Click below to get a preview of  Fall Art Workshops and Classes

Fall Registration Banner

MCAC Adult Classes & Workshops:


Whether you're looking to take a one-time workshop or to join a class that meets weekly, MCAC offers a variety of affordable opportunities to exercise your creativity! We believe in small class sizes and quality instructors.

Basic supplies are always included in our course fees. 

Registration Policies: Your class registration is not complete until your payment is processed. (Registration will be canceled if payment has not been received within 15 minutes of registering.) This helps us offer open spots to our community.

Class registration may be cancelled up to 7 days before the start of class for a full refund.  Class registration may be transferred up to 7 days before the start of class. Only one transfer is allowed, per registration/payment.  

CLASS FEES are calculated using a class rate times the number of sessions

Ceramics=$32.50/session    Painting/Drawing/Metal/Fabric= $25/session


Classes In Ceramic Classroom Have Light Gray Background

Classes In Painting/Drawing/Fiber/Jewelry Classroom Have Light Blue Background 

Classes Off Campus Have Light Orange Background


EVENTS OFFERED:

    • September 05, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • October 10, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Instructor Erin Furimsky. ceramic objects

    -C1-Beginners/Intermediate Throwing with Erin Furimsky

       Tuesdays, 6 sessions

        Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $195 (Non Member)

    This is a great class for beginners to intermediate throwers or anyone just getting started with clay and wants to focus on the pottery wheel. In this class I will introduce techniques for throwing cylinders, cups, and bowls. We will be focusing on the fundamentals of centering, opening the form, and lifting a wall. This class is for beginners but is great if you want to advance your skills and your repertoire even if you have thrown on the wheel before. We'll cover wedging clay, throwing, shaping and trimming on the wheel, surface decoration and glaze application.




    Class size is limited to eight to allow for individual instruction time. Student work is fired on-site by our ceramics studio assistant, allowing everyone to take home finished pieces. 

    Enrollment in this class provides access to MCAC's kilns and our full range of ceramic glazes, plus tools and 10lbs of clay.

    Includes access to open studio hours.


    • September 05, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • October 10, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Registration is closed
    classroom of painters. Instructor Jeremy Langston

    -P1-Tuesday Night Painting 1

    with Jeremy Langston

       Tuesdays, 6 sessions

       Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 (covered by A.Y.), Oct. 3, 10

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $150

    Do you like the idea of being able to paint whatever subject matter you like but have a professional artist on hand to answer any questions that come up while you're painting?

    Then this is the class you want! 

    Join painters of all levels for an evening of self-paced painting.  You bring in photos that you'd like to paint or set up a still life in person and our instructor Jeremy Langston will guide you with techniques, skills & tips catered to what you're working on.

    Your subject matter, your pace, no stress, just fun! 

    Come improve your painting skills with us at the McLean Co. Arts Center.

    *All materials are provided: paints, brushes, painting surfaces, palettes, palette knives, etc.  

    • September 06, 2023
    • 2:00 PM
    • October 11, 2023
    • 4:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 4
    Registration is closed
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. Hands shaping clay form

    -C2-Beginners Hand Building

    with Marjorie Hauge

       Wednesdays, 6 sessions

        Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11 ;

    2-4:30pm

    Fee: $195 for non members

    Are you curious about clay? Are you looking for a creative outlet? Come and explore the world of clay. This 6-session class will introduce you to the MCAC ceramic studio and the basics of hand building. You will explore the world of pinch pots, coil construction and the intricacies of slab building.  You will be supplied with all the materials needed to complete your projects. Learn basic techniques that will unleash your creative potential.  Come and see what the world of pottery is all about.  

    The fee includes access to firing, glazes, 10 lbs of clay, and a shelf at the MCAC.

    Access to open studio hours does not come with this class.

    Guest registration allowed for this option.

    • September 06, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • October 04, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    Registration is closed
    Paper Clay Flowers. Instructor Alanna Veitch

    -C3-Paper Clay 

    with Alanna Veitch

    Wednesdays, 5 sessions

    Sept. 6,  13, 20, 27, Oct. 4;

    6:30-9 pm

    Fee: $162.50 for non members

    Join instructor Alanna Veitch for this six-week ceramics course and learn new techniques to take your sculpting to the next level. This is a sculpting class for intermediate to advanced students. 

    Enrollment in this class provides access to MCAC's kilns and our full range of ceramic glazes. Enrolled students may also work on their own during open studio hours, at no additional charge. 

    paper clay flowers

    paper clay flowers 2

    Class size is limited to nine to allow for individual instruction time. Early registration is encouraged; seats typically sell out in advance. Experienced potters are welcome to join this class to experiment and learn new techniques. Student work is fired on-site by our ceramics studio assistant, allowing everyone to take home finished pieces. 


    • September 07, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • October 12, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 2
    Registration is closed

    Hands throwing a vase. Instructor Claire Hedden

    -C5-Advanced Throwing 1

    with Claire Hedden

       Thursdays, 6 sessions

       Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 Oct. 5, 12;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $195.00 (Non Member)


    Join instructor Claire Hedden for this advanced six-week ceramics course.  In this course you will be introduced to multiple techniques on the pottery wheel. 


    Enrollment in this class provides access to MCAC's kilns and our full range of ceramic glazes & 10 pounds of clay body. (More clay can be purchased through the MCAC if you run out.) Enrolled students may also work on their own during open studio hours, at no additional charge.

    Class size is limited to nine to allow for individual instruction time. Early registration is encouraged; seats typically sell out in advance. Student work is fired on-site by our ceramics studio assistant usually on Fridays, allowing everyone to take home finished pieces throughout the class. 
    • September 08, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • September 29, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 3
    Registration is closed
    Hand Trimming wet clay. Instructor Kirsten Heteji

    -C6-Friday Night Ceramics Open Studio 1

    with Kirsten Heteji

       Fridays, 4 sessions

       Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29;

    6:30-9pm


    Fee: $130 for non members

    The MCAC will have an open studio option during the Fall for our advanced ceramic students. This session on Friday nights is open to ceramic students with at least a year of classes at the McLean Co. Arts Center and at least one advanced class with one of our instructors. This time will be proctored by our Ceramic Instructor Kirsten Heteji. This is not an instructed time but you will have access to supplies, resources and the advanced experience of Kirsten & of the community of ceramicists at the MCAC.


    The fee includes access to firing, glazes, 10 lbs of clay, a shelf at the MCAC and access to open studio during our open hours.

    No guest registration allowed for this option



    • September 11, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • October 09, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Registration is closed
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. Hands shaping clay form

    -C10-Monday Night Ceramics Open Studio 1

    with Marjorie Hauge

       Mondays, 5 sessions

       Sept. 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $162.50 for non members

    This is for advanced ceramic students only. This session on Monday nights is open to ceramic students with at least a year of classes at the McLean County Art Center AND at least one advanced class with one of our instructors. This time will be proctored by our Ceramic Assistant, Marjorie Hauge. This is not an instructed time but gives you access to supplies, resources, and the wonderful, advanced community of ceramicists at the MCAC. 

    The fee includes access to firing, glazes, and 10 lbs. of clay, a shelf and access to the studio during our open hours. No guest registration allowed for this option.


    • September 14, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • October 12, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 4
    Registration is closed
    Instructor Amy Yeager

    -P6-Thursday Evening Painting 1

    with Amy Yeager

       Thursdays, 5 sessions

       Sept. 14, 21, 28 (covered by J.L.), Oct. 5, 12;

    6:30-9 pm

    Fee: $125 (non members)

    Do you like the idea of being able to paint whatever subject matter you like but have a professional artist on hand to answer any questions that come up while you're painting or drawing? Then this is the class you want!  Join artists of all levels for an evening of self-paced painting and drawing.  You bring in photos that you'd like to paint or set up a still life in person and our instructor Amy Yeager will guide you with techniques, skills & tips catered to what you're working on. Your subject matter, your pace, no stress, just fun!  Come improve your painting and drawing skills with us at the McLean Co. Arts Center.

    *All materials are provided: paints, brushes, painting surfaces, palettes, knives, etc. 


    *All materials are provided: paints, brushes, painting surfaces, palettes, palette knives, etc.  

    • September 30, 2023
    • 9:00 AM
    • October 28, 2023
    • 11:30 AM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 1
    Register
    Ceramic Bowls. Instructor Sarah Hurley

    -C11-Beginners Throwing 1

    with Sarah Hurley

       Saturdays, 5 sessions

       Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28;

    9-11:30 am

    Fee: $162.50 for non members

     

    Learn how to wedge, center, throw, and glaze your next functional piece of art!  Join Sarah on Saturday mornings as she guides you through the basics of throwing on the wheel. This class is perfect for anyone looking to get their hands on clay for the first time or brush up on their skills.



    The fee includes access to firing, glazes, clock mechanism, & 10 lbs of clay, Includes a shelf at the MCAC.

    Does not include access to open studio hours.

    Guest registration allowed for this option.

    • October 01, 2023
    • 9:00 AM
    • October 15, 2023
    • 12:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 10
    Register
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. clay pumkin sculptures

    -C12-Advanced Pumpkin Throwing Intensive

    with Marjorie Hauge

       Sundays, 3 sessions

       Oct. 1, 8, 15;

    9am-12pm

    Fee: $100 for non members

    During this 3-session workshop you will have the opportunity to learn how to throw a closed form and turn it into a pumpkin.  You must be able to center your clay and throw a bowl to sign-up for this workshop. The skill that will be the focus is how to close a form. 

    All materials will be provided.

    Does not include a shelf or access to open studio hours. Guest registration allowed for this option.

    • October 04, 2023
    • 12:30 PM
    • November 08, 2023
    • 3:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 2
    Register
    Watercolor paintings. Instructor Dale Evans

    -P7-Intermediate/Advanced Watercolor

    with Dale Evans

       Wednesdays, 6 sessions

       Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8;

    12:30-3 pm

    Fee: $150 (non members)

    Join Dale Evans, MCAC Painting and Watercolor Instructor, Wednesday afternoons in taking traditional watercolor in different directions. Combining techniques using mixed media, larger formats, and multiple images to create something beautiful. This class is open to intermediate to advanced water colorists, previous experience is recommended.

    *All materials are supplied for this class. Please feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks to this workshop.


    • October 06, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • October 27, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    Register
    Hand Trimming wet clay. Instructor Kirsten Heteji

    -C13-Friday Night Ceramics Open Studio 1

    with Kirsten Heteji

       Fridays, 4 sessions

       Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee $130 for non members

    The MCAC will have an open studio option during the Fall for our advanced ceramic students. This session on Friday nights is open to ceramic students with at least a year of classes at the McLean Co. Arts Center and at least one advanced class with one of our instructors. This time will be proctored by our Ceramic Instructor Kirsten Heteji. This is not an instructed time but you will have access to supplies, resources and the advanced experience of Kirsten & of the community of ceramicists at the MCAC.

    The fee includes a shelf, kiln firing, clay body, and glazes also includes access to open studio hours.


    See Open Studio Policies for more information.


    • October 09, 2023
    • 1:00 PM
    • October 23, 2023
    • 3:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 9
    Register
    Ceramic Bowls. Instructor Sarah Hurley

    -C14-Pumpkin Mug Intensive

    with Sarah Hurley

       Mondays, 3 sessions

       Oct. 9, 16, 23;

    1-3:30 pm

    Cost $100.00 for non members

    Cozy up and stay warm through the fall with your own crafted pumpkin mug!

    Join our instructor Sarah as she guides you through the process of throwing, altering, and decorating a perfect pumpkin mug. Perfect for soups, ciders, and all the fall treats!

    ceramic pumpkin mug

    Does not include a shelf at the MCAC or access to open studio hours.

    Guest registration allowed for this option.



    • October 11, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • October 25, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 6
    Register
    flower and leaf stamped plates. Instructor Alanna Veitch

    -C15-Monster Mug Workshop

     with Alanna Veitch

      Wednesdays, 2 sessions

      Oct. 11, 25;

    6:30-9 pm

    Fee: $65 for non members

    Let's get spooky and make some ghoulish monster mugs in the spirit of Halloween. We will spend our first session building and creating the mugs. The second session will be adding color and glazing them. They will be ready for pickup the following week.

    Monster mug example

    Monster mug example


    *All materials including clay, glazes, tools and kiln firings included in fee.

    Does not include a shelf at MCAC or access to open studio hours.

    • October 12, 2023
    • 2:30 PM
    • October 26, 2023
    • 5:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 10
    Register
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. chia pet sheep in field

    -C4-Chia Pet Workshop

    with Marjorie Hauge

       Thursdays, 2 sessions

    Oct.12, 26;

    2:30-5:30pm

    Fee: $65  for non members


    Join MCAC instructor, Marjorie Hauge, for this 2-session workshop where you will get to design and create your own pinch pot chia pet. This workshop is for all levels, no prior clay experience is needed.  Students will leave with a sculpture of their choice and the seeds and information to sprout their creation at home.

    ceramic chia pet sheep and pasture  Ceramic Chia Pet sheep in pasture

    Does not include a shelf at the MCAC and access to open studio hours. Guest registration allowed for this option.

    • October 15, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 3
    Register


    -P8-Intro to Pastel Painting Workshop

    with Mandy Roeing

      Sunday, 1 session

      Oct. 15;

    1-4 pm

    Fee: $50

    Interested in Pastels? Wondering where to start and how they work? Then join instructor Mandy Roeing for this Sunday afternoon workshop at the MCAC. Mandy will teach you all the techniques to start your pastel journey and each student will create and leave with a small piece of art. This is a great workshop for teens and adults. All materials provided by the MCAC.

    *Please feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks to this workshop.     

    *All materials are provided

    • October 20, 2023
    • 9:00 AM
    • November 03, 2023
    • 12:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 9
    Register
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. A ceramic slab clock

    -C7-Slab Clock Workshop

    with Marjorie Hauge

    Fridays, 2 sessions

     Oct. 20, & Nov. 3;

    9am-12pm

    Fee: $65 for non members

    Join MCAC instructor, Marjorie Hauge, for this 2-session workshop where you will design and create your own slab based ceramic clock. This workshop is for all levels, no prior clay experience is needed. Students will leave with a ticking clock ready to be hung inside or out. All materials required will be supplied.  

    Does not include a shelf at the MCAC and access to open studio hours. Guest registration allowed for this option.

    • October 22, 2023
    • 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 8
    Register
    Bisque skull. Instructor Alanna Veitch

    -C16-Bisque Skull Banks

    with Alanna Veitch

       Sunday, 1 session

       Oct. 22; 2:30-5 pm

    Fee: $50 for non members

    In the spirit of Dia de los Muertos, we will be decorating skull piggy banks with repeating colors and patterns. Join MCAC Instructor Alanna Veitch for a Sunday Evening decorating a bisque skull bank. Sugar skull, mosaic skull, creepy skull its up to you!   This is open to all experience levels. Work will be fired at the MCAC and will be available for pick up a week after the second session.

    *All materials including  glazes, tools and kiln firings included in fee.

    does not include a shelf at MCAC or access to open studio hours.

    • October 23, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • November 20, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Join waitlist
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. Hands shaping clay form

    -C17-Monday Night Ceramics Open Studio 2

    with Marjorie Hauge

       Mondays, 5 sessions

        Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $162.50 for non members

    This is for advanced ceramic students only. This session on Monday nights is open to ceramic students with at least a year of classes at the McLean County Art Center AND at least one advanced class with one of our instructors. This time will be proctored by our Ceramic Assistant, Marjorie Hauge. This is not an instructed time but gives you access to supplies, resources, and the wonderful, advanced community of ceramicists at the MCAC. 

    The $162.50 

    fee includes access to firing, glazes, and 10lbs. of clay, a shelf and access to the studio during our open hours.

    No guest registration allowed for this option.


    • October 24, 2023
    • 12:30 PM
    • November 14, 2023
    • 3:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 4
    Register

    Insructor Dave Templeton. Still life drawing

    -D1 - Beginning Drawing

    with Dave Templeton

       Tuesdays, 4 sessions

       Oct. 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14;

    12:30-3pm

    $100 for Non Members


    Join MCAC instructor Dave Templeton for this four-week beginner drawing class. Dave will teach you all the basics of drawing and students will practice depicting line, form, tone and texture. Projects will emphasize one-point and two-point perspective in order to produce drawings which accurately represent three-dimensional forms.

    This class is recommended for anyone wishing to start their drawing journey, and for painters who would like to create more accurate sketches before beginning to paint. No experience necessary! Students will be asked to complete simple homework assignments in a sketchbook that is provided by the MCAC.


    Drawing syllabus.pdf

    Click the link above to get your syllabus


    • October 26, 2023
    • 12:30 PM
    • November 16, 2023
    • 3:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 8
    Register

    Instructor Dave Templeton. Collage drawing of baseball player

    -D2- Advance Drawing

    with Dave Templeton

       Thursdays, 4 sessions

       Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16;  

    12:30-3pm

    Fee: $100 for Non Members


    Join instructor Dave Templeton for this four-week advanced drawing class. There’s a very specific process to drawing well. If you use all necessary stages in your drawing process, you’ll have control over the entire drawing, which means you’ll be able to produce a finished work that's close to achieving the effect you want. This is what Dave will teach in our class and you will practice these vital skills throughout the advanced drawing course refining your ability to discern the basic shapes in any object and to accurately render the play of light and shadow on the objects you draw.

    This class is for students who have taken at least one full class (four sessions) from Dave or another instructor at the MCAC. Students will be asked to complete simple homework assignments in a sketchbook that is provided by the MCAC. 


    • October 26, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • December 07, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Hands throwing a vase. Instructor Claire Hedden

    -C18-Advanced Throwing 2

    with Claire Hedden

       Thursdays, 6 sessions

       Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30 Dec. 7;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $195.00 (Non Member)


    Join instructor Claire Hedden for this six-week ceramics course. You will be guided in techniques for throwing at the wheel. For students who have already taken a 2 or more wheel classes at MCAC.


    Enrollment in this class provides access to MCAC's kilns and our full range of ceramic glazes & 10 pounds of clay body. (More clay can be purchased through the MCAC if you run out.) Enrolled students may also work on their own during open studio hours, at no additional charge.


    Class size is limited to nine to allow for individual instruction time. Early registration is encouraged; seats typically sell out in advance. Student work is fired on-site by our ceramics studio assistant usually on Fridays, allowing everyone to take home finished pieces throughout the class.


    • November 01, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • November 29, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    Register

    Instructor Nisa Blackmon, patination jewelry examples

    M-1 Piercing and Patination:  Silhouette Metal Jewelry

    with Nisa Blackmon

    Wednesdays, 4 sessions

    November 1, 8, 15, & 29

    6:30-9:00 pm, 

    Fee: $100 (Non Member)

    Student Tool Kit $75.00 

    In this 4-session workshop, students will learn fundamental jewelry & metal-working skills (sawing, piercing, filing, sanding and patination) as they create elegant jewelry based on the concept of silhouettes. This course will result in at least one piece of finished jewelry (pendants or earrings), provide the tools and knowledge necessary for students to continue making metal jewelry on their own, and can serve as a foundation for further jewelry & metals classes.

    Students will need to bring a pair of wrap-around safety glasses to all sessions. A tool and materials kit, purchased by each student, will contain everything necessary to complete the course and work beyond it.

    If you have taken Nisa’s Collage Jewelry course previously, you will not need to purchase the entire kit.

      

    • November 02, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • December 14, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 7
    Register
    Instructor Amy Yeager

    -P12-Thursday Evening Painting 2

    with Amy Yeager

       Thursdays, 6 sessions

       Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30 Dec. 7, 14;

    6:30-9 pm

    Fee: $150 (non members)

    Do you like the idea of being able to paint whatever subject matter you like but have a professional artist on hand to answer any questions that come up while you're painting or drawing? Then this is the class you want!  Join artists of all levels for an evening of self-paced painting and drawing.  You bring in photos that you'd like to paint or set up a still life in person and our instructor Amy Yeager will guide you with techniques, skills & tips catered to what you're working on. Your subject matter, your pace, no stress, just fun!  Come improve your painting and drawing skills with us at the McLean Co. Arts Center.

    *All materials are provided: paints, brushes, painting surfaces, palettes, knives, etc.


    • November 03, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • December 15, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 9
    Register

    -P2- Friday Night Painting 1


       Fridays, 6 sessions

       Nov. 3, 10, 17 Dec. 1, 8, 15;

    6:30-9 pm

    Fee:$150

    Do you like the idea of being able to paint or draw whatever subject matter you like but have a professional artist on hand to answer any questions that come up while you're painting? Then this is the class you want!  Join painters of all levels for an evening of self-paced painting.  You bring in photos that you'd like to paint or set up a still life in person and our instructor will guide you with techniques, skills & tips catered to what you're working on. Your subject matter, your pace, no stress, just fun!  Come improve your painting skills with us at the McLean Co. Arts Center.

    *All materials are provided: paints, brushes, painting surfaces, palettes, knives, etc.  

    • November 03, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • December 15, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 9
    Register
    Paper Clay Flowers. Instructor Alanna Veitch

    -C19-Friday Night Ceramics Open Studio

    with Alanna Veitch

       Fridays, 6 sessions

       Nov. 3, 10, 17, Dec. 1, 8, 15;

    6:30-9 pm

    Fee: $195 for non members

    This is for advanced ceramic students only. This session on Monday nights is open to ceramic students with at least a year of classes at the McLean County Art Center AND at least one advanced class with one of our instructors. This time will be proctored by our Ceramic Assistant, Alanna Veitch. This is not an instructed time but gives you access to supplies, resources, and the wonderful, advanced community of ceramicists at the MCAC. 

    The fee includes access to firing, glazes, and 10lbs. of clay, a shelf and access to the studio during our open hours.

    No guest registration allowed for this option.


    • November 07, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • December 12, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    coil building Instructor Erin Furimsky

    -C20-Coil Building for Everyone 

    with Erin Furimsky

        Tuesdays, 6 sessions

         Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec. 5, 12; 6:30-9pm

    Fee: $195 (Non Member)

    This class will be a deep dive into the technique of coil building to create vessels and non objective forms. Beginners and experienced students are welcome. We will all start with learning how to coil and build and then work on a large bowl "upside-down". From there students can try more vertical forms such as vases or sculptures. This class will focus on coil-building as more than an introductory hand building process and a few medium scale pieces will be created. Understand, coil building isn’t a fast process, and one must be mindful in ways that are quite different than working with slabs or throwing on the potter’s wheel. To coil well, one must slow down, focus, and feel the clay during every pinch. The potential for organic volumetric forms with this process is endless. Please note, it often works best to work extra in open studio or check in on the projects outside of class so they do not dry out.


    Enrollment in this class provides access to MCAC's kilns and our full range of ceramic glazes, plus tools and 10lbs of clay.  

    Class size is limited to eight to allow for individual instruction time. Student work is fired on-site by our ceramics studio assistant, allowing everyone to take home finished pieces. 

    Includes access to open studio hours

    • November 07, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • December 12, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 0
    Join waitlist
    classroom of painters. Instructor Jeremy Langston

    -P15-Tuesday Night Painting 2

    with Jeremy Langston

       Tuesdays, 6 sessions

       Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28 Dec. 5, 12;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee:$150

    Do you like the idea of being able to paint whatever subject matter you like but have a professional artist on hand to answer any questions that come up while you're painting?

    Then this is the class you want! 

    Join painters of all levels for an evening of self-paced painting.  You bring in photos that you'd like to paint or set up a still life in person and our instructor Jeremy Langston will guide you with techniques, skills & tips catered to what you're working on.

    Your subject matter, your pace, no stress, just fun! 

    Come improve your painting skills with us at the McLean Co. Arts Center.

    *All materials are provided: paints, brushes, painting surfaces, palettes, palette knives, etc. 



    • November 11, 2023
    • 9:00 AM
    • December 16, 2023
    • 11:30 AM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 3
    Register
    Ceramic Bowls. Instructor Sarah Hurley

    -C21-Beginners Throwing 2

    with Sarah Hurley

       Saturdays, 5 sessions

      Nov. 11, 18, Dec. 2, 9, 16;

    9-11:30 am

    Cost $162.50 for non members


    Learn how to wedge, center, throw, and glaze your next functional piece of art!  Join Sarah on Saturday mornings as she guides you through the basics of throwing on the wheel. This class is perfect for anyone looking to get their hands on clay for the first time or brush up on their skills.

    Supplies provided, clay, glazes, kiln firing, and includes a shelf at the MCAC.

    Does not include access to open studio hours.

    Guest registration allowed for this option.


    • November 19, 2023
    • 2:30 PM
    • December 03, 2023
    • 5:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 10
    Register
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. Hands shaping clay form

    -C22- Pinch Boots Workshop 

    with Marjorie Hauge

       Sundays, 2 sessions

       Nov. 19, Dec. 3;

    2:30-5:30pm

    Fee: $65 for non members

    Join us for this 2-session workshop to make a ceramic boot and learn about Saint Nicholas, not Santa Claus. Your boot will be ready so you can put it out on December 6.

    All materials for making your boot will be supplied.  All skill levels are welcome for this hand building project.

    Does not include a shelf at the MCAC or access to open studio hours. Guest registration allowed for this option.

    • November 26, 2023
    • 9:00 AM
    • December 17, 2023
    • 12:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 5
    Register
    Ceramic Ornaments. Instructor Kirsten Hetejii

    -C23-Holiday Projects

    with Kirsten Heteji

        Sundays, 4 sessions

        Nov. 26th, Dec. 3, 10, 17;

    9am-12 pm

    Fee: $130 for non members

    Join Kirsten in this four week class intensive where we will be making a project a week to create gifts in the spirit of the holidays! You will be making pinched pinecone ornaments, soft slab snow tree lanterns, and hard slab cozy home incense burner. After class, you can stick around for Sunday open studio to continue to work on your projects on your own.


    The fee includes access to firing, glazes, 10 lbs of clay, a shelf at the MCAC and access to open studio during our open hours. No guest registration allowed for this option


    • December 04, 2023
    • 1:00 PM
    • December 18, 2023
    • 3:30 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 10
    Register
    winterwonderland relief mugs, instructor Sarah Hurley

    -C24-Winter Wonderland Relief Mugs Intensive

    with Sarah Hurley

        Mondays, 3 sessions

        Dec. 4, 11, 18;

    1-3:30 pm

    Fee: $100.00 for non members

    The weather outside might be frightful, but this workshop is so delightful! 

    Enjoy this festive workshop where you will be guided on the basics of throwing cups on the wheel, how to create reliefs and textures, and be able to personalize your own moment of whimsy for winters to come.

    The fee includes access to firing, glazes,  & clay.

    Does not include a shelf at the MCAC or access to open studio hours.

    Guest registration allowed for this option.

    • December 04, 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • December 18, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St. Bloomington IL 61701
    • 2
    Register
    Instructor Marjorie Hauge. Hands shaping clay form

    -C25-Monday Night Ceramics Open Studio 3

    with Marjorie Hauge

       Mondays, 3 sessions

        Dec. 4, 11, 18;

    6:30-9pm

    Fee: $100 for non members

    This is for advanced ceramic students only. This session on Monday nights is open to ceramic students with at least a year of classes at the McLean County Art Center AND at least one advanced class with one of our instructors. This time will be proctored by our Ceramic Assistant, Marjorie Hauge. This is not an instructed time but gives you access to supplies, resources, and the wonderful, advanced community of ceramicists at the MCAC. 

    The fee includes access to firing, glazes, 10lbs of clay, a shelf at the MCAC and access to open studio during our open hours.

    No guest registration allowed for this option.


Mission Statement: We encourage and promote the appreciation, study, cultivation, development, and practice of art for the benefit of all the people, cultures and communities of McLean County. 

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software