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

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, 9/12, Saturday, 10 AM-1 PM Instructor: Lydia Zoells

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 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.
#36411, Bodgery, Wednesdays, 8/26-10/14, 630-930pm
#36441, Bodgery, Thursdays, 8/27-10/15, 630-930pm
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.
#36447, Bodgery, Wednesdays, 8/26-10/14, 630-930pm
#37035, Bodgery, Thursdays, 8/27-10/15, 630-930pm

Art Metals

In this 5-day course create a sterling silver bracelet while learning the timeless techniques of handcrafted chain making. Students will form, shape, and assemble individual links into either a Figaro or Infinity chain design. By the end of class, you'll take home a unique handmade bracelet and a new appreciation for this classic jewelry-making skill.
Supplies included.

Please note the original $200 supply fee for this class has generously been covered by an anonymous donor
#39222, Commercial Ave, 8/17-8/24, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM Instructor: Ernesto Cruz Tamayo
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.
#36309, Commercial Avenue, 9/1-12/8, 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.
#36281, Commercial Ave. Campus, 8/24-12/7, Monday, 5:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Hiroko Yamada
#36597, Commercial Ave. Campus, 8/25-12/1, 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.
#36167, Commercial Ave. Campus, 8/27-12/10, Thursday, 9 AM-12 PM Instructor: Hiroko Yamada
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.
TBD

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.
#36591, Commercial Avenue, 8/23-12/13, Sunday, 9 AM-12 PM —Christine Orr
#36253, Commercial Avenue, 8/24-12/7, Monday, 6-9 PM —Gloria Van Dixhorn
#35933, Commercial Avenue, 8/25-12/1, Tuesday, 9 AM-12 PM —Scott Draves
#36585, Commercial Avenue, 8/26-12/9, Wednesday, 6-9 PM —Gloria Van Dixhorn
#35959, Commercial Avenue, 8/27-12/10, Thursday, 9 AM-12 PM —Scott Draves

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.
#35945, Truax-Protective Services Building, 8/18-9/22,Tuesday, 1:30-4:30 PM —Alfredo Rodriguez
#35947, Truax-Protective Services Building, 8/18-9/22,Tuesday, 5:30-8:30 PM —Alfredo Rodriguez
#35951, Truax-Protective Services Building, 9/29-11/3,Tuesday, 5:30-8:30 PM —Alfredo Rodriguez
#36609, Truax-Protective Services Building, 9/29-11/3,Tuesday, 5:30-8:30 PM —Alfredo Rodriguez
Discover the fundamentals of oil painting in a supportive, beginner-friendly setting. You’ll explore observational painting, color mixing, and composition while creating your own expressive paintings step by step. This class will use traditional oil paints without solvents (no turpentine or Gamsol). We will explore safe practices and simple, helpful strategies for at-home oil painters without adequate ventilation for solvent use. This is NOT a class on water-soluble oils. No prior experience necessary, but prior drawing experience encouraged!
#38978, Truax-Protective Services, 8/26-10/21, Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 PM —Lydia Zoells
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.
#36215, Truax-Protective Services Building, 8/27-10/15, Thursday, 6-9 PM —GG
Discover the fundamentals of drawing while learning to see and interpret the world like an artist. Working from observation, you'll explore techniques for creating accurate drawings, develop confidence in your abilities, and build a strong foundation for future artistic growth.
#35995, Truax-Main Building, 8/27-10/15, Thursday, 9-11:30 AM —Katie Hogan
#35993, Truax-Main Building, 9/30-11/18, Wednesday, 6-8:30 PM —Thanasi Papapostolou
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.
#35923, Online Live, 9/2-10/7, Wednesday, 6-8 PM —Justin King
If painting the human face has always felt intimidating, this class is designed to take the fear out of the process using the fast, forgiving nature of acrylics. You will learn how to make bold choices through hands-on practice, building your skills in real time within a highly supportive, active environment.
All supplies included.
#39231, Truax-Protective Services Building, 9/14-10/5, Monday, 5:30-8:30 PM —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.
#36693, Truax-Protective Services Building, 9/14-10/5, Monday, 1-4 PM —Lee Schauer
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.
Supplies included.
#39213, Truax-Protective Services Building, 9/14-10/5, Monday, 9 AM-12 PM —Lee Schauer
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.
#36165, Truax-Main Building, 9/28-11/16, Monday, 6-9 PM —Thanasi Papapostolou

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!
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
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.