Adult Visual Arts Education
Classes may be canceled by the Arts Center if minimum enrollment is not met. In this case, participants will be notified at least 24 hours in advance and issued a full refund. Participant cancellations require at least 48 hours’ notice to receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance or for no-shows.
Visual Arts Fall Adult Classes
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Vision Train Art Jam | All Ages - FREE
2nd Thursdays | May 14th, June 11th, July 9th, August 13th, + September 10th | 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Facilitated By: Amanda Sage + Elke Arnesen
The act of creating art is often a solitary experience - which is a beautiful practice - but there is something to say for the magic of coming together in community to make art. A commonly private dialogue becoming a shared field of creative exchange. Join us on second Thursdays to do just that! These gatherings are open and flexible - drop by for a few minutes or stay the whole evening, bring a project or play with the provided supplies, and feed both your creative brain and your heart by creating in community.
Speaking of community, these monthly art jams are co-sponsored by the Vision Train, a global creative community that connects via a free Zoom call that has been running nonstop since 2020. Now the Vision Train is entering into the new dimension of local art jamming to strengthen community through creativity!
Location: GAC Cy Baird Main Gallery + Courtyard
FREE | GAC Memberships encouraged
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Drawing the Figure | Ages 18+
Monday, May 11th | 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Settle in for a relaxed evening of figure drawing designed for all skill levels, this laid-back session offers a welcoming space to practice capturing the human form. With a live model, gentle guidance, and a calm creative atmosphere, you’ll have the freedom to explore gesture, proportion, and expression at your own pace.
Location: GAC Blue Box Theatre
Instructor: Karolina Szumilas
$30/class | Non-Member
$25/class | Member
OR BYO Supplies (Sketch book + Pencil) for $20
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Carve + Create: Block Printing Series | Ages 15+
(3 Individual Classes)
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Instructor: Danielle Vitulli of Scrap Happy Studios
April 14th - Printing on Paper
May 12th - Printing on Clothes
May 26th - Carving Spring Flowers
Discover the art of block printing
in this hands-on series, perfect for beginners and creative explorers. Learn the fundamentals of designing your own patterns, carving them into blocks, and printing on paper and fabric. Over the course of the series, you’ll experiment with shapes, textures, and colors to create unique prints you can display or wear. Gain practical skills, explore your creativity, and take home beautiful, hand-printed projects.
Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom
$40 | Non-Member OR Register for all 3 $100
$34 | Member OR Register for all 3 $85
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Boss Ross - May | All Ages
Thursday, May 7th | 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Instructor: Sarah Sharsmith
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.
Location: GAC Blue Box Theatre
$50 | Non-Member | $25 Kids Tickets
$42.50 | Member | $21 Kids Ticket
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Playing with Alcohol Inks | Ages 10+
Thursday, May 28th | 6:00 - 7:45 PM
Instructor: Sarah Sharsmith
Dive into the vibrant and fluid world of alcohol inks in this beginner-friendly workshop! Participants will explore essential techniques for working with alcohol ink, including blending, layering, and creating dynamic abstract patterns. You’ll experiment with color flow on synthetic paper, learn how to control (and embrace!) spontaneity, and create a set of unique ink pieces to take home.
Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom
$30 | Non-Member
$25 | Member
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Wildflower Watercolor Workshop | Ages 15+
Friday, May 29th | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Instructor: Karen Hill
Celebrate the beauty of nature in this hands-on watercolor workshop focused on painting wildflowers. Participants will learn techniques for creating soft washes, layering colors, and capturing the delicate shapes and textures of blooms. Guided instruction will help you develop both your technical skills and personal style, whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your watercolor practice. Leave with vibrant, expressive paintings inspired by the charm of local wildflowers.
Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom
$40 | Non-Member
$34 | Member
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Painting with Light | One-day Deep Dive | Ages 12+
Saturday, May 30th | 10:00 - 6:00 PM
Instructor: Amanda Sage
A one-day deep dive to explore merging inner + outer vision through paint! Amanda Sage will guide you through stages of developing and discovering a painting in acrylic. No prior experience needed - just a curious and open heart!
Location: GAC Cy Baird Main Gallery/Blue Box Theatre
$150 | Non-Member
$129 | Member
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Crested Butte State of Mind Presents - Community Connections | Free Event
Free | Open to all | Substance-free
Last Wednesdays - 5:30 - 7:30 PM
June 24th - Mindful Fiber Night with Hope Kesler
July 29th - Affirmation Journal with Teresa Ely
August 26th - Watercolor for Relaxation with Karen Hill
September 30th - Community Art Jam with Amanda Sage
Join the Gunnison Arts Center in partnership with Crested Butte State of Mind for a free monthly community art series focused on creativity, connection, and mental wellbeing. These guided, substance-free art experiences are designed for all ages and skill levels, offering a welcoming space to slow down, create, and connect with others.
Each last Wednesday of the month, participants will explore a different hands-on art activity—from fiber and collage to mindful making and mixed media. Art is a powerful tool for mental health, helping reduce stress, support emotional expression, and foster a sense of belonging. These sessions prioritize process over product, encouraging presence, curiosity, and self-expression without pressure or judgment.
Location: GAC Theatre + Cy Baird Main Gallery
FREE
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Beyond Technique | Ages 15+
Session 1: 5 Saturdays, June 20th - July 25th (Skip July 4th) | 11:00 - 1:00 PM
Session 2: 5 Saturdays, September 12th - October 10th | 11:00 - 1:00 PM
Beyond Technique is an ongoing, learner-centered program designed for artists of all experience levels who want to develop their work beyond technique and into more expressive, concept-driven practice. Participants are encouraged to explore their own vision through self-directed projects while experimenting with their chosen media or trying new materials. The program emphasizes studio time for creating individual work, with optional group discussions and feedback sessions to support growth, inquiry, and creative development.
Location: GAC Upstairs Classroom
Instructor: Don Seastrum
$21.25/per class - Member | Non-Member - 25/class
Enroll for all 5 classes for $93.50 - Member | $110 - Non-Member
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Casual Figure Drawing | Ages 18+
Mondays, 6:00 - 7:30 PM | June 15th, July 20th, August 17th, + September 21st
Join us for a figure drawing session in a relaxed, welcoming studio environment. Open to all skill levels, this class offers the chance to practice drawing from a live model while exploring gesture, proportion, and form at your own pace. Bring your favorite materials and enjoy a low-pressure space to build skills, experiment, and connect with fellow artists.
Location: GAC Cy Baird Main Gallery
Instructor: Karolina Szumilas
$21.25/per class - Member | Non-Member - 25/class
Enroll for all 4 classes for $76.50 - Member | $90 - Non-Member
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Watercolor: Colorado Landscapes | Ages 15+
4 Wednesdays, June 24th - July 15th | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Capture the beauty of Colorado through watercolor in this beginner-friendly class focused on painting local landscapes. Participants will explore techniques for skies, mountains, and natural textures while learning how to build depth, color, and atmosphere. Guided step-by-step in a relaxed and supportive environment, this class is perfect for anyone looking to develop their watercolor skills while celebrating the surrounding landscape.
Location: GAC Art Classroom
Instructor: Karen Hill
Member - $153 | Non-Member - $180
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Resin Bookmarks with Pressed Flowers | Ages 13+
Friday, June 26th | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Create beautiful, nature-inspired resin bookmarks by preserving pressed flowers in this hands-on, beginner-friendly class. Participants will learn the basics of working with resin while exploring composition, color, and layering to design unique, functional pieces. This relaxed, guided workshop is perfect for all skill levels and offers a creative way to capture and preserve the beauty of natural materials.
Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom
Instructor: Shana Vogel
Member - 38.25 | Non-Member - $45
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Resin Coasters | Ages 13+
Friday, July 17th | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Get creative with resin in this hands-on class led by artist Shana Vogel! Learn the basics of working with resin while designing your own unique set of coasters. Choose from a variety of colors, additives, and effects to make each piece your own.
Location: GAC Upstairs Art Classroom
Instructor: Shana Vogel
Member - $46 | Non-Member - $55
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Boss Ross - July | All Ages
Friday, July 31st - 6:00 - 9:00 PM
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.
Location: GAC Blue Box Theatre
Instructor: Sarah Sharsmith
Member - $42.50 | $21 - Kids Ticket
Non-Member - $50 | $25 - Kids Ticket
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Intro to Water Mixable Oil Paints | Ages 15+
Virgina Unseld will be our artist exhibiting in the Treadway Gallery through July!
Saturday, August 1st | 10:00 - 2:00 PM
Join visiting artist Virginia for a hands-on introduction to water mixable oil paints—no solvents needed! Explore color studies across different brands and surfaces to see how they handle in a relaxed, experimental setting. Some experience is helpful but not required. Paints are provided, along with all other supplies by the Gunnison Arts Center. Virginia is an award-winning landscape painter working in water mixable oils, acrylics, and pastels.
Location: GAC Cy Baird Main Gallery
Instructor: Virginia Unseld
Member - $68 | Non-Member - $80
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Watercolor: Make your own cards | Ages 15+
2 Wednesdays, August 12th + 19th | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Create your own hand-painted cards in this beginner-friendly watercolor class. Participants will explore techniques for color, brushwork, and simple composition while designing unique cards for any occasion. Guided step-by-step in a relaxed, supportive environment, this class is perfect for anyone looking to build skills and enjoy a creative, personalized approach to watercolor.
Location: GAC Art Classroom
Instructor: Karen Hill
Member - $55.25 | Non-Member - $65
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Painting with Alcohol Inks | Ages 13+
Thursday, August 20th | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Join us for a vibrant, beginner-friendly alcohol ink class exploring bold color, flow, and abstract design. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to control and play with alcohol inks on non-porous surfaces to create one-of-a-kind, fluid artworks. Perfect for all skill levels, this relaxed class is all about experimentation, creativity, and letting the medium lead the way. All supplies are provided—just come ready to play with color!
Location: GAC Art Classroom
Instructor: Sarah Sharmsith
Member - $34 | Non-Member - $40
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Boss Ross - September | All Ages
Saturday, September 12th - 6:00 - 9:00 PM
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.
Location: GAC Blue Box Theatre
Instructor: Sarah Sharsmith
Member - $42.50 | $21 - Kids Ticket
Non-Member - $50 | $25 - Kids Ticket
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Resin Creations | Ages 13+
Friday, September 25th | 5:30 - 7:30
Create one-of-a-kind resin pieces in this fun, beginner-friendly class. Explore the basics of working with resin while experimenting with color, layering, and embedded materials like dried flowers or pigments. Guided in a relaxed, supportive environment, you’ll design unique creations to take home while learning techniques you can continue to build on.
Location: GAC Art Classroom
Instructor: Shana Vogel
Member - $46 | Non-Member - $55
