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

Beyond the Basics: Light & Depth in Watercolor | $165
Take your watercolor paintings beyond flat washes and learn how to create depth, dimension, and mood. In this focused workshop, you’ll explore layering, glazing, value, and color temperature to suggest light and atmosphere while preserving the luminosity watercolor is known for. Through guided practice and a finished painting, you’ll strengthen your ability to build convincing space and bring greater richness to your work. Recommended for students with basic watercolor experience.
#12138, Truax-Protective Services Building, 6/20-6/21, Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM-3 PM Instructor: Lee Schauer
Bold Color: Painting with Gouache | $167
Discover the bold, vibrant possibilities of gouache in this two-day workshop. Learn how to mix color, control opacity, and build paintings with layered, opaque applications. You’ll practice simplifying shapes, strengthening composition, and using color relationships to create expressive images. Explore paint handling and fast-drying techniques, and leave with the skills to confidently create colorful, graphic paintings. Supplies included!
#12166, Truax-Protective Services Building, 7/11-7/12, Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM-3 PM Instructor: GG
Subtractive Figure Drawing | $68
Sculpt form and light with your eraser in this figure drawing workshop! Subtractive drawing is a technique that involves covering your paper with charcoal or graphite and lifting out your lights using an eraser. This creates an atmospheric image and allows the artist to develop a full value range much more quickly than other drawing techniques. We will work primarily from a single long pose. Prior life drawing experience encouraged but not necessary. Supplies included.
#12296, Truax-Main Building, 8/8, Saturday, 10 AM-1 PM Instructor: Lydia Zoells

General Art

Woodturning 1 | $299
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 three 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. Students who have already taken Woodturning 1 are welcomed to sign up again and proceed to more advanced projects.
TBD
Woodturning 2 | $299
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.
TBD

Art Metals

Art Welding | $339
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.
#11139, Truax-Main Building, 7/7-8/25, Tuesday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Amanda Neumaier
Jewelry Open Studio | $158
Jewelry Studio Lab is designed for intermediate-advanced students who want to work independently on their own designs and projects in a shared studio setting. You’ll have access to the space and tools while developing your work at your own pace, with an instructor available to offer guidance and support as needed.
#11179, Commercial Avenue, 6/23-7/14, Tuesday, 9 AM-12 PM Instructor: Erin Bowe
#12172, Commercial Avenue, 7/21-8/11, Tuesday, 9 AM-12 PM Instructor: Erin Bowe
Jewelry Fundamentals: Rings & Folded Forms | $258
Curious about jewelry making? Get a hands-on introduction to metalsmithing in a focused, approachable format. Build foundational skills in sawing, fabrication, forming, and soldering while gaining confidence working with tools and materials. Create simple silver rings and learn the basics of copper fold forming, a sculptural technique that transforms flat metal into dynamic shapes. A great starting point for beginners! Supplies included!
#12171, Commercial Avenue, 7/8-8/12, Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Erin Bowe

Ceramics and Sculpture

Painting and Drawing

Watercolor Painting-All Levels | $208
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.
#11209, Truax-Protective Services Building, 6/30-8/11,Tuesday, 1:30-4:30 PM Instructor: Alfredo Rodriguez
#11211, Truax-Protective Services Building, 6/30-8/11,Tuesday, 5:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Alfredo Rodriguez
Crash Course in Drawing | $137
Do you want to become a better artist this summer? This workshop is ideal for those who want to recharge their artistic spirit and confidence in drawing. Through a convenient and condensed series of classes you will gain an understanding of the essential principles of drawing. Ideal for beginners as well as those with experience.
#11161, Truax-Main Building, 7/20-8/10, Monday, 2-5 PM Instructor: Thanasi Papapostolou
#11267, Truax-Main Building, 7/20-8/10, Monday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Thanasi Papapostolou
Intro to Portrait Drawing | $167
Drawing the human portrait has long been a challenging art form and one that requires a sequential approach. The purpose of this class is to provide such sequential approaches as well as the principles of drawing a portrait from a live model, such as establishing the scale, pose, and proportions. If you have ever struggled with drawing the features of the face, this workshop is for you. Suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced artists.
#11131, Truax-Main Building, 7/22-8/12, Wednesday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Thanasi Papapostolou
Step into Plein Air Painting (Acrylic or Oil) | $115
Paint outdoors and learn the fundamentals of plein air painting! You’ll explore how to capture light, atmosphere, and the character of a landscape while working on location. Practice simplifying scenes, building strong compositions, and quickly blocking in shapes and values. Gain confidence with a portable setup and leave with practical strategies to continue painting outdoors on your own. Designed for painters working in acrylic or oil with some prior painting experience.
#12167, OUT, 7/13-8/10, Monday, 9-11 AM Instructor: GG
Classes will meet at various pre-determined areas in the Madison area.

Video and Photography

iPhone Photography: From Basics to Pro-Level Shots| $67
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!
Future offerings posted here

Fiber Arts

Check out sewing, needlework, and upholstery classes.

Register Today!

Three Ways to Register for Noncredit Courses

1. Register by Phone
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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.