Courses

Beginning Drawing

Think drawing is a gift that must come naturally? Drawing is a skill that can be developed with practice. You will learn how to draw with proper techniques, discovering how to represent what you see through studies in contour drawing, perspective, positive/negative space and value.

June 1, 2026 to July 6, 2026, Online

Intermediate Drawing

For those with some drawing experience, you will refine and expand your drawing and observation skills.

June 3, 2026 to July 8, 2026, Online

Oil Painting Landscapes - Beginning and Intermediate

A visual arts course, which will focus on bringing landscapes to life through paint. You will be encouraged to use oil paints to create a variety of landscapes. We will facilitate explanations of fundamental painting elements as you work, as well as give some examples of different styles used in history to paint the great outdoors.

June 15, 2026 to July 20, 2026, SIUE Edwardsville Campus

Printmaking - Beginning and Intermediate

Beginning to Intermediate Printmaking in relief, intaglio or monotype printmaking techniques. Work in all three techniques or just one. All levels welcome.

June 6-27, 2026, SIUE Edwardsville Campus
July 11, 2026 to August 1, 2026, SIUE Edwardsville Campus

Knitting is Just Two Sticks and a String

Learn to knit in a relaxed environment. You will learn basic stitches, yarn and tool selection, and how to read a pattern and complete a simple project. Don't be scared! It's just string! If you are already a knitter, we will learn new tips and tricks and some techniques beyond just knitting and purling.

June 9-25, 2026, SIUE Edwardsville Campus

Paint with Bob Ross

Join Ms. Ruthie and paint along with Mr. Bob! This is a fun class for all skill levels. You will be working with oil paints, brushes and turpenoid to clean your brushes.

Friday, August 21, 2026, Macoupin Art Collective

Relaxing Watercolor Practice: Washes

Curious about watercolor but not ready to invest in new supplies? Already have the materials but unsure where to start? Bring what you have and come experiment. Join us for a relaxed session of watercolor exploration.

Friday, June 12, 2026, Macoupin Art Collective

Relaxing Watercolor Practice: Brush Strokes and Techniques

Curious about watercolor but not ready to invest in new supplies? Or looking to improve your brush control and technique? This relaxed session is a chance to practice without pressure.

Friday, June 19, 2026, Macoupin Art Collective

DIY Home: Ceramic Pinch-pot Snack Trays

Students will learn basic handbuilding and pinching techniques, experiment with simple glazing methods, and explore how to use a variety of clay tools while gaining a better understanding of clay and its properties.

Friday, August 7, 2026, Macoupin Art Collective

Creative Nonfiction

Creative Nonfiction covers many types of writing, from memoirs and poetry to historical writing and personal essays.

June 23, 2026 to July 14, 2026, SIUE Edwardsville Campus

Introduction to Metalsmithing & Jewelry

This beginner-friendly class introduces students to the core skills of metalsmithing. In this hands-on class, you'll explore the fundamentals of metalworking while learning how to transform raw materials into wearable works of art. Step by step, you'll practice core techniques such as sawing, soldering, stone setting, texturing, and polishing, building both skill and confidence at the bench

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Intermediate Fabrication & Soldering

Designed for students with prior metalsmithing experience, this course takes a deeper dive into fabrication and soldering techniques. Each week builds on fundamental skills to introduce more complex joins, multiple-component construction, and advanced problem-solving at the bench. Projects will emphasize precision, clean solder seams, and creative design, giving students the confidence to tackle more ambitious work.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Open Studio Painting

Whether you are an absolute beginner or advanced painter, this class offers you the flexibility to undertake projects of your own interest with the guidance of an instructor. Throughout you will work at your own pace in your chosen painting medium (watercolor, oil or acrylic).

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Open Studio - Watercolor Painting

Whether you are an absolute beginner or advanced painter, this class offers you theflexibility to undertake watercolor projects of your own interest with the guidance of aninstructor.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Beginning Watercolor

You will learn how to utilize Color Theory, Composition and Painting Techniques to create works in Watercolor. We will facilitate quick, lecture-style, explanations of these fundamental painting elements as you work. This will help you improve your knowledge in art and technical skills.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Botanical Painting

A visual arts course in which Kenzie will walk you through a variety of painting mediums to explore rendering types of trees, flowers, leaves and plants! Beginners and more advanced students are welcome and will be encouraged to explore the types of botanicals that most interest you!

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Botanical Watercolor Painting through Watercolor and Ink

A visual arts course, which will focus on using the loose and exciting medium of watercolor to paint different types of trees, plants, leaves and flowers. Beginners or intermediate students are welcome and will be encouraged to investigate imagery which most interests them.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Watercolor Painting - Beginning and Intermediate

Whether you are a very beginner or have some experience with watercolor and want to learn more, this course will assist in learning important techniques in this painting medium. From landscape to botanical, this course will assist in your understanding of how to depict through watercolor!

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Watercolor Animals - Beginning and Intermediate

Whether you are an absolute beginner or advanced painter, you will learn how to paint various types of animals in watercolor. Throughout this course you will follow Kenzie to learn how to paint different types of animals, as well as choose your own images to paint with the help of Kenzie!

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Watercolor Techniques

In this fun six week course, you will be introduced to the technical aspects of watercolor and best practices in utilizing this medium from your instructor. We will learn about different types of watercolor supplies and fine art techniques specific to this medium.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Watercolor Landscape Painting - Beginning and Intermediate

A visual arts course, which will focus on bringing landscapes to life through paint. You will be encouraged to use watercolors to create a variety of landscapes. We will facilitate explanations of fundamental painting elements as you work, as well as give some examples of different styles used in history to paint the great outdoors.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Oil Painting - Beginning and Intermediate

If you have always wanted to learn to paint in oil or hone in on your oil painting skills, this is the course for you. In this course, Kenzie will walk you through techniques used by some of your favorite master artists, as well as new fun ways of working in oil.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Ceramic Handbuilding

In this ceramic art studio course, you will be introduced to essential clay handbuilding techniques: pinch, coil, slab, and one-piece molds/stamps. Designed for all skill levels, you can pursue various representational, abstract, large-scale, and/or functional objects. You will engage in additional aspects of the ceramic process such as: glazing, kiln-loading/unloading, and mixed-media/cold finishes.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Hand Poured Candle Making

Come join us for a Pour-Your-Own Candle Workshop! You'll be instructed step by step on how to create your own clean burning candle(s) and the nuances and resources for candle making. All our candles and ingredients are clean! 100% plant-based soy wax 100% cotton wick Phthalate-free fragrances Free of: dyes, paraffin, & lead!

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Ceramic Sculpture and Moldmaking

In this ceramic art studio course, you will be introduced to essential sculptural techniques: pinch, coil, slab, stamps, and multi-piece molds. Designed for all skill levels, you can pursue various representational, abstract, large-scale, and/or functional objects.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Ceramic Wheelthrowing

In this ceramic art studio course, you will be introduced to essential ceramic wheelthrowing techniques: centering, throwing, altering, trimming, and functional attachments. Designed for all skill levels, you can pursue various functional pottery forms such as cups, bowls, plates, jars, teapots, and pitchers.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Ceramics Advanced Open Studio

Designed for advanced skill levels only, you will engage in a self-directed studio practice in ceramics with guidance and critical feedback from Alex Thomure. Building upon the essential technical skills of ceramics, you are encouraged to develop a unique voice as an artist working in ceramics.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Ceramics Open Studio

Designed for advanced skill levels only, you will engage in a self-directed studio practice in ceramics with guidance and critical feedback from Alex Thomure. Building upon the essential technical skills of ceramics, you are encouraged to develop a unique voice as an artist working in ceramics.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Ceramics Raku Firing Workshop

This exciting technique is when still glowing-hot ceramic artwork is taken out of the kiln and immediately placed into combustible materials such as sawdust, newspaper, horsehair, grasses, and leaves, resulting in unique and unusual surface effects.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Ceramics Soda Firing Workshop

This exhilarating and unpredictable technique involves the introduction of soda ash into the kiln near the end of the firing, resulting in rich and varied surface effects not possible with traditional ceramic glazes. You will create ceramic artworks with slips and glazes specifically designed for soda firing and participate in the soda firing process.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Creature Crochet for Beginners

So you want to learn to crochet, but making granny squares and wash cloths sounds boring. Well this is the class for you!!! In this class, you will learn the basic stitches required to complete an Amigurumi (crocheted stuffed creatures) project and over five weeks we will work through the basics of creature creation, stuffing, and assembly!

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Discover Digital Photography

This course provides an overview of digital photography for those who are not familiar with the technology. You will learn the basic functions of their camera and controls to create high quality images on their smartphone, DSLR, compact, or mirrorless image-making devices.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Adult One-Shot Wheel Throwing

First time at the wheel? Ever wanted to try wheel throwing? Now's your chance! Join us for a one-day, three-hour session where we'll walk you through the basics of wheel throwing. Lumpy pots and goofy bowls galore. No extended commitment necessary.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Beyond Japanese Calligraphy I

Even in the age of pens and digital gadgets, calligraphy remains a valued art form. This is an opportunity to write your Japanese name, your favorite words, quote, tattoo words, learning the basic strokes and creating your own Kanji character to take home as a keepsake.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Fun with Photography

Always wanted to take a photography class but felt intimidated by trying something new? Don't have a digital DSLR? That's okay in this class! Whether you are shooting with your digital DSLR, mirrorless/point and shoot digital camera, or phone, you will learn to take better pictures with what you already have.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Fused Glass Workshop

This one shot class is a basic introduction to fused glass, how to cut glass, and how to stack for a tack fusing technique. Learn the basics about glass fusing and the kiln processes. No experience is needed in our glass fusing workshops; we offer step-by-step instructions. Ages 12+ welcome.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Indigo Dyeing

Learn the fascinating art of indigo dyeing! In this workshop, we'll explore indigo from many angles. What is indigo? It's an ancient dyeing technique that typically involves folding, twisting or bunching cloth and binding it, then dyeing it in indigo.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Introduction to Basketweaving

Learn to weave an open base with a twined perimeter, building a plain weave with start and stop rows. Students will learn how to use a whip stitch lashing technique to finish off the upper edge of the basket. Peggy has designed this class with the beginner basket weaver in mind, including discussions of weaving terminology, basketry materials, and tools and their uses. Ages 14+

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Introduction to Glassblowing

Join us for a hands on introduction to traditional glassblowing techniques. Included in your time spent with us will be a one-on-one experience with the instructor, scheduled at the participants' convenience, to execute a decorative or functional piece suitable for display.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Photography Editing Workshop

Embark on a creative journey into the world of photography editing in this immersive workshop. Whether you're new to editing or seeking to enhance your skills, this workshop offers an opportunity to elevate your photos. Explore the art of photo enhancement in Adobe Lightroom, delve into introductory photo compositing in Adobe Photoshop, and learn to edit on-the-go with mobile photo editing apps.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Plein Air Painting

Intended for those with little to no experience, we will cover the basics of outdoor painting and you will become familiar with equipment, materials, and techniques. You will receive individual assistance as your paintings evolve throughout the day, as well as a class critique held at the session.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Relaxing Gouache Practice for Beginners

Have you wanted to try a new medium, but are afraid to invest in new materials? Here's a chance to practice without the commitment. Come hang out with Miss Ruthie and experiment, practice, and play with gouache.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Stained Glass Basics

Join us and learn the basics of Tiffany Style Stained Glass. You will learn how to cut glass, how to use the stained glass grinder, and how to use copper foil tape to wrap each piece. Then you will learn how to use the soldering iron to combine all of the pieces together. At the end of the class each you will leave with one small sun catcher.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Traditional Chinese and Korean Calligraphy

This course introduces the basic East Asian brushwork and tools used in traditional Chinese and Korean calligraphy. You will learn and practice the basic skills used in writing the Standard or Regular script in traditional Chinese calligraphy and Korean calligraphy.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Batik Dyeing Techniques

Students will learn to apply a hot wax resist to fabric surface then paint with dye to create unique textures and painted images on fabric.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Botanical Watercolor Painting

A visual arts course, which will focus on using the loose and exciting medium of watercolor to paint different types of trees, plants, leafs and flowers. Beginners or intermediate students are welcome, and will be encouraged to investigate imagery which most interests them.

June 15, 2026 to July 20, 2026, SIUE Edwardsville Campus

Short Story Writing

Whether you've been wanting to explore creative writing or you've been doing it for years, this class will help you develop the skills for all types of stories. Develop your own short stories and take the opportunity to share your work and receive notes on how to make it even better.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.