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 Workshops

7962 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.
Sundays, 10/26 & 11/9, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $53

8104 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, 10/26, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $137

7964 Transforming Recycled Paper into Handmade Paper
Instructor: Alicia Cotter
Learn how to transform recycled paper into custom handmade paper to use in artwork, cardmaking, and journaling. Make recycled paper into pulp, add color and textures, and mold it into individual sheets of handmade paper. This fun and relaxing process yields beautiful results! Most materials provided.
Saturday, 11/1, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $42

7965 Impasto Painting
Instructor: Katherine Ivanova
Impasto painting has the ability to open wonderful new possibilities for visual expression. Paint is applied thickly to raise the brush strokes and palette knife’s markings from the canvas. In this one-day workshop, students will create a small landscape and learn a variety of impasto painting techniques such as texture, color mixing, and 3D composition.
Sunday, 11/2, 10 AM–2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $28

8105 NEW! Spectacular Ribs: A Potter’s Tool
Instructor: Emma Tabachnick
Learn when and how to use your wood, rubber, or metal ribs to unlock their full potential! In this one day throwing workshop, students will have fun, playing and experimenting with one of the best ceramic tools, the rib. The instructor will provide demonstrations on which ones work best for smoothing, compressing, and shaping. Some wheel throwing experience is required. Bring any ribs from your own collection and maybe try out some ribs provided by the teacher. Trimming and glazing these pieces will need to be done in your regular class or in open studio. Clay will need to be purchased on the day of the workshop.
Sunday, 11/2, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $28

8381 Printmaking with Disperse Dyes
Instructor: Miriam Jacobs
In the one-day workshop, experiment with liquid dyes and fabric crayons to create a beautiful print on fabric! Students will have the opportunity to explore this unique printmaking process where they will get rich-textured results and learn how to do it at home from the instructor’s demonstrations.
Saturday, 11/8, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $32

7966 Oil Painting 101
Instructor: Andrea Gianchiglia
Ever wanted to try oil painting? Now is the time! This workshop will introduce you to the wonderful world of oil paints. With step-by-step guided lessons through the course of the day, students will understand how oil paints can be used focusing on various techniques, color theory, how to achieve various subject matters and textures, and proper clean up. Materials will be provided so students can try before they commit to a new medium. A perfect workshop for any level looking to dive into this exciting medium.
Sunday, 11/9, 10 AM–2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $37

7968 Self-Portraits in the Age of Selfies
Instructor: Miriam Jacobs
Learn the basics of portrait sketching, using yourself as the model! The instructor will cover techniques on how to accurately represent facial features measured apart from one another. For example, did you know the length of an ear can be measured between the eyebrows and bottom of the nose? Learn this and other techniques to capture your own facial features on paper.
Sunday, 11/9, 10 AM–2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $23

7967 Experimenting in Ceramics
Instructor: Shelley Rosen Howard
Have you ever wanted to create in clay or try something new? Then, this workshop is for you! This two-day workshop is designed for all students of all levels who want to let their imaginative ideas come to life. Please come with some creative ideas to the workshop. On the first day, students will make 1–3 hand-built pieces in clay. On the second day, students will have the choice to finish their bisque fired pieces with typical glazes provided in the studio OR use safe materials, like mason stains, colored clay bits, dried glaze, grog, and other materials to create imaginative pieces. Some of these alternative decorating techniques can be applied on greenware pieces on the first day. Most materials provided. Clay will need to be purchased on the first day of the workshop.
Sundays, 11/9, 10 AM–4 PM & Sunday, 11/23  10 AM – 2 PM
Tuition: $242
Materials fee: $40

7969 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, 11/15 & 11/16, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $40

7973 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 so 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 winter landscape.
Sunday, 11/16, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $48

8138 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 imaginations 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 purchase open studio time. Materials fee covers bisque firing and clay.
Sunday, 11/16, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $26

7971 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, 11/16, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $137

7960 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.
Saturday, 11/22, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $50

8108 NEW! 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 on the day of the workshop.
Sunday, 11/23, 10 AM–2 PM
Tuition: $110
Materials fee: $23

8109 NEW! Mini Masterpieces: How Small Can You Go?
Instructor: Andrea Gianchiglia
Challenge yourself to think small in this fun, fast-paced workshop where we create tiny 5×7 inch and smaller works of art! This is a hands-on and demo-based experience where students will explore composition, color, and texture through exercises and guided practice. Students will have the freedom to experiment with different mediums (ex. pastels, watercolor, or mixed media), and laminate their favorites as bookmarks or matting them as tiny treasures. Students should bring their preferred materials/medium to work in for this workshop.
Sunday, 11/23, 10 AM–2 PM
Tuition: $110

7975 Mixed Media Sampler
Instructor: Alicia Cotter
If you have been curious about trying out mixed media art, this workshop is for you! Create a unique 10×10 inch artwork incorporating a multitude of mixed-media techniques. Techniques will include creating and using handcrafted stamps, making handmade paper from recycled paper for collaging, painting with acrylics, gel printmaking, and more. Finishing techniques will also be covered.
Saturday, 12/6, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $30

7974 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.
Sat & Sun, 12/6 & 12/7, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $262
Materials fee: $78

7977 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.
Sunday, 12/7, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $16

7976 Mosaics: Tiny Pieces Make the Big Picture
Instructor: Donna Conklin King
Welcome to the world of mosaics, where not only is it okay to break things, it’s expected! This intensive workshop will introduce beginners to the basics of mosaic making. Learn about the amazing variety of materials and adhesives, design and composition, cutting and laying out tiles, and the grouting process. Materials such as vitreous glass tile, ceramic tile, stained glass, and china are available for students to explore and incorporate in their work. Students will complete an 8×6 inch mosaic by the day’s end.
Sunday, 12/7, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $137
Materials fee: $30