Orange Community Education & Recreation

Donations for the Orange Art Center

Ceramics Open Studio Fridays is now available for currently enrolled students. Join us for an open studio and get independent time to work on projects, experiment with glaze combinations, and decorate! No outside glazes or clay permitted; please use this time to continue working on your current OAC class projects. Clay disbursements are not provided at this time. A Studio Tech will be present if you have questions! The Open Studio is designed as a pay-as-you-go or purchase multiple sessions ahead in increments of $25.

Create vibrant abstract art using Brusho, a concentrated watercolor powder that bursts into color when activated with water. In this hands-on workshop, participants will work on Yupo paper, a smooth, synthetic surface that allows pigment to move, pool, and lift in unexpected ways. Water droppers, wax resist crayons, and liquid ink will be used to explore texture, layering, and fluid composition. Taught by Lauren Sylvia, OAC’s Emerging Artist in Residence, this workshop reflects the same spirit of experimentation found in her studio practice. Through guided exercises and open exploration, you’ll work with unique materials that support bold, intuitive mark-making. All materials provided. All skill levels are welcome!

Join us for a unique Quilling, Paper Art and Watercolor workshop inspired by the beauty of fall botanicals, featuring cactuses and mushrooms as our creative muse. In this hands-on session, participants will discover the magic of combining delicate watercolor washes with the intricate textures of paper art, learning how quilling can bring depth, dimension, and a touch of wonder to their illustrations. This workshop celebrates how paper transforms flat artwork into tactile, captivating pieces, perfect for nature lovers and creative explorers alike. All skill levels welcome! All supplies provided.

In this workshop, we'll dive into the basics of color theory and learn how to use color schemes to make your artwork more dynamic while using acrylic paints. Through guided instruction, you'll explore primary, secondary, and tertiary colors; warm versus cool tones; and complementary, analogous, and monochromatic schemes. You'll then apply this knowledge to create a painting that incorporates four distinct color schemes with acrylic paint. This is a fun way to see how color choices can transform your work. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. All supplies provided.

NEW! Learn the fundamentals of figure drawing through direct observation of a live model. This course will cover timed poses ranging from quick 1–2 minute gestures to extended 20-minute studies. Students will develop their understanding of anatomy, proportion, and expressive line while working primarily in charcoal; other drawing mediums are welcome. The course includes clothed and nude modeling sessions each class. All skill levels are welcome! A supply list will be emailed at the time of registration. Approximate supply cost, depending on materials already owned: $90. No class November 24.

Experience the thrill of painting with versatile, acrylics. This class is perfect for all skill levels, covering essential techniques, materials, color mixing, and composition. Enjoy hands-on demonstrations, visual examples, and individualized guidance to enhance your skills. Whether you're new to painting or want to deepen your practice, this course offers something for everyone. All skill levels are welcome! Already taken this class? Enroll in additional sessions to further develop your skills. A supply list will be emailed at the time of registration. Approximate supply cost, depending on materials already owned: $70. No class November 24.

Now at the OAC! New projects, more exploration! Young artists will join their Orange Art Center teacher after school to participate in art projects that focus on creative techniques including painting, collage, illustration, and craft. Students will develop independent art-making choices while enjoying group and individual instruction and encouragement. Being an artist is an excellent way to end the day! All supplies included. Grades K - 2 Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Grades 3 - 5 Wednesdays. Resident students will be conveniently chaperoned and shuttled from Moreland Hills Elementary to the Art Center. Class will meet as scheduled on November 10, even though school is closed. No class on November 24

Learn to draw from scratch, or delve deeper into your skills in this fun course! Learn about various drawing tools and techniques such as shading, perspective, and portraiture while gaining (or further developing) skills and confidence. Drawing is a key foundation skill that will carry throughout your artist journey! All skill levels are welcome! Already taken this class? Enroll in additional sessions to further develop your skills. A supply list will be emailed at the time of registration. Approximate supply cost, depending on materials already owned: $45. No class September 23 and November 25.

This class is designed for students with prior watercolor experience who are eager to build on their skills in botanical painting. While not required, it is recommended that students have completed Introduction to Botanical Watercolors with instructor Catherine Park, or another general introduction to watercolors class, as this will help the class focus on refining techniques beyond the basics. Explore methods for capturing the delicate details of botanical subjects, including leaves, flowers, roots, fruit, and pollinators. Together, we’ll work on layering transparent washes, perfecting dry brush techniques, and achieving realistic light, shadow, and depth to bring compositions to life. A supply list is provided at registration. All skill levels are welcome! Already taken this class? Enroll in additional sessions to further develop your skills. A supply list will be emailed at the time of registration. Approximate supply cost, depending on materials already owned: $80. No class September 23 or November 25.

Are you looking for an artist community of painters? Look no more! This painter-designed studio setting will inspire you as you explore the world of painting with oils. As drawing skills are needed, OAC offers a variety of drawing classes to choose from. All painters are welcome in this open studio environment. Enroll in additional sessions to further develop your skills. A supply list will be emailed at the time of registration. Approximate supply cost, depending on materials already owned: $180. No class September 23 and November 25.

All skill levels welcomed! Learn everything you need to know to make a gorgeous chunky hand-knit blanket in just a few hours! Guess what? No knitting experience is needed! We’ll guide you step-by-step through this and will support you with all the tricks to master the skill of creating chunky blankets just using your hands. A supply list will be emailed at the time of registration. Approximate supply cost, depending on materials already owned: $60.

Learn the basics of applying glass enamel to copper to create beautiful, multicolored jewelry. In this three-week class, you'll explore what glass enamel is and how to apply it using heat to metal surfaces, resulting in stunning, unique pieces. With one-on-one attention, our instructor will guide you step by step through the enameling process. All skill levels are welcome. Already taken this class? Enroll in additional sessions to further develop your skills. All supplies provided.

Are you looking for an artist community of painters? Look no more! This painter-designed studio setting will inspire you as you explore the world of painting with oils. As drawing skills are needed, OAC offers a variety of drawing classes to choose from. All painters are welcome in this open studio environment. Enroll in additional sessions to further develop your skills. A supply list will be emailed at the time of registration. Approximate supply cost, depending on materials already owned: $180. No class November 26.

Get inspired by fall with this fun watercolor! This four-week mini class will discuss the bare-bone basics of watercolor with a focus on fall themes. Use watercolor techniques to paint landscapes, pumpkins, and a sweet scarecrow! All skill levels are welcome! Already taken this class? Enroll in additional sessions to further develop your skills. A supply list will be emailed at the time of registration. Approximate supply cost, depending on materials already owned: $25.

Explore the fascinating world of silver metal clay in this interesting, all-levels class! This revolutionary product allows you to design using a moldable material made of microscopic particles of fine silver and an organic binder to form a moldable jewelry medium. Once your creation is dried, it is fired in a jewelry kiln; the organic binder burns off, and the silver particles sinter, leaving you with a solid metal piece! Already taken this class? Enroll in additional sessions to further develop your skills. Silver materials paid directly to the instructor are estimated at $65. No class November 26.

Take the fear out of portraiture this fall season with this mini-course! Learning some basic, easy techniques students will learn how to draw a simple portrait and learn the grid technique to ensure proper placement and a successful finished portrait. All skill levels are welcome! Already taken this class? Enroll in additional sessions to further develop your skills. A supply list will be emailed at the time of registration. Approximate supply cost, depending on materials already owned: $25.

Now at the OAC! New projects, more exploration! Young artists will join their Orange Art Center teacher after school to participate in art projects that focus on creative techniques including painting, collage, illustration, and craft. Students will develop independent art-making choices while enjoying group and individual instruction and encouragement. Being an artist is an excellent way to end the day! All supplies included. Grades K - 2 Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Grades 3 - 5 Wednesdays. Resident students will be conveniently chaperoned and shuttled from Moreland Hills Elementary to the Art Center. No class on October 2 and November 27.

This all-levels course invites students to explore painting both from direct observation and reference images, using acrylic or oil paints. We will build skills in color mixing, composition, adjusting value, paint application, and brushwork, starting with achromatic studies and moving into monochromatic and full-color work. Weekly sessions feature still-life setups with directed light, along with short exercises in color or composition to warm up before focusing on a longer painting. Students work independently at their easels with personalized guidance from the instructor in a relaxed studio environment. Art history is an integral part of this course; students will reference artists such as Morandi, Manet, and Thiebaud to inform their practice and guide discussion. All skill levels are welcome! Already taken this class? Enroll in additional sessions to further develop your skills. A supply list will be emailed at the time of registration. Approximate supply cost, depending on materials already owned: $130. No class November 28.

Think outside of the box and get creative in this fun, mixed-media exploration class! Young artists will learn various techniques and work with various art materials, including acrylic paints, watercolors, pastels, collage elements, and more. Grades K-2 in the morning and grades 3-5 in the afternoons! All supplies are provided.

Think outside of the box and get creative in this fun, mixed-media exploration class! Young artists will learn various techniques and work with various art materials, including acrylic paints, watercolors, pastels, collage elements, and more. Grades K-2 in the morning and grades 3-5 in the afternoons! All supplies are provided. No class November 29

We are back! The fun of cartooning and character design is all wrapped into one! In this class, young artists will learn to design iconic characters that tell engaging, fun stories through group exercises, presentations, and self-directed projects. Learn how to draw characters with personalities, draw expressions, use color to communicate moods, and more! By the end of the class, students will have individual projects that encapsulate their iconic characters and character narratives. Students' final projects are self-directed to encourage characters and stories reflecting each young artist's interests, skills, and creativity. Grades 3 - 5 in the morning, teens grades 6 - 9 in the afternoon. New and returning students are welcome. All supplies provided. No class on November 29.