From October through April, we offer workshops and classes in watercolor, oil, and acrylic painting, collage and paper arts, photography, mixed media, and more.

Visiting Artist Workshops

These popular, immersive 3-day learning experiences are led by in-demand, nationally and internationally acclaimed artists who are experts in their medium and known for presenting engaging instruction.

Workshop space is limited. A $100 non-refundable deposit will reserve a spot. Full payment is due 60 days before the start of class. Questions? Contact Katherine@artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032

 

JAN 16-18: Ron Stocke, Magic in Watercolors

Internationally acclaimed artist Ron Stocke will focus on the successful elements that make a good watercolor painting. Students will be encouraged to loosen up and paint with strong values while exploring limited color harmonies that add mood and excitement to their painting.

Award-winning watercolor artist Ron Stocke is a regular contributor to, and has been a cover artist for Watercolor Artist Magazine and other publications. He teaches throughout North America and Europe, and holds Signature Membership with the American, National, and Northwest Watercolor Societies, and is a member of the American Impressionist Society. He has been an Artist Ambassador for M. Graham Watercolors for over 15 years. A $100 nonrefundable deposit will reserve your space for this workshop.

10-4 pm | Thu, Fri, Sat, January 16, 17, 18, 2025
$500 Members | $550 Nonmembers

 

FEB 20-22: Julie Snidle, Oil & Cold Wax Painting

Discover new tools and methods for creating rich and authentic small paintings on paper using oil and cold wax. You'll have several paintings going at once and they can easily be transported back home. This workshop is fun, a bit messy, and will change the way you think about oil painting.

Julie Snidle is a full time artist with a background in corporate training. She is a Core Artist/Instructor for R&F Handmade Paints and an Artist Ambassador for Ampersand Art Panels. Julie is represented by Canary Gallery in Birmingham and the Kolman Reeb Gallery in Minneapolis. Her abstract work has received numerous awards and can be found in private collections and public spaces nationwide. A $100 nonrefundable deposit will reserve your space for this workshop.

10 am-4 pm | Thu, Fri & Sat, Feb 20, 21, & 22, 2025
$500 Members | $550 Nonmembers

 

Two Workshops from Joan Fullerton
March 10-12: Joan Fullerton, Intuitive Abstract Painting
March 13-15: Joan Fullerton, Abstracting the Landscape

In the Intuitive Abstract painting workshop, students will draw, scrape, roll, drag, spray, stamp, lift, write, and drip their way to fascinating non-objective or abstracted representation. This class goes beyond worn-out or predictable painting methods.

In Abstracting the Landscapes, students will learn to exaggerate, fracture, emphasize, and rearrange landscape inspired art, applying freedom and curiosity, and allowing your intuitive voice sing.

Sarasota student favorite Joan Fullerton of Colorado returns for two fun and informative workshops. She holds BFA and MFA degrees in painting from the University of Wyoming, and was awarded the Outstanding Teaching Award while a college art instructor in Cheyenne. Her work has been exhibited internationally and throughout the U.S. A $100 nonrefundable deposit for the March 10-12 and/or the March 13-15 workshops will reserve your space.

 

APRIL 3-5: Jane Slivka, Freedom of Acrylics

Instructor Jane Slivka returns to Sarasota to share her own unique and energetic free-form technique, combining fast, bold, loose strokes in a signature tropical palette. In a lively, humorous, and easy-to-follow fashion, she exhibits the freedom, energy and spirit of her well known painterly style.

Originally, Jane mastered the artistry of watercolors while she attended college in Massachusetts, studied in Florence, Italy, and later, graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Art Education. Once she tried acrylics, she felt liberated by the strong colors and has been exploring, teaching, and motivating others ever since. A $100 nonrefundable deposit will reserve your space for this workshop.

10 am-4 pm | Thu, Fri & Sat, April 3, 4 & 5, 2025
$500 Members | $550 Nonmembers

 

Local Artist Workshops
An Immersive Learning Experience

Workshops are 1-2 day immersive courses taught by talented local artist instructors for beginner to advanced students, most workshops require students to purchase supplies.

  • A $100 nonrefundable deposit will reserve your spot for workshops $175 and higher. Full payment is due 60 days before the start of the workshops. Call 941-365-2032 for reservations.

  • A $50 nonrefundable deposit will reserve your spot for workshops less than $175. Full payment is due 30 days before the start of the workshops. Call 941-365-2032 for reservations.

  • Registration is accepted online, in-person, and via phone.

 
 
 
 
 

Classes: Commit to Improving Your Art

Weekly Classes Meet for 3-Week to 6-Week Sessions

Watch your skill and technique improve each week as you learn from talented local artists and experienced instructors. Students are required to purchase their own supplies for most classes.

A $50 nonrefundable deposit will reserve your spot for classes. Full payment is due 30 days before the first day. Call 941-365-2032 for reservations. Classes may be pro-rated starting one week prior to the first class, for more information: Katherine@artsarasota.org

 
 
 
 
 

Open Studio Sessions
Grow creatively with fellow artists

Open Studios

Bring your talent and dedication - studio space is available for artists to work on their skills without a teacher, surrounded by art and fellow artists. Studios are scheduled by weekly sessions each month. Fees are nonrefundable.

Classes may be pro-rated starting one week prior to the first day of class. For more information: Katherine@artsarasota.org

 

PAINTING & MIXED MEDIA OPEN STUDIO: All skill levels are welcome. Bring your ideas and supplies.

2024-25 Schedule
Mondays, 1-4 pm, 3-5 Week Sessions per Month

Nov 4, 11, 18, 25
: Member $140 Nonmember $180 - Register Now
Dec 2, 9, 16
: Member $110 Nonmember $150 - Register Now
Jan 6, 13, 20, 27
: Member $140 Nonmember $180 - Register Now
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
: Member $140 Nonmember $180 - Register Now
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
: Member $170 Nonmember $210 - Register Now
April 7, 14, 21
: Member $110 Nonmember $150 - Register Now

 

PRINTMAKING OPEN STUDIO: Work independently with our presses and Akua inks - just bring your own paper. Some experience suggested.

2024-25 Schedule
Mondays, 1-4 pm, 3-5 Week Sessions per Month

Nov 4, 11, 18, 25
: Member $150 Nonmember $190 - Register Now
Dec 2, 9, 16
: Member $120 Nonmember $160 - Register Now
Jan 6, 13, 20, 27
: Member $150 Nonmember $190 - Register Now
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
: Member $150 Nonmember $190 - Register Now
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
: Member $180 Nonmember $220 - Register Now
April 7, 14, 21
: Member $120 Nonmember $160 - Register Now

 

We provide presses and inks, you bring your paper and experience!

Advanced Printmaking Open Studio: If you have experience using our presses and Akua inks, please click on the button below to complete the advanced studio request form. Once approved, you will be sent registration access.

2024-25 Schedule
Fridays, 10 am-1 pm, 1-4 Week Sessions per Month
Nov 1, 8, 15, 22: Member $150 | Nonmember $195
Dec 6, 13, 20: Member $120 | Nonmember $165
Jan 10, 24: Member $90 | Nonmember $125
Feb 28: Member $45 | Nonmember $85
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Member $150 | Nonmember $195
April 4, 11, 18, 25: Member $150 | Nonmember $195

Life Sessions

Life Sessions Open Studio with Live Models

Bring your talent and dedication - studio space is available for experienced artists to work with live models. Registration opens at 10 am the month prior for the upcoming month. Open Studio sessions are nonrefundable.

All Life Session studios take place on Tuesdays, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
The cost is $20 for members per session, and $25 for nonmembers.
2024-25 Schedule

Nov 5, 12, 19 - Registration is open.
Nov 5 | Nov 12 | Nov 19

Dec 3, 10, 17 - Registration opens Nov 15, select by month or by day.
All Dec | Dec 3 | Dec 10 | Dec 17

Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 - Registration opens Dec 16
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 - Registration opens Jan 15
March 4, 18, 25 - Registration opens Feb 14
April 1, 8, 15, 22 - Registration opens March 14

Life Sessions VIP cards ($100 for 8 sessions) are for members only and available by phone: 941-365-2032. Member Cards are valid for the 2024/2025 Season only. No carry-overs into the next season allowed. Students planning to use their Life Sessions VIP card must call ahead or sign up in person, so we can accommodate seating and models. Click here to join us as a member.

Refund Policy

WITHDRAWAL after the last day: Written notice must be given if you need to withdraw from a class/workshop. If written notice is given after the last day to withdraw (see education policy), the class/workshop cost (fee) and the non-refundable deposit will not be refunded. Art Center Sarasota understands that last minute emergencies, illnesses, or conflicts come up that cannot be controlled. Due to administrative and contract expenses on the part of the Art Center, we are not able to make exceptions.

Please note that by attending Art Center Sarasota you voluntarily assume all risks associated with exposure to COVID-19.