The Decorative Arts Center in Lancaster’s Historic District offers an exciting array of artistic talent from artists far and wide, but they also offer opportunities for visitors to pick up the paintbrush, mold clay in their hands, or explore the vast array of artistic styles practiced and exhibited in the beautiful restored mansion and the building formerly used as a carriage house which houses the Wendel Center for Art Education.

Register for classes online at decartsohio.org or by phone at 740-681-1423. You can also mail in a class registration form or register for classes in person at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio located at 145 East Main Street, Lancaster. Cancellation and refund policies, instructor bios, and further information can be found at the Decorative Arts Center website.

The classes offered vary in length, cost and subject, but each offers exciting artistic learning opportunities for adults, high school students, and even some for children. Many of the classes will connect their students with the roots of Appalachian art, keeping traditional artistic styles alive. Those really interested in bringing out their inner artist can become a member of the Decorative Arts Center to receive discounts on classes, many other programs, and in the Museum Shop.

2018 Classes

Fundamental Drawing and Painting – Saturdays, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., March 3, 10, 17, 24 ($50)

Instructor: Lisa Schorr

This course offers the basic skills required for beginners to start drawing and painting. No experience required!

Rigid Heddle – Tuesdays, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., March 6, 13, 20, 27 ($60)

Instructor: Mary Jeanne Goss

Learn to make a small piece of fabric into clothing for a rag doll in the tradition of Appalachia. Make your reservations early, because each class only has slots for four people!

Wednesday Watercolor – Wednesdays, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 11 ($75)

Instructor: Lisa Schorr

Each week students get a new image to try to capture with watercolors. Though students need to bring their own watercolor supplies, the techniques and instruction will enable students to keep on creating beautiful works of art at home!

Find Your Way with Clay – Thursdays, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., March 15, 22, 19; April 5 ($75)

Instructor: Anne Hart Kiphen

This class is for all experience levels. Beginners can receive as much guidance as they need when molding their clay, or more experienced clay artists can follow their inspirations and get some more tips from the instructor.

Four Harness Weaving – Tuesdays, 4:00-6:00 p.m., April 3, 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8 ($75)

Instructor: Mary Jeanne Goss

This class for more experienced artists teaches anther traditional Appalachian artistic practice, making coverlets. Related to the tried and true Appalachian art of quilt-making, making coverlets requires to use of a loom. Students signing up for this class must have taken weaving classes at the Decorative Arts Center in the past, or have experience with a four harness loom. This class has four slots available.

Classes for Young People

The Decorative Arts Center offers a number of classes for high school age students and children even younger, offering the opportunity for young people to expand their artistic talents, and discover new ones. High school students can also take all adult courses.

Craftivism – High School, grades 9-12 ($35)

Tuesdays, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., March 6, 13, 20, 27; Instructor: Bianca Gery

This interesting class teaches young people a new form of artistic expression, an emerging form of slow-activism that uses crafting to make a statement for community improvement or change. Each student will make their own Craftivism project by the end

Studio Night – Middle School, grades 6-8 ($52)

Mondays, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m, March 5, 12, 19, 26; Instructor: Dallas Rienschield

This class gives students a chance to practice painting techniques in a studio setting. Students are encouraged to think critically about their artistic creations, respond to feedback about their work and hone their creative skills.

Painting Fundamentals – Elementary, grades 1-5 ($75)

Sundays, 2:00 -4:00 p.m., April 8, 15, 22, 29; Instructor: Dallas Rienschield

Kids are given the opportunity to let their imagination run wild on a canvas. The class teaches students about sharing, and finding creative ways to tell stories. No experience required. All materials provided.

Spring Break Art Camp – Elementary, grades 1-5 ($45)

Exploring the Elements of Art – Monday – Thursday April 2 -5, 10:00 a.m. – noon

Children in this camp will spend each day immersed in an artistic experience, making several different art projects during the four-day camp.