The Arts Center Partners
In addition to Saratoga Arts' own arts education offerings, The Arts Center is home to:
Etudes Music School
518-583-4649
Our Community Arts Education Program
For nearly 15 years, Saratoga Arts has been dedicated to offering quality fine art and fine craft classes, taught by regional artists, to students of all ages and at all artistic levels. In that time we’ve grown our program to its current capacity, where it now serves over 950 students a year and works with nearly 50 art teachers.
Located in the Arts Center at 320 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Arts has several fine arts classrooms, a weaving studio, a 110-seat theater, two gallery spaces and a darkroom. We have on occasion, when our facilities can not accommodate a class, offered classes off-site as well.
The Saratoga Springs Walmart proudly supports the 2017-2018 Saratoga Arts' Education Program.
Thank you to The John Winter Family Fund for sponsoring scholarships to the Saratoga Arts' Education Program. The legacy of John R. Winter, Jr. comes from his understanding that all young people have vast potential but that many youths need opportunities to encourage and foster the development of their God-given talent. Though his generosity in creating the John Winter Family Fund, he established a source that can be used to allow more participation in programs such as the Saratoga Arts childrens camps.
Classes & Workshops
View our entire Fall Education Brochure online!
Workshops by Nationally Known Instructors
Making the Ordinary Extraordinary: Painting Light in Watercolor with Robert J. O'Brien AWS NWS
Celebrating Fall Foliage in Pastel with Robert Carsten, PSA-MP, IAPS-MC
Classes & Workshops Open to All Media
Painting in Plein Air at Yaddo with Takeyce Walter
Landscape Painting in All Media with Tom O'Brien
Inspired By the Masters: Impressionists with Takeyce Walter
All Media Costumed Portrait Workshop with Corey Pitkin
Exploring Abstract Realism with Tom O'Brien
Creative Color Mixing with Tom O'Brien
All Media Portrait Workshop with Corey Pitkin
Painting the Winter Landscape in All Media with Takeyce Walter
Open Studio Session I
Open Studio Session II
Painting Workshops & Classes
Pastel for Beginners with Carolyn Justice
Intermediate - Advanced Pastel with Carolyn Justice
Watercolors for Beginner - Intermediate with Tom Ryan
Painting Flowers in Watercolor with Tom Ryan
Painting Fog & Mist in Watercolor with Tom Ryan
Drawing Classes
A Beginner's Guide to Drawing the Animal World with Karen Cummings
Fine Art & Photography
Monotype & Monoprintmaking with Amanda Kralovic
Framing Artwork on a Budget with Jennifer Duke Anstey
Photographing Artwork: Tools for the Artist with Harry Wirtz
Silversmithing & Metal Fabrication with Matt Balint
Introduction to Digital Photography with Harry Wirtz
Introduction to Digital Editing with Harry Wirtz
Weaving with Nancy Sharples
Workshops with Nationally Known Instructors
Making the Ordinary Extraordinary: Painting Light in Watercolor
with Robert J. O'Brien, AWS, NWS
Join award winning and internationally known watercolorist Robert O’Brien and learn how to paint “the light”! This course will explore techniques on how to achieve spectacular light effects from ordinary images through the use of light and shadow. Subject matter will range from landscape, flowers, to close focus studies of architectural and agricultural motifs. Composition and values will be explored in this workshop. All levels of painting ability are welcome. Students will work from photo reference. Some drawing experience is recommended. There will be a critique and class discussion at the end of the workshop.
Friday & Saturday, October 6 & 7th, 2017: 10am - 4pm
$240 members / $260 not-yet-members
Robert J. O'Brien has been painting in the watercolor medium for over 40 years. Since moving to Vermont in 1977, he has focused his work on landscape and architectural studies. Vermont, with its distinct four season climate, provides the artist with a wealth of subject matter and every changing light effects. The artist finds beauty in the ordinary, subtle reminders of everyday life in rural New England. Robert has exhibited and taught throughout the United States as well as in Provence, France, and will be exhibiting with some of the world's best watercolor artists in Watercolor International III. For more about Robert visit his website at www.robertjobrien.com.
Celebrating Fall Foliage in Pastel
with Robert Carsten, PSA-MP, IAPS-MC
Explore spectacular color against muted color, create dark trunks and branches against vibrant, sunlit leaves and patches of vivid blue sky to capture the exquisite beauty of autumn in a stunning work of art. This workshop will have a demonstration with an emphasis on composition, color characteristics, pastel application and more as well as lots of painting time and at-easel critiques/assistance by master pastelist Robert Carsten. Bring lots of photo references with autumn foliage. Materials list can be found on our website. All levels welcome.
Sunday, October 15, 2017: 10am - 4pm
$120 members / $140 not-yet-members
An enthusiastic promoter of the pastel medium, Robert K. Carsten is a master pastelist in the Pastel Society of America and a master circle pastelist (2013) in the International Assoc. of Pastel Societies (IAPS). He is an elected member of the Board of Governors of the Pastel Society of America and is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, the Connecticut Pastel Society, and an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Southwest Florida Pastel Society. Learn more at www.robertcarsten.com.
Classes & Workshops Open to All Media
Painting in Plein Air at Yaddo in All Media
with Takeyce Walter
Join Takeyce Walter outdoors at Yaddo to capture the beautiful landscape in all its autumn glory. This comprehensive one-day workshop will teach students valuable techniques and tips on how to quickly create engaging paintings in the plein air environment. Focus will be on composition through preparatory sketches, value, and color. Exercises in this workshop are designed to help build your confidence in plein air painting. This workshop is designed for students of all levels and all media. Takeyce will be working with pastels or oil paint to provide demos, and students will be provided with one-on-one feedback, reference material, and assignments to practice the techniques learned at home. There will also be a critique at the end of class to review the work completed. Open to all levels and media. *Please note that this workshop takes place in Yaddo's gardens and not at Saratoga Arts.
Sunday, October 29, 2017: 10am - 4pm
$70 for members/ $80 for not-yet-members
Landscape Painting in All Media
with Tom O'Brien
Learn how to create landscape paintings that not only capture the scene, but grab the viewer as well! Learn how to capture the basic elements of design L and composition inherent in a variety of different landscapes,. Hue, chroma, and drawing are all very important, but the attention grabbers are design and L the arresting play between light and dark values. This class is open to all levels
and media. Visit our website for supply list and bring lots of photographs for reference.
Wednesdays, 10am - 12pm
November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, December 6, 2017
$85 for members / $95 for not-yet-members
Inspired by the Masters: Impressionists
with Takeyce Walter
Artists have always used the masters as inspiration for their work, whether learning techniques, modeling compositions, or even using their work as inspiration for pallate choice. Artist and instructor Takeyce Walter will discuss the work and processes of the great Impressionist masters like Edgar Degas, William Merrit Chase, and Mary Cassate, demonstrate their techniques, and offer individual assistance during this fun workshop. Reference material and assignments will be provided. Open to all levels and media.
Sunday, November 19, 2017: 10am - 4pm
$70 for members / $80 for not-yet-members
All Media Costumed Portrait
with Corey Pitkin
It’s time to make portraiture fun again! Draw or paint a live model in a creative, Halloween inspired costume during this exciting workshop! Working with a model, participants will paint along with award winning painter Corey Pitkin’s guidance to capture the spirit of the face - and the season - in a portrait in the medium of your choice. Open to all students of all skill levels. Registration includes model fee. See Saratoga Arts’ website for suggested supply list.
Saturday, October 28, 2017: 10am - 4pm
$85 for members / $95 for not-yet-members
Oil painters, please bring: oil paints - at least a red, a blue, a yellow and a white, a 11”x14” or larger canvas or panel, a mix of brushes (the larger the better), odorless mineral spirits or other oil painting medium (no turpentine), a palette, and palette knife; pastelists, please bring assorted pastels, multiple sheets of colored, textured paper, a kneaded eraser, and masking tape. If you are working in a different medium bring what materials you are comfortable working with.
Exploring Abstract Realism
with Tom O'Brien
When it comes down to it, every painting, no matter how realistic, uses abstract thinking to achieve results. This course is designed to help you improve observational skills leading to an understanding that perception is your most important tool. Bring reference photographs from portraits to nature or work from the still life setup provided. Open to all levels and media. *Image by Darlene Petralia.
Mondays, 1 - 3pm
October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, 27, 2017
$85 for members / $95 for not-yet-members
All Media Portrait
with Corey Pitkin
Capturing the personality, depth, and emotion of the human face can be daunting, but award winning portrait artist Corey Pitkin can help. Working with a model, this workshop begins with an oil painting demonstration in the morning and allows participants to work with one-on-one guidance in the afternoon. All skill levels and media are welcome. Registration includes model fee. See Saratoga Arts’ website for suggested supply list.
Saturday, December 2, 2017: 10am - 4pm
$85 for members / $95 for not-yet-members
Oil painters, please bring: oil paints - at least a red, a blue, a yellow and a white, a 11”x14” or larger canvas or panel, a mix of brushes (the larger the better), odorless mineral spirits or other oil painting medium (no turpentine), a palette, and palette knife; pastelists, please bring assorted pastels, multiple sheets of colored, textured paper, a kneaded eraser, and masking tape. If you are working in a different medium bring what materials you are comfortable working with.
Painting the Winter Landscape in All Media
with Takeyce Walter
Winter scenes can be some of the most beautiful paintings, but can also be one of the trickiest color compositions to master. Students participating in this one-day workshop will explore the techniques often used in painting a winter scene. The emphasis of this workshop will be on techniques using soft neutral hues, introducing and using appropriate color to develop engaging winter compositions. Takeyce will be working with pastels or oil paint to provide demos, and students will be provided with one-on-one feedback, reference material, and assignments to practice the techniques learned at home. There will also be a critique at the end of class to review the work completed. A complete supply list can be found on our website. This workshop is designed for students of all levels and all media.
Sunday, December 17, 2017: 10am - 4pm
$70 for members / $80 for not-yet-members
Creative Color Mixing
with Tom O'Brien
Most artists are familiar with color wheels and color theory, but putting that knowledge to work can still be tricky when it comes to successfully mixing paint to achieve the desired results. Artist and instructor Tom O’Brien will help make sense of it all by exploring value, hue, chroma and discussing the importance of warm and cool aspects of colors to assist in quickly achieving results on your pallet. The method isn’t rigid and strives to use the pigments you have on hand.
For all levels and media.
Thursdays, 10am - 12pm
November 2, 9, 16, 30, December 7, 14, 2017 *No class on November 23*
$85 for members / $95 for not-yet-members
$85 for members / $95 for not-yet-members
Open Studio - Figure Drawing
Continue or expand your art without the formality of a class! The Open Studio sessions are great practice for any artist interested in working from a live model and run continuously throughout the year every Monday evening (excluding holidays). There is no teacher or moderator, serving instead as a forum for artists to come together and grow among their peers. For all mediums, ages 15 and up. Pre-registration is encouraged for the Open Studio sessions, but not required.
Drop in rates: $12 for members / $14 for non-members. Did you know the Open Studio has a website? www.lifestudio.org/clubs/saratogaImages
*Image by Ginit Marten
Fall Session I: Mondays: 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Sept. 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 2017
$60 for members / $70 for not-yet-members
Fall Session II: Mondays: 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27, Dec. 4, 11, 18, 2017
$70 for members/$80 for non-members
Painting Classes & Workshops
Pastel for Beginners
with Carolyn Justice
Want to begin - or refresh - your art practice but not sure where to start? Try Pastel for Beginners! Learn the basic concepts of pastel while exploring the wide range of possibilities that this medium has to offer by experimenting with papers, use of color, and becoming comfortable with the medium. A supply list can be found on our website. Class size is limited to 14 students.
Mondays, 10am - 12pm
October 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, 2017
$85 for members / $95 for not-yet-members
Intermediate - Advanced Pastels
with Carolyn Justice
Ready to move your pastel practice to the next level? Learn to interpret more complex subjects, explore contemporary directions in drawing, and continue to develop a mastery of technique with the guidance of artist and instructor Carolyn Justice. With an emphasis on originality and the development of a personal style in this extended, 8 week class, students will further develop their skills and abilities and be encouraged to fi nd creative solutions for their projects.
Tuesdays, 10am - 12pm
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21, 2017
$110 for members / $120 for not-yet-members
Watercolors for Beginners - Intermediate
with Tom Ryan
Learn how to mix and paint clean, transparent, and vibrant watercolors! This workshop will focus on the elements of good composition, values, and the importance of light in your painting through exercises and instruction in the morning. The afternoon will feature a demo and participants working on a painting of their choice by using their own photos, reference materials, or imagination with one-on-one advice from artist and instructor Tom Ryan. A suggested supply list can be found on our website.
Saturday, October 21, 2017: 10am - 4pm
$70 members/$80 not-yet-members
Painting Flowers in Watercolor
with Tom Ryan
Learn the secrets of painting flowers in watercolor with emphasis on composition, color, values, edges, and variety. The critical use of white and negative painting will be addressed and demonstrated by artist and instructor Tom Ryan. Each participant will work on their own painting, using their own photos for reference along with plenty of one-on-one advice from the instructor. A suggested supply list including information regarding what photos work well, can be found on our website.
Saturday, November 18, 2017: 10am - 4pm
$70 members/$80 not-yet-members
Painting Fog & Mist in Watercolor
with Tom Ryan
Watercolor is an ideal medium to capture the magic of fog and mist in your landscapes, and Tom Ryan can show you how to add this dramatic and element to your work! Emphasis will be on values and edges, and following demos and practice participants will work on a painting of their choice by using their own photos, reference materials, or imagination along with one-on-one advice from the instructor. Intermediate level painters and above. A suggested supply list can be found on Saratoga Arts’ website.
Saturday, December 16, 2017: 10am - 4pm
$70 members / $80 not-yet-members
Drawing
A Beginner's Guide to Drawing the Animal World
with Karen Cummings
Explore the joy of drawing by focusing on the fun and always interesting subject of animals. No matter what your age or skill level, the ability to draw is the foundation of many art mediums as well as a fi nished art form in its own rite. The key to drawing is observation, and instructor Karen Cummings will teach you how to capture the physicality and personality of animals using basic, straight forward techniques that you can use to build upon in every aspect of your practice. A perfect class for those who are convinced they can’t draw! Ages 12 and up.
Tuesdays, 7 - 9pm
November 7, 14, 21, 28, 2017
$60 members / $70 not-yet-members
Framing Artwork on a Budget: Tools for the Artist
with Jennifer Duke Anstey
Perfect for artists interested in solutions for framing work for submission or those who need economical solutions for displaying their collection, this workshop will help teach you how to properly and creatively mat and frame your artwork without breaking the bank. Bring a piece of artwork that you are interested in finding a framing solution for. *Please note that this workshop will take place off-site and not at Saratoga Arts*
Sunday, October 22, 2017: 1 - 4pm
JDH Framing Studio, 23 Ashley Drive, Ballston Lake NY
$35 for members / $40 for not-yet-members
Introduction to Digital Photography
with Harry Wirtz
Explore your camera’s adjustments and controls to work with light, time, and subject matter to make creative images. This workshop is appropriate for those who are beginning to make creative and articulate images with sophisticated equipment, but it will also be beneficial to those who are thinking about stepping up to an advanced camera system. We will cover exposure, focus, manual lens and shutter settings, aperture and shutter priority settings, and light control accessories with on- and off-camera flash. Bring your camera and instruction manual, and lots of questions!
Sunday, October 8: 10am - 4pm
$70 for members / $80 for not-yet-members
Introduction to Digital Editing
with Harry Wirtz
See how your digital images will benefit from basic photo editing techniques. Bring your laptop (if you have one) with photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Affinity Photo (a good substitute for Photoshop with one-time purchase and without monthly payments). Your questions will be welcome and can contribute to workshop content. We will cover basic image editing (including adjustment layers) with curves, masking, re-sizing, image file formats, preparing for print or web, and archiving.
Saturday, October 14, 2017: 10am - 4pm
$70 for members / $80 for not-yet-members
Weaving
with Nancy Sharples
Both the experienced weaver and the curious beginner will have the chance to work on a 4-harness floor or table loom to create a wall hanging, scarf, table runner, or small rug in this hands-on class. Please bring a good pair of scissors. A materials fee of about $15 (depending on project) will be due at first class. Class size is limited to 9. Saratoga Arts’ Weaving Studio is open daily to all registered weaving students to work on their projects outside of class hours during the following times: M-F, 9am - 4:30pm and Sat, 11am - 4:30pm.
Wednesdays, 1 - 3pm
September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 8, 2017 *no class November 1*
$85 for members / $95 for not-yet-members
Silversmithing & Metal Fabrication
with Matt Balint
Learn the basic techniques of silversmithing and create a piece of original jewelry or sculpture in sterling or fi ne silver. This class is a fun and laid back environment where students will receive an introduction to a number of techniques and approaches to two and three-dimensional design as well as establish a foundation for the fabrication of jewelry. All of the necessary tools will be provided. Class size is limited to 10. There will be $30 materials fee due to Matt at the first class. *Bracelet created by student Wendy Lynch.
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9pm
November 7, 14, 21, 28, December 5, 12, 2017
$90 for members/ $100 for not-yet-members
Monotype & Monoprintmaking
with Amanda Kralovic
Explore traditional monotype & monoprint printmaking techniques in this fun & informative course while focusing on chine-colle, drypoint, reduction relief printing, and layering of colors. Color-mixing and color theory with the use of relief printing techniques will be covered so you can learn to print your own prints at home! Students will create painterly original prints with shapes and textures while exploring the medium of printmaking. For all levels.
Thursdays, 7 - 9pm
November 2, 9, 16, 30, December 7, 14, 2017 *no class on November 23*
$85 for members / $95 for not-yet-members
Photographing Artwork for Submission & Archiving: Tools for the Artist
with Harry Wirtz
Properly and accurately documenting your artwork is a necessary skill for artists of all levels. Learn to use your digital camera to make quality photographs for documentation, press releases, jury submissions, and print editions of your work. This evening workshop will cover setting up artwork for photography, low cost lighting options, basic camera adjustments, editing the image for accuracy, and more. A demonstration with artwork and affordable lighting will be provided. Bring your digital camera, manual, and lots of questions!
Friday, October 20, 2017: 5:30 - 9pm
$40 for members / $45 for not-yet-members
If you have questions regarding any of Saratoga Arts' classes and workshops, please let us know! You can e-mail Kate, Director of Education, at kmorse@saratoga-arts.org or call 518-584-4132 during business hours.
Forms:
Emergency Contact Form (for children)
Scholarship Request Form (adults)
Scholarship Request Form (children)
2017-2018 Community Arts Education Program scholarships provided by the The John Winter Family Fund, Saratoga Community Federal Credit Union and Skidmore's Art of Producing Class, Spring 2017.
To learn more about Saratoga Arts Scholarship Program, contact Kate Morse, Director of Education - kmorse@saratoga-arts.org or 518-584-4132