Community Classes
Community Class Registration opens October 18, 2023.
2023 full class descriptions coming soon!
Registration is by phone. Call Carly at 865-436-5860. Class descriptions coming soon.
Community Classes are an opportunity for local residents to take advantage of Arrowmont’s quality art instruction in professionally equipped studios. Classes are fun and a great way to meet new friends in a creative learning environment. Classes are taught by professional working artists and offer a wide selection of media for all ages and ability levels.
Most classes welcome students at all levels however a few require experience or specific skills. Any information regarding required skills will be included in the class description. Community Class workshop materials will be provided and that cost is included in the class fee.
Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-registered basis. Class size is limited — early registration is recommended.
2023 Nature Week at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts November 12–18
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts will host a week of Community Classes in conjunction with the Degrees of Commitment: Climate, Ecosystems, and Society Exhibition in the Blain Gallery.
Nature Week – Craft Night
KIDS ONLY · November 14, Tuesday · 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM · snack and drink provided
Nov 14 · Flower Garden Plates · Rebecca Buglio
Kids ages 5–7
In this one night class, come learn about different leaves and use them to create a fun plate to serve cookies or snacks on at your next garden picnic! Students will learn to press leaves into clay slabs, cut the leaves out, and place them together on a plate mold. Once assembled, students will use underglaze to add color to their masterpieces.
Learn MoreIn this one night class, come learn about different leaves and use them to create a fun plate to serve cookies or snacks on at your next garden picnic! Students will learn to press leaves into clay slabs, cut the leaves out, and place them together on a plate mold. Once assembled, students will use underglaze to add color to their masterpieces.
Nov 14 · Decorative Nature Walk Bag · Brianna Carrol
Kids ages 7–9
Students in this class will decorate a recycled bag or wallet made from old pockets (bring your own or choose from ours)! Class will include a small nature walk, weather permitting, to collect natural textured items to put in our bags. We will use our nature collection to experiment with printmaking by stamping the items in a nature notebook. Notebooks, items, and bags will go home with the kids for future exploring and creating!
Learn MoreStudents in this class will decorate a recycled bag or wallet made from old pockets (bring your own or choose from ours)! Class will include a small nature walk, weather permitting, to collect natural textured items to put in our bags. We will use our nature collection to experiment with printmaking by stamping the items in a nature notebook. Notebooks, items, and bags will go home with the kids for future exploring and creating!
Nov 14 · Wacky Bug Art Adventures: Drawing critters · Sharisse Steber
Kids ages 9–12
Unleash your child’s creativity and imagination in this one night class! We’ll kick off the class learning about different types of insects, their unique characteristics, and their vibrant habitats. Students will experiment with a variety of art supplies such as paints, markers, and collage materials to create their own unique bug masterpieces.
Learn MoreUnleash your child’s creativity and imagination in this one night class! We’ll kick off the class learning about different types of insects, their unique characteristics, and their vibrant habitats. Students will experiment with a variety of art supplies such as paints, markers, and collage materials to create their own unique bug masterpieces.
Nov 14 · Two of a Kind Succulent Planters · Amanda Humphreys
Kids ages 12–15
Want to learn to make a happy little clay home for your small plants or succulents? Well, this is the perfect workshop for any plant lover! By learning simple handbuilding techniques and two fun surface desgins you'll make two unique planters with the pizzazz your plants deserve.
Learn MoreWant to learn to make a happy little clay home for your small plants or succulents? Well, this is the perfect workshop for any plant lover! By learning simple handbuilding techniques and two fun surface desgins you'll make two unique planters with the pizzazz your plants deserve.
Nov 14 · Upcycling: Making Meaningful Art from Trash · Connor Fad
Kids ages 15–18
There are many classic mediums to work with, be it oil paints, marble, wood, but what about trash? With the many environmental issues facing this world today, and the amount of waste we produce, it really brings to mind the saying of "one man's trash is another man's treasure." Students in this class will be turning some items that many call "trash" into the start of a sculptural masterpiece.
Learn MoreThere are many classic mediums to work with, be it oil paints, marble, wood, but what about trash? With the many environmental issues facing this world today, and the amount of waste we produce, it really brings to mind the saying of "one man's trash is another man's treasure." Students in this class will be turning some items that many call "trash" into the start of a sculptural masterpiece.
Nature Week
ADULTS · November 14, Tuesday · 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM · charcuterie board and glass of wine provided
Nov 14 · FOG (Found On Ground) to Fabulous · Mitch Jones
Adults
In this class, students will be taking wood that has been cast aside and giving it a second life. We will learn basic lathe safety while making some mushrooms from wood that has been saved from the forest floor. It will be a fun, whimsical night of woodturning!
Learn MoreIn this class, students will be taking wood that has been cast aside and giving it a second life. We will learn basic lathe safety while making some mushrooms from wood that has been saved from the forest floor. It will be a fun, whimsical night of woodturning!
Nov 14 · Imprinting Art with Leaves and Plants · Pat K. Thomas
Adults
Create original artwork from leaves and plants all while cooking in a turkey roaster! Students will learn to stack bundles with watercolor papers, botanicals, color influencers, and cook for an hour. During cooking time, students will prepare a canvas to mount a watercolor paper tile for greeting/frameable cards. After the hour wait is up, we will be opening the bundles to reveal original Eco-Art Imprinting originals.
Learn MoreCreate original artwork from leaves and plants all while cooking in a turkey roaster! Students will learn to stack bundles with watercolor papers, botanicals, color influencers, and cook for an hour. During cooking time, students will prepare a canvas to mount a watercolor paper tile for greeting/frameable cards. After the hour wait is up, we will be opening the bundles to reveal original Eco-Art Imprinting originals.
Nov 14 · Animal Architecture: Birdhouse Building for Humans · Ashlee Mays & Logan Szymanowski
Adults
Shells spiral out from snails, bees build elaborate colonies, and birds fill the spring with nests. Humans are not the only ones who practice architecture. Explore buildings and designs of the living world while learning how to build a birdhouse to put up in your own yard! In this class, students will be the architects, constructing and decorating their own Purple Martin Gourd Birdhouse. While many birds are opportunists and build nests just about anywhere, Purple Martins in our region nest almost exclusively in human-built homes.
Learn MoreShells spiral out from snails, bees build elaborate colonies, and birds fill the spring with nests. Humans are not the only ones who practice architecture. Explore buildings and designs of the living world while learning how to build a birdhouse to put up in your own yard! In this class, students will be the architects, constructing and decorating their own Purple Martin Gourd Birdhouse. While many birds are opportunists and build nests just about anywhere, Purple Martins in our region nest almost exclusively in human-built homes.
Nov 14 · Paper or Plastic? No! Fabric Grocery Bags · Kelly Sullivan
Adults
Sew your own re-useable grocery bags to replace plastic (or paper) grocery bags when you visit the store next. Students will pick their pattern and a fabric of their liking and start sewing. Your new bag will be ready to accompany you every time you shop! Basic pattern and sewing skills will be taught.
Learn MoreSew your own re-useable grocery bags to replace plastic (or paper) grocery bags when you visit the store next. Students will pick their pattern and a fabric of their liking and start sewing. Your new bag will be ready to accompany you every time you shop! Basic pattern and sewing skills will be taught.
Nature Week – Family Day
November 18, Saturday · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Lunch provided
Nov 18 · A Hoot of a Good Time · Amy Evans
Adults, kids ages 5–7
Have a hoot squishing clay into the shapes of fabulous owls! We will spend the morning building these fascinating creatures out of earthenware clay. The afternoon will be spent painting, decorating, and finalizing our creations.
Learn MoreHave a hoot squishing clay into the shapes of fabulous owls! We will spend the morning building these fascinating creatures out of earthenware clay. The afternoon will be spent painting, decorating, and finalizing our creations.
Nov 18 · Upcycling: Trash to Treasure · Connor Fad
Adults, kids ages 8+
There are many classic mediums to work with, be it oil paints, marble, wood, but what about trash? With the many environmental issues facing this world today, and the amount of waste we produce, it really brings to mind the saying of “one man's trash is another man's treasure.” Students in this class will be turning some items that many call “trash” into the start of a wonderful 2D masterpiece.
Learn MoreThere are many classic mediums to work with, be it oil paints, marble, wood, but what about trash? With the many environmental issues facing this world today, and the amount of waste we produce, it really brings to mind the saying of “one man's trash is another man's treasure.” Students in this class will be turning some items that many call “trash” into the start of a wonderful 2D masterpiece.
Nov 18 · Slip transferred planters (and snake plants!) · Kelly Sullivan
Adults, kids ages 8+
Did you know that most plants, especially snake plants, clean the air from toxins?! In this fun class make a home for your snake plant by learning the fun process of slip transferring with clay. Each student will make a planter and a saucer. You can repot your snake plant (or any other favorite plant) when you pick up your planter!
Learn MoreDid you know that most plants, especially snake plants, clean the air from toxins?! In this fun class make a home for your snake plant by learning the fun process of slip transferring with clay. Each student will make a planter and a saucer. You can repot your snake plant (or any other favorite plant) when you pick up your planter!
Nov 18 · Bugged-Out Block Prints · Deborah Sosower
Adults, kids ages 12+
Hop over to Arrowmont for a fANTastic day making BUZZare and BEEcoming block prints. Inspired by insect specimens native to Great Smoky National Park that are friends at Discover Life will share with us, artists will carve and print linoleum blocks based on the shapes, patterns, and figures they find most BEEutiful. After printing an edition, you will watercolor your prints to create colorful monoprints. End the day with a class-wide print exchange and say, “I SNAILED IT!” No experience necessary.
Learn MoreHop over to Arrowmont for a fANTastic day making BUZZare and BEEcoming block prints. Inspired by insect specimens native to Great Smoky National Park that are friends at Discover Life will share with us, artists will carve and print linoleum blocks based on the shapes, patterns, and figures they find most BEEutiful. After printing an edition, you will watercolor your prints to create colorful monoprints. End the day with a class-wide print exchange and say, “I SNAILED IT!” No experience necessary.
Nov 18 · It All Starts at Home · Lynn Straka
Adults, kids ages 12+
Recycling and repurposing items starts at home. In this class, we will be using mostly the scraps from Arrowmont metal shop scrap bin and some recycled tin containers, plus a little extra wire and brass. Those scraps can be cut, textured, stamped, and joined together by riveting or jump rings. Finished projects could include a collage house ornament, jewelry pendants, bracelet and/or earrings!
Learn MoreRecycling and repurposing items starts at home. In this class, we will be using mostly the scraps from Arrowmont metal shop scrap bin and some recycled tin containers, plus a little extra wire and brass. Those scraps can be cut, textured, stamped, and joined together by riveting or jump rings. Finished projects could include a collage house ornament, jewelry pendants, bracelet and/or earrings!
Nov 18 · From Sky to Root: Drawing Trees! · M Kobe
Adults, kids ages 15+
Do you have a special tree in your life? One that’s near and dear to your heart? Come tell us about it! Together we’ll select some of our favorite trees here on Arrowmont’s campus to draw. Referencing the unfurling of Japanese scrolls, we’ll learn to draw trees from their heads to their toes, from their roots to topmost branches. We will explore the bugs, birds, and other organisms that grow in them with the help of our friends from Discover Life. By the end of the class, you’ll know more about trees and how to draw them too.
Learn MoreDo you have a special tree in your life? One that’s near and dear to your heart? Come tell us about it! Together we’ll select some of our favorite trees here on Arrowmont’s campus to draw. Referencing the unfurling of Japanese scrolls, we’ll learn to draw trees from their heads to their toes, from their roots to topmost branches. We will explore the bugs, birds, and other organisms that grow in them with the help of our friends from Discover Life. By the end of the class, you’ll know more about trees and how to draw them too.
Nov 18 · Basket Explorations with Invasive & Foraged Materials · Ashlee Mays and Logan Szymanowski
Adults, kids ages 15+
Do you have a special tree in your life? One that’s near and dear to your heart? Come tell us about it! Together we’ll select some of our favorite trees here on Arrowmont’s campus to draw. Referencing the unfurling of Japanese scrolls, we’ll learn to draw trees from their heads to their toes, from their roots to topmost branches. We will explore the bugs, birds, and other organisms that grow in them with the help of our friends from Discover Life. By the end of the class, you’ll know more about trees and how to draw them too.
Learn MoreDo you have a special tree in your life? One that’s near and dear to your heart? Come tell us about it! Together we’ll select some of our favorite trees here on Arrowmont’s campus to draw. Referencing the unfurling of Japanese scrolls, we’ll learn to draw trees from their heads to their toes, from their roots to topmost branches. We will explore the bugs, birds, and other organisms that grow in them with the help of our friends from Discover Life. By the end of the class, you’ll know more about trees and how to draw them too.
2023 Winter Family Workshop
December 2, Saturday · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Lunch provided
Dec 2 · Print and Collaged Holiday Cards · Kelly Hider
Adults, kids ages 5–7
In this workshop, students will create a set of unique, handmade holiday cards using printmaking and collage techniques to give to family and friends this holiday season! Students will learn the basics of relief printmaking by carving and inking linoleum blocks, as well as a variety of collage and embellishing techniques. Kids will have fun creating with their parent or friends, and leave with a set of one-of-a-kind holiday cards.
Learn MoreIn this workshop, students will create a set of unique, handmade holiday cards using printmaking and collage techniques to give to family and friends this holiday season! Students will learn the basics of relief printmaking by carving and inking linoleum blocks, as well as a variety of collage and embellishing techniques. Kids will have fun creating with their parent or friends, and leave with a set of one-of-a-kind holiday cards.
Dec 2 · Build by Hand with Slabs & Templates · Kelly Sullivan
Adults, kids ages 7+
This class will focus on making a cup, a bowl and a plate to use during holiday festivities. At the start of this class we will talk about the use, size, and design for each piece. Starting with slabs, we will use templates and press-molds to create 3D forms. Handbuilding basics like scratching, slipping and joining seams will be taught to make our forms functional. After the set is created we will hand paint them using underglazes, carve into them to create texture, and finish a complete set! All skill levels welcome.
Learn MoreThis class will focus on making a cup, a bowl and a plate to use during holiday festivities. At the start of this class we will talk about the use, size, and design for each piece. Starting with slabs, we will use templates and press-molds to create 3D forms. Handbuilding basics like scratching, slipping and joining seams will be taught to make our forms functional. After the set is created we will hand paint them using underglazes, carve into them to create texture, and finish a complete set! All skill levels welcome.
Dec 2 · Winter Watercolors · Paige Moorefield
Adults, kids ages 9+
This class will focus on drawing and painting winter themed watercolor paintings using still life objects. Students will begin by learning the basics of drawing, followed by multiple watercolor techniques. Students will use what they learn to create a winter themed watercolor painting to enjoy or gift this season!
Learn MoreThis class will focus on drawing and painting winter themed watercolor paintings using still life objects. Students will begin by learning the basics of drawing, followed by multiple watercolor techniques. Students will use what they learn to create a winter themed watercolor painting to enjoy or gift this season!
Dec 2 · Christmas Hexagon Coasters · Heather Ashworth
Adults, kids ages 12+
Join this holiday class to make custom wood hexagon coasters just in time for friends and family to visit! You will have a choice in wood before laying and cutting out the hexagon shape. Once the coasters are cleaned up, you will have the option to milk paint your art pieces to brighten up the project or the option of applying an image transfer from a provided stack of images. All coasters will be finalized with a spray finish sealant before taking home and enjoying with the family.
Learn MoreJoin this holiday class to make custom wood hexagon coasters just in time for friends and family to visit! You will have a choice in wood before laying and cutting out the hexagon shape. Once the coasters are cleaned up, you will have the option to milk paint your art pieces to brighten up the project or the option of applying an image transfer from a provided stack of images. All coasters will be finalized with a spray finish sealant before taking home and enjoying with the family.
Dec 2 · Flat Reed Snowflake Ornaments · Katie Sharpe
Adults, kids ages 12+
In this class students will make snowflakes that will last year after year! We will weave flat basket reed into one-of-a-kind snowflakes that can be used as holiday decorations. Students can make multiple full-sized snowflakes, about a foot tall, or try their hand at smaller, ornament sized snowflakes once they have mastered the weaving steps. As a bonus, if time allows, we will dip dye them with various dye colors.
Learn MoreIn this class students will make snowflakes that will last year after year! We will weave flat basket reed into one-of-a-kind snowflakes that can be used as holiday decorations. Students can make multiple full-sized snowflakes, about a foot tall, or try their hand at smaller, ornament sized snowflakes once they have mastered the weaving steps. As a bonus, if time allows, we will dip dye them with various dye colors.
Dec 2 · Unique Jewelry for the Holidays · Dongyi Wu
Adults, kids ages 15+
Let’s make a unique bracelet or necklace to wear or gift this holiday season! Students will learn how to use round cutters to cut the metal sheets, decorate the metal surfaces with hammering textures and color pencils, and also use metal wires to make jump rings to build their chains. Students are also welcome to bring charms or bobbles that they want to hang on their new bracelets or necklaces.
Learn MoreLet’s make a unique bracelet or necklace to wear or gift this holiday season! Students will learn how to use round cutters to cut the metal sheets, decorate the metal surfaces with hammering textures and color pencils, and also use metal wires to make jump rings to build their chains. Students are also welcome to bring charms or bobbles that they want to hang on their new bracelets or necklaces.
Dec 2 · Stained Glass Holiday Suncatcher · Dawn Edwards
Adults, kids ages 15+
In this class, students will get to experience each of the steps in the copper-foil method of making stained glass art. Students will learn to select a pattern, select glass, cut the glass to the pattern, grind the glass, clean the glass, apply copper foil to the glass, solder the glass pieces together and to add a jump ring from which to hang the suncatcher. At the end of the class each student will possess their own unique stained glass suncatcher to hang in a window and enjoy.
Learn MoreIn this class, students will get to experience each of the steps in the copper-foil method of making stained glass art. Students will learn to select a pattern, select glass, cut the glass to the pattern, grind the glass, clean the glass, apply copper foil to the glass, solder the glass pieces together and to add a jump ring from which to hang the suncatcher. At the end of the class each student will possess their own unique stained glass suncatcher to hang in a window and enjoy.
Community Class Scholarships
The Garrett Reece Barnett Scholarship Fund
Garrett Reece Barnett was an integral part of the Arrowmont community — he was an ArtReach kid, a woodturning studio assistant, and lived an adventurous, accomplished and purposeful life. After college, he worked for the Park Service and lost his life responding to an emergency. Garrett represented all we hope for as art educators. In 2018, the Barnett Family established the first named Community Class Scholarship to honor Garrett’s legacy.
The Garrett Reece Barnett Scholarship covers 100% of tuition for at least one adult community class and one kid community class annually. Preference will be given to those individuals with an interest in woodworking and woodturning and who have financial need. This scholarship is available for residents of Sevier County, Tennessee only.
Application Deadline: November 8
Aply for GARRETT REECE BARNETT COMMUNITY CLASS SCHOLARSHIP
The Fleur Bresler Scholarship Fund
The Fleur Bresler Scholarship Endowment covers 100% of tuition for children with financial need, artistic interest and commitment to attending classes at Arrowmont. This scholarship is available for any child locally that is interested in art classes, they do not need to be living in Sevier County.
Application Deadline: November 8
How to Apply
Art teachers, any community member or family member may nominate a child or themselves by completing the online slideroom application. Questions or concerns over the $5 application fee should be emailed to Sunny Moyers at smoyers@arrowmont.org before submitting
ARROWMONT COVID-19 POLICY
The health and safety of students, faculty and staff is a priority at Arrowmont. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the policy: Click here to view and download the detailed Policy.
Arrowmont is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP5534 awarded to the State of Tennessee by the U.S. Department of Treasury.