DAC ART CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Please Note:

In the event that classes are canceled because of unforseen circumstances or low attendance, all students who signed up will receive a full refund and be notified by email. Please be aware that unless specified, all our classes are for adults (18 years of age or older) and may be unsuitable for children.

For classes in textile art, weaving, soap-making, fabric dying and more, offered by our creative partners, Hawaii Handweavers’ Hui, visit hawaiihandweavers.org!

Weekly Sessions at DAC

Monday Night Life Drawing Group (Mondays, 2025)

DAC is pleased to host the revival of Monday Night Life Drawing Group, a weekly artist-run uninstructed drawing session with live models, music, and a great collaborative, creative atmosphere.
All artists are asked to bring all their own equipment and supplies. Seating is primarily at tables.
Facilitator: Jared Wickware
Mondays, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Tuition: $15 per session online, $20 at the door
Limit 25 people.

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Making Art for Art's Sake (Saturdays, 2025)

Let your creative spark loose. Release your INNER ARTIST! Come play, and make art with an open mind, free spirit, and sense of fun - for its own sake.
In our weekly one-off make & take art workshops, taught by various DAC teaching artists, students will be given a new project designed to stimulate creativity and learn new art-making techniques in various media.
Instructor: Various
Every Saturday from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Ages: Adults 18+ (or 16+ accompanied by a parent or guardian)
Tuition: $20 (all materials included)
—OCTOBER—
10/04 - Multi-layered Printmaking (Cathy Gleason) Max 12
10/11 - Abstract Floral Painting (Charlene DeLory) Max 12
10/18 - Mixed Media Collage (Cathy Gleason) Max 12
10/25 - Mystery Abstract Madness (Cathy Gleason) Max 12
—NOVEMBER—
11/1 Making a Flying Bird Automaton (Trish Brubaker) Max 12
11/8 Portrait in Atmospheric Watercolor (Charlene DeLory) Max 12
11/15 Mixed Media Holiday Wreaths (Cathy Gleason) Max 12
11/22 Stenciled Tea Towels (Cathy Gleason) Max 12
11/29 Mini Mini Maze Book (Hope Hamada) Max 12
…With more to come!
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*Please Note: Due to the limited space in these classes, we highly recommend booking online!
For questions or cancellations, please email classes@downtownarthi.org.

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Tuesday Portrait Sessions (Tuesdays, 2025)

This weekly uninstructed session focuses on creating portraits of the clothed model, with live models, music, and a great collaborative, creative atmosphere.
All artists are asked to bring all their own equipment and supplies. Seating is primarily at tables.
Facilitator: Alla Parsons
Tuesdays, 1 - 3:30 p.m.
Tuition: $15 per session online, $20 at the door
Limit 25 people

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Long Pose Figure Drawing Sessions (Monthly, Last Tuesdays)

The monthly Long Pose Figure Drawing Sessions is the pilot project for a new series of evening artist run, uninstructed drawing sessions with live models doing long poses (alternating clothed portrait and nude). These sessions are intended to serve artists who want to focus on figurative work for a longer period of time (2.5 hours), producing a more finished work of art.

Artists are asked to bring their own equipment and supplies. DAC provides tables and chairs, but artists may bring their own easels.
Facilitator: Alla Parsons
Tuesdays, Sept. 30, Oct. 28, and Nov. 25, 2025, at 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Tuition: $15 per session online, $20 at the door
Limit 25 people

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Art Classes & Workshops

Basic Watercolor Techniques Single Sessions with Michelle Dolan

Busy life? Pressed for time? Don't worry! Each of these classes is a standalone single session that can be purchased similar to our popular weekly Making Art for Art's Sake workshops. Each workshop begins with one hour of basic instruction, followed by two hours of guided practice.
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August 7 - Bouquet of Flowers (Focusing on form & negative space)
August 21 - Table of Fruit (Focusing on light & shadows)
September 18 - Forest of Trees (Focusing of texture & brush strokes)
September 25 - Beachy Landscapes (Focusing on color & value)
October 2 - Clear Glass Objects (Focusing on reflections & translucent views)
October 16 - Bouquet of Flowers (Focusing on form & negative space)
October 23 - Table of Fruit (Focusing on light & shadows)
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Instructor: Michelle Dolan
Thursdays, 9:00am - 12:00pm on the dates specified above
Class cost: $50 per person per session
Ages: 18+

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All About Abstract Art Single Sessions with Marina Borovok (Sept-Oct 2025)

This series of single-session abstract art classes introduces students to the history, pioneers, and techniques of abstraction. Each class begins with a 20-minute creative prompt inspired by influential artists like Hilma af Klint, Piet Mondrian, and Vasily Kandinsky, followed by hands-on painting exercises and demonstrations. Topics range from design principles, color theory, and mediums, to developing personal style, with opportunities for students to present favorite artists and experiment in their styles.
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9/10/25: Intro to abstract art, syllabus, and materials. Create small paintings inspired by Hilma af Klint and František Kupka.
9/17/25: Discuss abstract “rules” (color, design). Create sketches focused on negative space, inspired by Piet Mondrian.
9/24/25: Present a favorite abstract artist and paint in their style (ex: Robert Delaunay).
10/01/25: Explore mediums/techniques for space effects. (ex: Vasily Kandinsky)
10/08/25: Discuss “style” in art. Share ideas/sketches. (ex: Kazimir Malevich)
10/15/25: Use color to create mood. Paint with complementary, bold, and neutral colors.
Instructor: Marina Borovok
Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
Dates: (9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/01, 10/08, 10/15)
Class Cost: $40.00 per person, per class
Ages: 18+

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Intermediate Watercolor with Dwayne Adams (Oct 2025)

Dwayne Adams' six-session watercolor class is designed for intermediate painters or artists experienced in other media, focusing on advanced techniques like composition, shape-making, brushwork, perspective, and Renaissance concepts. Five sessions are held at the Downtown Art Center, with one plein air class nearby, and topics also include painting figures, vegetation, and managing paper moisture levels.
Kits are available for purchase HERE.

Instructor: Dwayne Adams
Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Duration: 6 sessions
Dates: 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/09
Class cost: $240 per person

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Tropical Escape Paint & Sip Workshop with Marina Borovok

Join us for a relaxing and fun-filled Paint & Sip event, as we recreate a vibrant Hawaiian seascape, featuring flowing palm trees kissed by the sun and nestled against majestic island mountains. Drinks and materials provided. Cheers!
Friday, October 24 from 5:30 - 8 p.m.
DAC 2nd Floor Classroom
$60 per person (includes materials and 2 drinks at the DAC Donation Bar)

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Dive Into Art with Tamara Moan (Nov 2025)

Want to try your hand at something creative but you're not sure what? This is the perfect sampler class for all skill levels! You'll explore drawing, painting, printmaking, and working in 3-D to create a sculpture or book, using different materials and techniques every week. With all supplies provided, you can get a taste of many different media without risk and with a big quotient of fun.
11/12 - Drawing
11/19 - Painting
11/26 - Printmaking
12/3 - Papier-mâché
12/10 - Papier-mâché
12/17 - Bookmaking
Instructor: Tamara Moan
Duration: 6 sessions
Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Dates: 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17
Class Cost: $240 per person

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