workshops & classes
A variety of workshops and classes for all ages are offered at the Pence Gallery throughout the year, including adult workshops, programs for children and teens, and family programs.
Art in Action: Family Art Workshops
Sunday, March 9th
Session 1: 12-2 PM | Session 2: 2:30-4:30 PM
$4 Members, $8 Non-Members (per person, per session, all materials included)
Art in Action engages kids 5-12 in art projects that are fun, creative, and collaborative with their family members. Projects are designed to introduce kids to making their own artwork, by experimenting with creative ideas and materials. Our resident art teacher will introduce you to the wealth of possibilities in our upstairs classroom. This is a drop-in program, with no registration required. Class size is limited to 25 people on a first come first served basis.
Click the button below to learn more about the individual workshops and how it works.
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Please note that starting in fall 2024, the Pence will charge a small fee for all Healing Arts workshops. This fee helps cover the cost of materials and staff coordination. Thank you for your support!
Healing Arts Program
This program offers a six-week workshop that uses art as a healing language for those experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one, as well as one-time workshops that focus more broadly on themes related to depression, anxiety, or major life changes. Through the process of art making, participants have opportunities for discussion, education, and connecting with peers in a safe and supportive space.
This program is generously sponsored by Bob & Joanne Andresen. Participants must be 18 or older, and no art experience is necessary. Limited to the first 8 participants who register. Registration online is required.
6-Session Workshop:
Guided by facilitators Amy Vidra & Lyndsey Rocca
Fridays, 10 AM – 11:45 AM
Mar. 21, 28 & Apr. 4, 11, 18, 25
$25 Members | $35 Non-Members
One-Time Workshops:
Guided by facilitator Amy Vidra
Tuesday, 2 – 3:30 PM, March 11
$5 Members | $10 Non-Members
Watercolor Painting with Misuk Goltz
Tuesdays, 10 AM-12 PM | March 18, 25 & April 1, 15, 22, 29 (no class April 8)
$180 Members | $190 Non-Members (Materials not included)
During this six-week workshop, students will practice “mock” plein air painting with artist Misuk Goltz. Although participants will be painting indoors at the Pence Gallery, the class will choose references from places in California and pretend to visit the countryside, near the water, café, or a city to paint. Reference photos will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own reference photos to paint from. Throughout the class, four different subjects will be painted, with one session being a figurative/portrait painting, and demonstrations, critiques, and individual guidance will be provided. Participants should have some previous watercolor experience.
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Working in a Series with Paper and Paint with Sara Post
Saturday & Sunday, March 22-23 | 10 AM – 4 PM
$360 Members | $380 Non-Members (Materials not included)
Using cradled boards, students will create five collaged pieces that inter-relate using artist-made painted and printed papers, additional painting and drawing, and cold wax. This process combines the spontaneity of collage with the interest and beauty of the painted surface. Students will also examine issues around making work in a series and discuss creative ideas for series work.
Click here to download a materials list.
Beginning Charcoal Drawing
Sunday, April 20 | 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
$75 Members | $90 Non-Members
(All materials included)
Learn the basics of charcoal drawing with Sophie Jorcino! In this one-day workshop, you will learn value shading, texture techniques, and sketching exercises, all while learning to use different charcoal materials that are included with the class fee. This workshop is open to everyone ages 16 and up – no art experience required.
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Botanical Blueprints with Linda Clark Johnson
Sunday, June 8 | 10 AM – 2 PM
$115 Members | $125 Non-Members (All materials included, except for flowers and foliage)
You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy making beautiful blue cyanotypes! In this introductory class you’ll learn all the basics of this fun and easy alternative photographic technique. Using light sensitive chemicals you’ll expose prints of plants in the sun and process them in water. By the time you leave you’ll have 4 gorgeous 8 x 10 blueprints and the know-how to create more at home. Lots of beautiful plants are budding and blooming during each season of the year. Let’s celebrate the natural world by making botanical blueprints together!
Watercolor Classes with Joanne Andresen
Please email Joanne Andresen directly at [email protected] to register for her watercolor class, to receive a supply list, and for any questions.
Beginning Watercolor with Joanne Andresen
Thursdays, 1-3:30 PM | Feb. 20, 27 & Mar. 6, 20, 27 (5 classes)
$140 Members | $150 Non-Members (Materials not included)
This class is intended for students who have never taken a watercolor class or who would like to become reacquainted with watercolor painting. Students will be using a limited palette while practicing techniques of painting on dry and wet paper, building exciting colors through glazing, exploring light and dark progression of values, while applying paint with a light touch.
Intermediate Watercolor with Joanne Andresen
Wednesdays, 9-11:30 AM | Feb. 19, 26 & Mar. 5, 19, 26 (5 classes)
$140 Members | $150 Non-Members (Materials not included)
This class is for continuing watercolor students. Students should be familiar with watercolor materials and basic techniques. Color mixing, value transitions, composition and brushwork will be emphasized. Painting outside of class will be encouraged and critiques of work will be part of the class structure. Students will supply their own materials.
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