Welcome to “Beyond 27 Seconds, the How, What, and Why of Looking at Art”.  our NEW and FREE monthly Community Forum where we look at, talk about, and create art!  Do you know that the average time a person views an art piece is a mere 27 seconds?  In that time one may decide “I like it” ,“I don’t get it” “It’s good.” or maybe “My 6-year-old could do that.” But what does one really comprehend in such a short amount of time? In this fun and lively forum, we will learn how to better engage with, enjoy more deeply, and truly appreciate art – and the artist!  Each session, we will focus on such topics as: process, genre, medium, or group of artists, movement, or time period, with the goal of understanding how and why artists create and how we can view art in new ways to better interpret, connect with, and appreciate what we see! Each month one of our teaching artists will share curated works of art to lead the forum, with the first hour exploring concepts like   “What makes a piece of art effective?”  “Do I need to know “what” I am looking at to appreciate it?” “How did they do that?”  Once inspired, we will create a simple, yet exciting art piece relating to the topic of the month.  Join us each month, August through November at The Drawing Studio.  In December, we will have a field trip to a local museum to view real art “in the wild” and practice our new skills of seeing and engaging!

Open Print Lab is designed to be a creative exploration space! Open Print Lab is where our intergenerational printmakers, with an established practice, meet with others, share work, tips, and life's journeys! Enjoy access to 3 manual roll-top etching/relief presses for your self-directed projects! This studio session is not a regular instructional class, so we recommend beginners start with one of our various printmaking classes.

Folks are welcome to bring in anything that they wish, just so long as it goes back home with you! A Studio Monitor is available to answer questions and orient you on materials. Some materials are available at cost, so bring cash for additional supplies.

Old eyeshadow and old makeup, new purpose. This is a course for adults who love color and aren't afraid to break the rules of what art materials are "supposed" to be. You'll transform forgotten palettes into vibrant, textured canvas paintings — and give new life to something you already own. (We will use pastels for the colors you may not have and base sketch).

Materials provided by The Drawing Studio. Please bring any old eyeshadow or makeup that you want to use for your project. 

Bright Nights is a welcoming, affirming space for all queer identities, expressions, and lived experiences (and supportive allies). This monthly gathering centers LGBTQIA+ artists, of all ages through art, storytelling, and community connection. Each month, a featured host artist shares their story and creative practice, followed by guided, hands-on multi-media art making. Join us for a joyful, reflective evening rooted in creativity, care, and connection within the queer community.  

Snacks, beverages, and supplies provided.

**In creating inclusivity for younger generations, we ask that the youth be ages 15+yrs.**

Open Print Lab is designed to be a creative exploration space! Open Print Lab is where our intergenerational printmakers, with an established practice, meet with others, share work, tips, and life's journeys! Enjoy access to 3 manual roll-top etching/relief presses for your self-directed projects! This studio session is not a regular instructional class, so we recommend beginners start with one of our various printmaking classes.

Folks are welcome to bring in anything that they wish, just so long as it goes back home with you! A Studio Monitor is available to answer questions and orient you on materials. Some materials are available at cost, so bring cash for additional supplies.

You will learn specific pastel drawing techniques and approaches. Class includes a brief look at art history examples for inspiration, as well as information on the medium like what fixatives to use. With a focus on your animal, watch your drawing come to life through the texture and depth of pastels.

Materials not provided. Please bring the following:

Pencil

Sharpener

Eraser

Black sharpie 

Pastels (Kakura Cray Pas) 

Sketchbook/ white drawing paper 9x12 or smaller

Canson Black Paper 9 x 12, 24 sheets

Open Print Lab is designed to be a creative exploration space! Open Print Lab is where our intergenerational printmakers, with an established practice, meet with others, share work, tips, and life's journeys! Enjoy access to 3 manual roll-top etching/relief presses for your self-directed projects! This studio session is not a regular instructional class, so we recommend beginners start with one of our various printmaking classes.

Folks are welcome to bring in anything that they wish, just so long as it goes back home with you! A Studio Monitor is available to answer questions and orient you on materials. Some materials are available at cost, so bring cash for additional supplies.

Think Procreate is only for designers and illustrators? Think again. Touch & Create is a beginner's course that makes digital art approachable and fun for adults of all backgrounds. Your iPad is already powerful — now let's make something with it.

Materials not provided. Please bring your own iPad and charger (if needed).