Prescott Community Center

Step outside the studio and paint directly from the source. Working directly from the subject adds an urgency and liveliness that cannot be captured when painting from a photo. Through a combination of plein air and still-life practice, we will learn to break down visual information, even as the subject or lighting conditions change. We will work together to develop a body of studies over the coming weeks. Ultimately, you will develop the skillset you need to paint whenever and however you like. This program is designed for all levels. Students are required to bring materials. A material list will be sent in your confirmation email.

Prescott Art instructor A.B. Williams premiered her solo exhibition, “Of Human, By Human – Figurative Art in the Era of AI,” at Gallery Marquee in Fitchburg this past fall. Now available online through the artist’s website, the show explores the intersection of technology and art through both traditional paintings and AI-generated works. In this workshop, A.B. and her partner, Gustavo, a researcher in Natural Language Processing (NLP), will discuss AI image generation and its influence on the traditional art landscape and human representation. A.B. will address questions and concerns about the manipulation of the human figure, the ethics of AI model training, and the development of several pieces featured in the exhibition. Gustavo will offer an accessible explanation of how generative models are trained and common misconceptions surrounding AI. Together, they will compare traditional and AI-generated artworks, inviting participants to consider how generative AI is shaping human creativity, understanding, and identity.

Join us for five weeks this winter as we travel through the ocean of creativity using a variety of materials and subjects. Dip a stick into black walnut ink and draw what you see across the table. Paint on your charcoal drawing with oil paint, and draw on your watercolor painting with pastels. We’ll use graphite, charcoal, watercolor, pastels, oil paint, a combination of these, and more. Composition, perspective, color harmony, brush stroke, and inspiration are the stars that will guide us. This class is about experimentation! The instructor will provide the class materials. Class $150 | Material fee $20

Calling all makers! Bring your craft — knitting, painting, embroidery, jewelry, papercrafts, or whatever you love — and spend time creating with others. This is your time to relax, connect, and be inspired. Come craft, chat, and have fun! There is no instructor for this Open Studio Program.

Learn the basics of watercolor painting in this beginner class. No experience necessary. This course will focus on getting comfortable with watercolor techniques and enjoying the process of painting. The basics of color mixing, value, composition and use of materials and tools will be covered. Through guided instruction and a step by step guided demonstration process, together we’ll paint simple landscape subjects. This will allow you to learn this wonderful medium in a fun and supportive environment. A material list will be supplied prior to the start of class. Materials are not included in the course registration fee. Here's what they are saying about Beth's Beginner Watercolor Painting Class: "Beth was a great teacher! I felt as though I learned a lot from her." "The instructor. So helpful and observant. Constant instruction always there to help." "Beth was very supportive and encouraging. Her progression of skills was great for a beginner. I appreciated that she gave suggestions for things to work on outside of class." "The class size was small enough that everyone was able to get adequate instruction and ask questions. I am so satisfied with the class I took I have registered for the following class." "Small class. Beth is very knowledgeable and her directions were easy to follow." "Beth did a wonderful job demonstrating the water color basics I wanted in a beginning class! She was so patient and encouraging to all the class and very helpful giving tips to everyone as we worked on our various paintings and skills. It was a fun group of ladies also." "Very friendly instructor and classmates. Also instructor was supportive and encouraging to everyone." "Beth is very patient and thoughtful. She works to ensure all students are successful and that they enjoy the class!" "She really makes this art form accessible to beginners yet never simplifies to the point of boring. Very enjoyable!" "Easy to follow. Enjoyed the comradery with both students and instructor." "Beth is a natural. I have some special needs and she accommodated them. I never felt rushed. She was understanding of my need to ask for repeating questions. I completed 3 passable paintings with her direction and critique." "Beth was a wonderful instructor! Our beginner watercolor class was welcoming, fun, and easy to follow. Beth provided excellent guidance with step by step instructions allowing us as beginners to learn basic watercolor techniques. Beth also gave great suggestions for homework and independent practice. I am looking forward to taking another watercolor workshop with Beth this summer!" "Beth’s logical, methodical, and artistic approach to teaching us beginners! She makes watercolor painting accessible for everyone and yet doesn’t oversimplify. Just right!"

We'll continue to develop and enhance our fundamental skillset for producing recognizable images and clear likenesses: drawing. You'll learn a set of simple techniques for quickly and accurately rendering form, no matter the medium. This will not only improve your drawing skills, but also enhance your painting, sculpting, and visual thinking abilities. Students are required to bring materials. This class is for anyone who wants to learn to draw and improve their skills.

Are you struggling to capture shape, proportion, or perspective? Do you spend hours correcting mistakes, or have trouble seeing what's wrong with your work? In this class, we'll develop a fundamental skillset for producing recognizable images and clear likenesses: drawing. You'll learn a set of simple techniques for quickly and accurately rendering form, no matter the medium. This will not only improve your drawing, but also enhance your painting, sculpting, and visual thinking. This class is designed for beginners. No experience is required. Intermediate level students are also welcome to continue their work.

In this workshop, Abby along with Heather Barros will guide participants in exploring East Asian calligraphy techniques, focusing on the "Four Gentlemen" of bamboo, plum blossom, orchid, and chrysanthemum, and/or script styles (standard script + seal script). Since the early 2000s, Abby has taught herself to work with graphite, ink, clay, wood, enamel, and paint. Since 2013, the artist has studied East Asian calligraphy both in the United States and abroad, earning a B.A. in East Asian Languages and Arts, which included brush-and-ink studies at Ewha Womans University in South Korea, as well as at Dalian Institute of Technology and Harbin Institute of Technology in China. Workshop $45 | Material fee $5

Join us for a fun and creative painting night at the Prescott Community Center, where you can sip wine and create a masterpiece! Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, this relaxed event is the perfect way to unwind, express yourself, and connect with others. Come solo or bring friends—the atmosphere will be full of creativity, laughter, and great company. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase to make your evening even more enjoyable. The instructor will prepare high-quality paint and canvases for the painting event. Participants do not need to bring materials, only curious and joyful minds. Workshop $30 | Material fee $15 Please note: Drinks and snacks are not included in the workshop fee but will be available for purchase during the event.

Acrylic paint is the most forgiving paint available. Water-mixable, without the danger of oils or the unpredictability of watercolor, acrylic is the perfect medium for practicing fundamentals. We'll learn to compose an image, mix colors confidently, and paint boldly. We will also experiment with texture, acrylic mediums, and palette knives to find the painting process that fits your style best. Ultimately, you will develop the skillset you need to paint whenever and however you like. Though designed for beginners, intermediate and advanced students will also benefit from this class. Students are required to bring materials. A material list will be sent in your class confirmation email. Here is what they are saying about Abigail's Class: "Everything! Great class and instructor. Learned about all aspects of of art from color mixing to prospective." "Friendly, talented instructor."

In the classroom, we will create still life pastels from your favorite life and landscape photos. We will explore composition, underdrawing, perspective, color harmony, and pastel application onto different surfaces. The instructor will provide a demonstration at the beginning of every class and instruction throughout. This class emphasizes creativity, exploration, and experimentation rather than technique. While composition, color mixing, perspective, and mark-making will all be considered, learning technique is a by-product of the joyful creation of art. All participants will enjoy the freedom of experimenting with mixed media and surfaces and approaching the edge of abstraction in a friendly, supportive environment. This class is for all skill levels, including beginners. This medium is immediate! Student is required to bring materials. A list will be sent upon registration. Here is what they are saying about Heather's Beginner Pastel Class: "The instructor is talented and lovely."

This course will help students execute paintings of their own subject matter. Guidance and critique from the teacher will focus on composition, color mixing, value and technique. Students will use photos to develop their own painting style. This course will allow students to grow their skills in a fun, supportive environment. Some watercolor experience is necessary. Here's what they are saying about Beth's Watercolor Painting Studio: "Beth encourages risk taking and gives constructive feedback. Love the class!" "Beth, our teacher was warm and very supportive. the class had great chemistry and I look forward to many more in the future." "Beth is a very helpful, talented teacher whose expertise and patience really helps each student." "Nice group of people with many supportive suggestions. Beth is great - she has a keen eye and gives great critiques to whole group in addition to specific advice when she walks around and meets with us individually." "I've been taking this class many times now, and each class, I still learn something new, thanks to Beth. She patiently consults with each of us several times during class, and provides valuable feedback and advice based on our individual styles which she distinctly recognizes. The excellent progress each of us has made in the group is clear evidence of this. Finally, the structure of the class promotes a supportive and warm group environment."