2026 Adult Class Schedule

Thank you to our spring adult education programming sponsor— the City of Grand Rapids Arts and Culture Commission!

Scholarships are available for all adult classes except Wine, Paint, Canvas & Bowls, Beer, and Bites. Click here for more information and to fill out a brief application.

Summer 2026 classes coming soon!

Discover the Joy of Watercolor

In this 5-week watercolor class, you will learn many ways to make use of watercolor using composition, color properties, and about the unique transparent effects of this media. Watercolor is easy to transport and is useful in capturing quick color sketches, but also adapts to larger paintings well. Watercolor’s impact can be soft or rugged depending on your color choices and subjects. How to gauge the quantity of water to use, designing the layout, mixing colors and drawing will be the primary focus for each session. Watercolor painting is a lifelong skill to enjoy from making cards to larger paintings and more. The class has a relaxed approach with time for all questions. Come for fun and a great learning experience. A supply list will be sent upon registration.

Instructor: Jan Stenson

Date: Tuesdays, May 19-June 16, 1:00-3:30pm

Member Fee: $145 Non-member Fee: $155

SOLD OUT

Introduction to Plein Air Painting

Learn the ins and outs of plein air painting with your chosen medium (acrylic, watercolor, pastel, oil, gouache, and drawing mediums). In this interactive, hands-on class, Nelia Harper French will share useful tools for working quickly outdoors. She will demonstrate how to simplify the landscape, and share her approach to plein air painting that works for all mediums. You are welcome to watch, ask questions, and bring your materials with to work outside with instructor guidance. Additional materials will also be available on-site. Age limits: 16+

Location: Blandin Beach, in case of rain meet at MacRostie Art Center

Instructor: Nelia Harper French

Date: Saturday, May 30, 9:00am-12:00pm

Member Fee: $45 Non-member Fee: $55

Tuesday Open Pottery

Tuesday open pottery sessions are designed for beginners or advanced students to use our pottery studio. This is an open studio, which means it is not a class but free working time with an instructor to help with questions or limited assistance.

Please enter in the 3D door on the Highway 2 side.

Call 218-326-2697 or register online. Attendees may drop-in but space is not guaranteed. If dropping in, attendees must have exact cash to pay for registration.

Instructor: Bruce Bartos

Time: Tuesdays, 6pm - 8pm

Student price: $10 Adult price: $15

Tuesday Open Paint

Tuesday Open Paint is an informal, weekly drop-in session for anyone working in a 2-dimensional medium (painting, drawing, collage, etc.). While no instruction is provided, attendees benefit from sharing their projects and process and creating in a supportive and encouraging environment. Sessions are free for members and no registration is required. Please bring your own supplies.

Time: Tuesdays, 10 am - 1pm

Member Fee: FREE Non-member Fee: $5