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This FREE Art Workshop will be led by SF Youth Art Ambassador, Minakshi Chilagani, in collaboration with The Art Center at Johns Creek and Shashikala Foundation. Join us for an inspiring journey into Mandala Art! Ages 12+, Max seating 25

Improv is the best introduction to the theatre arts for young students. Players will build on their imaginations while they spontaneously create stories, characters, and scenes. Through fun games and exercises, students will learn the essential improv skills of listening, reacting, collaborating with others, and trusting oneself.  Improv nurtures confidence and connection in students. This class culminates in a brief demonstration for family and friends. Class occupancy: min. 4, max. 12

Whether you are a complete beginner or a potter who wishes to advance your skills this class is for you. This instructor led class will assist students of all levels expand their knowledge and creativity using the Potter's Wheel. *Included in the price of your class is a 25lb bag of clay as well as 2.5 hours of open studio time per week, to be used immediately following your class. Students may purchase 1 additional bag of clay from The Art Center over the course of the session. For a total of 50lbs maximum per session. Tool kits must be purchased by students and are available at most Dick Blick and Michaels stores. *Upcharge for porcelain clay: 1st bag $20, 2nd bag $50. Porcelain clay can be purchased by checking the "add on" box at the bottom of your booking form when checking out. You can also add it to your cart by visiting our online shop (under the "More" tab in our menu) as well as purchasing from the front desk.

In this beginning to early-intermediate drawing course we work with a range of techniques and dry media. The class is designed as a series of sequential projects, building on fundamental drawing principles such as proportion, scale, value and perspective. Students are introduced to common media utilized to complete drawings. Students also gain understanding and knowledge of space, light and composition while learning to "see" in a manner that translates the subject into a drawing or painting. Supply List Graphite Pencils: 4B, 2B, HB, 2H, 4H and any others you would like to try Paper Blending Sticks, sometimes called tortillons, with sandpaper for sharpening them Kneaded Eraser Sketchbook with drawing paper, 9x12 Curriculum Breakdown: Week 1: Learning to make the mental shift into "perception mode" using blind contour drawing, upside down drawing, and using positive and negative shapes/spaces Week2: Value and shading - using a value scale and shading the four basic shapes (sphere, cone, cylinder, and cube) Week3: Still life with grid - use the grid technique to draw a small still-life and then shade it in (the example in the class description is a student drawing from this class) Week4: Figure drawing/ basic proportions of the body - using gesture drawing as a warm-up, and photos of athletes and dancers for reference Week5: Faces and features - drawing a face using proportional guidelines and tips to improve eyes, mouth, nose, hair, ears, and shading Week 6: Perspective - basics of one point perspective and how to show depth in drawings with buildings and interiors Week7: Pen and ink - Techniques of drawing with pen and ink, including hatching, cross hatching, stippling, and showing various textures and patterns Week 8: Animals - how to break down a sketch into simple basic shapes and how to draw fur, basic animal anatomy Example of student 'Basic Drawing' work below:

Fundamentals of Painting This class is designed for the Beginner to Intermediate level painter who would like to explore different painting techniques, gaining a greater understanding of different fundamental concepts of art. Broadening your knowledge will help you to be the artist you always wanted to be! Structured by modules, this class will focus on a different fundamental concept each 8-week session. Examples include Values, Color, Perspective, Light and Shadow, and Design. Focusing on one concept and applying that concept through painting exercises and finished paintings will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts of art, making you a stronger artist. In a nurturing and welcoming environment, you will create intentional paintings that allow you to demonstrate the theme concept of the session. I will provide you with structured guidance while promoting your own creative voice. Demonstrations will be made with oil paint, however, the student may choose to use oil, water based oil or acrylic. iPads or tablets are recommended but not required. Supply List: Sketch pad (9x12), pencils, pencil eraser and kneaded eraser Color Wheel Palette knives: 1 Sm & 1 Med. RGM brand preferred for flexibility. Brushes: Bring any brushes that you have, a good supply to start with is: Synthetic brushes in Flat: sizes 12 - 4; Filbert: sizes 8-2; Round: sizes 2-1 Paints: Any brand you like, we will be using a limited palette: Cadmium yellow light, pale, or lemon Cadmium red light Ultramarine blue Titanium white Chromatic black Canvases: 1, 12x16: any other small size canvas you like to use: 8x10, 9x12, 11x14 Paper towels: Scott's Blue Shop or Viva Signature Cloth are best If you prefer to wear gloves, please use latex free disposable If you are using oils please have the following: Masterson's Palette box 12 x 16 Gray Matters Palette paper for oil Solvent: Gamsol oderless mineral spirits and solvent container Medium: Gamlin non-solvent medium for oils If you are using acrylics please have the following: Masterson's Palette box 12x16 Acrylic palette paper & sponge to fit box so paints do not dry out. Small spray bottle Water container For all painters: Most of the above supplies can be found at Blick's, Binder's, and Jerrysartarama.com. Michaels' & Hobby Lobby have some but not all. Bring what you have on the first day and we will discuss additional supplies at that time. This class meets for 6 weeks and is priced accordingly.

Anime is a highly distinctive style of cartoon drawing which originated in Japan and enjoys immense worldwide popularity. Anime are the characters appearing in manga which are Japanese graphic novels and comic strips. There are a wide variety of manga appropriate for children through adult readers. Manga characters are instantly recognizable by their large eyes, highly stylized hair, fashionable clothing and overall expressive quality. Beginning with simple step by step drawings, students will learn facial expression, body proportions, and coloring techniques. Students will create and develop detailed colored drawings of at least two characters that will be used in the creation of their own manga. Projects change from one session to the next. Includes all supplies.

Discover the joys of pottery in this handbuilding class for students of all levels! From crafting functional ceramics like cups and bowls to exploring your artistic side with sculpting, there's something for you. We'll guide you through different techniques while leaving room for your imagination to soar and have fun. Although this is not a project based class, projects may be assigned to assist students in expanding their handbuilding skills. *Included in the price of your class is a 25lb bag of clay as well as 2.5 hours of open studio time per week, to be used immediately following your class. Students may purchase 1 additional bag of clay from The Art Center over the course of the session. For a total of 50lbs maximum per session. Tool kits must be purchased by students and are available at most Dick Blick and Michaels stores. *Upcharge for porcelain clay: 1st bag $20, 2nd bag $50. Porcelain clay can purchased online at check out (look for Add On option below the Booking Form) or through our online shop.

Learn about different styles using step-by-step techniques to draw and ink running figures, cartoon hands, legs, feet and more. Create your own comic book characters and design your own comic book. In this drawing focused class taught by a professional illustrator, students learn techniques and tricks of the trade allowing them to create realistic and effective artwork. This is an ideal class for the young artist interested in learning storyboarding and effective illustration techniques. Students hone their observational skills strengthening the ability to communicate ideas and thoughts through drawings. The class will teach anatomy, dynamic poses, shading, scene creation, blocking and how to draw movement. They learn character creation and how to effectively integrate their characters into convincing scenes. Students will explore rapid visualization techniques and learn to refine and edit their drawings. This class is designed for youth students in grades 6-12. Includes all supplies.

This four week mini session is an exploration of expressive abstract techniques applied to silk. A contemporary approach to Batik, resulting in stunning fine art for wall hangings or unique wearable scarves. Working on a 22”x22” silk square suspended and stretched on a frame, students will employ a loose, abstract and painterly approach to create whimsical and abstract painterly compositions. Participants may bring a collection of floral photos as reference, or refer to available images provided by the instructor. Absolutely no painting or drawing experience necessary! This is an opportunity for participants to free themselves up to create intuitive, expressive and emotional art on silk. Students should bring paper towels and disposable gloves Supply fee of $25.00 payable to the instructor at the first class. Please note class does NOT meet Sept. 23, 2026 during Fall Break

Discover how the art and playfulness of improv can impact your life in a positive way. Students will enjoy learning the gifts that can come from improvising! Through enjoyable games and exercises, students who benefit from regular improv practice gain more confidence, creativity, and cognitive flexibility while exercising the basic improv skills of listening, reacting, collaborating with others, and trusting oneself. Min 4 students/Max 18 No experience necessary - Class is open to adults 18+

If you are new to this medium, or are an experienced painter, you will love all the information this course provides. Always taking composition and design into consideration you will be able to hone your skills while exploring new techniques, tools and materials. Experienced and returning students will work on advanced techniques, composition and background. Watercolor Supply List (suggested, not mandatory) 1 Watercolor set Kuretake gansai tambi watercolor (available at Michaels- see image below) 1 Canson 140 lb Coldpress paper pad any size 1 Watercolor Brush Round /size 4 1 Watercolor Brush Round/size 8 1 Watercolor Brush Round size 10 1 Watercolor Brush ¾ inch Wide Flat

This is class for those looking to improve their ability to express ideas through painting in watercolor. It is about taking your personal vision to the next level. What process do you follow when you paint? Do you have a value study or basic idea where the darks are located before you start? Is your subject matter something you are passionate about? What planning goes into your work? What are your future goals for your work? Or do you just need help with technique? This class is intended to address questions like these through discussion, demonstration, studies and painting. So bring a sketchbook and your favorite materials and tools and let’s paint! Min 4 / Max 8