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!
Beginning and Intermediate Acrylic Painting
This course is designed for both beginning and intermediate artists eager to work with acrylic paint. Beginners will start with the fundamentals, mastering color mixing, brush control, composition, and basic techniques. You will build a solid foundation and complete structured exercises. Intermediate students will have the freedom to explore more complex projects of their own design, focusing on advanced concepts like texture, glazing, and personal style refinement. The instructor will provide targeted guidance and feedback for all levels, ensuring a rewarding and creative experience for everyone. A supply list will be provided.
Saturdays
January 10 - March 7
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Age
18+
Cost
$160
Instructor
Open Studio Wheel-Throwing | Saturday
Intermediate and advanced 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. Additional bags of clay may be purchased for $25.00 each.
Clay and necessary supplies will be provided. Please note that work will require additional time for proper drying and firing, up to a week after class ends. You will be notified when to collect your work.
Saturdays
January 10 - February 28
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Age
21+
Cost
$120
Instructor
A Watercolor Journey
Join us for this eight-week journey into watercolors. Designed for beginners and refreshers, students will delve into techniques like washes, glazing, wet-on-wet, dry brush, and more. Discover core elements: line, edges, value, color, texture, and composition. Customize your learning with topics such as Eastern techniques or collage. Find your artistic voice in this captivating watercolor course. A supply list will be furnished before the start of the class.
Tuesdays
January 13 - March 3
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Age
18+
Cost
$160
Instructor
Independent Hand-Building | Wednesday
Intermediate and advanced artists who are comfortable working without an instructor will enjoy this time to work independently on hand-built ceramic pieces. Participants will receive one bag of clay and have access to tools, glazes, and firing. Additional bags of clay may be purchased for $25.00 each. Please note that work will require additional time for proper drying and firing, up to a week after class ends. You will be notified when to collect your work.
Wednesdays
January 14 - March 4
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Age
21+
Cost
$120
Instructor
This is a self-led, independent studio class.
Independent Wheel-Throwing | Wednesday
Intermediate and advanced 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. Additional bags of clay may be purchased for $25.00 each.
Clay and necessary supplies will be provided. Please note that work will require additional time for proper drying and firing, up to a week after class ends. You will be notified when to collect your work.
Wednesdays
January 14 - March 4
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Age
21+
Cost
$120
Instructor
This is a self-led, independent studio class.
Hand-Building Techniques and Exploration
Discover the satisfying art of ceramics without the wheel! Over eight weeks, this course guides students of all levels through preparing, shaping, and joining clay. For beginners: You will master the fundamental techniques of hand-building, including coiling, pinch pots, and slab construction. You'll gain the confidence to create beautiful, functional pieces like mugs, bowls, and simple sculptures. For Intermediate/Advanced Students: This class provides a welcoming studio environment to continue your ceramic journey. Use this dedicated time to refine complex forms, explore new surface finishes, and receive personalized instruction to push your existing skills. Tools and one bag of clay are provided. Additional bags may be purchased for $25.00 each.
Please note that work will require additional time for proper drying and firing, up to a week after class ends. You will be notified when to collect your work.
Thursdays
January 15 - March 5
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Age
18+
Cost
$160
Instructor
Teens - Ceramic Portrait Busts
In this seven-week introduction to ceramics, students will learn or improve two core skills: wheel throwing and sculpture. You'll learn how to throw on the potter's wheel to create functional pieces, as well as how to use your hands to sculpt and build a human bust. No experience is needed, just a desire to create!
*Please note: We require a week to fire all works, so your creations must be picked up following the class. Specific instructions for doing so will be provided.
Fridays
January 16 - February 27
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Age
13-18
Cost
$90
Instructor
Wheel-Throwing 101
Get started in wheel-thrown pottery! Whether you're a beginner or you want to refine your skills, this eight-week introductory class is for you. An experienced potter will guide you every step of the way, from the initial stages to the final touches. You'll master essential techniques like centering, raising walls, trimming, pulling handles, and glazing, ultimately creating finished ceramic pieces.
Clay and necessary supplies will be provided. Please note that work will require additional time for proper drying and firing, up to a week after class ends. You will be notified when to collect your work.
Mondays
January 26 - March 16
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Age
15+
Cost
$160
Instructor
Gelli Plate Play
Dive into the spontaneous world of gel plate printing in this fun, beginner-friendly two-day workshop! Day One is all about play! You'll learn the basics of pulling unique prints, experimenting with basic color theory, and layering to create rich patterns. The goal is to produce a pile of beautiful, unique printed "fodder". Day Two is when we bring it all together, transforming your pile of printed papers into stunning, complex artwork. This workshop is low-pressure, highly creative, and guarantees a beautiful finished piece! All materials are included.
Saturday and Sunday
January 31 - February 1
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Age
15+
Cost
$35
Instructor
Instant Stained Glass Workshop
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
February 1
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Age
15+
Cost
$35
Instructor
Heartfelt Clay Creations
Spend a relaxing session learning basic hand-building clay techniques to create charming, heart-themed pieces. You'll craft a decorative wall pocket (perfect for air plants or small notes) and several fun, colorful magnets. This beginner-friendly workshop is low-pressure, focusing on creativity and leaving you with beautiful, handmade art just in time for Valentine's Day. All materials are included! Fired work will be ready for pickup by Thursday, February 12.
Saturday
February 7
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Age
18+
Cost
$35
Instructor
Getting Started in Oil Painting
This 8-week introduction for beginners covers the foundations of traditional oil painting techniques, guiding students in creating captivating, realistic still-life compositions. Students build skills and knowledge each week, culminating in the production of a finished painting by the final class. Students will explore light, form, shape, color, and value. True beginners as well as those with prior oil painting experience are welcome. A supply list will be provided.
Saturdays
February 7 - April 4
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Age
15+
Cost
$160
Instructor
Intermediate Oil Painting from Photographs
Continue to build on your foundation in oil painting in this 8-week course designed for intermediate students. Working from a photograph of your choosing of an interior, landscape, or still life, you will receive personalized instruction tailored to your individual goals. The curriculum will focus on key areas such as process, composition, and advanced color mixing, with regular critiques to foster artistic development. A supply list will be provided.
Saturdays
February 7 - April 4
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Age
15+
Cost
$160
Instructor
The Magic of Encaustic Painting with Wax
Experience the magic of painting with wax in this beginner-friendly, three-part encaustic art workshop! Participants will learn how to manipulate melted beeswax, damar resin, and colorful pigments to create stunning, luminous visual effects. Participants will be guided through fundamental techniques, including layering, fusing, incising, and adding texture. For students who have prior experience, this is a great opportunity to explore more advanced processes and continue developing your unique style. You'll have everything you need to create your own unique encaustic painting, as all materials are included.
Tuesdays
February 10 - February 24
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Age
15+
Cost
$70
Instructor
Valentine's Day Wheel Throwing Date Night
Join us for a special couples' workshop designed for all skill levels this Valentine's Day! You and your partner will spend a fun, focused evening learning the basics of throwing clay on the pottery wheel. We'll cover the fundamental steps: wedging, centering the clay, and pulling up simple forms. You'll work side-by-side with your partner in a relaxed, low-pressure studio environment with hands-on guidance from our instructor. All clay and tools provided.
Please note that work will require additional time for proper drying and firing, up to a week after class ends. You will be notified when to collect your work.
Saturday
February 14
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Age
18+
Cost
$15
Instructor
Beyond the Needle - Mastering the Sewing Machine
No machine? No problem! This small-group class provides everything you need to learn the basics of machine sewing, except a yard of your favorite fabric. Participants will create a functional, personalized tote bag from start to finish. We will walk you through all the necessary technical skills, taking you from knowing nothing about a sewing machine to confidently operating it. Sign up now—space is limited!
Sunday
February 22
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Age
16+
Cost
$35
Instructor
Teens - Encaustic Painting with Wax Workshop
Experience the magic of painting with wax in this beginner, one-day encaustic workshop! Teens will learn how to manipulate melted beeswax, damar resin, and colorful pigments to create stunning, luminous visual effects. Participants will be guided through fundamental techniques, including layering, fusing, incising, and adding texture. You'll have everything you need to create your own unique encaustic painting, as all materials are included.
Friday
March 6
4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Age
13-18
Cost
$20
Instructor
Quick Quilting Basics
Over the course of this class, you will learn the essential skills needed to confidently complete your very first quilt project. We will focus on precise cutting, piecing, basting, quilting, and binding. You will leave the class with the confidence to move on to larger quilt patterns. This is a machine-sewing course, and basic machine proficiency is required. We have 8 machines that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have your own machine, you may bring it in for a discounted class price of $25. All supplies are included.
Sunday
March 22
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Age
16+
Cost
$35
Instructor
Liquid to Light - Resin Art and Alchemy
This hands-on workshop begins with an inspiring visit to the Torggler’s main Anne Edwards Gallery to view the Future Fossils exhibition. Participants will observe how artists utilize resin and other materials to create complex artworks. Next, we'll discuss the science and "alchemy" behind resin—understanding how two liquids transform into a solid, clear, and durable material.
Then comes the fun part: creating your own luminous art! You will learn the correct mixing, tinting, and pouring techniques to make beautiful, functional pieces, such as sparkling sun catchers or custom coasters. You'll leave with the confidence to continue working with resin at home. Finished work will be dry and ready for pick up the next day. No experience required! All materials are included.
Sunday
March 29
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Age
18+
Cost
$35
Instructor
If you have any questions about classes and workshops, please contact Joan Dobson at (757) 594-0800.
All registered participants will receive more information and instructions by email prior to the start of class. We look forward to seeing you at the Torggler very soon!
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.