Studio Programs
Studio Programs offer access to creative learning opportunities for children, teens, and adults in the Las Cruces community. Classes are for people of all skill levels, and students have the chance to learn a new skill or enhance existing knowledge while guided by local, experienced, and qualified professional artists.
Discover the artist within through various classes including:
- Ceramics
- Drawing
- Mixed media
- Painting
- Much more
Registration
Please note that classes are subject to cancellation if they do not meet minimum enrollment. Registration for all classes and programs closes the Wednesday before the first day the session begins.
Registration is now open for the fall sessions!
Session Dates
- Session 1: September 4 - October 19
- Session 2: October 30 - December 21 (No classes the week of Thanksgiving)
See calendar of events for times and program fees.
Adult Classes
Ceramics 1
This class is designed for beginner students to learn and practice basic techniques for building functional ceramic forms. Begin by exploring handbuilding techniques such as coil and slab building, then move on to creating forms such as bowls, cups, and mugs on the potter’s wheel. Learn about glazing techniques and bring home functional pottery.
Ceramics 2
Whether you prefer throwing on the potter’s wheel or handbuilding, this class will refine your making and decorating skills. This is intended for students who are ready to expand upon the basic skills and ideas gained in an introductory course. Starting with a quick overview of the materials used in the MoA studio and a review of the techniques from Ceramics 1, the class then moves to more complicated Instructor-led projects intended to help students practice and expand their skills. Prerequisite: Ceramics 1 or permission of the Studio Program Coordinator.
Ceramics 3
This class is designed for students to continue to refine and strengthen the techniques they have learned in Ceramics 1 and 2. Students work semi-independently, pursuing clay as an art form in the production of both functional and nonfunctional pieces. The emphasis will be on completing more complicated projects through fine tuning form, function and pottery design. In consultation with the Instructor, the class will select 2-3 projects to complete over the course of the class. Prerequisite: Ceramics 2 or permission of the Studio Programs Coordinator
Bookmaking
In this class, artists will create their own handmade books from cover to cover. Participants are introduced to bookmaking techniques, such as stitch binding and stab binding, as well as pop-up and accordion bookmaking. Fill your creation with poems, sketches, recipes, or found materials-the possibilities are endless! Supplies provided—but participants are encouraged to bring in their own recycled & decorative papers!
Printmaking
Students learn basic and safe non-toxic methods of printmaking which incorporate texture, surface, color, and design in works of art while exploring a variation of etching, intaglio, relief, collagraph, and monotype techniques. Projects allow students to explore color, composition, form, and personal imagery. They will learn to develop an original image for prints, engage in creative exercises to build an understanding of the medium, and integrate black and white and color into their graphic works. They will build confidence, apply new knowledge, and explore artistic experimentation and discovery while creating a variety of prints!
Classical Drawing
Drawing is the most important foundation course of all the visual arts! In this inspiring & informative class, participants will learn the essentials of proportion, line, shading, perspective, and composition. Use basic drawing techniques to create realistic drawings of still life, landscapes, and more, with natural and man-made textures, subjects, or personal subject matter (favorite photographs etc.). Participants will work with various media including pencils, charcoal, pen, and ink to define their own artistic styles.
Introduction to Watercolor
This class focuses on building the foundation skills of watercolor painting. Participants will receive detailed instruction and training for mastering watercolor materials and techniques. Students will practice effective brush handling, working with wet-on-dry paper technique, and mixing colors successfully. While experimenting with different pigments and textures, students also learn to create negative space, resulting in rich watercolor paintings. Throughout the class, students develop a painting of their own design, either from life or photograph, and leave with a finished painting, as well as greater confidence in working with watercolor.
Kids / Teens Classes
Through the Wheel (ages 13-17)
Learn the ancient art of wheel-thrown pottery under the direction of the Art Instructor. In this class teens are introduced to coil and slab building before being introduced to the potter's wheel to create bowls, plates, and mugs which can be glazed and taken home at the end of the class.
Drawing and Painting (ages 6-8)
This class focuses on drawing skills, pointillism, and painting techniques. Have fun in this class while exploring color and values, developing drawing and painting skills, and learning about famous artists. Students make fun portraits and landscapes, and learn how to create dynamic compositions from still life. Mix your own paints and learn a variety of techniques used by famous artists including Georges Seurat, Henri Matisse, Picasso, and others.
Messy Mixed Media (ages 9-12)
Create personalized pieces of art using a variety of techniques and materials. This hands-on class will allow students freedom to explore, blend color and texture and learn about how to put different art mediums together. Fun projects will combine collage, acrylic painting, layering, and found objects to create dynamic masterpieces! Come ready to paint, draw, sketch, splatter, sculpt and more!