CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR ADULTS Spring Course List Courses by Media Courses by Month
Course Descriptions Instructors Registration About Our Program Updates Contact SPRING COURSE LIST COURSES BY MEDIA Drawing & Painting
Beginning Drawing
Intermediate Drawing
Sketchbooks for Personal Expression
Drawing from Photographs
Life Drawing Studio
Beginning Painting
Beginning Watercolor Painting
Watercolor Workshop
Mixed Media Painting
Mixed Media Painting II
Encaustic Painting & Collage
Landscape Painting
Metals, Sculpture & Book Arts
Creative Handmade Books
Basic Metalsmithing
Basic Metal Casting
Intro to Enameling on Metal
Pewtersmithing
Small Bird Wood Carving
Photography & Digital Media
Digital Photography
Advanced Digital Photography
Photoshop I
Photoshop II Back to Top COURSES BY MONTH Courses beginning in January
Advanced Digital Photography
Beginning Drawing
Beginning Painting
Digital Photography
Encaustic Painting & Collage
Mixed Media Painting
Photoshop I
Sketchbooks for Personal Expression
Small Bird Wood Carving
Courses beginning in February
Basic Metal Casting
Basic Metalsmithing
Courses beginning in March
Beginning Watercolor Painting
Creative Handmade Books
Drawing from Photographs
Intermediate Drawing
Landscape Painting
Mixed Media Painting II
Photoshop II
Watercolor Workshop
Courses beginning in April
Digital Photography
Intro to Enameling on Metal
Pewtersmithing Back to Top COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Beginning Drawing Learn the fundamental concepts in drawing, such as perspective, line/contour drawing, and value (light and shadow). Through careful observation, students will learn to create the illusion of space and form in their drawings. Using traditional drawing methods, students learn to conjure a three-dimensional world using only the most basic drawing materials, i.e. paper, charcoal, and eraser. Even with no artistic experience, you can learn new skills and a new way of seeing the world. Instructor – Jonathan Hart
Wednesdays / 6 sessions / January 25 – February 29 / 6:30 – 9 pm
Tuition: $225 Download supply list for Beginning Drawing 
Photo: Anna Kordsmeier Register Back to Top Intermediate Drawing
Students continue to develop drawing skills, while exploring new media and advanced techniques. Students are encouraged to experiment and vary their approach to drawing, with the ultimate goal of creative expression. Intended for those who have completed Beginning Drawing or have basic drawing skills; student placement is subject to the instructor’s recommendation. Instructor – Jonathan Hart
Wednesdays / 6 sessions / March 21 – April 25 / 6:30 – 9 pm
Tuition: $225
Download supply list for Intermediate Drawing Register Back to Top Sketchbooks for Personal Expression
Throughout history, artists, designers and other creative people have kept sketchbooks. An invaluable tool for creating, experimenting, documenting and researching, the sketchbook can also serve as a visual playground for the artist. Participants in this course explore many different approaches to sketchbooks, and create and develop their own sketchbooks exploring ideas of individual interest. The class includes brainstorming exercises, practice and experimentation with drawing and collage techniques using a broad range of materials. Appropriate for all skill levels. Instructor – Elizabeth Brown
Wednesday / 6 sessions / January 25 – February 29 / 6:15 – 8:45 pm
Tuition: $225 Download supply list for Sketchbooks for Personal Expression 
Register Back to Top Drawing from Photographs
Learn creative approaches to drawing from photographs. This class is inspired by the relationship between painting and the camera lens, which has existed since long before the introduction of photography as we know it today. Students will experiment with altering original photos in their drawing, using artists from Degas to Chuck Close as their guide. Instructor – Jonathan Hart
Mondays / March 19 - April 23 / 6:30 – 9 pm
Tuition: $225 Download supply list for Drawing from Photographs Register Back to Top
Life Drawing Studio These open drawing sessions concentrate on the study of the human figure drawn from life. Many artists find drawing the nude human form in our studio setting an ideal way to hone their figure drawing skills. An MCA monitor is present, though there is no instructor. No registration is required; just drop in and draw!
Mondays / January 23 – April 2 (no session March 12) / 7:30 – 10 pm / Butler Hall West Cost per session: $10 (no registration necessary) Back to Top Beginning Painting
Basic exercises in acrylic painting are explored with an emphasis on design and color theory. While painting from a still-life, students learn to translate drawing concepts into paint. Designed for beginners, this class is also excellent for artists who would like to improve their painting skills and techniques. Instructor – Jonathan Hart
Mondays / 6 sessions / January 23 – February 27 / 6:30 – 9 pm
Tuition: $225 Download supply list for Beginning Painting  Register Back to Top Beginning Watercolor Painting
Learn how to achieve the beautiful sparkle and vibrant color that watercolor painting is known for. Experiment with techniques such as washes, various wet and dry brush methods and color layering and blending. Designed for the beginning student, the class features instructor demonstrations to provide easy understanding of the techniques. Discussions of the history of watercolor and its renowned painters enlighten the studio practice. The class begins with painting projects in the studio then progresses to painting en plein air (outdoors) in the downtown neighborhood and overlooking the river. Instructor – Jeanne Seagle
Thursdays / 6 sessions / March 29 – May 3 / 1 – 4 pm
Nesin Graduate School / 477 S. Main
Tuition: $270 
Artwork by Jeanne Seagle Download supply list for Beginning Watercolor Painting Register Back to Top Watercolor Workshop
In this enjoyable workshop, students achieve painterly effects using water-soluble crayons rather than paints. Basic techniques are featured, with an emphasis on discovering the amazing range of colors in simple, everyday objects. Students are led through basic exercises and fun experimentation culminating in one finished piece. Appropriate for all skill levels. Instructor – Susan Maakestad
Tuesdays / 3 sessions / March 20 – April 3 / 6 – 9 pm
Tuition: $135
Materials fee: $60 
Register Back to Top Mixed Media Painting
Contemporary approaches and the fundamentals of painting are explored in this course designed for all skill levels–including beginners. Students learn new twists on traditional techniques using acrylics, oil pastels, varnishes, and a variety of other media. By learning to mix color by layering paint with transparent and opaque pigments, students discover a wide range of textural effects that enliven canvases. Instruction on caring for tools and preparing a canvas is included, along with individual critiques to guide each student. Instructor – Alexis Leneave Price
Mondays / 6 sessions / January 23 – February 27 / 6:30 – 9 pm
Tuition: $225 Download supply list for Mixed Media Painting  Student artwork by Leslie Corley Register Back to Top Mixed Media Painting II
Students experiment with advanced mixed media techniques to gain the knowledge, skills and creative inspiration. In depth techniques are explored, such as combining collages, creating textured and distressed backgrounds, painting on wood, canvas and paper and using a variety of resists in intriguing ways.Artists work in a studio environment where they experience creative independence and have the opportunity to collaborate and learn with others. Pre-requisite: Completion of Mixed Media I course or comparable working knowledge. Instructor – Alexis Leneave Price
Mondays / 6 sessions / March 19 – April 23 / 6:30 – 9 pm
Tuition: $225 Download supply list for Mixed Media Painting II  Student artwork by Pam Craig Register Back to Top Encaustic Painting & Collage
Artists have long utilized diverse materials to create works of art. Encaustic is a medium that combines beeswax and resin, the medium's rich colors, unmatched texture, transparency and finish allow artists to create images on a canvas that tell a story of age and time. Beeswax can be used as a surfacing agent, a textural element, even an accent element. Students learn how to transform canvas into works of art using acrylic paints, beeswax, acrylic medium, decorative paper, fabric and other found collage elements. During this class for beginners you will discover how artists have an array of materials at their fingertips to broaden the artistic palette of possibilities. Instructor – Alexis Leneave Price
Thursdays / 6 sessions / January 26 – March 1 / 6:30 – 9 pm
Tuition: $225 
Artwork by Alexis Leneave Price Register Back to Top Landscape Painting
For those who enjoy both art and nature, this course provides exposure to painting fundamentals within nature itself. Students learn to use color, visual elements and painting techniques. Beginning with drawing as a way to learn to organize and compose from nature, this course moves quickly into painting directly from the landscape. Basic drawing experience is recommended. Instructor – Peter Bowman
Saturdays / 6 sessions / March 24 – May 5 (no class April 7) / 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Tuition: $225 Download supply list for Landscape Painting 
Register Back to Top Digital Photography
Improve the quality of your photographs by learning how your digital camera can work for you. This class covers the use of your digital camera, how to compose a better picture, how to work with lighting and what elements are essential to turn an average photograph into a terrific one. Image capture, rather than manipulation and output, is the focus of the class. Classroom meetings and field components are included. Students supply their own digital SLR camera. Instructor – Haley Morris-Cafiero
Tuesdays & Thursdays / 6 sessions / January 10 – 26, April 3 - 19 or April 24 - May 10 / 6:30 – 9 pm
Tuition: $225 
Double Bonus by Haley Morris-Cafiero Register Back to Top Advanced Digital Photography
Go beyond the classroom in this Advanced Digital class. With an emphasis on composition, lighting and flash techniques used for indoor and outdoor photography, classroom time is limited as shooting will be on location. One session covers indoor controlled lighting with models provided to replicate portrait scenarios. Students meet at the college and go on location to various sites in Memphis and photograph with the instructor. Instructor – Haley Morris-Cafiero
Saturdays / 6 sessions / January 7 – February 11 / 9 – 11 am
Tuition: $225
Register
Back to Top Photoshop I
Helpful, real worked examples help students learn to manage fundamental Photoshop skills, from basics such as creating files and using the tool bar, layers and filters, to proper file formatting and preparation for printing and web sharing. Students get practical experience creating, modifying and manipulating photographs, and apply new skills for retouching, sharpening and combining images. The object of the course is to allow a person who is uncomfortable with Photoshop to become confident with a day-to-day functionality. Students should bring three or more digital images—any format—to the first class along with a jump-drive (mobile hard drive). Students must have a working knowledge of computers. Instructor – Natalie Hoffmann
Tuesdays / 6 sessions / January 24 – February 28 / 6 – 9 pm
Tuition: $270 Register Back to Top 
Student artwork by Bryan K. Smith Photoshop II
This course expands upon the skills learned in Photoshop I and moves into more specific, extensive and complex image editing. With an emphasis on developing strong design skills and efficient editing skills, students learn intermediate to advanced Photoshop techniques for creating illustrations, short animations, text effects and combined photo collages. Through these projects, students learn and incorporate both photographic and illustrative techniques for using Photoshop. Students also learn to format projects for both print and web use. Pre-requisite: Photoshop I, Introduction to Photoshop or an equivalent working knowledge of Photoshop. Instructor – Natalie Hoffmann
Tuesdays / 6 sessions / March 20 – April 24 / 6 – 9 pm
Tuition: $270
Register Back to Top Creative Handmade Books
Learn to create one-of-kind books from start to finish. Our creative focus is on variations of traditional book binding techniques and materials resulting in unique books that can serve as journals, photo albums, memory books or other displayable books. Integrating elements such as decorative sewing, sculptural elements, paper surfacing techniques and fun surprises such as pop-ups, pockets and windows, this class is sure to spark ideas for unlimited creativity. This class is appropriate for both beginning and returning students. Instructor – Katey Henriksen
Thursdays / 6 sessions / March 22 – April 26 / 6 – 9 pm
Tuition: $270
Materials fee: $75 
Register Back to Top Basic Metalsmithing
The focus of this course is the basics of metalsmithing, as used by jewelers and craftsmen. Techniques covered include sawing/piercing, layout and design, basic forming, soldering, cold joinery, surfacing techniques, finishing and basic cold forging techniques. Projects may include small box forms, twisted wire bracelets, belt buckles, hollow formed rings, textured earrings and hemispherical beads. Brass, bronze and copper are used for all projects. Those wishing to use silver or other metals must purchase their own materials. Instructor – Bill Price
Mondays & Wednesdays / 6 sessions / February 6 – 22 / 6:30 – 9 pm
Tuition: $225
Materials fee: $85 
Basic Metalsmithing is full. Email commed@mca.edu to be placed on the waiting list. Back to Top Pewtersmithing
Pewter has traditionally been used for utilitarian household items, jewelry and small sculptural castings. Pewtersmithing follows this tradition by teaching the basic forming and joining processes associated with this versatile white metal. Students learn welding, soldering, casting and surface adornment by creating a series of hollow forms reflecting their own personal design aesthetic. Some possibilities include various cups, vases, teapots, boxes, salt/pepper shakers and eating utensils. Instructor – Bill Price
Mondays & Wednesdays / 6 sessions / April 9 – 25 / 6:30 – 9 pm
Tuition: $225
Materials fee: $85 
Register Back to Top Basic Metal Casting
Students in this class learn to make original items such as switch plate covers, bookends or wall/ garden tiles cast from bronze or aluminum. By using basic foundry principles through mold-making processes such as green sand and resin-bonded sand casting, students construct low-relief castings using existing objects and produce original working patterns of their own. They also learn how to mold patterns and cast molten metal. Each student will ultimately take home two or more cleaned castings in either aluminum or bronze. Students provide their own leather work gloves and closed-toe work boots. Instructor – Meg Goodman
Mondays & Wednesdays / 6 sessions / February 6 – 22 / 6 – 9 pm
Tuition: $225
Materials fee: $85 
Photo: Anna Vargas Click here to see more photos from Basic Metal Casting. Click here to see video from a recent Basic Metal Casting class. Register Back to Top Intro to Enameling on Metal
The basic processes of enameling as used by the metalsmith and jeweler are introduced. Using torch and kiln firing techniques, students create a basic palette of test samples from which they enamel several objects. Basic metal techniques including soldering, cold joinery, basic hollow forming and surface finishing, in addition to several enameling techniques, are explored in the class. Students leave the class having made a variety of objects such as beads, brooches, pendants and earrings. Instructor – Meg Goodman
Tuesdays & Thursdays / 6 sessions / April 10 – 26 / 6:30 – 9 pm
Tuition: $225
Materials fee: $85 
Register Back to Top Small Bird Wood Carving
Line, shape and form simply describe three-dimensional objects. Learn basic techniques to apply these artistic principals to carving small bird forms, from drawing patterns and roughing out to simple carving. Instructor – Don DuMont
Tuesdays / 6 sessions / January 24 – February 28 / 6 – 9 pm
Tuition: $270
Materials fee: $60 
Register Back to Top INSTRUCTORS
Peter Bowman has taught drawing, painting and two-dimensional design for over 25 years. He holds a BFA from Memphis College of Art and an MA from Montana State University. He enjoys using the ordinary out of context and likens his own work to a series of still photos taken from a documentary film of his own visual environment. His works have been featured locally, regionally and nationally in solo and group exhibitions. Works from his recent solo exhibition, Flat Space, can be seen at www.davidluskgallery.com
Elizabeth Brown is an instructor in the foundations program at Memphis College of Art where she teaches courses in drawing, 2D design and 3D design. She received a BFA in sculpture from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an MFA from The University of Georgia in Athens, GA. Her work, which has been exhibited both locally and nationally, explores the link between nature and culture in a variety of media.
Don DuMont is an Assistant Professor at MCA in the Design and Foundation departments and the director of the Horn Island Program. He has been a design/maker for more than 30 years.
Meg Goodman earned a BFA in Sculpture, with emphasis on Foundry and Blacksmithing from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She has worked for several pattern and mold shops around the country, serving as shop foreman at a lead foundry specializing in fountains and architectural ornamentation. Meg recently served as Artist in Residence at the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis.
Jonathan Hart has been involved in community art projects and fine art commissions throughout the city of Memphis for the past six years. After receiving a BFA in Drawing from Memphis College of Art in 2005, he began teaching and painting murals for homes and local businesses. He has most recently partnered with fellow artist, Jeff Unthank, to complete a 2,000 sq. ft. mural, entitled Roots and Wings. The project was funded by the UrbanArt Commission and by the City of Memphis and is located at the North Frayser Community Center.
Katey Henriksen received a BFA in 1997 from Memphis College of Art, where she majored in graphic design and print/papermaking. She has also studied at Penland School of Crafts. Katey continues to work in paper arts and has been commissioned for projects ranging from handmade books to handmade paper yarmulkes. Natalie Hoffmann is a Memphis-based artist, musician and organizer. She graduated from Memphis College of Art with a concentration in photography, and has since been organizing community art events and performing in two local bands. Her work has been shown in international shows, and has also been featured in the Indie Memphis Filmfest Artspace.
Susan Maakestad is an Associate Professor at Memphis College of Art, where she has taught drawing and painting since 1997. She earned an MFA in painting at the University of Iowa, and has since been the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships in fine art. Her oil paintings and watercolors have been exhibited nationally, and she is represented by The Rymer Gallery in Nashville. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Susan is volunteer host of House Bayou on radio station WEVL-FM 89.9 in Memphis. Visit her website at www.susanmaakestad.com
Haley Morris-Cafiero is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Photography Department at Memphis College of Art. She received an MFA at the University of Arizona in Tucson, majoring in ceramics, photography and printmaking. She is currently working on methods for combining her photographic work with traditional clay techniques.
Alexis Leneave Price earned a BFA from Memphis College of Art in Surface and Textile Design. She has worked as a professional artist and teacher for over 20 years and has owned and operated her own ceramic company, Alexis Ink. You can find her distinct images on ceramics, greeting cards and wrapping paper throughout the country.
Bill Price, Metal Arts instructor at Memphis College of Art, received a BFA in Small Metals from Memphis College of Art and an MFA in Blacksmithing from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He served as the head metalsmith for the National Ornamental Metal Museum for three years. Bill has exhibited work throughout the U.S. and abroad, and maintains a working studio producing furniture, as well as architectural and sculptural forged objects.
Jeanne Seagle is a graduate of Memphis College of Art who now works as a painter, freelance designer and illustrator. Jeanne is an award-winning watercolorist who has used the medium extensively in her work for over thirty years to produce fine art paintings, editorial and commercial illustrations, children's books, working drawings and sketchbook paintings. She continues to be fascinated by watercolor and finds it a beautiful yet challenging medium.
Back to Top REGISTRATION
All tuition and fees are due in full at the time of registration. Class space is limited; registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. We ask that you register at least 10 business days prior to the start date of the class for which you are enrolling. Late registration is subject to available space and a $25 late registration fee. Students may register by mail, fax, online or in person.
Online:
Go to Online Registration. Use this convenient option and pay online or call our office with your payment (Visa or Mastercard) after you complete your registration.
By mail:
Memphis College of Art
Community Education
1930 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
Click here to download a printable registration form By fax:
Credit cards only
(901) 272-5122 Click here to download a printable registration form
Walk in:
Gibson Hall
1939 Poplar Ave.
8:30-4:30 M-F Back to Top ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
Community education classes are non-credit and offered in a fun, relaxing and supportive atmosphere. Adult courses are offered in Fall, Spring and Summer. Courses typically meet for six sessions, though some shorter courses and workshops are sometimes offered as well. Unless otherwise noted, classes are held in Rust Hall, located inside Overton Park (map). Considered our main campus for undergraduate students, Rust Hall features updated studios and facilities with the latest resources and technology available. Our instructors are typically working artists and/or teaching artists passionate about sharing their love of art making and dedicated to promoting our core values. Class sizes are small, providing ample instructional time, individualized attention and optimal access to facilities and equipment. Our adult classes are open to anyone age 16 or older interested in learning new skills, improving existing skills or simply discovering a new outlet for creative expression. Whether a beginner or accomplished artist, you will find many creative choices to inspire the imagination. Back to Top UPDATES If you would like to sign up for updates about our Community Education programs, please Join Our Email List or text MCA to 22828. Click this link to like us on Facebook. Back to Top CONTACT We are happy to provide additional information or answer any questions you may have about Adult Continuing Education. Please call (901) 272-5142 or email commed@mca.edu if you need our assistance. Our office is open 8:30 to 4:30 weekdays. Back to Top | 
