Visual Arts Classes
Upcoming Session
Spring Classes: March 24, 2025 - May 17, 2025
Member Registration Begins on Monday, February 24, 2025 at Noon.
General Registration Begins on Monday, March 3, 2025 at Noon.
Become a McGroarty Member to unlock early registration, member pricing and more perks!
Acrylic Painting
Price: $180
Member Price: $135
Description: Basic fundamentals working in acrylic paints, painting theory, and techniques. We will be working on a new painting every week. All levels welcome. More advanced painters can gear their paintings to their level.
Wednesdays, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
March 26 to May 14
Age Group: Adult (18 and up)
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Dianne Porter
Wednesday Supplies List:
Wed Acrylics Supplies List
Drawing
Age Group: Adult (18 and up)
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Kevin McCants
Price: $180
Member Price: $135
Tuesdays, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
March 25 to May 13
Description:
Kevin has been teaching for 20 years and strongly believes that drawing is the foundation of all artistic endeavors.
Learn foundational drawing skills or improve upon your existing skills.
The class will focus on learning proficiency in creating the illusion of 3-dimensionallity, employing measuring & sighting techniques for constructing accurate proportions as well as the basics of linear perspective.
Materials for the class will be primarily graphite pencils and charcoal with the option of learning how to work with color pencils if desired.
Supplies List: Drawing Supply List
Oil Painting
Age Group: Adult Duration: 8 weeks Instructor: Kevin McCants
Fridays, 11:00am - 2:00pm
March 28 to May 16
Oil Painting Supplies List
Price: $180
Member Price: $135
Description: In this beginning class, you will learn the basics of oil painting. Instruction begins with an introduction to materials and the way to correctly use and maintain them. During the eight week session, students will also learn tonal mixing (shading), the proper application of paint, and softening techniques while initially working from a still-life setup.
Watercolor Painting
Age Group: Adult (18 and up)
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Kevin McCants
Price: $180
Member Price: $135
Tuesdays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
March 25 to May 13
Thursdays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
March 27 to May 15
Description:
Kevin has been teaching for the past 20 years. Teaching various watercolor techniques, he strives to help artists with their development and growth.
Supplies List: Watercolor Supply List
artist: Phyllis Hansen
Oshibana - Botanical Collage
Age Group: Teen to Adult
Duration: 4 weeks
Instructor: Phyllis Hansen
Thursdays, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
April 3 to April 24
Description: In Japanese, Oshibana means “painting with flowers”. Learn the art of making botanical collage with pressed, dried flowers and foliage. You’ll discover techniques for pressing and preserving natural materials and have fun exploring the many artistic possibilities. Materials will be supplied.
About the instructor: Phyllis Hansen, who has won international awards for her scenic, figural and graphic design pieces, feels every piece a student creates using Mother Earth’s beautiful elements is, by nature, a work of art. As an artist and a writer who loves deep-diving into the history of many things, including Oshibana, Phyllis will entertain you with resplendent images from around the world while helping you create your own.
Supplies List- We recommend bringing a pair of tweezers to class.
Price: $90
Member Price: $80
View from Mcgroarty Arts Center painted by Jennifer ZappPaint like the Masters
Age Group: Adult (18 and up)
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Jennifer Zapp
Thursdays, 11:00am to 2:00pm
March 27 to May 15
Description: A class for students with prior experience.
The "Paint Like the Masters" art class is designed for intermediate to advanced artists to enhance their skills through studying the techniques of renowned painters. Over 8 weeks, participants will explore various styles, analyze complex brushwork, and develop their unique artistic voice. By the end, students will complete a series of inspired paintings and gain a deeper understanding of masterful techniques. Join us for a transformative artistic experience!
About The Instructor: Jennifer’s passion is creating art and sharing her love of art with adults and children. To develop her passion she pursued an undergraduate degree in Art Education from University of IL, Urbana and a master’s degree in Instructional Design from Northern IL University, Dekalb. She grew her skills through art classes and workshops taught by various national and international art masters. She shares her passion for art by teaching classes, volunteering at various art events and participating on the boards of different art organizations. Currently some of her artwork is showcased at The Back Door Bakery in Sunland.
Price: $180
Member Price: $135