You get to make art here!
Programming
Open Studio
Mondays, 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Ages: 14+
Bring own materials and enjoy our space and our community. Drop in only. No registration needed. An adult will always be present. No instruction or project guidance.
Youth Art CLub
Tuesdays, 3:15PM - 5:15PM
$12
Ages: 10-18
Bring materials or borrow some form the youth art cupboard. Enjoy our space and our community. An adult will always be present. While these are not classes, students can choose to take on the challenge of the day, develop their art portfolio, or work on whatever comes to mind that day.
Grades 3-5 Art Workshops
Sept 12 | 1-3PM
Instructor: Brie Nadermann
Ages: Grades 3-5
$30
Miss Brie brings many years of teaching experience to the Art Center. Come ready to learn new skills and make new friends.
Register for Oct 10, Nov 14, too.
(SAVE THE DATES: Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 13, Apr 10)
Whimsical Stitching: Choose Your Own Adventure
September 13
1-4PM
$35 (instruction and materials)
Ages: 14+
Instructor: Candace Eudaley-Loebach
Learn basic stitches including running stitch, whipped running stitch, chain stitch, backstitch, french knot and basic couching stitch. We'll spend the first hour completing a small sampler of these new stitches. The next two hours will be spent using these stitches on a pattern of your choosing! Bring your own simple pattern or choose from a variety of instructor-provided options. This is a great opportunity to add new stitches to your toolbox!
Figure Drawing Open Studio (Male, Nude)
$15/session
Experienced figure models, a great space, and a wonderful community. Join us for open figure drawing sessions. Nude models. Must be 18+. No instruction is provided. Please register in advance. We will hold the sessions if we have at least 4 registrations by noon the day prior to the event.
Starting in June, we will offer figure drawing twice monthly on Tuesdays from 1pm-3pm.
Working Artist Series: Guided Art Critique
Art critiques allow artists to receive feedback on their artwork, as well as gain perspective on how others view and interpret the work. This two-hour critique will be led by Jessie Rebik and will include a structured and guided discussion among a small group of artists. Each participant will bring a finished (or near finished) work of art on which to receive feedback from the group. All feedback will be supportive and constructive with the purpose of helping the artists progress toward their goals in artmaking.
Materials:
1. One finished or near finished artwork that you would like feedback on.
2. Notebook, or something to take notes in
3. Pen, or something to take notes with.
There is no fee for this critique, however, registration is required.
Fundamentals of Urban Sketching: Seeing Dubuque One Sketch At A Time
September 19
9AM-4PM
Instructor:Don Yang
Ages: 14+
Level: All Levels
$150
This workshop focuses on the essential fundamentals of urban sketching. The emphasis is on developing strong foundational skills and practical sketching techniques that can be applied to sketching any subject matter. Participants will explore different tool choices, compositional options, and step-by-step approaches to starting and finishing a compelling urban sketch.
Participants may use any medium and substrate of their choice such as, but not limited to; graphite pencil, ball point pen, fountain pen, colored pencil, chalk (Conté pencil or stick), watercolor/acrylic/gouache/oil paint. They should be prepared with enough quantity of substrate to make at least 4 to 6 sketches depending on individual participant’s competency and style.
Figure Drawing Open Studio (Clothed)
$15/session
Experienced figure models, a great space, and a wonderful community. Join us for open figure drawing sessions. Clothed model. Must be 18+. No instruction is provided. Please register in advance. We will hold the sessions if we have at least 4 registrations by noon the day prior to the event.
Starting in June, we will offer figure drawing twice monthly on Tuesdays from 1pm-3pm.
Multicolor {Layered} Woodcut Printmaking (Wednesdays)
October 7,14, 21
6-8:20pm
$95 (Instruction and most materials and equipment)
Instructor:Zoë Couvillion
Ages: 14+
Registration implies guardian permission to use sharp tools.
Level: Some printmaking experience helpful.
This workshop introduces the layered relief print process: pressing and stamping a carved image onto paper or fabric in a buildable sequence to produce a unique dual-colored image-- and developing an understanding of an art-form that dates back to 500 BC!
PLEASE BRING:
Pad/Booklet OR 1 or two sheets of paper for taking notes.
1 Micro Fine-Point SHARPIE-brand marker (black).
1 Regular-Size SHARPIE-brand marker (black).
Ideas/sketches for a 5"x5" two/three-color print. (If you're unsure/worried about a sketch, just bring your ideas!)
Grades 3-5 Art Workshops
Oct 10 | 1-3PM
Instructor: Brie Nadermann
Ages: Grades 3-5
$30
Miss Brie brings many years of teaching experience to the Art Center. Come ready to learn new skills and make new friends.
Register for Nov 14, too.
(SAVE THE DATES: Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 13, Apr 10)
Whimsical Stitching: Visible Mending
October 11
1-4pm
$35
Instructor: Candace Eudaley-Loebach
Ages: 14+
Do you love the look of visible mending but don't know where to start? Make stained shirt you love FUN. Replace or repair a button in bespoke way. Learn the art of visible mending with a little extra creativity as a bonus! Eudaley-Loebach will focus on patching and stitching in a sashiko-like style, how to cover a stain or other blemish on a garment with a fun embellishment, and how to turn any button into a showstopper.
Knowledge of a running stitch and confidence with a needle and thread are required for this class.
Materials
Garment for mending
Patch material you need to complete project (Fabric for mending should be of a similar weight stretch as the fabric you are repairing)
If you are working with a heavy duty fabric, please bring a thimble.
Embroidery hoops, needles, threaders, floss, and fabric stabliizer will be provided. Feel free to bring your own if you have these supplies.
Home School Workshop: Younger Grades
Oct 14 | 9am-11am
Insructor: Jess Ochoa
Ages: Grades 3(ish)-middle school
$30
Make art and make friends with Miss Jess. Jess brings so much teaching experience to these classes. Learn foundational art concepts and explore your personal creativity.
Register for Nov 11, too!
(SAVE THE DATES: Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14)
Home School Workshop: OLDer Grades
Oct 14 | 11:30am - 1:30pm
Insructor: Jess Ochoa
Ages: Middle School - High School
$30
Make art and make friends with Miss Jess. Jess brings so much teaching experience to these classes. Learn foundational art concepts and explore your personal creativity. Bring a simple lunch or snack if you might get hungry!
Register for Nov 11, too.
(SAVE THE DATES: Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14)
Figure Drawing Open Studio (Clothed)
$15/session
Experienced figure models, a great space, and a wonderful community. Join us for open figure drawing sessions. Clothed model. Must be 18+. No instruction is provided. Please register in advance. We will hold the sessions if we have at least 4 registrations by noon the day prior to the event.
Starting in June, we will offer figure drawing twice monthly on Tuesdays from 1pm-3pm.
Middle School Art Workshop (Saturdays)
Oct 17 | 10am-noon
Instructor: Jess Ochoa
$30 (Instruction and Materials)
Jess Ochoa offers thoughtful art instruction grounded in foundational art principles. Students take that learning and turn it into personalized art. Each Saturday workshop restults in a unique project.
Register for Nov 14, too!
Beginner Bead Embroidery: Create Your First Pair of Earrings
October 17, 12PM-3PM
Instructor: Jess Ochoa
Ages: 14+
Level: Must have basic hand-sewing skills and know how to thread a needle
$65 (Instruction and materials)
Discover the art of bead embroidery in this beginner-friendly workshop! Students will learn the foundational techniques of bead embroidery while creating a beautiful pair of handmade earrings. You'll learn how to stitch beads onto a backing, finish the edges with a clean beaded border, and assemble your earrings into a wearable piece of art.
Students must have basic hand-sewing skills, including knowing how to thread a needle and sew simple stitches. Because seed beads are very small, please bring reading glasses if you need assistance with close-up work. An earring kit is required for this class and must be purchased separately. No previous bead embroidery experience is necessary.
Working Artist Series: Guided Art Critique
Art critiques allow artists to receive feedback on their artwork, as well as gain perspective on how others view and interpret the work. This two-hour critique will be led by Jessie Rebik and will include a structured and guided discussion among a small group of artists. Each participant will bring a finished (or near finished) work of art on which to receive feedback from the group. All feedback will be supportive and constructive with the purpose of helping the artists progress toward their goals in artmaking.
Materials:
1. One finished or near finished artwork that you would like feedback on.
2. Notebook, or something to take notes in
3. Pen, or something to take notes with.
There is no fee for this critique, however, registration is required.
Design Your Own Embroidery: Taking an Idea to a Finished Project
November 1, 1-3PM
Instructor: Candace Eudaley-Loebach
Level: Advanced. A prior Bluff Strokes embroidery class or similar required. You should know at least three basic stitches before signing up for this course.
Ages: 14+
$90 (Instruction only)
This workshop is intended for those who feel confident with working on an existing pattern and are ready to create their own embroidery designs. Designs can include personal drawings or images your enjoy (think tarot cards, tattoos, a graphic you found online, your grandma's handwriting).
You'll learn which types of images transfer well to embroidery and which method of transfer to use based on the type of design and fabric you've selected.
You'll also learn how to select appropriate stitches for varying textural and visual effects. We'll spend some time as a group selecting a few new stitches to learn that work for multiple projects.
Required Materials
Embroidery Hoop appropriately sized for your project
DMC brand embroidery floss needed for your project
Two #5 Embroidery needles
Needle Threader
THe Shape of Memory: Cardboard Sculpture
November 2, 9, 16, 23
6-8:15pm
Instructor: Troy Aiken
Ages: 14+
Level: Beginner
$120 Instruction and required materials
Transform everyday cardboard into meaningful sculptural objects that tell a personal story. In this hands-on class, participants will use simple fabrication techniques with cardboard and hot glue to create three-dimensional sculptures inspired by memories, cherished possessions, places, or experiences. Through sketching, construction, and creative experimentation, students will explore how ordinary materials can express nostalgia, identity, and personal meaning. No previous sculpture experience is required.
Materials
Please bring:
- hot glue gun and glue sticks
- 2 Sheets of drawing paper or a sketch book
Beginning Painting with Oil (Thursdays)
Nov 5, 12, 19
Dec 3, 10, 17
1-3:30pm
$180 (Instruction)
Instructor: Jessie Rebik
Ages: 14+
Level: Beginning oil painters. Drawing experience is helpful.
This course will introduce painting processes and techniques through the medium of oil paint. Students will learn how to use the materials, determine a composition, mix color, and develop a finished painting.
Figure Drawing Open Studio
$15/session
Experienced figure models, a great space, and a wonderful community. Join us for open figure drawing sessions. Nude models. Must be 18+. No instruction is provided. Please register in advance. We will hold the sessions if we have at least 4 registrations.
Starting in June, we will offer figure drawing twice monthly on Tuesdays from 1pm-3pm.
Portrait Drawing (Mondays)
November 9. 16, 23, 30
December 7, 14
10am-12:15pm
$180 (Instruction)
Instructor: Jessie Rebik
Ages: 14+
Level: Previous drawing instruction required
Jessie Rebik will teach how to draw the likeness of human subjects, focusing on the head and face. Become more confident about structure, anatomy, value patterns, and surface details. Some experience with drawing will be helpful.
Required Materials
1. Compressed charcoal (soft or extra soft),
2. Vine charcoal (soft or extra soft)
3. Charcoal pencils
4. Kneaded eraser
5. Eraser Pencil
6. Blending sticks
7. Paper towels or rags
8. Graphite drawing pencils
9. Tracing paper (9x12 inch)-
10. Sketchbook (9x12 inch)- Drawing or Mixed Media paper
Drawing with Color (Tuesdays)
November 10, 17, 24
1-3PM
$90 (Instruction only)
Instructor: Sara Hilby
Ages: Middle School +
Level: Having a drawing class in your past will be helpful.
Build confidence and develop foundational skills as you learn about drawing with color. Sara Hibly will introduce color theory, drawing techniques, and color applications. Students will learn layering color, color relationships and characteristics, mood, and how to develop form using colored pencils. If you’re new to color, this may be the class for you.
Interior Mural Painting (Tuesdays)
November 10, 17, 24,
December 1, 8, 15
5:30-8pm
Instructor:Lyric Morris-Latchaw
Ages: 14+
Level: All Levels
$190 (Instruction and Materials)
Lyric Morris-Latchaw will teach a comprehensive overview of the skills needed to design and paint an interior mural. Students will put these skills to work by collaboratively painting a permanent mural in the interior stairwell of Bluff Strokes Art Center! All skill levels and artistic styles are welcome.
Learn design, material and equipment use, and design translation for painting an interior mural.
Students will be working in a stairwell. This will require good balance. Painting wall murals also requires the ability to work for extended periods standing with your arms raised. Please let the Art Center know if you are not able to work on a step stool or ladder. Students should bring a paint shirt and closed toed shoes.
Home School Workshop: Younger Grades
Nov 11 | 9am-11am
Insructor: Jess Ochoa
Ages: Grades 3(ish)-middle school
$30
Make art and make friends with Miss Jess. Jess brings so much teaching experience to these classes. Learn foundational art concepts and explore your personal creativity.
SAVE THE DATES: Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14
Home School Workshop: OLDer Grades
November 11 | 11:30am - 1:30pm
Instructor:Jess Ochoa
Ages: Middle School - High School
$30
Make art and make friends with Miss Jess. Jess brings so much teaching experience to these classes. Learn foundational art concepts and explore your personal creativity. Bring a simple lunch or snack if you might get hungry!
(SAVE THE DATES: Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14)
Middle School Art Workshop (Saturdays)
Nov 14 | 10am-noon
Instructor: Jess Ochoa
$30 (Instruction and Materials)
Jess Ochoa offers thoughtful art instruction grounded in foundational art principles. Students take that learning and turn it into personalized art. Each Saturday workshop restults in a unique project.
Watch for January-April sessions!
Grades 3-5 Art Workshops
Nov 14 | 1-3PM
Instructor: Brie Nadermann
Ages: Grades 3-5
$30
Miss Brie brings many years of teaching experience to the Art Center. Come ready to learn new skills and make new friends.
Register for Nov 14, too.
SAVE THE DATES: Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 13, Apr 10
Figure Drawing Open Studio
$15/session
Experienced figure models, a great space, and a wonderful community. Join us for open figure drawing sessions. Nude models. Must be 18+. No instruction is provided. Please register in advance. We will hold the sessions if we have at least 4 registrations.
Starting in June, we will offer figure drawing twice monthly on Tuesdays from 1pm-3pm.
Working Artist Series: Guided Art Critique
Art critiques allow artists to receive feedback on their artwork, as well as gain perspective on how others view and interpret the work. This two-hour critique will be led by Jessie Rebik and will include a structured and guided discussion among a small group of artists. Each participant will bring a finished (or near finished) work of art on which to receive feedback from the group. All feedback will be supportive and constructive with the purpose of helping the artists progress toward their goals in artmaking.
Materials:
1. One finished or near finished artwork that you would like feedback on.
2. Notebook, or something to take notes in
3. Pen, or something to take notes with.
There is no fee for this critique, however, registration is required.
Whimsical Stitching: Personalize It
December 6
1-4pm
Instructor: Candace Eudaley-Loebach
Ages: 14+
Level: Beginner (Knowledge of a running stitch and confidence with a needle and thread are required for this class)
$35
Add a name, initials or a basic image to a garment you already own and love! OR personalize a gift just in time for the holidays! Add a name to a sweatshirt, some flowers to a knitted hat or gloves, or personalize a set of cloth napkins! The options are endless when you know a few basic stitches! We'll focus our stitch learning on the stem, chain, satin and couched rose stitches to customize and embellish an item.
We'll spend the first hour completing a small sample of these new stitches. The next two hours will be spent using these stitches to personalize an item of your choosing!
Knowledge of a running stitch and confidence with a needle and thread are required for this class.
Bring your own item to embellish. If you are working with a heavy duty fabric, please bring a thimble.
Embroidery hoops, needles, threaders, floss, and fabric stabilizer will be provided. Feel free to bring your own if you have these supplies.
Working Artist Series: Guided Art Critique
Art critiques allow artists to receive feedback on their artwork, as well as gain perspective on how others view and interpret the work. This two-hour critique will be led by Jessie Rebik and will include a structured and guided discussion among a small group of artists. Each participant will bring a finished (or near finished) work of art on which to receive feedback from the group. All feedback will be supportive and constructive with the purpose of helping the artists progress toward their goals in artmaking.
Materials:
1. One finished or near finished artwork that you would like feedback on.
2. Notebook, or something to take notes in
3. Pen, or something to take notes with.
There is no fee for this critique, however, registration is required.
Drawing for Beginners (Thursdays)
September 10, 17,
October 1, 8, 15, 22
12:30-2:45pm
Instructor: Jessie Rebik
Ages: 14+
Level: Beginners and those wanting to dip back into art
$180 (Instruction)
Drawing is as much about seeing as it is about creating an image. This course will strengthen students’ seeing skills, which will in turn, unlock the skills needed to make more accurate drawings. Through observation of still life objects, students will learn to utilize negative space, sight measuring, gesture, and line to translate what they see onto paper. These building blocks of drawing apply to any subject, style, and technique, and are the foundation to any two-dimensional art making.
Required Materials
1. Sketchbook (about 9x12 inches)
2. Viewfinder (store bought or handmade)
3. Graphite Drawing Pencils: at least one hard and one soft. Hard graphite pencil have a number and an H, like 4H. Soft pencils use a B, like 6B.
4. Kneaded Eraser
5. T-square or ruler
6. Vine charcoal (preferably soft or extra soft)
7. Compressed charcoal (Preferably soft or extra soft)
8. Charcoal Pencils
9. Blending sticks
10. Apron or overshirt
One Layer Woodcut Printmaking (Wednesdays)
Sept. 9, 16, 30
6-8:20pm
$95 (Instruction and most materials and equipment)
Instructor: Zoë Couvillion
Ages: 14+
Registration implies guardian permission to use sharp tools.
Level: Beginners and those wanting to explore new one-layer printmaking skills
This workshop introduces the relief print process: pressing and stamping a carved image onto paper or fabric to produce a unique (but repeatable) image-- and using an art-form that dates back to 500 BC!
PLEASE BRING:
Notebook OR 1 or 2 sheets of paper for taking notes.
1 Micro Fine-Point SHARPIE-brand marker (black).
1 Regular-Size SHARPIE-brand marker (black).
Ideas/sketches for a 5"x5" print. (If you're unsure/worried about a sketch, just bring your ideas!)
Home School Workshop: OLDer Grades
Sept 9 | 11:30am - 1:30pm
Instructor: Jess Ochoa
Ages: Middle School - High School
$30
Make art and make friends with Miss Jess. Jess brings so much teaching experience to these classes. Learn foundational art concepts and explore your personal creativity. Bring a simple lunch or snack if you might get hungry!
Register for Oct 14 & Nov 11, too.
(SAVE THE DATES: Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14)
Home School Workshop: Younger Grades
Sept 9 | 9am-11am
Instructor: Jess Ochoa
Ages: Grades 3(ish)-middle school
$30
Make art and make friends with Miss Jess. Jess brings so much teaching experience to these classes. Learn foundational art concepts and explore your personal creativity.
Register for Oct 14 & Nov 11, too!
(SAVE THE DATES: Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14)
The Power of Color (Tuesdays)
Sept. 8, 15, 29
October 6, 13, 20
6pm-8:15pm
$180 (Instruction)
Instructor: Jessie Rebik
Ages: 14+
Level: Previous art instruction in drawing or painting required.
Color is a powerful and complex visual element, and has the potential to add to the impact of an artwork. This course will provide students with a basic understanding of how to approach color in their art making. Content will include color characteristics, color mixing, color relationships, color schemes, and color of light. Some of the projects in this class will be technical, while others will be observational. All will be colorful!
Watercolor for Beginners (Tuesdays)
Sept 8, 15, 29
Oct 6, 13, 20
12:30-2:45pm
$180 (Instruction)
Instructor: Sara Hilby
Ages: 14+
Level: Beginning watercolor painters, drawing instruction preferred
Designed for beginners, this course invites participants to explore the watercolor medium in a relaxed and encouraging environment. Participants will build confidence and develop foundational skills as they learn about the watercolor process, characteristics, papers, paints, brushes, and essential techniques. Through guided practice and small paintings, participants will gain experience in watercolor.
Middle School Art Workshop (Saturdays)
Sept 5 | 10am-noon
Instructor: Jess Ochoa
$30 (Instruction and Materials)
Jess Ochoa offers thoughtful art instruction grounded in foundational art principles. Students take that learning and turn it into personalized art. Each Saturday workshop restults in a unique project.
Register for these dates, too! Oct 17, Nov 14
Talking About Art: Women Religious Artists in the Dubuque Area
September 4
Noon-1PM
Speaker: K Kriesel
Catholic sisters and nuns, also called women religious, working as professional artists have been uniquely distinct from secular and other religious artists both because they live in community and also because of their three vows: poverty, chastity, and obedience. Women religious artists had access to arts education before secular women, and went on to teach future generations. Each artist among them is distinct and yet shares the commonalities of religious life, influencing their local arts communities while also set apart from them. K Kriesel, local artist and associate of the Sisters of Charity, will provide a presentation on how Catholic nuns and sisters in the Dubuque area have helped shape the local arts community and what we can learn from their stories. All are welcome to participate in this conversation, as there is much to learn from this distinct group of artists.
Talking About Art explores themes in philosophy of art, art history, and more. Bring your lunch. We’ll provide cookies and coffee.
Free will donation, no registration necessary.
Working ARtist Series: Guided Art Critique
Art critiques allow artists to receive feedback on their artwork, as well as gain perspective on how others view and interpret the work. This two-hour critique will be led by Jessie Rebik and will include a structured and guided discussion among a small group of artists. Each participant will bring a finished (or near finished) work of art on which to receive feedback from the group. All feedback will be supportive and constructive with the purpose of helping the artists progress toward their goals in artmaking.
Materials:
1. One finished or near finished artwork that you would like feedback on.
2. Notebook, or something to take notes in
3. Pen, or something to take notes with.
There is no fee for this critique, however, registration is required.
Home School Art Adventure (THURSDAYS)
Thursday 10:00am-Noon
August 20
Instructor: Jess Ochoa
Ages: Grades 3 and up
$30
Miss Jess will introduce students to activities based in fundamental art skills and FUN!
TRY Printmaking: Monotype Mambo
THIS CLASS IS FULL
August 18
5-8PM
Instructor: Zoë Couvillon
Ages: 14+
Level: Beginner
$45
Learn the basics of Monotype printing! No experience needed and no commitment necessary. This is an opportunity for students to try something new with guidance from an experienced print maker.
Materials are provided by the art center, so students don't need to bring anything but their curiosity and enthusiasm!
Figure Drawing
$15/session
Experienced figure models, a great space, and a wonderful community. Join us for open figure drawing sessions. Nude models. Must be 18+. No instruction is provided. Please register in advance. We will hold the sessions if we have at least 4 registrations.
Starting in June, we will offer figure drawing twice monthly on Tuesdays from 1pm-3pm.
Cancelled due to weather: Sidewalk Chalk Mural Workshop
WEATHER CANCELLATION :(
August 14, 1-4PM
August 15, 9AM-Noon
Instructor:Danielle Lensen
Ages: 5th grade and older
Level: All Levels
Try Wheat Pasting! (Wednesdays)
Aug 12 & 19
6-8:15pm
$60 (Instruction and materials)
Instructor: Andonia Giannakouros
Ages: Middle School+
Wheat paste, a glue recipe made by combining flour and water, has been used historically to paste posters, street art, and advertisements quickly and temporarily. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate on a garden themed design and paste the mural on the side of Bluff Strokes Art Center.
Materials provided. Students may bring their own permanent markers or permanent ink supplies to expand available colors.
Talking About Art: The Language of Painting
First Friday - August 7, 2026, 12-1:00pm
Jessie Rebik
Rebik explores painting as a visual language within Western art. Beginning with the rise of oil painting and its connection to realism and pictorial representation, Rebik follows how artists across movements have approached the relationship between representation, surface, emotion, and meaning. She also examines the material, physical, and expressive qualities of paint itself.
Free-will donation. No registration necessary.
Feel free to bring your lunch or a snack. We will provide coffee and cookies!
Drawing Buildings: Interiors and Exteriors (Three Thursdays)
Three Thursdays
August 6, 13, 20
1:30-3:30PM (Please plan an extra 15 minutes for clean up!)
Instructor: Jessie Rebik
Ages: 14+
Level: Some prior drawing experience will be helpful.
$90 (Instruction only)
Learn how to use linear perspective for drawing subjects such as architecture, interior spaces, urban scenes, and any other similar structures.
Materials: Sketchbook, Viewfinder, drawing pencils (at least one H and one B), T-square, eraser
Figure Drawing
$15/session
Experienced figure models, a great space, and a wonderful community. Join us for open figure drawing sessions. Nude models. Must be 18+. No instruction is provided. Please register in advance. We will hold the sessions if we have at least 4 registrations.
Starting in June, we will offer figure drawing twice monthly on Tuesdays from 1pm-3pm.
Art Camp: Rising 3rd - 5th Graders (Week TWO)
The Mighty Mississippi Makers IS FILLED
Consider our monthly Saturday workshops starting in September, and be ready to register for camps early next year!
9am-noon daily
August 3-7
Rising 3-5th graders
Instructor:Brie Nadermann
$175 per week
Whimsical Stitching: Prairie Blooms (August)
Instructor: Candace Eudaley-Loebach
Level: Beginners and up
Ages: Middle School and up
$35
Candace Eudaley-Loebach will teach you to embroider a prairie bloom and apply it to a piece of wearable art that you can enjoy year-round! Students are encouraged to explore the coneflower shape provided or create their own whimsical version of the flower through their color selection.
You will learn and practice a straight stitch, stem stitch, cross stitch, lazy daisy, and french knots with an instructor-designed prairie bloom sampler. Students will learn how to finish the piece and install it onto a backing piece to create either a necklace, a keychain, a brooch or, for advanced students who can create two, earrings.
Eudaley-Loebach created the sampler and final coneflower design specifically for this class.
Sampler includes:
Straight stitch;
Stem stitch;
Cross stitch;
Lazy daisy, and;
French knots.
Working Artist Series: Guided Art Critique
Art critiques allow artists to receive feedback on their artwork, as well as gain perspective on how others view and interpret the work. This two-hour critique will be led by Jessie Rebik and will include a structured and guided discussion among a small group of artists. Each participant will bring a finished (or near finished) work of art on which to receive feedback from the group. All feedback will be supportive and constructive with the purpose of helping the artists progress toward their goals in artmaking.
Materials:
1. One finished or near finished artwork that you would like feedback on.
2. Notebook, or something to take notes in
3. Pen, or something to take notes with.
There is no fee for this critique, however, registration is required.
Clothed Figure Drawing
$15/session
Experienced figure models, a great space, and a wonderful community. Join us for open figure drawing sessions. Clothed model today. 16+ are welcome. No instruction is provided. Please register in advance. We will hold the sessions if we have at least 4 registrations.
Starting in June, we will offer figure drawing twice monthly on Tuesdays from 1pm-3pm.
Art Camp: Rising 3rd - 5th Graders (Week One)
Bluff Strokes Art Camps
Mythical Makers and the Quest for Creativity
9am-noon daily
July 20-24
Rising 3-5th graders
Instructor: Brie Nadermann
Step into a world of legends, heroes, and mythical creatures this summer at Bluff Strokes Art Center's Youth Art Camp! Students will be exploring myths and folktales from around the world, bringing their own stories to life, and investigating the idea that art can tell stories. Using a variety of materials and exploring various techniques in art-making, artists will design mythical creatures, create symbolic objects, and build imaginative worlds while learning how art can communicate storytelling, meaning, and tradition. This camp blends creativity, imagination, artistic skill building, cultural exploration and storytelling that is sure to engage your young artist.
$175 per week
Additional dates
Rising 3rd-5th Graders
Brie Nadermann
August 3-7
Intro to Soft Pastels
July 16
1-4PM
Instructor: Heather Noethe
Ages: 14+
Level: Beginner
$45
Learn the basics of soft pastels! No experience needed, and no commitment necessary. This is an opportunity for students to try something new with guidance.
Materials are provided by the art center, so students don't need to bring anything but their curiosity and enthusiasm!
Home School Art Adventure (THURSDAYS)
Thursdays 10:00am-Noon
July 16, August 20
Instructor: Jess Ochoa
Ages: Grades 3 and up
$30
Miss Jess will introduce students to activities based in fundamental art skills and FUN!
Working Artist Series: Framing and Matting Basics
July 10
10am-noon
Instructor: Michael Sivill and Art Center Staff
Ages: Must be 18+
Level: Beginner
Free
Using donated matboard and framing stock, artists will learn how to cut a simple mat and cut and assemble a frame. There will be math! Bring tools that help you best when keeping track of math info (notebook, calculator, phone, etc.). More advanced woodworkers will receive a demonstration on making the best finished corners. We will also demonstrate making those frames hanging ready. Bring your lunch if you think you will get peckish!
Figure Drawing
$15/session
Experienced figure models, a great space, and a wonderful community. Join us for open figure drawing sessions. Nude models. Must be 18+. No instruction is provided. Please register in advance. We will hold the sessions if we have at least 4 registrations.
Starting in June, we will offer figure drawing twice monthly on Tuesdays from 1pm-3pm.
DEVELOPING A FINISHED DRAWING (Three Mondays)
Three Mondays
July 6, 13, 20
6-8PM
Instructor: Jessie Rebik
Ages: 14+ (Please plan an extra 15 minutes for clean up!)
Level: Some prior drawing experience will be helpful.
$90
Take your beginning drawing skills to the next level by working on one developed observational drawing from start to finish, across three two-hour sessions, with guidance and feedback from the instructor. All styles, techniques, and media are welcome.
Materials: Sketchbook, viewfinder, 18x24 inch drawing paper (1 or 2 sheets), T-square or ruler, drawing tools of choice.
Art Camp: Rising Middle Schoolers (Week TWO)
Bluff Strokes Art Camps
Studio Sampler: Try It All
9am-noon daily
July 6-10
Rising Middle Schoolers
Instructor: Jess Ochoa
This one-week art camp gives middle school students the chance to explore a variety of art materials, techniques, and creative ideas. Each day focuses on a new skill and theme, from drawing and painting to mixed media and design. Campers will experiment, discover what they enjoy, and build confidence as artists in a fun, supportive studio environment.
$175 per week
Additional CaMP dates
Rising 3rd-5th Graders
Brie Nadermann
July 20-24
August 3-7
Talking About Art: Materials Matter
First Friday, July 3
Noon-1PM
Erin Eitter Kono leads a discussion on how an artist’s choice of material can add layers of meaning into their work. Kono is an internationally exhibited artist whose work incorporates historically relevant materials, such as pigments sourced from Dubuque. Her paintings question familiar narratives and uncover the quieter, often overlooked stories embedded in material.
Talking about Art explores themes in the philosophy of art, art history, and more.
Feel free to bring your lunch or a snack, we will provide coffee and cookies!
Free-will donation, No registration necessary.
Experience Oil Painting
June 29
5-8PM (Please plan an extra 15+ minutes for clean up!)
Instructor: Jessie Rebik
Ages: 14+
Level: Beginner
$45
Give oil painting a try! No experience needed and no commitment necessary. This is an opportunity for students to try something new with guidance from an experienced oil painter.
Materials are provided by the art center, so students don't need to bring anything but their curiosity and enthusiasm!