Courses

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.

Saturday, May 31, 2025, Macoupin Art Collective

Beginning Acrylic Painting

You will learn how to utilize Color Theory, Composition and Painting Techniques to create works in Acrylic paint. 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.

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 3, 2025 to July 8, 2025, Online

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Ceramic Berry Bowl/Small Colander

Miss Ruthie will teach students how to create a ceramic berry bowl/small colander to enjoy all the delicious berries summer has to offer. Students are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks to class and relax while making art. Ages 13+ welcome.

Friday, August 1, 2025, Macoupin Art Collective

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.

Ceramic Pumpkins

Miss Ruthie will teach you how to create a ceramic pumpkin. You will learn simple handbuilding/slab-building techniques, simple glaze techniques, how to use a variety of clay tools, and gain an understanding of clay and its properties.

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 for Grades 3-5

In this one-week, half-day ceramics camp, your camper will be introduced to age-appropriate, essential skills in ceramics to make a variety of projects such as: pinch and coil pots, small figurines, decorative tiles, and more. Your camper will finish work with a variety of colorful glazed surfaces.

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

Ceramics for Grades 6-8

In this one-week, half-day ceramics camp, your camper will be introduced to age-appropriate, essential skills in ceramics to make a variety of projects such as: pinch and coil pots, small figurines, decorative tiles, and more. Your camper will finish work with a variety of colorful glazed surfaces.

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

Ceramics for Grades 9-12

In this one-week, half-day ceramics camp, your camper will be introduced to age-appropriate, essential skills in ceramics to make a variety of projects such as: pinch and coil pots, small figurines, decorative tiles, and more. Your camper will finish work with a variety of colorful glazed surfaces.

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

Ceramics for Grades K-2

In this one-week, half-day ceramics camp, your camper will be introduced to age-appropriate, essential skills in ceramics to make a variety of projects such as: pinch and coil pots, small figurines, decorative tiles, and more. Your camper will finish work with a variety of colorful glazed surfaces.

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.

Christmas Tree Luminaries

Miss Ruthie will teach you how to hand-build ceramic Christmas tree luminaries. You will learn simple hand-building techniques, how to use a variety of clay tools, and gain an understanding of clay and its properties.

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

Cicada Flower Stained Glass

Join us and learn the basics of Tiffany style stained glass. You will learn how to cut glass, how to use a stained glass grinder, how to use copper foil tape to wrap each piece. At the end of the second class, you will walk away with an intricate cicada stained glass- approximately 8" x 4".

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.

Foundations in Metalsmithing

This weekend intensive foundational class introduces you to traditional techniques in metalsmithing and jewelry making through the manipulation of copper and brass utilizing power tools and hand tools. You will learn sawing, piercing, surface manipulation, basic forming, and cold and hot fabrication methods (riveting, gas torch soldering).

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

Foundations in Portraiture Drawing

You will work to study the basics of drawing pencil portraits. Visual aids and reference materials will be used to enhance your understanding of line, shape, form, shadow, and anatomy.

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.

Saturday, July 19, 2025, Macoupin Art Collective

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.

Indigo: Ancient Dye with Contemporary Techniques

Join us for a visually exciting experience of the ancient art of Indigo dyeing, hosted over two Saturdays. Techniques for making white resists on blue cloth will be taught including Itajime, block resists and other shibori stitch resists developed in Japan, tie resists from Nigeria and knot resists from India.

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

Intermediate Acrylic Painting

For those who already have some experience using acrylic paints, we will focus on learning new techniques, observational skills and painting styles. As you move through this course, we will also facilitate projects of your interest and give you helpful feedback to improve your painting skills.

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

Intermediate Drawing

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

June 3, 2025 to July 8, 2025, Online

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+

Saturday, June 28, 2025, Macoupin Art Collective

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.

Introduction to Woodblock Printmaking

This course will introduce you to woodblock printmaking. You will become familiar with the tools, the carving process, and inking and printing techniques. Students will learn about paper and will tear their sheets to size. We will use both a wooden spoon and an etching press to print our editions. Each student can expect to take home at least 10-15 prints by the final class.

June 7, 2025 to August 2, 2025, 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.

July 8-24, 2025, Lovejoy Library

Life Drawing Open Studio

Beginner to intermediate students will have the opportunity to work with an instructor learning the foundational skills of interpreting and drawing from a model. If you have some level of experience, you may take advantage of this time to work with a live model at your own pace.

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

Moth/Butterfly Stained Glass

Join us and learn the basics of Tiffany style stained glass. You will learn how to cut glass, how to use a stained glass grinder, how to use copper foil tape to wrap each piece. At the end of the second class, you will walk away with an intricate moth or butterfly stained glass- approximately 8" x 4".

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.

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 23, 2025 to August 11, 2025, Art and Design West, Room 2101

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.

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, May 16, 2025, Macoupin Art Collective
Friday, August 15, 2025, Macoupin Art Collective

Painting Studio: 20th Century Modern Art

Each week a different 20th Century Modern artist will be studied. You will attempt to emulate their style and techniques to understand how these individuals changed the way we view art.

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.

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.

Tiny Organic Shelves

Join Brandace Cloud and learn how to use several handbuilding techniques to create small organic shaped shelves. These shelves are perfect for the tiny flower your kiddo gave you, or that rock that was super cool at the creek.

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.

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!

June 23, 2025 to August 11, 2025, Art and Design West, Room 2101

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.

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 Pumpkins Doodles

Miss Ruthie will teach you how to create watercolor pumpkin doodles. You will learn simple watercolor, and ink techniques; and gain an understanding of watercolor and its properties. You will leave class with several small pumpkin doodles. You are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks to the class and relax while making art.

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