Visual Arts

Below is a list of all visual arts classes offered this summer season at JDCAC. Make sure to check out the Auburn Parks and Recreation Fall Season Brochure.

If you are interested in signing up for one or more of the classes, please do so through MyRec. Citizens must have an online MyRec account to register for any Parks and Recreation programs. To access the online system and create an account visit auburnal.gov/parks/register.

Programs with an associated cost will require payment which can be made online using a credit card. Individuals who wish to pay with cash or check can register and pay in person at the Harris Center, located at 425 Perry St., Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration will only be accepted from participants who live or work in the City of Auburn during the first two weeks of registration.

Creative Kids

Drawing is a fundamental skill that should be learned by all children. The young artist will be introduced to basic drawing and painting as a fun subject while developing learning and creative skills. Creative expressions will be emphasized while students work with a variety of media such as watercolor, oil pastel, color pencil, pencil, ink, etc. $225 with 10% sibling discount.

Contact: Dong Shang • dongshang@hotmail.com • (229) 347-6293

Origami, Collage and Paper Quilling

Origami, the ancient Japanese art of folding paper, is a fascinating and creative craft for kids. Through folding, origami uses numerous folds with fine attention to the detail. The value of Origami is not how fast or how many models can be completed but rather practice, patience and precision. Through practice, the students gain better understanding of patterns, spatial relations and 3-D design elements. Paper Quilling is the art of rolling narrow strips of paper into coils or scrolls. And arranging them to form elegant art. Students learn how to use the tools to roll coils and scrolls. Then pinch, shape and arrange them into decorative patterns. $225 + $25 supplies.

Contact: Dong Shang • dongshang@hotmail.com • (229) 347-6293

Chinese Watercolor Class

This painting class will introduce students to traditional and contemporary techniques, materials, and concepts of this art form, also known as Chinese brush painting or ink painting. Students will learn to use brushes, ink, and rice paper to depict natural subjects like flowers, birds, and landscapes, focusing on capturing the essence of nature through expressive brushwork. Students will explore the art and culture of Chinese calligraphy and ink painting, as well as learn basic calligraphy strokes and traditional painting with ink and watercolors. $300 + $30 supplies.

Contact: Dong Shang • dongshang@hotmail.com • (229) 347-6293

Sketching with Pencils and Painting with Brushes

In this fun and engaging class, students will learn how to draw, shade, and create gradation with pencils. Learn watercolor painting skills and color pencils. Students will develop basic art skills and techniques through these sketching and painting practices. $270 with 10% sibling discount.

Contact: Dong Shang • dongshang@hotmail.com • (229) 347-6293

Beginner's Gel Pad Printmaking Workshop

Beginner’s Gel Pad Printmaking Workshop (3.5 Hours), Discover the fun and explorative art of gel pad printmaking in this beginner-friendly 3.5-hour workshop! Participants will learn color, texture, pattern, and papers through guided demonstrations and open experimentation. Learn how to build vibrant prints with acrylic paints, stencils, found textures, botanical elements, and simple mark-making tools. Every print is unique! No experience is required. All supplies included. $65.

Contact: Kim Murdock • kimmurdock@att.net • (770) 329-2836

Advanced Botanical Gel Pad Printmaking Workshop

Explore advanced techniques in gel pad botanical printmaking through layered compositions, detailed plant impressions, image transfers, masking, and mixed-media applications. Learn to capture delicate textures, build depth with transparent color, and combine botanicals into sophisticated designs. This class is ideal for new gel pad users seeking to refine their process and create expressive and local, nature-inspired prints. Prior Gel Pad Printmaking experience required. All Supplies Included. $55.

Contact: Kim Murdock • kimmurdock@att.net • (770) 329-2836

Advances Gel Pad Printmaking Workshop

Take your gel pad printmaking further in this advanced studio class focused on layered composition, image transfers, masking, botanicals, and mixed-media integration. Refine your control of color, transparency, and depth while developing a cohesive visual style. Create sophisticated, vibrant display-worthy prints using advanced forms of paint and papers. Prior Gel Pad Printmaking experience required. All Supplies Included. $65.

Contact: Kim Murdock • kimmurdock@att.net • (770) 329-2836

Painting Open Studio

Open format studio focused on representative oil painting. The instructional focus is primarily geared towards representational painting with oil and development of observational painting skills. Students supply their own materials. $90.

Contact: Nils Larsen • (334) 663-4734

Studio 222 Fiberarts Group

This group is under the support of the Auburn Arts Association. This regional artist group’s focus is fiber arts sharing with each other their various skills, studying design and composition, and occasionally host visiting artists who share their talents and artworks. FREE.

Contact: Laura Kloberg • aura57@yahoo.com • (334) 332-5458

Auburn Open Studio

Artists coming together to create art and support expression. No matter what level artist – you are welcome! All mediums are encouraged – watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel, mixed media and outsider art. FREE.

Contact: Raymond VanTilburg • rayvantilburgart@gmail.com • (630) 697-2929

Traditional Oil Painting - Figure in Landscape

Learn to paint fabric folds and flesh tones on a figure in a landscape. Starting with an Old Master technique of a greenish-gray underpainting called Verdaccio, you will create a dream-like scene inspired by John Waterhouse paintings of the 19th century. Photos, a demo, written instructions, and a supply list will be provided. Linen canvas will be available for purchase in class. Some painting experience preferred. Skill Level: Intermediate $180.

Contact: Elaine Western • (832) 704-8133 • doriswestern@gmail.com

Wooden Barn Star Workshop

Create your own stunning 4' x 4' wooden barn star, also known as barn quilts in this hands-on workshop. Each attendee receives a wooden panel, quality paints, and plenty of inspiring design ideas. Whether you prefer classic folk patterns or bold modern styles, you’ll craft a beautiful, personalized barn star ready to display proudly in your home. $45.

Contact: Emillie Dombrowski • edombrowski@auburnal.gov • (334) 501-2944

Let’s Weave a Bread Basket for the Holidays

Show off your hand woven bread basket at your Holiday table! Beginner friendly, this oval basket has a wooden base. You can finish in one night but two classes are offered since no one should feel rushed. If you finish the first class you are welcome to come back the following week, purchase another base (maybe a larger size?) and weave another basket! $75.

Contact: Jacqueline McDonough • ladylovesgrits@hotmail.com • (770) 715-1741

Ikebana Workshop– The Art of Flower Arranging

Discover the peaceful and elegant world of ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging. Unlike Western floral design, Ikebana emphasizes simplicity, balance, and harmony with nature. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn the basic principles of line, space, and form while creating your own minimal yet expressive arrangements. No prior experience needed—just a curious mind and a love for flowers. All materials provided. $35.

Contact: Bethany Adams • adams.bethany16@gmail.com