Teens ages 13 – 18 will have fun exploring the tactile nature of clay. Instruction will encompass basic hand building, throwing on the wheel, and sculpture. In this 5 day intensive for teens, students will learn about the basics of pottery, glazing and the transformation of their pieces from the heat of kiln. This will be a fun and educational class. All works will be fired in the Museums’ kiln. All materials are included.

Monday – Friday, March 25 – 29
1:30 – 4:30 pm

Instructor: Karen Vetter
Ages: 13-18, All Levels

Take your photographs to the next level by learning proper composition and photography techniques. Students will learn the different ways to compose landscapes, still lifes and people, while also learning different techniques such as High Dynamic Range (HDR), panoramic stitching, long exposures, proper posing for people, working with photo filters and lighting terminology.

Saturdays, March 2 and 9 
10 am – 2 pm

Instructor: MD Welch
Ages: Adult (15+) 

Prerequisite is our DSLR Camera Basics class or a good working knowledge of camera functions.

Supply List:
A DSLR or mirrorless camera, as well as their camera’s manual and any lenses that students own should also be brought to class. A fully charged battery and memory card are also necessary for class. A tripod and shutter release cable are highly recommended.

Create a miniature pine needle basket using natural materials. Learn from the basket making tradition of Audrey Frank’s native Nevadan Washoe/Paiute culture. Explore weaving methods by combining pine needles, sinew and raffia in this one-day workshop. 

Saturday, May 18
10 am – 2 pm

Instructor: Audrey Frank 
Ages: Adult (15+) / All Levels

Required Supplies: Small sewing scissors, small hand towel/dishtowel. Instructor to provide raffia, pine needles, thread.

In this class, book artist Bel Mills will show you how to create the simple but dynamic mechanism for making a pop-up flowers “bloom” when this card is opened. Perfect for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or any other special occasion. The patterned envelopes and cancelled postage featured in this unique pop-up design will also delight anyone who appreciates the charm of good old-fashioned snail mail. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. Older children and adults welcome.

Sunday, February 24
1 – 4 pm

Instructor:  Bel Mills
Ages: 12+ designed for older children and adults as well

Make your own marbled-paper Valentines in this brand-new class designed for kids ages 7 – 12. Book artist Bel Mills will teach students the clever technique for creating beautiful marbled patterns on paper using shaving cream and food coloring.  Students will marble paper during the first half of the class, and in the second half, a variety of pens and papers will be provided so everyone can design their own cards. Each student will leave with 4-6 standard sized cards with envelopes. All materials included with registration.

Saturday, February 9
9 am – 12 pm

Instructor: Bel Mills
Ages: 7 – 12

Students will learn the step-by-step process of turning sentimental cards into a keepsake book as an archive of special memories. Wedding cards, birthday cards, Mother’s Day cards or just friendly correspondence are all excellent candidates for the pages of this book. The unique structure features a hard cover and a flexible accordion spine that allows the cards inside to be paged through, or stretched out in a standing display. Beginning and intermediate students are welcome.

Wednesday, January 30
10 am – 2 pm

Instructor: Bel Mills
Ages: Adult (15+) / All levels

Supply list: 

• 5 – 10 Greeting Cards
• Bookbinding Needle or other Large Needle
• 2 yards ¼ inch Ribbon

Students will learn the basics of mosaics, including techniques, design and grouting. Using various materials, students will work towards a 10” x 10” mosaic mirror or 6 x 12 plaque project. All materials provided but students may bring other objects (stones, jewels, beads, etc.) to incorporate into their piece. This class is intended for those unfamiliar or new to mosaics but all skill levels are welcome. At the end of the workshop, students will be given a grouting demo and take home grout kit. Students can take the grout home or may choose to complete the project with guidance at a later date at Copper Cat Studios in Sparks.

Sunday, March 3
10 am – 3 pm

Instructor: Katie Packham
Ages: Adults (15+) / All Levels

Create a miniature pine needle basket using natural materials. Learn from the basket making tradition of Audrey Frank’s native Nevadan Washoe/Paiute culture. Explore weaving methods by combining pine needles, sinew and raffia in this one-day workshop. 

Saturday, March 30
10 am – 2 pm

Instructor: Audrey Frank 
Ages: Adult (15+) / All Levels

Required Supplies: Small sewing scissors, small hand towel/dishtowel. Instructor to provide raffia, pine needles, thread.

In this fun introductory class, you will learn how to use patterned paper, book cloth, and waxed thread to turn an ordinary bar-soap box into a thick mini-journal with a hand-stitched spine. Students will leave with a compact journal ideal for taking on the road or giving as a gift. With just over 365 pages, the journal is also an ideal “line-a-day” diary, habit tracker, or dream journal. Also a great place for artists to test pens and paints, or demo rubber stamps. A variety of basic bookbinding techniques will be covered, including proper folding, gluing and stitching practices. Both novice and intermediate book makers welcome.

Saturday, March 16
10 am – 2 pm

Instructor: Bel Mills
Ages: Adult (15+) / All levels

Supply list: 

• Soap Box
• Bookbinding needle or other Large Needle
• Lunch
• All other materials included with registration

Students will enjoy developing their painting techniques and skills in this observational open studio class.  Weekly subject matter will rotate between nude and clothed models and still-lifes. Each class will begin with brief instruction followed by an open studio format painting class. Students may use acrylic or oil paint. Dry media is also welcome.

Sundays, February 17 – March 3
9 am – 12 pm

Ages: Adult (18+) / All levels
Instructor: Daniel Helzer

Supply List:

• Color recommendations are as follows though all mediums are welcome for this open studio class:
  Titanium White 
  Ultramarine Blue 
  Cadmium Red Medium or Light
  Lemon or Cadmium Yellow 
  Light Yellow Ochre 
  Burnt Sienna
• Selection of brushes
• Pallet
• Palette knife
• Painting Board or Canvas
• Container/jar water and brushes
• Paper towels
• Cheap Plastic Ruler
• Gamsol mineral spirits (if working in Oil)