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
Paint Night with Instructor Erin Ripton 
Join us for a fun and relaxing Paint Night at RTA, led by artist Erin Ripton. Channel your inner Picasso as we paint a predetermined “Summer” themed canvas. Erin will guide you through the step by step process of developing your composition, colors and technique, using acrylic paints on a stretched 9 x 12” canvas which will be a keepsake. No experience is needed, and all supplies are included. Just bring yourself and enjoy a creative night out! If you like, BYOB. |
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Metalsmithing One-Day Workshop (Teens + Adults)
Instructor: Katie Boucher If you’ve been wanting to learn metalsmithing, this 3 hour workshop is the perfect place to start. In this workshop, you’ll learn essential techniques such as hammering, soldering, cutting, and shaping metal. Our main project will be creating a ring, but you’re also welcome to make a bracelet, pendant, or keychain if you prefer. There’s plenty of room for creativity, and we encourage you to explore your own ideas. Max 8 attendees |
Intro to Wheel Throwing Class over 2 Weeks
Instructor: Susan Palmer 2-week session – Intro to Wheel Throwing Class over 2 Weeks. This 2 ½ hour class is for students who want a quick experience learning to throw and trim on a wheel. Classes will run 1 x week on Mondays for two weeks. Students will learn to throw bowls and cups, and learn to trim their pieces. White clay, glazes and firings included. Max class size: 3 attendees |
July – 4 Week Hand Building Ceramics Class
Instructor: Susan Palmer 4-week Hand Building Class – Learn the basics of hand building pottery. Throughout the class, you’ll be guided through various clay handbuilding techniques such as pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction. You’ll create functional ceramic pieces like cups, bowls, and plates. Plus, you’ll get to explore glazing techniques to add your own personal touch to each piece. By the end of the course, you’ll have your own handmade pottery pieces ready to take home, along with a newfound appreciation for the art of clay. No wheel required—just your hands and imagination! Clay and all glazes and firing included. Max class size: 8 attendees |
| July – Open Studio Sessions
Dates: (4 session dates)
Adults 18+
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 |
Intro to Gouache; Paint Night – Landscape
Instructor: Leah Payne We will create a mountain and lake landscape painting using gouache. You will learn basic gouache techniques to create beautiful art without needing to draw. Demonstrations will be projected onto a large screen as students follow the instructor step by step. This class is for beginners. All materials are provided. Come relax and create! Please bring a water bottle with your beverage of choice. |
July – Pinch Pots for Dips
Instructor: Susan Palmer Grab a friend for a fun night of pottery, laughter and creativity! In this chill, beginner friendly 3 hour class, you’ll learn the basics of making pinched bowls and decorating them with underglaze. Whether you’re crafting a keepsake or just enjoying the process, this is the perfect way to unwind. Finished pots will be fired and ready in 2 weeks for pick up. No experience needed. BYOB. Max class size: 8 attendees |
3 Week Hand-Building Clay Session for Teens & Adults
Instructor: Ava Bajakian A focused hand-building clay workshop for beginner teens and adults. Participants create functional and sculptural pieces inspired by natural and fruit forms, exploring form, texture, and surface design. Examples of projects: wall vases, fridge magnets, or fruit-shaped trinket/jewelry dishes. |
Paint Night with Instructor Erin Ripton
Instructor: Erin Ripton Join us for a fun and relaxing Paint Night at RTA, led by artist Erin Ripton. Channel your inner Picasso as we paint a predetermined “Summer” themed canvas. Erin will guide you through the step by step process of developing your composition, colors and technique, using acrylic paints on a stretched 9 x 12” canvas which will be a keepsake. No experience is needed, and all supplies are included. Just bring yourself and enjoy a creative night out! If you like, BYOB. |
August: Espresso Cup or Mug Making
Instructor: Susan Palmer Grab a friend for a fun and creative night of pottery and laughter. In this chill, beginner friendly 3 hour class, you’ll learn the basics of making mugs and decorating them with underglaze. Whether you’re crafting a keepsake or just enjoying the process, this is the perfect way to unwind. Finished pots will be fired and ready in 2 weeks for pick up. No experience needed. BYOB. Max class size: 8 attendees |
Adult Workshop: Learn Sgraffito – Decorate a small clay bowl with underglazes and carving!
Instructor: Susan Palmer What is Sgraffito? |
Intro to Watercolor; Paint Night – Florals
Instructor: Leah Payne We will create fresh, fun watercolor paintings of flowers. You will learn brush strokes and basic watercolor techniques to create beautiful art without needing to draw. Demonstrations will be projected onto a large screen as students follow along with the instructor, before using their newfound techniques to create their own flower paintings. This class is for beginners. All materials are provided. Come relax and create! Please bring a water bottle with your beverage of choice. |
August – 4 Week Hand Building Ceramics Class
Instructor: Susan Palmer 4-week Hand Building Class – Learn the basics of hand building pottery. Throughout the class, you’ll be guided through various clay handbuilding techniques such as pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction. You’ll create functional ceramic pieces like cups, bowls, and plates. Plus, you’ll get to explore glazing techniques to add your own personal touch to each piece. By the end of the course, you’ll have your own handmade pottery pieces ready to take home, along with a newfound appreciation for the art of clay. No wheel required—just your hands and imagination! Clay and all glazes and firing included. Max class size: 8 attendees |
| August – Open Studio Sessions
Dates: (3 session dates)
Adults 18+
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 |
Intro to Gouache; Paint Night – Landscape
Instructor: Leah Payne We will create a forest landscape painting using gouache. You will learn basic gouache techniques to create beautiful art without needing to draw. Demonstrations will be projected onto a large screen as students follow the instructor step by step. This class is for beginners. All materials are provided. Come relax and create! Please bring a water bottle with your beverage of choice. |
Paint Night with Instructor Erin Ripton
Join us for a fun and relaxing Paint Night at RTA, led by artist Erin Ripton. Channel your inner Picasso as we paint a predetermined “Summer” themed canvas. Erin will guide you through the step by step process of developing your composition, colors and technique, using acrylic paints on a stretched 9 x 12” canvas which will be a keepsake. No experience is needed, and all supplies are included. Just bring yourself and enjoy a creative night out! If you like, BYOB. |
August – Intro to Wheel Throwing Class over 2 Weeks
Instructor: Susan Palmer Two-week session – Intro to Wheel Throwing Class over 2 Weeks. This 2 ½ hour class is for students who want a quick experience learning to throw and trim on a wheel. Classes will run 1 x week on Mondays for two weeks. Students will learn to throw bowls and cups, and learn to trim their pieces. White clay, glazes and firings included. Max class size: 3 attendees |
Intro to Watercolor; Paint Night – Mushrooms
Instructor: Leah Payne We will create fresh, fun watercolor paintings of mushrooms. You will learn brush strokes and basic watercolor techniques to create beautiful art without needing to draw. Demonstrations will be projected onto a large screen as students follow along with the instructor, before using their newfound techniques to create their own mushroom paintings. This class is for beginners. All materials are provided. Come relax and create! Please bring a water bottle with your beverage of choice. |