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 2025

Adult 5-Week Classes

5-WEEK CLASSES

7931 NEW! The Art of Drawing in Pen & Ink
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Mondays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
Express yourself through lines and textures in ink! Students will work with a traditional dipping pen, reed pens, markers, and brushes to create a variety of lines and textures. Students will experiment with other ways of mark making, perhaps even fine lines of fingerprints. The instructor will show classic and contemporary artists who work in ink through videos, handouts, and books. Students may work from classroom images or their own reference.
5 session(s): 10/27–11/24
Tuition: member $200, non-member $220

8121 Drawing & Painting Open Studio
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
This drawing and painting open studio is designed for intermediate to advanced students who already have experience in the medium of their choice. Students will be encouraged to pursue their individual drawing and/or painting practice with the support of the instructor. Each class will begin with a brief visual presentation on a particular artist or art movement to gain inspiration. Students are free to work in any of the painting and/or drawing media: acrylic, oil, watercolor, gouache, graphite, pen and ink, charcoal, colored pencils, oil, or chalk pastels.
5 session(s): 10/28–11/25
Tuition: member $200, non-member $220

8043  The Magic of Metal Clay
Instructor: Kelly Green Grady
Wednesdays, 6:30–9 PM
Metal clay is a unique material that consists of particles of metal suspended in an organic binder. It can be formed like clay, but when fired yields a solid metal object. Students will be introduced to working with a silver-based metal clay. Learn how to model, texture, and set stones in clay that will be fired to create beautiful finished pieces of jewelry. No jewelry experience necessary! Some materials provided. Additional materials to be discussed in first class. It is recommended that students bring their own molds with them to class.
5 session(s): 11/5–12/10 (no class on 11/19)
Tuition: member $240, non-member $260
Materials fee: $84

8050 Sketching for Every Artist
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Thursdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
Every artist can improve their drawing abilities, whether as a basic foundation for work in another medium or for the simple pleasure of sketching itself. Develop your observational and rendering skills through sketching in charcoal and pencil from still lifes, photos, and plein air studies (weather permitting). Emphasis will be on creating accurate and simplified drawings as students learn to think in basic shapes and gestural lines. Principles such as line quality and tonal values will be addressed. Sketches by noted artists will be discussed to reinforce concepts in class.
5 session(s): 10/30–12/4 (no class on 11/27)
Tuition: member $200, non-member $220

8068 Beaded Jewelry Creations
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Thursdays, 3:30–6 PM
Enjoy jewelry making without the use of heat or machinery! This class will be a fun and relaxed environment without the worry of learning how to use machinery in the studio. Learn to make bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and more using a variety of beautiful beads.
5 session(s): 11/6–12/11 (no class on 11/27)
Tuition: member $240, non-member $260
Materials fee: $28