High School & Adult Classes
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.
Focus on the fundamentals of drawing: line, composition, proportion, perspective, light, and shadow. Enhance observational sensibilities as you learn how to record what you see, while emphasizing creativity. Your painting skills will greatly benefit from your practice of drawing in charcoal and pencil. Reference photographs will be provided. Space is limited to 8 students.
(includes clay, firing & glazes)
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.
Watercolor Sketching: The Majestic Moth & Butterfly
Watercolor sketching refers to any watercolor work that’s completed quickly, with a loose, informal style. It’s often used as a “warm up” for a bigger, more detailed painting, but it’s also a great practice for any on-the-go artist. This small-scale, loose sketching approach is all about quick observation and capturing what you see on paper. 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 material fee. Space is limited to 10 students.
Learn about techniques for both oil and acrylic paints such as direct painting, layering and composition, and color. Subject matter includes landscape and still life. Choose either oil or acrylic medium. Space is limited to 8 students.
An introduction to the materials and methods of oil painting. You will learn about the tools and principles of still life painting, with an emphasis on seeing and using color. Space is limited to 8 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.
Dark backgrounds and moody still life subjects. Think Jan Davidsz de Heem, a well-known Dutch artist. We will be working from photo references, which will be provided. Instructor demonstrations included. Space is limited to 10 students.
Watercolor
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 or portrait will be provided. Space is limited to 8 students.
Learn the methods of pastel painting while exploring the still-life genre. Discover the value, warm and cool relationships, and color as well as methods for self-correction and problem solving. Space is limited to 10 students.
Explore the art of wet felting by creating several types of wool felted flowers, from simple to more advanced. Through this class of discovery, students will learn about types of fiber, layout techniques, and their relation to color design, texture, and shaping. Materials provided. Space is limited to 12 participants.
Discover the magic of the nuno felting, a contemporary wet felting technique. Students will create a unique piece of wearable art with hand dyed silks, reclaimed fabrics, and fine merino wool. They will explore layout design and learn about which types of fibers and textiles are best used in this style of felting. Materials provided. Space is limited to 8 participants.
Create holiday-clay ornaments such as an angel, tree, wreath and more by learning patternmaking and construction. Each student will create at least three ornaments. Materials include clay, use of tools and glazes. Space is limited to 8 students.
Expand your skills and learn to draw the portrait! Charcoal and conté are fast, expressive, and forgiving media, perfect for exploring and learning about the face and head. The concepts and techniques used for charcoal and conté 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.
Create holiday-stained glass ornaments such as an angel, candy cane, poinsettia, and wreath by learning glass-cutting, copper-foiling, soldering, and construction. Each student will create three ornaments. Materials included. Space is limited to 6 students.
Learn about glass-cutting, patternmaking, copper-foiling, soldering, and construction. Create a functional clock piece using a technique of varied shapes of glass. Materials included. Space is limited to 6 students.