Access At CVUHS

If you are just beginning your journey in pottery, or if you have some experience and want to learn more while you work independently, then join artist, Lisa Bresler on Wednesdays and get ready to create! During these 12-weeks you will learn new pottery skills, refine your techniques, and create beautiful ceramics with as much instruction as you need. Focus will be mostly on wheel throwing, but for those that prefer hand-building you will have all the support you need! At the CVU ceramics studio, we offer and welcome a fun and judgement-free collaborative environment for potters of all levels. Only 10 spots available! Students will have access to stoneware, mid-fire clay, Cone 6. All clay, glazes (brushed and dipped), use of the studio, tools, as well as firing costs are included in the fee. NOTE: Only the provided glazes and clay are allowed in the studio. BONUS: Free access to "Open Studio" on Monday evenings 5pm-8pm starting Feb 16-May 4. No open studio on Feb 23 and April 20. Recommended minimum age: High School.

This is an open studio style, 10-session workshop, designed for those that have taken the Access Bowl Turning Workshop with Eddie previously OR those that feel comfortable in a woodworking shop and can use a lathe independently. With a small class size, this allows each student to work on their own lathe while Eddie supervises and helps wood bowl turners as needed. Blanks will be available to purchase ($10 each- cash), or BYO wood blanks. Want to buy your own gouge? Contact us for recommendations. Wear closed toed shoes, hat (hair tied back), and bring your own protective eye wear/goggles. No loose clothing or accessories! "Eddie and this class was just the bowl-turning experience I was looking for. I’d had some prior turning instruction and time on the lathe, but with Eddie I was able to work semi-independently, make my own errors, ask for advice and really progress. Hope to be able to continue with the class and to improve from here."- Student Spring 2025- In the Shop!

In this 6- session course you will cover a variety of gouache painting techniques and will paint different subjects each week. The purpose of class is to have fun and learn something new using gouache as the medium. We will explore a variety of techniques and approaches that focus on how to make dynamic vibrant imagery using gouache paint. We will go over best practices using a fundamentals grid each week to explore two new techniques related to gouache. No drawing experience necessary and open to all levels. You will learn how to use a variegated wash to build up paint. You will also learn how to apply gouache wet on wet and wet on dry as well as brush techniques such as flat wash and dry brush. Gouache is a great medium to use when painting negative spaces as it lends itself from going from dark to light which is differs to watercolor. Lastly, we will use a fade out to layer shadows using color theory for a final piece. A list of materials to purchase prior to class will be provided after registration. Minimum age: 16+

In this 4- session course we will cover acrylic painting techniques using different subjects each week. The purpose of class is to have fun and learn something new using acrylic as the medium. We will explore a variety of techniques and approaches that focus on how to make dynamic vibrant imagery using acrylic paint. We will use the best practices for exploring a new technique each week as well as how to paint off of an under-drawing. No experience necessary, and open to all levels. You will learn how to use a variegated/graded wash to learn how to work with the stay-wet method while painting on watercolor paper. You will also learn how to apply acrylic using the wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry methods. We will also cover the stifling technique to learn how to dapple in light using warm and cool colors on canvas. Lastly, we will use our learned techniques to layer interesting and fun imagery and shadowing. A list of materials to purchase prior to class will be provided after registration. Minimum age: 16+

This course will cover the basics of starting a project, beginning level stitches, and how to read a crochet pattern. We will learn what different gauges of yarn mean, and will crochet either a triangle scarf, shawl, or bandana. You can decide which one you would like to complete. You will likely need to crochet outside of class time in order to complete the project. For students aged 13 and older. Students aged 10-12 are welcome to join with a caregiver who is also registered. Please plan to purchase the following supplies ahead of time and bring them to the first class (the instructor's, Devon's, notes are in italics): Each student will need to bring at least one skein/ball/or cake of yarn. I recommend multiple if you would like your project to be multiple colors. The easiest yarn for beginners is a classic acrylic yarn, like this example. Caron or Lion Brand also have similar options. If you would rather work with natural fibers, you can also purchase wool or cotton yarn, however cotton yarn can be difficult to work with. Ideally, please select a light or medium weight yarn. A crochet hook. The yarn you purchase will also list the size hook that should be used with it; this blog post also has a helpful chart. I recommend using an aluminum crochet hook as the plastic ones can bend/break which is very frustrating. There are ergonomic hooks like this one, or just a simple aluminum hook like this one. You will also need scissors which you may have at home already. Just be sure they are sharp, they do not need to be very large. If you plan to purchase scissors, I recommend craft scissors like these. You will also need a tapestry needle like this pack. For tapestry needles, I do find the plastic ones are easier to work with, but that is a personal preference between plastic and metal.

Charlotte Sylvester has been practicing stained glass since 2020 and is looking forward to guiding experienced students through this exciting 3D stained glass class. During this 2-session course, students will use the Copper Foil Technique to create two inspiring stained glass keepsake pieces. Students will select from a variety of stained glass colors and learn how to assemble a glass triangle. Students will also learn how to hang a prism or memento inside each triangle. All tools and materials are provided for use during this course*. *A prism will be gifted to each student as thank you gift. This targeted course is for intermediate or experienced students only as knowledge of the copper foil technique is mandatory. Students must be 18+. Requirement: Closed-toed shoes and pants. Safety glasses, gloves and mask are provided; please feel free to bring your own. Sign up early as there are limited spots available. Please note, this class is NOT recommended for those that are pregnant or breastfeeding due to the possible exposure of lead solder.

In this class, fiber artist Molly Hall will be taking you through the basics of weaving utilizing Lindsey Campbell’s book, Welcome to Weaving: The Modern Guide. Over the course of 3 classes, Molly will go over basic terms and tools, foundational weaving skills, weaving techniques, and hands-on support as you create a sampler wall tapestry. Loom and weaving tools will be available to use during the class, as well as a selection of yarns and wool to create a tapestry of your own. Please plan to purchase a copy of Welcome to Weaving: The Modern Guide to bring to class. Its readily available wherever books are sold. For ages 13 and older. "Molly provides great overall instructions and individual guidance as needed. Wonderful music in the background contributed to a relaxing atmosphere while we basked in the calm of poking wool with special needles... creating individual works of art." "Molly is a talented and joyful human that shares her art with other generously. I felt safe to learn and excited about felting under her guidance. I would not hesitate to recommend her classes."

This four-session studio program is designed for intermediate to advanced artists who are ready to move beyond technique and focus on developing a cohesive body of work with individual voice, intention, and character. The course emphasizes portfolio development, encouraging participants to explore how personal style emerges through creative decision-making rather than prescribed outcomes. While all participants will work from the same source material and still-life objects, each artist will be guided to approach the work in their own way—experimenting with compositional planning, material selection, mark-making, and conceptual emphasis. Students will be encouraged to manipulate materials creatively, push beyond comfort zones, and take thoughtful artistic risks in pursuit of more expressive and personal drawings. Throughout the program, the instructor will provide individualized feedback and lead discussions on how professional artists develop and refine their visual voice over time. Group critiques will offer opportunities to reflect, articulate artistic choices, and gain insight from peers. By the end of the course, students will have produced a small but intentional portfolio that reflects both technical skill and emerging personal style. Prior experience with drawing and artmaking is strongly recommended, as this course is designed for artists ready to work independently while engaging in guided critique and creative exploration. All materials are included in the fee. Min Age: 15+ David Paarlberg-Kvam

In this hands-on woodworking class, students will design and build a beautiful shaker-style nightstand—a piece known for its clean lines, practical beauty, and timeless appeal. This project is a perfect introduction to furniture-making and will look right at home in any bedroom, entryway, or living space. You’ll learn how to select and prepare lumber, use woodworking tools safely and confidently, and take accurate measurements that lead to professional-looking results. Along the way, we’ll introduce simple but strong joinery techniques that form the foundation of quality furniture construction. As the project comes together, students will shape parts, assemble the nightstand, and apply a smooth, attractive finish that brings out the natural beauty of the wood. Each step is demonstrated and guided, making the process approachable even if you’ve never built furniture before. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to learn, ask questions, and enjoy working with your hands. By the end of the class, you’ll go home with a completed nightstand you can be proud of, along with the skills and confidence to take on future woodworking projects. Min Age: 16+

Join us for one of our most popular classes, a two-session woodworking experience where you’ll create a charcuterie board that becomes a lasting keepsake, gift, or centerpiece. No experience is necessary. I’ll have wood prepared in various states so you can do as much or as little power-tool work as you’re comfortable with. I provide as much or as little assistance as each student requests. All woods used in this class are repurposed/reclaimed—sourced from pallets, shipping containers, and old furniture. You’ll choose from a wide selection of hardwoods (maple, ash, purpleheart, birch, Brazilian cherry, oak, and more). All materials are included. What you’ll do Session 1: Think of a design you would like to try. A simple search on Google or Etsy will give you all kinds of shapes and sizes of Charcuterie boards. You’ll choose from a large selection of hardwoods. Some pieces will be ready to use; others will need preparation—planing, jointing/edge-joining, glue-up, and clamping—to form your board blank. Tools may include the miter saw, table saw, planer, and clamps. Session 2: Once unclamped, we’ll remove excess dried glue and plane to a uniform surface, then draw and cut your handle/profile on the band saw or scroll saw. Finish by sanding smooth, cleaning, and applying food-grade oil board oil. By the end, you’ll leave with a finished, food-safe charcuterie board that’s both functional and beautiful—ready to use or gift. Every student will go home with their own board. Although this is a beginner class, we’re also offering an Introduction to Woodworking and Shop Tools workshop for students who want to experience a wider variety of tools. It’s a great standalone class and not required for this workshop. Please bring safety glasses and a dust mask if you have one. We have a small supply on hand. Long hair will need to be tied back and no open toed shoes or looser clothing. Age: 16+ "Tony is a very dedicated, enthusiastic teacher with a clear love of his craft. He was so generous with his time, often starting class early and always willing to stay late to make sure everyone left with a satisfying product. I recommend his class whole-heartedly!"

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful jewelry using specific tools and techniques. This multi-week class focuses on building confidence with basic metalsmithing skills through the repeated making of silver stud earrings. Students will learn and practice sawing, surface texturing, and soldering while creating several pairs of earrings over the course of the class. Working through the same process multiple times allows techniques to settle in and become more familiar. Repetition helps students improve accuracy, control, and comfort at the bench, while small variations in design keep the work engaging and personal. The class is designed to meet students where they are. Beginners will be guided step by step, and students with prior experience may move at their own pace or explore additional surface treatments as time allows. By the end of this 4-week series, most students can expect to leave with multiple pairs of silver stud earrings they can wear and enjoy or gift. All materials, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome! Age: 18+

This course will cover the basics of changing yarn colors in crochet, called colorwork. We will be using basic crochet stitches, but you must know the basics of crochet prior to taking this class. We will be focusing on colorwork, and students will grid out their own pattern for their placemat, then make the pattern come to life. The images shown are examples; come to class ready to get creative! Text, images, or funky patterns are all possible. For students aged 13 and older. Students aged 10-12 are welcome to join with a caregiver who is also registered. Please plan to purchase the following supplies ahead of time and bring them to the first class (the instructor's, Devon's, notes are in italics): Each student will need to bring at least two skeins/balls/or cakes of yarn, in as many colors as you plan to use for your project, at least two different colors. For this project, I recommend 100% cotton yarn, for example click here. A crochet hook. The yarn you purchase will also list the size hook that should be used with it; this blog post also has a helpful chart. I recommend using an aluminum crochet hook as the plastic ones can bend/break which is very frustrating. There are ergonomic hooks like this one, or just a simple aluminum hook like this one. You will also need scissors which you may have at home already. Just be sure they are sharp; they do not need to be very large. If you plan to purchase scissors, I recommend craft scissors like these. You will also need a tapestry needle like this pack. For tapestry needles, I do find the plastic ones are easier to work with, but that is a personal preference between plastic and metal.