Awesome Autumn Art: Ages 3-5
Create a variety of artwork from paintings, drawings, and clay creatures as seen in the tale Fall Leaves Fall! by Zoe Hall and illustrated by Shari Halpern.

Instructor: Sheila Cape

Dates: September 28, October 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9 (6 Tuesdays)
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Place: Chrysler Corporation Classroom
Fees: $40 members/$50 non-members

Painting Pals! Ages 3-5
Explore different colors, shapes, and textures as seen in nature. Media include paint, printmaking, and chalk pastel. Lots of FUN!

Instructor: S. Renee Prasil

Dates: September 29, October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10 (6 Wednesdays)
Time: 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Place: Chrysler Corporation Classroom
Fees: $40 members/$50 non-members

Fallin’ for Art! Ages 3-5
Learn about color, line, shape, and texture. Create clay leaves, texture rubbings, and paintings. We’ll read such tales as Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert and Autumn Leaves by Ken Robbins.

Instructor: Sheila Cape

Dates: September 30, October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 18 (6 Thursdays)
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Place: Chrysler Corporation Classroom
Fees: $40 members/$50 non-members

Clay & Sculpture! Ages 3-5
Join the fun and experience the world of 3-D. Enjoy using clay, wire, papier-mâché, and other media.

Instructor: S. Renee Prasil

Dates: October 1, 15, 22, 29, November 5 (5 Fridays)
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Place: Chrysler Corporation Classroom
Fees: $35 members/$45 non-members

Fabulous Fall Masterpieces! Grades K-4
Create paintings and drawings using the primary colors (red, yellow, & blue) of animals, places and things. Media include watercolor, colored pencil, and pastel.

Instructor: Sheila Cape

Dates: September 28, October 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9 (6 Tuesdays)
Time: 3:30-5 p.m.
Place: Chrysler Corporation Classroom
Fees: $55 members/$65 non-members

Clay EXTRAVAGANZA: Ages 10-14
Explore the clay medium by creating clay sculptures and vessel forms. Wheel throwing techniques will be introduced. We’ll glaze our pieces, too! All NEW projects!

Instructor: Melanie Laten

Dates: September 28, October 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9 (6 Tuesdays)
Time: 3:30-5 p.m.
Place: Colonial Bank Classroom
Fees: $55 members/$65 non-members

FULL! Elements of Art — Draw, Paint, & Sculpt: Grades K-4
Discover the elements of art – color, line, shape, and texture. Media include collage, paint, printmaking, and clay to create a variety of artwork inspired by nature.

Instructor: Sheila Cape

Dates: September 29, October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10 (6 Wednesdays)
Time: 3:30-5 p.m.
Place: Colonial Bank Classroom
Fees: $55 members/$65 non-members

Clay Creations: Grades K-4
Express yourself with clay by creating a variety of vessels and sculptures. Learn pinch, coil, slab construction and glazing techniques. All NEW projects!

Instructor: Melanie Laten

Dates: September 30, October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 18 (6 Thursdays)
Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
Place: Chrysler Corporation Classroom
Fees: $55 members/$65 non-members

Creative Cartooning: Ages 10-14
Create characters, comic strips, and lettering incorporating perspective, timing, and expression while improving drawing and observational skills.

Instructor: Kay Casteel

Dates: September 30, October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 18 (6 Thursdays)
Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
Place: Colonial Bank Classroom
Fees: $55 members/$65 non-members

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Studio Art Adventures: Fantastic Landscapes! Grades K-5
Learn about the artwork in the Encounters: Mark Messersmith exhibition. Create your very own acrylic painting on canvas of flora and fauna (plants and animals).

Instructor: Sheila Cape

Date: October 16 (Saturday)
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Place: Chrysler Corporation Classroom
Fees: $15 members/$25 non-members

Studio Art Adventures: Sculpt-tacular!, Grades K-5
Inspired by the exhibition Turning Wood into Art: The Jane and Arthur Mason Collection, explore a variety of materials such as art papers and wood to create a 3-D work of art.

Instructor: Kristy Jane From-Brown

Date: November 6 (Saturday)
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Place: Colonial Bank Classroom
Fees: $15 members/$25 non-members

NEW! Studio Art Adventures: Sketching in the Galleries, Ages 10-14
Discover ways that artists create their artwork using the elements of art. Learn drawing techniques in pencil and charcoal as you are introduced to artists through their paintings and sculptures in the Museum galleries. Improve drawing skills while developing your own unique artistic style.

Instructor: S. Renee Prasil

Date: November 13 (Saturday)
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Sketchbook and snacks provided.)
Place: Colonial Bank Classroom
Fees: $25 members/$35 non-members

FULL! Merry Mosaic Ornaments! Ages 5 & Up
Create festive mosaic-inspired sun catchers and ornaments using a rainbow of colored gems, beads, and art tissue papers for the Christmas tree or holiday decor. Great family holiday FUN activity! Space is limited to 16 participants.

Instructor: S. Renee Prasil

Date: December 4 (Saturday)
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Place: Chrysler Corporation Classroom
Fees: $25 members/$35 non-members per parent/child group
$15 members/$25 non-members per student

Drawing
Learn about line, shape, form, color, space, perspective, proportion, and value to create still life of flora and fauna and landscapes. Media include graphite and charcoal. Materials included. All levels. Space is limited to 10 students.

Instructor: Fran Church

Dates: August 7, 14, 21, 28, September 11 (Saturdays)
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Place: Chrysler Corporation Classroom
Fees: $60 members/$70 non-members

Still Life Oil Painting
Learn various techniques of oil painting to create floral and still life as a foundation for your personal style and form of expression. Elements of color theory and composition also included as seen in great masters as O’Keeffe, Van Gogh, and others. All levels. Space is limited to 10 students.

Instructor: Gayle Power

Dates:  August 11, 18, 25, September 1, 8, 15 (Wednesdays)
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Place: Chrysler Corporation Classroom
Fees: $70 members/$80 non-members*

Ceramics – Beginners & Beyond
Designed with the beginner in mind, but also appropriate for the more experienced, learn to work with clay using handbuilding and wheel throwing techniques. Materials provided.All levels. Space is limited to 10 students.

Instructor:  Greg Datcher

Dates: September 23, 30, October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 18, December 2 (8 Thursdays)
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
Place: Colonial Bank Classroom
Fees: $150 members/$160 non-members*  (includes clay, firing, & glazes)

Wire & Bead Jewelry
Learn to make handmade clasps, findings, wire wrapped beads, and wire formed beads! Create jewelry pieces such as bracelet, earrings, or hammered style pendant to wear or give as gifts. All levels. Materials included. Space is limited to 8 students.

Instructor: S. Renee Prasil

Date: September 25 (Saturday)
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (one hour lunch break/bring a sack lunch)
Place: Chrysler Corporation Classroom
Fees: $50 members/$60 non-members

Egg Tempera Painting Techniques
Learn about the favored medium of the early Renaissance painters. Egg tempera is a luminous paint, accenting pure color and fine drawing with glazing qualities of oil paint, yet is water-based, fast drying and optically brilliant. Create an 8”x10” original still life painting on a Claybordä panel. Demonstration of egg yolk and mineral pigment colors included. Materials provided (egg tempera pigments, Claybordä, and brushes). All levels. Space is limited to 8 students.

Instructor:  Linda Ruhl

Dates:  September 25 and October 2 (2 Saturdays)
Time: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Place: Colonial Bank Classroom
Fees: $75 members/$85 non-members

FULL! Realistic Oil Painting
Designed for those students who have learned the basics of oil painting but need the technical and conceptual tools to achieve realistic painting. Learn through a step–by–step approach to build your confidence and understanding by working on two paintings – a still life and landscape. Techniques include monochromatic under painting, alla prima color work, finishing glazes, and the impact of color and light in creating realistic work. Prior oil painting experience is helpful. Space is limited to 10 students.

Instructor: Robert Bean

Date: September 30, October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 18 (6 Thursdays)
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Place: Chrysler Corporation Classroom
Fees: $70 members/$80 non-members*

Color Theory
Take control of your world by learning to mix and use colors to make your home more attractive and comfortable, and your clothes more flattering. Students will learn about psychological, physical and cultural aspects of color during this one-session, hands-on class. Materials included. All levels. Space is limited to 10 students.

Instructor: Dr. Frances Church

Date:  October 2 (Saturday)
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Place: Chrysler Corporation Classroom
Fees: $30 members/$40 non-members

Mixed Media Drawing
Learn about line, value, texture, composition and perspective. Students discover a variety of techniques while exploring different media including charcoal, pastel, and ink. Subject matter includes still life and landscape. Materials included. All levels. Space is limited to 12 students.

Instructor: Dr. Frances Church

Dates:  October 15, 22, 29, November 5 (4 Fridays)
Time: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Place: Colonial Bank Classroom
Fees: $60 members/$70 non-members

Fun with Altered Books!
After selecting a discarded, inexpensive hardbound book, participants utilize glues, art papers, photographs, paint, rubber stamps, and old prints to transform an old format into something completely new. Methods of embedding objects, transferring of images, layering and theme explorations will be included. Some materials provided. All levels. Space is limited to 8 students.

Instructor:  Kristy Jane From-Brown

Date:  October 16 (Saturday)
Time: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. (one hour lunch break/bring a sack lunch)
Place: Colonial Bank Classroom
Fees: $50 members/$60 non-members*

Stained Glass Expressions!
Learn about glass-cutting, pattern-making, copper-foiling, soldering, and construction. Create a three-dimensional stained glass butterfly lady work of art. Materials included. All levels. Space is limited to 8 students.

Instructor:  Melinda Ortner

Date:  October 23, 30 (2 Saturdays)
Time: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Place: Colonial Bank Classroom
Fees: $80 members/$90 non-members

Gouache (Opaque Watercolor) – Color & Form
Discover gouache as a new medium. Gouache is an opaque watercolor that can be diluted to achieve a translucent effect or layered to create vibrant dense color. Composition, achieving depth in your paintings, and techniques for common landscape elements – skies, trees, mountains, and water – will be discussed. Create your very own fall landscape artwork. All levels. Space is limited to 10 students.

Instructor:  Linda Ruhl

Date:  October 23, 30, November 6, 13 (4 Saturdays)
Time: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Place: Chrysler Corporation Classroom
Fees: $70 members/$80 non-members*

Holiday Stained Glass Ornaments
Create holiday stained glass ornaments (Christmas tree, angel, and more) by learning about glass-cutting, copper-foiling, soldering, and construction. Materials included. All levels. Space is limited to 8 students.

Instructor: Melinda Ortner

Date: December 4 (Saturday)
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (one hour lunch break/bring a sack lunch)
Place: Colonial Bank Classroom
Fees: $60 members/$70 non-members

The easiest way to sign up is to call 256-535-4350 x222 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.and use your credit card. You also can stop by the Museum during business hours and register in person, or fill out the form (click here for pdf form) and mail it along with your payment to the Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church Street South, Huntsville, AL 35801. If you would like a copy the Museum Academy class brochure, you may call the above phone number or send your name and address via e-mail to lsmith@hsvmuseum.org.

Please note: All fees must be paid in full before a student is fully registered. A $10 fee will be charged for canceling registration; the balance will be refunded. However, there will be no refund for cancellations within one week of the first class. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis! The Museum reserves the right to cancel classes which do not meet minimum enrollment requirements. This minimum enrollment is determined on an individual class basis. In case of cancellation by the Museum, the advance payment will be refunded to you.

One of the benefits of membership in the Huntsville Museum of Art is a discount on art classes for children or adults. For more information, contact the Membership office at 256-535-4350 x203 or x205 or see Memberships.

In the event that Museum Academy classes or workshops are canceled due to inclement weather or other factors beyond our control, we will make every effort to make them up at the end of the session. During severe weather, the Huntsville Museum of Art’s Museum Academy schedule will follow that of the Huntsville City Schools: If the school system cancel classes, the Museum Academy will follow suit. It is the parent’s and student’s responsibility to check the following radio and TV stations – Radio Stations: STAR 99.1 WAHR FM and WLRH 89.3 FM and TV Stations: 19, 31, 48. When classes or workshops are canceled there will be a recorded message at 256-535-4350 ext. 222.

WAITING LISTS: If you wish to register for a class that is full, your name will be placed on a waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis. Should space become available, you will be notified.

Photo Release: Please note the Huntsville Museum of Art may take photographs of Museum programs and events for use in publicity materials. Please notify the photographer if you perfer not to have your picture and/or your child's picture taken during the class.

Robert Bean: B.F.A. from Mississippi State University and M.F.A. from Louisiana State University. Artist and Associate Professor at Alabama A&M University in the Fine Arts Department. Before moving to Huntsville, Mr. Bean taught classes in figure painting and drawing at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. His works have been in group and solo exhibitions.

Kristy Jane From-Brown: B.F.A. from University of South Alabama. Elementary and secondary art instructor at the Huntsville Museum of Art’s Museum Academy for ten years. She works in all media painting, drawing, printmaking, and ceramics. Her emphasis is on printmaking techniques. Has displayed works in several group and solo exhibitions. Served as the Gallery Administrator for the University of Alabama Department of Art and Art History.

Sheila Cape: B.S. in Art Education from Auburn University and work in Special Education from University of Alabama. Attended graduate studies in art at Troy State University. Elementary and secondary art instructor at the Huntsville Museum of Art’s Museum Academy, Museum docent and outreach program volunteer.

Kay Casteel: Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design from Calhoun Community College and graduate of Institute of Children’s Literature of Connecticut. Currently teaches homeschool art classes for all ages dealing with painting and drawing in Madison County. Participated as an artist-in-residence for Morgan County schools. Illustrated children’s books with Onstage Publishing in Decatur, AL –– The Case of the Missing Locket and The Secret of Crybaby Hollow by Darren J. Butler and The Legacy of Bletchley Park, Will Paris Burn, and Saving da Vinci by Annie Laura Smith.

Dr. Frances Church: D. Ed. from University of Oregon majoring in Art Education, M.S. from University of Oregon in Art Education, and BS from Middle Tennessee State University majoring in Art History and English Literature. Currently teaching undergraduate and graduate art education courses and art appreciation courses at Alabama A&M University–Art Program Coordinator, Fine Arts Department. Taught elementary, middle, and high school levels art classes.

Anna Sue Courtney: Attended East Stroudsburg State College in Pennsylvania majoring in visual and performance arts. Coordinated interdisciplinary collaborations at her studio as well as for museums, community centers, schools, universities, and other indoor and outdoor venues. Her puppet company, Squeaking Tribe, is located in downtown Huntsville. She is a part-time puppeteer for the nationally syndicated Kids on the Block Troupe of Educational Puppets; a member of the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA and Puppeteers of America. Taught the Museum’s Art for Homeschooled Students Program and other preschool, elementary, and secondary grade level art classes.

Greg Datcher: Artist and instructor in ceramics. Taught at The Studio in Huntsville. Attended Alabama A&M University, majoring in fine arts. Works in all clay forms from handbuilding to wheel throwing techniques with sculptural qualities.

Melanie Laten: B.F.A. in ceramics and printmaking and M.A. in Art Education from University of Montevallo. Attended Savannah College of Art and Design for additional visual arts continuing education. Taught for over 25 years in art education in Alabama public school system. Currently Huntsville Museum of Art docent. Works in all media particularly ceramics and painting. Laten: “As a retired art educator in the Alabama public schools, I see the value of children supplementing their art education and building more art skills in a museum academy setting.”

Melinda Ortner: Over nine years experience in stained glass. Ortner specializes in lamps, windows, mosaic garden stones, repairs and a variety of unique home décor. She has spent the past five years as an Instructor for Daimler-Chrysler Training Center, Kids Camp, The Studio and Hobby Lobby. Her instruction reflects her great passion for glass.

Gayle Power: Artist and instructor in painting. Artist signature: Herman Gayle. Both formal and informal instruction from Athens State University, Calhoun Community College, University of Alabama in Huntsville and in private study, and served as the art director of a private school. As a Southern impressionist artist, Power has exhibited in galleries in Gatlinburg and Fayetteville, TN; Huntsville and Decatur, AL; has work in private collections across the United States and around the world; and now exhibits her paintings in galleries in Charleston, SC, Atlanta, GA, and Athens, AL.

S. Renee Prasil: Art instructor of all ages and abilities at the Art Ministry at Whitesburg Baptist Center, after school art program at the Hampton Cove Elementary School (Huntsville City Schools), Huntsville Art League (HAL), and Huntsville Museum of Art. Her art ranges from murals, portraits, clay vessels, handmade tiles, and sculptures all media. Selected as the 2005 Panoply Arts Festival Poster Artist. Prasil: “I am visually oriented: I ‘feel’ in color . . .. It is that richness of existence, that joy from seemingly everyday things, that I wish to share through my art.”

Linda Ruhl: B.S. in Fine Art and Design from Arkansas Tech University. Her commissioned portraits are in private collections throughout the country. She is a member of the Portrait Society of America and the American Watercolor Society. In September 2005 and October 2006, she conducted a weeklong Master Class-Portraits in watercolor, pastels, and charcoal with the Grafton Artfest in Grafton City, Australia.

If you are looking for a new, creative location to celebrate a child’s upcoming birthday party, consider using the Museum Academy’s spacious classrooms (Tuesday through Saturday during normal business hours) (Subject to change if an art class is in session.) overlooking the pond at Big Spring International Park.

The Education Department will arrange for a qualified art instructor and all the art supplies for a hands-on art activity for the party guests. Please contact the Museum’s Education Department at least two weeks in advance.

To schedule a Happy Birthday! Art Museum Party, please contact Laura E. Smith, Museum Academy Director at 256.535.4350 x222 or e-mail: lsmith@hsvmuseum.org.

Rental Charges include: $150 HMA members/$165 non-members for up to 12 children due at booking time and $10 each additional child. You may begin to set-up for your party up to 30-minutes before your party time.

Huntsville Museum of Art provides:

• Museum Academy Art Classroom for 1 and 1/2 hour party which includes a 50-minute art activity (led by an art instructor), then party time!
• Children will have a work of art to take home.

You provide:

• Invitations, decorations, and refreshments: cake, drinks, and paper products.
• Minimum of 8 and Maximum of 20 party guests 3 years old and up (excluding parents)
• Clean-up after party. The Museum will provide trash receptacles.

Art Activity Themes: