workshops at the art guild
Dive into an artistic adventure at the doorstep of New York City!Discover a diverse range of workshops tailored for adults and teens at The Art Guild, voted the best art school and art gallery in Nassau Country. Whether you’re passionate about watercolors, oils, drawing, or photography, our expert instructors, hailing from local communities and far-flung corners of the world, are ready to assist you in honing your artistic skills and unleashing your creativity. Our workshops prioritize a personalized and intimate learning experience.
Immerse yourself in the creative process at Elderfields Preserve, nestled in Manhasset/Port Washington on the Gold Coast of Long Island. The workshops unfold in the county’s oldest building, surrounded by the scenic outdoor grounds of the Preserve, providing a tranquil artistic retreat. Conveniently located just 30 miles from New York City, accessible with a swift 30-minute train ride, we offer proximity to all the world class restaurants, attractions, and lodging New York City has to offer. Join us at The Art Guild, and let the artistry unfold in this historic and inspiring setting.
Registration Open
Workshops
Art and Music
Introductory Music & Conversation plus Art with Serenade Duo
Join international award-winning ensemble Serenade Duo, flutist Michelle LaPorte and guitarist Gerry Saulter, for an engaging recital of “Global Chamber Music”.
Bring your imagination, curiosity, sketch pads, writing journals and/or any other creative tools and mediums to be a part of this multidisciplinary experience designed to bring people and the arts together!
Discovering inspiration through flute and guitar music from around the world, participants are encouraged to explore their creativity by working on their own art during this mini concert performance. Sketch the musicians, draw from the surroundings, compose a poem, color a picture, write a story, watercolor and express feelings in a personal journal, or simply just sit back and enjoy the music!
To help guide participants, Serenade Duo will share some friendly conversation about the pieces and composers – most of all, attendees of all ages will experience the creative process and the emotional impact of listening to music.
Conversation led by Serenade Duo
Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
Time: 5:00-7:00pm
Level: All
Fee: $15 members / $25 non-members
watercolor – 1 Day Workshop
LOOSE FLORALS AND SEMI-ABSTRACT WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP
Discover the creativity and pleasure of loose and semi-abstract floral watercolor painting. Whether a beginner or an experienced watercolorist, explore the abstract characteristics of flowers and interpret them into colorful painted images.
Why flowers? Flowers have always inspired poets, photographers and painters with their incredible variety of color, shape and form, they make wonderful subjects encouraging design,expression and creativity.
For Beginner to Advanced Students
Instructor: Steve Vando
Dates: Thursday, June 12
Time: 10am-1pm
Level: Beginners and up
Fee: $75 members / $95 non-members
Watercolor – 1 Day Workshop
Abstract Watercolor
Landscape & Seascape
Whether you are a beginner or accomplished watercolor artist discover the creativity and free style of painting loose images, blending colors and shapes that become abstract landscapes and seascapes.
The workshop will be focusing on color, form, texture, and lines to evoke a feeling or idea rather than a specific place. Images that often feature abstract shapes, bold colors, and expressive brushstrokes, creating a unique and subjective interpretation of nature.
Instructor: Steve Vando
Dates: Saturday, July 19
Time: 10am-1pm
Level: Beginners and up
Fee: $75 members / $95 non-members
Mixed Media
**1 Day Workshop
SoulCollage®
with Lisa O’Connor
Unleash Your Creativity & Embark on a Journey of Self-Discovery!
SoulCollage® combines imagination and art to explore your inner world through intuitive collage making. Using images, scissors, and glue, you’ll create unique cards that reflect different aspects of yourself—your emotions, experiences and personal wisdom. Through this playful and introspective practice, you’ll gain insight, clarity and a deeper connection to your authentic self.
Join us and see how the process unfolds with beautiful simplicity while opening doors to profound and unexpected insight about yourself. No artistic background needed—just bring your curiosity and openness. All supplies are included in price.
Adults and Students Age 16+
Instructor: Lisa O’Connor
Date: Saturday, May 10
Time: 1:00-4:00pm
Level: No experience necessary ages 16+
Fee: $65 Members/ $75 Non Members
Lecture series
**NEW 2 Day Workshop
with Debbie Wells
The Art Insider’s Guide to NYC and Beyond
Always with an artful finger on the pulse of the current NYC art scene, Debbie Wells of Artful Buzz gives it all to you with an art insider’s perspective! This is the perfect opportunity for artists and art lovers of all levels to get a taste of what is happening in the art galleries and museums of NYC (Chelsea, Madison Ave, 57th Street, Lower East Side, Tribeca, SoHo, Brooklyn, etc) Long Island and the tri-state area. She also takes “side trips” to other artful locales, including throughout the USA, Europe, Asia and across the globe. Wherever she finds great art, you will be right there alongside every artful adventure.
Instructor: Debbie Wells
Dates: Tuesdays, April 22 & 29, 2025
Time: 10:30am-11:45am
Level: All
Fee: $45 members / $55 non-members
Mosaic – 1 day workshop
Great gift for Mother’s Day
Creative Mosaic Design
with Judith Caseley
Give Mom (or that special Someone), the gift of creativity this Mother’s Day! Register for our mosaic workshop where she can learn to create a beautiful, personalized masterpiece. A relaxing and fun experience, perfect for creating lasting memories and a unique treasure. Book her spot today!
Awaken your inner artist with a Creative Mosaic Design workshop!
Transform colorful pieces of glass and ceramic tile into stunning mosaics! In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of mosaic art, from choosing materials and cutting techniques to adhering tiles and grouting your masterpiece. Be prepared to have fun!
No prior experience needed! Judith will guide you through every step, providing helpful tips and tricks along the way. You’ll have the freedom to create your own unique design on a wooden panel, all supplies provided by The Art Guild. Just bring your imagination! All levels.
Instructor: Judith Caseley
Sat. April 26, 2025
Registration links below
Time: 10-1pm
Level: Beginners and up
Fee: $75 members / $95 non-members
Watercolor pencils
**NEW 2 Day Workshop
with Kristy A. Kutch
Drawing a Painting with
Watercolor Pencils
This workshop is designed to help both watercolorists and colored pencil artists alike learn the potential of these wonderful, vivid little tools. Embellish features or emphasize values in colored pencil art or watercolor paintings. Draw, spray, spatter, grate, glaze, dissolve: water soluble colored pencils offer a great range of techniques and beautiful effects, either on paper or on Aquabord (provided). Imagine the convenience of a pan of watercolor pigment in the form of a concentrated pencil point, and the painting possibilities are amazing- and fun!
- Free swag given to each registered student
Instructor: Kristy A. Kutch
Dates: Friday May 16 – Saturday May 17, 2025
Time: 10:00-4:00pm
Level: All
Fee: $460 members / $495 non-members
WATERCOLOR & Gouache
**1 Day Workshop
Holbein Watercolor & Gouache
Workshop with Legion Paper
and General Pencil
This two hour workshop will give attendees an opportunity to learn about and try all of Holbein’s various watercolor products, LegionPaper’s Stonehenge surfaces, and General Pencil products.
We will explore Holbein Artist’s Watercolor, watercolor mediums, Gouache, and Acrylic Gouache. Legion’s 100% cotton Stonehenge Aqua paper in varying weights, surface finishes and colors and Yupo 100% polypropylene paper, and attendees will explore the various products offered by General Pencil.
Please come and try all the products and let our brand ambassador guide you to a better understanding of the materials and their use in watercolor painting.
ALL MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED for you to try. You do not need to bring anything, and after you get to bring the supplies home
Brand Ambassador Jim Minet
Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 6:15-8:15pm
Level: All
Fee: $5 members / $10 non-members
ART ThERAPY
Art and Chronic Pain
Monthly Workshop
April 10, 2025
Pain affects over 50 million people and is the leading cause of long-term disability. Art can be a powerful tool to help people live with chronic health conditions causing pain.
Join us for a series of art classes focusing on the health benefits of art.
What to Expect:
Variety of Art Materials: Offered in an open studio format.
Expert Guidance: The class will be led by Denise Kramer and Marceil Kazickas.
Denise Kramer: An artist and licensed art therapist with extensive clinical experience in using the healing power of art to help individuals from all backgrounds.
Marceil Kazickas: An artist living with chronic neurologic pain, who has found personal health benefits through creativity and hopes to help others who may be struggling.
Class Goals:
This class aims to help those suffering from chronic health issues explore the benefits of creativity and artistic expression. The activities are designed to provide distraction or even relief from chronic pain through the therapeutic use of art.
Instructor: Denise Kramer & Marceil Kazickas
Date: Thursday, April 10
Time: 1:30-3:30pm
Level: No experience necessary
Fee: $15 Members/ $20 Non Members *Limited to 10 students
Mixed Media
**1 Day Workshop
Creative Collage is back!
with Tara Kawas
Join Tara for a fun and inspiring one-day workshop where she’ll share her passion for magazine collage. Step outside of your comfort zone and explore a new creative medium! Tara will guide you through the process of crafting a beautiful collage, teaching you valuable techniques to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, Tara will offer personalized guidance to ensure you create a piece you love.
Bring along a few photos or sources of inspiration. She recommends starting with a simple subject, such as a single object or still life. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies are provided. Come ready to experiment, learn, and have fun! Adults and Students Age 16+
Instructor: Tara Kawas
New Dates will be posted
Fee: $60 members / $70 non-members
location
gem of long island
Explore Your Creativity at The Art Guild on Long Island’s Gold Coast!
Nestled within the historic Elderfields Preserve in Manhasset/Port Washington, The Art Guild invites you to embark on a creative journey in the oldest building in Nassau County. Our workshops provide a serene artistic retreat amid the beauty of Elderfields Preserve, offering a tranquil environment to inspire your artistic pursuits.
Located on the scenic waterfront of Long Island’s iconic Gold Coast, The Art Guild is perfectly situated to offer not just artistic enrichment, but also access to a plethora of activities and attractions. Just 30 miles from the vibrant metropolis of New York City, our location provides easy access to world-class museums, picturesque parks, delectable restaurants, electrifying Broadway shows, and captivating concerts.
Whether you’re exploring the historic charm of the Gold Coast or immersing yourself in the cultural riches of New York City, The Art Guild serves as your gateway to endless possibilities. With the train station to NYC a mere 4 minutes away, the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions are within easy reach.
Join us at The Art Guild, where creativity meets inspiration on Long Island’s Gold Coast. Let your imagination soar as you discover the artistic wonders of our workshops while enjoying all the amazing experiences that our vibrant surroundings have to offer.