T(w)een Art Club for Ages 12-16

Join us for inspiring art classes designed especially for t(w)eens! These sessions introduce more complex techniques and materials to help students grow their artistic skills and confidence as they dive deeper into the creative process.

Each multi-week session focuses on a single project, allowing students to fully explore advanced methods through a rotating menu of media—drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, fiber arts, sculpture, and more—all within a fun, collaborative, studio-like setting.

Tween Art Club gives t(w)eens a opportunity to:

• Experiment with a wide range of materials and techniques
• Strengthen fine art skills, including composition, proportion, scale, color theory, perspective, light, and form
• Expand their art vocabulary and understanding of artistic principles
• Express their individuality and make independent creative choices
• Build confidence through problem-solving and working through artistic challenges
• Create meaningful, high-quality artwork they can be proud of

We aim to strike a good balance between challenge and fun—encouraging students to trust their instincts, embrace experimentation, and build a strong foundation in visual art.

2025 FALL SEMESTER SCHEDULE

Fridays, 3:30–5:00 pm (12 weeks with scheduled breaks for school holidays)
Cora Annex, 145N Cora Sam Ridgway

• Session 1 (4 weeks • $85): September 12 – October 3
• Session 2 (5 weeks • $100): October 17 – November 14
• Session 3 (3 weeks • $70): December 5 – 19

Sign up for multiple sessions and receive $10 off each session! To access the discount, please email lexi@weehawkenarts.org to register. In the event of low enrollment, you’ll be issued a full refund for the affected session.

Registration: https://weehawkenarts.org/education/youth-art-classes/ridgway-youth-art-classes/

The 12 week fall session will conclude with a student art reception and gallery show at Ridgway’s Noel Night in December, where students can celebrate their work with friends, family, and the community. In the days after the event, they’ll take home their body of work—whether to keep, gift, or even sell with pride.

Additional Notes:

* Special needs: If your t(w)een has any specific needs, please contact Claudia in advance at claudia@weehawkenarts.org so we can ensure the best experience for your child.

Session 1 (September): Pattern, Paint & Rhythm: Abstract Art Inspired by Sanna Annukka

Explore the art of abstraction in this dynamic and creative class designed for t(w)eens!
Students will learn how to break down ideas and images into bold, geometric landscape compositions inspired by artists like Sanna Annukka. Through guided, hands-on exercises, we’ll dive into color theory—practicing how to build cohesive palettes using analogous colors and exploring how to add depth and contrast with tints and shades.

Using what they’ve learned about color theory, intentional composition, rhythm, and pattern, students will create their own expressive, abstract painting. The final piece will combine shape, color, and line to highlight a unique landscape—optionally incorporating a stylized animal figure within their vibrant, original design.

Session 2: (October–November):  “Mixed Media Animal Portraits”

Learn how to create stunning, layered animal portraits using a wide range of mixed media techniques. In this hands-on class, students will explore how to build depth, texture, and expression through materials like watercolor, acrylic paint, chalk and oil pastels, graphite, and more.

We’ll dive into foundational drawing skills—such as hatching, stippling, and highlighting to help bring animal portraits to life. Students will experiment with composition, mark-making, and layering to develop rich, expressive pieces that reflect their own unique style.

Session 3 (December): “Chill & Press — Winter Collagraph Printmaking”

Create bold, large-scale collagraph prints with a winter theme! In this session, students will dive into the essential steps of the printmaking process—plate building, inking, and pressing—while exploring how to use shape, contrast, and texture to create visually striking compositions.

By the end of the session, each student will have one or more finished large-scale prints that showcase their personal style and creative vision.