Curious about watercolor but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly class with artist Karen Hill is the perfect introduction. Learn the basics of brushwork, color mixing, and simple techniques in a relaxed and encouraging environment. Karen’s step-by-step guidance will help you build confidence as you explore the expressive and playful nature of watercolor—no prior experience needed, just a willingness to dive in and have fun!

4 Wednesdays | June 4th - June 25th | 5:30 - 7:30 PM 

Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $160 

Member: $140.25

Capture the beauty of fresh blooms in a single sitting with this expressive oil painting class led by artist Karolina Szumilas. Using the alla prima (wet-on-wet) technique, you’ll learn how to paint flowers with loose, confident brushwork and vibrant color. Karolina will guide you step-by-step through composition, color mixing, and layering—all in a relaxed, creative atmosphere. Perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike, this class invites you to paint boldly and embrace the spontaneity of the moment.

Friday, June 6th | 10:00 - 12:30 PM

Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $55

Member: $46.75

Turn everyday materials into a personal masterpiece! In this creative workshop, you'll upcycle packing paper into a one-of-a-kind accordion or half-fold art journal. Teaching artist Theresa Ely will guide you through distressing techniques and surface design, then help you fill your journal with affirmations, poems, or lyrics that uplift and inspire.

Wednesday, June 11th | 5:00 - 7:30 PM 

Location: GAC Courtyard 

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $25 | Register (2) $35

Member: $21.25 | Register (2) $29.75

Join fiber artists Hope Kesler and Dani Burke for a fun and floral macramé workshop! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to tie simple macramé knots to create a charming flower wristlet—perfect for festivals, weddings, or just adding a handmade touch to your style. With plenty of colors and textures to choose from, you’ll leave with a unique wearable piece and the skills to keep on knotting. All levels welcome!

Thursday, June 12th  | 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Location: GAC Courtyard 

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $55

Member: $46.75

Sharpen your pencils and your observation skills in this dynamic figure drawing class led by artist Karolina Szumilas. Working from a live nude model, you'll explore gesture, proportion, and expressive linework in a supportive, studio-style setting. Whether you're a beginner or brushing up on fundamentals, this class is a great way to grow your drawing practice and connect with the human form. All skill levels welcome—just bring your curiosity and creative energy!

(Register for 1 Session or all 6 for a deal) 

Session 1: Thursday, June 12th | 5:30 - 8:30 pm 

Session 2: Thursday, June 26th | 5:30 - 8:30 pm 

Session 3: Thursday, July 10th | 5:30 - 8:30 pm 

Session 4: Thursday, July 24th | 5:30 - 8:30 pm 

Session 5: Thursday, August 7th | 5:30 - 8:30 pm 

Session 6: Thursday, August 28th | 5:30 - 8:30 pm 

Location: GAC Blue Box Theatre 

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $65 | Register for all (6) sessions $350

Member: $55.25 | Register for all (6) sessions $297.50

Capture your furry (or feathered!) friend on canvas in this playful, pet-focused painting class. Working on 8x8 canvases and from a photo reference, students will use the grid method and the alla prima (wet-on-wet) oil painting technique to create a vibrant pet portrait full of personality. Please bring a full-page, square photo of your pet’s face—or email it ahead of time. With Karolina Szumilas’ step-by-step guidance, even beginners will leave with a paw-sitively awesome masterpiece!

Wednesday, June 18th | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Location: GAC Upstairs Kids Classroom

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Members: $55

Non-Member: $46.75

Join Amanda Sage for a 2 day painting workshop at the Gunnison Arts Center! Since 2010 Amanda has been teaching painting workshops around the world at various visionary hubs, festivals and retreat centers. 

Amanda teaches a unique approach to an in-direct painting method known as the Mischtechnik. Whether we have 5 weeks or 1 day, she will guide us into the development of an image that will lead our vision expanded forever.

This class is for beginners and experienced artists, as well as children 12+ with a parent.

We will be working on canvas with charcoal and acrylic paint.

Most materials will be included in the ticket price.

Saturday + Sunday, June 28th + 29th | 10:00 - 6:30 PM | (1:00 - 2:30 - Lunch) 

Saturday Only - Optional Open Studio 8:00 - 10:00 PM 

Location: GAC Cy Baird Gallery

Please bring a sack lunch or walk downtown for lunch! 

Non-Member: $250 

Member: $212.50 

Celebrate the beauty and spirit of trees in this vibrant landscape painting workshop with contemporary artist Mary Pat Ettinger. Using acrylics in a watercolor style, students will explore techniques for capturing trees as the central focus of their compositions—layering color, light, and texture to bring their landscapes to life. Work from inspiring reference images provided by Mary Pat, or bring your own favorite tree photos for a personal touch. With a strong focus on individual attention, this workshop is perfect for painters of all levels looking to loosen up their technique and explore expressive, nature-based art.

Tuesday, July 8th | 10:00 - 3:00 PM 

Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $80 

Member: $68

Transform everyday materials into meaningful art! In this creative workshop with teaching artist Theresa Ely, students will use upcycled packing paper to craft a one-of-a-kind word banner. Learn how to distress and add surface design to paper, choose a word or phrase that speaks to you, and assemble your banner using ribbon, string, or bias tape.

Wednesday, July 9th | 5:00 - 7:30 PM 

Location: GAC Courtyard 

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $25 | Register (2) $35

Member: $21.25 | Register (2) $29.75

In this creative and community-focused workshop, Dani Burke and Hope Kesler will guide you through crafting your own custom macramé plant hanger—perfect for displaying your favorite greenery with style.Bring a plant cutting to pot after your hanger is finished, and join in a cutting swap with fellow plant lovers! Trade, share, and repot your new plant baby into a provided pot, giving your handmade hanger a fresh and leafy resident.

All materials provided—just bring a cutting (or a few to share) and your love of plants and crafts!

Thursday, July 10th | 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Location: GAC Courtyard 

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $55

Member: $46.75

Capture the beauty of fresh blooms in a single sitting with this expressive oil painting class led by artist Karolina Szumilas. Using the alla prima (wet-on-wet) technique, you’ll learn how to paint flowers with loose, confident brushwork and vibrant color. Karolina will guide you step-by-step through composition, color mixing, and layering—all in a relaxed, creative atmosphere. Perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike, this class invites you to paint boldly and embrace the spontaneity of the moment.

Friday, July 11th | 10:00 - 12:30 PM

Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $55

Member: $46.75

Join artist Karen Hill for a laid-back monthly painting session! Bring your own project and get helpful tips and guidance as you paint alongside Karen, who will be working on her own piece too. It’s a fun, supportive space to explore your creativity, ask questions, and connect with fellow artists.

Friday, July 11th | 5:30 - 7:30 pm 

Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom

All Materials included in registration costs

Member: $45

Non-Member: $38.25

Join Amanda Sage for a 2 day painting workshop at the Gunnison Arts Center! Since 2010 Amanda has been teaching painting workshops around the world at various visionary hubs, festivals and retreat centers. 

Amanda teaches a unique approach to an in-direct painting method known as the Mischtechnik. Whether we have 5 weeks or 1 day, she will guide us into the development of an image that will lead our vision expanded forever.

This class is for beginners and experienced artists, as well as children 12+ with a parent.

We will be working on canvas with charcoal and acrylic paint.

Most materials will be included in the ticket price.

Saturday + Sunday, July 12th + 13th | 10:00 - 6:30 PM | (1:00 - 2:30 - Lunch) 

Saturday Only - Optional Open Studio 8:00 - 10:00 PM 

Location: GAC Cy Baird Gallery

Please bring a sack lunch or walk downtown for lunch! 

Non-Member: $250 

Member: $212.50

Capture your furry (or feathered!) friend on canvas in this playful, pet-focused painting class. Working on 8x8 canvases and from a photo reference, students will use the grid method and the alla prima (wet-on-wet) oil painting technique to create a vibrant pet portrait full of personality. Please bring a full-page, square photo of your pet’s face—or email it ahead of time. With Karolina Szumilas’ step-by-step guidance, even beginners will leave with a paw-sitively awesome masterpiece!

Wednesday, June 18th | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Location: GAC Upstairs Kids Classroom

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Members: $55

Non-Member: $46.75

Join Amanda Sage for an hour and half guided creative journey to discover our own personal gifts and vision through the Vision Train Drawing Project. Learn tools to access creative insight in a supportive and collaborative environment. Draw it out, write it out and give it a way! No prior experience needed, just a good dose of curiosity and willingness. 

Saturday, July 19th | 10:00 - 11:30 PM OR 12:00 - 1:30 PM 

 (Under 8 Parent Present) 

Location: GAC Cy Baird Main Gallery 

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Members: $20 

Members: FREE (Please still register) 

Sign up to be a member for only $8! 

Join artist Karen Hill for a laid-back monthly painting session! Bring your own project and get helpful tips and guidance as you paint alongside Karen, who will be working on her own piece too. It’s a fun, supportive space to explore your creativity, ask questions, and connect with fellow artists.

Friday, July 25th | 5:30 - 7:30 pm 

Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom

All Materials included in registration costs

Member: $45

Non-Member: $38.25

Add a little sparkle to your space with this fun and creative suncatcher workshop! Join artist Anette Akselson to design and craft your own dazzling gemstone + wire suncatchers that shimmer in the sunlight.You’ll learn how to layer, arrange, and assemble a unique piece that reflects your personal style and brightens any window or garden. 

Saturday, July 26th | 4:00 -6:00 PM 

Location: GAC Art Classroom

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $30

Member: $25.50

Discover how meaningful places can inspire powerful artwork in this reflective, hands-on workshop with artist Don Seastrum. Students will explore place as subject through discussion, guided inquiry, and creative practice using a variety of media—colored pencils, chalk, watercolor, tempera, or acrylic.

The class meets at the Gunnison Arts Center, then ventures to a nearby outdoor location for direct inspiration from nature. All levels welcome!

5 Thursdays | July 31st - August 28th 

10:00 - 12:00 PM 

Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom

Non-Member: $155 

Member: $131.75

Dive into the colorful world of fiber art in this playful and hands-on workshop with local artist Sarah Sharsmith. You’ll learn the fundamentals of wet felting as you create vibrant, sculptural flowers. Sarah will guide you step-by-step through the process—from layering and shaping the wool to adding dimension and detail—resulting in beautiful felted blooms! 

Thursday, July 31st | 6:00 - 8:00 PM 

Location: GAC Courtyard 

All materials included in Registration cost

Non-Member: $35 

Member: $29.75

Capture the beauty of fresh blooms in a single sitting with this expressive oil painting class led by artist Karolina Szumilas. Using the alla prima (wet-on-wet) technique, you’ll learn how to paint flowers with loose, confident brushwork and vibrant color. Karolina will guide you step-by-step through composition, color mixing, and layering—all in a relaxed, creative atmosphere. Perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike, this class invites you to paint boldly and embrace the spontaneity of the moment.

Friday, August 1st| 10:00 - 12:30 PM

Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $55

Member: $46.75

Capture your furry (or feathered!) friend on canvas in this playful, pet-focused painting class. Working on 8x8 canvases and from a photo reference, students will use the grid method and the alla prima (wet-on-wet) oil painting technique to create a vibrant pet portrait full of personality. Please bring a full-page, square photo of your pet’s face—or email it ahead of time. With Karolina Szumilas’ step-by-step guidance, even beginners will leave with a paw-sitively awesome masterpiece!

Wednesday, August 6th | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Location: GAC Art Classroom

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Members: $55

Non-Member: $46.75

Curious about watercolor but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly class with artist Karen Hill is the perfect introduction. Learn the basics of brushwork, color mixing, and simple techniques in a relaxed and encouraging environment. Karen’s step-by-step guidance will help you build confidence as you explore the expressive and playful nature of watercolor—no prior experience needed, just a willingness to dive in and have fun!

4 Wednesdays |August 6th - 27th 5:30 - 7:30 PM 

Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $160 

Member: $140.25

Create your own one-of-a-kind writing journal in this hands-on workshop with teaching artist Theresa Ely! Using upcycled packing and donated papers, you’ll learn how to design and personalize an affordable, handmade journal. Explore distressing and surface design techniques to craft unique collage covers—inside and out—that reflect your personal style.

Wednesday, August 13th | 5:00 - 7:30 PM 

Location: GAC Courtyard 

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $25 | Register (2) $35

Member: $21.25 | Register (2) $29.75

Join artist Karen Hill for a laid-back monthly painting session! Bring your own project and get helpful tips and guidance as you paint alongside Karen, who will be working on her own piece too. It’s a fun, supportive space to explore your creativity, ask questions, and connect with fellow artists.

Friday, August 22nd | 5:30 - 7:30 pm 

Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom

All Materials included in registration costs

Member: $45

Non-Member: $38.25

Channel your inner royalty in this magical wire-wrapping workshop with artist Anette Akselson! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the basics of wire wrapping as you create your very own gemstone crown. Choose from a variety of crystals and stones, and let Anette guide you step-by-step through the process of shaping, wrapping, and securing your crown to fit your personal style. Whether you're crafting for a festival, special occasion, or just for fun, you’ll leave with a sparkling, one-of-a-kind accessory and the skills to keep creating. All levels welcome—just bring your imagination!

Saturday, August 23rd |4:00 - 6:00 PM 

Location: GAC Art Classroom

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $30 

Member: $25.50 

Happy little trees await! Join artist Sarah Sharsmith for a joyful and relaxed night of painting inspired by the legendary Bob Ross. Follow along step-by-step as you create your own serene landscape using Bob’s signature techniques—gentle brushstrokes, fluffy clouds, and of course, plenty of happy accidents.

Saturday, August 30th | 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Location: GAC Blue Box Theatre

All Materials included in registration costs

Non-Member: $50

Member: $42.50