps of your work to [email protected] and include your phone number.  And PLEASE PLEASE bring images that you want to paint or that inspire you.

This is a crash course in sculpture focused on teaching students how to create basic shapes using clay and how to create small “trompe l'oeil” objects-
a.k.a. Little clay shoes you can use as flower pots. The course is designed to teach students how to apply different properties of form when sculpting with air dry clay: shape, proportions, and surface texture.

In this class we will be weaving on a frame loom! We will begin the class with some basic breathwork to center us before we begin. You will be taught how to warp a loom as well as some weaving techniques to create beautiful personalized pieces with fibers, beads and more. You will then learn how to remove a weaving from a loom and create a wall hanging.

Create a Seasonal Scent Inspired by New Beginnings.

Please join us in honoring Mother Nature’s renewal with a hands‑on workshop where you’ll craft a beautiful, one‑of‑a‑kind natural perfume using pure botanical aromatics.

You’ll explore the scents and symbolism of spring botanicals and be guided step‑by‑step to blend a fragrance that reflects your personal intention for the season.

Your finished perfume makes a unique gift for someone special — or a meaningful treat just for you.