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.

More classes to be announced!