Join our creative community and discover your inner artist.

Let our teaching artists help you hone your talents.

artist at work painting on a canvas

Upcoming Art Courses

2-Day Art Workshops

Dive into Watercolors! | $125

Embark on your artistic journey with our beginner-friendly 2-day workshop. Explore the enchanting world of watercolors with step-by-step guidance from our expert instructor. Learn the basics of color mixing, brush techniques, and create your own beautiful watercolor artworks. Whether you've never picked up a brush or are looking to build a solid foundation, this weekend class is perfect for beginners to immerse themselves in the art of watercolor.
#63662, Truax-Protective Services, 1/20-1/21, Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM-2 PM

Start Your Painting Journey | $125

Discover the exciting world of acrylic painting in our 2-day beginner's class. Unleash your creativity with acrylics as you receive hands-on instruction in a supportive environment. No prior experience is necessary. Our instructor will introduce you to the fundamentals of acrylics, including color theory, brushwork, and simple techniques to bring your ideas to life. Kickstart your artistic adventure!
#63663, Truax-Protective Services, 2/3-2/4, Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM-2 PM

General Art

Calligraphy | $145

Learn the basics of calligraphy, involving different alphabet styles, with individualized instruction.
#62336, Online Live, 1/22-2/26, Monday, 6-8 PM

The Art of Collage | $125

View and create visual art through the lens of collage! You will be introduced to the art of collage through several demonstrations and discuss the use of elements found in collage including texture, layering, color, form, pattern, and narrative. No previous experience is necessary, all skill levels are welcome!
#63687, Commercial Ave, 2/10-3/2, Saturday, 9AM-12PM

Mosaic Art for Youth | Ages 11-17 | $235

Complete a number of interesting and engaging projects, like jar lid magnets, cement stepping stones, small-format wall-art and others while learning the basics of mosaic art. Mosaic art poses unique challenges and provides unique pleasures: similar to creating your own puzzle, the process can be empowering, cathartic, and result in stunning pieces of art.
#63704, Truax-Protective Services, 2/24-3/9, Saturday, 9 AM-1 PM

Holiday Alcohol Inks | $55

Create unique and beautiful holiday bulbs and ornaments using alcohol inks. Alcohol inks are fast-drying, highly pigmented inks that you can use on a variety of surfaces. Once the ink is applied the alcohol evaporates and leaves behind the dye with stunning results. Come explore this fascinating medium!
#33667, Truax-Protective Services, 11/30, Thursday, 6-9 PM

Introduction to VR Art | $185

Create your own VR world. This introductory class will cover the fundamentals of virtual reality art design as you make your own fully immersive 3d virtual world to take home. Hosted at our state-of-the-art Madison XR Center on the Truax Campus.
#63647, Truax-Main Building, 2/6-3/19, Tuesday, 6-9 PM

Art Metals

Jewelry 1 | $504

Develop an appreciation and learn essential skills for different aspects of metalsmithing. Basic techniques and concepts such as sawing, piercing, texturing, soldering, bezel-setting and more will be explored as you design and create jewelry or small objects.
#62343, Commercial Ave, 1/30-4/30 Tuesday, 6-9 PM

Jewelry - Stone Setting and Mokume - Game | $504

Expands on the techniques learned in Jewelry 1 Art/Metal and is for any student who has learned the basic fabrication techniques. Demonstrations include advanced stone settings and Mokume-Gane.
#63612, Commercial Ave, 2/1-5/23, Thursday, 5:30-8:30 PM

Jewelry Workshop Advanced | $494

This course is for any student who has learned the basic fabrication techniques. Run in a workshop manner, demonstrations (such as photo-etching, tube setting, marriage of metal, and casting) are based on the desires and needs of students in the class.
#62342, Commercial Ave, 2/1-5/23, Thursday, 9 AM-12 PM

Art Welding for Beginners | $234

Take your first step into art welding! In this introductory class you will learn the fundamentals of welding and plasma cutting by working on a specific project designed by the instructor- think garden sculpture or seasonal décor!
#63766, Truax-Main Building, 1/30-3/5, Tuesday, 6-9 PM

Art Welding | $234

Create your own metal sculpture using a combination of fabrication and welding techniques. This class will expand your knowledge of welding and sculpture design as you make your own personalized art. Students must have taken "Art Welding for Beginners" or have prior welding experience.
#63767, Truax-Main Building, 2/1-3/7, Thursday, 6-9 PM
#63768, Truax-Main Building, 3/21-4/25, Thursday, 6-9 PM

Ceramics and Sculpture

Ceramics: Wheel Throwing | $519

This 15 week course is suitable for all levels; from those who are just beginning to those who want to continue their practice. This class will cover the basics of wheel throwing, surface design techniques and glazing. 50lbs of clay, glazes and firing included.
#62337, Commercial Ave, 1/29-5/6, Monday, 6-9 PM
#62359, Commercial Ave, 1/31-5/8, Wednesday, 6-9 PM

Introduction to Wheel Throwing | $270

This 8 week course is suitable for all levels; from those who are just beginning to those who want to continue their practice. This class will cover the basics of wheel throwing, surface design techniques and glazing. 25lbs of clay, glazes and firing included.
#62441, Commercial Ave, 2/22-4/11, Thursday, 9 AM-12 PM

Painting and Drawing

Watercolor Painting-All Levels | $185

For beginners or continuing students refining their watercolor skills, this class will be filled with technical information, demonstrations, individual instruction, and lots of time to paint. Learn brush handling, color theory and watercolor techniques such as washes, glazes, and textural effects. Choose subject matter from photos, book references or still lifes as the class explores painting styles from realism to abstract.
#62344, Truax-Protective Services, 1/16-2/20, Tuesday, 6-9 PM
#62376, Truax-Protective Services, 2/27-4/2, Tuesday, 6-9 PM
#62447, Truax-Protective Services, 4/9-5/14, Tuesday, 6-9 PM

Digital Painting Introduction | $105

See digital art in a whole new light. This class is a beginner level exploration of the tools, theory, techniques and tricks of working with computers, tablets, and software to create artwork. Learn to produce digital paintings and conceptual art by applying traditional art skills in a virtual environment. Required:  A tablet/ipad with apple pencil or other stylus OR  desktop computer with a Wacom or other drawing tablet attached. Sketchbook app.
#62317, Online Live, 3/18-4/8, Monday, 6-8:30 PM

Painting All Levels (Acrylic) | $245

Students will have the opportunity to observe the instructor demonstrating acrylic painting techniques and can either choose to paint along with a class project or may select an individual project. The instructor will accommodate all levels of painting skills, from beginning to advanced, will help students with ideas for subject matter, composition, color, etc., and will encourage each student to develop their own painting style.
#63665, Truax-Protective Services, 2/15-4/4, Thursday, 6-9PM

Fundamentals of Drawing | $205

This class will introduce basic techniques so you can create accurate drawings as you work from observation. The skills and concepts presented will provide an initial framework for your talent, build confidence in your ability, and amplify your creativity.
#62351, Truax-Main Building, 1/17-3/6 Wednesday, 6-8:30 PM

Drawing Intermediate | $205

This course is for those who wish to continue building their drawing skills, refine their artist's eye and truly see as an artist. Expanding on the concepts and principles introduced in the fundamentals session we will delve further into the art of linear perspective, proportions, composition, and effective use of light and shade. 
#62421, Truax-Main Building, 3/20-5/8, Wednesday, 6-8:30 PM

Figure Drawing | $270

Drawing the human figure is considered by centuries of artists and art academies to be the indispensable foundation of the creative arts. This class will introduce the students to the basic principles of figure structure and expression. Progressing sequentially, the student learns how to “see” human form and to render it effectively. This class is a must both for beginners and for those who are seeking to further their understanding and perception of the human figure in drawing, painting, or digital animation. Students will work from a live model and instructor demonstrations. Basic drawing materials are required. Only students the age of 18 or older are allowed to enroll in figure drawing.
#63611, Truax-Main Building, 1/22-3/18, Monday, 6-9 PM

Fabric Arts 

Sewing Beginning | $210

This course introduces the basics of sewing. The topics covered include operation of a sewing machine, familiarity with essential equipment, choosing and preparing a pattern, information on fabric and interfacing selection, and construction of simple projects. This is also a great refresher course. Individual help is given along with demonstration of techniques.
#62438, Commercial Ave, 1/11-2/15, Thursday, 6-9 PM
#62397, Commercial Ave, 1/16-2/20, Tuesday, 6-9 PM
#63645, Commercial Ave, 3/14-4/18, Thursday, 6-9 PM

Sewing Intermediate | $210

This course is a continuation of the Sewing Beginning course and includes lectures, demonstrations, and individual help. Students will construct a project of their choice that is as the beginner level from a commercial pattern. Topics include: buttonholes, zippers, closures, and some alterations.
#62398, Commercial Ave, 3/12-4/23, Tuesday, 6-9 PM

Sewing Advanced | $210

This course is designed for the student with previous sewing experience. Advanced techniques will be demonstrated and taught. Topics may include: alterations to clothing, adjusting commercial patterns for proper fit, invisible zipper application, understanding interfacing and stabilizers and more.
#33571, Truax-Foundation Centre, 11/28-12/14, Tuesday and Thursday, 6-9 PM
#62399, Commercial Ave, 4/30-5/16, Tuesday and Thursday, 6-9 PM

Macrame for Beginners | $55

Macrame is the art of creating textile using knots rather than weaving or knitting. It is an ancient craft that is easy to learn and a great deal of fun. Join us to learn the basics of macrame and create a fabulous plant hanger that can be used indoors or out. In this 2 hour class you will learn how to estimate materials needed and read a pattern as well as SIX knots that will put you on your way to becoming a macrame artist
#62439, Truax-Early Learning Center, 2/10, Saturday, 9 AM-12 PM

Beginning Crocheting | $95

Crochet continues to grow in popularity and is a great way to create and keep your hands busy. In this class you will learn equipment selection, basic crocheting stitches and processes, pattern interpretation, yarn study, perfecting gauge, and joining a seam. We’ll work on fun, useful and interesting projects to perfect your skills. No prior crochet experience is required for this class.
#63601, Truax-Early Learning Center, 3/20-4/17, Wednesday, 6-8 PM

Intermediate Crocheting | $95

Ready to move on from basic crochet? Intermediate crochet will advance your skills by exploring more involved stitch combinations, textures, color work and cables as well as delving into shaping techniques and garment construction. Depending on class preferences we may also work at complex amigurumi. You will always have a choice of projects to pursue. 
#63603, Truax-Early Learning Center, 4/24-5/15, Wednesday, 6-8 PM

Knitting Beginning | $95

Knitting is both a time honored and rapidly growing craft that offers fun, relaxation and the joy of creativity. In this class, you’ll learn how to choose and interpret a pattern and select equipment and yarn. You will also learn to cast on, knit, purl, fix common mistakes, knit in the round, and bind off a project. You will leave the class with finished projects. No prior knitting experience needed.
#62419, Truax-Early Learning Center, 1/17-2/7, Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 PM

Knitting Intermediate | $95

Have you mastered the knit and purl stitch and are ready to up your knitting game? In this class we will learn to create lace, cables, mosaic color-work and stranded color-work in small doable  projects. Skills will include reading pattern charts, provisional cast-ons, seaming pieces, icord, and correcting tension, among others. You must have basic knitting skills.
#63600, Truax-Early Learning Center, 2/14-3/6, Wednesday, 6-8 PM

Upholstery | $445

Learn to develop the knowledge, skills, and process of Upholstery! The course will meet the needs of beginning students as well as those who have acquired some knowledge of the subject. You will gain cutting, fitting, and fabric application skills. As you progress, you will undertake more complex projects, such as channel back chairs, semi-detached cushions, tufting and specialized care for antique pieces. Students should bring their project to the first class (beginners should start with a footstool or small chair).              
#62347, Commercial Ave, 1/30-5/7, Tuesday, 6-9 PM
#62345, Commercial Ave, 2/7-5/15, Wednesday, 1-4 PM
#62346, Commercial Ave, 2/7-5/15, Wednesday, 6-9 PM
#62348, Commercial Ave, 2/3-5/11, Saturday, 9 AM-12 PM

Photography

Landscape Photography | $165

Gain an understanding of various compositions and how to utilize natural light to achieve beautiful color and black and white landscape photographs. You will learn how to photograph landscapes using digital camera techniques and photo editing programs. We will also cover camera features and controls including how to achieve proper exposure and metering techniques with shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.  We will photograph landscapes around Madison College and other areas such as Cherokee Marsh, Prairie Ridge Conservation Park, Ice Age Scenic Trail, and The Arboretum.
#63688, Truax-Health Building, 4/13-5/18, Saturday, 10 AM-12:30 PM

Photoshop Elements for the Digital Photographer | $129

Learn how to use Adobe Photoshop Elements to do everything from quick fixes to detailed enhancements that greatly improve the look of your digital images. This course will take you from a novice to an accomplished user.
Instructor-Led, Upcoming Start Dates: 12/13 / 1/17 / 2/14
Also available as an on-demand, self-paced tutorial.

Register Today!

Three Ways to Register for Noncredit Courses

1. Register by Phone
2. Express Registration
3. Log into MyMadisonCollege
Gallery at Truax art exhibition

Visit the Gallery at Truax

The Gallery at Truax provides diverse experiences by exhibiting creativity, innovation, and collaboration for Madison College and its community. View the exhibition schedule, hours and location.