Our small classes, taught by professional instructors, are designed to encourage making, appreciating and thinking about art. Our programs foster imagination and encourage exploration of personal connections with materials and ideas.
Classes dropped 48 hours prior to the class start are eligible to receive a 90% refund.
Our art instructors give a great deal of thought to the themes, skills, and concepts that will be covered in classes. In our curriculum we recognize the varying abilities of students within a single class and our instructors plan to incorporate multiple ways to challenge all the students at the highest levels of their abilities. Our art class curricula meets State of Michigan Standards, Benchmarks, and Grade Level Content Expectations.
Ages 2-5
July 31st from 5:00 – 6:15 PM
Sing and move your way into JSA as we incorporate JJ and his family for a fun night at JSA. The evening will allow us to run, jump, and balance in our gymnastics classroom, concluding with a fun art project.
Cost: $20
Paint a canvas with beautiful summer-inspired art, chat with friends, and enjoy some light snacks and a cool summer drink.
Ages 4-12
10:00 – 11:30 AMJuly 30th “Magical Mermaid” [Register]
$28 Per Session
(All snacks and supplies included )
Instructor: Jode
Mondays: July 7, 14, 21, 28
Ages 4-8 4:30-5:30
Ages 9-13 6:00-7:00
If you love mixing up gooey, mushy, magnificent concoctions…then this artform is for you. Learn the recipes to make and color your own slime. Get sticky and creative as you smoosh, color and blend brilliant sculptural art. Throw in some glitter, and enjoy a slimy good time!
Cost: $45 includes all supplies
Tuesdays: July 8, 15, 22, 29
Ages 4-8 4:30-5:30
Ages 9-13 6:00-7:00
Join us in the art studio for a brilliant pallet of colors. Learn the tools and techniques to create beautiful summer inspired paintings with tempera paints, paint sticks, and watercolors! Wear your art clothes, we’re going to get messy!
Cost: $45 includes all supplies
Tuesdays: July 8, 15, 22, 29
ROOM 1-B
Ages 15 and up 5:30-7:00
$75 includes all supplies
Have you always wanted to learn more about painting beautiful watercolor birds, butterflies and flowers? Become familiar with the art styles and practice techniques in creating watercolor paintings, including layering, washes and color usage. Work in the art studio with an inspiring instructor to guide you through the process. Please bring a favorite photo of a bird, butterfly or flower of your choice for inspiration.
Wednesdays: July 9, 16, 23, 30
Ages 9-13 5:00-6:00
Explore the deep blue sea, some ocean animals, and mythical creatures! Create beautiful underwater paintings, assemble paper pirate ships, and learn to catch the twinkle of the ocean in some magical mermaid art. A’hoy!
Cost: $45 includes all supplies
Fall classes begin the week of September 2nd. Art classes run the full school year, from the week after Labor Day to the week before Memorial Day.
See the Jackson School of the Arts calendar for a complete schedule. Registration is ongoing unless classes are full.
Holiday Parent Week
For one full week of art classes in December before the Holiday break…Parents are welcome to join their child in the Art Studio for a festive holiday art project, music, and refreshments.
“Art on the Town”
Some of our fall art classes will be a part of an exciting opportunity, an “Art on the Town” experience. Students will create a few art pieces throughout the year that will be on display in businesses in downtown Jackson and throughout Jackson County. Some pieces may be offered up for auction, and some may be for display only, and students would get them back after they come down from their offsite galleries. We are so excited for our art students to have work showcased throughout the community! Classes involved in this experience are labeled “Art on the Town”!
Ages 4-6
Monday Evenings 4:15-5:00 PM
Animals and nature inspire us with their brilliant colors, unique patterns, and fantastic
shapes. Join us for this art adventure as we explore wild animals of all kinds. Nurture
your sense of wonder in this creative drawing and mixed-media art class as you learn to
use a variety of art tools and mediums, including paint, marker, crayons, pastels,
watercolor, and more. Students will learn to draw an array of animals and habitats, and
create some of their own! This class is sure to be an extreme adventure!
(Art on the Town)
Cost: $45 a month or less*
Plus $32 Registration Fee
Instructor: Jodie
Ages 7-11
Monday Evenings 5:30-6:30 PM
Learn the art of drawing animals and natural habitats, improve your observational skills
and develop specific drawing techniques. The class is full of creative art techniques
including color mixing, applying texture, creating highlights and shadows, and adding
details. You will experience using pencil, colored pencil, acrylic paint, watercolor, and
more. Be inspired by nature and wild creatures of all kinds, some of the real world, and
some of your own design! Combine those skills with your own imagination, and create a
masterpiece!
(Art on the Town)
Cost: $45 a month or less*
Plus $32 Registration Fee
Instructor: Jodie
Ages 12-18
Monday Evenings 7:00-8:00 PM
Join us for an art class that nourishes individuality and emphasizes creativity. Our wonderful instructor will inspire, teach, and encourage you as you develop your artistic skills, in a class designed for all experience levels. We will meet in a small group setting for individualized instruction and hands-on demonstrations. Explore a wide variety of paint mediums, learn brush usage, painting tricks, and printmaking techniques. Bring your drawings to life as you explore line, shape, color, and composition. Develop your original sketches into finished pieces as you build a beautiful body of work showcasing your creativity!
(Art on the Town)
Cost: $45 a month or less*
Plus $30 Registration Fee
Instructor: Jodie
Tuesday Evenings
Ages 6-10 from 4:30-5:30 PM
Ages 11-15 from 6:00-7:00 PM
Join us as we explore cartoon characters of all kinds! Learn to create some of your
favorite video game personalities. We will also be inspired by some old-time favorite,
and new and trendy cartoon characters. Learn some basic tricks to get the look of
various expressions, moods and actions. Create characters of your own, and learn to
draw them in various positions. In this class we will mostly be drawing, but will also
explore a variety of mediums to mix it up a bit! Add a pop of color with chalk pastels, oil
pastels, colored pencil, markers, paint, and watercolor.
Cost: $45 a month or less*
Plus $30 Registration Fee
Instructor: April
Ages 2-4 with a parent or caregiver
Join your child in the art room for their very first art class! Create fanciful children’s art
inspired by the seasons, holidays, animals, famous artists and some favorite children’s
songs and books. Enjoy exploring many mediums, including paint, glue, glitter,
watercolors, cut paper, markers, colored pencils, oil pastels, and more! Wear your art
clothes, we will get messy! We clean up the mess and you take home wonderful
memories and beautiful children’s art.
(Art on the Town)
Cost: $45 a month or less*
Plus $30 Registration Fee
Instructor: Rene
Ages 5-10
Wednesday 5:45-6:45
In this class, we will explore a variety of paints, such as watercolor, acrylic, and tempera
paint. We will paint on canvas, paper, wood, and more! Learn the basics of color-mixing,
brush technique, light and shading, and more. We will use various tools, beyond the
paintbrush, including stamping, printmaking, and stencils. Join us to explore a palette of
brilliant colors, creating works of art that will impress.
(Art on the Town)
Cost: $45 a month or less*
Plus $30 Registration Fee
Instructor: Rene
Ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver
Thursday Mornings 11:00-11:45 AM
Even the youngest artist can be inspired by the great artists and styles of the past. We
will explore many materials in the art room from finger paint, to watercolors, gloppy glue,
and glitter galore! Drive cars through paint, stomp dinosaur footprints, and createamazing and colorful works of art. We will find inspiration in the changing of the
seasons, and enjoy the process of creating beautiful children’s art.
(Art on the Town)
Cost: $45 a month or less*
Plus $30 Registration Fee
Instructor: Jode
Thursday Evenings
Ages 7-10 from 5:00-6:00 PM
Ages 11-15 from 6:30-7:30 PM
Create works of art with 3-dimensional design! We will explore various types of
materials including, modeling clay, oven-bake clay, cardboard, paper mache’, beads &
wire, and found objects. We will turn lost objects into newfound additions to an art piece,
and utilize items from nature to create beautiful artwork! Your instructor will inspire you
to use your creativity as you get your hands messy, and create magnificent sculptural
masterpieces from the table up!
(Art on the Town)
Cost: $45 a month or less*
Plus $30 Registration Fee
Instructor: Lizzie
Ages 16 – Adult
Tuesday Evenings 5:30-7:30 PM
Class held in 1st Floor 1-B, or 3rd Floor Patio (weather permitting)
Everyone is an artist. Indulge your love of art and grow at your own pace. This inspiring class is for students of any skill and experience level. Meet with friends in a small group setting for individualized instruction, and hands-on demonstrations… find your inner artist! Enjoy one session, or take them all!
(Art on the Town – Adults in these classes will be invited to have work showcased in our community galleries)
Session 1: Intro to: Gel Printing
Four week session Sept 16- Oct 7
$125 includes tuition and all materials
Learn the art of gel printing with the amazing Gel Plate! In this beginner class you will
learn to create vibrant prints of fall foliage, fibers, and textiles. You will also learn to
create a stunning layered, painted photo print. The silicone plate is versatile and can
create beautiful prints of shapes and textured items. Feel like you are not an artist, but
want to create projects with a beautiful outcome? This class is for you! Enjoy this
engaging process and discover the unexpected beauty in every print! Your wonderful art
instructor will walk you through, and guide and inspire you along the way.
Session 2: Acrylic Painting – Holiday
Six week session Oct 14-Nov 18
$150 includes tuition and all materials
A perfect way to work on some Holiday decore, or a gift for someone special. Join us in
the Art Studio and learn basic painting skills… color-mixing, brush technique, use of
value, light and shading, and adding the finer details. We will practice painting in
step-by-step lessons, and allow time to practice what was learned. You will have the
opportunity to work from a prepared holiday still-life, or a favorite photo or object. With
this specialized class you’ll be provided various techniques, and individualized
instruction to help you refine your skills. You’ll be amazed at what you can paint!
If you would like to choose your own holiday painting, please bring an 8×10 printed
photo the first week of class for inspiration.
Introduction to Watercolors – Monet Inspired!
Four week session: Jan 20 – Feb 10
$125 includes tuition and all materials
Brighten up your winter days. Become inspired by the great, Claude Monet. Start with
sketching from still-life. Become familiar with the watercolor pallet and practice
techniques in creating watercolor paintings, including layering, color-mixing, washes,
mask, and color usage. Work with an inspiring instructor to guide you through the
process. This class is for all levels of expertise. Experienced watercolor students can
start out at your talent level, new students will start out at a beginner level and grow at
your own pace.
Acrylic Painting – Beach sunset or sailboat
Four week session: February 17 – March 10
$125 includes tuition and all materials
Welcome to acrylic painting! In this class you will learn color-mixing, brush technique,
use of value, light and shading. We will practice painting with guided lessons, with room
to express your own creativity. Learn to add the finer details, and allow time to practice
what was learned. Students will have the choice to work from a provided photo, or you
may bring several favorite photos to choose from. Experienced students can start at
your level of expertise, new students will learn entry level skills and grow and progress
at your own pace. With this specialized class you’ll be provided various techniques, and
individualized instruction to help you refine your skills.
Session 5: Sketch & Pastels – In Plein Air
Four week session April 28 – May 19
$125 includes tuition and all materials
Our amazing instructor will introduce you to line, shape, value, texture and form. We will
work on composition, and learn fun techniques with pen and ink, pencil, along with chalk
and oil pastels for a pop of color! Learn to express yourself through open sketching,
guided drawing, and doodles & designs. You’ll be provided various techniques,
sketching tips, and individualized instruction to help you learn and refine your skills.
Instructor: Janet
Sip & Paint (Fall and Spring)
Paint on canvas, come with friends and meet new friends, enjoy a glass of wine and
explore your creativity. Your instructor will lead you through a beautiful seasonal inspired
painting. No worries if you feel you’re not an artist, we will lead the way. For the expert
painters, there’s always room to add your own creative flare!
Instructor: Rene
Ages 21+
$35 Wine and art materials included
Ages 18+
Paint on canvas, come with some friends or meet new friends, enjoy a coffee and some explore your creativity. Your instructor will lead you through a beautiful seasonal inspired painting. No worries if you feel you’re not an artist, we will lead the way. For the expert painters, there’s always room to add your own creative flare!
Saturdays 10:00-11:30 AM
October 25th “Autumn Blaze” [Register]
December 13th “Holiday Pine” [Register]
February 1st “Mi Amore” [Register]
$25 Per Session
(Coffee and art materials included )
Instructor: Rene
Ages 21+
Friday, November 21st
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Project Name: “Vintage Holiday”
Each ticket is for two people!
Enjoy an evening out with your significant other, meet other couples, and enjoy some wine and light refreshments. Put on your aprons and create a couples canvas. Your instructor will lead you through the steps to create a holiday inspired painting together.
$50 Per Couple
(Light dessert refreshments included)
Ages 21 & up
$35 Art materials, wine and light refreshments included
Friday, February 13 6:00-7:30
Enjoy an evening out with your best friends, meet other people, and enjoy some wine and
light refreshments. Have a little fun in Art Studio and create some dazzling custom
jewelry. Your instructor will provide a variety of beads, tools, and ideas. You choose from
the buffet of beads and jewelry making supplies to create a stunning one-of-a-kind
finished piece, no experience required!
instructor: Rene
We may be known for our weekly art classes for all ages, but we are now offering custom painting classes for your group of event! This will allow you to have a special artistic experience with your group of friends, co-workers, or team members without having other outside people joining in so you can feel comfortable enjoying your time together.
One-Day Workshops
Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where girls can laugh, dream and create with friends and their favorite doll. Join us for arts, crafts, fun and of course a special tea party for girls and their dolls.
Read more about our American Girl Tea Parties
$28 Per Session (includes all art supplies, a magical afternoon, and a tea party for you and your favorite doll!)
Instructor: Jode & Jen
We may be known for our weekly art classes for all ages, but we are now offering custom painting classes for your group or event! Enjoy your own private art party for your group in our beautiful 3rd floor Art Classroom. Choose your project, and our amazing art instructor will lead you through, teaching techniques and skills step-by-step for a stunning finished piece!
Perfect for individuals, 4-H groups, Brownie or Girl Scout Troops, Birthday Celebrations or groups of friends. Anyone that would like a private art class for their group will love this experience.
The Basics