Adult Art Classes
Are you a member of the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council? Click here to become a member and take advantage of everything your membership offers: a tax receipt for your membership purchase, ability to register for our programs and to book co-working or studio space, and supporting our mission to connect community through the arts. You can also sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date on all things NVCAC.
We would love your input and we're always looking for workshop teachers! Which art classes for adults would you like to see? Which art classes for adults would you like to teach? Please get in touch with us at programs@nicolavalleyarts.com and let us know.
If you're an instructor and would like to send us a course proposal, please use this form.
Looking for Adult Art Parties? Find them here.
Beginner Digital Art
This beginner class will introduce the participants to fundamental skills with Procreate software on an iPad. The class will focus on foundational skills, helping students get comfortable navigating the app and using basic tools. Students will create a basic shape or pattern design to practice brushes and layers. The instructor will guide the class using a combination of live demonstrations on Procreate, displayed on a shared screen.
iPads will be provided. Participants may bring their own iPad but they must have an Apple Pencil, and the Procreate software installed.
Who: Ages 18+ Min 4 Max 5
When: Sat, Mar 8, 2025 @ 1 to 3:30 pm in the Clubhouse
Cost: $25 Includes use of iPad, Apple Pencil, and ProCreate software
Where: Nicola Valley Arts Centre - 2051 Voght St (beside Kekuli Cafe)
*No refunds on art programs, unless NVCAC cancels.
**Nicola Valley Arts parental membership required ($20/year)
Instructor: Astralis Snee
Astra (they/them) is a Chilean-Italian digital artist based in Canada. Art has always been Astra's passion and constant companion, even as they ventured into other fields like biology and literature. Digital art became Astra's medium of choice. It allows Astra to carry their creativity wherever they go. While Astra's portfolio reflects years of experimentation, they are now rediscovering their artistic voice and focusing on creating work that truly represents who they are.
Intermediate Digital Art
This intermediate class will guide participants to build on Procreate foundational skills learned in a previous beginner class or by personal practice with the software. Students will explore more advanced tools like the selection tool and liquify. Students will create a simple illustration that incorporates multiple tools and techniques learned in class. The instructor will guide the class using a combination of live demonstrations on Procreate, displayed on a shared screen. This class is designed for students who have taken a beginner class in Procreate Digital Art or have practiced on their own beyond an introductory level.
iPads will be provided. Participants may bring their own iPad but they must have an Apple Pencil, and the Procreate software installed.
Who: Ages 18+ Min 4 Max 5
When: Sat, Mar 22, 2025 @ 10 am to 12:30 pm in the Clubhouse
Cost: $25 Includes use of iPad, Apple Pencil, and ProCreate software
Where: Nicola Valley Arts Centre - 2051 Voght St (beside Kekuli Cafe)
*No refunds on art programs, unless NVCAC cancels.
**Nicola Valley Arts parental membership required ($20/year)
Instructor: Astralis Snee
Astra (they/them) is a Chilean-Italian digital artist based in Canada. Art has always been Astra's passion and constant companion, even as they ventured into other fields like biology and literature. Digital art became Astra's medium of choice. It allows Astra to carry their creativity wherever they go. While Astra's portfolio reflects years of experimentation, they are now rediscovering their artistic voice and focusing on creating work that truly represents who they are.
Advanced Digital Art
This advanced class will guide participants to build on Procreate skills learned in a previous intermediate class or by personal practice with the software. Students will explore advanced tools like colour adjustments and the time-lapse tool. Art theory will be lightly incorporated, such as basic design principles (e.g., composition, color harmony) to enhance their digital creations. Students will create an illustration that incorporates the multiple tools and techniques learned in class. The instructor will guide the class using a combination of live demonstrations on Procreate, displayed on a shared screen. This class is designed for students who have taken an intermediate class in Procreate Digital Art, or have practiced on their own to an intermediate level.
iPads will be provided. Participants may bring their own iPad but they must have an Apple Pencil, and the Procreate software installed.
Who: Ages 18+ Min 4 Max 5
When: Sat, April 5, 2025 @ 10 am to 12:30 pm in the Clubhouse
Cost: $25 Includes use of iPad, Apple Pencil, and ProCreate software
Where: Nicola Valley Arts Centre - 2051 Voght St (beside Kekuli Cafe)
*No refunds on art programs, unless NVCAC cancels.
**Nicola Valley Arts parental membership required ($20/year)
Instructor: Astralis Snee
Astra (they/them) is a Chilean-Italian digital artist based in Canada. Art has always been Astra's passion and constant companion, even as they ventured into other fields like biology and literature. Digital art became Astra's medium of choice. It allows Astra to carry their creativity wherever they go. While Astra's portfolio reflects years of experimentation, they are now rediscovering their artistic voice and focusing on creating work that truly represents who they are.
Wood Burning
Wood Burning (Pyrography; pur=fire and graphos=writing) is one of the oldest human art forms. This art was used to decorate pottery and furniture. Today we use it for so much more.
(Note: Pictures are samples of what can be achieved after learning basics).
Minimum 4, maximum 8 participants. Aged 15+
Saturday, March 15 2025 - 2 pm to 4 pm at the Nicola Valley Arts Centre, 2051 Voght Street in Merritt
Cost: $25
*No refunds on art programs, classes or events, unless NVCAC cancels.
**Nicola Valley Arts membership required ($20/year)
Instructor: Kristina Brewer
Kristina Brewer has been a proud resident of Merritt for the past 4 years. As a lifelong creative, she has enjoyed working with a wide variety of mediums, including crocheting, pyrography (wood burning), acrylic and watercolour painting, yarn art, mandala dot art and much more. Now retired, she dedicates a lot of my time to her hobbies and loves sharing her skills with others.
Pyrography has always interested Kristina. She started by burning a pictures into some oars for their boat, and it grew from there. Being fairly new to this art, Kristina is excited to be teaching what she has learned so far.
Paper Quilling Party
This beginner’s Paper Quilling class will provide you with an introduction to the art of paper rolling. We will be making decorative examples of items to be turned into a unique greeting card as well as a necklace. No experience necessary but be warned; you might want to keep rolling long after the class is finished!
Refreshments included.
Minimum 4, maximum 8 participants
Friday, March 28 2025 @ 6:30 to 8:30 pm Cost $35
*No refunds on art programs, classes or events, unless NVCAC cancels.
**Nicola Valley Arts membership required ($20/year)
Instructor: Amanda Pryzner-Dunn
Amanda of Pink Room Crafts began paper crafting in 2006 while living in Manchester, England. Initially focused on creating greeting cards, Amanda soon began to explore different techniques including quilling (paper rolling), embossing, stamping, as well as watercolour & ink, and acrylic painting. As a primary school teacher, she had the opportunity to gain experience in other areas of arts and crafts and further develop an appreciation for a variety of artistic styles.
Ukrainian Easter Eggs
This is a Beginner Course. Students will learn a brief history of the art and then paint Easter Eggs in the Ukrainian style. All supplies and tools are included. Students will use a stylus or Kistka (a type of wax pen), coloured beeswax, dyes and eggs and each student will be able to take their equipment home with them to share with their families.
The Instructor will demonstrate the techniques and help students as they work on their own eggs. Students might want to wear a smock or old shirt as the dyes are quite strong. You will be able to take home your stylus, wax and some dye so you can make more eggs at home.
This course is suitable for participants aged 15 and up. Minimum 6, maximum 10 participants
Saturday, April 5, 2025 @ 10 am to 1 pm Cost $50
*No refunds on art programs, classes or events, unless NVCAC cancels.
**Nicola Valley Arts membership required ($20/year)
Instructor: Louise Nyeste was first introduced to Ukrainian Easter eggs as a child. She had a good friend who was Ukrainian, and her mother taught the young people how to create these unique Easter Eggs. Over the years Louise has taught many people the techniques. With what has been going on in the Ukraine recently, Louise would like to support and teach this Ukrainian tradition. All her supplies come from a small shop in the Ukraine.
Greeting Cards - Watercolour and Ink
In this Beginner Class participants will make 3 to 4 greeting cards. Tools and supplies to be used include watercolour paints, archival ink pens, and blank greeting cards. The Instructor will demonstrate the techniques using a document camera/projector. All tools and supplies are included. Minimum 6, maximum 10 participants. Aged 18+
When: Saturday, March 8 2025 10 am to noon
Where: Nicola Valley Arts Centre, 2051 Voght Street, Merritt BC
Cost: $35
*No refunds on art programs, classes or events, unless NVCAC cancels.
**Nicola Valley Arts membership required ($20/year)
This class is full. If you are interested in future watercolour classes, please email programs@nicolavalleyarts.com
Instructor: Amanda Pryzner-Dunn. Amanda of Pink Room Crafts began paper crafting in 2006 while living in Manchester, England. Initially focused on creating greeting cards, Amanda soon began to explore different techniques including quilling (paper rolling), embossing, stamping, as well as watercolour & ink, and acrylic painting. As a primary school teacher, she had the opportunity to gain experience in other areas of arts and crafts and further develop an appreciation for a variety of artistic styles.
Art & Soul Sessions - Introductory Classes to Try
Art & Soul - Spring 2025
Art and Soul is a series of introductory courses that will allow students to try out a new craft, or refresh their skills in a craft they have done before, and enjoy an informal meet-up with other crafters. These monthly classes are on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 am until noon.
All Art & Soul classes include tea and cookies ♡
Many of these classes will be offered in the future as part of our regular programming in a longer more comprehensive format.
*No refunds on art programs, classes or events, unless NVCAC cancels.
**Nicola Valley Arts membership required ($20/year)
Art Trading Cards
In this introductory course, students will make 5 to 6 Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) with the same theme. Then participants can trade them with others. You can enjoy your own work as well as others. It’s a great way to get to know each other, and learn different techniques. These are miniature pieces of art that are traded around the world. Artists create, trade and collect art at organized "swap" events, either in person or online. The only official rule for ATCs is the size: 2.5" x 3.5"
Instructor: Cat Seegmiller - Cat started making Artist Trading Cards last summer, and she is hooked! She is honoured to share what she has learned with participants in this class. Cat recently moved to Merritt and is looking forward to meeting new ATC Trading partners, and new friends at NVCAC.
Wed, Apr 16 2025 (10:30 am - noon) - This class is free to attend, no membership required.
Mandala Dot Art
In this introductory course, you’ll learn the art of creating beautiful mandalas using vibrant paints and special tools.
Instructor: Kristina Brewer
Wed, May 14 2025 (10:30 am - noon)
Wood Burning
In this introduction to pyrography (woodburning) course, you’ll learn the foundational techniques for creating stunning designs by burning into wood.
Instructor: Kristina Brewer
Wed, Mar 12 2025 (10:30 am - noon)
This class is full and registration is closed. You can still register for our Wood Burning class on March 15 from 2-4 pm.