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 2026

Adult 5-Week Classes

8181 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): 2/23–3/23
Tuition: member $200,
non–member $220

8194 Abstract Painting for All Artists
Instructor: Cynthia Pareja Dubin
Mondays, 3:30–6 PM
In this class, students will have the opportunity to explore the potential of abstract painting through different techniques, concepts, and mediums that are introduced. The instructor will present examples of abstract art from history, such as Kandinsky, to inspire students’ creativity. The class will begin with small drawing exercises to experiment with the deconstruction of representational forms and pull from new sources. Then, students will be encouraged to approach their canvas with a no sketch approach for their abstract painting. This class is taught by an instructor who is bilingual in Spanish and English. For questions or additional information, please email us at studioschool@artcenternj.org, and we will connect you with the instructor for translation assistance in your preferred language. Este curso lo dictará un instructor bilingüe en español e inglés. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta o necesita más información, no dude en enviarnos un correo electrónico a studioschool@artcenternj.org. Lo pondremos en contacto directamente con el instructor para asistirlo en su idioma (Spanish).
5 session(s): 2/23–3/23
Tuition: member $200,
non–member $220

8209 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 painting and/or drawing media: acrylic, oil, watercolor, gouache, graphite, pen and ink, charcoal, colored pencils, oil, or chalk pastels.
5 session(s): 2/17–3/17
Tuition: member $200,
non–member $220