Classes and Workshops
To find out how you can support these classes via scholarships, call us at 530-274-8384.

Monday through Friday - Four 1-week Sessions
The Center for the Arts presents
The Academy of Creative Arts
Ages 8-12 - June 16 - 20, June 23 - 27, July 7 - 11
TEEN WEEK! - Ages 13-17 - July 14 - 18
Click HERE for details. Click HERE for application PDF.

Christine Elder - Summer 2008
Artist/instructor Christine Elder, is a Nevada County native, and sole proprietor of a biological illustration and graphic design studio, with a master’s degree in biology, and over twenty years teaching experience.
Click HERE for Christine Elder class information PDF. Phone: 273-6148 / email:

Drawing From Nature Series: Introductory Sketching
Saturday , 10:00 am – 3 pm, June 7
Teacher: Christine Elder
Center For The Arts Annex, Upstairs Classroom
Cost: $ 50 adult / $25 youth accompanied by paying adult
This class is for the beginning artist with little or no drawing experience. It focuses on techniques of accurately depicting shape and three dimensional form. We will do guided drawing exercises, working from photos and natural objects such as seashells, feathers, pinecones and flowers. You will gain confidence in this fun and supportive class. All arts materials will be provided by the instructor.

Drawing From Nature Series: Botanical Illustration
Saturday , 10:00 am – 3 pm, June 14
Teacher: Christine Elder
Center For The Arts Annex, Upstairs Classroom
Cost: $ 50 adult / $25 youth accompanied by paying adult
This class is for intermediate students, or those that have taken my Introductory Sketching class. We will learn a bit about the anatomy of flowers and plant parts in order to more accurately sketch them. Our medium will be graphite pencils and we will practice drawing from live specimens including orchids and carnivorous plants. All arts materials will be provided by the instructor.

Drawing From Nature Series: Watercolor Workshop
Saturday , 10:00 am – 3 pm, June 21
Teacher: Christine Elder
Center For The Arts Annex, Upstairs Classroom
Cost: $ 50 adult / $25 youth accompanied by paying adult
This class is for the beginning painter, and those wishing to improve their skills in painting realistic objects in nature. You will learn to mix accurate colors to match the exact shade of a lovely flower petal, butterfly wing or tree trunk. We will also explore various paint application

Drawing From Nature Series: Carbon Dust ‘Painting’
Saturday, 10:00 am – 3 pm, July 5
Teacher: Christine Elder
Center For The Arts Annex, Upstairs Classroom
Cost: $ 50 adult / $25 youth accompanied by paying adult
The carbon dust technique is a gorgeous, but little known medium with an intriguing history. It involves drawing with carbon pencils then developing three dimensional form by application of carbon dust with dry brushes and stomps. Highlights are then scratched out or painted on, and the darkest values added with India ink. It is a fun and flexible technique that allows for extreme tonal development. We will create a finished painting of a natural object, such as a seashell or pinecone. All arts materials will be provided by the instructor.

Celtic-Inspired Gold Leaf Gilding and Painting Workshop
Saturday, 10:00 am – 3 pm, July 12
Teacher: Christine Elder
Center For The Arts Annex, Upstairs Classroom, 316 West Main Street, Grass Valley
Cost: $ 60 adult / $30 youth accompanied by paying adult
Transform yourself back in time for a day of living history as we explore the time honored crafts of the middle ages. We’ll be creating traditional Celtic knotted letters with a decorative border and background. We will then illuminate our designs with gold leaf gilding and paint using gouache and fresh egg tempera paints we make ourselves. Creative inspiration will be gained from viewing examples of famous illuminated manuscripts such as the Book of Kells, Aberdeen Bestiary, Lindisfarne Gospels and the Lutrell Psalter. Your finished project will be worthy of framing or giving as a cherished gift. All arts materials will be provided by the instructor.

Click HERE for Christine Elder class information PDF. Phone: 273-6148 / email:

Jitterbugs Inc
Learn How to Swing Dance
For information call 274-3565
Click HERE for information

Phil Brown Art Classes
Oil & Pastel
Mondays March 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21
Pastels 9:30 am–12:30 pm  
Oils 2:00–5:00 pm
Fee: $130  •  Class Size limit: 10
Click HERE for information flyer PDF.

Figure Painting
Fridays April 4, 11, 18, 25
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Fee: $125 (includes model fees)
Class Size limit: 8
Click HERE for information flyer PDF.

Information: 265-6028 and

Sharon Griffiths Spring Art Classes
After-school Art
Wednesdays: April 2 through April 30, 3:30-5:00PM
Space still available - $75

New Spring Intro to Art for Adults
Wednesdays: March 26 through April 30, 5:30 to 7:00PM
Thursdays: March 27 through May 1, 3:45 to 5:15PM
$125 Includes all materials.

Call NOW for Information: 274-7720 or

Teach a class at the Center for the Arts!
Click HERE for information.
Download a Class Proposal Form - MS Word or PDF.
Download a Class Proposal SAMPLE Form.