Classes &

Workshops

Fostering the creativity of artists of all levels

The mission of the continuing education program is to give our community a safe place to experiment and strengthen the importance of creating.

Check out the following categories for learning at Arlene’s:

Adult Classes & Workshops

Covering a broad range of artistic mediums and techniques, our multi-day adult classes offer plenty of time for immersion and experimentation while our one day workshops are a great way to try something new.

Make and Take's

Open to all ages and experience levels, Make and Take’s are a great way to turn something new. No judgement. All supplies included. Make and Take’s are done in conjunction with our Artist in Residence Program.

Student Guide

Learn how to get involved with workshops, residences, mentorship program, and more at the Atelier. Everything you need to know is in this guide.

CLICK HERE >

Search our upcoming classes and workshops catalog below!

Register for classes and workshops below, by calling Arlene’s at (518) 481-8882, or in person, at 57 Fuller Rd Albany NY 12205. For additional details, including supply lists and registering for individual classes or workshops, click the REGISTER HERE button next to the listing.

Have questions? Please review our Registration Information and Policies, and don’t forget to check out the Atelier FAQs.

Upcoming Classes & Workshops

Fri, Apr 10
Intro to Watercolor with Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins, MFA
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 10, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
This workshop offers a gentle introduction to watercolor, perfect for those just starting out. You’ll learn about the essential materials—brushes, paper, palettes, and paints—and practice very basic techniques such as simple washes, water control, and how watercolor behaves on the page.
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Multiple Dates
Sat, Apr 11
Make and Donate to Support the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC)
Arlene's Artist Materials
RSVP
Apr 11, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Join us for a Make and Donate event in support of the 3x3 at Arlene’s—our annual, community-powered fundraising exhibit! This year, we’re proud to partner with Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC).
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Sat, Apr 11
Woolly Waterfalls with artist in residence Althea Pestine Stevens
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 11, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Dive into the wonderful world of wool as you create your own soft, shimmering waterfall scene. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore how color, texture, and shape come together while needle‑felting a two‑dimensional piece full of movement and depth.
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Fri, Apr 17
Painting Glass in Watercolor with Kris Woodward
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 17, 2026, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
In this workshop you’ll break down how light moves through and across glass, how to suggest shine without overworking, and how to use soft edges, layered washes, and controlled highlights to create convincing depth and clarity.
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Fri, Apr 17
Beginning Watercolor with Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins, MFA
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
This workshop builds on Carolyn’s Intro to Watercolor workshop and helps you take the next step in your painting journey. You’ll practice value studies, edges, basic color mixing, and simple compositions while gaining more comfort with water and pigment.
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Sat, Apr 18
Intro to Acrylic Painting with Tracy Loring
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 18, 2026, 10:30 AM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Dive into the fundamentals of acrylic painting in this two‑day, hands‑on class. Tracy will guide you through essential techniques—blending, building texture, glazing, and color mixing—so you can feel confident working with this versatile medium.
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Sat, Apr 18
Botanical Drawing: Magnolias with Colored Pencils with Nancy Lyons
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 18, 2026, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
In this workshop, participants will explore the warm, earthy surface of Kraft paper, a unique alternative to traditional white or cream drawing sheets. Its natural tone creates a beautiful contrast with both highlights and shadows, allowing colors to glow in a different, more atmospheric way.
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Sat, Apr 18
Block Print Your Own Set of Reusable Cloth Napkins with artist in residence Casey Beal
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 18, 2026, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Join artist in residence Casey Beal for a relaxing afternoon of block printing and create your own set of reusable cloth napkins.
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Fri, Apr 24
Intermediate Watercolor with Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins, MFA
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
For students ready to move beyond the basics, this workshop dives into atmospheric washes, transitions, color strategies, layering, and more complex subjects. You’ll begin refining your personal direction while continuing to strengthen technique and confidence with watercolor.
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Sat, Apr 25
Bright Peony Workshop with Oksana Burr
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 25, 2026, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
In this workshop, Oksana will guide you step-by-step through techniques for creating texture, adding dimension, and exploring the meditative process of the medium. It’s a chance to “work in reverse” and see your subject come to life in vibrant color.
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Sat, Apr 25
Fabulous Fabric Faces with Maria DeAngelo at CREATE Community Stuidos- Troy
CREATE Community Studios- Troy
REGISTER HERE
Apr 25, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
CREATE Community Studios- Troy, 621 River St, Troy, NY 12180, USA
Explore color, pattern, and texture as you create playful, expressive faces. This fun, hands‑on workshop encourages experimentation, imagination, and personal style—perfect for anyone looking to relax, try new techniques, and enjoy the creative process.
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Sat, Apr 25
Slow Stitching with Jennifer Wilkerson from Brosgé Clothing at CREATE Community Stuidos- Troy
CREATE Community Studios
REGISTER HERE
Apr 25, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
CREATE Community Studios, 621 River St, Troy, NY 12180, USA
Intuitive stitching is a meditative, open‑ended hand‑stitching practice using reclaimed fabrics and threads. This workshop explores the process, includes all supplies, and is part of Shared Threads at CREATE Community Studios – Troy, April–May 2026.
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Sat, Apr 25
Tea, Treats & Everyday Sketching with artist in residence Ottavia Huang
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
Apr 25, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Settle in for a cozy afternoon of slowing down, arranging your own still life, and sketching the small comforts around you. We’ll explore sketching from observation with watercolor and ink, focusing on simple shapes, warm light, and the charm of everyday objects.
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Fri, May 01
Advanced Watercolor with Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins, MFA
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
May 01, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
For students ready to move beyond the basics, this workshop dives into atmospheric washes, transitions, color strategies, layering, and more complex subjects. You’ll begin refining your personal direction while continuing to strengthen technique and confidence with watercolor.
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Sat, May 02
Capturing Twilight in Pastel with Kris Woodward
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
May 02, 2026, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Capture the quiet beauty of dusk in this three‑hour pastel workshop. Designed for both beginners and intermediate artists, this class offers a hands-on chance to explore soft pastel while observing the subtle shifts in color and light that define an evening sky.
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Sat, May 02
Crafting Color: Stained Glass Creation-Landscape with Amanda Moore
Arlene's Artist Materials
Details
May 02, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Craft a stunning stained glass landscape, a piece of your favorite season all year round. In this one 3-hour session, learn the techniques of foiling and soldering to create your dazzling masterpiece.
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Sat, May 02
Revamp Your Wardrobe!- Block Printing on Fabric Workshop with artist in residence Casey Beal
Arlene's Artist Materials
REGISTER HERE
May 02, 2026, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Arlene's Artist Materials, 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205, USA
Join artist in residence Casey Beal for a fun afternoon of block printing on fabric. Using Speedy‑Carve blocks and fabric ink, you’ll design, carve, and print your own handmade stamps onto fabric.
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Sat, May 02
Loose Floral Painting in Acrylics with Tracy Loring at CREATE Community Studios- Troy
CREATE Community Studios- Troy
REGISTER HERE
May 02, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
CREATE Community Studios- Troy, 621 River St, Troy, NY 12180, USA
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to paint expressive, loose flowers using acrylic paint. We’ll focus on simplifying shapes, working with color and value, and using bold, confident brushstrokes to create lively, atmospheric florals.
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