Intro to Needle Felting: Tiny Birds

Celebrate the Museum’s galleries-wide exhibition, “Into the Time Horizon,” by needle felting a tiny bird, emblematic of why environmental stewardship is so important. This beginner workshop will offer an overview of needle felting tools and techniques, types of wool, as well as basic blending methods, while sculpting wool into a three-dimensional bird. This course is perfect for beginners or more advanced students.

All materials and supplies are provided.

Wednesday, August 12
5 – 8:30 pm

Instructor: Lynn Short
Adult: (16+) | All levels

Salsa Social Dancing 101

Have you ever wanted to learn how to dance salsa but didn’t know where to start? Join Tiempo Latino Dance Companys’ Director, Gerzon Chaves for Salsa Social Dancing 101. This class is designed to teach you everything you need to become a confident and comfortable social dancer in just four weeks.

This engaging 4-week class goes beyond learning basic steps. You’ll develop rhythm, timing, footwork, turns, partner connection, and dance-floor awareness. All the essential skills that make social dancing both fun and enjoyable. Along the way, you’ll also learn important dance etiquette, including how to navigate the dance floor, communicate effectively with partners, and create a welcoming experience for everyone you dance with.

Most importantly, you’ll discover that great social dancing is about more than helping your partner have fun—it’s about building confidence, connecting with others, and enjoying yourself on the dance floor. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to strengthen your foundation, this class will prepare you to step into any salsa social with confidence. No partner or previous dance experience is required.

Wednesdays, August 5 – 26
6 – 8 pm

Instructor: Gerzon Chaves 
Age: Adult (16+) | Beginner

*Note: Gerzon Chaves is from Costa Rica and is one of the premier dance instructors in the Reno/Tahoe area.

Long Pose Portrait in Any Medium

In this class students will work from a live model, and a single pose for the entire 8 hour session over 2 days. Long pose portrait drawing gives students the time to develop a drawing beyond a gesture, and focus on more accurate measurements, as well as taking a deeper dive into value. Feel free to bring in any drawing or painting mediums for this class. There will be materials in the classroom for students to use. This class runs like an open studio, and the instructor will be present to give as much or as little instruction as each student requests.  

Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16
10 am – 2 pm

Instructor: Rachel Moseley
Age: Adult (18+) | All levels

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

  • 18×24″ US Art Supply Canvas Pad (can be found on Amazon)
  • Long handle flat brushes, various sizes
  • Turpenoid odorless mineral spirits
  • Pallet or pallet paper
  • Roll of blue shop paper towels
  • vine charcoal
  • compressed charcoal
  • HB, 2b, 4b, 6b charcoal pencil 
  • Pastels
  • Suggested oil paints:
  • Lamp black
  • Titanium white
  • Alizarin Crimson

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, September 5
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, August 1
10:30 am – 3:30 pm

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

Ikebana: The Art of Japanese Floral Arrangement in the Nageire Style

Nageire is a natural and informal style of ikebana that originated in the 12th century. This style is typically arranged in a tall, cylindrical vase, which presents a unique challenge. Since a kenzan cannot be used in such a container, Nageire requires advanced techniques to secure branches and flowers effectively. This added complexity makes it a more intricate and fascinating approach compared to other ikebana styles. This is a level II class of Ikebana, so it is important that you have previously attended the introduction class unless you already have experience in Ikebana.  

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

Thursdays, September 10 – October 1
5:30 – 7:30 pm

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

Supplies List: 

  • Garden Sheers or Large Kitchen Scissors

Introduction to Ikebana: The Art of Japanese Floral Arrangement

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, August 13 – September 3
5:30 – 7:30 pm

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

Supplies List: 

  • Garden Sheers or Large Kitchen Scissors

The Art of Collage

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, September 28
5 – 9 pm

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

The Art of Collage

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, August 31
5 – 9 pm

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

Kids’ Corner: Intro to Ceramics

Join us for a fun and festive clay-making adventure! In this hands-on class kids ages 7-11 will learn fundamental hand building techniques including pinch pots, coil building, and basic sculpture to create unique themed masterpieces. Students will craft ornaments, festive lanterns, and more, exploring their creativity while gaining skills in working with clay. All materials are provided- just bring your imagination.

Mondays, September 7 – 28
5:30 – 7:30 pm

Instructor: Emily Reid
Ages: 7 – 11 | All Levels