Clay for Beginners
Learn about the basics of working with clay for producing decorative and functional pottery. Students will learn the process and various techniques for going from an idea to a 3 dimensional completed glazed piece. The class will cover slab and coil construction as well as an introduction to throwing pieces on the wheel. An overview of decorating and glazing techniques for completing the piece will be presented. All firings will be done by the museum in an electric kiln and all materials will be provided.
*Note: This session will be 8 weeks.
Wednesdays, March 4 – April 22
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Instructor: Jeff Hardcastle
Ages: Adult (16+) | Beginners
Ceramics: Creating with Clay
Intermediate and advanced level students will enjoy developing their hand building and/or wheel throwing projects in this class. The instructor will introduce students to new techniques such as lidded, forms, vases, and image transfer. Students are encouraged to come to class with ideas for their own projects while the instructor will encourage experimentation and assist students as needed.
*Note: This session is 8 weeks.
Sundays, March 1 – April 19
10 am – 1 pm
Instructor: Jeff Hardcastle
Age: Adult (16+) | All levels
Urban Nighttime Photography
For many photographers, working at night opens up an entirely new creative world—along with a unique set of challenges. While compelling subjects emerge as the sun sets, nighttime photography requires a different approach to camera settings, composition, and location awareness. This three-day, hands-on course is designed to eliminate the uncertainty and hesitation that often come with shooting in low-light and nighttime conditions. This class is ideal for both beginning and intermediate photographers.
Part One: Takes place in the classroom, where students will become familiar with key concepts, shooting modes, composition strategies, and how to properly dial in their camera settings for low-light photography. Wednesday, February 18 from 6 – 8 pm.
Part Two: Will meet on location to downtown Reno, using the Western Lights Festival as the subject. This dynamic event offers a wide range of photographic opportunities within a controlled environment, allowing students to experiment, practice, and interact directly with the instructor. Here is the link to the Western Lights Festival Website to get a better understanding of the event. https://westernlightsfestival.com Thursday, February 19 from 6 – 8 pm
Part Three: Return to the classroom for a group critique of students’ strongest images from the event, along with additional instruction on refining techniques for working in nighttime and low-light conditions. Saturday, February 21 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Wednesday, February 18
6 – 8 pm
Thursday, February 19
6 – 8 pm
Saturday, February 21
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Instructor: MD Welch
Ages: Adult (18+) | All Levels
Supply List:
DSLR or mirrorless camera and lenses
Tripod (optional)
Intro to Needle Felting: Whimsical White Mouse
In this creative needle felting workshop, you’ll craft an irresistibly whimsical white mouse brimming with personality and charm. Using a variety of wools and pre-felt, you’ll learn how to sculpt rounded forms, add delightful details, and bring your mouse to life—no prior experience required.
This hands-on class is ideal for beginners and fiber enthusiasts alike. You’ll be guided step by step through essential needle felting techniques, from shaping the body to adding ears, nose, and tail. Along the way, you’ll explore how different fibers and pre-felt can enhance texture, depth, and character in your finished piece.
All materials and supplies are provided.
Thursday, February 19
5 – 8:30 pm
Instructor: Lynn Short
Adult: (16+) | All levels
Creative Writing: Short Stories
What makes a story unforgettable? In this class, students will explore the art of short story writing by learning how to craft engaging narratives that capture a reader’s imagination. Unlike news or business writing, creative writing prioritizes storytelling over strict facts, allowing room for invention, personal experiences, and even reimagined fairy tales. Through guided exercises, students will practice key elements of storytelling—such as character development, setting, dialogue, and conflict—while experimenting with both real-life inspiration and pure fiction. By the end of the class, participants will have written their own short stories and discovered tools to continue their creative writing journey.
Saturday, March 7
10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Em Tomeo
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels
Creative Writing: Short Stories
What makes a story unforgettable? In this class, students will explore the art of short story writing by learning how to craft engaging narratives that capture a reader’s imagination. Unlike news or business writing, creative writing prioritizes storytelling over strict facts, allowing room for invention, personal experiences, and even reimagined fairy tales. Through guided exercises, students will practice key elements of storytelling—such as character development, setting, dialogue, and conflict—while experimenting with both real-life inspiration and pure fiction. By the end of the class, participants will have written their own short stories and discovered tools to continue their creative writing journey.
Saturday, February 21
10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Em Tomeo
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels
Camera Basics for DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras
This class is designed for beginning to intermediate photographers who have purchased a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera or a mirrorless camera. Course participants will explore the specific features of DSLR or mirrorless cameras, as well as general photographic skills and techniques to make great pictures.
Saturday, January 31
10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Instructor: MD Welch
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels
Supply list:
Students are required to bring have a DSLR camera or mirrorless camera as well as their camera’s manual. A fully charged battery and memory card are also necessary for class. Any lenses that they own should also be brought to class.
Book Arts: Book Repairs and Restoration
In this class, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of how books from 100–150 years ago were manufactured, and how time affects their structure. From that knowledge, we’ll explore the most common issues that arise with aging books and the best practices for addressing them. You’ll learn how to carefully remove damaged pages, repair and reassemble them, and reattach covers to the book block. Like a trip to the “emergency room” for books, this workshop will show you how to breathe new life into treasured volumes while preserving as much of their original character and appearance as possible.
Tuesdays, February 24 – March 17
1:30 – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Pietro Accardi
Age: Adult (16+) | All Levels
Spring Break Camp: Fun with Clay
Kids ages 7 – 11 will have fun exploring the tactile nature of clay. Instruction will encompass basic hand building, throwing on the wheel, and sculpture. In this 5 day camp, students will learn about the basics of pottery, glazing and the transformation of their pieces from the heat of kiln. This will be a fun and educational class. All works will be fired in the Museums’ kiln. Snack and materials are included.
Monday – Friday, March 30 – April 3
8:30 am – noon
Instructor: Karen Vetter
Ages: 7 – 11 | All levels
Spring Break Camp: Fun with Clay
Kids ages 7 – 11 will have fun exploring the tactile nature of clay. Instruction will encompass basic hand building, throwing on the wheel, and sculpture. In this 5 day camp, students will learn about the basics of pottery, glazing and the transformation of their pieces from the heat of kiln. This will be a fun and educational class. All works will be fired in the Museums’ kiln. Snack and materials are included.
Monday – Friday, March 23 – 27
8:30 am – noon
Instructor: Karen Vetter
Ages: 7 – 11 | All levels