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

Fri, Apr 04
Water-Soluble Pastel Monotypes with artist in residence Rainier Bernhardt
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 04, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials , 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
This workshop covers a technique that has become a recurring favorite for its flexibility, limited clean-up, and the fact that it does not require a printing press. Most monotypes are created by using a field of ink that is either wiped in certain areas before the paper is added, or that serves...
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Fri, Apr 04
Nature Sketchbook with Watercolor Enhancement with Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins, MFA
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 04, 2025, 12:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Let nature inspire your art! In this immersive sketchbook course, you’ll explore the beauty of natural materials, learning how to incorporate them into your drawings, writings and sketches.
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Sat, Apr 05
Igniting Your Spark as an Artist with Tracy Loring
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 05, 2025, 10:30 AM
Arlene's Artist Materials , 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Using exercises and techniques from her coaching practice, Tracy Loring will walk you through a process to connect back to the most creative part of yourself, uncover your artistic gifts, see what might be getting in your way, and practice tools to help you get back on track.
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Sat, Apr 05
Exposed Stitching Bookbinding with Teresa Ricci
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 05, 2025, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials , 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Discover the art of handmade bookbinding in this engaging workshop focused on exposed stitching techniques. Perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike, this class will guide you through the process of creating a unique, durable book with visible decorative stitching on the spine.
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Sat, Apr 05
Dungeons and Dragons 101 with artist-in-residence Aly Parrott
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 05, 2025, 12:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials , 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Dungeons and Dragons became an underground sensation in the 1970’s, but has recently skyrocketed in popularity with the rise of shows like Stranger Things and live actual plays like Critical Role and Dimension 20, and for good reason; it’s a fantastic medium for all kinds of creativity.
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Sat, Apr 12
Painting People in a Simple Ocean Scene with Kris Woodward
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 12, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Dive into the fun of capturing the energy of a bustling beach scene with Kris Woodward! In this workshop, Kris will guide you through the art of creating charming “beach peeps” and a simple ocean backdrop. Forget about the tiny details like stripes on bathing suits, fingers, or toes—
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Sat, Apr 19
Crafting Color: A Short Guide to Stained Glass Creation-Mushroom with Amanda Moore
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 19, 2025, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials , 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Craft your very own stained glass mushroom, infused with the vibrant colors and textures of fall. In this one 3-hour session, learn the techniques of foiling, and soldering, to create your dazzling masterpiece. No prior experience is necessary.
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Sat, Apr 26
Everyday Sketching: Everyday Moments with artist-in-residence Ottavia Huang
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 26, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Focus on the beauty of the ordinary: a steaming cup of coffee, a stack of books, or a cozy nook, turning daily life into art. In this workshop, Ottavia will walk you through every step of drawing a watercolor and pen sketch of an everyday scene from a photograph, starting from the basic design...
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Fri, May 02
Watercolor Masterclass with Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins, MFA
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
May 02, 2025, 2:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Elevate Your Artistry in a Transformative Multi-Session Journey. Are you ready to refine your watercolor skills, explore advanced techniques, and create gallery-worthy work? Join Carolyn for an immersive watercolor masterclass designed for artists eager to take their craft to the next level.
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Sat, May 03
Mixed Media Flowers in Oil Pastel with Tracy Loring
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
May 03, 2025, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
This workshop explores the unique textural effects you can achieve with watercolor and oil pastel. We’ll cover how to blend oil pastels and layer them over watercolor for added dimension. Supplies are not included in the cost of the workshop.
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Sat, May 03
Forever Blooms - Creating Flowers out of Wool Felt with artist-in-residence Aly Parrott
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
May 03, 2025, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Everyone loves getting a bouquet of flowers, but what if you were able to give someone you love with a bouquet of flowers that would last forever? In this workshop, makers will learn basic construction techniques for creating various blooms out of wool felt, then we will assemble our flowers into...
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Sat, May 03
Sketchbook Stress-Relief with Teresa Ricci
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
May 03, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Reconnect with the joy and freedom that first sparked your love for art in this relaxed and open-ended workshop. Inspired by the playful creativity of childhood, this session is all about taking time to create without pressure. Spend a few hours chatting with fellow creatives, sharing ideas, and let
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Fri, May 09
An Intro to Watercolor and Ink with artist in residence Rainier Bernhardt
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
May 09, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
This workshop is great for anyone new to watercolors, returning to their practice, or just wanting more experience. Rainier Bernhardt will teach a simple 3-level approach: you can grid and copy an image, freehand from a reference, or create something from your imagination.
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Sat, May 10
Bring It: We Will Paint It Painting Workshop with Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins, MFA
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
May 10, 2025, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Step into a day of creativity and connection as we build and paint a unique still life together! Each participant brings one object—something meaningful, eye-catching, or simply fun—to contribute to a shared display.
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Sat, May 24
Painting Light and Shadows in Watercolor with Kris Woodward
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
May 24, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Discover the magic of light and shadow in this dynamic watercolor workshop with Kris Woodward. Learn how to capture sunlight’s warmth and shadows’ depth to add drama and realism to your compositions. This workshop dives into essential techniques like understanding shadows in perspective, using...
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Sat, May 24
Everyday Sketching: House Plants & Spring Gardens with artist-in-residence Ottavia Huang
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
May 24, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Open to all levels, this watercolor and ink sketching workshop celebrates the beauty of houseplants and gardens, guiding you to capture their delicate details and vibrant charm with creativity and ease.In this workshop, Ottavia will walk you through every step of drawing a watercolor and pen...
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