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.

WINTER SEMESTER 2027

Adult Winter Break Workshops

9120 Poinsettia Watercolor Painting
Instructor: Kat Block
Enroll in this one-day workshop to bring poinsettias to life with watercolor. Students will incorporate color, shape, line, light, and more to create a dynamic painting. The instructor will cover a variety of watercolor techniques, such as creating warm tones and the “wet-on-wet” process to enhance the colors of the flower.
Tuesday, 12/29, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $28

9121 Adding Color to Metals with Colored Pencils
Instructor: Sue Sachs
Make finished metal pieces for pendants that pop with color in this one-day workshop! Students will have the opportunity to explore a unique finishing technique for their jewelry pieces by using Prismacolor pencils to liven up their creations with color. The instructor will also provide demonstrations on different texturing methods on metals to enhance the colors. Beginner and experienced students are welcome, and all students will be provided with copper and brass. Students are encouraged to bring their own Prismacolor pencils if they have them. The Art Center will be providing a limited color palette of Prismacolor pencils for this workshop.
Tuesday, 12/29, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $42

9122 Scaling Up: Hand Building Large Decorative Vases
Instructor: Amanda Heckman
In this workshop, students will create a large decorative hand-built vase, in any style, including sculptural. On the first day, students will learn both coil-building and slab-building techniques and then construct their vase. During the second day, students will refine the shape of their vase through trimming and paddling. Demonstrations will be given on decorative techniques such as carving, painting with colored slip, underglaze transfers, texture, and three-dimensional additions. Students will then decorate their vase using these techniques. Students can finish their pieces during their class time or purchase Independent Practice in Ceramics sessions to do so. Students will need to purchase clay on the day of the workshop. The materials fee covers bisque firing and usage of studio equipment.
Tuesday, 12/29 & 12/30, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $220
Materials fee: $34

9123 Donut Forms in Clay
Instructor: Melissa Krishnamurthy
Expand your ceramic skills by learning how to create a closed ceramic form, a unique hollow sculpture made using specialized wheel techniques. Students will learn how to make a closed ceramic form that looks like a donut using pottery techniques demonstrated by the instructor. Students will have the opportunity to add additional features such as a base, a stem, handles or other attachments to make it uniquely theirs. This workshop is designed for students who have basic wheel throwing skills such as centering and pulling clay. Students can finish their pieces during class time or purchase Independent Practice in Ceramics sessions to do so. Students will need to purchase clay on the day of the workshop. The materials fee covers bisque firing and usage of studio equipment.
Wednesday, 12/30, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $28

9124 Social Media Art Sampler
Instructor: Dawn Noonan
This workshop is great for students who have always been interested in trying out a popular art medium and/or technique that they have seen on their social media. Bring your own project idea to this workshop in a specific medium such as acrylic paint, watercolor, or alcohol markers to create your own piece. The instructor will provide demonstrations and 1-on-1 support to each student.
Wednesday, 12/30, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $25

9125 Dynamic Drips: Exploring Acrylic Pouring
Instructor: Rakhi Jha
Create beautiful, dynamic, and effortless paintings in this one-day workshop! Students will learn a variety of acrylic pouring techniques using a hair dryer, torch, balloons, and more. Each student will walk away with a colorful abstract wall art piece that they can display in their home. The instructor will provide demonstrations, guidance, and 1-on-1 support during the whole process. A demonstration on how to put a protective finish on their piece will also be covered if for those interested in that process.
Wednesday, 12/30, 10 AM – 1 PM
Tuition: $100
Materials fee: $35