Thunderbird Arts Center Classes
July 17, 2025
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July 16, 2026
Silver Clay Charms (Thunderbird) with Yvette McCollum
Instructor: Yvette McCollum (She/Her)
Description: Channel your inner alchemist and transform clay into treasure! In this hands-on class, you'll master the art of crafting exquisite silver charms using nothing more than silver clay and a handheld torch. Discover the thrill of watching your designs come to life as you manipulate the clay and witness the magic of the flame. With limitless creative possibilities, your imagination is the only boundary. Get ready to ignite your passion for jewelry making and create one-of-a-kind pieces that will leave everyone captivated.
Materials: Provided by Instructor
Prerequisite: No experience needed. Experience with a torch is helpful
Duration: 5 Hours
Ages: 18+
Cost: $110
Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.
Fun & Easy Acrylic Painting (Thunderbird) with Nancy Troupe
Description: Fun for all levels, but specifically designed for beginners. We learn the basics of painting while also experiencing perspective, value, abstract, and impressionism.
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 4 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $85
Getting a Grip on your Digital Camera (Thunderbird) with Bill Guy
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Bill Guy (He/Him)
Description: If your digital camera has been the bane of your creative expression or you just want to start taking better images, then this class is for you. Bill will help you understand both the creative settings of your camera and show you how to create better images. You are encouraged to bring a camera to class and Bill will help in getting your camera set up for getting the shots you want.
Materials: Camera or cell phone
Prerequisite: None
Duration: 3 weeks
Ages: 15+
Cost: $55
Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins
Fun & Easy Acrylic Painting (Thunderbird) with Nancy Troupe
Description: Fun for all levels, but specifically designed for beginners. We learn the basics of painting while also experiencing perspective, value, abstract, and impressionism.
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 4 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $85
Learn to Draw the Head and Face (Thunderbird) with Robert Roselli
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Materials: 11"x14" drawing pad and a pencil.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your class begins.
Beginning Wheel Throwing (Thunderbird) with Chelsea Koressel
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Description: This class is for those who wish to begin their ceramics education by learning to throw on the potter's wheel. For beginners and those with very little experience. Also for those who have been away from the throwing process for a while and need a refresher course. Please purchase a ceramics tool kit from Marjon's Ceramics Supply prior to class time.
Prerequisites: No experience Required
Ages: 18+
Cost: $365
Introduction to Drawing (Thunderbird) with Robert Roselli
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Description: Created as a precursor to Drawing 1, this is a great starter for those who have little experience in drawing and have a desire to learn the fundamentals of drawing and delineation. Beginners who want to learn to "see" and apply methods which will lead to the creative world of art.
Duration: 5 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $150
Materials: One drawing pad at least 8 x 10, 1 charcoal pencil, 1 2b pencil & a kneaded eraser. A small supply list will be provided on the first day of class.
Please arrive 15 minutes before class starts.
Painting Exercise: CACTI with Hristi Wilbur
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: 3 hour workshop with a focus on cacti in Spring. Step-by-step instruction. We will discuss how to shade with color, color mixing, composition, scale and gradation. This workshop can benefit all students interested in realistic landscape painting. All materials provided.
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 3 hours
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Acrylics for Beginners (Thunderbird) with Hristi Wilbur
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Description: This six-week course is an introduction to acrylic painting focusing on a variety of styles and subject matter. There will be an individual approach to each student’s abilities and needs. The emphasis will be on acquiring skills in realistic painting. Projects will include landscapes, still life, portrait and decorative compositions based on the elements of art and principles of design. Students will learn the basics of color theory and color mixing, as well as how to use perspective, proportion, value, scale, etc. in making visually appealing compositions. All materials will be provided, including painting surfaces, brushes, palette knives and tools. Optional: bring a sketchbook for additional drawings and notes.
Duration: 6 weeks
Prerequisites: No Experience Required
Ages: 16+
Cost: $200
Painting Exercise: CLOUDS with Hristi Wilbur
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur (She/Her)
Description: 3-hour acrylics workshop with a focus on clouds. Two compositions will be presented to practice different types of clouds in a variety of light conditions. We will discuss brushstrokes, color mixing and gradation as well. This workshop will benefit those interested in realistic landscape painting.
Materials: All materials provided
Duration: 3 Hours
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Painting exercises: DESERT SUNSET with Hristi Wilbur
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: Three-hour acrylic workshop with a focus on the desert sky at sunset. We will discuss and practice all main elements of landscape painting- composition, proportion, linear and aerial perspective, gradation and more. Step-by-step instructions. This workshop is beneficial for all students interested in realistic and impressionistic painting. All materials provided.
Materials: None
Duration: 1 Day
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Please arrive 15 minutes before your class begins.
Ceramics with Cheryl Broderick
Description: "Let’s get dirty together. Join me Tuesday afternoons where I will help you learn the basics, centering and pulling a cylinder, or improving your skill level. Everyone has different strengths I will help you hone in on your individual throwing style."
Materials: Clay is available for purchase. Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.
Prerequisite: No experience required
Duration: 16 weeks
Ages: 18+
Cost: $365.00
Beyond Basic Wheel Throwing (Thunderbird) with Jon Higuchi
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Description: Designed for Intermediate and Advanced level students who wish to improve their pottery wheel throwing skills beyond basic pottery forms. Emphasis will be on exploring the more complex throwing principles of developing a wider range of pot shapes such as the lidded vessel, plate, bottle forms through structured group assignments, instructor lead demonstrations and tailored supervision.
Materials: Please bring your own pottery hand tools, an apron and hand towel. Depending on project of choice, students should expect to spend a minimum of $50 for materials. Clay is available for purchase in class at $30 per 25lb. bag. Please bring cash!
Duration: 16 weeks
Prerequisites: Must be able to throw a centered cylinder on the potter’s wheel.
Ages: 16+
Cost: $395
Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.
Fun & Easy Acrylic Painting (Thunderbird) with Nancy Troupe
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Description: Fun for all levels, but specifically designed for beginners. We learn the basics of painting while also experiencing perspective, value, abstract, and impressionism.!
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 3 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $70.00
Wednesday Daytime Clay (Thunderbird) with Jon Higuchi
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Jon Higuchi
Description: Designed for both experienced wheel throwers and hand builders. Emphasis will be on a casual hands-on approach with the instructor, who will work with you one on one as needed to help move you further along in your pottery skills path. Engaging class demonstrations and discussion are also included. Students also have the option to work independently.
Materials: Please bring your own pottery hand tools, an apron and hand towel. Depending on project of choice, students should expect to spend a minimum of $50 for materials. Clay is available for purchase in class at $30 per 25lb. bag. Please bring cash!
Duration: 16 weeks
Prerequisites: Previous wheel and/or hand building experience required.
Ages: 16+
Cost: $395.00
Arrival Time: Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of class to check-in.
Better Pots - Better Wheel Throwing (Thunderbird) with Jon Higuchi
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Jon Higuchi
Description: Designed for Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced level students who wish to improve their pottery wheel throwing and glazing skills. Emphasis will be on analyzing /correcting poor wheel throwing habits that prevent you from advancing to the next level. Learn more complex throwing principles in developing a wider range of pot shapes and glazing techniques through instructor lead demonstrations and tailored supervision.
Materials: Please bring your own pottery hand tools, an apron and hand towel. Depending on project of choice, students should expect to spend a minimum of $50 for materials. Clay is available for purchase in class at $25 per 25lb. bag. Please bring cash!
Duration: 15 weeks
Prerequisites: Wheel throwing experience and must be able to throw a centered cylinder on the potter’s wheel.
Ages: 16+
Price: $395
Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.
Open Clay Studio - Handbuilding (Thunderbird) with Jon Higuchi
Description: All levels of Hand Builders welcome! Students can work independently with limited hands-on help from the instructor as needed.
Materials: Please bring your own pottery hand tools, an apron and hand towel. Depending on project of choice, students should expect to spend a minimum of $50 for materials. Clay is available for purchase in class at $30 per 25lb. bag. Please bring cash!
Prerequisite: Previous clay experience and be able to work independently.
Duration: 6 Weeks
Ages: 16+
Cost: $395.00
Fun & Easy Acrylic Painting (Thunderbird) with Nancy Troupe
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Description: Fun for all levels, but specifically designed for beginners. We learn the basics of painting while also experiencing perspective, value, abstract, and impressionism.!
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 3 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $70.00
Beginning Wheel Throwing (Thunderbird) with Jon Higuchi
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Ages: 16+
Cost: $395
Painting exercises: FLOWERS with Hristi Wilbur
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: 3 hour acrylic workshop with a focus on flowers. Step-by-step instructions. Students will practice composition, scale, color mixing, brushstrokes, and foreshortening. All materials provided.
Materials: None
Duration: 3 hours
Prerequisites: No experience required
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Getting a Grip on your Digital Camera (Thunderbird) with Bill Guy
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Bill Guy (He/Him)
Description: If your digital camera has been the bane of your creative expression or you just want to start taking better images, then this class is for you. Bill will help you understand both the creative settings of your camera and show you how to create better images. You are encouraged to bring a camera to class and Bill will help in getting your camera set up for getting the shots you want.
Materials: Camera or cell phone
Prerequisite: None
Duration: 3 weeks
Ages: 15+
Cost: $55
Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins
Fundamentals of Drawing 1 (Thunderbird) with Robert Roselli
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Description: "Ready to unleash your inner artist? This introductory drawing course is your gateway to the exciting world of visual expression. Delve into the core elements of drawing, including line, shape, proportion, positive and negative space, values, and texture.
Through engaging exercises, you'll learn to capture the world around you with precision and creativity. Develop your unique artistic perspective as you explore the fundamentals of drawing what you see. Whether you're a complete beginner or seeking to refresh your skills, this course is the perfect starting point to ignite your artistic journey."
Duration: 5 weeks
Prerequisites: "Intro to Drawing or some drawing experience. The instructor assumes a basic understanding of the fundamentals of drawing such as recent high school, college, or community classes."
Materials: One drawing pad at least 8 x 10, 1 charcoal pencil, 1 2b pencil & a kneaded eraser. A small supply list will be provided on the first day of class.
Ages: 16+
Cost: $150.00
Painting exercises: PALETTE KNIFE LANDSCAPE with Hristi Wilbur
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: 3-hours acrylics workshop for everyone interested in learning a new experimental technique. The biggest challenge to paint with a palette knife is that there is no way to work on small details/ The reward-your work will have bold, textural and expressive quality.
Duration: 3 Hours
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Landscape Photography with Dave Hatton
Description: Have you ever happened upon an amazing sunset and started snapping photos and came away thinking, “But that is not how it looked when I took the photo!” We can’t fix those photos, but we CAN help you make sure that doesn’t happen again. This class begins with fundamentals, moves quickly into more advanced lighting control, and ends with a finished product that makes you want to go out for more.
Materials: Students must have their own DSLR or mirrorless camera with the Manual (M) function. Smartphones and point and shoot cameras will not be effective for the end result you desire.
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of DSLR or mirrorless camera. Must have own DSLR or mirrorless camera with Manual (M) function - this is not a cellphone or point and shoot class.
Duration: 7
Days Off: Indigenous People's Day
Ages: 18+
Cost: $250.00
Drawing Exercise: Perspective with Hristi Wilbur
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: 3 hour workshop with main goal to introduce students to linear and aerial perspective, as well as shading. To achieve the illusion of space we will do a step-by-step drawing of mostly architectural objects. Important art terms like horizon, vanishing point will be discussed, as well as the difference between one-, two- and three-point perspective.
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 1 day
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
IMPRESSIONISM IN ACRYLICS with Hristi Wilbur
Description: In this class we will utilize the main elements of impressionistic painting: capturing the flickering light, use of vibrant colors and variety of brushstrokes. We will paint without black! The projects will cover nature landscapes, cityscapes, and lake site (waterscape). We’ll discuss some of the best examples from the masters of Impressionism and translate their artistic philosophy and technique to painting landscapes today.
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 6 weeks
Prerequisites: No Experience Required
Ages: 16+
Cost: $200
Drawing Exercise: Portrait with Hristi Wilbur
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: 3 hour workshop dedicated to introducing beginners to drawing a human portrait. We will discuss proportion, shading and how to achieve realistic look and catch the person’s character. All materials provided.
Duration: 3 Hours
Prerequisites: No experience required
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Raising the Bar with your Photography (Thunderbird) with Bill Guy
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Bill Guy (He/Him)
Description: If you have already advance past the Auto Setting on your camera and are looking to be more creative with your images then this class is for you. This 3 week class will help you improve on your photographic vision and work. Knowing the difference between Auto and Priority settings is the first step. Now let's understand how a lens choice can completely change the look of your image. Add to this understanding the rules of composition and when to break them.
This course also includes using some basic Lightroom and Photoshop tips to enhance your images. Plus Bill encourages you to bring in your images for review and comment (no ridicule just positive critiques and suggestions) and, with your permission, he will do an edit in real time. You should have a good understanding of your camera for this class.
Topics
- Long vs Wide angle
- Time of day
- Mood vs feeling
- Color vs Black and White
- What is at the edge of your image
- What are the rules of Composition and when to break them
Materials: Your camera
Prerequisite: Have used Digital Camera and are comfortable with it functions.
Duration: 3 weeks
Ages: 15+
Cost: $75.00
Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.
Painting exercises: POINTILLISM (Thunderbird) with Hristi Wilbur
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: 3 hour acrylic workshop dedicated to the technique of painting landscapes with dots. An introduction to the art of the French artists George Seurat and Paul Signac will be the starting point for our experimentations. Ste-by-step instructions. All materials provided.
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 1 Day
Prerequisites: No experience required
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Getting a Grip on your Digital Camera (Thunderbird) with Bill Guy
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Bill Guy (He/Him)
Description: If your digital camera has been the bane of your creative expression or you just want to start taking better images, then this class is for you. Bill will help you understand both the creative settings of your camera and show you how to create better images. You are encouraged to bring a camera to class and Bill will help in getting your camera set up for getting the shots you want.
Materials: Camera or cell phone
Prerequisite: None
Duration: 3 weeks
Ages: 15+
Cost: $55
Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins
Fun & Easy Acrylic Painting (Thunderbird) with Nancy Troupe
Description: Fun for all levels, but specifically designed for beginners. We learn the basics of painting while also experiencing perspective, value, abstract, and impressionism.
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 4 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $85
Fun & Easy Acrylic Painting (Thunderbird) with Nancy Troupe
Description: Fun for all levels, but specifically designed for beginners. We learn the basics of painting while also experiencing perspective, value, abstract, and impressionism.
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 4 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $85
Fundamentals of Drawing II (Thunderbird) with Robert Roselli
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Expand your artistic vocabulary as you experiment with shading, perspective, and composition. Develop your unique style and express your creativity with confidence. Whether you're aspiring to pursue a career in art or simply seeking personal fulfillment, this course is the perfect stepping stone to elevate your artistic journey."
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Drawing into Painting (Thunderbird) with Robert Roselli
Painting exercises: TREES with Hristi Wilbur
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: 3 hour acrylic workshop with step-by-step instruction on how to paint trees. We will cover a few aspects of landscape painting including composition, proportion, color mixing and shading. All materials provided.
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 3 Hours
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Painting exercises: WATER LILIES with Hristi Wilbur
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: Three-hour acrylics workshop with a focus on landscape painting. The project is inspired by the famous water lilies of Claude Monet in Giverny, France. The step-by-step instruction will cover color mixing and the small, overlapping brushstrokes typical for Impressionist painting. All materials provided.
Materials: None
Duration: 3 Hours
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Painting exercises: SEASCAPE with Hristi Wilbur
Description: 3 hour acrylic workshop representing the sea at the time of sunset. We will discuss and practice all main elements of landscape painting- composition, proportion, linear and aerial perspective, gradation and more. Step-by-step instructions. This workshop is beneficial for all students interested in realistic and impressionistic painting. All materials provided.
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 1 Day
Prerequisites: No Experience Required
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Please arrive 15 minutes before your class begins.
Fun & Easy Acrylic Painting (Thunderbird) with Nancy Troupe
Description: Fun for all levels, but specifically designed for beginners. We learn the basics of painting while also experiencing perspective, value, abstract, and impressionism.
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 4 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $85
Advanced Drawing Studio I (Thunderbird) with Robert Roselli
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Description:Each meeting will introduce a new project with emphasis on drawing, principles of art, and color. I invite you to bring into class your own projects for critique and developmental help.
Materials: For the first class you will need a medium sized drawing pad along with drawing materials.
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Drawing II
Duration: 5 weeks
Ages: 16+
Cost: $150
Please arrive 15 minutes before your class begins.
Fun & Easy Acrylic Painting (Thunderbird) with Nancy Troupe
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Description: Fun for all levels, but specifically designed for beginners. We learn the basics of painting while also experiencing perspective, value, abstract, and impressionism.!
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 3 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $70.00
Drawing Exercise: Shading with Hristi Wilbur
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: 3 hour workshop with the goal of giving students a lot of opportunities to sharpen their shading skills. Art terms like light source, highlight, core and traced shadow, value and scale will be practiced and explained. All materials provided.
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 1 Day
Prerequisites: No experience required
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Collage - Mixed Media with Robert Roselli
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Robert Roselli
Description: Putting it all together. We will use the principles of design, drawing, and painting combined with collage materials to produce interesting compositions. Investigate the use of mixed media to lead you to produce innovative and personal art.
Materials: Drawing pad heavy enough to take wet and dry media, 12 pack Craypas oil pastels, Large gluestick, Pencils & charcoal pencil, scissors, acrylic paint in primary colors.
Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Drawing II
Duration: 5 weeks
Ages: 16+
Cost: $150.00
Fun & Easy Acrylic Painting (Thunderbird) with Nancy Troupe
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Description: Fun for all levels, but specifically designed for beginners. We learn the basics of painting while also experiencing perspective, value, abstract, and impressionism.!
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 3 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $70.00
Fun & Easy Acrylic Painting (Thunderbird) with Nancy Troupe
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Description: Fun for all levels, but specifically designed for beginners. We learn the basics of painting while also experiencing perspective, value, abstract, and impressionism.!
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 3 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $70.00
