Youth Classes (Ages 6–15)

Mobiles of Alexander Calder

Explore the artwork and inspirations of the artist Alexander Calder. Learn 3-dimensionality and kinetic sculpture to create a Calder-inspired mobile using wire, string, and colored paper.

3 Tuesdays, July 1–15

10:00–11:30 am (Ages 6–9) 

12:00–1:30 pm (Ages 9–12)

$38 / $32 BackStage Member

Art-aquatic (Ages 6–8) Get inspired by the ocean! Read books such as Mister Seahorse, A House for Hermit Crab, and Swimmy to help you create colorful underwater works of art. Come ready to draw, paint, and collage with Brookfield Elementary art teacher, Kristen Wolf! 2 Thursdays, July 10–17 10:00–11:30 am $32 / $28 BackStage Member

The Clay Family

Sculpt a miniature version of everyone in your family in clay! After firing, you’ll paint and glaze them to create a 3-D family portrait.

2 Wednesdays, August 6 & 20 *

10:00–11:00 am (Ages 6–9) FULL

11:30 am–12:30 pm (Ages 9–12)

1:00–2:30 pm (Ages 12–15)

$28 / $24 BackStage Member

* An extra week between sessions is necessary for clay drying and firing.

Adult Classes (Ages 16 and up)

Creating Your Own Photo Essay Book

A photo essay is a collection of images that tells a story; in this seminar, create your own book or blog around a theme of your choosing. Learn to produce compelling photographs to advance your theme, as well as good editing and design skills. Work under the expert guidance of international, fine art photographer Larry D'Attilio as you learn to make successful aesthetic choices to convey a message. Sessions held both at the Wilson Center and the artist's studio. A digital camera is required.

5 Mondays & Thursdays, June 16, 19, 23, 26, & 30, 6:00–9:00 pm

$265 / $240 BackStage Member

Real World Abstraction

Investigate the various strategies for making abstract paintings with teaching artist Eriks Johnson. Explore patterns in nature, the physicality of gesture and the body, nontraditional mark making, as well as the laws of chance and random occurrence to make a painting. Class discussion will include topics such as color use, art history, and inventing new ways for paint application.

8 sessions: Mondays & Thursdays, August 4–28, 6:00–8:30 pm

$124 / $112 BackStage Member

Introduction to Observational Painting

Learn to paint directly from observation with artist Eriks Johnson. You will acquire a working understanding of perspective, composition, paint handling, and color mixing. Examples and explanations will be given from art history in an on going discussion. Most importantly, you will begin to “see” like an artist. For the beginner or intermediate painter. No class July 25.

8 sessions: Wednesdays, July 9–August 27, 6:00–8:30 pm

$124 / $112 BackStage Member

Clay Reflections

Discover clay for the first time or rediscover your connection to Earth’s art medium with guidance from teaching artist Nicole Schultz. You’re encouraged to develop your own ideas in this workshop and explore hand-building techniques from coil and slab construction to molds and pinch pots. Beginners and more experienced artists welcome.

Section I: Tuesdays, July 29, August 5 & 19, 6:00–9:00 pm*

Section II: Thursdays, July 31, August 7 & 21, 1:00–4:00 pm*

$56 / $48 BackStage Member

*An extra week between sessions is necessary for clay drying and firing.

Exploring the Self through Soul Collages (All Ages)

Whether you’re an artist, writer, or just plain curious, this class will guide you in an exploration of your personality to produce your own beautiful, collaged deck of cards. Artist, art therapist, and teacher, Heidi Endres, will lead your artistic journey. All ages welcome; students under 13 should register with an adult.

6 sessions: Saturdays, July 12–August 16, 1:00–3:00 pm

$68 / $56 BackStage Member

Register online or download form

Contact the Education Office at (262) 781-9470 X 5023 or email for more information.

Become a BackStage Member for as little as $50 and get Open Studio FREE all year.

At the $100 level you will get the BackStage member discount on every class you register for!