Adult Programs

Whether you are new to art or advanced in your skills and seeking a creative challenge, the Rahr-West Art Museum adult art classes are an affordable and fun way to explore your inner artist and meet other like minded people. All classes are taught by knowledgeable instructors who have a passion for the arts.

FALL 2023 ADULT ART CLASSES 

Class Fee: $25 RWAM Members/$35 Nonmembers
Ages 18 & up
Class times may vary.

Still Life Drawing
November 9, 2023  6:00-8:00PM
Students will set up, create, and learn about how to create a still life drawing.  Register HERE

Watercolor & Ink Bird Painting
December 14, 2023  6:00-8:00pm
Inspired by the Berel Lutsky Retrospective, students will use watercolor and ink to create a painting of a bird.  Register HERE

Drawing a Portrait from a Photo
December 21, 2023  6:00-8:00PM
Students can bring in a printed photo of a loved one and learn how to create a drawing from it.  These would make great holiday gifts! 
**Students are welcome to send photos to svasquez@manitowoc.org
 to be printed.  Please keep in mind that higher quality photos with clear lighting will greatly help in your drawing process!   Register HERE

WINTER/SPRING 2024

Andrew Wyeth Watercolor Landscape

January 11th, 2024, 6:00-8:00pm

Students will create a winter landscape painting in watercolor inspired by “Back Way” by Andrew Wyeth in the Rahr-West Art Museum collection. 

Register Here


Multimedia Single Page Artist’s Book With Berel Lutsky

January 25th, 2024, 5:00-8:00pm

Students will make an artist book from a single piece of paper through a folding process. Collage materials like cards, stamps, ephemera, photos, and digital imagery will be used to design your book. Participants can bring in their own materials (physical or digital on a flash drive) or are welcome to use materials supplied in class.

Register Here


Introduction to Acrylic Painting

February 8th, 2024, 6:00-8:00pm

Students will explore introductory techniques and practices to create an acrylic painting.

Register Here


Figure Drawing From Life Instructional

February 22nd, 2023, 6:00-8:30pm

For the first time since the creation of the Figure Drawing and Painting classes (normally self-guided) at the Rahr-West Art Museum, instructor Sonia Vasquez will lead a fully instructed from-life figure/portrait drawing class. Students will learn about the process of creating gesture drawings through finished drawings from a live model. 

Register Here


Watercolor Diorama 

March 7th, 2023, 6:00-8:00pm

Students will create a 3-dimensional diorama using watercolor painted landscape pieces in a shadow box.

Register Here


Drawing with Charcoal

March 14th, 2023, 6:00-8:00pm

Students will learn techniques and practices of using different types of charcoal to create a drawing. 

Register Here


Figure Drawing & Painting - Clothed

March 28th, 2023, 6:00-9:00pm

Students will bring their own materials and work mostly self guided from a live model.  Instructor will be around to answer questions and provide input. 

Register Here

For more detailed information on Figure Drawing & Painting classes: 

Read More Here


Acrylic Painting II (Glazing and Layering)

April 11th, 2024, 6:00-8:00pm

Students will learn about glazing and layering techniques done with acrylic and mediums to create a dynamic painting.

Register Here


Portrait in Watercolor

April 18th, 2023, 6:00-8:00pm

Students will learn how to use watercolor to create a life-like portrait. 

Register Here


Georgia O’Keeffe Acrylic Painting

May 2nd, 2024, 6:00-8:00pm

Students will create an acrylic painting inspired by works by Georgia O’Keeffe such as “Birch and Pine No. 2” in the Rahr-West Art Museum collection.

Register Here


Expressive Drawing 

May 16th, 2024, 6:00-8:00pm

Students will learn about how to create an energetic, expressive drawing using techniques like gesture and hatching.

Register Here


Figure Drawing & Painting (Nude)

May 30th, 2024, 6:00-9:00pm

Students will bring their own materials and work mostly self guided from a live model.  Instructor will be around to answer questions and provide input. 

Register Here

For more detailed information on Figure Drawing & Painting classes: 

Read More Here

Working Creatively Through Grief

This class is a creative outlet for anyone who is dealing with any form of loss - the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or any general grief. You do not need to be an artist to be able to communicate your thoughts and emotions. Participation can help to facilitate what words cannot describe. The art making process provides insight, allowing you to grow and connect with others, helping throughout the healing journey. All materials are provided.

Sundays as scheduled, 1:00-3:00 pm
All ages. Free, Donations are accepted
Registration is not necessary.

Hands Past & Future
December 3, 2023, 1:00-3:00PM
Participants will reflect on what their hands once held and an inspiration to what they may hold.

Winter/Spring 2024

Heart of the Matter

February 11th, 2023, 1:00-3:00pm

Using the art materials supplied participants will address some of the emotions connected with their grief.


Beauty Collage

April 14th, 2024, 1:00-3:00 pm

We will talk about beauty and where we find it in our lives. Using the art materials provided you can create your own collage.