In this 4 week course students will learn to master the basics of sewing and complete your very own tote bag from a design and fabric of your choosing. If you’re a beginner or someone who needs a refresher, this class is for you! Students will learn basic sewing machine mechanics and accessories, sewing machine control and coordination (sewing in lines, curves and corners), basic hand sewing and stitches, fabric and notion selection, proper cutting techniques, and how to start designing and executing  your own sewing projects. 

Note: The Museum School has Singer Brilliance 6180 brand sewing machines, tools and fabric for students to use but please feel free to bring your own machine and supplies if you’d like. 

Tuesday, August 6 – 27
5:30 – 8:30 pm

Instructor: Selah Peña
Age: Adult (16+) | Beginner to Intermediate

In this workshop students will create a sweet garden mouse adorned with a flowery hat. Students will learn how to use two armatures to create their mouse as well as sculpt its features using needle felting techniques. This workshop is perfect for beginner and experienced needle felters. All supplies are provided. 

Wednesday, August 14
5:30 – 8:30 pm

Instructor: Lynn Short
Age: Adult (16+) | All Levels

Gouache is a water-based paint similar to watercolor but with a higher pigment concentration. In this class, students will work with the instructor to learn basic color theory and mixing techniques specific to gouache to create cohesive and vibrant palettes. Unlike traditional landscape painting, which aims for realism, this approach emphasizes the use of simplified shapes and symbols to convey ideas or evoke emotions. Through guided excersises and demonstrations, students will learn to distill complex landscapes into essential elements, exploring the power of abstraction and symbolism in art. All supplies will be provided.

Monday, August 5
5:30 – 8:30 pm

Instructor: Sam Jones
Age: Adult (16+) | All Levels 

Learn about the basics of working with clay for producing decorative and functional pottery. Students will learn the process and various techniques for going from an idea to a 3 dimensional completed glazed piece. The class will cover slab and coil construction as well as an introduction to throwing pieces on the wheel. An overview of decorating and glazing techniques for completing the piece will be presented.  All firings will be done by the museum in an electric kiln and all materials will be provided.

Wednesdays, July 17 – August 21
5:30 – 8:30 pm

Instructor: Jeff Hardcastle
Ages: Adult (15+) | Beginners 

Intermediate and advanced level students will enjoy developing their hand building and/or wheel throwing projects in this class. The instructor will introduce students to new techniques such as lidded, forms, vases, and image transfer. Students are encouraged to come to class with ideas for their own projects while the instructor will encourage experimentation and assist students as needed.

Sundays, July 14 – August 18
10 am – 1 pm

Instructor: Jeff Hardcastle
Age: Adult (15+) | All levels

Enjoy the sea life by attending this needle felting workshop where students will create a small adorable sea otter. Students will learn to use wire armature to create the base and then blend the wool to sculpte the otter that will be about 7 inches. This workshop is perfect for beginner and experienced needle felters. All supplies are provided. 

Wednesday, July 17
5:30 – 8:30 pm

Instructor: Lynn Short
Age: Adult (16+) | All Levels

In this introduction to Ikebana class, students will embark on a journry of traditional flower arranging, delving into the profound beauty and cultural significance of Japanese floral art. Ikebana is more than just arranging flowers – it is a mindful practice that harmonizes nature, balance, and form. Students will work with the instructor to learn the fundamental principles of Ikebana, exploring the different styles and schools that have evolved over centuries. No prior floral design experience is necessry; this class is open to students of all levels. All supplies will be provided. 

*Note: Truus Ten Kate Sharp has 40+ years of experience practicing Ikebana.

Tuesday – Thursday, July 16 – 18
5:30 – 7:30 pm

Instructor: Truus Ten Kate Sharp
Age: Adult (15+) | All Levels

Supplies: 

• Garden Sheers or Large Kitchen Scissors

Join this class to create floral greeting cards for any occasion. Under the guidance of the instructor, students will be using ‘wet on wet’ and ‘wet on dry’ watercolor techniques. Students will be able to make a variety of cards of their choosing.  

Wednesday, July 31
5 – 9 pm

Instructor: Iva Neveux
Ages: Adult (15+) | All Levels

Supply List: Show confirmation receipt at Nevada Fine Arts for a 10% discount.

• Watercolor pallet including your preferred reds, yellows, blues including indigo and earths including burnt sienna & burnt umber
• Variety of watercolor brushes including 1” flat, #6 or # 8 round, fan and rigger brush
• Pad (several sheets) of Arches cold press 140 lb watercolor paper (9”x12” or larger), other 100% cotton brands will also work (Daler Rowney, Bee Paper, Winsor Newton); some student grade watercolor paper (Strathmore series 400) for charting and testing color and brush strokes
• Graphite or mechanical pencil
• Kneaded eraser
• Two plastic water containers
• Spray bottle and a mister bottle
• Roll of paper towels
• Palette knife and/or plastic card
• Masking fluid
• Masking tape
• Plastic board to tape your paper onto
• Ruler (optional)

Collaging is the art of sticking various different materials such as photographs, pieces of paper or fabric on to a backing. In this class, students will learn about the aesthetics of collage, melding the ideas of reality and fiction as the instructor guides them through the process of creating their own piece using everyday materials. 

Supplies are provided, but feel free to bring any materials you’d like to incorporate into your collage piece.

Saturday, August 24
10 am – 2 pm

Instructor: Sogand Tabatabaei
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels

Collaging is the art of sticking various different materials such as photographs, pieces of paper or fabric on to a backing. In this class, students will learn about the aesthetics of collage, melding the ideas of reality and fiction as the instructor guides them through the process of creating their own piece using everyday materials. 

Supplies are provided, but feel free to bring any materials you’d like to incorporate into your collage piece.

Sunday, July 28
10 am – 2 pm

Instructor: Sogand Tabatabaei
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels