In this 4 week beginner friendly class, students will learn to make their very own wrap skirt. Over the duration of this course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of a wrap skirt design, fitting techniques, reading a pattern, sewing techniques, hem and more! The pattern will be provided. 

Note: The Museum School has Singer Brilliance 6180 brand sewing machines, tools and fabric for students to use but please feel free to bring your own machine and supplies if you’d like. 

Tuesdays, May 5 – 26
5 – 8:30 pm

Instructor: Selah Peña
Age: Adult (16+) | All levels

Enjoy the sea life by attending this needle felting workshop where students will create a small adorable sea otter. Students will learn to use wire armature to create the base and then blend the wool to sculpt the otter that will be about 7 inches. This workshop is perfect for beginner and experienced needle felters. All supplies are provided. 

Monday, April 20
5 – 8:30 pm

Instructor: Lynn Short
Age: Adult (16+) | All Levels

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, April 29 from 6 – 8 pm.

Part Two: Will meet on location to downtown Reno, using the Burning Man Sculpture installations on 4th street in the Glow District as the subject. These dynamic sculpture lit by various colored lights offers a wide range of photographic opportunities allowing students to experiment, practice, and interact directly with the instructor.
Thursday, April 30 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, May 2 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.

Wednesday, April 29
6 – 8 pm

Thursday, April 30
6 – 8 pm

Saturday, May 2
10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Instructor: MD Welch
Ages: Adult (18+) | All Levels

Supply List:

DSLR or mirrorless camera and lenses
Tripod (optional)

In this introduction to Ikebana class, students will embark on a journey of traditional flower arranging, delving into the profound beauty and cultural significance of Japanese floral art. Ikebana is more than just arranging flowers – it is a mindful practice that harmonizes nature, balance, and form. Students will work with the instructor to learn the fundamental principles of Ikebana, exploring the different styles and schools that have evolved over centuries. No prior floral design experience is necessary; this class is open to students of all levels. All supplies will be provided. 

*Note: Truus Ten Kate Sharp has 40+ years of experience practicing Ikebana.

Thursdays, April 2 – 23
5:30 – 7:30 pm

Instructor: Truus Ten Kate Sharp
Age: Adult (16+) | All Levels

Supplies List: 

• Garden Sheers or Large Kitchen Scissors

This class explores the fundamentals of abstract aesthetics in painting. Students will learn to understand and apply the visual language of shape, form, and color to create compelling abstract compositions inspired by real-world visual references. The course focuses on acrylic painting techniques, offering versatility and immediate results that support the development of each student’s unique style and aesthetic.

Monday, April 27
5 – 9 pm

Instructor: Sogand Tabatabaei
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels

Supply list: Show email confirmation at Nevada Fine Arts for 10% discount.

• Acrylic Paints set of 12 colors or 24 colors
• Flat brush (Royal Brush, soft grip brush set)
• Round brush (Royal Brush, soft grip brush set)
• Flat Palette
• Canvas or Canvas Boards, 11×14 or 16×20
• Acrylic pad
• Drawing pencils (4B and 6B)

Collaging is the art of sticking various different materials such as photographs, pieces of paper or fabric on to a backing. In this class, students will learn about the aesthetics of collage, melding the ideas of reality and fiction as the instructor guides them through the process of creating their own piece using everyday materials. 

Supplies are provided, but feel free to bring any materials you’d like to incorporate into your collage piece.

Monday, May 25
5 – 9 pm

Instructor: Sogand Tabatabaei
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels

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, May 2
10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Instructor: Em Tomeo
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels

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, April 4
10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Instructor: Em Tomeo
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels

Unleash your creativity in this hands-on ceramic hand-building class designed for both beginners and intermediate students. Explore the fundamental techniques of pinch, coil, and slab construction as you transform raw clay into expressive vessels and sculptural forms. Through guided demonstrations and individualized instruction, you’ll learn how to shape, refine, and assemble your pieces, as well as discover surface techniques and glazing methods to enhance your finished work. All materials are provided.

Thursdays, April 30 – June 4
5:30 – 8:30 pm

Instructor: Brittany Sundheim
Age: Adult (16+) | Beginner and Intermediate

Create decorative and functional pottery in this six-week class designed for the beginner as well as those who have taken intermediate pottery classes in the past. Students will learn how to work with clay in both hand building, and wheel-throwing techniques. Finishing methods such as decorating, stamping, painting, and staining will be introduced as well as the discussion and practice of firing and glazing of clay works. Stoneware, Mighty White, Porcelain and Speckled clay will be used as well as cone 6 and cone 06 glazes will be available. All firings will be done by the museum in an electric kiln. All materials are provided.

Tuesdays, May 19 – June 23
5:30 – 8:30 pm

Instructor: Brittany Sundheim
Ages: (16+) | All Levels