Current Classes

What is alcohol ink design? It is the art of blending alcohol ink and movement to create amazing, one of a kind art work. In this 2 hour workshop you will learn the basic concepts of this medium, learn techniques & gain skills to create vivid colorful art. This 2 week workshop is for those that would love to express their creativity and spend time with like minded novice and seasoned artists. Please bring a paint shirt.

What is alcohol ink design? It is the art of blending alcohol ink and movement to create amazing, one of a kind art work. In this 2 hour workshop you will learn the basic concepts of this medium, learn techniques & gain skills to create vivid colorful art. This 2 week workshop is for those that would love to express their creativity and spend time with like minded novice and seasoned artists. Please bring a paint shirt.

Step into the Art Lab ready to experiment and create. With some basic instructions and a little suggestion, students will use various supplies to explore painting and building, collage and sculpture. Suggestions and guidance will be provided while students have the chance to follow their own vision to create truly unique art pieces! There will be different projects each session.

A class for students at all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to perfect an already growing skillset, try working with clay for the first time, or unsure where you stand, this class is for you. Join us as we all find new ways to approach and improve techniques in both hand built and wheel thrown ceramics. Classroom is wheelchair accessible.

For students with little to no experience. Perhaps you have never taken a ceramics class, or you have but you want a refresher course. In this class we will learn the basics of wheel thrown and hand built ceramics, from wedging to glazing. Let us help you start on your clay journey! Classroom is wheelchair accessible.

This course is designed for students who are beginners and interested in learning how to paint in oils. You will learn about different types of mediums, brushes, and different grades of paints. We will practice together in class by painting still lifes, landscapes, portraits of people and pets. You will learn different techniques from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. The main objective of this class is to become comfortable and familiar with painting in oil, and also have lots of fun while learning.

Start from scratch as you learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing! Assignments are designed to encourage students to expand their skill level in pottery making. Decorating and glazing techniques will be explored and returning students are always welcome in this creative community! Classroom is wheelchair accessible.

Big Backyard Art Camp is an outdoor focused creative adventure where campers explore art and nature in an engaging hands-on environment. Set in our sprawling BAYarts campus, the camp encourages young artists to connect with the outdoors while expressing themselves through a variety of artistic mediums while surrounded by the beauty and inspiration of nature. Activities might include plein-air painting, natural sculptures, eco-friendly crafts and more!

The binding of a book, just as you want it. What kind of design would you choose for the front and inside covers of this lined secret keeper? Join us for an engaging workshop where you’ll learn the basics of this ancient art and bring home a bound book to store your collection of ideas, dreams, thoughts, and doodles. All materials are provided.

The binding of a book, just as you want it. What kind of design would you choose for the front and inside covers of this lined secret keeper? Join us for an engaging workshop where you’ll learn the basics of this ancient art and bring home a bound book to store your collection of ideas, dreams, thoughts, and doodles. All materials are provided.

The binding of a book, just as you want it. What kind of design would you choose for the front and inside covers of this lined secret keeper? Join us for an engaging workshop where you’ll learn the basics of this ancient art and bring home a bound book to store your collection of ideas, dreams, thoughts, and doodles. All materials are provided.

The binding of a book, just as you want it. What kind of design would you choose for the front and inside covers of this lined secret keeper? Join us for an engaging workshop where you’ll learn the basics of this ancient art and bring home a bound book to store your collection of ideas, dreams, thoughts, and doodles. All materials are provided.

Join us for this one day workshop for adults of all experience levels to construct a balanced mobile out of metal! This workshop is a playful and fun exploration into building an Alexander Calder-style hanging metal mobile. Using just metal and wire and cut out shapes, you can create a balanced and unique hanging mobile that will last for years. All tools and materials are provided, all you need to bring is your creativity.

Celebrate and learn about Cinco de Mayo through this colorful and creative art class! We’ll explore Mexican culture and folk art through a variety of projects and learn about influential artists along the way.

Learn to build, mold, and sculpt with air-dry clay. Students will brainstorm ideas and learn how to form, assemble, and join clay to build their creations. Once dry, they will finish their pieces with paint and other decorative elements. This will be a studio style class where students will have the chance to bring their own ideas to life with instruction and guidance on how to get the best outcomes. There will be different projects for each session.

Welcome to the exciting world of clay! Students will create beautiful ceramic art pieces inspired by the Winter and Spring season! We will create a variety of hand built clay pieces learning clay techniques and using pottery tools. Students will learn how to glaze and paint their creations to add color and details to their work of art.

Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty! Learn how to roll, smush, push, pull, pinch and texture clay as you create projects that portray the beginning of Spring. Baby animal sculptures, leaf impression plates, and warmer weather sports are just a few of the projects we will create. Students learn the basics of hand building and ceramic techniques while discovering their creative self!

Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty! Learn how to roll, smush, push, pull, pinch and texture clay as you create food inspired projects like a cupcake sculpture, a painted food plate and a pizza pie! Students learn the basics of hand building and ceramic techniques while discovering their creative self!

Ever think to yourself: “I wish my plain blue Toms weren’t so BORING?!” Bring them along and I’ll show you a few methods to paint your shows that are fun and quick! Bring a pair of canvas shoes (does not have to be a Toms shoe, but must be canvas) or there will be some available for you to use.

Collage, from the French verb coller, meaning ‘to glue’ is the artistic process of gluing and assembling various materials to a flat surface; but is that where it ends? What steps can one take to elevate their pasted paper masterpiece? What mediums and materials can an artist use to create a photomontage that enters the three dimensional realm of assemblage or the world of the viewer in the form of an installation. In this course not only will the artist learn the basics of collage, but how to take their masterpieces in a new and creative direction conceptually and through material usage.

Create one of a kind clay artworks inspired by the Winter and Spring season! Students will journey through various pottery making techniques from pinching pots to hand-building, coil building and glazing. Express your creativity through clay in a welcoming and fun creative atmosphere!

Students will explore various building techniques to explore form, altering form, stacking forms and combining techniques to create new and interesting shapes in clay. Some assignments will be given.

Begin by sketching in charcoal, and graphite, then advance to working in full color in a medium of your choice. Aesthetic expression evolves as we cover ideal facial proportions and more importantly, the unique qualities of each individual face. Live models are essential and will be present throughout the course. Open to all levels, yet some experience is helpful. A supply list will be provided prior to class. Please come to the first class prepared to discuss which color medium you will choose and with all art materials. Class is located on the second floor.

This class is a fun and creative program designed to introduce children to artistic expression using their fingerprints. Let’s get messy in this explorative class using our one-of-a-kind fingerprints to create silly characters.

“When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment” —Georgia O’Keeffe

As the earth wakes up from her winter sleep, we will be making pretty little posey drop earrings for everyday wear. Your creations will be unique to you. I will give you choices of various flower/petal shapes in different metals to texture, layer, or create little faceted drops in your favorite stones. We will use a micro-torch to solder layered metal shapes. When your fantastic flower is complete, we will attach it to French ear wires for a light, sparkly little something to enhance your style. I will teach you everything you need to know to get from the rough shapes to an awesome little blossom. Come metalsmith with me and let’s have some fun!

“When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment” —Georgia O’Keeffe

As the earth wakes up from her winter sleep, we will be making pretty little posey drop earrings for everyday wear. Your creations will be unique to you. I will give you choices of various flower/petal shapes in different metals to texture, layer, or create little faceted drops in your favorite stones. We will use a micro-torch to solder layered metal shapes. When your fantastic flower is complete, we will attach it to French ear wires for a light, sparkly little something to enhance your style. I will teach you everything you need to know to get from the rough shapes to an awesome little blossom. Come metalsmith with me and let’s have some fun!

Drop off your preschoolers for a lot of art exploration fun. Littles will explore creating with paint, clay, and collage, as well as art play that will get them up and moving and learning in fun ways. Please bring a nut free snack and drink. All students must be toilet trained. Join us for one session, or sign up for them all! There will be different projects offered for each session.

This 3-hour workshop is the perfect taster class with metals and metal forming. In this class we will use several methods to form, stamp, and texture different metals into unique designs. Metal dog tags, textured bracelets, keychains, or tiny metal sculptures – there are unlimited projects to fabricate out of copper or brass. This is a very hands-on, noisy and therapeutic class for you to hammer it all out. Students will take home one or several small metal projects.

Whether your aim is functional or sculptural ceramics, students will learn the basic techniques of handbuilding and the mysteries of the potter’s wheel. Beginning students will develop fundamental techniques while returning students will work on refining their skills. Classroom is wheelchair accessible.

Whether your aim is functional or sculptural ceramics, students will learn the basic techniques of handbuilding and the mysteries of the potter’s wheel. Beginning students will develop fundamental techniques while returning students will work on refining their skills. Classroom is wheelchair accessible.

Learn a few embroidery stitches and techniques as you create a colorful variety of projects using embroidery hoops!

Beginning students will learn the basics in hand building and a taste of throwing like… mugs, bowls and platters plus glaze demos. Intermediate to advanced students will have the opportunity to refine their skills and work on independent projects plus instructors will give suggestions on form and style development. Individual projects will be given as needed based on level and skill. Focus this session will be on surface design, brushwork and glazing. All students will receive one on one attention and consultation. Classroom is wheelchair accessible.

Beginning students will learn the basics in hand building and a taste of throwing like… mugs, bowls and platters plus glaze demos. Intermediate to advanced students will have the opportunity to refine their skills and work on independent projects plus instructors will give suggestions on form and style development. Individual projects will be given as needed based on level and skill. Focus this session will be on surface design, brushwork and glazing. All students will receive one on one attention and consultation. Classroom is wheelchair accessible.

Learn how to paint like the Old Masters. This course is designed for students who are interested in learning different painting techniques from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. You will also learn chiaroscuro, such as da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Rembrandt. The main objective of this class is to have fun and learn.

Fine artist and graphic designer John Plymak is excited to offer this workshop that introduces students to colored pencil drawing. This class will contain lectures, demos, and exercises in layering and blending colored pencils, as well as an intro to color theory, and conclude with a simple colored pencil drawing from direct observation. Please bring a set of colored pencils, a drawing pad, and eraser.

Welcome to the world of fashion design! This class will explore the exciting process of creating a fashion collection from start to finish. We will learn how to draw figures, develop a mood board with fabric, and build design ideas. Each designer in class will have the opportunity to create their own unique collection, incorporating everything that we learn.

Come unlock the mystery to this fun and portable medium! It’s my go–to for Plein air, or on–the–go–arting. The ink is the icing on top, making all of your fun designs pop! Bring a photo, or there will be some for you to follow along with. All materials are provided.

Pottery is an exciting and mysterious craft, whether you imagine yourself on the potter’s wheel or creating hand built objects, we offer you everything you need to embark on a journey exploring the endless possibilities in ceramics. For beginners we will offer a range of assignments in the basics of hand building and a taste of throwing together with glaze demos. More experienced students will have the opportunity and guidance to improve skills and create both artistic and functional forms. Classroom is wheelchair accessible.

“A blanket warms the body, but a quilt warms the soul.”

Join us for this 6 week session where you will have the choice of sewing either a t-shirt quilt, baby quilt or poof top quilt! A t-shirt quilt is a blast from the past, plus a cozy comfort on a cold night and a wonderful way to preserve memories. Kathy will guide students in all of the steps to create a one-of-a kind piece of cozy fabric art of your choosing. If you have a portable sewing machine please bring it to class. We will have a few available for use. A materials list will be provided.

Join the BAYarts staff & Jr. Counselors for a wonderful camp experience on the BAYarts campus and Huntington Beach. Summer camp is a unique venue for growth, independence and self confidence while socializing and making new friends while learning new skills. Let’s get inspired by Lake Erie’s natural charm to create unique works of art, experience sandy toes, sing-alongs, games and more!

It is recommended that parents set up their account prior to the registration date to ensure a successful transaction. Please register your daughter only. Girls cannot be moved to different accounts after the initial registration. All responsibility of the girls you register is yours.

Welcome to the Makerspace Camp-the perfect place for young minds to create, explore and bring their ideas to life! Designed for campers ages 7-12, this camp is all about curiosity, creativity and problem solving. Each day campers will dive into hands-on projects involving crafting, building and experimenting with a wide range of tools and materials.

Session will resume January 16, 2025.

Walk in, space is limited. Includes live model and class is facilitated.

Have you always wanted to be that artist that is out in the park painting from life, soaking in the calmness of the day while producing an original piece of art? Are you hesitant to enter a formal Plein Air Contest and would like to learn what it takes? Come to the workshop geared with your favorite painting medium and supplies to paint a scene outdoors on the BAYarts campus.

We will have a discussion, assess materials break for lunch and then head outside for some compositional sketches and return for a friendly critique of composition choices. We will then travel outdoors to paint, break for lunch and return to paint. The day will end with a group discussion and friendly critiques.

“The Earth Laughs in Flowers” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

As the earth wakes up from her winter sleep, we will be making pretty little posey post earrings for everyday wear. Your creations will be unique to you. I will give you choices of various flower/petal shapes in different metals to texture, layer, or create little faceted drops in your favorite stones. We will use a micro-torch to solder layered metal shapes and attach them to a stainless steel post. I will teach you everything you need to know to get from the rough shapes to an awesome little blossom. Come metalsmith with me and let’s have some fun!

“The Earth Laughs in Flowers” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

As the earth wakes up from her winter sleep, we will be making pretty little posey post earrings for everyday wear. Your creations will be unique to you. I will give you choices of various flower/petal shapes in different metals to texture, layer, or create little faceted drops in your favorite stones. We will use a micro-torch to solder layered metal shapes and attach them to a stainless steel post. I will teach you everything you need to know to get from the rough shapes to an awesome little blossom. Come metalsmith with me and let’s have some fun!

This popular structured ceramics course covers the basics of wheel throwing, hand building, altered pottery and glazing through a series of functional ware projects. Classroom is wheelchair accessible.

Bring your favorite midday snack or a packed lunch and enjoy your own midday creative break. These 3-hour, Spring mini workshops with Melissa Metzger are designed to be a creative escape in one sitting. Use familiar materials, but create in a new way, try your hand with a new media, or express your style in 3D form.

Using air dry clay, you will create a dimensional painting with sculptural elements. From a flowery field to a pet portrait the subject matter is up to you. We will have air dry clay, clay tools and frames for the finished pieces.

Do you want to improve your drawing skills? Good sketches lead to good drawings! All you need are a couple of pencils, an eraser, and a sketchbook of any kind.

We’ll gather in a friendly group at the Playhouse Theatre and I’ll introduce you to some sketching exercises in graphite pencil. We’ll disperse and wander the lovely BAYarts campus where you’ll sketch your assignment. Next, we’ll come back to the Theatre to discuss and share your results. You’ll get another assignment for round #2, for more sketching, discussing and sharing. Round #3 will wrap up with some quick sketches.

It will be a mindful, meaningful and relaxing day, in which you’ll build your drawing skills with a little bit of exercise. Feel free to bring snacks, drinks or sample some local fare. In case of bad weather, all sketching strategies will adapt to indoor subjects.

Using acrylics and/or oil, learn the fundamentals of painting, from organizing a palette and blending, color mixing, brushwork, and glazing techniques to the elements of design and composition. All levels are welcome, especially beginning painters! Supply list will be provided prior to class. Class is located on the second floor.

This is an after school class that will allow your teen to work and play in clay without the pressure of school. It’s a wonderful chance to socialize while learning hand building, wedging, wheel throwing and exciting glazing techniques and combinations, giving them an opportunity to expand their skills, build creativity and find their voice.

Let’s get messy and learn about different textures using plaster, construction paper and other interesting materials and how they can be used in the art world. We can shape, mold, and create our own textures, or see what already exists in the natural world.

New York American Pop Artist, Michael Albert will bring his modern pop art experience to BAYarts! This 2 hour session will include a short artist introduction and presentation followed by a hands on collage workshop using materials of choice, cereal boxes and other printed cardboard consumables. Participants will get a free signed print from selection of choice. Join us afterwards for our Faculty Open House taking place on the entire campus from 12–3.

Space is limited to 50 participants, pre-registration required.

New York American Pop Artist, Michael Albert will bring his modern pop art experience to BAYarts! This 2 hour session will include a short artist introduction and presentation followed by a hands on collage workshop using materials of choice, cereal boxes and other printed cardboard consumables. Participants will get a free signed print from selection of choice. Join us afterwards for our Faculty Open House taking place on the entire campus from 12–3.

Space is limited to 50 participants, pre-registration required.