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
Winter Workshops
LIFE DRAWING
DRAW-A-THON
1 Day Life Drawing workshop
with Mentor Joan Stevens
A day of figure drawing with 2 live models, one clothed and one nude model at The Art Guild with monitor, Joan Stevens.
Not instructional. Multiple poses and opportunities to draw throughout the day. Bring the medium and your surface of choice, we will provide, easels, stools and art tables. We will also have pastels (oil, chalk), Charcoal and other drawing materials for you to use or experiment with.
Bring your lunch and draw till you drop!
All levels.
Instructor: Joan Stevens
DATE: Friday, Jan 31, 2025
Time: 10-4pm
Level: All Levels, students 16+
Fee: $85 members / $95 non-members
Gouache
Gouache 101 with Denis Ponsot
Unlock the vibrant world of gouache painting in our class designed for artists of all levels. Experience the Fun of Gouache Painting. Learn basic painting and paint-mixing techniques, while creating a gorgeous work of (your own) art! Pronounced “gwash” (like squash), this style of painting is great for creating vibrant, colorful paintings and it’s perfect for Beginners. This workshop provides everything you need to know about gouache painting. Often described as a mix between watercolor and acrylic painting, gouache paint is great for creating beautiful illustrations. No previous painting or drawing experience necessary. Have fun creating with friends in the class and enjoy a relaxing morning.
All levels.
Instructor: Denis Ponsot
DATES: Fridays, Jan 17, 24, 31 and Feb 7, 2025
Time: 10-1pm
Level: Beginners and up
Fee: $235 members / $270 non-members
Lecture
The Art of Kevin Champeny:
Artist, Sculptor, Creator!
Bits and Pieces: Join renowned mosaic artist Kevin Champeny for an inspiring talk at The Art Guild as he delves into his creative journey. Known for his intricate, large scale mosaics crafted from thousands of hand cast and sculpted pieces, Kevin will share how he discovered his unique artistic voice. From his early influences to the challenges and triumphs of his career, Kevin’s story is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and the beauty of seeing art in the smallest details.
Space is limited, register today! If for whatever reason you cannot make it please let us know so we can offer your spot to someone else.
Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
open to all
Fee: $5 members / $10 non-members
DRAWING
**NEW 4 week mini session
PROPORTIONS of DRAWING with
KEVIN YEN
The most important thing about painting, whether it’s oil, acrylic or watercolor, is the importance of basic drawing skills. In this mini session workshop, you will learn how to draw accurate proportions step-by-step, what you see and transfer onto paper, from start to finish. You will start with easy compositions to a more complicated setting, class will provide you with a few still-life images to work on. The first class will be an easy still-life drawing then move on to more complicated subjects.
Instructor: Kevin Yen
New Dates: March 17-April 7
Time: 6-8:00pm
Level: Beginners and up
Fee: $195 members / $230 non-members
Mosaic 1 day workshop
Creative Mosaic Design
with Judith Caseley
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
1 Day Workshop – 3 NEW DATES:
Sat. Feb 1, 2025
Sat. March 15, 2025
Sat. April 26, 2025
Registration links below
Time: 10-1pm
Level: Beginners and up
Fee: $75 members / $90 non-members
Museums/history/Lecture
**NEW 3 week mini session
The Art Insider’s Guide to NYC and Beyond with Debbie Wells
- Visit” (virtually) 5 top current exhibitions in art galleries and museums in NYC and beyond
- Understanding the art world with an insider
- Explore the NYC Art Scene as it happens
- Navigating the Art Scene by Exploring the Best on View
- No need to travel to NYC. Debbie brings the art scene to you
- Know the Art World. Be inspired. Be informed.
All Classes held at The Art Guild
Instructor: Debbie Wells
NEW Dates: Fridays Feb 7, 14 & 28, 2025. (No Class 2/28)
Time: 10:30-11:45am
Level: All
Fee: $80 members / $115 non-members
Oil/Acrylic Painting
**NEW 5 Week Session
Still Life Painting with Kevin Yen
Oil/Acrylic Still Life Painting – From Start to Finish
The class will start with how to put down your sketch/drawing onto the canvas and work on value and chroma, how to use the right color for highlights and shadows and glazing technique, painting layers step-by-step. You will be working on the same painting throughout the class and learn how to finish the painting.
Day: Saturdays
Time: 10:00 – 1:00pm
NEW Session Dates: Jan 18 – Feb 15
Level: Beginner +
Instructor: Kevin YenFee: Member $280/ Non-Member $315
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
Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Time: 11:00-2:00pm
Level: All
Fee: $60 members / $70 non-members
Drawing/painting
**NEW 2 week workshop
Get A Grip on Hands
with Rob Silverman
Rendering convincing hands can be easy with a few simple tips and exercises. Discover that great artists such as Sargent and Van Dyke used proportions that all hands have in common to add character and presence to their iconic portraits.
Our class will use photos, Old Master art, and our own hands as reference to easily render realistic hands. All mediums are welcome–though drawing with charcoal or graphite is recommended for the first session. Handouts will be supplied as well.
Instructor: Rob Silverman
Dates: Tuesdays Feb 4 & 11, 2025
Time: 12:00-3:00
Level: All
Fee: $140 members / $175 non-members
PHOTOGRAPHY
**1 Day Workshop
Portraiture and the
Art of Imitation
with Deborah Feingold
Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but it is also a highly creative
and playful way to explore one’s own personal style through the guise of imitating others. Photographers are encouraged to have a personal vision,
be unique, and perhaps to see as no one has before. That can sometimes
feel like a daunting task. But, what if you imagined yourself as someone else behind the camera; ignoring that voice, that pressure? What would you
discover about yourself and your style in that process? That is what this workshop explores!
Instructor: Deborah Feingold
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Time: 10:00-4:00pm
Level: All
Fee: $225 members / $260 non-members
Oil painting
**NEW 2 Day workshop
Whiskers, Noses and Eyes,
Oh My!
Bring your furry, feathered, or scaly friends to life on canvas! In this immersive two-day workshop, you’ll learn how to capture the essence, emotion, and personality of animals through oil painting. From soft fur and twinkling eyes to whiskers and even a bit of drool, you’ll discover techniques to bring your animal portrait to life with confidence and creativity.
Instructor: Patty Voje
Dates: Friday May 2 – Saturday May 3, 2025
Time: 10:00-4:00pm
Level: All
Fee: $330members / $365 non-members
ART ThERAPY
Art and Chronic Pain
Monthly Workshop
February 13, March 13 & 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: Thursdays, Feb 13, March 13 & April 10
Time: 1:30-3:30pm
Level: No experience necessary
Fee: $15 Members/ $20 Non Members *Limited to 10 students
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.