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 Workshops

9127/9154 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.
9127 Saturday, 1/16, 10 AM – 4 PM
9154 Saturday, 3/6, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $65

9126/9158 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.
9126 Saturday & Sunday, 1/16 – 1/17, 10 AM – 4 PM
9158 Saturday & Sunday, 3/13 – 3/14, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $80

9128 Magnificent Marble Clay
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Make your own unique colored clay body in this one–day workshop! Marble clay is made up of two or more colors of clay that are layered or inlaid. To give the appearance of marbling, the clay can be thrown on the wheel or rolled out in a slab for hand building. White clay, speckled brown clay, and dark brown clay will be used. Students will also learn how to add mason stains to white clay to make their own custom colored clay body. The instructor will provide demonstrations on how to make vases, bowls, and mugs on the pottery wheel. Additionally, the instructor will show how to make a slab-draped marble clay centerpiece. Finishing options will also be discussed. This workshop is designed for intermediate and advanced students who have experience working in clay. The materials fee covers the cost of clay, bisque firing, and studio usage. Also, students can finish their pieces during class time, or there are Independent Practice in Ceramics sessions available during the semester if they wish to register and glaze their pieces once bisque–fired.
Sunday, 1/17, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $32

9130/9143 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.
9130 Saturdays, 1/23 & 2/6, 10 AM – 4 PM
9143 Sundays, 2/14 & 2/28, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $55

9133 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, 1/24, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $33

9132/9152 Creating Realistic Flowers in Polymer Clay
Instructor: Pooja Dhawan
Learn the art of creating realistic flowers that will never wilt! 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.
9132 Sunday, 1/24, 10 AM – 4 PM
9152 Sunday, 2/28, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $35

9131 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 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, 1/24, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $25

9134 NEW! Cozy Bowls in Fiber
Instructor: Jacklyn Hummer
Get cozy and learn how to sew by hand! In this one-day workshop, students will learn how to create a hand-sewn cozy. A cozy is ideal for heating hot food in the microwave or to hold your hot meals so your fingers don’t get burnt. The instructor will provide a pattern for students to follow and provide a demonstration on how to sew a back stitch and how to layer fabric before flipping and finishing the cozy. Students will be using a medium-size template that will accommodate most traditional food bowl sizes.
Sunday, 1/24, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $22

9135 NEW! Calder Jewelry and Mobile Sculptures
Instructor: Sue Sachs
Learn to create jewelry or a small garden sculpture that balances and twirls! In this one-day workshop, students will learn to solder, create texture, and use a variety of hammering techniques to make their very own unique piece. Some experience working in metals is recommended. If students would like to work in silver, they will need to purchase their own and bring it to the workshop.
Sunday, 1/31, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $42

9137 NEW! Kinusaiga: Painting in Fabric
Instructor: Aimee Fischbeck
Learn the modern Japanese art of Kinusaiga! Created in the 1980’s by Setsu Maeno, it means “silk colored picture” (kinu means silk, and saiga means colored picture or painting). Often called “quilt without thread” or “painting with fabric,” it involves tucking fabric scraps into carved grooves on a foam board to create stitch-free mosaic images. Students will create their own unique winter themed silk colored picture, using fabric scraps, adhesive foam, scissors, etc. Students will be provided a template to trace their design, and the instructor will provide demonstrations and support to each student during the process.
Sunday, 1/31, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $30

9140 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, 2/7, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $15

9138 Valentine’s Day Watercolor Roses
Instructor: Kat Block
Looking for something special to do to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Take this one-day workshop! Students will work from a still life and use colored pencils to create a gesture drawing of roses. Then, they will transfer those skills into creating a watercolor painting of roses, using a variety of techniques. The instructor will go over the following subject matter for students to enhance their artistic abilities: contour and gesture drawing, value changes, botanical drawing, wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and mixing colors on the paper. All levels are welcome.
Sunday, 2/7, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $27

9139 NEW! Flow & Form: Tabletop Fountain in Clay
Instructor: Melissa Krishnamurthy
Transform your living space with the soothing sounds of water with a tabletop fountain you create yourself!  In this two-session workshop,  students will design, sculpt, and/or throw to assemble their very own functional tabletop water fountain made from clay. The primary focus will be on creativity, functional elements, and engineering of design and water flow. Students need to purchase a small electric water pump beforehand so measurements and shrinkage can be determined. Please view the materials list online for the recommended item to purchase. Students are encouraged to come to the workshop with an idea and sketch of their fountain considering proper water flow and pump concealment. This workshop is designed for intermediate and advanced students who already have experience in handbuilding and wheel-throwing techniques (ex., centering, pulling, and trimming). On the first day, students will make all of the parts for their fountain. On the second day, students will trim, embellish, texturize, and add decorative elements to make it uniquely their own. Depending on the complexity of the design and students’ work speed, students can finish their tabletop fountain during class time or purchase Independent Practice in Ceramics sessions to do so. The materials fee includes clay bisque firing and usage of studio equipment. Students will need to purchase clay on the day of the workshop.
Sunday, 2/7 & 2/14, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $32

9142 NEW! Make, Mingle, and Sip: Valentine’s Day Collage
Instructor: Vanessa Lopez
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in this one-day workshop! Bring a friend or come meet some new ones. Students will create a Valentine’s-themed collage using a variety of materials while engaging in a social atmosphere. Enjoy an afternoon of crafting, chatting, and connecting! The Art Center will provide wine and students are welcome to bring their own snacks.
Saturday, 2/13, 2 – 4 PM
Tuition: $90
Materials fee: $35

9148 Pastels 101
Instructor: Andrea Gianchiglia
Explore the medium of pastels! Students will learn how to harness pastels through step-by-step demonstrations. Elements such as application, blending, and the difference between hard and soft pastels will be discussed and demonstrated. Through landscapes, still lifes, and more, students will be able to explore pastels in a relaxed environment.
Sunday, 2/21, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $40

9145 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, 2/21, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $25

9146 NEW! The Art of Manga
Instructor: Teresa DeFabrizoi
Love Manga? Don’t just create fan art, create original art! In this one-day workshop, students will explore character design, proportion, anatomy, and storytelling. Students will use a variety of mediums such as ink, pencil, watercolor, and marker to render their unique character and will build confidence during the process. All levels welcome as we go beyond the basics and create our own heroes, villains, sidekicks, and creations.
Sunday, 2/21, 10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $28

9147 NEW! Viking Chain Bracelet
Instructor: Jacklyn Hummer
In this one-day workshop, students will create a Viking chain bracelet using a wire-wrapping technique with a thin gauge of wire and a dowel. Students will weave the wire around the dowel to the desired length and then pull it off and use a drawplate to stretch out and stiffen up the weaving. Then, the instructor will provide a demonstration on how to add endcaps to the chain and the clasp.
Sunday, 2/21, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $28

9149 NEW! Dynamic Drips: Exploring Acrylic Pouring
Instructor: Rakhi Jha
Create a beautiful, dynamic, and effortless painting 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 they are interested in that process.
Saturday, 2/27, 10 AM – 1 PM
Tuition: $100
Materials fee: $35

9189 NEW! Eternity Band Making
Instructor: Jill Hurant
Always loved the look of a classic eternity band? In this 3-day workshop, students will learn the hands-on method of making a beautiful fine silver ring. The ancient technique of fusing will be covered in great detail, as fusing is one of the mainstays of making this ring. Along with the art of fusing fine silver bezels, students will improve their soldering skills, learn how to properly size the ring, and bezel set their gemstones. Students will be using 6mm cabochons, but once the technique is mastered, this ring lends itself to many different types of stones. This workshop is designed for intermediate and advanced students who have soldering skills. The instructor will have 6mm cabochon stones for students to purchase and incorporate into their band. Most materials provided. Please review the materials list online for additional supplies to purchase and bring on the day of the workshop.
Saturdays, 2/27, 3/6, & 3/13, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $370
Materials fee: $30

9150 Spring into Ceramics!
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Prepare for your garden as we look forward to spring. Learn to make plant pots for your home, inside and out! During this workshop, students will learn to make planters and saucers, how to easily add drainage to your pots, throw a two-in-one planter, and how to make a unique watering bell. Decoration and texturing techniques using slip and tools will also be demonstrated, as well as how to make your own custom garden stakes. Students can finish their pieces during class time or there are Independent Practice in Ceramics sessions available during the semester if they wish to register and glaze their pieces once bisque–fired. The materials fee covers the bisque firing and studio usage. Clay will need to be purchased on the day of the workshop.
Sunday, 2/28, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $28

9153 Weekend Weaving with Ellen Hess
Instructor: Ellen Hess
Weave a scarf, table runner, or wall piece in this special weekend workshop. Learn the basics of weaving on a tabletop four-harness loom with FIT Textile/Surface Design professor Ellen Hess. Students will work on four-harness looms and weave the project of their choice.
Sunday, 3/6 & 3/7, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $72

9156 Drawing in Perspective
Instructor: Drew Maillard
Want to add depth and realism to your drawing and painting? Learn to draw one-, two-, and three-point perspective step-by-step; to 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, 3/7, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137

9159 Sculpting a Self-Portrait from Life
Instructor: Leena Bagawde
In this two-part workshop, students will create a self-reflection sculpture, step-by-step, with air-dry clay (a user-friendly, water-based modeling clay that hardens naturally in the air without firing). They will use a mirror to create the sculpture from the bottom, building up to the top on a wooden base, starting from the shoulders, then moving to the neck, face, and top of the head. This is a therapeutic process where students will be encouraged to combine elements that reflect their personalities using air-dry clay.
Saturday & Sunday, 3/13 & 3/14, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $42

9161 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, 3/14, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $48

9157 NEW! Clay Tile House Number
Instructor: Heidi SanFilippo
Create something beautiful and handmade for your home! In this hands-on two-session workshop, students will make their own custom house numbers out of clay and add their personal style through shapes, textures, and details. During the first session of this workshop, students will form a clay slab and attach their house numbers. Additionally, they will embellish their house numbers with different designs. During the second session, students will glaze their pieces. The pieces will be fired in our kilns, and students will be contacted to pick up their finished pieces. The materials fee covers the cost of clay, bisque and glaze firing, and usage of studio equipment.
Sundays, 3/7 & 3/14, 10 AM – 12 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $36