Browse all Adult Classes and Workshops

To register, please call (616) 396-3278 or email helpdesk@hollandarts.org.  Member prices are in parentheses. If a student opts out of a class after registering, only class credit is available. 

One-Day Workshops & Master Classes

Finding the Masterpiece Inside the Masterpiece
​Instructor: Barbara Carlson
Focus will be on simplification, cropping in, and seeing the sweet spots in larger works. We will paint 4 small dynamic and pleasing abstract studies. We’ll discuss composition, balance, and movement.  The studies made in class will be perfect starting points for larger paintings. Reference materials will be available, however please feel free to bring your own paintings, photos, posters, or digital images to use in class.
Ages 16 & up • Saturday • September 17 • 10:30am - 1:00pm • $75 for members and $85 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register​

Illustration of the Natural World in Watercolor and Pencil
Instructor: Mary Sundstrom 
If you like mushrooms, moths, plants, driftwood and stones and are interested in capturing them with paint, learning watercolor while doing it, Mary Sundstrom is here to guide you. This popular 4-week course will kick off with an intro session, where we cover basic watercolor and illustration techniques such as color mixing and colored pencil blending approaches. Using natural specimens, we draw them from life plus use an occasional photo reference. Students will work on a different study every class practicing demonstrated techniques to capture a variety of textures. We will look to the masters of botanical illustration to guide us in planning composition and developing a painting strategy. All supplies provided for the class including archival paper, paint and set up. You will have the use of brushes and pencils in class and will be given a buying guide if you wish to purchase the same supplies after the class is complete.
Ages 15 & up • 4 weeks • Mondays •  September 19-October 10 • 5:30 - 7:30pm • $220 for members and $275 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register​

Seasonal Birch Tree Painting 
Instructor: Maranda Shear
The striking beauty of the birch is a beautiful subject no matter the season, Draw inspiration from the towering trees. Focus on composition and technique. 
Ages 14 & up • 1 night • Thursday  •  September 22 • 5:00 - 8:00 pm • $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register​

Fall Into Nature Drawing
Instructor: Bux Dhyne
Gather up some fall inspiration and bring it in to brush up on your drawing skills. Bux will help you work on the fine details of nature drawing and develop a love for fall arts! 
Ages 12 & up • Saturdays • September 17 & 24   • 12:30 - 2:00 pm • $50 for members and $60 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register​

Junk to Funk: Working With Recycled Materials
Instructor: Bux Dhyne
Let’s get creative with recycling and create something new. Upcycling, reusing, repurposing are all great ways that we can help the environment. There is lots of stuff being discarded all the time, let’s make something new and beautiful out of it. 
Ages 14 & up • Saturdays • October 1, 8, 15 & 22   • 12:30 - 2:00 pm • $80 for members and $90 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register​

Psychedelic “Rock Poster” Art
Instructor: Maranda Shear
“What a long, strange trip it’s been...” -Grateful Dead The Psychedelic movement gave birth to an amazing style for Rock posters and other promotional media. Learn about these design elements and create your own “poster” art. This class focuses on color and design.
Ages 14 & up • 1 night • Thursday  •  November 3 • 5:00 - 8:00 pm • $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register​

Holiday Ornaments
Instructor: Bux Dhyne
Creative beautiful handmade ornaments for your tree or as a gift! Join us for 4 Saturdays this holiday season to create new beautiful memories!
Ages 6-10 • Nov. 12, 19 & Dec. 3, 10 •  10:00 am-12:00 pm • $48 for members and $48 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register.

Decoupage Christmas Cookie Tiered Platter  
Instructor: Bux Dhyne
Create a show stopping centerpiece for your holiday parties. Bux will guide you through the decoupage and construction of this totally unique total ‘yours’ multi-tiered cookie platter!
Ages 25+ • Nov 15-16 • 1:00-2:30 pm • $30 for members and $40 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register

Winter Still Life Painting (oil) 
Instructor: Bux Dhyne
Using the old master’s technique, Bux will guide you through creating a beautiful winter still life that will be warmth to your home this holiday! This class is appropriate for all skill levels. 
Ages 18+ • Dec. 6, 13, 20 • 1:00-3:00 pm • $120 for members and $150 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register

Holiday Watercolor Mini Paintings
Instructor: Maranda Shear
​Inspired by Famous Artists, utilize different watercolor techniques and Holiday inspiration to create unique framable paintings to give as gifts to family and friends.
Ages 14 & up • 1 night • Thursday  •  December 22 • 5:00 - 8:00 pm • $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register​

Create! 102 Series

 Create! 102: Feeling Fallish
Instructor: Maranda Shear
Draw inspiration from the changing of the seasons to really harness life in its purest form. Experience en plein air painting/drawing to create a from-life tree portrait! Use a combination of un-realistic/realistic color, learn about shadows and lighting and how to capture a bit of nature.  I mean isn’t everyone’s favorite season Fall?
Ages 13 & up • 5 Sessions • Tuesdays • September 13 - October 11 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm • $135 for members and $145 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register​​

​Create! 102: Perception is Reality
Instructor: Maranda Shear
Have you ever tried to put into words how you are feeling but don’t quite know what to say? Have you ever experienced deja vu or could have sworn something was there that isn’t… Art can be the vessel to make the impossible possible. With a strong focus on concept development, this class digs into the emotional and challenges realistic norms.
Ages 13 & up • 5 Sessions • Tuesdays • October 18 - November 15 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm • $135 for members and $145 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register

​Create! 102: Your Favorite Artist
Instructor: Maranda Shear
They say mimicry is the best form of flattery. Draw inspiration from your favorite artist and learn how to develop, build and create your very own painting/drawing in their style. Develop skills and try new techniques.
Ages 13 & up • 5 Sessions • Tuesdays • November 29 - December 27 • 6:00pm -7:30pm • $135 for members and $145 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register

Ceramics

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Date Night in the Ceramics Studio
Make it a memorable Friday-night date night playing together in clay! Bring your partner or a friend and let loose creating on the potter’s wheel (no previous experience needed). Wine, beer and charcuterie board served! 
Ages 21 & up • $120.00 per couple for Members and $140 per couple for Nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register​ • 6-8 pm • Choose from the following dates:

  • Friday, Aug. 19- Instructor Mary Wolter ​- FULL 
  • Saturday, September 24- Instructor: Jesse VanderBand
  • Friday, October 21- Instructor: Michael Burmeister​

Raku 
Instructor: Jesse Vanderband
Set dirt on fire! In this workshop, you will explore the traditional practice of rake firing, as well as learn how to throw, trim and glaze raku pottery. The workshop will consist of throwing and trimming sessions, a glazing session and then a special raku firing event. Space is limited. All materials are included. Students should expect approximately 2 hours/week of additional work time outside of class.. This class is limited to 18 years and older. *Must have taken Beginner Ceramics before registering for this class or have solid foundational ceramics experience.
Ages 18 & up •  4 weeks, 3 classes • Thursdays • September 1, 8, 22 (No class Sept 15) Firing October 2 • 6:00 - 8:00 pm • $195 for members and $210 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register​
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​Functional & Creative Slab Building
Instructor: Carmen Davis
Pottery out of slabs is an exciting way to create shapes and intriguing pieces of art. If you would like to “play with clay” using soft-slab construction, slump and press molds, this class will do that! You will experiment with color, texture and pattern as well as techniques and tips to inspire creativity and enhance your hand building skills. We will also have some fun with glazing. Have ideas of things you want to make or have a favorite dish you would like to use as a mold, bring them along! All materials are included. Students should expect approximately 2 hours/week of additional work time outside of class.  *Must have taken Beginner Ceramics before registering for this class.  
Ages 18 & up • 4 weeks, 3 classes • Tuesdays • September 6, 13 & 27 (No Class Sept 20) • 6:00pm - 8:00pm • $130 for members and $140 for nonmembers • FULL please email helpdesk@hollandarts.org to be added to waitlist

Intermediate Wheel, Monday Evening 
​Instructor: Jesse VanderBand
Did the potter's wheel hook you when you took Beginner Ceramics? It often does! If you would like to further explore and perfect your technique on the potter’s wheel this next level class will do that. All materials are included. Students should expect approximately 2 hours/week of additional work time outside of class. *Must have taken Beginner Ceramics before registering for this class.
Ages 18 & up • 7 weeks, 6 classes • Mondays • September 12- October 24 (no class October 17th) • 6:00pm - 8:00pm • $200 for members and $210 for nonmembers • FULL please email helpdesk@hollandarts.org to be added to waitlist

Making Flat and 3D Decorative Tiles
Instructor: Sherrill Cannon
Create a splash with your custom, handmade tiles. Unique to you patterns and 3D elements. Custom themes with colors and shapes to match your decor or imagination! You will learn the ins and outs of tile making beginning with successful slab rolling, carving into slabs and transforming a flat slab into a slab that has a 3D surface. You will also explore painting on tiles as another surface decoration technique. All materials are included. Students should expect approximately 2 hours/week of additional work time outside of class.
Ages 18 & up • 9 weeks, 8 classes • Thursdays • September 15 - November 10 (No class Nov 3) • 6:00pm -8:00pm • $280 for members and $270 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register

Beginner Ceramics, Tuesday Evening 
Instructor: Eileen LaMore
In the beginner ceramic class you will learn the basics of handbuilding, wheel throwing and glazing. It is the foundation class for all other ceramic classes offered at HAAC. All materials are included. Students should expect approximately 2 hours/week of additional work time outside of class. Additional clay is available to purchase at $30 for 25 pounds. This class is limited to 18 years and older.
Ages 18 & up • 10 weeks • Tuesdays • October 4 - December 13 (No class November 22) • 6:00pm - 8:00pm • $285 for members and $295 for nonmembers • FULL! Please email helpdesk@hollandarts.org to be added to waitlist

Beginner Ceramics, Wednesday Morning
Instructor: Mary Wolter
In the beginner ceramic class you will learn the basics of hand-building, wheel throwing And glazing. It is the foundation class for all other ceramic classes offered at HAAC. All materials are included. Students should expect approximately 2 hours/week of additional work time outside of class. Additional clay is available to purchase at $30 for 25 pounds. This class is limited to 18 years and older.
Ages 18 & up • 10 weeks • Wednesdays • October 5 - December 14 (No class November 23) • 10:00am - 12:00pm • $285 for members and $295 for nonmembers • FULL! Please email helpdesk@hollandarts.org to be added to waitlist

Intermediate Wheel PLUS, Wednesday Evening 
Instructor: John Diaz
You’ve gained enough confidence in throwing a variety of the basic pottery vessels that you now feel ready to further your skills and explore more of what can be done with clay on the wheel.  In this class we want to expand your knowledge of form and function and help further develop your wheel throwing abilities.  All materials are included along with 2 hours/week of additional work time outside of class.  *Must have taken Intermediate Wheel or have equivalent experience before registering for this class, and the desire and/or experience to tackle more complex throwing projects.
Ages 18 & up • 7 weeks, 6 classes • Wednesdays • October 5 - November 16 (No class November 9) • 6:00pm - 8:00pm • $230 for members and $240 for nonmembers • Please call (616) 396-3278 to register

Create with Coils
Instructor: Mary Wolter
Continue to develop your hand-building skills by making a vessel using the coil method.  Learn how to roll coils and join them to develop shape. We will explore ways to texturize and decorate the surface of our pieces.  Learning the skill of coil building opens the door for the hand builder to create vessels that range from small to LARGE.  Students should expect additional work time in the studio outside of class. 
Ages 18 & up • 5 weeks, 4 classes • Mondays • November 7- December 5 (No class November 28) • 6:00pm - 8:00pm • $130 for members and $140 for nonmembers • FULL! Please email helpdesk@hollandarts.org to be added to waitlist