
ART CLASSES AT THE
CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Whether you want to learn how to draw or paint, or you are looking to add to your skill set, the Arts Council is sure to have a class that sparks your imagination!

Art Classes at the Center for the Arts are for adults ages 18+.
Students ages 16 - 17 may enroll if accompanied by an adult.
CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 121 E. Main St. | Rock Hill, SC 29730
All classes are held in the Edmund D. Lewandowski Classroom unless otherwise noted.
BOX OFFICE
online | yorkcountyarts.org
by phone | (803) 328-2787
in person | Center for the Arts, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC 29730

ABOUT ART CLASSES FOR ADULTS AT THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Art Classes for adults are geared towards artists who are just starting out. to those who would like to learn new skills, and to those who would like a refresher.
DETAILS
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Classes are offered on Saturdays
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10 AM - 3 PM
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Center for the Arts, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC
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PARKING
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Wells Fargo Parking Lot
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On-street parking along E. Main St.
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Parking Garages on E. Black St. and Elizabeth Ln.
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You are welcome to bring drinks and food to the class. *Refrigeration not available
REFUND POLICY
Tickets are refundable up to 2 weeks in advance of a class.
Missed classes are non-refundable.
Tickets are not transferrable between classes or sessions if a class is offered more than once.
SUPPLIES
Thank you for enrolling in Art Classes for Adults. The class minimum enrollment must be met in order for each class to take place. Please note that this determination will be made the Thursday before the class is set to meet. If the minimum number of students is not met, the class will be cancelled and enrollment fees will be refunded in full.
This season, the Arts Council will be providing supplies for all participants.

ART CLASSES FOR ADULTS
Self-Portraits for Beginners
Jasmine Smith
with
DATE
February 20, 2027
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
February 17, 2027
Who says a self-portrait has to look like a photograph? Throw the rulebook out the window and discover a bold, playful way to express yourself! Inspired by the famous, striking sculptures of artist Kimmy Cantrell, this workshop invites you to recreate your likeness using nothing but cardboard, exaggerated shapes, and vivid color.
Led by instructor Jasmine Smith, you will learn to look at your reflection in a whole new way—breaking down your features into geometric patterns and abstract forms. By layering, cutting, and painting reclaimed cardboard, you’ll piece together a unique, 3D relief sculpture that captures your personality and creative spirit.
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60
Painting with Acrylics for Everyone
Brad Sabelli
with
DATE
March 6, 2027
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
March 3, 2027
Discover the versatility of acrylic paint! Whether you want the fluid transparency of watercolors or the thick, rich texture of oil paints, acrylics can do it all. Led by experienced instructor Brad Sabelli, this comprehensive studio class will guide you through the endless possibilities of this versatile medium.
Through hands-on exercises, guided color mixing, and fascinating discussions on art history, you will learn how to build compelling compositions and manipulate acrylics across various surfaces. Brad will provide tailored, individual guidance as you develop your unique style on canvas. To round out your experience, you'll learn professional finishing techniques, including varnishing, framing, and hanging, so your artwork is ready for the gallery wall.
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60

Asian Connection: Japanese-Style Painting with Acrylics for Beginners
Brad Sabelli
with
DATE
November 14, 2026
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
November 11, 2026
Traditional Japanese art comes to life in this hands-on workshop. Designed for beginners and intermediate creatives, this class bridges cultural history with active art-making.
You will explore the dramatic visual storytelling of Kabuki and Noh theater, starting with an insightful mini-lecture on the cultural impact of these ancient traditions. Then, you'll bring that history to life by learning traditional painting techniques to decorate your very own theatrical mask. If time permits, we’ll even screen rare footage of these performances in action!
Bring your smart devices (phone, tablet, …) to look up images for inspiration.
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60

Create Fused Glass Candleholders
Karen Earnhardt
with
DATE
September 12, 2026
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
September 9, 2026
Light up your home with a touch of handmade brilliance! In this hands-on workshop led by glass artist Karen Earnhardt, you will design and create your very own custom fused-glass luminary. When a candle is placed inside, your unique glass patterns will cast a warm, colorful glow across any room.
Karen will guide you step-by-step through the world of glass fusing. You'll learn how to safely cut, shape, and arrange vibrant pieces of fusible glass, accent threads, and decorative elements onto a glass base sheet. No experience is necessary, this class is all about experimenting with color, light, and design in a safe, supportive environment.
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60
Introduction to Watercolors
Brad Sabelli
with
DATE
April 3, 2027
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
March 31, 2027
Dive into the fluid world of watercolor! Whether you are picking up a brush for the first time or looking to refine your existing skills, this comprehensive studio class is designed to give you a strong, confident foundation in the medium. Led by experienced university instructor Brad Sabelli, this course blends essential technical practice with personalized, one-on-one coaching.
You will explore how to plan a striking composition, manipulate water control, and master a wide toolkit of classic watercolor techniques. Throughout the studio sessions, Brad will provide ongoing individual guidance, punctuated by fascinating insights into art history. To complete your journey, you’ll learn professional finishing methods, including how to properly mat, cover, and prepare your artwork for an exhibition-ready presentation.
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60
Handquilting Basics & Mini Quilts
Devann Donovan
with
DATE
April 10, 2027
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
April 7, 2027
Discover the cozy, time-honored art of quilting through a fun, bite-sized project! Led by artist and educator Devann Donovan, this beginner-friendly workshop takes the intimidation out of fabric arts by focusing on the fundamentals of quilt construction on a miniature scale.
Using pre-cut fabric squares, cozy batting, and simple hand-stitching techniques, you will learn exactly how a quilt is layered, assembled, and beautifully finished. As you stitch, you'll explore the fun side of color theory, pattern matching, and composition. You’ll walk away with a completed mini-quilt that can be used as a stylish mug rug, coaster, table mat, or a miniature wall hanging, plus the confidence and skills to start your next quilting project at home!
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60
Beginning Portrait Drawing for Everyone
Brad Sabelli
with
DATE
April 17, 2027
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
April 14, 2027
Capturing the human face on paper is one of the most rewarding milestones for any artist. Led by university instructor Dr. Bradley Sabelli, this foundational studio class breaks down the complex art of portraiture into accessible, manageable steps.
Through live demonstrations and supportive studio practice, you will unlock the core principles of facial anatomy. You'll explore the underlying structure of the human skull, master accurate facial proportions, and use graphite drawing pencils to create realistic textures, light, and shadow. To keep things lively and fun, you'll practice quick gesture portraits using the instructor as a live model, and participate in a blind contour exercise, drawing faces without looking at your sketchpad to build intuition and loosen up your style!
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60

Drawing Landscapes Using Primsacolor Pencils
Brad Sabelli
with
DATE
February 13, 2027
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
February 10, 2027
Capture the breathtaking beauty of the natural world with rich, vibrant color! In this dynamic studio class led by university instructor Dr. Bradley Sabelli, you will learn how to transform scenic landscapes into stunning, high-contrast works of art using professional-grade Prismacolor colored pencils and permanent ink pens.
Drawing inspiration from your own travel photographs, personal memories, or reference images provided in class, Brad will guide you through the rules of sweeping landscape composition. You will learn how to pair clean ink line-work with the creamy, blendable textures of colored pencils to build dramatic depth, shifting light, and realistic natural textures. With Brad providing individualized guidance at your desk, you will work toward completing at least three finished landscape sketches by the end of the session.
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60

Intro to Book Binding Using Reclaimed Materials
Victoria Serna
with
DATE
November 7, 2026
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
November 4, 2026
Turn the forgotten into the unforgettable! In this introductory workshop, you’ll discover the craft of open-spine bookbinding using an eco-friendly twist. Perfect for beginners and intermediate makers alike, this class teaches you how to transform recycled and reclaimed materials into gorgeous, functional journals or sketchbooks.
Led by instructor Victoria Serna, you’ll get a comprehensive look at essential bookbinding techniques, tools, and local sourcing resources so you can keep creating at home. Together, we’ll construct custom covers from recycled goods, prepare our text pages, and master two classic, elegant exposed-spine stitches: the Kettle Stitch and the French Link.
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60
Drawing with Soft Pastels
Ida Mae Irby
with
DATE
March 13, 2027
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
March 10, 2027
Capture the warmth, light, and atmosphere of a perfect day at the coast. In this workshop led by artist Ida Mae Irby, you will discover the rich, velvety world of soft pastels while drawing a beautiful scene of a figure seated on the beach.
Through live demonstrations and supportive, guided practice, you will learn how to make warm and cool colors interact to create a stunning sense of light and depth. You’ll explore the signature luminous qualities that make chalk pastels such an expressive medium, mastering the arts of delicate layering, seamless color transitions, and soft blending.
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60

Create Mosaic Bird Houses
Karen Earnhardt
with
DATE
October 3, 2026
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
September 30, 2026
Add a vibrant pop of color to your garden or patio! In this hands-on workshop led by mosaic artist Karen Earnhardt, you will transform a standard birdhouse into a stunning, weather-resistant work of art.
You will learn how to safely cut and arrange colorful glass pieces and ceramic tiles to create a gorgeous, custom mosaic design. Karen will guide you through the essential "best practices" for crafting outdoor mosaics, ensuring your masterpiece can withstand the elements. You'll watch a live demonstration on how to mix and apply grout, and you will leave class with your assembled birdhouse and a custom dry-grout kit to apply at home once your adhesive is fully dry.
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60

Fiber on Canvas
Mari Matamoros
with
DATE
January 16, 2027
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
January 13, 2027
Discover the magic of textile sculpting and turn soft fibers into rock-hard art! In this innovative, hands-on workshop led by artist Mari, you will learn the step-by-step process of working with Polymer Fabric Hardener on canvas—a unique medium that bridges the gap between painting and 3D sculpture.
Using fabric pieces, threads, and raw fibers, you will learn how to manipulate, drape, and layer textiles to create striking silhouette forms and rich, dramatic textures on canvas. Once dry, your dimensional masterpiece will be completely weather-resistant and hard as a rock, making it the perfect custom accent piece to decorate your home or elevate your outdoor garden wall!
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60

Tile & Style: A Mosaic Workshop
Jennifer Kusherman
with
DATE
September 19, 2026
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
September 26, 2026
Piece together something beautiful! Step into the colorful world of mosaic art in this fun and tactile workshop. Led by instructor Jennifer Kusherman, this beginner-friendly class is the perfect entryway for anyone who loves vibrant design, hands-on creativity, and making functional art for the home.
You will learn the core fundamentals of mosaic design—from selecting a striking color palette to mapping out eye-catching geometric patterns. Using an array of gorgeous, colorful tiles and materials, you’ll learn the proper techniques for safe layout and adhesive placement. By the end of the session, you will walk away with a stunning, custom-made mosaic coaster that is both beautiful to look at and ready to use!
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60
Coil & Create: Yarn Basket Workshop
Jennifer Kusherman
with
DATE
March 20, 2027
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
March 17, 2027
Discover the rhythmic, relaxing art of yarn coiling and turn simple materials into a beautiful, functional masterpiece! Led by instructor Jennifer Kusherman, this cozy and beginner-friendly workshop invites you to unwind, get creative, and explore the endless possibilities of textile arts.
Using a variety of vibrant threads and thick cord, you will learn how to wrap, stitch, and shape colorful yarns into a sturdy, one-of-a-kind basket. From choosing striking color combinations to mastering basic basket-building architecture, you’ll guide your creation into a unique design that reflects your personal style. By the end of class, you’ll have a beautiful catch-all bowl perfect for holding jewelry, keys, or craft supplies, along with the skills to keep weaving at home.
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60

Acrylic Painting with a Pallet Knife
Ida Mae Irby
with
DATE
October 17, 2026
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
October 14, 2026
Step away from the brushes and let texture take center stage! In this vibrant, hands-on workshop, you’ll discover the bold, sculptural world of palette knife painting. Led by artist Ida Mae Irby, you’ll learn how to treat a palette knife as a natural extension of your hand—layering, scraping, and carving rich, thick acrylic paint onto canvas to create stunning, dynamic artwork.
This class is designed for pure, uninhibited creativity. Painting with a knife allows you to loosen up your style, focus on color and form, and break free from the pressure of precise details. Whether you're a complete beginner looking for a fun entryway into painting or an intermediate artist eager to add dramatic dimension to your work, this class will change the way you look at paint.
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60

Dogwood Florals in Watercolor
Ida Mae Irby
with
DATE
February 6, 2027
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
February 3, 2027
Capture the quiet magic of spring’s most iconic blossom! In this immersive workshop, you will celebrate the delicate beauty of the dogwood flower while learning the secrets to painting luminous, realistic florals. This class is ideal for painters of any level who wish to slow down, observe closely, and experience the thrill of bringing a white flower to life on paper using the glow of the page itself.
Working with professional-grade materials trusted by working artists—including archival paper and masking fluid—you will learn how to paint a white floral without relying on white paint. Instead, you'll discover how to build volume and depth layer-by-layer using soft surrounding shadows, cool grays, and warm undertones.
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60

Korean Patchwork: Ramie/Silk Mobile Making
Lee Ko
with
DATE
October 10, 2026
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
October 7, 2026
Step into a peaceful, creative sanctuary and discover the elegant world of Jogakbo - traditional Korean patchwork. In this unique workshop led by artist Lee Ko, you will blend time-honored textile traditions with modern design to craft a delicate, custom mobile that catches the light and brings tranquility to any room.
You’ll work with Mosi, a traditional Korean ramie fabric celebrated for its exquisite texture and architectural transparency, alongside fine silks. Using simple, repetitive, and deeply relaxing hand-sewing techniques, you will transform flat, colorful squares of fabric into stunning, three-dimensional geometric ornaments. To finish your masterpiece, you'll accent your handmade pieces with beads and decorative threads, assembling them into a floating, kinetic sculpture.
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60

ABCs of Basic Drawing
Brad Sabelli
with
DATE
January 9, 2027
TIME
10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
January 6, 2027
Unlock your inner artist and master the fundamentals of drawing. Designed specifically for beginners, this studio class takes the intimidation out of the canvas and helps you discover your true creative potential. Led by university instructor Brad Sabelli, this course offers a supportive environment where you’ll learn the core techniques trusted by professional artists.
Through engaging demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and fascinating mini-bites of art history, you will explore everything from perspective and composition to the secrets of chiaroscuro (the dramatic use of light and shadow). Working from your own reference photos, inspiration drawn from imagery found on your smart device, or your imagination, you will create two finished compositions by the end of the course. To top it off, you'll learn how to properly mat and frame your work so it’s ready for the gallery wall!
SKILL LEVEL |
PRICE
$60
