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
Sundays, 1 – 3 PM | Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 8
$4 Members, $8 Non-Members (per person, 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.
Layered Beginnings: An Abstraction by Design Workshop with Michael Shemchuk
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 5-6, 10 AM – 4:30 PM
$320 Members | $350 Non-Members (Some materials included)
This mixed media workshop tackles creating dynamic, textured surfaces as a first step in the Abstraction by Design process. Under the guidance of artist Michael Shemchuk, participants will apply layers of paper and paint and produce surfaces that enable them to sand, scrape, peel, paint, collage and repeat multiple times.
Click here for the materials list. (Please note that some material prep assignments will need to be completed before the workshop starts. See the materials list for more information).
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
Oct. 11, 18, 25 & Nov. 1, 8, 15
$25 Members | $35 Non-Members
One-Time Workshops:
Guided by facilitator Amy Vidra
Tuesday, 2 – 3:30 PM, Oct. 22 & Nov. 19
$5 Members | $10 Non-Members
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!
Artist’s Journal Workshop with Misuk Goltz
Tuesdays, 10 AM-12 PM | Oct. 15, 22, 29 & Nov. 5, 12, 19
$180 Members | $190 Non-Members (Materials not included)
Watercolor painters are invited to join this 6-week workshop where they will learn the steps of constructing journal pages with artist Misuk Goltz. Journaling will allow you to grow your skills as an observer, creator, and painter, not to mention the pleasure you will get as you record the moments you want to remember. While illustrating your life experiences, from small things to significant happenings, on paper you will find that you have a higher level of attention and greater appreciation of the life around you. Let’s make your journal a sanctuary where your personal reflections and observations take place. Please note that minimal watercolor painting experience is required to join this workshop.
Abstract Painting with Oil Mixed Media with Sara Post
Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 2-3, 10 AM – 4 PM
$360 Members | $380 Non-Members (Materials not included)
This workshop invites students to use oil paint, cold wax medium, oil pigment sticks, collaged elements and drawing materials to make mixed media abstract paintings. Combining a variety of media with oil painting encourages spontaneity and creates beautiful layered surfaces. Students will learn specific techniques unique to working with cold wax layers as well as explore the more formal elements of abstraction. All levels welcome.
Watercolor Classes with Joanne Andresen
Please check with the instructor, Joanne Andresen directly at [email protected] if you have questions, or to see if there is any availability in the future. Thank you!
Beginning Watercolor with Joanne Andresen
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
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.