Explore the art of portrait painting in this in-depth, multi-week course designed to guide you from foundational techniques to more advanced skills. Learn how to simplify complex forms into approachable shapes and develop a deeper understanding of facial anatomy and structure. Working from a live model, you'll practice imprimatura (underpainting), refine your color mixing abilities, and master the role of light and value to create depth and realism in your work. Step by step, you’ll build confidence in your process while discovering your personal approach to expressive, lifelike portraits. Whether you're expanding your skills or diving into portraiture for the first time, this course offers a supportive environment for growth and creative exploration. 

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

This 10-week intermediate to advanced ceramics course explores innovative approaches to wheel-thrown and altered forms, as well as hand building from thrown elements. Students will refine their technical skills while experimenting with cutting, reassembling, and reshaping thrown pieces. Surface decoration techniques, including newsprint transfers, resists, stencils, and screen printing with underglaze, will also be covered. This course is ideal for those looking to push their creative boundaries. Students must be comfortable with both throwing and hand building techniques.

This class is held in a ADA accessable studio space

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Step into the world of pottery with our All About the Wheel class, offering basic to advanced wheel-throwing techniques! Beginners kick off by learning to center and throw cylinders and bowls, while returning students refine their personal style and dive into advanced techniques and individual projects. Explore glaze application and decoration in a vibrant group setting. Plan to unleash your creativity, and focus on crafting functional pots for specific foods and events this summer! Enroll now and let the wheel-spinning adventure begin!

This class is scheduled to be held in CCS, which is only accessable by stairs.

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support the mission of HYS

Discover the expressive potential of pastels in this 5-week studio course. Start with foundational techniques through still life studies, focusing on application methods, understanding light and shadow, and exploring color blending. Build your confidence in observing and interpreting form, surface, and atmosphere, while developing your own artistic voice with this versatile medium. Whether you're new to pastels or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a supportive space to experiment and grow.

Click HERE to see the materials list for this course

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support the mission of HYS

Unlock the secrets of abstract and expressionistic painting with EO Omwake's tailored classes, designed to cater to each student's unique preferences. Dive into the essence of creativity, regardless of your painting experience, and learn foundational and advanced skills in the historic Chester Springs Fine Art Studio. Join a community of artists of all levels, working together to explore the nuts and bolts of painting, receiving personalized guidance from EO Omwake, and culminating in a valuable end-of-class critique. Elevate your artistry and enrich lives through your creations – take the plunge and enroll now to unleash your creative potential!

click HERE for a materials list for this course!

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

In this vibrant, hands-on class, young artists will explore a variety of materials and techniques designed to ignite their imagination. Each project encourages creative expression while building fine motor skills, artistic vocabulary, and confidence. From playful experimentation to proud finished pieces, children will discover the joy of making art in a supportive and inspiring environment.

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support the mission of HYS

Unlock the world of oil painting in a welcoming class designed for beginners like you! Dive into the basics with small weekly paintings from fresh still lifes, gaining valuable insights into paint behavior, palette preparation, color mixing, and brushwork. Achieve impressive results using basic materials while painting uncluttered still lifes featuring fruits or vegetables – no intimidation, just creativity! Enroll now to explore the art of oil painting and discover the artist in you! A basic level of experience in drawing is needed.

Click HERE for a materials list

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

This 10-week course offers a comprehensive introduction to the art of wheel throwing. Students will learn the fundamentals of clay preparation, centering, and shaping basic forms like bowls and cylinders. As the course progresses, students will explore trimming, attaching handles, surface decoration techniques and glazing. With hands-on practice and one-on-one guidance, participants will refine their skills and complete personal projects. The final weeks focus on finishing touches and group critiques, providing students with a well-rounded foundation in the art of functional pottery. Suitable for beginners eager to explore the world of ceramics.

This class is held in a ADA accessable studio space

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!