Art Continuing Education Courses

Let our teaching artists help you hone your talents.

Upcoming Art Courses

General Art

Smartphone Photography for Small Business | $75

Learn how to transform your smartphone photos into professional looking photos for your small business. Students will learn the fundamentals of composing a photo, using appropriate angles, lighting, and how to edit photos all while using your phone. This class is ideal for all types of small businesses who want professional looking photos of their products for their website and social media accounts.
#64012, Truax-Health Building, 4/11-4/25, Tuesday, 5:30-8 PM

Calligraphy | $125

Learn the basics of calligraphy, involving different alphabet styles, with individualized instruction.
#10516, Online Live, 6/12-7/17, Monday, 6-8 PM

Barn Quilts | $65

This workshop is a great opportunity to bring people together whether they sew or not. A perfect activity for everyone to join in on the fun. We can spread the joy and pride of our rich quilting heritage, with the hopes of fostering a community of creativity and positivism through painting across towns. Quilt blocks will be drafted by participants during the first hour. Instructor will provide a list of designs the day of the workshop to choose from, that work well with the 24” board. Students should bring eraser and 24” acrylic ruler.
#11017, Truax-Early Learning Center, 7/29, Saturday, 9 AM-1 PM

Art Metals

Jewelry 1 | $273

Jewelry 1 is an introduction to the basic techniques of jewelry making and small-scale metal objects using silver, copper, bronze and brass. Advanced students enrolled in Jewelry 1 will work independently.
#11011, Commercial Ave, 5/30-7/25, Tuesday, 6-9 PM

Ceramics and Sculpture

Surface Design Techniques | $110

Join ceramic artist Rachelle Miller as she demonstrates various hand-building techniques to create functional ceramics and different surface decoration approaches, including stencils, sgraffito, and slip transfer. These new skills will open up new and exciting possibilities in your creative practice. You will make two to three hand-build projects on the first Saturday of the workshop and on the second Saturday you will glaze your work. This workshop is open to students of all clay abilities! Class time vary, follow list below. Learn more.
#11012, Commercial Ave, 6/17, Saturday, 9:30 AM-2 PM and 6/24, Saturday, 9 AM - 12 PM

Exploring the Mug: Form and Handles | $110

Join instructor Dean Leeper this 2 day workshop focusing on throwing thoughtful and creative mug forms as well as exploring multiple ways to create and attach handles. On the first day, participants will practice techniques for throwing a variety of mug forms and will be provided with demonstrations and visual aids for reference and inspiration. The second day of the workshop will focus on creating handles. Participants will question technical, design, and functional decisions. Previous experience throwing on the wheel is preferred for this workshop, but all levels of experience are welcome. Learn more.
#11006, Commercial Ave, 7/8-7/9, Sunday, 10AM - 2PM

Intro to Wheel Throwing | $217

This class is intended for students who are new to working on the wheel. Over this 6 week course you will learn the basics to throwing and finishing pottery. 25lbs. of clay, glazing and firing included (tools provided).
#63968, Commercial Ave, 3/23-4/27, Thursday, 9 AM-12 PM
#11014, Commercial Ave, 6/21-7/26, Wednesday, 9 AM-12 PM
#11005, Commercial Ave, 7/13-8/27, Thursday, 5:45-8:45 PM

Summer Ceramics: Wheel Throwing | $302

This 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. 25 lbs of clay, glazes and firing included.
#11007, Commercial Ave, 6/13-8/8, Tuesday, 6-9 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.as the class explores painting styles from realism to abstract.
#10532, Truax-Protective Services, 5/23-6/27, Tuesday, 6-9 PM
#10533, Truax-Protective Services, 7/11-8/15, Tuesday, 6-9 PM

Watercolor Painting - Embracing the Bloom | $185

This class is for beginner to intermediate students or anyone who has experience using watercolors and is looking to brighten up their paintings using techniques that allow you to manipulate space, light and color in new ways. You will learn new techniques each week. There will continuous demonstrations and conversations as you experiment and explore concepts.
#63661, Truax-Protective Services, 4/11-5/16, Tuesday, 6-9 PM
#11025, Truax-Protective Services, 6/14-7/19, Wednesday, 6-9 PM

Digital Painting Intermediate | $85

Learn new skills and techniques for digital painting with our intermediate class. Through five projects over five weeks you will explore planning, thinking in shapes, sketching and coloring, shading methods, and textures.
Required: Tablet/iPad with apple pencil or stylus or desktop with Wacom or other drawing tablet attached. Sketchbook app.
#63660, Online Live, 4/3-4/24, Monday, 6-8 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.
#11027, Truax-Protective Services, 6/15-8/3, Thursday, 6-9 PM

Plein Air Painting with Pastels | $185

Connect with nature and learn to paint with pastels at some of the most cherished locations around Madison such as Olbrich Gardens, The Crane Foundation and Devil’s Lake. You’ll receive personalized instruction and feedback on color theory, composition, and technique to help you unlock your full potential and create beautiful art while also learning the ins and outs of painting outdoors. All skill levels welcome!
#11024, Truax-Protective Services, 6/24-7/29, Saturday, 10 AM-1 PM

Exploring and Drawing Madison Architecture | $165

Have you ever wondered why buildings look the way they do? Explore and draw the diverse architectural language and styles of downtown Madison. Learn the fundamental principles such as proportion, symmetry, and style through a combination of demonstrations, drawing projects and sketching outdoors. Students learn the art of drawing architecture freehand in the classroom and through drawing select buildings in Madison. Ideal for anyone interested in architecture, sketching urban landscapes and anyone involved in creating decorative molding or the decorative arts.
#11043, Truax-Main Building, 7/29-8/26, Saturday, 10 AM-1 PM

Introduction to Portrait Drawing | $125

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.
#11044, Truax-Main Building, 7/27-8/17, Thursday, 5:45-8:45 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.
#10988, Truax-Foundation Centre, 5/16-6/1, Tuesday and 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.
#10989, Truax-Foundation Centre, 6/6-6/22, Tuesday and Thursday, 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.
#63659, Truax-Foundation Centre, 4/25-5/11, Tuesday and Thursday, 6-9 PM
#10990, Truax-Foundation Centre, 7/11-7/27, 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.
#11018, Truax-Early Learning Center, 6/17, Saturday, 9 AM-12 PM

Summer Upholstery | $325

This class is designed for students who have projects they were unable to complete during the regular semester. Students with some experience who have a small project could also benefit from this class.
#10564, Commercial Ave, 6/7-8/9, Wednesday, 10 AM-1 PM
#10565, Commercial Ave, 6/7-8/9, Wednesday, 1:30-4:30 PM
#10566, Commercial Ave, 6/7-8/9, Wednesday, 6-9 PM

Beginning Crocheting | $85

Crochet is a process of creating textiles by using a crochet hook to interlock loops of yarn, thread, or strands of other materials. Learn how to crochet with your friends and other students in the class!
#11019, Truax-Early Learning Center, 7/19-8/9, Wednesday, 6-8 PM

Photography

Smartphone Photography for Small Business | $75

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.
#64106, Truax-Health Building, 4/29-6/3, Saturday, 10 AM-12:30 PM

Photoshop Elements for the Digital Photographer | $99

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: 4/12 / 5/17 / 6/14
Also available as an on-demand, self-paced tutorial.

Three Ways to Register for Noncredit Courses

1. Register by Phone

Call us at 608.258.2301, Option 2

2. Express Registration

Complete our online registration form

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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.