WheatonArts offers a great variety of workshops and classes that will engage participants of all ages and levels of expertise in arts and culture. Participants explore various art forms, aesthetics and cultures while participating in an interactive creative experience. Multi-session classes, intensives and workshops accommodate various ages, skill levels and time schedules. Many classes/workshops are open to teenagers, encouraging multi-generational experiences. All classes take place within the scenic grounds and exceptional facilities of Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center. To register online, hold down Ctrl and click on underlined text.Found-Object Art Register Online>>
Wednesday, October 6, 6–9 PM
WHERE: Event Center
Members $30 / Non-Members $35
In visual art, an artist may incorporate objects not specifically designed for such a purpose. When found objects are used as part of a painting or sculpture, the resulting work is referred to as found object art. In this class, participants create original artworks using found or recycled objects and materials. Projects will be two-dimensional or shallow relief and portable. Participants should arrive with a subject in mind, such as portraits, a landscape, a still life, a motorcycle or a theme. Participants should bring materials they wish to use for their artwork such as paper, fabric, paint, or small wood scraps. Additional materials and tools will be available in class.
Ages 16–Adult; Class limit: 10
Instructor: Meed Barnett
Silk Painting Register Online>>
Saturday, November 13, 2–5 PM
WHERE: Ceramic Studio
Members $30 / Non-Members $35
Materials fee: $10 per person; extra silk will be available at an additional charge.
Participants explore this ancient and modern art form in a relaxed inspiring environment. They’ll learn to collect, sort and store their ideas, to lay out design on a flat surface, to draw with resist (washable glue), and wet-on-wet color blending. Each student will create a wearable silk scarf using non-toxic fabric color. This wearable art is also suitable for framing. Spontaneity and experimentation are encouraged. This is a very intuitive type of art and often the results are surprising. All ages and abilities are welcome. Participants are welcome to bring apparel they hope to match with the painted silk scarf.
Ages 14–Adult; Class limit: 10
Instructor: Alex Alessi
Glass Casting In Sand (2-Day Intensive) Register Online>>
Saturday and Sunday, November 13 & 14, 9 AM to 5 PM
WHERE: Glass Studio
Members $230 / Non-Members $250
In this two-day class students learn the basics of casting glass, making a sand mold and techniques in pouring molten glass. Tailored to beginners or those with any process experience, this will be a mold-making and pouring slam session!
Ages 16–Adult; Class limit: 10
Instructor: Hank Adams
Pineland Basketry (Intermediate & Advanced): Field Basket Register Online>>
Saturday, November 20, 10 AM–4PM (participants bring their own lunch bags)
WHERE: Ceramic Studio
Members $40 / Non-Members $45
Materials fee: $42 per basket
Participants use 8 over 8 and continuous weaving techniques to make this traditional field basket used on farms in South Jersey to carry the harvest to the market for sale. In class, participants will make their own basket and choose a soft handle or set in handle. Traditionally, the basket was made with a set in handle.
Prerequisite: Basic basket weaving experience.
Ages 16–Adult; Class limit: 10
Instructor: Mary May
Beginners’ Basket Weaving Register Online>>
Wednesday, December 8, 6–9 PM
WHERE: Ceramic Studio
Members $30 / Non Members $35
Materials fee: $10
The history of basket weaving is as old as the history of man. Remnants of woven baskets have been found in ancient pottery when clay was placed on the inside so that small grains would not fall through the weave. During this workshop, students learn the history of basket weaving and the basic techniques while creating a small market basket from scratch. Students will also be provided with information and ideas for projects to do on their own.
Ages 14–Adult; Class limit: 10
Instructor: Phyllis Seidner
Ceramic Face Jugs Register Online>>
Saturday, December 11, 2–4 PM
WHERE: Ceramic Studio
Members $40 / Non-Members $45 (materials are included)
Face jugs were first made in the United States during the early 1800s. Since then, they have become part of the repertoire of many traditional and modern artists. Many stories explain the origin and mystique surrounding these oddly humorous creations. One tells how folks of Appalachia kept their moonshine in jugs designed with scary faces, to keep children from sampling the contents. Another refers to the tradition among slave communities of placing devil jugs or scary face jugs with devil horns on graves to help the deceased chase away evil spirits. Class participants will have the opportunity to use traditional or modern stories as inspiration to create and attach faces using hand-building methods on pre-formed clay jugs, which will be fired and available for pick-up in 2 to 3 weeks.
Ages 14–Adult; Class limit: 10
Instructor: Phyllis Seidner
Saturday and Sunday, December 11 & 12, 9 AM–5 PM
WHERE: Glass Studio
Members $230 / Non-Members $250
Have only one weekend to spare? This is an experience made just for you! Spend two full days in our state-of-the-art facility, learning to blow glass with a highly experienced staff. Designed for the beginning glassblower, students learn the fundamentals of working and forming molten glass into basic shapes. Students also become familiar with equipment and movement in the hot shop, as well as how to work with a partner. This is the perfect class to get a taste for glassblowing and its endless possibilities! No experience necessary.
Ages 16–Adult; Class limit: 6
Instructor: Ron Gavigan and WheatonArts Staff
Fiber Arts: Beginners Knitting Register Online>>
Saturday, December 18, 11 AM–2 PM
WHERE: Museum of American Glass
Members $20 / Non-Members $25
Materials fee: $30 (not applicable if participants bring their own materials).
Students will learn the basic knit stitch while making a winter scarf. The class begins with an overview of materials and techniques, followed by one-on-one instruction. Students will be shown contemporary examples of knitted art to illustrate the endless possibilities of this unique art form.
Ages 14–Adult; Class limit: 10
Instructor: Pamela Weichmann
