Art Classes and Workshops
Get creative at the Torggler! We offer new classes and workshops for children, teens, and adults each season. Classes are held at convenient times throughout the week in brand new, well-appointed studio classrooms. Taught by qualified, experienced artists and art instructors, our classes focus on developing creative skills and self-expression, and range in duration from weekend workshops to eight-week courses.
Use the dropdown to filter by class type, age, or browse all available offerings!
Summer | Independent Hand-Building | Wednesday
Intermediate and advanced clay hand-building artists who are comfortable working without an instructor will enjoy this time to work independently on their craft. Participants will receive one bag of clay and have access to tools, glazes, and firing. Space is limited. Studio tech on site
Additional bags of clay may be purchased for $25.00 each.
Wednesdays
June 24 — August 12
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Age
21+
Cost
$120
Instructor
Independent Studio
Summer | Independent Wheel-Throwing | Wednesday
Intermediate and advanced wheel-throwing artists who are comfortable on the wheel without supervision will enjoy this time to work independently on their craft. Participants will receive one bag of clay and have access to tools, glazes, and firing. Space is limited.
Additional bags of clay may be purchased for $25.00 each. Studio tech on site.
Wednesday
June 24 - August 12
6:00 - 8:30 P.M.
Age
21+
Cost
$120
Instructor
Independent Studio
Summer | Give It A Spin Two-Day Workshop
Curious about throwing pottery on the wheel? This two-part weekend workshop is the perfect opportunity to give it a spin. Designed for beginners, this hands-on experience introduces the basics of working with clay on the pottery wheel in a fun and supportive environment. During the first session, participants will learn how to prepare clay, center it on the wheel, and shape it into simple forms. In the second session, you will refine your creations by trimming, and you may choose to add handles or decorative details. Your finished pieces will be glazed and kiln-fired for a smooth, durable finish.
Space is limited to 11 participants, so be sure to reserve your spot early. Clay and all necessary supplies are included.
Please note that ceramic pieces require time to dry and be fired in the kiln. Finished work may take up to two weeks after the final session to be ready for pickup. Participants will be notified when their pieces are available.
Saturday and Sunday
June 27 - 28
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Age
16+
Cost
$50
Instructor
Summer | Independent Hand-Building | Saturday
Intermediate and advanced clay hand-building artists who are comfortable working without an instructor will enjoy this time to work independently on their craft. Participants will receive one bag of clay and have access to tools, glazes, and firing. Space is limited.
Studio tech on site.
Additional bags of clay may be purchased for $25.00 each.
Saturday
June 27 — August 15
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Age
21+
Cost
$120
Instructor
Independent Studio
Summer | Independent Wheel-Throwing | Saturday
Intermediate and advanced wheel-throwing artists who are comfortable on the wheel without supervision will enjoy this time to work independently on their craft. Participants will receive one bag of clay and have access to tools, glazes, and firing. Space is limited.
Additional bags of clay may be purchased for $25.00 each. Studio tech on site.
Saturday
June 27 — August 15
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Age
21+
Cost
$120
Instructor
Independent Studio
Summer | The Art of Glaze
This five-part class introduces ceramic artists to the fundamentals and creative possibilities of glazing. Participants will explore different glaze types, learn how to apply them effectively, and explore popular and experimental techniques. Through demonstrations, hands-on practice, and guided discussion, students will build both technical understanding and confidence in developing unique surface finishes.
Day 1: Test Tiles and Glaze Foundations
Day 2: Understanding Glaze and Cataloging
Day 3: Contemporary Glazing Techniques and Kiln Basics
Day 4: The Peacock Method
Day 5: The Frozen Pond Technique
By the end of the workshop, participants will have a deeper understanding of glaze chemistry, application methods, kiln firing basics, and several creative techniques they can continue exploring in their own ceramic practice.
Friday
July 10 — August 7
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Age
15+
Cost
$125
Instructor
Summer | Woolly Portraits: Needle-Felted Animal Portraits
In this three-day workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of needle felting while creating a dimensional animal portrait mounted in an embroidery hoop. Using wool fibers, specialized felting needles, and layering techniques, students will build texture, depth, and expressive details to bring their animal to life.
Participants may choose to recreate their own pet or work from a reference image of an animal, learning how to translate fur patterns, facial features, and personality into wool. The workshop will cover essential techniques such as shaping, blending colors, and building dimensional surfaces.
By the end of the class, each participant will leave with a finished felted animal portrait and the skills to continue exploring needle felting at home.
Saturday, July 18, Sunday, July 19, and Saturday, July 25
July 18 — July 25
$75
Age
15+
Cost
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Instructor
Encaustics Exploration
Take your encaustic practice further in this four-part workshop designed for artists with prior experience in wax painting or related media. Working with a blend of beeswax, damar resin, and richly pigmented color, participants will deepen their understanding of the luminous surfaces and dimensional textures that define encaustic art. Building on foundational skills, students will refine techniques such as layering, fusing, incising, and surface manipulation while expanding their control of molten wax. The workshop encourages exploration of more complex approaches, including combining texture, mark-making, and sculptural surface development. Participants will experiment, push their techniques further, and continue developing a distinctive personal style.
All materials are provided—simply arrive ready to explore, experiment, and create new, one-of-a-kind encaustic work.
Tuesday
May 19 — June 9
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Age
16+
Cost
$80
Instructor
Introduction to Encaustic Painting
Discover the captivating art of painting with molten wax in this four‑part introductory encaustic workshop. Using a blend of beeswax, damar resin, and vibrant pigments, participants will explore the luminous layers and rich textures that make encaustic painting so unique. Through demonstrations and guided practice, students will learn essential techniques such as layering, fusing with heat, incising, and creating surface texture while gaining confidence working with wax and heat. Each session builds on the previous one, offering time to experiment with mark‑making, color, and composition while creating several small works. By the end of the course, participants will have a strong foundation in encaustic painting and a collection of their own one‑of‑a‑kind pieces. All materials are provided—simply arrive ready to explore, experiment, and create.
Fridays
May 22 — June 12
10:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m.
Age
15+
Cost
$80
Instructor
Workshop | Gallery Glass Workshop: Instant Stained Glass
Discover the beautiful art of faux stained glass in this single, exciting session! In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn how to transform clear acrylic into a luminous work of art using Gallery Glass, a special product that creates the rich, vibrant look of traditional leaded glass. We will cover the essentials, including leading, filling, and blending. By the end of the day, you will take home a finished piece, such as a beautiful sun catcher or a small decorative window panel, ready to brighten your space. No artistic or glass experience is necessary—just come ready to play with light and color! All materials are included.
Sunday
May 24, 2026
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Age
15+
Cost
$35
Instructor
Workshop | Nature in Monochrome: Graphite and Walnut Oil Workshop
Discover a unique approach to drawing in this beginner-friendly workshop led by professional artist and teacher Jenn Clemons. Designed for both teens and adults, this class invites you to explore the fascinating combination of graphite and walnut oil on wood, a technique that creates the rich, soft textures and deep shadows often hard to achieve with pencils alone. You will learn how to translate the beauty of trees and organic forms into your own artwork using Jenn's personal examples as a guide. Throughout the session, you will improve your blending and shading skills as you create a finished piece that bridges the gap between drawing and painting. Whether you are picking up a pencil for the first time or looking to try something new, this workshop provides a welcoming environment to grow your creative talents.
All materials are included. The instructor will email students in advance to help them prepare an image to work from.
Sundays
May 24 | May 31
1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Age
15+
Cost
$50
Instructor
Jenn Clemons
35mm Digital Photography: From Capture to Creation
Learn to see the world through the lens in this four-part, hands-on digital photography class. Designed for beginners and hobby photographers alike, this course explores the art and technique of creating powerful images from start to finish. Cameras are provided, or you may bring your own.
Day 1: Camera Basics & Composition
Get comfortable with your camera’s manual settings and core features. Learn how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO work together to shape your images. Explore basic compositional techniques and guidelines such as the rule of thirds, framing, perspective, and visual balance to create stronger, more intentional photographs.
Day 2: Storytelling, Lighting & Basic Editing
Discover how light affects the mood, clarity, and texture of photographs. Learn to work with natural light and simple artificial lighting, applying storytelling techniques to the fundamentals of portrait photography. The day concludes with an introduction to basic digital editing, including cropping, color correction, and exposure adjustments.
Day 3: Storytelling Through Food Photography
Apply composition and lighting techniques to food photography. Focus on creating visually appealing images while learning how to tell a story through styling, perspective, and the thoughtful use of light.
Day 4: Advanced Editing Techniques
Take your images further with advanced editing techniques. Learn how to refine color, exposure, and detail while maintaining image quality for printing and final presentation.
By the end of the course, you will understand your camera, use light intentionally, compose stronger images, and confidently edit your photos while developing your own creative style.
Thursdays
May 28 — June 18
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Age
16+
Cost
$80
Instructor
Jenn Clemons
Workshop | Quick Quilting Basics: Quilt-As-You-Go Table Runner
Learn the fun, efficient Quilt-As-You-Go method while creating a beautiful table runner. In this beginner- and intermediate-friendly class, students will piece and quilt sections as they sew, making the process faster and easier than traditional quilting. By the end of the workshop, you will have completed, or nearly completed, a table runner and gained the skills to use this technique in future projects. Great for confident beginners and experienced sewists who want to try a new method.
Sewing machines provided. A supply list will be sent after registration
Sunday
June 7
1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Age
16+
Cost
$35
Instructor
Important Policies
Classes that are full will have a waiting list. You can sign up for the waiting list for a specific class by calling (757) 594-0800.
Unless otherwise stated during the registration process, you must cancel your class reservation at least 14 days in advance to receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations received at least seven days before the start of class will receive a 50% refund minus a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations received less than seven days before the start of class are not eligible for a refund. To request a refund, please call the Torggler at (757) 594-0800.
Please note that the cancellation policy may vary for certain workshops. In this case, the cancellation policy will be provided during the registration process.