Art Education at the Emerson

Adult Art Classes

Registration Now Open

Advanced Figure Drawing Long Form

March 21 - May 9 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | 18+

Learn the basics of classical figure drawing from with live model. In this eight week course, we will cover a multitude of topics such as, comparative measurement, rendering and how to create block-ins, which are the foundation of all representational drawings. There will be demos, Q&A sessions as well as in-depth personalized critiques of student work. We will start with short poses and work our way up to a single long pose session to create a fully developed figure drawing. Models will be nude and students must be at least 18 years of age.

Instructor bio:

Martijn Caspar Swart is a classical figurative painter who strives to paint masterpieces in the tradition of Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian. He was born in Den Haag, The Netherlands and later grew up in Bozeman, Montana. He graduated from Montana State in Literature and then from Aristides Classical Atelier in Seattle. A year later Martijn traveled to Europe to study Kitsch painting with Legendary Master Odd Nerdrum. Currently he is working back in Bozeman.

Hand Embroidery

March 23 - May 11 | 9:30 - 11:30 AM

Hand embroidery will take you through eight weeks of stitches at the end of which you'll walk away with your own handmade stitch sampler cloth book of all the things you've learned.

Instructor bio:

Kelly Hartman grew up in the mountains, quite literally, in a tiny valley just half a mile from Yellowstone National Park. Following graduation from Western Oregon University, she moved back home to Montana. She always knew that she wanted to be an artist, and she was inspired when she saw her mountain home with fresh eyes. Kelly teaches in several mediums for the Emerson. This the first embroidery class that the Emerson has offered.

Life Drawing

Mondays | January 10 - May 16

6:00 - 8:00 PM | Drop In Class

Life drawing is back! Draw from live models! Artists of all ability levels are welcome. Participants should provide their own drawing supplies; however, 8 drawing ponies are available – first come, first served.

Pre-registration required!

Drawing

March 21 - May 9 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This class is great for beginners or as a refresher. Learn the basic foundations of 2D art through observational drawing. By the end of the class you will have a strong understanding of basic drawing elements including line, shape, value, space, and texture. This class will show that drawing is for everyone, especially those eager to learn!

Watercolor

March 22 - May 10 | 9:30 - 11:30 AM

This beginning course is an exploration of transparent watercolor techniques, including stretching paper, use of brushes, color mixing, wet and dry brush techniques and mixed media. In this creative process, students will focus on still life, landscape, architectural and abstract subject matters. Exploration and experimentation are highly encouraged!

Advanced Pottery

March 25 - May 13 | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Chris Bieniek will lead this class for students interested in progressing their pottery knowledge. Knowledge of basic ceramic skills, is necessary! Students will advance their knowledge of hand-building and throwing processes while also developing a better understanding of clay surface treatments. Prerequisite: You have attended an Emerson pottery course or equivalent.

This class is open to students with previous ceramics experience.

Landscape Oil Painting

March 20 - May 8 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

March 22 - May 10 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

SOLD OUT

This winter we will be bringing the outdoors indoors! In this eight-week course, you will learn the basics of oil painting through landscape painting. This introductory class is great for beginners, or those wanting to knock the rust off of their artistic skills.

Beginning Handbuilding

March 14 - May 9 | 6:30 - 9:00 PM

SOLD OUT

In this class taught by Mya Cluff, we will explore foundational hand-building and sculpting techniques to build a knowledge toolbox. Students will create a large variety of work. Mya Cluff is a figurative sculpture artist; her class will give students access to her expertise in the human figure!

Beginning/Intermediate Pottery

March 22 - May 10 | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

March 23 - May 11 | 6:30 - 9:00 PM

March 24 - May 12 | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

SOLD OUT

Join the Emerson for in-depth instruction on mid-range stoneware and porcelain clays with hand building, wheel throwing and surface treatments. This class is suitable for first-timers or people who already have a working knowledge of ceramics and want to increase their skill level.

Color In Art: Acrylic Painting

March 23 - May 11 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

SOLD OUT

In this vibrant class you will learn how to use color in your artwork through acrylic painting. Color theory is a guide for how colors work in art. Learn how to mix colors, and what happens when different colors sit next to each other. Join us as we dive into the color wheel!

Art on the Rocks

Workshops | 21+

Painting With Coffee

Friday, April 28 | 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Grab a cup of joe and a paint brush for this strongly brewed class! With a bit of water and some granulated java we will create an image by painting and staining with warm coffee tones. Learn about value, and texture with an ingredient you use in your everyday life!

Watercolor Cards

Friday, May 5 | 6:00 - 9:00 PM

In this 3-hour class you will make handmade cards that will become the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or just because! Simple watercolor techniques will be used to make personal cards for those special people in your life.

Prickly Embroidery

Friday, March 31 | 6:00 - 9:00 PM - SOLD OUT

Learn how to embroider plants, flowers, swear words… Slow down and learn the meditative art of embroidery through succulents that don’t suck! This is not your grandmother’s embroidery class! Students will learn the basics of embroidery, and will leave with their own prickly piece!

Summer Camp

Limited Availability - Register Soon!

Comic Characters

June 12 - 16 - LIMITED AVAILABILITY

July 24 - 28 - LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Develop your drawing techniques, and learn how to create characters, layout a page, and develop a basic storyline. We’ll discuss what goes into character creation as we work on projects in a variety of mediums, from spray-foam to watercolor and textile

That's Wild

June 19 - 23 - LIMITED AVAILABILITY

July 31 - August 4 - WAITLIST

Join us as we explore everything feathered, furred, and finned as we capture the epic landscape around us! Be ready to make art about and WITH wild creatures. Printing, sculpture and beasts galore!

Mythic Monsters

June 26 - 30 - LIMITED AVAILABILITY

August 7 - 14 - LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Journey back through fantastical stories of mighty heroes and mythical beasts. We will make our own monsters inspired by folk tales and ancient myths. Join us as we make masks, sculptures, and ancient drawings!

Raiders of the Lost Art

July 10 - 14 - LIMITED AVAILABILITY

August 14 - 18 - LIMITED AVAILABILITY

During Raiders week your art adventurer will create imaginative art projects that relate to the exciting escapades of real-life and fictional explores. We’ll make map-related prints and create exploratory tools - decoders, binoculars, treasure boxes and more!

Cosmic Color

July 17 - 21 - WAITLIST

Let's learn about color and texture through the night sky! Pendulum painting, artwork based on the solar system, and so much more! Strap on your space helmet as we make artwork that is out of this world!

Thank you in advance for supporting the Emerson and our mission to make art & culture accessible to all!

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