Classes &

Workshops

Fostering the creativity of artists of all levels

The mission of the continuing education program is to give our community a safe place to experiment and strengthen the importance of creating.

Check out the following categories for learning at Arlene’s:

Adult Classes & Workshops

Covering a broad range of artistic mediums and techniques, our multi-day adult classes offer plenty of time for immersion and experimentation while our one day workshops are a great way to try something new.

Make and Take's

Open to all ages and experience levels, Make and Take’s are a great way to turn something new. No judgement. All supplies included. Make and Take’s are done in conjunction with our Artist in Residence Program.

Student Guide

Learn how to get involved with workshops, residences, mentorship program, and more at the Atelier. Everything you need to know is in this guide.

CLICK HERE >

Search our upcoming classes and workshops catalog below!

Register for classes and workshops below, by calling Arlene’s at (518) 481-8882, or in person, at 57 Fuller Rd Albany NY 12205. For additional details, including supply lists and registering for individual classes or workshops, click the REGISTER HERE button next to the listing.

Have questions? Please review our Registration Information and Policies, and don’t forget to check out the Atelier FAQs.

Upcoming Classes & Workshops

Wed, Jul 01
Learning to Paint: Acrylic Paints with Teresa Ricci
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Jul 01, 2026, 1:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Ready to explore acrylics or build confidence with a new medium? This three‑week class with Teresa Ricci is designed to help you understand how acrylic paint works, develop essential techniques, and create a finished piece inspired by a famous artist.
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Thu, Jul 02
Methods of Oil Painting with Teresa Ricci
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Jul 02, 2026, 1:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Explore the two foundational approaches to oil painting—indirect painting and direct painting—in this three‑week workshop designed to help you understand how each method works and which one best suit your creative style.
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Fri, Jul 10
Intro to Watercolor with Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins, MFA
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Jul 10, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
This workshop offers a gentle introduction to watercolor, perfect for those just starting out. You’ll learn about the essential materials—brushes, paper, palettes, and paints—and practice very basic techniques such as simple washes, water control, and how watercolor behaves on the page.
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Sat, Jul 11
Paint A Field of Flowers in Pastel with Kris Woodward
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Jul 11, 2026, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Transform an ordinary green field into a vibrant landscape bursting with wildflowers. In this uplifting pastel workshop, Kris Woodward will show you how to use creative pastel techniques to bring movement, color, and atmosphere to your work.
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Sat, Jul 11
Botanical Art with Colored Pencils: Drawing A Vintage Rose with Nancy Lyons
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Jul 11, 2026, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Step into the world of botanical art and learn how traditional botanical plates were created—then try the process yourself. In this 3‑hour workshop, Nancy will introduce you to the foundations of botanical drawing, starting with the simple geometric shapes that form the basis of all natural forms.
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Wed, Jul 15
Patterns for Your Pooch! with artist in residence Casey Beal
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Jul 15, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Give your favorite furry friend something truly one‑of‑a‑kind! Join Artist in Residence Casey Beal for a playful workshop in block printing on fabric. You’ll leave with a hand‑printed bandana for your pet.
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Fri, Jul 17
Beginning Watercolor with Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins, MFA
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Jul 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
This workshop builds on Carolyn’s Intro to Watercolor workshop and helps you take the next step in your painting journey. You’ll practice value studies, edges, basic color mixing, and simple compositions while gaining more comfort with water and pigment.
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Tue, Jul 21
Altered Book Pages Workshop with Maria DeAngelo
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Jul 21, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Spend an afternoon creating purely for the joy of making! Join Maria DeAngelo as she guides you through the art of transforming vintage book pages using mixed‑media layering techniques.
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Thu, Jul 23
Painting with Gouache with Teresa Ricci
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Jul 23, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Discover the versatility of gouache in this hands-on workshop with Teresa Ricci. Gouache is a uniquely flexible medium—able to behave like transparent watercolor when thinned with water or build up like acrylic when applied more opaquely.
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Fri, Jul 24
Intermediate Watercolor with Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins, MFA
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Jul 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
For students ready to move beyond the basics, this workshop dives into atmospheric washes, transitions, color strategies, layering, and more complex subjects. You’ll begin refining your personal direction while continuing to strengthen technique and confidence with watercolor.
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Sat, Jul 25
Painting Iris in Watercolor with Kris Woodward
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Jul 25, 2026, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Painting an iris in watercolor is a beautiful exercise in patience, observation, and control. In this workshop, Kris Woodward will guide you through the process of building soft, translucent layers that bring the delicate folds of iris petals to life.
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Sat, Jul 25
Heart-Felt Cards with artist in residence Althea Pestine Stevens
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Jul 25, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Say it with wool! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your own one‑of‑a‑kind greeting cards using handmade felt as the star element. Whether you’re crafting for a birthday, a thank you, or a just‑because moment, these tactile, heartfelt cards are sure to make an impression.
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Thu, Jul 30
Stretching Canvas Workshop with Teresa Ricci
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Jul 30, 2026, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Learn how to build your own painting surfaces from start to finish in this hands-on workshop with Teresa Ricci. Whether you’re new to canvas preparation or looking to gain more control over your materials, this workshop will walk you through every step of the process.
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Sat, Aug 01
Intro to Gouache with Rachael Duchnycz
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Aug 01, 2026, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
In this vibrant, hands-on workshop, you’ll dive into the expressive magic of gouache, starting with playful floral studies and building up to a full-sized landscape bursting with color and light. Whether you're a total newbie or looking to refine your skills, this is your chance to explore gouache
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Sat, Aug 01
An Introduction to Oil Painting with Arnela Mahmutović
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Aug 01, 2026, 11:00 AM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
This four‑week beginner class introduces students to the full process of oil painting, from preparing surfaces to finishing a final piece. Through hands‑on practice with materials, color, and technique, students build a strong foundation and the confidence to keep painting beyond the workshop.
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Tue, Aug 04
Back to School Block Party! with artist in residence Casey Beal
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Aug 04, 2026, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
The new school year is right around the corner — the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe and give old favorites a new life! If you’re interested in upcycling, this workshop is for you.
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Thu, Aug 06
Alla Prima Oil Painting with Rachael Duchnycz
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Aug 06, 2026, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Ready to loosen up and let your instincts lead the way? This hands-on oil painting workshop introduces you to alla prima—a direct, expressive technique where your entire painting is completed in one lively, wet-on-wet technique.
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Fri, Aug 07
Studio Immersion Retreat at CREATE Community Studios with Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins, MFA
CREATE Community Studios- Troy
REGISTER HERE
Aug 07, 2026, 11:00 AM
CREATE Community Studios- Troy, 621 River St, Troy, NY 12180, USA
This two‑day studio immersion is designed for painters ready to move beyond guided exercises and into sustained, independent work. Over two full days, participants will develop one or more paintings through a cycle of building, disrupting, and refining—staying with the work long enough for it to...
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