Art Classes

  • Open Studio Painting Sessions

    Monthly Third Tuesday
    12:00 - 3:00 pm

    FREE

    For any medium beginners to advanced.

    Bring your art supplies and paint with us in this open studio painting session. Bring a lunch and your own project to work from and specialized supplies. The art center has paints and brushes. We provide good conversation and moral support, and only critique if you want.

    Ages 16+

    AOMAC sponsored event - non-instructional open studio session.

    No classes currently scheduled.

  • Open Studio Life Drawing Sessions

    Mondays, 1:00-3:00 pm
    Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 pm

    FREE

    Draw from a live model in various mediums, with the model provided in person, as well as appropriate lighting, seating and easels. Gesture drawings will begin the session, leading into extended poses for more elaborate works. Bring your drawing materials.

    Ages 18+

    AOMAC sponsored event. - Non-instructional open studio session

  • Sketch & Paint

    Friday, January 17
    6:00-8:00 pm

    $40/person

    Refine your artistic skills as you learn the entire process of creating an acrylic painting, from the initial sketch on canvas to the final layers of vibrant paint. Led by artist Daniel Walters, you'll be guided through each step of bringing a beautiful winter landscape to life.

    Ages 16+

    INSTR: Daniel Walters

  • Artist Connections: Painting Demo by Jim Horne

    Saturday, January 18
    10:00 am-1:00 pm

    FREE

    Jim Horne has been painting since he was 6 years old and given the art world a body of work spanning a lifetime. He did his baccalaureate work in Memphis, Tennessee and moved to Europe to take his masters in Germany from the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, making a thorough study of traditional and contemporary painting. He was away from our area for over 40 years, but he's been here in Fort Smith for the last 10 years. He continues to paint every day, confident in traditional portraiture styles to modern abstractionism, in all traditional media. His work is available through Hidden Talent Art Gallery in Fort Smith, with paintings rotated out regularly. Don't miss this unique opportunity to observe and learn from this prolific local artist! 

    No same-day registrations online. If you miss registration, you can register at the door.

  • Art Through the Ages

    Monthly, First Thursday
    5:00-6:00 pm

    $10/person

    Each session will discuss different art history topics and introduce key movements, styles, and techniques. You’ll explore the rich world of art history through the lens of observation learning how to analyze and interpret visual art, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of masterpieces across time and cultures.

    Ages 16+

    INSTR: Melynda Coble-George

  • Intro to Stippling

    Saturday, February 8
    1:00-3:00 pm

    $30/person

    Join us for a creative journey into the world of stippling! In this introductory class, you’ll learn the fundamental techniques of this unique art form, which uses countless tiny dots to create stunning images and textures. 

    Ages 18+

    INSTR: Ben Dobbs

  • Date & Paint

    Friday, February 14
    6:00-8:00 pm

    $80/couple

    Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a creative twist! Join our Date & Paint class, where you and your partner will paint a beautiful masterpiece together. No experience needed—just bring your love and creativity. All art supplies provided, feel free to BYOB.

    Ages 21+

    INSTR: Daniel Walters

  • GetSmART!: Learning Series, The Artist's Guide to Passive Income

    Saturday, February 22
    11:00-1:00 pm

    Learn the art of getting more money with less work during our special, in-person presentation sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Council.

  • Intro to Acrylics

    Saturday, March 1
    1:00-4:00 pm

    $40/person

    Learn about choosing paints, painting surfaces, selecting the right brushes, and mastering techniques. Explore the fundamentals of color theory, composition and more, as you’re guided by instructor, Daniel Walters, through live demonstrations and hands-on practice. Bring photo references to create your own masterpiece and we’ll provide the rest!

    Ages 16+

    INSTR: Daniel Walters

  • Clouds on Canvas

    Friday, March 28
    6:00-8:00 pm

    $40/person

    Learn to paint realistic clouds in acrylics, mastering blending and layering techniques to create beautiful, atmospheric skies.

    Ages 16+

    INSTR: Daniel Walters

  • History of Photography

    Saturday, March 29
    11:00-1:00 pm

    $10/person

    In this lecture, photographer Corey S Krasko, will cover the history of photography from its invention in 1837 to around 1950, before color photography became widespread. Exploring key developments that made photography accessible to the public. This conversation will also examine how photography influenced the rise of Modern Art, as artists used the medium to explore new ways of capturing and interpreting reality.

    Ages 15+

    INSTR: Corey S. Krasko

  • Plein Air Painting

    3-Day Workshop
    Saturdays, April 5, 12 & 19
    10:00-2:30 pm

    $120/person

    In this plein air painting class, you'll learn to capture the natural world in all its vibrant, ever-changing glory. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this class will guide you through the techniques of painting directly from life—on location. The first two sessions will be held in the studio, where you'll build foundational skills and techniques. For the final session, you'll take your creativity outdoors and apply what you've learned at Meyer Park, nestled along the Arkansas River.  Discover the art of observing light, shadows, and landscapes in real time, while mastering skills in composition, brushwork, and color mixing. Bring your own supplies and lunch.

    Ages 18+

    INSTR: Theresa Grillo Laird

  • Painting from History

    Friday, April 11
    6:00-8:00 pm

    $40/person

    April showers bring Van Gogh flowers! Recreate a timeless masterpiece with your unique artistic touch, while exploring the rich history behind the art. All materials provided.

    Ages 16+

    INSTR: Daniel Walters

  • Drawing Techniques

    Saturday, May 24
    1:00-3:00 pm

    $35/person

    Explore various drawing techniques like continuous line, blind contours, and negative space to refresh your creativity and gain a new perspective on how to work with drawing materials. All levels welcome.

    Ages 16+

    INSTR: Daniel Walters

  • Lighten Up, Loosen Up: Watercolor Workshop

    Two-day Workshop
    Friday, June 13, 3:00-6:00 pm
    Saturday, June 14, 9:00 - 4:00 pm

    $125/person

    In a Richard Stephens workshop, you'll receive expert technical insights, engaging painting demos, and plenty of one-on-one guidance. Richard's passion for watercolor shines through as he shares his knowledge with students of all levels.

    Workshop Details and Student Supply List

    Ages 18+

    INSTR: Richard Stephens