Art for Challenging Times: Adult/Teen Classes
We are offering classes for all age groups at the arts center. The Thursday night free drawing class is offered online as well as at the arts center. All classes are listed below.
You can also check out our month-by-month calendar to help you plan your Fine Arts Center activities.
Classes


- Please note: This is a five-week session
- Beginner Wheel Throwing
- Instructor: Marybeth Sorendo
- Dates: Saturday Mornings
- Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- Time: 10 am - 12:30 pm
- Ages: Adult/Teen (14 AND UP)
- Maximum enrollment: 5
- Fee: $90 members | $125 non members
- Location: 3-D Studio,
- Salmon River Fine Arts Center
Learn how to throw basic forms using the potter's wheel. Your instructor will guide you step by step as you learn how to wedge, center and create simple vessels. You will also learn trimming techniques and how to successfully glaze your pots.
Students enrolled in this class will also have the option to come in for open studio to practice and work on their pieces. (Open studio is a designated time available to those enrolled in one of our pottery classes. Although there will be a monitor, there is no instructor for the open studio.) Total class time is 12.5 hours with the option of an additional 10 hours of open studio time during the class session.
All tools and materials are provided to create at least three small vessels. Additional clay may be purchased. Students are welcome to bring their own tools; however, all personal items must be taken home at the end of each class. No outside clay or glazes are permitted in the Pottery Studio.
This is an in-person class; masks are optional. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. This discounted class is made possible through “Art for Challenging Times,” a grant generously funded by the John Ben Snow Foundation.

- Please note: This is a two-class session
- Pottery Totem Pole
- Instructor: Ann Buchau
- Dates/times:
- Sunday, April 2, 1 - 5 pm (handbuilding)
- Sunday, April 16, 1- 3 pm (glazing)
- Ages: Adult/Teen
- Maximum enrollment: 6
- Fee: $60 per class members | $75 non members
- Location: 3-D Studio,
- Salmon River Fine Arts Center
Let’s think Spring! Be ready to add some art and meaning to your home or garden this spring with your own beautiful, personalized pottery totem pole. In this 6-hour workshop you will use basic handbuilding techniques and other tools to create and shape components from stoneware clay to make a one-of-a-kind pottery totem. Totems often reflect elements that incorporate meaningful symbols, items, animals or even vegetables that evoke a personal connection. Students are encouraged to bring along ideas or reference photos of symbols or items as inspiration. No prior experience is necessary!
What to expect: We will start by looking at several styles, techniques and totem ideas to get your creative juices flowing; then you will develop and sketch your own design for your totem. The instructor will work with you and suggest techniques to begin handbuilding your unique totem pieces. Students should work to complete three main forms and additional spacers for their totem by the end of the day.
An option to work further during Tuesday night open studio is also available if students need more time (a class monitor will be available, but no instructor). The pieces will then dry and be bisque fired the following week. Then we will meet a second time to glaze our pieces.
Students will receive approximately 12 lbs of clay to complete a small totem pole. Additional clay may be purchased in class if a larger totem pole is desired. All tools and materials are provided, including a rod for your totem. Students should bring a journal or sketchbook and a hand towel.
Sign up early and pay for your class on our Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. This discounted class is made possible by generous funding from the John Ben Snow Foundation.


- Please note: This is a two-week workshop
- Intermediate Watercolor Class
- Instructor: Craig Anderson
- Dates: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of April
- April 4 and
- April 18
- Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
- Ages: Adult
- Maximum enrollment: 8
- Class Fee: $40 members/ $50 non-members
- Location: Salmon River Fine Arts Center
This 2-week class is for students who have taken Craig Anderson’s watercolor Foundation series or equivalent. Craig will guide you as you explore advanced imagery in order for you to develop your technique. Demonstrations and valuable advice will be given in a fun and encouraging atmosphere.
Students may choose to bring their own favorite brushes and quality paints to create consistency; however, basic supplies will also be available for use for free if desired.
This is an in-person class and masks are optional. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site.
This discounted class is funded by a generous donation from the John Ben Snow Foundation.
Craig Anderson is an award-winning watercolor artist whose work is represented by private and corporate collections nationwide. He is a Signature member of the San Diego Watercolor Society and the California Watercolor Association, has served as a juror in a number of art exhibitions, and is in demand for live demonstrations and workshops. You can visit his website craigandersonfineart.com for more information.

- Please note: This is a four-class workshop
- Watercolor Foundations Workshop
- Instructor: Craig Anderson
- Dates: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays May & June
- May 2, 16
- June 6, 20
- Time: 6:00 -8:00 pm
- Ages: Adult
- Maximum enrollment: 8
- Workshop Fee: $80 members | $100 non-members
- Materials: See Recommendation*
- Location: Salmon River Fine Arts Center
Learn the foundations of watercolor as taught by Craig Anderson. This watercolor series is geared for the artist with some basic watercolor experience with a desire to learn more. Students who complete this workshop may then sign up for intermediate classes with Craig.
In this four-week session you will meet the first and third Tuesday of the month. Workshop fee covers May and June. The first class will be all foundation, experimenting with different exercises inherent with watercolor. Prior to the next class, as “homework,” students will be expected to draw out a simple painting using a reference photo provided by the instructor. Each class will then continue to build on each other as you learn valuable techniques and advice in a fun and encouraging atmosphere.
*Students may choose to bring their own favorite brushes and quality paints to create consistency; however, basic supplies will also be available for use for free if desired. A recommended supply list will be provided by the instructor should you want to purchase your own supplies.
This is an in-person class and masks are optional. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. This discounted class is funded by a generous donation from the John Ben Snow Foundation.
Craig Anderson is an award-winning watercolor artist whose work is represented by private and corporate collections nationwide. He is a Signature member of the San Diego Watercolor Society and the California Watercolor Association, has served as a juror in a number of art exhibitions, and is in demand for live demonstrations and workshops. You can visit his website craigandersonfineart.com for more information.
Free Weekly Drawing Class

- FREE Weekly Drawing Class
- Thursday 6 - 8 pm
- Instructor: Ann Buchau
- All ages welcome
- Class Limit: 20
In our free Thursday night drawing class, your instructor will focus on a different topic, technique or subject each week with the ultimate goal of improving and developing your own unique style. This class is open to anyone with a desire to draw — any age, any level.
There are now two ways to enjoy our free step-by-step drawing class: virtually or in person. Attend virtually: You can join the class from the comfort and safety of your own home via Zoom. To attend virtually, simply email us to get your name on the list. After you register, you will be emailed a link with instructions. Be sure to sign up early because the class limit is 20. Attend in person: You can come to the arts center any Thursday at 6 pm, socialize with others, and draw along with the online class or do something on your own. Free drawing supplies are available.
This class is made possible by generous donations from Drs. Patricia and Jay Chapman as well as many of our members and participants.