JMAM Art Classes

We are excited about the upcoming classes in 2025.  Take a look at the different sessions and the variety of projects

you can make!  Check back often to see what other classes have been added.

Class sizes will be limited and fees will vary for each class. 

Call 270-522-9056 to reserve your spot.

Classes for this past year focused on stained glass, painting, pottery, felting, jewelry making, wreath & basket making, and more fun skills.

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Ceramics – Focus on Surface Decoration

January 8-29 (Wednesdays, 12-3 PM)

Instructor: Susan Bergman

(Class fee is $200 or $175 for museum members)

The fee for this four-week class includes a 25lb bag of clay. Additional clay may be bought if needed for $25 per 25lb bag of clay.

Description: Colored slips (liquid clay) add layers of interest and individual expression to any clay creation.   We will play with a range of applications including sgraffito, paper resist patterns, slip trailing, and underglaze transfers, focusing on how graphic design and carved, raised, or sculpted additions add personality and punch to even the most basic forms.  No drawing skill needed—just a willingness to fool around, first on tiles and then on three-dimensional forms.

Introduction to Handbuilding in Clay

January 18-February 8 (Saturdays, 12-3PM)

Instructor: Susan Bergman

(Class fee is $200 or $175 for museum members)

Class includes all firing, glazes, slips, tools and a 25-pound bag of clay. Additional clay may be purchased if needed for $25 per 25lb bag of clay.
Description: We will construct classic forms, such as bowls, vessels, and boxes, employing bisque molds, slabs, and coiling techniques.  We will investigate proportion and movement in surface decoration, applying colored slips and glazes in patterns both geometrical and organic.  All levels of experience are welcome, from complete beginners to seasoned clay lovers.   Come get your fingers dirty!

Ceramics – Boxes & Other Lidded Vessels 

February 5-26 (Wednesdays, 12-3 PM)

Instructor: Susan Bergman

(Class fee is $200 or $175 for museum members)

Class includes all firing, glazes, slips, tools and a 25-pound bag of clay. Additional clay may be purchased if needed for $25 per 25lb bag of clay.
Description:  The lidded vessel invites exploration.  We will examine shapes and proportions, from the classic cube to the outlandish bubble, that lend themselves to concealment.  We will play with lid placement and shape, attach handles and feet that complement the overall design, and construct flanges to keep the lid secure.  We will consider how to hide secrets, a surprise, or a salad inside the vessel, and treat each surface—including the interior and the bottom—as an element of sculpture.  Any subject goes:  If you want to create a box shaped like a circus tent, a jar shaped like a Stegosaurus, or a casserole shaped like a Gila monster, this is the class for you.

Felt Heart Jewelry Class

February 11 (Tuesday, 12-4 PM)

Instructor: Noemi Bush

(Class fee is $40 or $35 for museum members)

Painting from a Photograph – Oil Painting Class

February 21-March 7 (Fridays, 10AM-2 PM)

Instructor: Lucy Thomas (Class fee is $125 or $115 for museum members)

Class materials will be provided; bring a sack lunch.
Description: Painting primarily from a photograph needs special consideration. In this class, you will choose a still life or landscape to paint. We will discuss choosing a photo with respect to focal point, composition, and color. The students will then go from prep beginnings to the finished painting process.

Ceramics: Rhytons-Drinking Vessels that Sprout from Animal Heads

March 5-26 (Wednesdays, 12-3 PM)

Instructor: Susan Bergman

(Class fee is $200 or $175 for museum members)

Class includes all firing, glazes, slips, tools and a 25-pound bag of clay. Additional clay may be purchased if needed for $25 per 25lb bag of clay.
Description:  Do you ever look at a cup and think, “That would be perfect, if only it had a long neck and a beak”?  Even if you haven’t had that epiphany, you’ll want to learn how to transform an ordinary cup into an animal or bird that wants to serve.  We’ll create gesture and expression through the addition of snouts, ears, eyes, and horns, and experiment with techniques to add graphic interest to the clay surface.  Bring photos or drawings that you find animated and interesting, and we’ll turn them into stoneware friends that will never allow you to go thirsty.

Ceramics – Introduction to Surface Decoration

March 8-29 (Saturdays, 12-3 PM)

Instructor: Susan Bergman

(Class fee is $200 or $175 for museum members)

Class includes all firing, glazes, slips, tools and a 25-pound bag of clay. Additional clay may be purchased if needed for $25 per 25lb bag of clay.
Description:Colored slips (liquid clay) add layers of interest and individual expression to any clay creation.   We will play with a range of applications including sgraffito, paper resist patterns, slip trailing, and underglaze transfers, focusing on how graphic design and carved, raised, or sculpted additions add personality and punch to even the most basic forms.  No drawing skill needed—just a willingness to fool around, first on tiles, and then on three-dimensional forms.

Painty Party

April 4 (Friday, 4-6 PM)

Instructor: Lucy Thomas

(Class fee is $55 or $50 for museum members)

Supplies included: 16″x20″ canvas, acrylic paint, brushes

Ceramics: Fantastical Botanicals Class 1

April 5-26 (Saturdays, 12-3 PM)

Instructor: Susan Bergman

(Class fee is $200 or $175 for museum members)

Class includes all firing, glazes, slips, tools and a 25-pound bag of clay. Additional clay may be purchased if needed for $25 per 25lb bag of clay.
Description:  Explore the undulating line between function and sculpture as we transform classic pottery forms into wild, three-dimensional gardens that you’ll never have to water. Bowls, platters, pitchers, and tureens will grow branches while masses of flowers and plants burst into bloom on lids, rims, handles, and pedestals. Susan will provide blank shapes for you to festoon, as well as demonstrate glazing techniques.

Ceramics: Fantastical Botanicals Class 2

April 9-30 (Wednesdays, 12-3 PM)

Instructor: Susan Bergman

(Class fee is $200 or $175 for museum members)

Class includes all firing, glazes, slips, tools and a 25-pound bag of clay. Additional clay may be purchased if needed for $25 per 25lb bag of clay.
Description:  Explore the undulating line between function and sculpture as we transform classic pottery forms into wild, three-dimensional gardens that you’ll never have to water. Bowls, platters, pitchers, and tureens will grow branches while masses of flowers and plants burst into bloom on lids, rims, handles, and pedestals. Susan will provide blank shapes for you to festoon, as well as demonstrate glazing techniques.

Intro to Figure Drawing

April 17 & 18 (Thursday & Friday, 1-3 PM)

Instructor: DePaul Hendrix

(Class fee is 95 or $85 for museum members)

Please join us for a two-day figure drawing course taught by fellow Janice Mason Art Museum board member and professor, DePaul Hendrix. He will be instructing back-to-back introductory courses on April 17th and 18th. Artists of all skill levels are welcome. Basic supplies will be provided. A suggested list of additional supplies that may come in handy, but are optional to purchase, can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3G8PCIN6QWW4U?ref_=wl_share .

Fused Glass Jewelry

April 29 – May 13 (Tuesdays, 4-6 PM)

Instructor: Vicki Karrigan

(Class fee is $60 or $50 for museum members)

Ceramics: Building Vessels with Coils

May 7-28 (Wednesdays, 12-3 PM)

Instructor: Susan Bergman

(Class fee is $200 or $175 for museum members)

Class includes all firing, glazes, slips, tools and a 25-pound bag of clay. Additional clay may be purchased if needed for $25 per 25lb bag of clay.
Description: One of the most basic skills in pottery and sculpture is also one of the most elegant. To build a vessel or sculpture coil by coil requires both patience and the ability to look into the future, to gradually shape the clay with tools and fingers until you arrive at the desired shape. Coil building, thanks to the compression of the clay in your hands, allows you to build large and completely individual pieces. Never touched clay before? No problem!

Ceramics: Boxes & Other Lidded Vessels

May 10-31 (Saturdays, 12-3 PM)

Instructor: Susan Bergman

(Class fee is $200 or $175 for museum members)

Class includes all firing, glazes, slips, tools and a 25-pound bag of clay. Additional clay may be purchased if needed for $25 per 25lb bag of clay.
Description: The lidded vessel invites exploration. We will examine shapes and proportions, from the classic cube to the outlandish bubble, that lend themselves to concealment. We will play with lid placement and shape, attach handles and feet that complement the overall design, and construct flanges to keep the lid secure. We will consider how to hide secrets, a surprise, or a salad inside the vessel, and treat each surface—including the interior and the bottom—as an element of sculpture. Any subject goes: If you want to create a box shaped like a circus tent, a jar shaped like a Stegosaurus, or a casserole shaped like a Gila monster, this is the class for you.
Pressed Flowers (CANCELLED)

May 24 (Saturday, 9AM-12PM)

Instuctor: Sue Ellen Claggett

(Class fee is $45 or $40 for museum members)

Special Topics in Handbuilding with Clay: for Regulars & Beginners Alike 

*Choose either Wednesday or Saturday sessions*

June 4-25 (Wednesdays, 12-3 PM)

June 7-28 (Saturdays, 12-3 PM)

Instructor: Susan Bergman

(Class fee is $200 or $175 for museum  members)

Class includes all firing, glazes, slips, tools and clay.
Description: June classes are a chance for regular students to choose their own project, applying techniques learned under Susan’s eagle eye, while developing skills and topics that move or inspire. For total beginners, these classes will introduce the basics of sculpture and hand-built pottery, while encouraging personal tastes and ambitions. Always fantasized about making a Puffin on Wheels, or a Serving Tray that doubles as a Hat? Or just want to make a Pitcher that pours? You’ve come to the right place.
Book Making (CANCELLED)

June 21 (Saturday, 9AM-12PM

Instructor: Leida Tackett

(Class fee is $40 or $35 for museum members)

Let’s get your creative thoughts flowing for this book making class! If you have any special fabric, doilies, buttons etc., bring them with you. Plenty of materials will be provided, so no worries if you don’t bring your own. This book can be a journal, art book, scrapbook and more! Drop by the museum to check out a few example books in our gift shop and to sign up for the class.
Capturing Nature with Printing (on fabric & paper)
July 12 (Saturday, 11AM-3PM)
Instructor: Karen Clement
(Class fee is $75 or $60 for museum members)
Record the intricate beauty of plants and natural objects using easy, fun and accessible nature printing techniques.  (Examples can be seen in museum lobby.)
Jumping July 2025
July 15-18 (10AM-1:30 PM, each day)
AGES: 3rd Grade & Up
(Registration Fee is $5)
Registration is required and opens on May 20th, closes July 1st.  Class sizes are limited.
View the EVENT FLYER and the CALENDAR of classes.
Zinnia & Pinecone Wreath Making

July 19 (Saturday, 9AM-12PM)

Instructor: Sue Ellen Claggett

(Class fee is $55 or $50 for museum members)

Christmas in July Crushed Glass

July 22 (Tuesday, 6-8 PM)

Instructor: Vicki Karrigan

(Class fee is $20 or $15 for museum members)

Each student will make three crushed glass ornaments covered in resin.

More classes to be announced!