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.***
Intermediate/Advanced Wheel Throwing
Intermediate/Advanced Wheel ThrowingCornelius Arts Center: Ceramics Studio Oct. 22 – Nov. 5, 2025 Price: $100 Wednesday, Oct. 22 – 6pm-9pm Thursday, Oct. 29 – 6pm-9pm Thursday, Nov. 5 – 6pm-9pm Instructor: Ken Lambdin Course Description: This workshop is for experienced students capable of centering and throwing 5lbs of clay. Three sessions meeting on Wednesday evenings will focus on special topics including handles, throwing off the hump, and glazing. Students will have a hands-on instructor to help to improve their wheel throwing skills. PLEASE READ: given our upcoming move out of the Oak Street Mill location and the subsequent abbreviated ceramic session, registration does not guarantee firing for all pieces created in class. The last firing date will be Nov. 3rd. Pieces created after November 3rd run the risk of not being fired. ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Youth Create with Clay: Beginner
Youth Create with Clay: BeginnerCornelius Arts Center: Ceramics Studio Oct. 23 – Oct. 30, 2025 Ages: 10-16 Price: $85 Thursday, Oct. 23 – 5pm-7pm Thursday, Oct. 30 – 5pm-7pm Instructor: Taisia Ealy Course Description: This ceramics class provides the opportunity to explore the joy and the challenges of working with clay. Students will learn how to make pottery on the wheel while also learning how to roll coils, build slabs, & create textures and unique surface patterns while sculpting their own unique pieces. *Pre-Requisite: Beginner for this class is considered to be 3 or less classes with this instructor. PLEASE READ: Given our upcoming move out of the Oak Street Mill location and the subsequent abbreviated ceramic session, registration does not guarantee firing for all pieces created in class. The last firing date will be Nov. 3rd. Pieces created after November 3rd run the risk of not being fired. ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***
Youth Create with Clay: Intermediate & Advanced
Youth Create with Clay: Intermediate & AdvancedCornelius Arts Center: Ceramics Studio Oct. 23 – Oct. 30, 2025 Ages: 10-16 Price: $85 Thursday, Oct. 23 – 7pm-9pm Thursday, Oct. 30 – 7pm-9pm Instructor: Taisia Ealy Course Description: This ceramics class provides the opportunity to explore the joy and the challenges of working with clay. Students will learn how to make pottery on the wheel while also learning how to roll coils, build slabs, & create textures and unique surface patterns while sculpting their own unique pieces. *Pre-Requisite: Must have taken 4 or more classes with this instructor. PLEASE READ: Given our upcoming move out of the Oak Street Mill location and the subsequent abbreviated ceramic session, registration does not guarantee firing for all pieces created in class. The last firing date will be Nov. 3rd. Pieces created after November 3rd run the risk of not being fired. ***Cornelius Residents will use RESCODE for Cornelius resident price in the shopping cart.***