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: New Family Workshops
Sundays, 1 – 3 PM | Dec. 3
$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.
Click the button below to learn more about the individual workshops and how it works.
Digital Photography with Jacob Brody
Fridays, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Jan. 12, 19, 26 & Feb. 2, 9
$150 Members | $160 Non-Members (Materials not included)
Our photography class is back! Join artist Jacob Brody for another insightful 5-session class that will teach you how to use your digital camera and editing software to create a personal body of work. Jacob will guide you through mastering the intricacies of digital cameras and industry-leading software to launch your photographic journey. Please note that this class requires a digital camera (no iPhones).
Quick Painting Workshop with Chris Leib
Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 27-28, 10 AM – 3 PM
$195 Members | $220 Non-Members (Materials not included)
Under the guidance of artist Chris Leib, students will learn basic quick painting techniques in oil paint, brush handling, and the ability to edit and improve their work. Participants will be guided through the daunting task of completing a painting and turning it into a loved exercise in creative practice. This workshop provides a practical immersion in oil painting that’s great for beginners, as well as a experienced artists looking to hone their abilities and confidence with painting.
Working in a Series with Abstract Collage with Sara Post
Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 3-4, 10 AM – 3:30 PM
$340 Members | $360 Non-Members (Materials not included)
Dive into the world of abstraction through collaged multiples. Students will explore how to draw, print and paint on papers and use them to construct a series of abstract works, looking closely at how the placement of line, shape and color on a surface can create strong inter-related abstractions. Students will learn techniques for creating their own papers, ways to cut, tear and adhere papers to a surface, strategies and materials for sealing finished works and ideas for presentation.
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 specifically on a theme 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 is a free program with all materials included, 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 – 11:45 AM, Feb. 23, Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
One-Time Workshops:
Guided by facilitator Amy Vidra
Jan. 16 & Mar. 12 , 2-3:30 PM
Should I Make Art? with Terri Bianco
Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 AM – 2PM
$90 Members | $105 Non-Members (Additional $10 materials fee required)
Should you make art? Of course, you should! Whether you’re just thinking about it or you’re on your art journey and could use some refreshers and a dose of motivation, this class is for you. Learn the various approaches to tackling the challenges of art making, regardless of medium. As you prep and develop a free form acrylic painting, you’ll be coached on the strategies to overcome the pitfalls and traps of creating art. Learn valuable best practices for mixing colors, working with values, contrast, and differences as you lay out your composition.
Watercolor Painting with Misuk Goltz
Winter Dates TBD
Watercolor artist Misuk Goltz will teach participants some basic but important techniques in watercolor to help you paint the things you love. Working from reference photos of the UC Davis Arboretum, students will learn how to create specific textures, colors, and values, to help bring their work to a new level. The class will consist of sample painting demonstrations, extended individual guidance, and critique sessions.
Watercolor Classes with Joanne Andresen
Contact Joanne Andresen directly at [email protected] if you have questions or want to register for the Beginning or Intermediate watercolor classes. Registration closes a week prior to the first session of each class.
Beginning Watercolor with Joanne Andresen
Session 1: Thursdays, 1:30 – 3:30 PM (5 classes)
On January 4, 11, 18, 25, February 1
Price: $120 Members, $130 Non-Members (materials not included)
Session 2: Thursdays, 1:30 – 3:30 PM (5 classes)
On February 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7
Price: $120 Members, $130 Non-Members (materials not included)
Session 3: Thursdays, 1:30 – 3:30 PM (5 classes)
On March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11
Price: $120 Members, $130 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
Session 1: Wednesdays, 9 – 11:30 AM (5 classes)
On January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Price: $150 Members, $160 Non-Members (materials not included)
Session 2: Wednesdays, 9 – 11:30 AM (5 classes)
On February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 6
Price: $150 Members, $160 Non-Members (materials not included)
Session 3: Wednesdays, 9 – 11:30 AM (5 classes)
On March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10
Price: $150 Members, $160 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.
