The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey’s Studio School, located in Summit, NJ, offers classes and workshops for artists of all ages and skill levels. Taught by experienced teaching artists, our programs span painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and more—providing a supportive environment for learning, exploration, and creative growth.

FALL SEMESTER 2026

Adult Workshops

8905/8929 Encaustic for All
Instructor: Chase Cantwell
Explore encaustic, the art of painting with molten beeswax mixed with colored pigments and resin. This unusual medium provides results like no other with mysterious, deep, and translucent colors. Experiment with techniques such as layering, fusing, and incising. Safe handling of materials will also be covered. No experience necessary. Some materials provided. Please review additional materials to purchase for the workshop on our website.
8905 Saturday, 9/26, 10 AM – 4 PM
8929 Saturday, 11/7, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $65

8907 Linoleum Block Printing
Instructor: Drew Maillard
Learn relief printing from start to finish. Through instructor demonstration and hands–on experience, students design, cut, and print a linoleum block print. We cover troubleshooting and fixing common printmaking problems, as well as creating finished proofs and editions.
Sunday, 9/27, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $33

8908 NEW! Spill the Tea: The Secret to Wheel-Thrown Teapots
Instructor: Emma Tabachnick
If you’re hoping to hone your skills and challenge yourself, this might be the workshop for you! In this two-part workshop, students will dive into the complex and amazing world of teapots. Teapots are a beautiful blend of aesthetics and functionality. Students will learn to design and assemble multiple elements—the body, lid, spout, and handle—into a cohesive and aesthetic whole. This workshop is designed for intermediate and advanced wheel-throwing students. On the day of the workshop, students will need to purchase their own bag of clay. Students can finish their tea pots during class time if they are currently enrolled in a class or they can purchase independent practice in ceramics sessions. The materials fee covers the firing fee and equipment usage.
Sunday, 9/27 & 10/4, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $32

8909 NEW! Halloween Decor: Skeleton Creations
Instructor: Rich Catino
Are you a fan of Halloween? Have you always wanted to make your own decorations, but didn’t know where to start? Students in this workshop will learn how to alter a store-bought skeleton using a variety of materials like acrylic paint, glue, clothing from home, and more to bring their individualized creation to life. The instructor will work with each student to provide support on their ideas. The instructor can also provide demonstrations on specific creative details such as how to make your skeleton look like a realistic rotting corpse to spook your neighbors! Students need to bring their own 5-foot skeleton and some other supplies on the day of the workshop. Please review the materials list for this workshop online. Some supplies provided.
Saturday & Sunday, 10/3 & 10/4, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $42

8910 Throwing Small and Miniature
Instructor: Jessica Garber
In this workshop, students will enhance their pottery skills further by learning how to throw miniature pieces using the “off the hump” technique. Additionally, students will be encouraged to exercise their creativity and imagination while throwing small donut vases, jewelry holders, trinket boxes, narrow neck vases and more! This workshop is for students who have taken at least one semester of wheel throwing. Students can finish their pieces in their ceramics class or register for independent practice in ceramics sessions. Materials fee covers bisque firing and clay.
Sunday, 10/4, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $28

8911 NEW! Tiaras & Tea
Instructor: Sue Sachs
In this one-day workshop, students will sip tea while making special head ornaments of their choosing based on one of three styles that the instructor will provide. The instructor will also demonstrate a variety of techniques such as fold forming, chasing, forging, and fabricating. This workshop is designed for students with some metalworking experience. Most materials will be provided. Students who choose to work in sterling silver must purchase it at a vendor prior to the day of the workshop. Please contact the Art Center for a vendor recommendation.
Sunday, 10/4, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $40

8913/8925 Jewelry Wax Carving
Instructor: Jeannette Mullarkey
This two–session workshop focuses on teaching the techniques of creating jewelry using wax carving and construction methods. Wax allows the artist to create very fluid, intricate, detailed, and sculpturally exciting work. Once the model is completed, it will be cast into brass, silver, or gold. Students may also mold it to create multiples. Depending on the design, students will be shown different finishing options such as soldering, stone setting, and polishing. The instructor will work individually with each student to discuss and plan the creation of their piece.
8913 Saturdays, 10/10 & 10/24, 10 AM – 4 PM
8925 Sundays, 11/1 & 11/15, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $55

8916 NEW! Sustainable Weaving: Reusing & Repurposing Cloth
Instructor: Ellen Hess
Many traditions upcycle old clothing to create beautiful and meaningful new items. In Japanese Sakiori, worn-out Kimono are cut into strips and rewoven into exquisite sashes and accessories. Historically, old clothing was cut or torn into strips to weave rag rugs and bed coverings. Students will learn to repurpose worn, unused, or meaningful clothing by weaving it into a unique creation: runners, cushions, scarves, bags, and accessories. Upcycle old t-shirts, party dresses, and men’s ties by weaving them into something new. By repurposing, you can create a work of beauty, utility, and meaning unlike anything you could purchase! Some materials provided. Students will need to bring 1–3 items of clothing to repurpose and some other materials on the day of the workshop. Please review materials list online.
Sunday, 10/11, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $50

8914 NEW! Pinhole Camera Photography
Instructor: James Provenzano
Pinhole photography is both ancient and immediate — a process that uses the simplest of tools to reveal the magic of light. With nothing more than a small plastic box and the tiniest of pinholes, photography is stripped down to its most essential elements: light, time, and perception. In this one-day workshop, students will be introduced to the history and enduring appeal of this historic photographic process. Students will look at examples of contemporary pinhole work and discuss how long exposure transforms ordinary scenes into luminous, dreamlike images. Students will be paired up and use instructor-provided cameras and materials to create their own photographs. Images will be developed directly inside the pinhole camera, allowing students to experience the full analog process from capture to finished print. By the end of the workshop, students will leave with one-of-a-kind handmade photographs — and a new way of seeing. This workshop will involve going outside (rain or shine) to make pinhole photographs and is limited to a class size of 8 students total.
Sunday, 10/11, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $25

8915 NEW! Fall Foliage in Pastels
Instructor: Andrea Gianchiglia
Spend the day exploring the rich color and beauty of autumn in pastel. In this step-by-step workshop, students will focus on keeping fall colors vibrant without becoming muddy or overly saturated, while also learning how to simplify an overwhelming scene without painting every individual leaf. The instructor will cover the following: color, shape, and atmosphere in a clear and approachable way, and students can expect to complete 1 to 2 pieces.
Sunday, 9/27, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $110

8919 Drawing in Perspective
Instructor: Drew Maillard
Want to add depth and realism to your drawing and painting? Learn step–by–step to draw one–, two–, and three–point perspective; measure in perspective; and how to achieve uniform proportions throughout a drawing. Follow along with the instructor through various exercises for hands–on learning.
Sunday, 10/18, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137

8918 NEW! Festive Fall: Wheel Throwing and Handbuilding
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Spice up the fall season by creating a series of charming themed projects out of clay! In this one-day workshop, students will have the opportunity to create baskets, apples, pumpkin jars, or woven clay wall plaques. Throwing closed forms on the pottery wheel to create apples and pumpkins will be taught. Handbuilding for basic clay weaving to make wall plaques will be shown. This workshop is designed for intermediate and advanced level students. Materials fee covers the bisque firing and usage of equipment. Clay will need to be purchased on the day of the workshop. Students can finish their pieces during their class or, register for independent practice in ceramics session.
Sunday, 10/18, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $28

8920 Techniques in Water-Mixable Oil Paint
Instructor: Traci Zaretzka
Have you wanted to try painting with oils, but don’t want to work with solvents? Water–mixable oil paints are traditional oil paints with an additive that allows them to mix with water and can be cleaned up with soap and water. In this two-day workshop, students will explore the beauty of oil painting through learning the traditional oil painting techniques of painting wet-on-wet, glazing over a grisaille (gray-scale) painting, and painting in impasto using a palette knife. You will learn how to mix colors and when to thin paint with water vs. oil.
Sundays, 10/18 & 10/25, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $38

8923 Pen & Ink Drawing
Instructor: Drew Maillard
Explore pen & ink as a drawing medium. Start with value and texture exercises and continue to simple drawings. Experiment with different pen & ink drawing tools brought by the instructor, such as dip-quill pens and brush pens. Some materials provided. Students will need to purchase some supplies and bring them on the day of the workshop. Please review the materials list online.
Sunday, 10/25, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $15

8924/8940 Creating Realistic Flowers in Polymer Clay
Instructor: Pooja Dhawan
Learn the art of creating realistic flowers that will never wither! Students will form, cut, texture, and color air-dry polymer clay into individual, realistic flowers in this exciting one–day workshop. Some materials provided. Students will need to purchase materials and bring them on the day of the workshop. Please review the materials list online.
8924 Sunday, 10/25, 10 AM – 4 PM
8940 Sunday, 11/22, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $35

8921 Painting Autumn Leaves in Watercolor
Instructor: Kat Block
In this workshop, students will work from a still life to create paintings of leaves. Students will collect their own leaves, lay them on a surface and learn how to draw them accurately, including the cast shadows. Then, they will paint, allowing the colors to mix themselves on the paper where results are vibrant, perfectly organic, and beautiful.
Sunday, 10/25, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $27

8927 NEW! The Art of Color: Exploring Techniques in Colored Pencils
Instructor: Sandy Ruda
Explore the possibilities of using colored pencils and the world of color while you gain tips on how to create 3D forms in this one-day workshop! First, students will learn the basics of layering colors. Then, students will work on a finished piece from a photo reference presented by the instructor. The instructor will review various papers and tools that are widely used in this medium.
Sunday, 11/1, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137

8928 NEW! Artistic Beginnings in Fiber
Instructor: Dawn Noonan
Dive into the soft and tactile world of fiber arts! This one-day workshop is designed for students to experience and create in fiber with techniques such as hand sewing, crochet, cross stitch, embroidery and needlepoint. The instructor will provide different lessons and techniques in fiber for students to try. If students have a current in-progress fiber project that they have yet to finish, they are encouraged to bring it with them to this workshop!
Sunday, 11/1, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $32

8930 NEW! Sip & Collage!
Instructor: Vanessa Lopez
Unwind, sip, and get creative in this fun and relaxed workshop! Create a stylish paper collage—perfect for adding a playful, artistic touch to your home. Students will be encouraged to design and create their own stencil for their collage, but there will be some stencils readily available to use if needed. The instructor will provide guidance to students on designing their piece using a wide variety of patterned papers to mix, match, and layer into an individually unique piece of artwork. Students are welcome to BYOB for this workshop. Enjoy a laid-back, social atmosphere while you craft! This workshop is designed for students who are 21 years old or older.
Saturday, 11/7, 2 – 4 PM
Tuition: $90
Materials fee: $28

8934 Bob Ross Painting
Instructor: Mark Saenger
Back by popular demand! This workshop by certified and Bob Ross–taught instructor, Mark Saenger, is perfect for someone who has never painted before or wants to paint using the wet-on-wet technique made popular by the famous TV series. Repeat students welcome. Come and make some “happy trees!” Students will be led step–by–step in creating their own beautiful seasonal landscape.
Sunday, 11/8, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $48

8933 Drawing Pumpkins & Gourds
Instructor: Kat Block
Inspired by fall? Take this one-day workshop! Students will learn how to set-up a balanced still life composition using pumpkins and gourds. Using basic colored pencil techniques incorporating value, texture, shadows, blending, and color, students will create a 3D effect to their drawing.
Sunday, 11/8, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $25

8932 The Dada Poem: Collage Text
Instructor: Manasi Keni
Step into the world of Dadaism—a revolutionary art movement that challenged traditional norms through absurdity, intuition, and playful chaos. In this hands–on workshop, students will explore the unique realm of Dada poetry using techniques like cut–up and sound poetry, all while creating their own poetic collages with text that are also visual works of art. No prior experience needed, just a willingness to let go of logic and embrace the unexpected! Please bring a notebook to the day of the workshop
Sunday, 11/8, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $25

8931 NEW! First Spin: Beginner Wheel Throwing
Instructor: Denise Banaag
Are you ready to try out the magical machinery that transformed pottery making? Then this workshop is for you! This two-part workshop is designed for students who want to learn how to center, open, and pull to make simple vessels on the pottery wheel. During the second session, students will trim their pieces, add handles, and use basic decorating techniques such as underglaze and slip to finalize their piece. The materials fee covers clay, tools, firing and equipment usage. Students are welcome to finish their pieces they made in this workshop in their current registered class or, purchase Independent Practice in Ceramics sessions. Students will need to purchase clay on the day of the workshop at the front desk.
Sundays, 11/8 & 11/15, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $36

8937 NEW! Zines: Small Books, Big Messages
Instructor: Jeremy Ackman
Explore the various ways to compile and share your photos to tell your own unique story by making a zine! In this one-day workshop, students will create their zines on their laptops and/or phones by selecting, editing, and sequencing their photographs digitally before moving into printing and assembly. Students will identify themes within their everyday photographs and think about how personal images (ex. artwork, family, home, daily routines, or neighborhood), can come together to form a cohesive body of work. The instructor will provide a variety of photography zines and photobooks for inspiration, and use them as examples to talk through sequencing, pacing, and different approaches to visual storytelling. Students will need to bring at 20–50 photos with a theme downloaded on their personal device, a laptop with Word or Google Drive access or a smartphone (iPhone or Android) with access to this website: https://shrimpzine.net
Sunday, 11/15, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $25

8936 Introduction to Tapestry Weaving
Instructor: Madeleine Johnson
In this two-part workshop, students will immerse themselves in the ancient art of tapestry weaving by learning how to set-up a frame loom to create colorful wall-hangings of their very own! Guided by the instructor, students will explore weaving techniques, knot-tying, pattern-making, and more to fulfill their creative visions! Students are invited to bring in any fiber materials they wish to include in their tapestry project.
Sundays, 11/15 & 11/22, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $43

8939 The Art of Collagraph Printmaking
Instructor: Andrea Epstein
Collagraph is a unique process of collaging with a variety of textures and materials to create a plate from which a one-of-a kind print is pulled. In this two-day workshop, students will explore different techniques and skills to create their own collagraph prints. The instructor will provide demonstrations on dried and coated collagraph that can be printed with both intaglio and relief techniques to makes striking graphic images. On the first day, students will create their collagraph utilizing a variety of materials, textures, and glues. On the second day, students will experiment with various inking and printing methods. Some materials provided.
Saturday & Sunday, 11/21 & 11/22, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $42

8941 Save the Clay!
Instructors: Denise Banaag and Emma Tabachnick
In this one–day workshop, students will explore a number of fun and exiciting ways from our two ceramics instructors, to make their ceramic practice more sustainable by repurposing and recycling scrap clay. When you recycle your clay, you buy clay less often and save money. Recycling clay also helps the environment by reducing the waste that ends up in landfills and helps conserve our earth’s natural resources. During the reclaiming process, you can add in exciting things like stains for color or colored grog for texture. Students will make a damp box to take home along with a reclaiming slab and two small containers of spiced–up recycled clay. Students need to bring their own plastic container on the day of the workshop to make their own damp box. The container should not be bigger than 19 quarts and have a rubber sealing ring. If students need to finish their work, they can use class time if currently enrolled in the semester or register for Independent Practice in Ceramics sessions.
Sunday, 11/22, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $180
Materials fee: $32

8943 NEW! Greetings in Watercolor: Homemade Cards
Instructor: Traci Zaretzka
Create your own custom hand-painted greeting cards using watercolor and/or watercolor pencils. In this one-day workshop, the instructor willl begin with demonstrations of certain watercolor and watercolor pencil techniques. Then, students will have ample time to create multiple cards. The instructor will demonstrate a variety of designs for cards. Students are welcome to bring their own ideas for card designs to create and the instructor can provide individual instruction for those designs.
Sunday, 12/6, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $28

8944 NEW! Tetra-Pak Etching
Instructor: Kristian Battell
Tetra-Pak is a type of recyclable packaging, often used for shelf-stable liquids and dairy products. Once cleaned and cut open, the coated inside makes for a great (and free!) drypoint etching plate. In this one-day workshop, students will learn the entire etching and printing process, plus explore printing with both the etching press and a pasta roller! Students are encouraged to bring their own tetra-pak recyclables to use, but the Art Center will also provide some to use on the day of the workshop.
Sunday, 12/6, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $32

8945 NEW! Fear Free Drawing
Instructor: Dawn Noonan
Experience no fear when drawing in this one-day workshop! This workshop is designed to give students the opportunity to experiment with a wide variety of drawing tools including graphite pencils, charcoal, pastels, and markers. Students will be encouraged to work on as many small scale drawings as they wish, with the support of the instructor.
Sunday, 12/6, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $30

8946 Lampworked Glass Beads
Instructor: Stephanie Maddalena
Visit Venice without leaving the studio with this popular workshop! Learn to make beautiful Venetian glass beads using glass rods and a mounted torch.
Saturday & Sunday, 12/19 & 12/20, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $80