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.
Special Thanks to Target for being a supporter of the Saratoga Arts' Education Program
Classes & Workshops
Now you can browse the complete Fall schedule online!
Workshops by Nationally Known Instructors
The Contemporary Woodland Landscape in Pastel with Robert Carsten, PSA-mp, IAPS-mc
Capturing the Vibrant Colors of Fall in Watercolor with Robert J. O'Brien AWS NWS
The Impressionist Still Life - Concept to Finished Painting with Ann Larsen
Classes & Workshops Open to All Media
Costumed Portrait Workshop with Corey Pitkin
All Media Portrait Workshop with Corey Pitkin
The Impressionist Still Life with Ann Larsen
Painting in Plein Air for All Levels with Takeyce Walter
Dynamic Design in All Media with Takeyce Walter
From Concept to Canvas with Takeyce Walter
Open Studio
Painting Workshops & Classes
Inspired by the Masters in Oil & Pastel with Takeyce Walter
The Contemporary Woodland Landscape in Pastel with Robert Carsten, PSA-mp, IAPS-mc
Pastel for Beginners with Carolyn Justice
Intermediate - Advanced Pastel with Carolyn Justice
Watercolors for Beginner - Intermediate with Tom Ryan
Painting in Plein Air for All Levels with Takeyce Walter
Capturing the Vibrant Colors of Fall in Watercolor with Robert J. O'Brien AWS NWS
Problem Solving for the Intermediate Watercolorist with Tom Ryan
The Impressionist Still Life - Concept to Finished Painting with Ann Larsen
Dynamic Design in All Media with Takeyce Walter
From Concept to Canvas with Takeyce Walter
Drawing Classes
Drawing I
Drawing II
Drawing for All Levels
Think Pen & Ink
The Art of Charcoal
Fine Art & More
Silversmithing
Daytime Silversmithing: Crafting an Original Bracelet
Photographing Your Work for Submission & Archival
Framing & Matting Your Artwork for Exhibition and Display
Weaving
Workshops with Nationally Known Instructors
The Contemporary Woodland Landscape in Pastel
with Robert Carsten, PSA-mp, IAPS-mc
Saturday, September 24, 2016
10am - 4pm
$120/members, $130/not-yet-members 
Award-winning artist Robert Carsten attended the Art Students League of New York, the Rhode Island School of Design and the Accademia di Belle Arti (Italy). He is an Honorary Board member and signature member of the Pastel Society of America and is a contributing writer to Pastel Journal and The Artist's Magazine. His paintings have been shown in many museums and galleries and are collected worldwide. He has been featured in Pure Color/The Best of Pastel; Pastel Journal; American Art Review;The Artist's Magazine; Strokes of Genius/The Best of Drawing; Finding Your Style in Pastel; Lori McNee's Tips and Techniques from Professional Artists and more. Robert has been a juror of many regional, national and international competitions. Visit: www.robertcarsten.com
Capturing the Vibrant Colors of Fall in Watercolor
with Robert J. O'Brien AWS NWS
Learn to paint the beautiful fall colors that Autumn provides with watercolorist Robert J. O'Brien AWS NWS. This one day workshop will focus on painting the spectacular fall landscape of New England and the Northeast in its glorious splendor. The class will begin with a demonstration by the instructor who will explain his technique for capturing the vibrancy of autumn colors through the layering process. Techniques for creating light and shadow will also be shown. Students will paint for the duration of the class followed by a critique at the end of the session. Lots of hands on assistance will be provided by the instructor. This workshop is open to all levels and abilities. A materials list can be found on the right hand sidebar of our website education page.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
10am - 4pm
$120 for members/$120 for 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. The exhibition opens October 5, 2016, and will be held at the Piraeus Bank Conference Gallery, Thessaloniki, Greece.
The Impressionist Still Life - Concept to Finished Painting with Ann Larsen, AWAM, AIS, RMPAP, OPS
Students will have several still life set ups to chose from in order to compose and complete a painting in this two day workshop with nationally recognized artist and instructor Ann Larsen. Emphasis will be placed on how to arrange a pleasing a proportional still life in order to compose a strong painting. Additional emphasis will be on using studies from the first day as a blueprint for the larger painting. Day one will focus on composing the painting, color harmony and the use of correct values to finish 2 or 3 working studies that will aid in the block-in of their composition. Day two will be spent using their studies as guides to mixing color and using brush and palette knife to achieve an impressionistic application of paint as students work to complete their paintings. Students will leave this workshop with a nearly frame-ready painting! Medium: Oil is preferred, but acrylic, pastel, watercolor are welcome.
Saturday, November 12 & Sunday, November 13, 2016
9am to 4pm
$240 for members/$260 for not-yet-members
Ann Larsen says of her work: “There is nothing more powerful in painting than a well composed, reserved, and solid statement. Such a painting can stir your soul and take your breath away!” Ann is a Master Signature Member of American Women Artists and Past President; Signature Member of Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters, Signature Member American Impressionist Society; member Oil Painters of America and Laguna Plein Air Painters. She is represented by Sorelle Gallery, Albany, NY; Saunders Gallery of Fine Art, Glens Falls, NY; Shavano Fine Arts Gallery, Salida, CO; TrueNorth Gallery, Kennebunkport, ME and Davis & Blevins Gallery, Saint Jo, TX. Ann has been in over 20 gallery and museum exhibitions and most recently the Booth Museum of Western Art Museum and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Visit Ann’s website at www.annlarsen.com.
Classes & Workshops Open to All Media
Dynamic Design for All Media with Takeyce Walter
Are you struggling with design in your paintings? In this workshop, we will cover the fundamentals of creating dynamic design and captivating composition in your paintings. We will explore different techniques and tools to reveal striking and interesting design to help lead the viewer through, and keep them coming back to your painting. Takeyce Walter will provide demonstrations, critiques, exercises, and assignments to help you grow your skills. We will work from life and/or reference images, and you will be guided with one‐on-one instruction. Reference material and assignments will be provided. This workshop is open to all media, however, Takeyce will be working with oil paint and/or pastels.$70 for members/$80 for not-yet-members
Costumed Portrait Workshop with Corey Pitkin
Draw or paint a live model in full period costume at this fun and unique one-day workshop! Instruction will be provided on lighting, staging, drama, and historical accuracy as well as the use of photography and very basic Photoshop techniques to compose a scene. Then paint along with the instructor Corey Pitkin's guidance to create a historically inspired portrait. Open to all media and students with a basic understanding of portraiture. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera. Registration includes model fee.
Saturday, November 5, 2016: 10am - 4pm
$85 for members / $95 for non-members
All Media Portrait Workshop with Corey Pitkin
Successful portraits achieve not just a likeness, but create depth and capture the personality and emotion of the human face. Working with a model, this workshop will start with an oil painting demo in the morning and will allow participants to work with one-on-one instructor guidance in the afternoon. All mediums and all skill levels welcome. Registration includes model fee. 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.
Saturday, December 17: 10am - 4pm
$85 for members / $95 for non-members
From Concept to Canvas with Takeyce Walter
Artist and instructor Takeyce Walter recommends all artists ask themselves these three questions before beginning a project: 1. What am I trying to communicate with this piece of art? 2. What medium/size would be best to express that idea? 3. What colors can help me achieve the mood of the piece? With these questions in mind and by focusing on images, forms, shapes, color and a variety of painting techniques used, you can take your concept for a painting all the way to the canvas! Students can work in oils and/or pastels for this workshop.This workshop is open to students of all levels and no experience with pastels or oils is required!
Sunday, December 18, 2016: 10am - 4pm
$70 for members/$80 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 thorughout the year ever Monday evening (excluding holidays). Informal group meetings where artists can talk about their work, share ideas, and discuss a variety of methods and mediums, 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
Fall Session I:
Mondays: 6:30pm - 9:30pm
September 12, 19, 26, October 3, *no session on October 9th* 17, 24, 31, 2016
$70 for members/$90 for non-members
Fall Session II - Mondays: 6:30pm - 9:30pm
November 7, 14, 21, 28, December 5, 12, 19, 2016
$70 for members/$90 for non-members
Inspired by the Masters in Oil & Pastel with Takeyce Walter
Artists have always used the masters as inspiration for their work - whether artists are learning the masters’ techniques, modeling compositions based on their masterpieces, even using their work as an inspiration for palate choice. In this workshop, artist and instructor Takeyce Walter will discuss the work and processes of the great masters like Edgar Degas, William Merritt Chase and Mary Cassatt, demonstrate their techniques and offer individual assistance to all students during this fun and informative two day workshop. Please bring bag lunches each day. A complete supply list can be found at our website - www.saratoga-arts.org. This workshop is designed for all levels and no experience is required!
Friday, September 30 & October 1, 2016
10am - 4pm
$140 for members / $160 for non-members
Pastel for Beginners with Carolyn Justice
Painting with pastel is a fun way to begin your exploration of the world of art, with lots of color, texture, and no-pressure spontanity! Artist and instructor Carolyn Justice will help you learn the basic concepts of pastel while exploring the wide range of possibilities that this medium has to offer. The emphasis of this course will be on experimenting with a variety of papers, use of color and becoming comfortable with the medium. Please bring non-oil pastels, a kneaded eraser, masking tape and several sheets of paper to each class. Class size is limited to 14 students. Pastel for Beginners is recommended for students who are new to the medium, but is open to all pastel students.
Mondays, 10am - 12pm
September 19, 26, October 3, 17, 24 & 31 2016.
*Please note there is no class on October 10 in observance of Columbus Day.*
$85 for members / $95 for non-members
Intermediate - Advanced Pastels with Carolyn Justice
Designed as a continuation of Pastel for Beginners, students will 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. There is also more 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 find increasingly creative solutions for a wide range of different types of projects. Please bring non-oil pastels, a kneaded eraser, masking tape and several sheets of paper to each class. Class size is limited to 14 students.
Tuesdays: 10am - 12pm
September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15, 2016
$110 for members / $120 for non-members
Watercolors for Beginners - Intermediate with Tom Ryan
Join us for this fun workshop and learn how to mix and paint clean, transparent, and vibrant watercolors! Perfect for beginner and intermediate watercolorists, this workshop will focus on the elements of good composition, values, and the importance of light in your painting. The morning will feature exercises and instruction and the afternoon will feature a demo and participants working on a painting of their choice by using your own photos, reference materials, or imagination. Artist and instructor Tom Ryan will provide one-on-one assistance and advice. A suggested supply list will be provided.
Saturday, October 15, 2016
10am - 4pm
$70 for members/$80 for not-yet-members
Painting in the Plein Air for All Levels with Takeyce Walter
Join artist and instructor Takeyce Walter for this inspirational workshop celebrating the beauty of Yaddo's gardens! Lessons will include the fundamentals of composing and designing the perfect fall landscape while painting in the beautiful outdoors. Takeyce will also discuss and demonstrate techniques to enrich your paintings and offer individual assistance to all students. Please bring a bag lunch. A complete supply list can be found on the left sidebar of our education page in the Supply List Booklet. This workshop is designed for all levels and no experience is required!
Saturday, October 15, 2016
10am - 4pm
$70 for members/$80 for not-yet-members
*Please note that this workshop will take place off-site, and students will meet Takeyce atYaddo.*
Problem Solving for the Intermediate Watercolor Artist with Tom Ryan
Bring your work to the next level with this workshop with watercolorist Tom Ryan! Tom will review ten of the most common technical mistakes made in watercolor paintings and discuss and show the best ways to correct them in this one day workshop. This fun workshop will help you learn how to overcome the pitfalls that keep you from completing a successful watercolor. With plenty of exercises, demos, and individual attention, participants will work on a painting of their choice by using their own photos, reference materials, or imagination. A suggested supply list can be found on our website.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
10am - 4pm
$70 members/$80 not-yet-members
Drawing
Basic Drawing I with James D'Andrea
For those who are new to drawing or simply returning to the practice after being away from the easel for a prolonged time, Basic Drawing I will give you the foundations and tools to build upon and help you learn not just the technical aspects of drawing, but how you should approach the process. Designed specifically for those who are interested in learning the basic concepts, techniques, materials, and philosophy behind the process of drawing, the class is part lecture, part hands-on and will cover use of pencils, ink, and charcoal on various papers. For all levels.
Wednesdays, 10am - 12pm
October 5, 12, 19, 26, 2016
$70 for members / $80 for non-members
Basic Drawing II with James D'Andrea
Building on the basics, this class is designed to help students develop ideas and define their personal creative style while building on the drawing skills they already possess. Advanced fundamentals of drawing will be covered and students will have the opportunity to spend each session working on drawings of their own design with one-on-one help and gentle critique from instructor and artist James D’Andrea. Basic Drawing I is not a requirement for this class. Please bring lots of photographs or objects for reference.
Thursdays, 1pm - 3pm
October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 2016
$70 for members / $80 for non-members
Drawing for All Levels with James D'Andrea
Perfect for those looking to hone their skills, students interested in growing their portfolios, and everyone in between, this fun and informative class is a drawing free for all specifically designed for artists of all levels! Wide-open with plenty of demonstrations, lessons in the fundamentals of drawing and drawing techniques, as well as gentle critiques. Students should bring a 9" x12" heavy bond drawing pad, 12" x18" charcoal pad, 4b-4h pencil set, hard and medium vine charcoal, a kneaded eraser, a white plastic eraser, a knife, s ruler, sharpeners, a 12-18" thin rod (knitting needles work well), a sandpaper block, and a smudger.
Thursdays, 7pm - 9pm
October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 2016
$80 for members / $90 for non-members
The Art of Charcoal with James D'Andrea
Discover the art of charcoal! Few other mediums offer the rich, amendable blacks that are achieved with charcoal, and through the great variety in the material, a broad range of values is able to be achieved. This class will teach several application processes of vine and compressed charcoals paired with several different paper types. All levels are welcome in this intriguing and informative course!
Thursdays, 7-9pm
November 10, 17, December 1, 8, 2016
*No class November 24 due to Thanksgiving*
$70 for members / $80 for not-yet-members
Think Pen & Ink with James D'Andrea
Grab a pen, some ink, and a sheet of paper and you’re ready to create artwork! While pen and ink is one of the most portable, convenient, and cost efficient art processes, it can also be one of the most intimidating - until now, anyway! Centering on the use of pen, quill, and brush on paper using simple values to create your images this class will also explore processes of development with emphasis on line and shape development through hatching and wash. Using layers and underdrawings with washes will be demonstrated, as well as the effect of paper choice on the finished product. Open to all levels.
Tuesdays, 7-9pm
November 22, 29, December 6, 13, 2016
$70 for members / $80 for non-members
Fine Art & More
Silversmithing and Metal Fabrication with Matt Balint
Silversmithing & Metal Fabrication offers an opportunity to learn the basic techniques of silversmithing and allows participants the opportunity to create a piece of functional or non-functional art, jewelry or sculpture in sterling or fine 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 with a primary focus on lamination (soldering), piercing, bezal making, and stone setting. All of the necessary tools will be provided. Class size is limited to 10. There will be $30 materials fee will be due to instructor Matt Balint at the first class.
Tuesdays, October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15, 2016
6:30pm - 9pm
$90 for members/$100 for not-yet-members
Photographing Artwork for Submission & Archival with Harry Wirtz
Let photographer and instructor Harry Wirtz teach you to use your digital camera to make quality photographs for documentation, press releases, jury submissions, and print editions. Topics will include setting up artwork for photography, low cost lighting options, basic camera adjustments, editing the image for accuracy, how to work with digital file formats for submissions and storage, and when it is best to hire a professional.
Bring your camera and be familiar with its operation; bring the user manual. “Point and shoot” cameras can be made to work with some effort, as can cell phones, but a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera can deliver the best results. A demonstration set up with artwork and affordable lighting will be provided.
Daytime Silversmithing & Metal Fabrication: Creating an Original Bracelet
Jewelry should be as unique as the person wearing it, and metalsmith and instructor Matt Balint can help you create it. Saratoga Arts’ Creating a Bracelet class offers students the opportunity to learn basic techniques of silversmithing while creating a beautiful bracelet of their own design. Students will explore bezel making, stone setting and soldering. All of the necessary tools will be provided. Class size is limited to 10. Please bring a pencil and paper, a $30 materials fee (due to Matt) and any stones you would like to incorporate into your design to the first class. This workshop is designed for all levels and no experience is required!
Wednesdays, November 9, 16, 23, 30, December 7, 2016
1pm - 3pm
$90 for members/$100 for not-yet-members
Framing & Matting Your Artwork for Display & Exhibition
Perfect for artists interested in solutions for framing work for the upcoming Members’ Show, this custom picture framing workshop will empower and inspire you. Jennifer Duke Harpending has more than 30 years of framing and matting experience, and will help teach you how to properly and creatively mat and frame your artwork, whether for your own personal collection or for gallery and exhibition sales. The concentration will be on budget and do-it-yourself framing techniques that don’t break the bank and are appropriate for resale. Bring a piece of artwork that you are interested in finding a framing solution for.
Sunday, October 16, 2016: 1-4pm
$30 for members / $35 for non-members
Weaving with Nancy Sharples
Learn the ancient art of 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 such projects as 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. This workshop is designed for all levels and no experience is required! Saratoga Arts’ Weaving Studio is open daily to all registered weaving students to work on projects outside of class hours. Weaving Studio hours are: M-F, 9am - 4:30pm and Saturdays 11am - 4:30pm.
Wednesdays, 1pm - 3pm
September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, & 19
$85 for members / $95 for non-members
Supply List Book: includes
Contemporary Woodland Landscape with Robert Carsten
Capturing Fall Colors in Watercolor with Robert J. O'Brien
The Impressionist Still Lifewith Ann Larsen
Inspired by the Masters
Dynamic Design & Composition
Plein Air at Yaddo
Watercolors - Beginner to Intermediate
Problem Solving for Intermediate Watercolorists
Basic Drawing I
Drawing II
Drawing for All Levels
The Art of Charcoal
Think Pen & Ink
All Media Courses
Forms:
Emergency Contact Form (for children)
Scholarship Request Form (adults)
Scholarship Request Form (children)
Community Arts Education Program scholarships available for residents of Malta. This year, Saratoga Arts was the awarded a grant from the Global Foundries - Town of Malta Foundation. Scholarships are available for our adult classes and for our summer camp and school break programs. To learn more about Saratoga Arts Scholarship Program, contact Kate Morse, Director of Education - kmorse@saratoga-arts.org or 518-584-4132