Spring Break Camp: Digital Art and Illustration

Kids ages 7– 11 will have fun playing on the Museum’s iPad Pros as they work on story-boarding, character design and animation in this 5 day summer camp. Students will also have an opportunity to explore and sketch using the iPads in the Museum’s galleries while looking for inspiration for their own work. A snack and all materials are included with registration.

Monday – Friday, March 23 – 27
1 – 4 pm

Instructor: Mars Pancoast
Ages: 7 – 11 | All levels

Spring Break Camp: Intro to Painting

Kid’s age 7 – 11 will learn the versatility of this multi faceted medium! Using color theory and form, this camp will focus on  different styles and techniques of painting each day. Color mixing will be an important aspect during camp as well as awareness of composition. Students will create a different piece of art each day and will come away from camp with an understanding of how to construct a painting. All supplies and a mid-camp snack will be provided. 

Monday – Friday, March 23 – 27
9 am – noon 

Instructor: Monica Pang
Ages: 7-11 | All Levels

Expanding Creativity Through Multi-Mediums

 This class explores the possibilities of self-expression through charcoal, watercolor, and acrylic. Through guided introspection and creative exploration, students will work to uncover the messages they wish to communicate through their art. Along the way, the fundamentals of each medium will be introduced and reinforced as participants progress toward creating full-scale, finished works. All supplies will be provided.

Friday, February 27 and March 6
4 – 8 pm

Instructor: Ray Valdez
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels

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.