art education programs
2026 SEASON
We cannot wait to make art with you! Get on our list to be the first to hear when workshops open for enrollment. Choose your interests and we'll email you in advance with full details and registration access.
Announcing our 2026 Programs
Contact allison@creedecenterforthearts.org for questions!
Fine Arts Workshops
We are excited to significantly expand our lineup of full-day fine arts workshops, designed for adult learners and led by some of the most accomplished artists in our region– and beyond! We have curated a selection of offerings tailored across skill levels. From the beginner looking to build a foundation, to the experienced artist who wishes to dive deeper into a medium, each class will spark creativity in an immersive studio setting.
Highlights include Drawing Wildflowers with Peggy Stenmark; Crash Course in Acrylic with Coni Grant; Intro to Watercolor and Intro to Color Theory with Michigan-based artist Mike Henry; Plein Air Painting with David Montgomery;and the return of our ever-popular figure drawing intensives with Kris Gosar—plus many more offerings to be announced.
Our 2026 Printmaking Series, multi-day workshops offered throughout the year, will launch in March, where we will see both Introduction to Linocut Printmaking for beginners and an advanced Relief Printmaking Masterclass focused on creating exhibition-ready work for submission to the Creede Arts Council’s National Small Print Show. A Relief Cut Printmaking Workshop follows in July for summer visitors. A festive, small-format printmaking card workshop is planned for November—just in time for the holidays.
All workshops include high-quality materials, so participants can simply show up and create. To make these opportunities accessible to more artists in our community, we are also proud to offer three full-scholarship spots for every adult workshop in 2026. Watch for more information - we will announce and provide links for scholarship applications as they become available!
Evening Creative Sessions
Every other week throughout the summer, we invite the community to gather for our Evening Creative Sessions—a relaxed, welcoming workshop experience designed to spark creativity and connection. Led by professional artists and instructors, these evenings blend artistic exploration with good food, drinks, and the joy of creation.
From fine-art drawing and painting to crafty crochet circles to inventive, out-of-the-box projects, each session offers a fresh way to unwind, learn something new, and engage your creative spirit. These gatherings are intentionally designed to bring together our extended community and foster meaningful connections through shared creative experiences.
Stay tuned for the full summer calendar of Evening Creative Sessions! We are offering a 20% discountfor local residents and arts organization affiliates for all Evening Creative Sessions this year.
Youth Initiatives
In addition to our day camp collaboration Writing for Screen and Stage with the Creede Repertory Theatre, Creede Center for the Arts is proud to offer several youth-focused art camps designed just for kids. These hands-on experiences are led by exceptional elementary and middle school art educators who also practice as professional artists—bringing both strong teaching skills and real-world creative insight into the classroom.
Dive into creativity at Taste of Creede this Memorial Day weekend as artist and educator Jesse Crock guides a hands-on painting adventure for young artists ages 7-15. Surrounded by nature's beauty, Jesse will spark imaginations and reveal inspiring ways to interpret and express the world through vibrant visual compositions.
In August, in partnership with the Creede Musical Arts Collective, we are thrilled to welcome Oklahoma-based artist Alisa Nelson for a three-day workshop, The Sounds of Art (Ages 7-12). Inspired by the groundbreaking artist Wassily Kandinsky, this dynamic camp will explore collage, texture, and the concept of synesthesia—the blending of senses—by connecting music and visual art. Through guided experimentation, students will discover how sound, color, and movement can come together to create bold, expressive works of art.
For our littlest artists, Alisa Nelson and Megan Marino will also host Pop in For Art & Music! (Ages 3-5), a forty-five minute session on August 12, where tots can move, listen, dance and create!
2025 Highlights
"Before taking Kris Gosar’s class, I had never taken a drawing course in my life. I honestly didn’t think I had any real talent for it. But after just two classes, the difference was remarkable — not only in my technique, but in the way I see. Chris has a unique way of breaking things down so you actually understand what you’re doing, and his feedback helps you grow fast. Everyone around me noticed how much my drawings improved in such a short time. I’m genuinely grateful for the experience — it’s given me confidence I didn’t know I had." - Damian Richardson, 2025 Participant
"CCA truly has something for everyone. My elementary age son loves drawing already and these workshops really encourage out of the box thinking and creativity for both kids and adults. I took a printmaking class over the winter and it reignited my love of visual arts that I hadn't experienced since college. The class offered background of the art form, one-on-one help, but also allowed us to unlock our own individual expression. What a great addition to the Creede arts community!" -Kate Berry, 2025 Participant
