Samford Academy of the Arts Art Classes

From classes in ceramics, acrylics, drawing, painting, stained glass, and new classes added each semester, the Academy of the Arts offers our patrons the opportunity to explore new interests and learn from a wide variety of artists in our community.

We also have art for children ages 6-years old through High School and Homeschool. Classes run every fall and spring.

Art for Children & Teens

Art for Children (Ages 6-8)

Classes will meet at the Academy of the Arts. Students will learn about famous artists and their methods of creating art. We will work with paint, graphite, clay, paper and printmaking to create works of art.

Cost: $295 (includes supplies)
*Limited to 10 students
Instructor: Kim Gerlach

Spring A 2025: Monday, January 13-March 3, 4:00-5:30 PM *no class January 20

Spring B 2025: Monday, March 10-April 28, 4:00-5:30 PM *no class March 24

Art for Homeschool (Ages 8-14)

Students will learn about famous artist and create art inspired by their work. The class will also study various art concepts and use different mediums to practice these concepts. The goal of this class to help students gain an appreciation of art and to instill a love of creating!

Cost: $285 (includes supplies)
*Limited to 10 students
Instructor: Laurie Knowles

Spring A 2025: Wednesday, January 15-February 26, 12:30-2:00 PM

Spring B 2025: Wednesdays, March 19-May 7, 12:30-2:00 PM *no class March 26

Art for Children (Ages 9-11)

Students will learn about famous artists and their methods of creating art. We will work with paint, graphite, clay, paper, and printmaking to create works of art. Students will be encouraged to develop their own styles, and to experiment with different methods to hone their art skills.

Cost: $295 (includes supplies)
*Limited to 10 students
Instructor: Kim Gerlach

Spring A 2025: Thursday, January 16-February 27, 4:00-5:30 PM

Spring B 2025: Thursday, March 6-April 24, 4:00-5:30 PM*no class March 27

Art for Teens (Ages 12-14)

Students will learn about famous artists and their methods of creating art. We will work with paint, graphite, clay, glass, and paper to make works of art. Students will be encouraged to develop their own styles, and to experiment with different methods to hone their art skills.

Cost: $295 (includes supplies)
*Limited to 10 students
Instructor: Kim Gerlach

Spring A 2025: Tuesday, January 14-February 25, 4:00-5:30 PM

Spring B 2025: Tuesday, March 11 -April 29, 4:00-5:30 PM *no class March 25

Art for High School (Grades 9-12)

Students will focus on building their art portfolio. Students will hone their technical skills in drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture and printmaking.

Cost: $295 (includes supplies)
*Limited to 10 students
Instructor: Kim Gerlach

Spring A 2025: Wednesdays, January 15-February 26, 5:30-7:00 PM

Spring B 2025: Wednesdays, March 12-April 30, 5:30-7:00 PM *no class March 26

Art for Adults

Adult Art: Sketching, Acrylic Painting & Basket Weaving (Ages 18+)

Participants in this class will practice drawing skills that will help in all areas of art. They will complete an acrylic painting of flowers, landscape or architecture. Participants will also have the opportunity to weave a small basket. The goal of this class is for all levels of artists to enjoy learning and creating!

Cost: $295 (includes supplies)
Ages 18+
*Limited to 10 students
Instructor: Laurie Knowles

Spring A 2025: Wednesdays, January 22-March 5, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Spring B 2025: Wednesdays, April 2 - May 14, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Painting for Adults: Acrylics

In this class, students will paint with acrylics. They will learn about color theory, color mixing, creating compositions, and painting techniques. Students will create multiple paintings.

Cost: $295 (includes supplies)
Ages 18+
*Limited to 10 students
Instructor: Kim Gerlach

Spring A 2025:Thursdays, January 16- February 27, 5:30-7:30 PM

Spring B 2025:Thursdays, March 6-April 24, 5:30-7:30 PM *no class March 27

Clay Studio for Teens

Clay Studio (Ages 13-18)

This class for teens ages 13-18 allows students to get hands-on experience with clay. From basics of hand building to work at the wheel, students will learn how to throw different forms, alter, trim, and glaze.

Cost: 325 (includes supplies)
*Limited to 8 students
Instructor: Kim Gerlach

Spring 2025: February 12-April 9, 4:30-6 PM *no class March 19 & 26

Pottery

Pottery: Hand-Building & Wheel-Throwing

Students will explore methods of hand-building, wheel-throwing, glazing and decorating pottery. This is a beginner class, but more experienced students may take the class. Students will purchase their own clay and basic tools but should wait to purchase clay until after the first class.

Cost: $295
*Limited to 6 students
Instructor: Canne Holladay

Spring A 2025

Monday, January 27-March 10, 6:00-8:00 PM

Tuesday, January 21-March 4, 6:00-8:00 PM

Spring B 2025

Monday, March 31-May 12, 6:00-8:00 PM

Tuesday, March 18 -May 13, 6:00-8:00 PM*no class March 25 & May 6

Stained Glass

Stained Glass: Copper Foil (Beginners)

Students will learn the basics of cutting and refining glass pieces to create a beautiful stained glass window. This is a class for beginners, but more experienced students who need a refresher course may take this class.

Cost: $325 (includes supplies)
*Limited to 6 students, 18+
Instructor: Mandy Haddin

Choose from two options for Spring A

Spring A 2025: Tuesday, January 21-March 4, 12:00-2:00 PM

Spring A 2025: Tuesdays, January 21-March 4, 5:30-7:30 PM

Choose from two options for Spring B

Spring B 2025: Tuesday, March 11-April 29, 12:00-2:00 PM *No class on March 25

Spring B 2025: Tuesday, March 11-April 29, 5:30-7:30 PM*No class on March 25

Stained Glass: Copper Foil (Intermediate)

Fall A course will instruct students in advanced copper-foil techniques, including pattern use and color choices, to create more complex pieces as suncatchers, small panels, and ornaments.

Students must have previous stained glass experience. Supplies included.

Cost: $325 (includes supplies)
*Limited to 6 students, 18+
Instructor: Mandy Haddin

Spring A 2025: Thursdays, January 23-March 6, 5:30-7:30 PM

Spring B 2025: Thursdays, March 13-May 1, 5:30-7:30 PM*no class March 27