Visual Arts Classes
Upcoming Session
Fall Session Begins September 15, 2025
Member Registration Opens August 18, 2025 at Noon
General Registration Opens August 25, 2025 at Noon
Become a McGroarty Member to unlock early registration, member pricing and more perks!
Acrylic Painting
Price: $180
Member Price: $135
SIGN UP HERE:
Description: Basic fundamentals working in acrylic paints, painting theory, and techniques. We will be working on a new painting every week. All levels welcome. More advanced painters can gear their paintings to their level.
Age Group: Adult (18 and up)
Duration: 8 weeks
Wednesdays, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Start Date: September 17, 2025 End Date: November 5, 2025
Instructor: Dianne Porter
Wednesday Supplies List: Wed Acrylics Supplies List
Classes are subject to cancellation if enrollment is low. No refunds after first class.
Drawing
Age Group: Adult (18 and up)
Duration: 8 weeks
Price: $180
Member Price: $135
SIGN UP HERE:
Tuesdays, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Start Date: September 16, 2025
End Date: November 4, 2025
Instructor: Kevin McCants
Description: Kevin has been teaching for 20 years and strongly believes that drawing is the foundation of all artistic endeavors.
The class will focus on learning proficiency in creating the illusion of 3-dimensionallity, employing measuring & sighting techniques for constructing accurate proportions as well as the basics of linear perspective. Materials for the class will be primarily graphite pencils and charcoal with the option of learning how to work with color pencils if desired.
Classes are subject to cancellation if enrollment is low. No refunds after first class.
Supplies List: Drawing Supply List
Supplies List: Drawing Supply List
Classes are subject to cancellation if enrollment is low. No refunds after first class.
Life Drawing
Age Group: Adult (18 and up)
Duration: 8 weeks
Fridays, 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Start Date: September 19, 2025
End Date: November 7, 2025
Instructor: Kevin McCants
Price: $200
Member Price: $155
SIGN UP HERE:
Description: Unlock your creativity and sharpen your artistic skills at our immersive Life Drawing Class, open to all levels. Join a welcoming community of artists and explore the human form with guided instruction and live models.
Oil Painting
Age Group: Adult (18 and up) Duration: 8 weeks
Fridays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Start Date: September 19, 2025
End Date: November 7, 2025
Instructor: Kevin McCants
Supplies List: Oil Painting Supplies List
Price: $180
Member Price: $135
SIGN UP HERE:
Classes are subject to cancellation if enrollment is low.
No refunds after first class.
Description: In this beginning class, you will learn the basics of oil painting. Instruction begins with an introduction to materials and the way to correctly use and maintain them. During the eight week session, students will also learn tonal mixing (shading), the proper application of paint, and softening techniques while initially working from a still-life setup.
Supplies List: Watercolor Supply List
Classes are subject to cancellation if enrollment is low.
No refunds after first class.
Watercolor Painting
Age Group: Adult (18 and up)
Duration: 8 weeks
Price: $180
Member Price: $135
SIGN UP HERE:
Tuesdays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Start Date: September 16, 2025
End Date: November 4, 2025
Instructor: Kevin McCants
Thursdays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Start Date: September 18, 2025
End Date: November 6, 2025
Instructor: Kevin McCants
Description:
Kevin has been teaching for the past 20 years. Teaching various watercolor techniques, he strives to help artists with their development and growth.
Artist: Phyllis Hansen
Description: In Japanese, Oshibana means “painting with flowers”. Learn the art of making botanical collage with pressed, dried flowers and foliage. You’ll discover techniques for pressing and preserving natural materials and have fun exploring the many artistic possibilities. Materials will be supplied.
Supplies List: We recommend bringing a pair of tweezers to class.
Oshibana - Botanical Collage
Age Group: Teen to Adult
Thursdays, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Start Date: September 18, 2025
End Date: October 9, 2025
Instructor: Phyllis Hansen
Price: $180
Member Price: $135
SIGN UP HERE:
Phyllis Hansen, who has won international awards for her scenic, figural and graphic design pieces, feels every piece a student creates using Mother Earth’s beautiful elements is, by nature, a work of art. As an artist and a writer who loves deep-diving into the history of many things, including Oshibana, Phyllis will entertain you with resplendent images from around the world while helping you create your own.
Classes are subject to cancellation if enrollment is low.
No refunds after first class.
Jennifer Zapp’s passion is creating art and sharing her love of art with adults and children. To develop her passion she pursued an undergraduate degree in Art Education from University of IL, Urbana and a master’s degree in Instructional Design from Northern IL University, Dekalb. She grew her skills through art classes and workshops taught by various national and international art masters. She shares her passion for art by teaching classes, volunteering at various art events and participating on the boards of different art organizations. Currently some of her artwork is showcased at The Back Door Bakery in Sunland.
View from Mcgroarty Arts Center Artist: Jennifer Zapp
Paint Like the Masters
Age Group: Adult (18 and up)
Thursdays, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Start Date: September 18, 2025
End Date: November 6, 2025
Instructor: Jennifer Zapp
Price: $180
Member Price: $135
SIGN UP HERE:
Supplies List: Paint Like the Masters Supplies List
Classes are subject to cancellation if enrollment is low. No refunds after first class.
Description: A class for students with prior experience. The "Paint Like the Masters" art class is designed for intermediate to advanced artists to enhance their skills through studying the techniques of renowned painters. Over 8 weeks, participants will explore various styles, analyze complex brushwork, and develop their unique artistic voice. By the end, students will complete a series of inspired paintings and gain a deeper understanding of masterful techniques. Join us for a transformative artistic experience!
Artist: Kevin McCants
Plein Air Painting
Age Group: Adult (18 and up)
Wednesdays, 9:00am - 11:30am
Start Date: September 17, 2025
End Date: October 29, 2025
Instructor: Kevin McCants
Price: $125
Member Price: $100
SIGN UP HERE:
Description: Spend the early days of Fall capturing the natural beauty of our expansive grounds. Paint in the medium of your choice in this outdoor class led by artist, Kevin McCants.