Classes and Workshops
Woodmere Art Museum offers a variety of art classes and art programs for adults and kids. Click on the links below to read about the current art programs offered by Woodmere. If you have any questions regarding our listing of art classes or art programs please contact us.
The Clothed Figure
Frances Galante
Monday - Friday, August 16-20
10am-3pm
In this intensive workshop we will work from the figure, dressed in contemporary clothing, in as naturalistic a setting as possible. On the first day we’ll complete three paint sketches using a limited palette of burnt sienna and ultramarine blue. The second, third and fourth day we’ll work in full color on a large canvas for a sustained pose – the same pose for three days, for a total of 15 hours. On the fifth and last day of the workshop we’ll do a one-day painting, alla prima. During lunch breaks (bring your lunch) we’ll look at reproductions of paintings and discuss issues such as content, context, point of view and expressive posture, as well as the formal aesthetic concerns of composition, color mixing and how the paint is applied.
5 sessions - $275, includes model fees
Drawing and Painting
Linda Freedman
Monday-Friday, August 23-27
9:30am-12:30pm
This workshop is for beginners and intermediate painters and drawers. If you are one of those people who “never thought they could draw a straight line” or someone who is more advanced and wishes to hone their drawing or painting skills, join us for a week-long learning experience. We’ll review formal elements: line, composition, perspective and color. We’ll review painting and drawing techniques, as well as boost your confidence in a relaxed atmosphere. Individual instruction and demonstrations will be given.
5 sessions - $125
Shooting the Landscape
Bill Kelly
Saturday, July 24, 31, August 7, 14
10am-noon
This landscape class is for photographers. Meeting at several different locales, you’ll learn to photograph a variety of surroundings in dynamic ways. Demonstrations will be given in framing techniques, focal lengths, composition, and seeing the way the camera sees. We’ll also meet to review our photos and discuss ways to make rich and technically competent photographs. All levels welcome.
4 sessions - $70
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Fall Workshops
Improve the Way You See; Improve the Way You Paint (a Watercolor Workshop)
Jim McFarlane
Monday-Friday, September 13-17
10am-3pm
There is no doubt, an artist “sees” differently. The purpose of this five-day workshop
is to help you improve your ability to evaluate potential subject matter, your visual
perception, and your potential for creating works with strong underlying design.
Working from landscape photos that you will bring (at least 20, no magazine photos
please) the first three days will be devoted to specific exercises aimed at those goals. For
each of the final two days you will be asked to bring a painting that you have done that
did not meet your expectations when completed. Based on your improved “seeing,”
you will rethink, redesign and repaint those two paintings and make them successful.
5 sessions - $250
In the Landscape – Autumn Colors
Paul DuSold
Saturdays and Sundays, October 16, 17, 23, 24,
9:30am-12:30pm
This alla prima or direct painting class is for painters of all levels. The class will meet
at several different locations which will be announced. Demonstrations will be
given in oils, but students are welcome to work in any media. Emphasis will be on
painting quickly and expressively.
4 sessions - $125
Paste Paper - Decorative Patterns and Textures
Andrea Snyder
Saturdays, October 9
9:30am-3:30pm
Paste paper is one of the earliest forms of decorated paper, originating in Europe for
book covers and endpapers. Create beautiful, one-of-a-kind decorated papers by
drawing into pastes and pigments with a variety of tools, such as rollers, sponges,
combs and stamps. Produce papers with elaborate patterns and textures that can
be used in all types of artwork, including collage, painting and bookmaking. Be
prepared for a very messy, but fun experience!
$95, includes supply fees
Watercolor in the Landscape
Miriam Dretler
Saturdays, September 25, October 2, and 9
noon-3pm
Come outside and discover the wonders of nature. We will learn to paint with
simplicity, focusing on shapes, patterns, and colors, as you enjoy the harmony and
rhythms of nature. Experience and paint in Gladwyne’s Rolling Hills Farm, along the
Schuylkill River, Woodmere Art Museum grounds, and Morris Arboretum. Bring a
snack and a small chair for these Saturday afternoons. All levels welcome.
3 sessions - $95
Artist’s Box Assemblage
Andrea Snyder
Thursdays, November 11-December 16, No class November 25 & December 2
1-4pm
Learn how to combine the techniques and principles of 2D and 3D design used
by master artists of collage and assemblage. Learn the appropriate adhesives and
paints to use with papers, board, wood, and found objects. Referencing the art of
Dadaism and Surrealism, Joseph Cornell, Robert Rauschenberg, and Betye Saar, we
will create personalized art expressions from wooden boxes and our own collections
of objects. Bring those items you’ve been saving for just this kind of project and
make an artful gift for the holiday with your assembled treasure.
4 sessions: $155, includes supply fees
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George D. Widener Studio Programs
Adult Studio Classes
Woodmere membership is required for art classes.
Fall Classes
1 Studio Oil Painting
Stefanie Lieberman
1a Sundays, September 19-October 24
1:30-4:30 pm
1b Sundays, November 7-December 12
1:30-4:30 pm
Many professional artists rely on
photographs as source material rather
than direct observation in designing
and creating a painting. This course is
designed to help the student execute
such a painting by focusing on
composition, tonal balance, perspective
and painting technique. The class is
open to students at all levels, from the
beginner to the more advanced, who
would like a deeper exploration of
painting. Individual instruction will be
given throughout each session.
6 sessions - $155
2 Beginning Drawing and Painting I and II
Linda Freedman
2a Mondays, September 20-November 1
9:30am-12:30pm No class October 1
2b Mondays, November 8-December 13
9:30am-12:30pm
Have you ever wanted to draw or paint, but didn’t know where to begin? Then this class is for you. Demonstrations will be given on still life and landscape. Art elements - line, composition, color, subject matter and perspective - will be discussed, along with the use of various materials. Drawing II students will continue to explore line, tone and perspective with an emphasis on composition.
6 sessions - $150
3 Fundamentals of Oil Painting
Linda Freedman
3a Mondays, September 20-November 1
1-4pm No class October 11
3b Mondays, November 8-December 13
1-4pm
Learn the basics and beyond of this
wonderful, versatile medium. Color
mixing, use of materials, composition
and use of light will be discussed and
demonstrated in a relaxed atmosphere.
Whether you are a beginner or more
advanced painter, individual needs will
be addressed and welcomed.
6 sessions - $150
4 Open Studio
4a Mondays, September 20-October 25
4:30-6:30pm
4b Mondays, November 8-December 13
4:30-6:30pm
Here’s an opportunity to draw, paint or sculpt from the live model without an instructor. We’ll supply the model, space, easel or sculpture stand. The model will do several short poses and one long pose in each class. Model is scheduled for three consecutive sessions.
6 sessions - $85, includes model fees
5 Creating a Mood through Still Life
Frances Galante
Tuesdays, September 21-December 7
9:30am-12:30pm
Painting in oil directly from still-life setups, students will learn the importance of color and tone relationships in creating a sense of space. Atmospheric perspective will be considered as a tool to create mystery and vividness in your work. Help will be given with mixing colors and applying brush strokes. Students are encouraged to bring in objects and participate in setting up the still life. This class is perfect for all levels, including those new to oil painting.
12 sessions - $300
6 Beginning Drawing and Painting I and II
Linda Freedman
6a Tuesdays, September 21-November 2
1-4pm No class October 12
6a Tuesdays, November 9-December 14
1-4pm
See description # 2.
6 sessions - $150
7 Introduction to Painting and Drawing
Carlo Russo
7a Tuesdays, September 21-October 26
6:30-9:30pm
7B Tuesdays, November 9-December 14
6:30-9:30pm
This is a great introductory class which emphasizes solid technical skill development and an understanding of color, line, form and space. It also gives students an opportunity to develop personal style. Still life and the figure will be explored as subject matter.
6 sessions - $175, includes model fees
8 Fundamentals of Portrait Painting
Paul DuSold
Wednesdays, September 22-December 15
9:30am-12:30pm
No class November 24
Renowned instructor, Paul DuSold will demonstrate and discuss the procedure of painting a portrait from start to finish. Basic understanding of mixing color and achieving likeness are the primary emphases, along with discussions on the selection and use of materials, including paint, brushes, canvas and palette. This class is designed for students of all levels, including beginner to advanced painters.
12 sessions - $375, includes model fees
9 Abstract Painting: Still Life in a Modern Context
Ryan Earl
9a Wednesdays, September 22-October 27
1-4pm
9b Wednesdays, November 10-December 22
1-4pm No class November 24
This class will use the still life as a point of departure for investigating modern techniques which explore abstraction. Students will concentrate on pursuing their individual ideas for painting, with informal critiques and discussions throughout. Recommended for advanced beginners or intermediate painters.
6 sessions - $150
10 Introduction to Basic Watercolor Painting
Tony Rosati
10a Wednesdays, September 22-October 27
6:30-9:30pm
10b Wednesdays, November 3-December 22
6:30-9:30pm No class November 24, December 1
Acquire a thorough grounding in transparent and opaque watercolor materials and pianting methods, both traditional and atypical. Demonstrations will be presented. The course is intended to develop basic painting techniques and to foster confidence with expressive interpretations of various subjects, including still-life arrangements as well as life or portrait models. Expressive and abstract subject matter will also be addressed. This course is for students with no or little experience, or those wishing to renew their acquaintance with watercolor painting.
6 sessions - $160
11 Watercolor and Design
Howard Watson
11a Thursdays, September 23-November 4
9:30am-12:30pm No class October 21
11b Thursdays, November 11-December 23
9:30am-12:30pm No class November 25
Join Howard, a nationally recognized
watercolorist and illustrator, for
painting rural, shore, and city motifs.
You’ll work from photos, both the
instructor’s and your own. There will be
demonstrations, as well as personal and
class critiques. All levels welcome.
6 sessions - $170
12 Collage Basics
Andrea Snyder
Thursdays, September 23-November 4
1-4pm No class October 28
In this class you’ll explore the art of
collage as well as unusual, but easily
learned, techniques used by artists like
Kurt Schwitters, Max Ernst, and Romare
Bearden. Incorporate text, balance
compositions, and create a sense of
space using patterns, color, and texture
with a variety of hand-painted, Asian,
industrial and found papers. Learn how
to paint with acrylics, water media, and
use printmaking to create your own
expressions in art. This class is open to
all levels.
6 sessions- $190, includes supply fee
13 Introduction to Abstraction
Ryan Earl
13a Thursdays, September 23-October 28
6:30-9:30pm
13b Thursdays, November 4-December 16
6:30-9:30pm No class November 25 & December 2
In this class we will focus on abstraction
through both drawing and painting.
Abstraction refers to the nonnaturalistic
interpretation of a given
subject. Elements we will explore
include: color, pattern, and geometry,
with an emphasis on contemporary
art. Students are encouraged to bring
source material to begin exploring their
own point of view. Informal critiques
will be conducted at the end of each
session. All levels welcome.
13A 6 sessions- $150
13B 5 sessions- $125
14 Fundamentals of Portrait Painting
Paul DuSold
Fridays, September 24-December 17
9:30am-12:30pm No class November 26
See description #8
12 sessions - $375, includes model fees
15 Introduction to the Figure
Paul DuSold
Fridays, September 24-December 17
1:30-4:30pm No class November 26
Students will draw and paint the figure. Demonstrations will be given, and the selection and usage of materials will be discussed. Students will learn to see the model in terms of color, light and shadow. Basic understanding of mixing color and achieving likeness are the primary emphases, along with discussions on the selection and use of materials, including paint, brushes, canvas and palette.
12 sessions - $375, includes model fees
16 Painting in the Landscape
Paul DuSold
16a Workshop A
Thursdays, June 17-July 22
9:30am-12:30pm
16b Workshop B
Fridays, July 2-August 6
9:30am-12:30pm
This alla prima landscape class is for painters of all levels. The class will meet at several different locations, including Valley Green, Morris Arboretum and the Schuylkill River. Demonstrations will be given in oils, but students are welcome to work in other media as well. Emphasis will be on painting quickly and expressively. Students will be instructed in seeing the landscape in broad terms in order to think about composition and make rapid decisions about mixing color.
6 sessions - $150
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Summer Arts for Teens
Workshops for Teens
Woodmere membership is required for art classes.
TEEN 1 In the Studio - Drawing and Painting Just for Teens
Jon Bandish
Ages 14-18
Saturdays, July 24, 31, August 7, 14
1-4pm
Spend four Saturdays this summer learning to refine your art-making skills. This is a great opportunity to build your portfolio as you explore drawing and painting in a professional studio. Learn how to apply paint, building up a work over time. This class is for all levels. Focus will be on observational drawing skills to develop a strong portfolio for college. A clothed model will be available.
4 sessions - $175, includes model fees and supply fees
TEEN 2 Batik on Fabric
Laura Pritchard
Ages 13-18
Monday-Friday, August 2-6
3-5pm
Learn the ancient technique of batik, using dyes with molten wax resist on fabric. We will use traditional batik tools, as well as brushes, to create paintings and possibly even some wearable art. All levels welcome.
5 sessions - $160, includes supply fees
TEEN 3 Words Out Loud
Lara Feldman
Ages 13+
Saturdays, July 24, 31, August 7, 14
1-3pm
Slam poetry or spoken word are where the page meets the stage. Learn how to read, write and perform slam poetry with a local poet who has been performing and writing for the past 12 years. This class will focus on learning how to write a poem (using outside inspiration if not an experienced writer), and then turning it into a performance. You’ll learn how to emphasize what you’re feeling, experiment with rhythms and rhyme, and how to go from what’s on the page to the stage.
4 sessions - $80
TEEN 4 Jewelry for Teens
Barbara Mail
Ages 12+
Monday-Friday, August 16-20
4-6pm
Experience the joy of creating your own pieces of jewelry (wearable art) made from a variety of materials such as polymer clay, plastic, wood, paper, metal, wire, rope, shells and felt. We will be making necklaces, bracelets, pins, and/or earrings. Using a variety of materials, found objects/treasures, and a bit of imagination, anything is possible! Materials will be provided, but participants should feel free to bring “treasures” from home that can be incorporated into their work.
5 sessions - $165
TEEN 5 Drawing Foundation
Jessica Jenkins
Ages 13+
Monday-Friday, August 23-27
2-4pm
Drawing is the foundation for all visual communication. In this course students will develop skills that further their art and design study through the introduction of basic drawing techniques and materials. The course will cover the vital concepts of line, value, gesture and composition. Observation is emphasized and exercises are based on both traditional and innovative techniques. Students will develop their creative and aesthetic sensibilities, setting a solid foundation for future art pursuits.
5 sessions - $160, includes supply fees
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Summer Studio Art Classes - Just For Kids!
All classes include materials unless otherwise noted. All classes held in Woodmere’s beautiful north-light studio. Woodmere Art Museum membership is required for all classes.
July 19-23
KIDS 5 Stage & Story
Jonathan Hertzel
Ages 6-11
3-5pm
Join us in this exciting mixed media adventure where we will tell the tales of our lives – real and imagined. With natural and industrial materials we will create 3-D characters based on the people we know. Once created, we’ll pose our newly created sculptures in a dramatic setting on our very own designed stage. Each student will invent, create and enact their Stage & Story. Don’t forget to bring flowers on opening night!
5 sessions - $160
July 26-30
KIDS 6 Animalia I: Jungle, Wood and Sea
Marty Conklin
Ages 6-11
9:30-11:30am
Travel from jungle to the woods to the depths of the sea. In this class you’ll paint and construct a tropical jungle filled with tigers, monkeys and other exotic creatures. You’ll construct the great woods where the lively animals live atop the woods’ large trees. And then, you’ll paint your very own sea scene and its many creatures. You’ll go home with beautiful landscapes of our natural world.
5 sessions - $160
KIDS 7 StoryBook
Jonathan Hertzel
Ages 6-11
Noon-2pm
StoryBook is the natural follow-up to Stage & Story. Join in the fun as we create a variety of books and scrolls inspired by our own thoughts and drawings as well as stories from the world around us. Special book binding techniques will be taught. You’ll also learn about special ways of folding and cutting paper to create spectacular fold-out and accordion books. We’ll also use a variety of writing and painting tools including my favorite, Sumi ink!
5 sessions - $160
KIDS 8 Clay
Lucy Russo
Ages 6-11
3-5pm
Explore the possibilities of hand-building with self-drying clay. Students will learn to make coil and slab pots, as well as sculptures. You’ll model animals, people and whatever your heart desires. Paint your final creations in wonderful colors.
5 sessions - $160
August 2-6
KIDS 9 Animalia II: At the Zoo
Hildy Tow
Ages 6-12
9:30-11:30am
In this class we’ll spend one morning at the Philadelphia Zoo and sketch animals. With our sketchbooks full, we’ll head back into Woodmere’s studio and create wonderful paintings, prints and sculptures. Students and parents meet at the Zoo on Monday and at Woodmere the rest of the week.
5 sessions - $160
KIDS 10 Jewelry for Kids
Barbara Mail
Ages 7-11
Noon-2pm
Experience the joy of creating your own pieces of jewelry (wearable art) made from a variety of materials such as polymer clay, plastic, wood, paper, metal, wire, rope, shells, and felt. We will be making necklaces, bracelets, pins, and/or earrings. Using a variety of materials, found object/treasures, and a bit of imagination, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! Materials will be provided, but participants should feel free to bring “treasures” from home that can be incorporated into their work.
5 sessions - $165
AUGUST 9-13
KIDS 11 Introduction to Drawing and Painting
Martha Conklin
Ages 6-10
9:30-11:30am
This class is all about expressing yourself. You’ll paint and draw while learning to work with a wide range of materials. You’ll be encouraged to explore your ideas,
to be a creative thinker, and play with tools and materials such as tempera, acrylic and watercolor paints. Mix colors, experiment with washes, draw your heart out, have fun.
5 sessions - $160
KIDS 12 Kites and Flying Things
Hildy Tow
Ages 7-12
Noon-2pm
Let’s fly! In this class you’ll make wonderful kites, build mobiles, construct a bird in flight, and banners. You’ll use metal, wood, paper, fabric, and paint to build anything you can imagine. Come build with us and watch your ideas take off.
5 sessions - $160
KIDS 13 Hand-drawn Animation
John Serpentelli
Ages 7-12
3-5pm
Animation is the rapid display of a sequence of images of 2-D artwork in order to create an illusion of movement. In this class you’ll learn the basics of hand-drawn animation. Character animation, timing and pacing of movement will be taught. Advanced lessons will be provided for those who have animated before.
5 sessions - $160
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Children's Fall Studio Art Classes
All classes include materials unless otherwise noted. All classes held in Woodmere’s beautiful north-light studio. Woodmere Art Museum membership is required for all classes.
Kids 1 Watercolor for Kids!
Miriam Dretler
Ages: 6-11
4:30-6pm
Tuesdays, October 12-November 16
Paint with watercolor, colored ink, gouache, and water based paints in this fun and playful class. You’ll learn to use washes and create beautiful colors on watercolor paper. We’ll make Halloween and autumn collages, an outside landscape, and paint ice cream cones and cakes too.
6 sessions - $150, includes materials
KIds 2 Woodmere Kids - Open Studio
Hildy Tow
Ages 6-12
4:30-6pm
Wednesdays, October 13-November 17
Every Wednesday a new art project will be offered, including painting, drawing, printmaking, and collage. Projects by week: week one - wax resist; week two - collage; week three - painting; week four - printmaking; week five - pinwheel project; week six - tin repousee. Drop in for one session or all the sessions. Registration required. Call 215-247-0948.
6 sessions - $150
$25 per individual class
KIds 3 Magical Houses
Martha Conklin
Ages 7-11
4:30-6pm
Thursdays, October 14-November 18
An igloo is a house for an Eskimo. A castle is a house for a duchess. Hutches are houses for rabbits. A pod is a home for a pea. A dog is a home for a flea. Let’s make dwellings out of air-drying clay, cardboard, wood, plaster and more. We’ll look at the natural world and architecture from different times and places to spark our imaginations.
6 sessions - $150, includes materials
KIds 4 Sculpture and Painting for Kids
Martha Conklin
Ages 6-10
10am-noon
Saturdays, October 16-November 20
Get a taste of everything in this class. Join in the fun as we mold, carve, and build three-dimensional art while we also paint amazing works of art. We will experiment with a variety of materials such as wood, wire, cardboard, metal, and paper, creating sculptures that are inspired by our imagination and by the natural world. You’ll also paint with tempera, acrylic, and watercolor paints. You’ll mix colors, learn how to apply thick layers of paint onto canvas, and experiment with thin washes - always a new project and always lots of fun.
6 sessions - $180, includes materials
KIds 5 Hand-drawn Animation
John Serpentelli
Ages 7-12
1-3pm
Saturdays, October 16-November 20
Animation is the rapid display of a sequence of images of 2D artwork in order to create an illusion of movement. In this class you’ll learn the basics of hand-drawn animation. Character animation, timing and pacing of movement will be taught. Advanced lessons will be provided for those who have animated before.
6 sessions - $170, includes materials
KIds 6 Children’s Theatre: Story, Painting, Being
Miriam Dretler
Ages 6- 11
3:30-5:30pm
Saturdays, October 16-November 20
Pick a children’s tale – a legend, fairytale, biography - any story you want. Then learn to tell that story as you become every character. Paint the people, the scenery, the adventure, using watercolor, gouache, Cray Pas, and pastel. Come and have such fun expressing yourself.
6 sessions - $170, includes materials
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Registration Information
Membership to the Woodmere Art Museum is required for art classes. Download registration form.
You will be notified only if a class is cancelled. Payment for classes is due at the time of registration.
Cancellation policy:
The museum reserves the right to cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment. In the event of a cancellation, students will be notified and full tuition will be refunded.
Withdrawals/refund policy:
Woodmere requires one week’s advanced notice of withdrawal from class or a $30 cancellation fee will be incurred. No refunds after the first class.
Scholarships available:
Scholarships for students grades K-12 are available based on financial need. Contact the Education Department at 215-247-0948 to apply.
Publicity policy:
Woodmere Art Museum reserves the right to use photos taken during classes and other programs. Registration in a class gives Woodmere permission to use that image without further consent.
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