Curriculum

Clay

  • Clay 001 — Kids Handbuilding

    Do you have a child that enjoys getting their hands dirty? Imagine your child getting to play with clay while learning the foundation of hand-building. In this mixed level afterschool courses, students from 1st grade to 4th grade learn about making slabs, hand coiling, pinching, texturing, and glazing. Each session begins with a project that children then customize into a unique, whimsical and colorful memory to bring home at the end of the season. Students will have the opportunity to make a variety of projects such as mugs, animals, ugly jugs, flower planters, syrup pitchers, gnome homes and more. Do you have an older child who also wants to play with clay? Check out our two clay courses for kids ages 10-14. Clay 002 or Clay 003.

  • Clay 002 — Kids Wheel Throwing and Hand Building

    Is your child interested in learning to sculpt and make amazing things in clay? Join us in our historic Clay and Bunkhouse studios where we have been teaching the joy and art of ceramics for over 70 years. Our students learn the foundations of wheel throwing as well as in hand-building. Through fun imaginative projects that are designed to foster creativity and problem-solving, students will learn how to center, cone, trim, slab build, glaze and prepare pieces for final firings. Our instructors are knowledgeable and cultivate a lively, light hearted, and positive classroom atmosphere. Ideal for students ages 10-14, this course can be taken again and again. Looking to round out your child’s hands on education in making, check out our wood 001 where students explore building objects in our historic woodshop.

  • Clay 003 — Kids Wheel Throwing

    For 70 years we have been teaching young students how to throw clay on the wheel. The clay studio is our wheelhouse. In this course, students ages 10-14 create a fun and supportive community of peers while learning how to make objects using the electric wheel. Each session takes place in our historic light filled studio and begins with an instructor led demonstration followed by one on one time to practice making. Our projects are designed to encourage curiosity and facilitate hands on learning and decision making. This is a year round class and students are encouraged to take it over and over to continue to develop their wheel skills. This course also pairs well with Clay 002 or wood 001

  • Clay 004 — Teen Wheel Throwing and Hand Building

    Does your Teen have an interest in learning to work with clay? Join us in our clay studios where we have been teaching wheel throwing and hand building for over 70 years. Our guided demonstrations and projects are designed to build a strong technical foundation for such a versatile craft. Students will learn how to center clay, shape a vessel, trim, glaze, sculpt and build. They will make functional and non functional objects as they develop an independent portfolio of work. This class is open to all skill levels and may be taken again and again.

  • Clay 101 — Introduction to Wheel Throwing

    Interested in wheel throwing and looking for how to get started? This introductory course teaches beginner students the most common techniques used in making vessels on a clay wheel. Did you know that the oldest clay wheel dates back to 4500BC? Intended for total beginner level students this course starts off each session with a demonstration and then offers one on one instructor guidance. Our instructors offer a depth of knowledge and expertise and work closely with students to maintain a supportive classroom culture. Returning beginner students will focus on advancing their abilities, while new students will learn how to center, cone, pull, trim, glaze and prepare finished work for firing. Included in the course are one bag of clay and access to our ample Open Studio Hours to practice techniques and skills on your own. . For more in-depth skill building and practice check out Clay 201 or Clay 203. First bag of clay is included in price.

  • Clay 102 — Beginner Mixed Level Wheel Throwing

    Looking to learn how to throw clay on a wheel? Or have you thrown before and are looking for a refresher course to keep up your practice? Beginner/Mixed Level Clay offers students guided instruction and independent practice to explore tools and techniques. Intended for total beginners to mixed level intermediate students this course starts off each session with a demonstration and then offers one on one instructor guidance. Our instructors offer a depth of knowledge and expertise and work closely with students to maintain a supportive classroom culture. Returning students will focus on advancing their abilities, while new students will learn how to center, cone, pull, trim, glaze and prepare finished work for firing. Instruction is not limited to wheel throwing but may include guidance in hand building and surface design upon request. Included in the course are one bag of clay and access to our ample Open Studio Hours to practice techniques and skills on your own. This course is meant to expand introductory skill levels into more intermediate level practice, and may be repeated. It also pairs well with workshops and clinics. And when ready, students should check out Clay 201.

  • Clay 104 — Try It All

    Are you new to clay? This course offers a little bit of everything to introduce students to the versatility of ceramics. Each class is project focused to teach students about different clay techniques. Classes will include projects in hand building, the extruder, the basics of wheel throwing and one raku firing. For over 75 years, we have been teaching all skill levels the delight of working in clay. Students have access to our non- instructed open studio hours to continue to practice and improve techniques. This course is also family friendly and open to teens 13+ with accompanying enrollment with a parent or guardian or special family friend. It is also open to single enrollment for ages 15+.

  • Clay 105 — Clay Happy Hour

    Looking for something fun to do with a group of friends or a way to meet new people while trying something new? Join us for a craft night out, BYOB, clay happy hour, where you will learn to make a small hand built project in clay. You will learn about how to make a slab, to slip and score, and to embellish a clay surface with mason stains and textured designs. Finished pieces will be ready for pick up in 3-4 weeks. Project:

  • Clay 106 — Intro to Handbuilding

    New to Clay? This fun and gentle (4) week course, is accessible and open to all skill levels! Each project is especially designed for beginners to get to know the clay extruder (think large play-doh machine) and learn the basic techniques of hand-building. Students will learn about surface design and how to use mason stains and glazes. No experience necessary, come learn with us!

  • Clay 111 — Handbuilding and Sculpture Workshop

  • Clay 201 — Mixed Level Wheel Throwing

    Are you looking for a way to improve your skills and add more techniques to your wheel throwing practice? This course offers time to practice and to explore techniques for students of all skill levels. Imagine sitting in our light filled clay studio with peers who share in the joy of wheel throwing. Each session will begin with a demonstration followed by individualized practice guided by a patient and supportive instructor. Returning students will focus on advancing their abilities, while new students will get a basic understanding of techniques. Instruction is not limited to wheel throwing but may include guidance in hand building and surface design. Included in the course are one bag of clay and access to our ample Open Studio Hours to practice techniques and skills on your own. This course is meant to expand introductory skill levels into more advanced practice, and may be repeated. It also pairs well with workshops and clinics. Students looking for more advanced instruction should check out Clay 301

  • Clay 202 — Mixed Level Handbuilding and Wheel Throwing

    What is it about getting your hands dirty that is so thrilling? This beginner to intermediate level course is designed for clay enthusiasts who want incorporate hand building with wheel throwing. Imagine being in our charming light filled clay studio with peers who share in the joy of making beautiful ceramic objects. Intended for total beginners to mixed level intermediate students this course starts off each session with a demonstration and then offers one on one instructor guidance. Our instructors offer a depth of knowledge and expertise and work closely with students to maintain a supportive classroom culture. Students who are new to working with clay will get a basic understanding of techniques, while more experienced students will learn to expand their skills. Included in the course are one bag of clay and access to our ample Open Studio Hours to practice techniques and skills on your own. This course is meant to expand introductory skill levels into more intermediate level practice, and may be repeated. When ready, students looking for more advanced instruction should check out Clay 203 or Clay 301

  • Clay 211 — Handles and Lids Clinic

    Form meets function in this hands -on workshop. Individualize your pots and take them to the next level by learning how to make handles and lids. Students will practice and perfect a few different methods of making handles, and try out and discuss several ways of making and seating lids for jars and casseroles. this is a two-hour immersive workshop designed to support your ceramic practice. Prior experience with throwing is needed.

  • Clay 212 — Ceramic Glazing Techniques Clinic

    It's all about the glaze and glory! Have you wanted to learn more about glazes but not sure where to begin? In this two-hour workshop students will learn tips and tricks for successful glazing and learn ways to make your glaze results individualized and unique. Students will need to bring 4-6 pieces of bisqueware, and prior glazing experience is recommended.

  • Clay 213 — Alternative Ceramic Surfaces Clinic

    Are you interested in playing around with the surface of your clay pieces but not sure how to get started? In this two-hour workshop, students will learn techniques and methods for ways to uniquely embellish designs and texture into wet clay slab and wheel work.

  • Clay 215 — Decal Printing on Clay

    Learn the basic process of decal printing and decal transfers on to clay. Students will learn how to select a printer for decal printing, and what makes LaserJet toner an effective ceramic stain. Students will each have the chance to create at least one decal piece. *** Before the workshop students will need: at least one piece made in the SCS studio, completely fired to cone 6 or cone 10 (preferably glazed in a white, light, or clear glaze), commercially produced ceramics and pieces made outside of the Shelburne Craft School may not fire correctly. Students will also need at least one black and white or grayscale image no larger than a quarter sheet of printer paper or 2" x 2.5". Multiple images are okay as long as they fit in that space and need to be emailed to the instructor 48 hours before the start of the workshop. Images can be anything from logos to line drawings to photographs and they will appear sepia-toned after firing. Instructor: Colin Gray

  • Clay 301 — Independent Project

    Are you ready to work on your own project in clay? This course is great for self-directed motivated artisans who need a little bit of structure to set project goals and who need practical guidance. Our instructors offer a depth of knowledge and expertise and work closely with students to maintain a supportive classroom culture. Imagine, working in a studio that has supported clay crafters for over 75 years. This is an intermediate - advanced level course open to wheel throwing and hand building. Included in the course are one bag of clay and access to our ample Open Studio Hours to practice techniques and skills on your own. During uninstructed open studio hours, students are encouraged to practice improving techniques while making progress on their proposed designs. This course pairs well with workshops and clinics and it can be taken again and again. If you are looking to create a project with firings other than electric or gas, you may want to check out Clay 203 First bag of clay is included.

  • Clay 302 — Alternative Firing

    Ever wonder how to get a smoky earthen patina with ceramics? Or are you curious about what it was like to fire clay before electricity? This Intermediate/Advanced level course explores slow alternative methods of firing clay from Japanese Raku, to Eastern European Obvara, to ancient “baked clay” in a pit. Students set independent project goals for exploring their own versions of these ancient practices while working in our historic clay studio. Because this is a more advanced course, students are encouraged to come prepared to work on their own projects, with instructor demonstrations and guidance available upon request. Included in the course are one bag of clay and access to our ample Open Studio Hours to practice techniques and skills on your own. This course is designed to educate students on the various ways clay can be fired and can be taken again and again. Students are encouraged to practice and improve techniques while completing objects for specific firing days. Students should be familiar and comfortable with wheel throwing before signing up. Students eager for more advanced instruction should check out Clay 301.

  • Clay 400 — Design & Build

    Do you have a clay project in mind, but don't have the time, or the need to take a full-length class? Whether its a handcrafted mug, bird bath, artisan bird feeder, or garden sculpture, our instructors can assist with design, planning, quoting the cost of materials, and show you the techniques needed to build your own project.

  • Clay 444 — Class Extension

    This is open to those who are currently enrolled in a clay course at The Shelburne Craft School. This course is an extension/interim term until the next session begins. Clay is not included.

Draw

Fiber

  • Fiber 001 — Kids Handwork and Fiber Art

    Imagine learning how to make something beautiful by hand with natural materials such as wool yarn, felt and cloth. In this after school course, students will explore a variety of fiber techniques through different individual and group projects. Knitting, Crocheting, cross-stitching, and felting will be a the core of what the students will learn. And if they have some prior experience, some more advanced techniques will be taught.

  • Fiber 101 — Basket Weaving

    Come join Alexa Rivera of Wovn Country for a day in our historic light filled studios to learn the art of basket weaving! Students will learn how to weave their own basket which may be used for for harvesting leafy greens in the garden, foraging in the woods, berry picking all summer, or to display as a decorative keep sake. Each basket finishes with a beautiful leather strap, color of your choice. We provide all of the supplies, you bring a snack/lunch. This class is designed for all skill levels and is fun with friends!

  • Fiber 104 — Goose Wing Hand Broom

    Using broomcorn hurl and a foot tumbler you will learn brush control, metering, stacking and the “v-up” assembly techniques to create a delicately balanced Goose Wing shaped hand broom. Participants will take home a completed broom and will have the opportunity to purchase raw materials and tools to continue creating brooms at home.

  • Fiber 105 — Cobb Webber Broom

    Using “Handle” broomcorn, a foot tumbler and stitching needle you will learn brush control, plaiting and the round stitch assembly techniques to create the popular “Cob-Webber” broom. Participants will take home a completed broom and will have the opportunity to purchase raw material and tools to continue creating brooms at home. No experience necessary. All supplies provided.

Glass

  • Glass 101 — Introduction to Stained Glass

    Interested in learning how to work with stained glass, but not sure how to get started? This course introduces students to the Tiffany Copper Foil method of making a small stained glass window. Did you know that the use of stained glass windows in the home dates back to 1st century Rome? Since then architects and artists such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Marc Chagall have romanticized purpose of stained glass windows as something both useful and beautiful. Imagine spending two days in our historic Bunk House connecting with this rare craft and creating a memorable piece to adorn your own home. Students will begin with a small practice window to learn how to select glass, grind it, foil it and solder it. This will be followed by a small final independent project.

  • Glass 102 — Introduction to Copper Foil Stained Glass

    Join us for an 8 week course as we explore the "Tiffany Method" of wrapping cut pieces of glass in copper foil tape. Students can expect to learn the basics of stained glass design such as how to cut, grind, foil, and solder glass to make colorful one of a kind objects to hang in a window and enjoy.

  • Glass 104 — Glass Feather

    Spend the day moving through the Stained Glass techniques of pattern selection, choosing and cutting glass and decorative soldering with Dayna Sabatino of Daybreak Glass Studio. Each student will make a stained glass feather. You will also leave with the basic knowledge of the stained glass process. Your finished pieces will make a lovely gift or look beautiful in your window all year long. This is a beginner level project, but all levels are welcome! We will have an hour break for lunch between noon-1pm.

  • Glass 105 — Gifts in Glass

    Join us for a two part gift making workshop in our glass studio! Morning session: Create beautiful hanging snowflakes using beveled glass and wintery glass gems while learning the basic steps of the stained glass process. Participants will learn about glass cutting, soldering, and the copper foil method for making stained glass. No experience necessary, all levels welcome! Lunch: 12-1 Afternoon session: Learn to create soldered jewelry and ornaments featuring vintage paper ephemera and collage, pressed between clear glass. You will learn to solder using lead free Silver solder and copper foil. A large selection of vintage papers will be provided and to top them off, you can adorn your pieces by hanging beads and jewels. These unique little works of art will make lovely decorations for your home or gifts for your loved ones.

  • Glass 201 — Intermediate-Advanced Stained Glass

    In this class students will learn how to assemble a stained glass panel using the traditional lead channel method. Students will learn how to shape strips of lead channel around cut pieces of glass and how to cut and solder the lead. They will also learn how to putty and finish their leaded windows. Students will first complete a small practice panel and then with the skills they have learned will build a larger panel of their own design or, if they prefer, from a design supplied by the instructor. This class is for people who already have some prior experience working with stained glass, as the basics of glass cutting won’t be covered.

Metal

  • Metal 101 — Introduction to Blacksmith

    Have you ever been curious about blacksmithing? In this two day workshop students will learn to use a forge and work one on one with an instructor to learn basic black smith techniques, hammer control and how to maintain a fire in the forge. Students will make small objects for their first project like hooks, pokers, and leafs.

  • Metal 102 — Next Steps in Blacksmithing

    So you had fun in our Blacksmithing 101? Want to learn more techniques? Join us for a weekend workshop with Blacksmith James Fecteau! In this workshop you will expand upon your skill set and hammering techniques, you will learn new tricks of the trade and have a chance to make a small object of your choice (as per instructor approval.) Join us for a fun weekend full of fire and mirth!

Paint

  • Paint 001 — Tuesday Early Dismissal Mixed Media

    Looking for a fun place to make art after early dismissal on Tuesday? Students ages 8+ will experiment and play with a variety of materials and methods and techniques for creating unique and fun projects. This course is a sampler of all the fun things we do at Shelburne Craft School from Painting, to Clay, to Woodcraft, to Drawing, and so much more!!

  • Paint 002 — Kids Mixed Media

    Does your child like to get creative with a little bit of everything? In this course, students have the opportunity to learn team building skills and creative decision making while making mixed media masterpieces. Each session is a sampler of visual arts projects that overlap drawing, painting, print making, and collage and more! This course is offered throughout the school year and can be taken again and again. Parents looking for more afterschool coverage should check out Wood 001 or Clay 002.

  • Paint 003 — Kids Print Making and Visual Story Telling

    Does your child like to tell stories or write stories? In this after school course, students will have the opportunity to collaboratively write a story. Students will learn to make images using a variety of print making techniques, collage and mixed media. At the end of the class, students will "publish" their book and have a story book to take home and share.

  • Paint 005 — Family Craft Hour

    Join us for an hour of family crafting fun! With instructor guidance, parents will join their kids to learn how to make a small engaging project to bring home. Space is limited registration is encouraged. Want to drop in the day of? Give us a call in the office to reserve your spot! Price is per person. Project: Instructor:

  • Paint 006 — Teen Drawing Club

    Join us for this 4 week drawing class for Teens. At the beginning of class students are given a demonstration in a specific technique and then offered ample time to draw. Students will learn to use graphite, charcoal, ink and pen! This is a great class to develop the start of a drawing portfolio, but also a class designed for teens who love to draw and want the freedom to work independently with occasional guidance.

  • Paint 011 — Thanksgiving Camp

    Join us for 3 days of fun during Thanksgiving School Break! Students will spend the morning working in our Stained Glass Studio making frost themed glass mosaics to hang from a window at home. Followed by mixed media crafting where students will make snowflake garlands, a seasonal wreath, and a mini pumpkin bouquet.

  • Paint 102 — Introduction to Oil Painting

    Are you interested in learning how to paint with oil but not sure where to start? In this course, students learn the fundamental techniques of oil painting. Did you know that oil paint is just pigment suspended in drying oil? It is one of the most versatile paint mediums; able to achieve a range of effects from thin glazing to heavy impasto. Imagine setting up your painting easel in our historic Bunk House Studio as you learn about how to prepare your palate, mix colors, and learn the fundamentals of painting. Students can expect to learn about shapes, form, color, tone, and light. Our instructors teach to ability which means this course is open to beginner-intermediate painters. We strive to create a supportive culture and offer individualized feedback as well as time for group demonstrations. At the end of the course, students can expect to have a sample of test paintings exhibiting a range of methods and techniques.

  • Paint 103 — Drawing 1 & 2

    Interested in learning how to draw but not sure where to start? Or maybe you have the basic skills but need a refresher on technique? This course introduces beginner-intermediate level students to the fundamental foundations of drawing. Did you know that the earliest drawings date back to 30,000 to 10,000 B.C to caves in France and Spain? Drawing preceded writing as the most direct form of communication. It is one of the oldest forms of human expression. In this course, students will use graphite, charcoal and ink to explore line, tone, plane, and perspective. Students will learn to become attune with hand-to-eye coordination while learning how to represent objects accurately and proportionally. Each session will take place in our historic Bunk House Studio. Students will be given hands on demonstrations, as well as have time for one on one consultation as they develop personal goals and play with creative concepts in drawing. For continuing study in drawing check out Drawing 201 and Drawing 301.

  • Paint 104 — Watercolor Still Life

    Are you interested in learning how to paint with watercolor but not sure where to get started? In this introductory course, we will focus our attention on how to learn to use watercolors as we paint from a still life. We will study light and shadow and explore how the medium of watercolor is versatile in recording shapes, shadows and details.

  • Paint 105 — Comic and Visual Story Telling

    The popularity of comics as a form of storytelling has grown significantly over the past two decades, from an already rich existing tradition. But what's behind the panels of a comic? How are comics made, how do they work? This course explores the art of visual storytelling in comics. Students will study the tools and techniques of the masters, and leave the course with a 4-page comic of their own.

  • Paint 106 — Collage Mixed Media: A Themed Journey

    Art creates a themed journey as it evolves. The best part of working on a collage is watching it unfold and seeing where it leads. Participants will start with media collage using magazine images, printed papers, hand painted papers ink stamps, patterned papers, oil pastels and paint. Then by making some early decisions around color palatte, images, shapes and form, the work will develop slowly into a theme. Then students will work on embellishing the theme by adding words, poetry, or creative thoughts to the process.

  • Paint 107 — Collage Mixed Media: Spontaneous Combustion

    Creativity begins as a Spontaneous Combustion; spontaneous defined as occurring or caused by natural impulse. Imagine your creativity as the material ignited by the working process. The heat of your creativity creates a chemical reaction from which your artwork erupts! Your original style is already within you. This workshop is open to all skill levels and is designed to help participants fall in love with the creative process. Students can expect to learn a bunch of creative techniques for challenging oneself to let the creative flow guide the way as they work on several or just one piece.

  • Paint 108 — Botanical Illustration in Watercolor

    Want to learn how to illustrate your favorite flora and fauna using watercolors? This course is designed to mimic the Victorian pastime of documenting flowers and animals using watercolor. Students will also learn to use handwriting as a way to document the beauty of nature as a form of record keeping/object story telling. All levels are welcome in the class. Students are encouraged to bring some of their favorite seasonal objects or they can choose to observe from a group still life. In this course students will learn to work wet on wet, how to mix color, how to observe the minute details of an object and how to capture the gestural essence of objects and flowers.

  • Paint 111 — Oil Painting 1&2

    Are you interested in learning how to paint with oil but not sure where to start? Do you have some oil painting experience but need guidance in technique and material process? In this course, students new to painting learn the fundamental techniques of oil painting while students who have some knowledge are challenged with more in-depth study and practice of the medium. Did you know that oil paints are just pigment suspended in drying oil? It is one of the most versatile paint mediums; oil paint is able to achieve a range of effects from thin glazing to heavy impasto. Imagine setting up your painting easel in our historic Bunk House Studio as you learn about how to create your palate, mix paint, care for your brushes and store your work. The foundations of oil painting will be covered; from seeing shapes, form, color, tone, and light. Each session will begin with a demonstration followed by time to practice the new technique. At the end of the course students can expect to have a sample of test paintings exhibiting a range of methods and techniques.

  • Paint 111 — Paint 111: Oil Painting 1&2 Extension

    Are you interested in learning how to paint with oil but not sure where to start? Do you have some oil painting experience but need guidance in technique and material process? In this course, students learn the fundamental techniques of oil painting. Open to new students and those with some previous oil painting experience, this course is an in-depth study and practice of the medium. Did you know that oil paints are just pigment suspended in drying oil? It is one of the most versatile paint mediums; oil paint is able to achieve a range of effects from thin glazing to heavy impasto. Imagine setting up your painting easel in our historic Bunk House Studio as you learn about how to create your palate, mix paint, care for your brushes and store your work. The foundations of oil painting will be covered; from seeing shapes, form, color, tone, and light. Each session will begin with a demonstration followed by time to practice the new technique. At the end of the course students can expect to have a sample of test paintings exhibiting a range of methods and techniques. This course is a 4-session extension of existing Fall course. Right of...

  • Paint 112 — Watercolor 1&2

    Are you interested in playing with watercolor techniques to get cool effects and to learn more ways have fun with the medium? This course is open to anyone who is brand new to watercolor as well as to students who want to explore futher the limits of the medium. We will turn our attention to the beauty of the Vermont season using flora and fauna and natural objects as inspiration to learn how to mix and move pigment and water across paper. Did you know the oldest watercolor paper goes back to the ancient Egyptians with pulped papyrus paper? We will work with surfaces a little more modern but are open to exploring how the medium can work in layers to great depth! We will also continue to explore various approaches to texture and composition as we incorporate various techniques of a field study in the form of a Naturalist’s Journal, such as taking notes in the margins of our painting, and comparing the scale of small detail to the larger landscape. Students will go home with a treasured notebook full of sketches, as well as a handful of fully finished paintings as well as some...

  • Paint 113 — Illustrated Journal

    Learn how to make a unique book to house creative ideas, drawings, paintings, mixed media, illustrations, and writing. The artist book is a timeless object that began with the poet William Blake when he and his wife, Catherine illustrated, hand-wrote and hand-bound one of a kind editions of Songs of Innocence and of Experience. This course will be a combination of simple bookmaking techniques as well as instruction in how to create a beautifully illustrated journal, and other hybrid forms of text and image. Imagine dwelling in inspiration in our historic Bunk House to sort ideas and learn how to make your very own artist book or zine. Students will learn about narrative, design, and binding. The primary media for the interior of the book will involve sketching with pens and pencils, as well as wet media: watercolor and other simple painting techniques. One or more of the sessions will be dedicated to creative writing methods, to generate ideas for the textual element of your journals. At the end of the course there will be an opportunity to share the finished pieces. Looking to brush up on your painting or drawing skills? Check out Paint 111...

  • Paint 114 — Portraiture and Collage

    In this course, students learn how to combine narrative with portraiture through the use of collage, mixed media, and acrylic painting.

  • Paint 123 — Beginning - Intermediate Acrylic Painting

    This course is a continuation of Paint 103. Whether you have experience painting in acrylic or are just getting started, this course explores techniques and practices to further develop confidence within the medium. Using still life as the basis for exploration, students will learn about composition, color theory, shape and form, and paint handling techniques. Because this is a mixed level course, students are encouraged to sign up again and again. Looking for something more challenging? Check out Paint 301. Looking for a place to set up a weekly practice? Check out Paint 303.

  • Paint 201 — Intermediate Drawing

    Drawing by definition is a form of communication through a series of mark making. It is a visual language. The practice of drawing is the foundation of most artforms. This course focuses on drawing practice and gives students a skill set that compliments any artistic or creative endeavor. Students will learn by guided demonstrations and still lives to further develop drawing techniques learned in Drawing 101. This course can be taken again and again to sharpen and refine techniques and it pairs well with Drawing 301.

  • Paint 202 — Intermediate Oil Painting

    Cultivate what you know about oil painting and learn how to develop confidence in your skills with both quick studies and longer painting exercises. This course is open for mixed level oil painters who want to learn about how to create a strong composition, how to utilize a variety of techniques and who are interested in oil painting history and practice. Imaging working at an easel in our historic Bunk House Studio. The atmosphere is supportive. Making mistakes is encouraged, if not essential. There will a lot of fun and good humor too! Basic painting experience recommended. Because this course evolves from season to season, students are encouraged to take it again and again. It also pairs well with Paint 203.

  • Paint 203 — Painting Practice

    In order to gain mastery over a craft, one must perform the skill over and over again. In this course, students will explore painting still-life and en-plein air as a performance in practice. In our historic Bunk House, students will learn to paint a series of gestures as a dance that flows together in a sequence of steps to produce many small quick paintings. Picture making will become a holistic arrangement of shapes and color vs. subject matter as students gain confidence with the playful plasticity of paint mediums such as oil and acrylic. Students will learn from their own practice to create a path of dedication and devotion to the art of painting. As you develop your mastery, this course may be taken again and again to guide you along the way. Looking for more advanced level instruction? Check out Paint 302.

  • Paint 204 — En Plein Air

    Want to learn the fair weather art of painting outdoors? Students learn how to capture the essence of picturesque Vermont landscapes, from the fleeting light, to the range of tones, and water vs. sky. You will learn how to work quick but efficiently and how to approach painting the landscape with grace and humor! This course is open to all skill levels and all painting mediums. For the first class students will meet at the Craft School and then predetermine future meeting locations. In the event of poor weather, we have a classroom to re-group in.

  • Paint 211 — The Colorist Landscape with Pastels

    Interested in learning about Pastels or are you hoping to brush up on skills and learn new techniques? Color is emotion is the theme of the day in this workshop led by master pastel artist Robert Carsten, PSA-M, IAPS-MC, CPS. Students will explore ways to achieve exciting painterly mark-making while working on a toned ground with saturated color choices. The session begins with a demonstration followed by lots of painting time and helpful on one feedback and assistance. Students will work from photographs and are encouraged to bring several choices to pick from. All levels welcome!

  • Paint 212 — Spectacular Skies in Pastel

    Join Robert Carsten, PSA-mp, IAPS-mc for a fun and educational pastel workshop emphasizing skies as a dominant element in our landscapes. This workshop will explore the luminous and varied qualities of sky and clouds, perspective and more. John Constable and Eugene Boudin are but two artists who were greatly inspired to look skyward. Working from photos, we'll explore color temperatures of skies at various times of day from dawn to sunset and moonlit night. We'll practice cloud lighting — underlit, sidelit, backlit and gray-day using a low (or no) horizon. Demonstrations, helpful critiques, cloud painting exercises as well as lots of painting time to create our skyscape masterpieces! All levels welcome from beginner through advanced.

  • Paint 213 — Traditional Oil Painting Workshop

    Students will learn the process of creating a painting and the steps involved and questions to ask themselves along the way so they can follow a painting through to finish. We will have still-life set ups for the students to work with. The instructor will demo throughout the class. Students will learn methods to block in a painting, creating form and space and seeing color relationships. Students are encouraged to bring in paintings they are currently working on for discussion and critique if they wish. Students will walk away with a strong understanding of the process of painting and a still-life and will be able to apply the same process to portrait and landscape as well. Students should bring in a canvas to work on 9x12 to 11x14 is good. They should bring in their palette, palette knife, medium, paper towels , no turps, a good array of brushes ( bristles, and badger hair are good) medium cups, bring your current palettte of paints. If you are a beginner paints should include: White ( lead or Titanium), Yellow ochre, cadmium yellow, cadmium red, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, cobalt blue, burnt sienna.

  • Paint 214 — Drawing Workshop

    Drawing consists of three basic tenants: understanding perspective, understanding light, and understanding the structure of the object. In this intensive workshop, we will look at these three ideas and develop a practice for applying them. It is impossible to learn how to draw in a day. Instead, students will leave knowing how to approach any drawing as its own individual set of problems; problems which can be easily solved by applying these three basic tenants. Students who sign up for this class will also receive a digital resources packet which will allow them to continue their study long after the course is over. There will be a lunch break (students bring their own lunch) where the class will reflect on the morning's work and will have the time to socialize while leafing through beautiful art books of old master drawings and paintings provided by the instructor. About the instructor : Kalin Thomas is an award winning self-taught oil painter. His work reflects on Classical and Renaissance styles with a special interest in composition. He began his career in Brisbane, Australia and now lives with his family in Burlington working full time as an artist from his studio in the South...

  • Paint 222 — Landscape Oil Painting

    Are you interested in learning how to paint with oil but not sure where to start? Do you have some oil painting experience but need guidance in technique and material process? Using the Landscape as our guide, students in this course who are new to painting learn the fundamental techniques of oil painting, while students who have some knowledge are challenged with more in-depth study and practice of the medium. Did you know that oil paints are just pigment suspended in drying oil? It is one of the most versatile paint mediums; oil paint is able to achieve a range of effects from thin glazing to heavy impasto. Imagine setting up your painting easel in our courtyard and other inspiring outdoor locations as you learn about how to create your palate, mix paint, and learn about the foundations of oil painting. Each session will begin with a demonstration followed by time to practice the new technique as well as one on one check-ins. Students are encouraged to be prepared to work outdoors, weather permitting.

  • Paint 301 — Life Drawing

    Drawing the human figure is one of the most universal themes in visual art. Figure drawing is a practice in observation, gesture, posture, and nuance. In this course students are guided by an instructor to capture the essence of the human form while a live model positions themselves in a series of short to long poses. The atmosphere is respectful and supportive and open to students working in all mediums. Each session takes place in our Visual Arts Studio located in our historic Bunk House. Open to all skill levels.

  • Paint 302 — Advanced Painting

    Are you ready to develop an individual style within your painting practice? Imagine working on an independent portfolio project while setting personal and professional goals with a supportive community of peers. This course is modeled after the painter’s atelier. It is lead by a professional artist, who with an established practice and exhibition history, is ready to help you on your journey to being a confident fine art painter. You will be encouraged and challenged along your own path and will be exposed to tools to guide you in your practice. Each session will include a discussion about direction and experimentation, will include some art history references and will maybe include some good humor as well! We are a mostly solvent free facility. Previous painting experience is required. You may request to paint in other media aside from oil. Painting is a life long practice and participants are welcome and encouraged to take this course again and again!

  • Paint 303 — Open Studio Practice

    Are you looking for uninterrupted time in the studio to work through an idea? Our guided open studio practice provides a space to nurture your creative practice. It is a course designed to be studio time to work independently at your own pace with a small community of peers. We supply the space, easel, table and an available instructor to offer help and guidance through prompts and demonstrations if needed. We are open to all visual art mediums, please note that we are a solvent free facility. If you are looking for more guidance in independent practice check out Paint 302.

  • Paint 304 — Life Drawing Intesive

    Drawing the human figure is one of the most universal themes in visual art. Figure drawing is a practice in observation, gesture, posture, and nuance. In this workshop, students are guided by an instructor to capture the essence of the human form using any medium they choose. The instructor will work closely with students to push their practice as our model will make a series of longer poses to study from.

  • Paint 400 — Design & Create

    Do you have a Fine Arts project in mind, but don’t have the time, or the need to take a full-length class? Whether its a portrait, private commission, or mural painting, our instructors can assist with design, planning, quoting the cost of materials, and show you the techniques needed to paint your own project.

  • Paint 401 — A Day With An Artist

    If you ever find yourself asking 'How do they do it?" when looking at an artist's work, now is your chance to go to the source and find out! In this one day workshop you will get to shadow a professional artist as they move through a typical day in the studio. Students will have the opportunity to work along side our guest artist to learn tools and techniques specific to their artistic practice. Please bring a lunch. Suggested materials to bring are specific to each guest artist. About the Artist:

Print

  • Print 101 — Print & Pint

    Join us for a festive celebration in our new PRINTMAKING studio! We will get in the holiday spirit by making linocut cuts, holiday cards and enjoying a pint. Linoleum Printmaking, or Linocut, is a printmaking technique in which a design is cut into the surface of a linoleum block with a sharp knife, V-shaped chisel, or gouge, with the uncut areas representing a mirror image of the art to be printed. The linoleum block is then inked with a roller and impressed onto paper. Using these blocks and ink, you can create your very own greeting cards to send out this holiday season. First, you'll get a demonstration of how to work with the tools and materials used in creating these one-of-a-kind prints. Then, we will test out our new skills on a small tester block. After getting a feel for the tools, we’ll carve up a small linoleum block fit for creating our holiday cards. Samples will be available for inspiration and stencils can be used for you to create unique art – or bring your own designs and ideas! After creating our linocuts, we’ll break out the ink and specialized rollers and get to printing! Each participant can expect to...

  • Print 101 — Introduction to Block Printing

    Learn the art of Linoleum Block Printmaking, a versatile, artistic tradition spanning from folk art to modern poster design. Students will learn relief carving techniques for rubber blocks, how to print with water based inks on paper, and design fundamentals. Students will leave with two original carved blocks and multiple finished prints on a variety of papers.

  • Print 102 — Block Printing Workshop

    This 2-session workshop offers a hands on experience in block printing & design. This workshop teaches all the skills necessary to create and enjoy making your own hand-pulled prints. Students will leave with an originally carved linoleum block as well as finished block prints on paper. Beginners welcome!

  • Print 103 — Block Printing - Pattern & Print

    Design and carve printing blocks and produce textile patterns in this introductory printmaking course. This 4-session course explores how the craft of printmaking and pattern design interplay. Students will leave with two original block pattern designs and multiple finished prints on a variety of papers. Beginners welcome!

  • Print 104 — Multi-Color Linoleum Block Printing

    Develop your craft of Linoleum Block Printing. Students will learn relief carving techniques for rubber blocks, how to print with multiple layers of water based inks on paper, and design fundamentals for multi-color linoleum block printing. Students will leave with one multi color block print design and an original edition of finished prints on a variety of papers. Intermediate level.

Wood

  • Wood 001 — Kids Woodworking

    Do you have a child that likes to create objects out of wood? Our founder, Reverend Lynwood Smith recognized the value of teaching kids how to live a well-crafted life when he began the Shelburne Craft School with afterschool woodworking over 70 years ago. Join our legacy by learning how to make a one of a kind functional object that will be enjoyed for years to come! Students ages10-14 will learn from a woodworking professional in our charming historic light-filled woodshop about shop safety and how to use a wide variety of hand tools such as files, rasps, and wood burners. Your child will gain confidence making creative decisions in an atmosphere that is fun and supportive. At the end of the course they will go home with a valuable skill set and an amazing project. We teach how to make a different project each season so students often sign up for this course again and again throughout the year. Looking for more afterschool weekly coverage? How about signing your child up for Clay 002 or Clay 003

  • Wood 002 — Tuesday Early Dismissal Woodworking

    Looking for a fun creative place for your child to hang out when SCS dismisses early? Our woodshop program was originally designed for local afterschool kids as a safe place to go and to be inspired to live a well crafted life! In this course, students have the opportunity to learn team building skills and creative decision making while using traditional woodworking tools like rasps, files, gouges, routers, spoke-shaves, wood burners, and sand paper. Students will learn about shop and tool safety while they customize a variety of weekly projects with their instructor. This course is offered throughout the school year and can be taken again and again. Parents looking for more afterschool coverage should check out Wood 001 or Clay 002.

  • Wood 004 — Woodworking Afterschool

    Looking for a fun creative place for your child to hang out when SCS dismisses early? Our woodshop program was originally designed for local afterschool kids as a safe place to go and to be inspired to live a well crafted life! In this 8 week course, students have the opportunity to learn team building skills and creative decision making while using traditional woodworking tools like rasps, files, gouges, routers, spoke-shaves, wood burners, and sand paper. Students will learn about shop and tool safety while they customize a variety of weekly projects with their instructor. This course is offered throughout the school year and can be taken again and again.

  • Wood 101 — Introduction to Woodworking

    Interested in woodworking and looking for a way to get started? This introductory course is designed to give beginner students the basics in using hand tools and shop machinery to design and make a beautiful one of a kind project. Did you know that the Shelburne Craft School began as a woodshop in the basement of a church rectory over 70 years ago? Today, our woodshop is housed in a warm, historic, natural light-filled building in the heart of Shelburne Village. Our instructors are professional woodworkers who offer expert guidance and begin each session with a demonstration and a run through of how to safely use each machine. Each session includes one on one support to help students gain confidence with creative decision making. This course offers a different project each season designed to further develop the beginner woodworker's skill set. When ready to work on more advanced projects students are encouraged to check out Wood 201.

  • Wood 102 — Wood Turning

    Are you looking for an introduction to Wood turning? Join us in our warm, light-filled, wood shop to learn the beautiful art of wood turning. Over the course of three weeks, students will learn how to turn a chunk of tree trunk into a wooden bowl or vessel. Students will learn about shop and machine safety while practicing wood turning with blank starts on a lathe. Want to keep practicing? Sign up again for more challenging projects and instructor guidance.

  • Wood 103 — Carving Spatulas and Spoons!

    Learn to create your very own cooking spatula or spoon out of cherry, mahogany, or maple ready to cook and serve your favorite dish when finished! Learn how to use tools such as spokeshaves, bent knives and gouges in a safe, supportive, and fun setting! Bring your humor, tenacity and creativity! All levels of experience welcome!

  • Wood 104 — Introduction to Power Tools

    Wish you had more confidence handling tools or were a little handier around your home? Come join Kate Davidson at our fully equipped woodshop for an Introduction to Power Tools! We’ll be covering all the basics, from drills to handheld saws to the most common shop machines. Students will learn how to stay safe and will gain confidence and skills for their next project. All experience levels welcome!

  • Wood 111 — Branch to Spoon Carving Workshop

    Are you looking for a low commitment one day workshop that will teach you a life-long skill? In this workshop, students learn that carving a spoon from a tree branch is a meditation on form and function. Participants will learn how to identify and harvest a locally sourced species of green wood. Then, using special tools, that you get to keep, students learn about Swedish carving techniques to form and shape a sturdy cooking utensil. The instructor will also cover valuable information about safety, sharpening, and tool maintenance. At the end of the day, students will go home with a cherished one of a kind hand-made object that will last a lifetime. Side effects may include seeing spoons in every branch. Looking for another low commitment workshop? This course pairs well with Wood 113 where you learn how to make a hand-made live edge cutting board. Looking for a way to get more involved with woodworking? Check out Wood 101.

  • Wood 112 — Woodturning Workshop

    Are you looking for a one day workshop that will teach you how to make an amazing conversation piece? Join us in our warm light filled woodshop for a day to learn the beautiful art of woodturning. We will be turning a chunk of tree trunk into a wooden bowl. Students will learn about shop and machine safety while practicing wood turning with blank starts on a lathe. At the end of the day, participants will go home with an amazing hand made treasure and working knowledge of how to use a lathe. This workshop pairs well with for Wood 111 where students can learn the art of carving a wooden spoon to go with their bowl. Students looking for an introduction to woodworking course should check out for Wood 101.

  • Wood 113 — Cutting Board Workshop

    Are you looking for a beginner woodworking project? This workshop offers participants the opportunity to start exploring our historic woodshop while learning how to make a beautiful handmade cutting board. Students will use machines and hand tools to design and shape a unique board that can be used to prepare, serve, or showcase their culinary triumphs!

  • Wood 114 — Longboard Cruiser Workshop

    Are you looking for a low commitment one day workshop that will teach you skills to make a fun useful project? Join us for a weekend in our warm light filled woodshop and learn the basic skills to make a long board cruiser deck (grip-tape, trucks and wheels included!) Students will learn about shop safety and how to use a wide variety of hand tools such as files, rasps, and wood burners. The atmosphere is fun and supportive and explores the connection between design and creative decision making. At the end of the day, students will go home with a valuable skill set and an amazing board! Looking for more low commitment workshops? Check out Wood 111 to make a spoon or how about Wood 112 to learn about wood turning. Want to know more about the basics of woodworking? Sign up for Wood Wood 101.

  • Wood 201 — Drop Leaf Table, Session 1

    This course is designed for students who possess a basic knowledge of woodworking and shop machinery to build up their fundamental skills and learn new joinery and techniques. Spanning two semesters, students will spend 20 classes building a traditional drop-leaf table with a dovetail drawer. The first class will take place off-site at a mill where the instructor will offer guidance on the process of buying wood including material selection, board inspection and measuring, and the nomenclature and etiquette of the scene. In the first half of the course, students will work through familiar processes of milling and mortise-and-tenon joinery to construct a basic table. The remaining classes will involve procedures in drawer box assembly and table leaf construction with extensive use of the hand-held plunge router machine. This course is a great way to keep your skills sharp and broaden your scope of shop equipment capabilities and personal woodworking potential.

  • Wood 202 — Hand Cut Dovetails

    Ready to take the next step and build on your existing woodworking skills? Learn how to lay out, mark, and cut dovetails by hand with instructor Kate Davidson. Spend the evening learning about joinery and handwork and gaining confidence experimenting with pull saws, marking gauges, and chisels. One of the most classic joints in fine woodworking, dovetails are the perfect detail to incorporate into your next project!

  • Wood 202 — Drop Leaf Table, Session 2

    This course is designed for students who possess a basic knowledge of woodworking and shop machinery to build up their fundamental skills and learn new joinery and techniques. Spanning two semesters, students will spend 20 classes building a traditional drop-leaf table with a dovetail drawer. The first class will take place off-site at a mill where the instructor will offer guidance on the process of buying wood including material selection, board inspection and measuring, and the nomenclature and etiquette of the scene. In the first half of the course, students will work through familiar processes of milling and mortise-and-tenon joinery to construct a basic table. The remaining classes will involve procedures in drawer box assembly and table leaf construction with extensive use of the hand-held plunge router machine. This course is a great way to keep your skills sharp and broaden your scope of shop equipment capabilities and personal woodworking potential.

  • Wood 211 — Beyond the Spoon

    Do you want to learn how to make beautiful and useful hand carved cooking utensils? In this course students will be introduced to traditional Scandinavian design and carving techniques to make spoons, spatulas, and butter knives. This course will utilize tools such as carving knives, crooked knives, gouges, coping saws, and hatchets. Carving is a meditation on form and function and students will learn to intuitively see how a branch of green wood can transform into a loving object. Each session will begin in our historic woodshop and will include demonstrations and one on one guidance. This course also pairs well with Wood 112 or Wood 113.

  • Wood 400 — Design & Build

    Do you have a woodworking project in mind, but don’t have the time, or the need to take a full-length class? Whether its custom furniture, artisan bowls, a custom chess set, or building a chicken coup, our instructors can assist with design, planning, quoting the cost of materials, and show you the techniques needed to build your own project.

Workshops