High School & Adult Classes (Ages 14 and Up)
Classes are held in the Museum Academy classrooms located downstairs in the Museum. Enter on the North Patio – pond side at Big Spring Park. Look for the Museum Academy entrance!
Fee covers the dates listed with each class.
If the class you want is SOLD OUT, please email your name and phone number to Laura E. Smith, Director of Education/Museum Academy at lsmith@hsvmuseum.org to be added to the waiting list.
Visit hsvmuseum.org for more information on FAQ’s regarding class cancellation policies and other related Common Questions.
One of the many benefits of membership in the Museum is a discount on art classes and workshops.
Give the Gift of Creativity – Gift Certificates Available! Call the Museum Academy at 256.535.6372.
If you have questions or prefer to register over the phone, call the Museum Academy at 256.535.6372.
Inclement Weather Policy for Children and Teens Camps/Classes and High School/Adult Classes/Workshops:
During inclement weather, the Huntsville Museum of Art’s Museum Academy schedule will follow that of the Huntsville City Schools: If the school system closes, the Museum Academy classes will also be postponed. The classes will then meet at their next regularly scheduled time. When camps/classes or workshops are postponed, there will be a recorded message at 256.535.6372. Check the Museum’s website and Facebook page. In the event that Museum Academy camps/classes or workshops are postponed due to inclement weather or other factors beyond our control, we will make every effort to reschedule these classes at the end of the session by adding on an additional week to the schedule.
Photos courtesy of the artists/instructors.
*Supply list is available online with each class description. Students registered by mail or phone will receive a copy along with their class confirmation. Fee covers dates listed with each class.
Click on a header below to learn more and register!
Students will learn how to create compelling gelli prints and combine those prints with text. Learn a variety of techniques, such as free writing, experience-based writing, found poetry, and gelli printing using stencils, natural materials, and photo transfer. Materials included.
Space is limited to 8 students.
Learn about glass-cutting, patternmaking, copper-foiling, soldering, and construction. Create a night light using a technique of varied shapes of glass. Materials included. Space is limited to 6 students.
Grab your brushes and imagine salty air and sun-washed colors. Students will use a loose, quick watercolor sketching approach to capture all things beachy—chairs in the sand, soft shadows, shimmering water, and sun-faded details. This class focuses on fast, informal watercolor sketching, working small and painting from observation without overthinking. It’s an ideal warm-up for larger paintings and a wonderful standalone practice for artists who love sketching on the go. We’ll simplify shapes, suggest light and movement, and let watercolor flow naturally across the page. Expect a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where perfection is left at the shoreline. This class is perfect for anyone wanting to loosen up, build confidence, and capture the easygoing spirit of beach life in watercolor. If you have taken a prior watercolor painting class with Jennifer, please bring your supplies. If you have not taken a prior watercolor painting class with Jennifer, you will need to select registration with a material fee. Space is limited to 10 students.
Learn about glass-cutting, patternmaking, copper-foiling, soldering, and construction. Create a wall clock using a technique of varied shapes of glass. Materials included. Space is limited to 6 students.
Learn to capture the natural beauty of the earth and sky that surrounds you! In this class, Lucy will show you how she builds a landscape painting from both photographs and imagination. Students will focus on painting skies and building all the colors in the clouds, fields and creating depth and dimension in land. She will also show you how she paints different types of trees and shrubs Learn elements of composition, color mixing-especially greens, value and contrast. She paints mostly using the negative space technique so you will also learn the basics of this method and how it can enhance not just landscapes but any subject. Space is limited to 10 students.
Students will learn how to draw in charcoal and/or pencil. The instructor will provide reference photos which include options for landscape, still life, and portrait. Students can pick whichever subject they like. The instructor will discuss and demonstrate how to observe subjects focusing on shapes and values. Space is limited to 8 students.
Explore basic handbuilding and wheel throwing techniques. You will also gain experience with various decorating and glazing techniques. If you have always wanted to try clay and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, this is the class for you! Instructor demonstrations included. Space is limited to 8 students.
Join me for a fun and engaging watercolor class focused on the beauty of painting the human face. Throughout this four-session class, we will work from a single portrait subject I will provide, allowing plenty of time to slowly build layers, refine details, and truly understand the watercolor portrait process. This hands-on class will explore essential techniques such as capturing reflections and highlights, recognizing subtle color shifts in skin tones, and creating luminous transparency that brings watercolor portraits to life. Students will also learn how to layer washes effectively, control water flow, and develop confident brushwork. Expect plenty of step-by-step instructions, helpful demonstrations, and a few fun stories along the way. This class is designed to be both informative and relaxed, giving students the time and guidance needed to enjoy the process of bringing a portrait to life in watercolor. If you have taken a prior watercolor painting class with Jennifer, please bring your supplies. If you have not taken a prior watercolor painting class with Jennifer, you will need to select registration with a material fee. Space is limited to 10 students.
Join us for a fun and creative Oil Painting Class where we’ll explore the timeless art of painting a still life from a reference photo. Using a classic subject like the example shown, students will learn to capture the rich colors, textures, and details that make still-life paintings so visually satisfying. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced painter, this class will guide you through essential oil painting techniques, including layering, blending, color mixing, and building depth with light and shadow. We’ll explore how to simplify shapes, develop strong composition, and bring everyday objects to life on canvas. This relaxed, always-fun, hands-on class offers plenty of guidance and demonstrations while giving students the freedom to enjoy the creative process. Space is limited to 10 students.
Explore the use of glazes, slips and sculpting techniques to create expressive and individual works, such as mugs and vessel forms. Space is limited to 8 students.
Learn about glass-cutting, patternmaking, copper foiling, soldering, and construction. Create small-scale panel piece for your garden/yard. Materials included. Space is limited to 6 students.
This four-week series provides a deeper exploration of linocut printmaking through a variety of projects and techniques. Students will design, carve, and print a variety of bold summer motifs – including gyotaku-inspired fish, colorful fruits, and destination postcards. This series will explore different linocut printmaking techniques such as multi-colored “jigsaw” prints, ombre inking, and printing on different surfaces. This class is great for beginners and returning printmakers. No prior printmaking experience required. Materials provided. Space is limited to 8 students.
Learn about glass-cutting, patternmaking, copper foiling, soldering, and construction. Create an artful sun catcher using a technique of varied shapes of glass. Materials included. Space is limited to 6 students
This hands-on class introduces linocut printmaking from start to finish. Students will learn the basics of design, safe carving, inking, and printing, with a focus on translating simple drawings into bold, printable images. Each participant will create a birds or botanicals themed design, carve it into soft blocks, and then print a set of cards. The class is beginner-friendly and relaxed, with no prior printmaking experience required. Students will leave with their carved linocut block, a small edition of hand-printed cards, and a strong foundation in linocut tools, materials, and process. Materials provided. Space is limited to 8 students.
Explore the techniques to capture the light, color, texture and feeling of the outdoors. Enjoy learning new methods and the effects of painting with a palette knife and brush. Learn how to create the exciting vibration of color and texture. Students will follow a sequential application of paint, explore color combinations, mixing techniques and work in an Impressionistic style. Photo references will be provided. Subject matter will include still life and landscape. Space is limited to 8 students.
Join us for a fun and vibrant Watercolor Sketching class inspired by the beauty of garden flowers! In this relaxed and creative session, we’ll explore loose watercolor techniques while sketching a variety of blooming subjects, including roses, wildflowers, leaves, and small floral arrangements. Students will learn the fundamentals of watercolor sketching, color mixing, and composition, while discovering how to capture the delicate shapes, soft color transitions, and lively character of flowers in an expressive style. Through demonstrations and step-by-step guidance, you’ll explore techniques for painting petals, building layers of color, and creating quick, beautiful floral studies. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this class offers plenty of time to experiment, loosen up your brushwork, and develop confidence in watercolor sketching. Perfect for nature lovers, sketchbook artists, and anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed and inspiring painting experience. If you have taken a prior watercolor painting class with Jennifer, please bring your supplies. If you have not taken a prior watercolor painting class with Jennifer, you will need to select registration with a material fee. Space is limited to 10 students.
This is a beginning class for students that are interested in learning the fundamentals of wheel throwing. We’ll glaze our pieces, too! Instructor demonstrations included. Space is limited to 8 students.
An introduction to the materials and methods of acrylic or oil painting. You will learn about the tools and principles of landscape painting, with an emphasis on seeing and using color. Space is limited to 8 students.
Learn about glass-cutting, patternmaking, copper foiling, soldering, and construction. Create a fan lamp using a technique of varied shapes of glass. Lamp base provided. Materials included. Space is limited to 6 students.
This class introduces participants to slow stitching—a mindful, process-oriented approach to hand sewing that values material history, quiet observation, and thoughtful making. Students will create small slow stitched items that can be made into either a small, stitched book or keepsake ornament, transforming tattered or discarded textiles into a beautiful, functional art object. Well- suited for those interested in textiles, mixed media, art journaling, sustainability in art-making, and reflective studio practices, as well as anyone seeking a thoughtful, museum-based creative experience. Materials provided. Space is limited to 8 students.
Students will learn to use the potter’s wheel to make beautiful and useful clay pots. Simple forms, such as bowls and cups will be explored, as well as more complex forms, such as lidded jars and pouring vessels. Space is limited to 8 students.
Making abstract art can be exhilarating but it can also be quite challenging. One of the hardest parts is knowing where to start. Do I need a reference photo? Do I need to have a recognizable subject? Do I use just paint or should I try to mix in other media? The longer I create the more I believe that abstract art is a great way to get started as a beginning painter. Color, shape and composition are elemental to learning any style of painting or subject matter. Working in abstract concepts will strengthen your confidence in making effective choices in all your creative work. In this class, students will focus on experimenting with and making abstract art. Students will spend time discussing some recognized forms of abstracts as well as balance and composition. Students will work with color and shapes and how to use them for maximum impact based on your own personal style. Collage, paper, paint, markers and other tools will be used to make our work. Students will make several small abstract paintings and one larger piece. Space is limited to 10 students.
The instructor will demonstrate techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry as well as how to mix colors, how to mix paint with water, and what to do when you make mistakes. The instructor will also demonstrate what not to do. Reference photos of landscape, still-life and portrait will be provided. Space is limited to 8 students
Discover the joy of painting with soft pastels in this lively, hands-on class! Students will explore the beautiful, colorful world of living on a farm while learning the hierarchy of pastels—from firm to luxuriously soft—and how each type affects your artwork. Experiment with a variety of surfaces, layering color from dark to light to bring their subjects to life. Soft pastels are buttery, expressive, and incredibly fun to work with—you’ll fall in love with their vibrant color and smooth blending. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, this class promises creativity, color, and plenty of smiles! Prior drawing experience is recommended but not required. Photo references, soft pastels and surface provided. Space is limited to 10 students.
Expand your skills and learn to draw the portrait! Charcoal is fast, expressive, and forgiving media, perfect for exploring and learning about the face and head. The concepts and techniques used for charcoal drawing go hand in hand with painting. Your painting skills will greatly benefit from your practice of drawing the portrait in charcoal and pencil. Reference photographs will be provided. Space is limited to 8 students.
