Fitchburg Art Museum

Take a Class

Adult Art Classes

(Teens age 15+ welcome) Please note: PDPs for teachers are available for most classes and workshops. See our website for instructors’ credentials.

NOTE: Students in adult classes are responsible for bringing their own art supplies. Materials lists will be posted here on our website or can be obtained by calling the Museum.

Online Registration Now Available: www.familyid.com/fitchburg-art-museum

Check out FAM’s offerings on FamilyID, an easy-to-use, on-line registration service. First it will ask you to set up an account (it’s free and secure) with your family’s names, address, phone numbers, and birth dates (children only), but that is the last time you’ll have to do that. FamilyID stores your information so anytime you register it will automatically fill it in on the registration forms. All payments go through PayPal, and although your credit card will be processed immediately, refunds are easy should the class not run. If you need assistance with FamilyID, a phone number for quick support is on each page of the system.

 

1. YOGA—All Levels

Tuesdays, 6:15–7:30 p.m. April 3-June 19 (12 weeks)

Melissa Magane

Reap the health benefits of yoga as you are guided through warm-up postures, yogic breathing, and relaxation. Instruction will be adapted for all levels of experience. $108M, $132NM; Drop-ins $14 per class, payable in class.

2. REALISTIC OIL PAINTING—All Levels

Wednesdays, April 11-June 6 (8 weeks; No class April 18)
Two sections (indicate which one you want on the registration form)
Morning: 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. • Afternoon: 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Alexander Farquharson

Working with still life and landscape themes, this class focuses on the techniques of oil painting and making things look real. You'll be guided through two paintings using a three-layered approach of under-painting and finishing touches. Realistic principles of drawing and color handling will be emphasized. $160M, $180NM

Materials List

3. CELEBRATE WITH CALLIGRAPHY—All Levels

Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., April 10-May 22 (6 weeks; No class April 17)

Alma Bella Solis

Planning a wedding or special event? Want to "address to impress?" Learn beautiful handwriting for addressing envelopes, writing placards and menus, or embellishing an invitation. We'll begin with the Uncial-Foundational script, followed by learning the Gothic script based on your pacing. Spacing between letters and sentences, the proper nib angle, and terminology will be covered.  $90M, $110NM

Materials List


4. GET BACK INTO WATERCOLOR!—Intermediate Level

Wednesdays, 12:30-3:30 p.m., April 11-May 23 (6 weeks; No class April 18)

Valera Krol Nichols

Dust off the watercolors in your closet and get inspired again! We'll focus on nurturing your unique artistic viewpoint through individual instruction and building on your previous knowledge of watercolor painting. $120M, $140NM

Materials List

5. INTERMEDIATE DRAWING

Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., April 7-May 19 (6 weeks; No class April 14)

Ginger Hughes

You've done a little drawing in the past, but now you're ready to take your skills to the next level. Choose a preferred medium—pencil, charcoal, oil pastels, colored pencils, or watercolor pencils—and watch your drawing improve with fun exercises and individual attention. $78M, $98NM

Materials List

B. E. T. A.* Lectures and Classes for Adults

*Better Education Through Art

These lectures are FREE with Museum admission and are supported by the Elsie D. Simonds Lecture Fund.

LECTURE—TREASURES FROM THE SACKLER FOUNDATION

UPDATE: This lecture has been moved to Sunday, March 25, 1:00–2:00 p.m.

The Asian ceramic tradition is especially rich and varied, using beautiful ceramics to accompany the dead, honor the divine and embellish the tables of the living. Asia, both East & West, is also the creative source of numerous ceramic technologies ranging from chambered kilns to vitreous (glassy) glazes. Trudy S. Kawami, Director of Research at the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, will talk about the ceramic treasures from ancient China, Korea, Thailand and Iran currently on view.

6. AFRICAN TEXTILES: STORIES IN CLOTH
Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 p.m., May 10, 17, 24, and 31 (4 weeks)
Dr. Jean Borgatti, Consulting Curator, African and Oceanic Art, Fitchburg Art Museum
Colorful woven and printed African cloth is more than material for clothing; it expresses symbols, stories, and deep cultural meanings. Dr. Borgatti will illuminate these mysteries as you view Wrapped in Pride: Ghanaian Kente and African American Identity. In addition to kente cloth, you'll also learn about resist-dyed cloth, raffia textiles, and Dutch wax prints.
This course is supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Elsie D. Simonds Lecture Fund.

7. JEWELRY MAKING
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., May 1, 8, and 15
Learn to make professional quality beaded jewelry from Helen and Jim Yetman-Bellows, jewelry experts who operate Squirrel-eze and Friends in Townsend. Each class builds on the techniques from the previous class. With these three workshops, the design combinations will be endless! $100M, $115NM. 10 student maximum. Material costs: There is a separate $80 materials fee to cover beads and findings, payable to the instructors at the first class. Students will also be required to buy specific tools that will be used in all of the workshops, and for future jewelry making. These tools are a one-time cost and will last for years.

Materials List

Classes and Workshops for Youth

All materials are included in the class fee unless noted.

8. PEE WEE PICASSO—For Ages 2–5 with Adult

Saturdays, 9:30–10:30 a.m., April 7-May 19 (6 weeks; No class April 14)

Mary Bruno

Spend quality time with your young one, meet other families, and have fun creating art together with different materials and techniques. $45M, $65NM

9. THE NATURE OF SPRING—For ages 6–8

Thursdays, 4:00–5:30 p.m., April 5-May 17 (6 weeks; No class April 19)

Melissa Richard

Be inspired by the natural world of crawly creatures, festive flowers, and whimsical weather. Draw, paint, build, and sculpt the wonders of spring. $57M, $77NM

10. FRIDAY FUN MIXED MEDIA STUDIO—For ages 9-11

Fridays, 4:00-5:30 p.m., April 6-May 18 (6 weeks; No class April 20)

Miranda Putnam

Explore different materials and techniques—drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture—and your own creativity. New projects each session. $57M, $77NM 


11. A.S.I. (ART SCENE INVESTIGATIONS)—For ages 12–14

Tuesdays, 4:00-5:30 p.m., April 10-May 22 (6 weeks; No class April 17)

John Nordell

Solve mysteries of the artistic process, investigate the Museum's collections to learn timeless concepts, and draw, print, and sculpt to make these ideas your own. Bring a sketchbook and your favorite drawing pencil(s) to the first class; all other materials provided. $57M, $77NM
 

April Vacation Week Workshops

Tuesday and Wednesday, April 17 and 18

Sign up for individual, 2-hour workshops for any number of days. Workshops are $15M, $18NM for each child except for Faerie Houses workshop, which is $30M, $35NM. A supervised lunch hour between morning and afternoon is an additional $3 per child per day (students bring their own lunch). Sign up one child for both days, morning and afternoon (4 workshops) and get a $5 discount! All materials are supplied. Instructors to be announced.

Tuesday, April 17 10:00 a.m.–12 noon

12. STRETCH A SCULPTURE (for ages 6–8) 

13. INSPIRED BY NATURE (for ages 9-12)

14. FAERIE HOUSES (for ages 11-13)

Tuesday, April 17 12:30–2:30 p.m.

15. INSPIRED BY NATURE (for ages 6–8) 

16. STRETCH A SCULPTURE (for ages 9–12) 
 

Wednesday, April 18 10:00 a.m.–12 noon

17. COLOR AND LIGHT COLLAGE (for ages 6-8) 

18. CLAY CHARACTERS (for ages 9–12)

Wednesday, April 18 12:30–2:30 p.m.

19. CLAY CHARACTERS (for ages 6–8)

20. COLOR AND LIGHT COLLAGE (for ages 9–12)


Workshop Descriptions

Clay Characters—Draw your own crazy cartoon character, then model it in clay.
Color and Light Collage—Use colored cellophane, special papers, and more to create a collage to hang in a window.
Faerie Houses—Jacqueline Richard, of Pixie Hollow Faerie Workshoppe, will guide your imagination to create a small faerie dwelling useding found objects and natural materials. Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring some of your own to the workshop. 
Inspired by Nature—Draw and paint pictures of plants, shells, rocks, feathers, and more.
Stretch a Sculpture—Use wire to create a framework over which you'll stretch nylon to create a unique shape. Finish it with paint.


Where Do I Go for Class?

Adult and youth students should use the Elm Street entrance, and meet the instructor in the lobby. Elm Street is parallel to Main Street. From Main Street, turn right onto Academy Street, and then a left onto Elm Street. Park in the lot on the left, and look for the glass door.


Registration Information

You may register by:

  1. Mail - download a Registration Form
  2. Museum’s front desk
  3. Calling (978) 345-4207

Become A Member and Save!

Individual membership (for adults only) - $35. Family membership (includes discount for youth classes) - $50. Benefits include: Free admission to the Museum, invitations to Members Only events, discounts on Museum classes, and notification of events and classes.

Class Confirmation

If you wish to receive confirmation of your registration, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and one will be mailed to you. Otherwise, confirmations are not sent.

Schedule Changes/Refunds

The Museum reserves the right to restrict enrollments in a course, change instructors, cancel any under enrolled classes, and excuse students due to inappropriate behavior. Refunds will be given if a class is cancelled or an enrollment is denied due to class size limitation.

Class Cancellations Due to Under-Enrollment or Instructor Illness

Students will be notified by phone.

Class Cancellations Due to Weather

Museum classes are cancelled when Fitchburg Public Schools close due to inclement weather. Cancelled classes can be made up at the discretion of the instructor. The Museum announces class cancellations on WEIM 1280 AM and WXLO 104.5 FM.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships, based on financial need and interest in art, are available. A letter of recommendation from an adult (not a family member) is required. To apply, write Laura Howick, Director of Education at the Museum.


Great instructors Needed!

Please contact Laura Howick, Director of Education - lhowick@fitchburgartmuseum.org or 978-345-4207 ext. 305, if you are interested in teaching in our program.