adult classes

Drawing

Oil and Acrylic

Watercolor

Clay Work

Stained Glass

Photography

We offer adult classes, open to the public, seven days a week in a variety of different art mediums.

Our instructors are accomplished, professional artists who are locally and nationally recognized in their fields with vast experience in the subjects they teach. Most teachers welcome beginners and will advise on supplies to get started.

Please contact class instructors by email or phone to assess place availability and to receive the materials lists.

DRAWING 

BASIC DRAWING

Instructor: Jessica Schiffman
Website: www.jessicaschiffman.com

Time: Wednesdays, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: DAC Small Studio

Email: jscaschiffman@gmail.com
Phone: (951) 212-3783

Description:
This class demystifies basic drawing problems and is geared for beginning and advanced students. With a BFA in painting, Jessica is a full-time painter and has illustrated sixteen children’s books.

Cost: $120 for 4 classes, $35 for 1 class

LIFE DRAWING

Instructor: Meridy Volz

Time: Saturdays, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: DAC Auditorium

Email: mersart@hotmail.com
Phone: (760) 668-9852

Description:
Meridy is one of our most popular teachers. Her subjects are nude models. You will have exercises to loosen up and instruction on how to render the human figure. Warmup is usually in charcoal on newsprint with longer poses in the medium of your choice.

Cost: $120 for 4 classes

LIFE DRAWING

Instructor: David Fairrington
Website: www.davidfairrington.com  

Time: Sundays, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: DAC Auditorium

Email: fairrington@verizon.net
Phone: (951) 966-6800

Description:
This class will have both nude and clothed models. Drawing from the “inside out” will be taught to get more volume and depth in your drawings and paintings. Painting with various media covered. Line work and capturing drama in the drawing is emphasized.

Cost: $35 for 1 class

 

Oil and Acrylic Painting 

ACRYLIC AND OIL PAINTING

Instructor: Michael Steirnagle
Website: www.Steirnagle.com

When: Mondays, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: DAC Auditorium

Email: mikesteirnagle@gmail.com
Phone: (760) 712-2424

Description:

Michael is a nationally known artist who taught 30 years at the college level. He exhibits at the Coda Gallery in Palm Desert.

Students will learn the basics of composition and design, color theory and value relationships.

Cost: $120 for 4 classes, $35 for 1 class

OIL PAINTING

Instructor: Terry Masters
Website: www.desertpainter.com

Time: Tuesdays, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: DAC Auditorium

Description:
Terry was raised here in the desert and has a beautiful appreciation of our valley and desert life. These classes are for beginner to advanced students. Terry’s art is known nationally as well as here in the desert. 

Email: tmasters452@earthlink.net
Phone: (760) 778-8855

Cost: $130 for 4 classes 

OIL & ACRYLIC PAINTING

Instructor: Elaine Mathews

Time: Tuesdays, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: DAC Auditorium

Email: elaineartist@yahoo.com
Phone: (760) 328-4911

Description:
Elaine holds a BA in Art and an MA in teaching. Her large paintings are included in several corporate collections. Classes are for beginner to intermediate students who will paint from photos and learn plein air techniques. 

Cost: $120 for 4 classes, $35 for 1 class

VISIONARY SCAPES – ACRYLICS

Instructor: Elaine Starrett

Time: Wednesdays, 1:00  – 4:00 pm
Location: DAC Auditorium

Phone: (808) 298-9551
Email: ecstarr22@gmail.com

Description:
Elaine has many years of teaching experience. She will feature a “painterly” style primarily with acrylics. Focusing on color, mood and feeling, your resulting creation may be soothing and peaceful or dramatic and exciting!

Cost: $35 for 1 class, $125 for 4 classes

PAINTING - ALL MEDIA

Instructor: David Fairrington
Website: www.davidfairrington.com

Time: Thursdays, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: DAC Auditorium

Phone: (951) 966-6800
Email: fairrington@verizon.net

Description:
David has an extensive background in painting and drawing. He has painted over 500 personal portraits, ballet subjects and he was a Combat Artist for the US Army. His class emphasizes drawing, values, color and edges.

Cost: $140 for 4 classes

PAINTING WITH MICHELE

Instructor: Michele Ohanesian

Time: Thursdays, 1:00  – 4:00 pm
Location: DAC Small Studio

Phone: (760) 567-9795
Email: soiledcanvas@aol.com

Description:

Michele has been a commissioned portrait artist for over 20 years and is currently working on all media.

Start from scratch or bring something you have been struggling with. Michelefineart.com

Cost: $120 for 4 classes, $35 for 1 class

OIL PAINTING TECHNIQUES

Instructor: Louise Passey

Time: Fridays, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: DAC Auditorium

Phone: (310) 629-8155
Email: passeylouise@gmail.com

Description:
Louise has been an artist for all of her adult life. Her professional experience ranges from clothing and costume design to oil painting in which she holds a Master’s and a teaching credential. She specializes in figure painting, with an emphasis on classic oil techniques.  

Cost: $120 for 4 classes, $35 for 1 class

PAINTING IN OIL/ACRYLICS

Instructor: Jessica Schiffman

Time: Sundays, 1:00 – 4:00
Location: DAC Auditorium

Phone: (951) 212-3783
Email: jscaschiffman@gmail.com

Description:
Jessica holds a BFA in painting. In this class you will learn her step-by-step system to help you solve visual problems. Still life supplied or paint your own subject. All levels are welcome. Materials supplied for a modest fee.

Cost: $120 for 4 classes, $35 for 1 class

Watercolor 

WATERCOLOR BOTANICALS AND BASIC FLORALS 

Instructor:  Jude Wiesenfeld
Website:  www.judewiesenfeld.com

Time: Tuesdays, 9:00 – 12:00 pm
Location: DAC Small Studio

Phone: 818 903-4083
Email: judemwiesenfeld@gmail.com

Description:
The class will focus on botanicals, insects, etc. in watercolor. It will include in depth study of the subject matter as well as techniques and composition.

Cost: $100 for 4 classes, $30 for 1 class

WATERCOLOR PAINTING 

Instructor:  Ian Cooke
Website:  www.pampas2palms.com

Time: Tuesdays, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: DAC Small Studio

Phone: (760) 408-3313
Email: iancooke49@gmail.com

Description:
Ian welcomes beginners as well as those wishing to improve their watercolor techniques. Each week, Ian presents a new project to work on. Painting from your own photos is also encouraged. Ian is an award-winning artist, with many years of painting experience.

Cost: $100 for 4 classes, $30 for 1 class

WATERCOLOR PAINTING

Instructor: Moira Johannessen

Time: Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: DAC Auditorium

Phone: (760) 322-2523
Email: moirajohannessen@gmail.com 

Description:
Moira’s popular classes are well attended, so call for reservations. She has won many awards in local and national shows. She teaches the different techniques of watercolor to students from beginners to intermediate. A new project will be presented and demoed each week.

Cost: $100 for 4 classes, $30 for 1 class

 

Clay Work 

SCULPTURE

Instructor: Kay Henkel

Time: Wednesdays, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: DAC Auditorium

Phone: (760) 320-5276
Website: www.kayhenkelsculpture.com

Description:
Kay works as a full-time artist out of her studio and gallery in Palm Springs. An honored member of the National Sculpture Society, she uses varied media including clay, plaster and bronze. Many celebrities have purchased her works. Beginner to Advanced students.

Cost: Call for rates

CERAMICS

Instructor:  Robert Rogers

Time: Fridays, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: DAC Auditorium

Phone: (760) 778-1880

Description:

Robert is a former instructor in ceramics and welcomes beginners as well as those who are familiar with clay building. He has worked in ceramics for many years. Students will learn slab, molding, coil and glazing selections and kiln firings for greenware and glazes.

Cost: $130.00 for 4 classes;  $35.00 for 1 class

Stained Glass 

STAINED GLASS

Instructor: Don Dietz

Time: Thursdays, Saturdays, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Don’s studio at 69525 Dillon Road #4, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241

Phone: (414) 722-7931
Email: Donald.dietz1@gmail.com

Description:
Don is a retired teacher with an MA in Vocational Education. He has been making stained glass for 12 years. Students learn glass selection, pattern transfer, cutting, grinding, foiling, soldering and finishing. Students will complete a basic project.

Cost: $25 per class