Fall Classes & Workshops at the Sedona Arts Center

Our fall catalog of art classes and workshops is on it’s way to your mailbox… but in the mean time, you can preview it online at SedonaArtsCenter.org!

Check out our fall lineup and preview what’s in store for 2025!

For more scholarship information, policy updates and to apply: CLICK HERE

Explore different art mediums in this Creative Aging Sampler Class led by Sedona Arts Center artists.  This sampler class is for ages 55 and older interested in tapping into their creativity and trying out different art forms. Participants will try their hand at storytelling, collage, watercolor, acrylic pens, and water-soluble oils.

• August 12: Storytelling with Claire Obermarck
• August 19: Art of Collage with Mary Helsaple
• August 26: Watercolor with Betty Carr
• September 9: Modern Art Techniques with Mary Helsaple
• September 16: Water-Soluble Oils with Gretchen Lopez
• September 23: Notecard Making with Mary Helsaple

Learn to build forms, prepare sand mix concrete, sculpt and hand carve in the soft matrix. in this wet-carved concrete workshop.  No power tools or hammer and chisel are required.   Students will be given a working understanding of Portland cement and the variety of possibilities the technique offers. Choose to make either a planter or sculpture of about 25 lbs. By the end of the carving day everyone will have completed their piece short of it having to sit overnight to cure before handling.

Times – Tues: 1 pm – 4 pm | Wed: 9 am – 6 pm | Thur: 10am-12pm

Come join us in the cool of the classroom and imagine dipping your feet into the waters of Oak Creek!  We will be working from photo reference to learn to simplify and compose scenes from the creek.  Composition and simplification are key elements in producing successful paintings, whether it is from photo reference or in plein air.  It all applies!

Through demonstration and one-on-one instruction, students will learn to throw a variety of forms on the potter’s wheel or techniques to create hand-built works. Slab roller, extruder and forms are also available to create functional and decorative pieces. Class sessions are 6-weeks long and meet once/week.

Dennis Ott has been the head of the Arts Center’s Ceramics Department for over 22 years. Along the way he organized workshops in Italy, taught clay on the Navajo Reservation, built a kiln in Nicaragua, and interacted with many clay artists organizing presentations and exhibitions.

Dennis received the Sedona Mayor’s Arts Award for art instruction in 2017. In 2018 Dennis was awarded the Arizona Governor’s Arts Award for an individual arts instructor.

Dennis Ott, Instructor and Head of the Ceramics Dept

Ceramics – Advanced
August 26–September 30 : Mondays from 4 to 7pm
Click here to learn more and sign up

Ceramics – All Levels
August 27–October 1 : Tuesdays from 9am to 12pm  
Click here to learn more and sign up

Ceramics – All Levels
August 28–October 2 : Wednesdays from 9am to 12pm
Click here to learn more and sign up

This fun and creative class is for beginning and experienced ceramicists.  Tap into your creative self and experience various hand-building techniques. Make bowls, vases, mugs, serving platters, and boxes, using slabs, molds, and textures. The possibilities are endless.  Each class will include a demonstration and individual instruction that will help you achieve your goals.

This six-week course focuses on developing, strengthening and advancing one’s skills using the potters wheel, as well as understanding the properties of clay in order to expand one’s potential to architecturally create a version of what one envisions. Have fun, gain knowledge and confidence.

In today’s technological world, even professional photographers and artists are recognizing the iPhone as a useful (and even practical) photographic tool. Join photographer artist, Kelli Klymenko in his one-day class for beginner and advanced students and you’ll go beyond the basics and learn to shoot professional quality photographs with your iPhone.

You will learn how to shoot, edit and share remarkable landscapes, portraits and the macro world around you using only your iPhone. Kelli will guide you through simple tips and tricks that will take your photography to the next level. Discover how to capture the essence of a place and your subjects rather than just taking a picture. You will also learn basic video and video editing techniques for use with apps such as Facebook and Instagram.

• Learn how to get the highest resolution images on your iPhone and apps
• Practice creative techniques including HDR (High Dynamic Range)
• Shoot panoramas
• Learn about the latest editing, filters and stylizing apps
• Learn about iPhone equipment: remotes, tripods and more
• Learn how to use the hottest new tools on your iPhone

This will be an In-Person class, to join this class virtually, click here

This course is designed exclusively for those who are new to wheel work and is open for ages 12 through adult. Have fun while gaining confidence on the potter’s wheel. Learn the throwing fundamentals and the skills necessary to throw cylinders, bowls, mugs and plates. Glazing will also be demonstrated.  Small class size ensures that each student receives personalized, one-on-one instruction and encouragement for a fascinating hands-on experience that will bring out the potter in you.

Drawing is the foundation for everything else! A gateway to mastering other visual art forms, drawing is also an entryway to mindfulness. Time slows down. You become very present. And the truth is, when you draw something, you see it differently and somehow more profoundly.

Storyteller Claire Obermarck presents The Sea, The Sea using her magical way of telling stories to stir new visual ideas for artists and their work.  Over the three sessions–sea myths, legends, and folklore will lead participants through whispered legends and uncharted waters, where The Sea holds both treasure and terror.  These tales remind the listener of the awe-inspiring power and the untamed majesty of the deep waters that surround us.

Claire will present different stories for each session. The elements of the story will be discussed among the group and the different ways the story can be interpreted visually, including exploring the use of symbolism.  Participants will then be encouraged to sketch, paint, journal or use any medium of their choice, to incorporate elements of the story into their own work.

It’s all about observation, bold shapes and brush strokes! Learn to use shape and texture with the use of one brush!  I will take you step by step to build the landscape and have some wonderful results in your paintings. We’ll start with technique and learn to observe the big shapes. The “Bold Brush” will help you loosen up and gain strength and drama in your paintings!  Photo reference will be provided! Be sure to have a large sash painting brush, about an inch and a half, with an angled edge.  You can find these at the hardware or dollar stores!

Please have drawing materials handy plus a canvas no larger than 12×16! Photo reference will be provided plus our Zoom link will be provided!