How to Draw Anything
How to Draw AnythingCain Center for the Arts: Classroom 115 March 5 – April 9, 2026 Price: $175.00 Thursdays, 4:30pm – 6:00pm Instructor: Lisa Albinus Course Description: In this six‑week, hands‑on course, you’ll build real confidence by learning the core foundations that make drawing work: observation, shape, proportion, line, and repetition. Instead of chasing a perfect final piece, you’ll dive into guided sketching exercises each week using simple, everyday subjects that train your eye and strengthen your skills fast. You’ll discover practical strategies for starting any drawing, simplifying complex forms, correcting as you go, and using repetition to improve naturally. This class is designed for total beginners who feel unsure where to start and for experienced artists who want to sharpen their fundamentals and loosen up their approach. Bring any drawing tools you like—this course is flexible, welcoming, and built to meet you where you are. If you’ve ever said, “I just can’t draw,” get ready to surprise yourself. You absolutely can—and this class will show you how. ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Art Books
Art BooksCain Center for the Arts: Classroom 115 Feb. 28 – April 4, 2026 Price: $175.00 Saturdays, 10:00am-12:30pm Instructor: Beverly Walker Course Description: Make an artist’s book! From shaped wood covers through 8 pages, you will collage, paint, stamp, stitch, write, bead, braid, chain, tassel and bedazzle into your own mini art gallery. Inspired by these basics, you will want future classes on Tiny Treasures Art Books, Found Pieces in Pockets, and a Botanical Book-in-a-Box. For your table decor or for a gift, these art books are a visual treat! ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Watercolor – More Adventures
Watercolor – More AdventuresCain Center for the Arts: Classroom 115 Feb. 26 – April 2, 2026 Price: $195.00 Thursdays, 1:00pm-3:30pm Instructor: Gail Kolenda Course Description: Taking the basics one has learned in watercolor we will continue to experiment and test our skills. Each week will present a challenge. Week 1 – Shape/Shadows. Week 2 – Composition and Detail. Week 3 – Transparencies/Glass. Week 4 – Fur/Feather Friends. Week 5 – Depth, Atmosphere, Perspective. Week 6 – A special focused project. Beginner knowledge of Watercolor recommended. ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Foundations of Observational Drawing
Foundations of Observational DrawingCain Center for the Arts: Classroom 115 March 5 – April 9, 2026 Price: $175.00 Thursdays, 10:30am-12:00pm Instructor: Lisa Albinus Course Description: This six-week graphite drawing course strengthens the most important drawing skill of all: accurate observation. Designed for adults, the class helps students learn to see proportion, value, edges, and relationships more clearly, building confidence in their drawing foundation. Through guided exercises and from-life subjects, students practice slowing down, observing carefully, and making thoughtful adjustments as they work. With an emphasis on process over polish, the skills gained translate easily to any drawing medium. Ideal for beginners, returning artists, and anyone preparing to move into more advanced drawing or color-based courses. No prior experience required. ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Mixed Media Painting and Collage
Mixed Media Painting and CollageCain Center for the Arts: Classroom 115 Jan. 5 – Feb. 9, 2026 Price: $195.00 Mondays, 4:30pm – 6:30pm Instructor: Kathy Murray Course Description: Try some new techniques to create textural and interesting mixed media art! Using acrylic paints students will create patterned, lined, and nature gel printed papers. Then they will layer them with pencil marks, paint and other media to create exciting pieces. The instructor will assist with the basics like composition and color optimization. This class welcomes beginners or those who are more experienced that just want to have fun! ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Discover Your Own Artistic Style
Discover Your Own Artistic StyleCain Center for the Arts: Classroom 115 Jan. 8 – Feb. 12, 2026 Price: $195.00 Thursdays, 1:00pm – 3:30pm Instructor: Gail Kolenda Course Description: Explore different art styles and experiment with techniques designed to spark inspiration and deepen your creativity. You will learn what makes each style unique and discover what speaks to you personally. This class guides adult artists in uncovering and refining their own unique style – one brush stroke at a time. One doesn’t need experience – just enthusiasm. All levels welcomed. ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Watercolor Beginners and Beyond
Watercolor Beginners and BeyondCain Center for the Arts: Classroom 115 Jan. 7 – Feb. 18, 2026 Price: $195.00 Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 3:30pm Instructor: Gail Kolenda Course Description: This class is for anyone who loves watercolors – both beginners and advanced students. Beginners will learn about colors, papers and brushes. Each week we will build upon the lessons moving from color chart, to mixing, to techniques, to creating a complete watercolor painting. I will be teaching the basic washes, glazing, watercolor “tricks”, and use of shadows. Composition will be introduced. At the end of each class the student will have at least one, if not more, projects to take home. Advanced students will have a special project weekly using different techniques and themes. Please note: This class will not meet on Wednesday, January 14th. ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Beginning and Maintaining a Sketchbook Practice
Beginning and Maintaining a Sketchbook PracticeCain Center for the Arts: Classroom 115 Jan. 8 – Feb 12, 2026 Price: $175.00 Thursdays, 4:30pm – 6:00pm Instructor: Lisa Albinus Course Description: Learning to draw can be done easily enough — practicing it is an entirely different discipline. This six-week class focuses on building a consistent sketchbook practice rooted in curiosity rather than perfection. Students will learn to see, record, and respond to the world around them through accessible, creative prompts. Each week introduces a new concept such as observation, storytelling, inspiration, or reflection, supported by hands-on demos and open exploration. Students are encouraged to work with materials they already have — pencil, ink, or watercolor — and to find the method that feels most natural to maintain a daily sketchbook habit. Drawing is a learnable skill. Maintaining it is a choice. All materials welcome. This class is about process, not polish. ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Painting with Graphite: Discover the Power of a “Simple” Medium
Painting with Graphite: Discover the Power of a “Simple” MediumCain Center for the Arts: Classroom 115 Jan. 7 – Feb. 11, 2026 Price: $175.00 Wednesdays, 10:30am – 12:00pm Instructor: Lisa Albinus Course Description: Graphite is so much more than a sketching tool — it’s a powerhouse medium hiding in plain sight, In this six-week technical class, we slow down the pace and treat graphite as a true painting medium. What we’ll explore: – Technical graphite layering for soft, even tone – Clean edges and controlled transitions – Texture development without harsh strokes – Light, shadow, and subtle tonal mapping – Managing light so highlights remain crisp and believable – Rendering natural forms with accuracy and intention By the end, you’ll have artwork that feels polished, dimensional, and far from a quick sketch. If you’re ready to stop sketching and start truly drawing with graphite, this is your class. ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Jeff Allen
Jeff Allen may (or may not) want to admit it, but he’s getting older. At 69, as he approaches his 70th year, Jeff decided it might be time to slow down a bit. The result? My First Final Farewell Tour kicks off March 1, 2026. Yes, you read that right—“First” and “Final” in the same sentence—because Jeff isn’t totally sure he’s done yet. (After all, Cher had 20 farewell tours, and Elton John is still going strong!) What he is sure of: he’s bringing a mix of fan favorites and fresh new material to the stage. From the classic Happy Wife, Happy Life routine you’ve been quoting for years, to new takes on marriage, family, and everyday life, Jeff is putting it all together for a night that’s hilarious, unforgettable, and uplifting. One of America’s most beloved comedians, Jeff Allen has nearly 1 billion online views and a record-setting seven Dry Bar Comedy specials. He’s appeared on America’s Got Talent, The Today Show, Comedy Central, Showtime, and starred in the films Apostles of Comedy and My 7 Grandmas. Millions have enjoyed his comedy across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube—but nothing compares to seeing Jeff live. Website: https://www.jeffallencomedy.com/videos All prices are subject to change.