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

Art Workshops

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. All supplies included!
#65494, Truax-Protective Services Building, 4/26-4/27, Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM - 2 PM Instructor: Lee Schauer
Explore the endless possibilities of colored pencil art in this creative, hands-on workshop. Learn blending, layering, and color techniques to bring any style to life. Perfect for artists of all levels looking to expand their skills!
#67882, Truax-Protective Services Building, 5/3-5/4, Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM-2 PM Instructor: Lee Schauer
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!
#67868, Truax-Protective Services Building, 5/10-5/11, Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM-2 PM Instructor: Lee Schauer

General Art

Embark on a creative journey in woodturning! Woodturning involves shaping wood on a lathe to create items such as bowls, vases, and pens. In this course you and your classmates will rotate between woodturning and tool sharpening, engaging in hands-on learning experiences. You will learn essential techniques, culminating in four unique projects. Whether a complete novice or having some experience, this course offers the foundational skills and confidence to pursue woodturning as a rewarding hobby in a safe and supportive environment.
#67674, The Bodgery (near Comm. Ave), 1/29-3/19 , Wednesday, 6:30-9:30 PM Instructor: Ris Fleming
Take your woodturning skills to the next level in this course designed for those who have completed Woodturning 1 or have prior experience. Get ready to refine your techniques while exploring more intricate and challenging projects.
#67703, The Bodgery (near Comm. Ave), 3/26-5/14 , Wednesday, 6:30-9:30 PM Instructor: Ris Fleming
Learn to talk about art! We spend most our lives watching movies, reading books, and even trying art ourselves, but how do we talk about it in a meaningful way? How do we go to a museum or exhibition and take away more than a selfie? I do the hard part (art history) so you don't have to, join the journey from the general to the specific and let's talk about art!
#67742, Truax-Health Building, 3/6-3/27, Thursday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Aaron Parks

Art Metals

This introductory class is open to all levels and will cover the fundamentals of welding and plasma cutting as you make a pre-determined garden sculpture or seasonal décor.
#65582, Truax-Main Building, 1/30-3/6, Thursday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Amanda Neumaier
#67698, Truax-Main Building, 4/1-5/6, Tuesday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Amanda Neumaier
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.
#65584, Truax-Main Building, 1/21-3/11, Tuesday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Amanda Neumaier
#65586, Truax-Main Building, 3/27-5/15, Thursday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Amanda Neumaier
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.
#67705, Commercial Avenue Campus, 1/21-4/29, Tuesday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Yuyen Chang
Ready to further you skills and choose your own adventure? Run in a workshop manner, this course will include demonstrations (such as photo etching, tube setting, marriage of metal, and casting) are based on the desires and needs of students in the class. Students should have completed Jewelry 1 or equivalent.
#65594, Commercial Avenue Campus, 2/3-5/12, Monday, 5:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Hiroko Yamada
#67675, Commercial Avenue Campus, 2/4-5/13, Tuesday, 9 AM-12 PM Instructor: Hiroko Yamada
Expand on your techniques! This class is for you if you've completed Jewelry 1 and/or have basic fabrication skills. Demonstrations include advanced stone settings and Mokume-Gane, a Japanese metalworking technique that results in a distinctive woodgrain effect.
#65482, Commercial Avenue Campus, 2/6-5/15, Thursday, 9 AM-12 PM Instructor: Hiroko Yamada
Learn some of the many ways to make handmade metal chains for jewelry including cable, loop-in-loop, woven, and more!
#67783, Commercial Avenue Campus, 2/6-5/8, Thursday, 4-7 PM Instructor: Cate Richards

Ceramics and Sculpture

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.
#67665, Commercial Avenue Campus, 1/22-4/30, Wednesday, 9 AM-12 PM Instructor: Scott Draves
#65298, Commercial Avenue Campus, 1/22-4/30 Wednesday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Gloria Van Dixhorn
#65262, Commercial Avenue Campus, 1/27-5/5, Monday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Gloria Van Dixhorn
#67819, Commercial Avenue Campus, 1/31-5/9, Friday, 5:30-8:30 PM Instructor: TBD

Painting and Drawing

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.
#65268, Truax-Protective Services, 1/14-2/25, Tuesday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Alfredo Rodriguez
#65330, Truax-Protective Services, 3/4-4/8, Tuesday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Alfredo Rodriguez
#65430, Truax-Protective Services, 4/15-5/20, Tuesday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Alfredo Rodriguez
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.
#65282, Truax-Main Building, 1/22-3/12, Wednesday, 6-8:30 PM Instructor: Thanasi Papapostolou
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.
#65480, Truax-Main Building, 1/27-3/17, Monday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Thanasi Papapostolou
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.
#65394, Truax-Main Building, 4/2-5/21, Wednesday, 6-8:30 PM Instructor: Thanasi Papapostolou
Delve into the art of acrylic painting, tailored for beginners or those seeking to refresh their skills. Uncover the secrets of acrylic painting materials, color theory, form, and composition. Spark your creativity through demonstrations and hands-on painting, and develop your ability to view the world through an artistic lens.
#65364, Truax-Protective Services, 1/23-3/13, Thursday, 5:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Selia Salzsieder
Unlock the full potential of acrylics in our advanced painting class! Delve into intricate layering, texture creation, and advanced color mixing techniques to bring your visions to life with depth and vibrancy. Refine your skills in composition and visual storytelling while exploring diverse styles and subjects. You must have taken Beg. Acrylic, All levels Acrylic or have equivalent experience.
#67695, Truax-Protective Services, 3/27-5/15, Thursday, 5:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Selia Salzsieder
Explore the beautiful world of watercolors and gain confidence in your skills. You'll receive technical information, individualized instruction, and experience engaging demonstrations. Learn essential techniques like brush handling, color theory, washes, glazes, and textural effects, and explore a variety of painting styles from realism to abstract.
#67679, Truax-Protective Services, 1/29-3/19, Wednesday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Steph Hagens
Discover the beauty of watercolor portraiture in this beginner-friendly class! Learn essential techniques to capture lifelike expressions and delicate features with flowing brushstrokes. Practice different techniques for drawing facial features, planning a portrait composition, and transferring your drawing to watercolor paper. Explore color blending to achieve different skin tones, layering, and shading to create vibrant, personalized portraits. Students will have the opportunity to draw from both a live model and a photo reference.
#67678, Truax-Protective Services, 3/26-4/30, Wednesday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Steph Hagens
Dive into the depths of watercolor mastery with our advanced class! Explore complex techniques like wet-on-wet blending, glazing, and color lifting to create stunning depth and luminosity in your paintings. Develop your own style under expert guidance, mastering composition and color theory for expressive, captivating artworks. You should have completed Beginning Watercolor or equivalent to take this course.
#67834, Truax-Protective Services Building, 4/30-6/18, Wednesday, 9 AM-12 PM Instructor: Lee Schauer
Enjoy the freedom to work in the studio while still receiving personalized guidance to explore new techniques and develop your unique style. Perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this is an opportunity to dive into painting or drawing media with the support of an instructor to inspire your creativity and growth.
#67883, Truax-Protective Services Building, 4/30-5/21, Wednesday, 1-4 PM Instructor: Lee Schauer
Develop essential art skills while exploring a variety of drawing and painting techniques, including pencil, watercolor, and more. Students will work on themed projects inspired by art history, contemporary artists, and personal creativity. This class is ideal for building confidence in artistic expression within a supportive and engaging environment.
#67702, Truax-Protective Services Building, Monday, 2/3-3/10, 4:30-6:30 PM Instructor: Jessica Ellenbecker
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 digital devices and creative software to create digital artworks. Learn to produce digital paintings and conceptual art by applying traditional art skills in a virtual environment. Required: An iPad with apple pencil, or Android tablet with a stylus, OR desktop/laptop computer with a Wacom or other drawing tablet attached. The primary app we will use for the class is Procreate for iPad, but participants can also use other software including Sketchbook, Krita, Painter, or Photoshop.
Future offerings posted here

Video and Photography

Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, content creator, or simply want to maximize your iPhone's potential for professional, high-quality images and videos, this class is for you! Discover underutilized settings and advanced file types that elevate your photos for any use. We’ll cover photography fundamentals, shooting techniques, accessories, apps, and in-phone editing. Plus, you'll engage in exercises to practice portraits, product shots, lighting, and more!
#67133, Truax-Health Building, 2/20-2/27, Thursday, 6-9 PM, Instructor: Andrew Jalbert
This course is intended for those who understand the basic point-and-shoot operation of their digital cameras but who are seeking assistance in taking better pictures using composition techniques and making better use of features such as aperture, flash, shutter speed, and more.
future offerings posted here

Fiber Arts

Check out sewing, needlework, and upholstery classes.

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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.