River Tree Arts offers a variety of art classes and workshops for adults throughout the year. Gain fresh perspectives through a wide range of programs and resources for the novice as well as the expert.

Our instructors are marvelous and very talented. If you are interested in learning more about the faculty, please see our faculty page. By becoming a member of River Tree Arts, you will gain access to special events and also save money on each class. Read more about membership here.

PLEASE BE ADVISED:

  • Don’t dress in your best attire for art classes; art can get messy!
  • Please read all of River Tree Arts’ Policies and Procedures before registering for any event.
  • In the case that a class is canceled due to weather and a student cannot attend the rain-date, refunds will not be issued.
  • Programs are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment so don’t delay and register today!
  • PLEASE BE ADVISED RTA is a NUT-FREE facility. 

PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION DUE TO LOW NUMBERS, SO DON’T DELAY; REGISTER TODAY AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS FOR adults

Art Workshop: Seashell Artist Palette/Trinket Dish or Sea Glass Ornaments at the Nonantum Resort

  • Dates: Tuesday, August 11 – REGISTER HERE
  • Time: (2 hours) 4pm – 6pm
  • Age: Teens 16+ and Adults
  • Cost: $50.00

Instructor: Ava Bajakian

Located at the beautiful Nonantum Resort, this workshop is a great way to relax and stay creative this summer! Participants will have a choice to create a handmade trinket dish perfect for housing your treasures, a palette to inspire your next creation or ornaments using locally found shells, sea glass and air dry clay. Led by RTA instructor, Ava Bajakian, this outdoor workshop is great for all levels of experience. In the event of rain, the workshop will be held indoors. Price includes all supplies.
Art Workshop: Collaged Tote Bag at the Nonantum Resort

  • Dates: Tuesday, August 18 – REGISTER HERE
  • Time: (2 hours) 4pm – 6pm
  • Age: Teens 16+ and Adults
  • Cost: $50.00

Instructor: Ava Bajakian

Located at the beautiful Nonantum Resort, this workshop is a wonderful way to relax and stay creative this summer! Participants will try their hand at a collage technique to create a unique piece of wearable artwork using fabric scraps, ribbon, beads, buttons, and other found objects. Led by RTA instructor, Ava Bajakian, this outdoor workshop is great for all levels of experience. In the event of rain, the workshop will be held indoors. Price includes all supplies.
Ceramics: Open Studio Sessions

Dates: (3 session dates)

Adults 18+

  • Time: 2pm – 5pm (3 hours)
  • When: Tuesdays
  • Cost: $50 per class + $25 (purchase of 1x 25lb bag of clay to be used during the session)

Instructor: Susan Palmer

4-week session of Open Studio Class – This 3 hour studio time is for students who are interested in handbuilding or wheel throwing at their own pace. The instructor would be present but not providing active instruction, this is a self guided class. Attendees need to purchase a 1 x 25lb bag of clay for use during studio time. Glazed and kiln firings included in class fee. Max class size: 8 attendees

Learn Sgraffito – Decorate a small clay bowl with Underglazes and Carving!

  • Date:Sunday, August 23
  • Time: 4 hours (1pm – 5pm)
  • Cost: $185.00 (all supplies included)
  • Instructor: Susan Palmer

REGISTER HERE

What is Sgraffito?
Sgraffito is a decorative technique where a surface layer of colored slip or underglaze is carefully carved away to reveal the contrasting clay beneath. The result is a striking, graphic design with depth and texture. In this hands-on workshop, the instructor will begin with a demonstration of the sgraffito technique. Then, students will have the opportunity to paint a pre-made clay bowl using colored underglaze. Students may also incorporate a graphic image of their choice to personalize their design. After the class, all bowls will be coated with a clear glaze and kiln-fired. Finished pieces will be available for pickup two weeks later. All skill levels are welcome—no prior experience necessary!
SEE, DRAW, PAINT! the Art and Practice of Responding # 1

  • Session dates: (8 weeks) September 17-November 5, 2026
  • When: Thursday afternoons
  • Time: 11-2pm (3 hours)
  • Cost: Member $320.00 / Non-member $355.00 (+ $20 Materials Fee)
  • Instructor: Heather Lewis

REGISTER HERE

This class is designed to help the student-artist:

  • Understand the importance of the “Big 3”- the key elements of drawing AND painting: measuring/ composition, line, and value. 
  • Practice identifying and importing what inspires you, and capture what is seen in 3D, on a two-dimensional surface.  
  • Explore materials and processes 
  • Take the guesswork out of setting-up a palette, color mixing, and matching 
  • Learn from the work of masters past and present 
  • Enjoy plenty of studio time working from set-ups

In the first 4-5 weeks we will use drawing materials (graphite, charcoal, and paper) and then, will begin working with color media, including ink, watercolor, acrylic on canvas, paper, and more. Heather Lewis, artist/ instructor, will introduce you to age-old, foundational exercises and techniques to help you gain confidence as your skills develop! All skill levels are welcome. Materials fee covers the use of RTA supplies the instructor will share with students for activities/projects.