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.

SPRING SEMESTER 2026

Adult 5-Week Classes

8462  Drawing & Painting Open Studio (Intermediate & Advanced)
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 following media: acrylic, oil, watercolor, gouache, graphite, pen and ink, charcoal, colored pencils, oil, or chalk pastels.
5 session(s): 5/12–6/9
Tuition: member $200, non-member $220

8751 Clay Creations: Handbuilt Ceramics
Instructor: Shelley Rosen Howard
Tuesdays, 12:30-3 PM
Whether you are new to ceramics or an experienced clay artist, this class will let you explore the various methods of designing, constructing, and finishing handbuilt ceramics. Heavy emphasis will be placed on creating a solid foundation of handbuilding techniques with time for experimentation. Wheel throwing is an option, and self–guided projects are always welcome. Students will be encouraged to push boundaries and explore more experimental ways to decorate and finish their pieces, including adding found objects.
5 session(s): 5/12 – 6/9
Tuition: member $247, non-member $267

8515 Inner Landscapes
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Thursdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
Artists have used painted interiors throughout art history: from Da Vinci’s Last Supper to Matisse’s brightly furnished rooms, to the mystery of Hopper’s shadows. Our personal spaces reveal much about us. Each week, students will learn about a different artist and gain inspiration for painting interiors. Students will learn the basics of perspective, composition, values, and light and shadow while focusing on expression and drama rather than making actual architectural renderings. The instructor will have a variety of images for students to work from. Students are encouraged to bring their own references and work in the medium of their choice.
5 session(s): 5/14–6/11
Tuition: member $200, non-member $220

8521 Pottery Silhouettes: GR Pottery Forms
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Thursdays, 12:30–3 PM
Explore the use of a variety of GR pottery forms in the studio! Utilizing the slab roller and GR pottery forms, students will be able to create a wide range of pottery shapes that cannot be created on the potter’s wheel. Specific projects will be shown, and demonstrations will include the basics of using the forms, such as adding feet to the bottom of pieces, making and attaching handles, creating surface patterns using slip, marbling techniques in combination with the forms, advanced Nerikomi techniques (a Japanese ceramic art technique using colored clays), and more! Students may utilize the potter’s wheel in combination with the slab roller if desired. Glazing techniques will also be covered.
5 session(s): 5/14–6/11
Tuition: member $247, non-member $267

8530 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. All skill levels welcome.
5 session(s): 5/14–6/11
Tuition: member $240, non-member $260
Materials fee: $28