Welcome (back) to Art School! It’s time to refresh and activate your creativity through this series of technique-building classes utilizing Carnegie Museum of Art’s collection and exhibitions as source material.
Art School for Life!
Art School for Life Goes to Camp!
When: | June 10–Aug. 22 |
Tues.–Fri., noon–3 p.m. | |
Where: | Ceramics Studio, Yellow Studio, and Galleries |
Tickets: | $150 ($125 Carnegie Museums members; $100 Mindful Museum members) |
It’s summer camp… for adults. Yes, you! Immerse yourself in creativity and learning alongside artworks from across time and around the globe. Each artist-led 4-day intensive workshop includes close looking and visual thinking in the galleries, in-depth exploration of techniques and materials connected to artwork on view and your own interests and skills, and thoughtful conversation to expand your imagination. The summer camp iteration of Art School for Life! is designed for all levels of art experience—we meet you where you are. All materials provided and class participants receive $5 parking rate.
Tues.–Fri., noon–3 p.m.
Sample three different methods of printmaking—monoprinting, lino cutting, and drypoint etching—to better understand the spectrum of possibilities of this art form. This is the perfect introduction for artists exploring printmaking for the first time. Focus on your favorite in a subsequent class.
Tues.–Fri., noon–3 p.m.
This printmaking technique, which dates back to the 15th century, produces a highly detailed image of soft, velvety lines. Learn how to incise into the printing plate, apply ink to the plate, print using a printing press, and create print editions. A private viewing of an etching in the collection will take place during class.
Tues.–Fri., noon–3 p.m.
Express yourself with this printmaking technique that embraces spontaneity, color, and a painterly approach unique to this versatile process. Learn how to create both singular and limited-edition prints. Experiment with various effects produced by hand-pressing, using the printing press, and drawing directly on your prints.
Tues.–Fri., noon–3 p.m.
Zoom in on bead and pendant making to learn some macro ceramic skills on a micro level! Utilize clay hand building and texturing techniques such as slip and score to form and decorate your beads. Experiment with color and surface design to add “ready to wear” flair.
Tues.–Fri., noon–3 p.m.
Dive into the design possibilities of lino cutting, a technique akin to woodblock carving which produces bold lines. Learn how to carve lines and shapes into a linoleum block, apply ink, and print using both hand and press methods. Explore creating multi-color prints and print editions with striking contrast.
Tues.–Fri., noon–3 p.m.
Learn how to create surface designs using ceramic glaze and underglaze as your painting medium. Create soft designs with underglaze watercolors and bold hatching patterns with sgraffito on a pre-fired. This class is perfect for the 2D artist who is ready to expand their skill set.
Tues.–Fri., noon–3 p.m.
Cultivate an expertise for translating what you see into self-expression. Hone your observational skills while exploring basic techniques for drawing from life. Learn compositional strategies for setting up and drawing your own still life, capture flowing gestures in figure drawing, and experiment with storytelling through drawing the world around you.
Tues.–Fri., noon–3 p.m.
Experiment with tile forms to create a low relief work of art in clay designed to hang on the wall. Consider combining multiple pieces into one composition. Add dimensional elements to your work using slip and score techniques. Play with a range of underglazes to achieve surface effects in color.
Drop-In Drawing
When: | Thurs., June 12–Aug. 7, 6–8 p.m. |
(no session July 3) | |
Where: | Carnegie Museum of Art galleries |
Tickets: | $12 ($10 Carnegie Museums members; $8 Mindful Museum members) |
8-Session Bundle: | $80 ($70 Carnegie Museums members; $60 Mindful Museum members) |
Carnegie Museum of Art’s galleries want to be your studio away from home! Grab the drawing pencils, paper, drawing board, and stool provided by us and venture off into the galleries to experience slow looking and honing your skills in front of works of art. Written prompts, art historical information, and limited guidance will be available to help you navigate your ideas. Limited outside art materials are permitted in the galleries, but personal sketchbooks, pencils, and colored pencils are welcome. Charcoal, wet media, and drawing boards, pads, easels, or sketchbooks larger than 18” x 24” are not permitted in the galleries.
Class participants receive $5 parking rate. Museum admission included with registration. Perfect for all levels of experience.

Crash Course Art History Classes

Thurs., June 26, July 10, 17, 24 6–7:30 p.m.
These artists’ names might be familiar, or names we feel like we should know, but why? How might our experiences with artworks expand beyond a legacy of knowing? Why do Monet’s Waterlilies calm us, generation after generation? Why are stained glass lamps called Tiffany lamps?