ADULT CLASSES
The Vita Arts Center offers studio classes in a wide range of visual arts. Whether you are a novice or professional the Vita Art Center has a class just right for you. Your space in a class cannot be confirmed until payment is received or payment arrangements are made with the office.
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Saturday, June 13
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
$15. per person
Located at the OASIS our outdoor gathering space adjacent to Vita Art Studios 50 West Main St.
Bring your own beach chair
Dress for outdoor Ventura weather, it will chill as the sun sets
feel free to bring a beverage and snack
Join us for an evening of traditional Chumash storytelling with Elder Alan Salazar, Alan will share ancestral stories deeply rooted in the oral traditions of the Chumash people.
Through humor, honesty, and wisdom, Alan offers a rare opportunity to experience the richness of Chumash culture. This is not a performance, but a communal experience—one that honors the role of storytelling as a way to teach, remember, and connect.
Please bring your own beach chair, Dress for outdoor Ventura weather, it will chill as the sun sets, and feel free to bring a beverage and snack.
Space is limited.
An Evening of Chumash Storytelling with Elder Alan Salazar
Saturday, June 13
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
$15. per person
Located at the OASIS our outdoor gathering space adjacent to Vita Art Studios 50 West Main St.
Bring your own beach chair
Dress for outdoor Ventura weather, it will chill as the sun sets
feel free to bring a beverage and snack
Adults
Sunday, June 6, 2-4pm
$45. per person
Pre-Registration Required
Instructor: Maia Landau
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring the creative possibilities of gel plate printing! In this session, you'll learn how to use a gel printing plate to create layered, textured mono prints using natural materials. We'll work with leaves, flowers to build richly detailed prints with a painterly, organic feel. This workshop is a fun and inspiring way to experiment with color, composition, and nature-based textures. All materials provided.
Gel Plate Flower Printing Workshop
Adults
Sunday, June 6, 2-4pm
$45. per person
Pre-Registration Required
Instructor: Maia Landau
Tuesday, June 9
Time: 6-8pmpm
• All supplies provided
Teaching Artist: Thomas Weber
Adults
Fees: $45.
Create a beautiful sculptural flower from clay in this one-day workshop. Students will learn basic handbuilding techniques to shape petals then assemble them into a unique ceramic flower sculpture.
This workshop is open to beginners as well as those with some clay experience. All pieces will be fired after class and available for pickup at a later date. Materials and firing are included.
Ceramic Flowers
Tuesday, June 9
Time: 6-8pmpm
• All supplies provided
Teaching Artist: Thomas Weber
Adults
Fees: $45.
Thursday, June 11
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
• All supplies provided
Teaching Artist: Claudia Pardo
Adults
Fees: $45.
Join us for a relaxed and creative Paint and Sip workshop where each participant will create their own unique painting inspired by a shared theme. For the June 11 workshop, the theme will be flowers. A variety of flowers bouquets will be available to choose from allowing each person to create their own individual composition rather than painting the same image as everyone else. Participants will receive instruction, guidance, and support throughout the workshop, making it an enjoyable experience for both beginners and more experienced painters. All Supplies, a glass of wine and light snacks provided.
Paint & Sip Bouquets
Thursday, June 11
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
• All supplies provided
Teaching Artist: Claudia Pardo
Adults
Fees: $45.
Tahitian Dance Summer Workshop
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:45 pm
June 16-July 7th
4 week workshop
$100.
Ages 14 & Up
Learn and embrace the beautiful dances of Ori’ Tahiti in a 8 week summer workshop with Rika who lived and danced in Tahiti and has traveled the South Pacific as a professional dancer for many years as a Polynesian ambassador on cruise lines. Move and flow to the rhythm of drums and the melodic sounds of ukulele. This class will be for all levels.No experience necessary. Ages 14-up. Basic skills and choreography will be taught in a fun and supportive environment. You will learn storytelling dances called aparima and drum dances called an ote’a. By the end of the workshop you will learn 2-3 choreography’s and the basic movements and knowledge in Tahitian dance.Wear comfortable clothes, a sarong and bring a water bottle and sweat towel.
Tahitian Dance Summer Workshop
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:45 pm
June 16-July 7th
OR, July 14 - Aug. 4
4 week workshop
$100.
Ages 14 & Up
Wednesdays,
May 13
May 20
May 27
June 3
Time: 1:00- 3:30pm
4 weeks
Teaching Artist: Andres Salazar
Adults
Fees: $40.
If you aren’t available for all 4 classes, you can sign up for the day(s) you are.
Explore Ventura through sketching and watercolor. Each week, students will visit a different local site and learn simple techniques for drawing from observation, adding watercolor, and capturing the character of a place. This class is a wonderful way to slow down, see Ventura with fresh eyes, and build skills that can be used while traveling, exploring new cities, or documenting everyday life. Students will learn how to sketch architecture, landscapes, street scenes, and small details in a personal sketchbook. As the saying goes, when you draw a place, you truly begin to see it. • The first class will meet at Vita Art Center.
SUPPLIES
Watercolor travel sketchbook - There are many types and brands are not important. You can use as big as you want as well. Here is one example: https://a.co/d/0069iYrp
Watercolor brushes - travel size is optional.
Brush pen (optional) https://a.co/d/03IJAlJO
Pencil
Pen, ballpoint or waterproof technical pens (Micron brand or something similar)
paper towel or rag
Small bottle for water.
DROP-INS Travel Journals, Sketching & Watercolors
Wednesdays,
May 13
May 20
May 27
June 3
Time: 1:00- 3:30pm
4 weeks
Teaching Artist: Andres Salazar
Adults
Fees: $40. per class
Mondays, May 11 - June 1
Time: 6-8:30pm
4 weeks
Supplies not included
Intermediate students welcome
Teaching Artist: Andres Salazar
Adults
Fees: $145.
Discover the beauty and spontaneity of watercolor in this engaging class designed for beginners, as well as students who are ready to expand their skills. Students will learn essential techniques—including washes, layering, color mixing, and brush control—while exploring a variety of subjects such as florals, landscapes, and still life. Intermediate students are welcome and will be offered special projects that allow them to build on their existing skills, develop their personal style, and explore more advanced approaches to watercolor.
Supplies:
Watercolor paper - cold press , 11x14 or 9x12 , Optional Brands: Strathmore, Canson, Arches
Brushes - watercolor specific ones, Optional brands: W&N Cotman, DaVinci. Must have some wide flat brushes
Paint - tubes or higher-quality pans. Any set will do.
Optional: Sponges, towels, spray bottles.
Beginning Watercolors
Mondays, May 11 - June 1
Time: 6-8:30pm
4 weeks
Supplies not included
Intermediate students welcome
Teaching Artist: Andres Salazar
Adults
Fees: $145.
Fridays, weekly
12:30-2:30pm
Teaching Artist: Alexis St. John
Adults
$20 per session
April: 3, 10, 17
May: 1,8,15,22,29
Looking for a welcoming place to unwind and create? Open Studio Workspace is a drop-in studio session designed for anyone—beginner or seasoned artist—who wants time and space to make art in a supportive atmosphere. Bring your own project, work on an art class assignment, or collaborate with the instructor (an MFA-trained artist) to design exercises and projects that fit your interests and skill level.
This is your chance to enjoy a stress-free, judgment-free environment where creativity can flourish. Come once, come often—the door is open, and the atmosphere is calm, friendly, and inspiring.
OPEN STUDIO
Fridays, weekly
12:30-2:30pm
Teaching Artist: Alexis St. John
Adults
$20 per session
April: 3, 10, 17
May: 1,8,15,22,29
Saturday, May 9th OR June 20
Time: 10am-2pm
Teaching Artist: Laura Evans-Mills
One day class
Adults
$165.
All tools and supplies provided to make a stained-glass nightlight.
5 students per class
This class is taught in the copper foil method made popular by Louis Comfort Tiffany. This class will give students a good feel for what the art of stained-glass entails. Students will learn how to cut, shape and foil glass, as well as how to solder and finish the metal. Students should leave the class with a stained glass nightlight they made themselves. A variety of patterns will be available to choose from.
After the introductory class (or equivalent) students can enroll in upcoming Stained Glass Sessions and make a project of their own choice in copper foil or lead came.
What to Wear
Please wear closed-toed-shoes and comfortable clothes you won't mind getting dirty, a big old t-shirt works well or an apron.
Lead and Glass Safety
Handling lead poses a risk of lead poisoning if certain precautions are not followed. Lead cannot be absorbed through the skin, only through ingestion or an open cut. Follow these basic safety guidelines; always wash hands well with an abrasive soap after working with lead. Never eat, drink, or smoke while working. Always bandage any open cuts on hands or fingers. Wear a mask and solder in a well-ventilated area with a fan, smoke absorber, or fume trap. Keep children away from work area. It takes long term exposure to elevate lead levels in your body. Young children are more susceptible.
When handling glass wear safety glasses and be aware of sharp edges or corners on the glass. Don't try to catch a piece of glass if dropped.
Introductory Stained Glass
Saturday, May 9th OR June 20
Time: 10am-2pm
Teaching Artist: Laura Evans-Mills
One day class
Adults
$165.
All tools and supplies provided
5 students per class
Saturdays, July 11 - August 15
Teaching Artist: Michelle Wilson
Time: 10am-12:30pm
$315 for 6 classes
Limited to 8 students
Adults
Held outdoors in the Vita Courtyard at Vita Art Center, 28 W Main St.
Explore the fundamentals of metalsmithing through jewelry making. We will learn the basics of sawing, filing, and soldering nonferrous metals. We’ll experiment with stamping, hammering, and finishing techniques. Students will leave with finished pieces, and a foundation in jewelry and metalsmithing.
Summer, Metalsmithing, Form and Fabrication
Saturdays, July 11 - August 15
Teaching Artist: Michelle Wilson
Time: 10am-12:30pm
$315 for 6 classes
Limited to 8 students
Adults
Held outdoors in the Vita Courtyard at Vita Art Center, 28 W Main St.
Wednesdays, May 13 - June 3
Time: 1:00- 3:30pm
4 weeks
Teaching Artist: Andres Salazar
Adults
Fees: $145.
Explore Ventura through sketching and watercolor. Each week, students will visit a different local site and learn simple techniques for drawing from observation, adding watercolor, and capturing the character of a place. This class is a wonderful way to slow down, see Ventura with fresh eyes, and build skills that can be used while traveling, exploring new cities, or documenting everyday life. Students will learn how to sketch architecture, landscapes, street scenes, and small details in a personal sketchbook. As the saying goes, when you draw a place, you truly begin to see it. • The first class will meet at Vita Art Center.
SUPPLIES
Watercolor travel sketchbook - There are many types and brands are not important. You can use as big as you want as well. Here is one example: https://a.co/d/0069iYrp
Watercolor brushes - travel size is optional.
Brush pen (optional) https://a.co/d/03IJAlJO
Pencil
Pen, ballpoint or waterproof technical pens (Micron brand or something similar)
paper towel or rag
Small bottle for water.
Travel Journals, Sketching & Watercolors
Wednesdays, May 13 - June 3
Time: 1:00- 3:30pm
4 weeks
Teaching Artist: Andres Salazar
Adults
Fees: $145.
Fridays, April 3 - May 8, 2026
6 sessions
Teaching Artist: Claudia Pardo
Time: 11am-1:30pm
Adults
$200.
This introductory class focuses on basic drawing techniques, learning how to observe objects from real life, and exploring a variety of drawing media. Through guided exercises, brief lectures, demonstrations, and fun hands-on experiences, students will build foundational skills in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Designed for beginners or anyone wanting to refresh their skills, this course prepares students for our next-level drawing class. Students will learn the essentials of drawing, including line work, shape construction, and an understanding of light and shadow. Through simple projects and observational practice, participants will gain confidence with materials while developing stronger drawing and seeing skills.
Instructor Bio
Claudia studied Art and Art History at California State University, Northridge, where she earned both her BA and MA. She has taught at Oxnard College, CSU Channel Islands, and now Ventura College, where she teaches Drawing & Composition and Color & Design. Teaching has always come naturally to Claudia; she enjoys helping students slow down, observe details, and find joy in the creative process.
Supplies
Supplies are available online from Michaels.com and Blick.com.
Supply List
Strathmore 400 Series drawing paper, 11" x 14"
2B pencil
Kneaded eraser
Blending stump
14" x 18" drawing board
Spring, Intro to Drawing
Fridays, April 3 - May 8, 2026
6 sessions
Teaching Artist: Claudia Pardo
Time: 11am-1:30pm
Adults
$200.
Saturdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23
4 weeks
Time: 10am-12pm
Teaching Artist: Andres Salazar
Adults
Fees: $145.
____________________________Saturdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23
4 weeks
Time: 10am-12pm
Teaching Artist: Andres Salazar
Adults
Fees: $145.
____________________________
Wednesdays, June 24-July 29
Time: 6-8:30, 6 sessions
Teaching Artist: Horacio Martinez
Adults
$250. (includes most supplies) for 6 Classes
Canvases not included, Students will need (2x) 9x12 Canvas Board
Classes are held in Vita Art Studios, studio #15 (50 West Main Street)
Before the first class you will receive an entry code to the front door.
Discover the timeless art of oil painting in our upcoming class at Vita Art Center. This course is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of oil painting through a traditional approach, ideal for beginners and those looking to refine their skills. You will explore classic techniques, from mastering brushwork and color mixing to understanding composition and light. Through guided instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on practice, you’ll gain a solid foundation in oil painting that will serve as a stepping stone for your artistic journey. Join us and unlock the beauty of this enduring medium.
Fundamentals in Oil, Summer26
Wednesdays, March 11 - April 15
Time: 6-8:30, 6 sessions
Teaching Artist: Horacio Martinez
Adults
$250. (includes most supplies) for 6 Classes
Canvases not included, Students will need (2x) 9x12 Canvas Board
Classes are held in Vita Art Studios, studio #15 (50 West Main Street)
Before the first class you will receive an entry code to the front door.
Adults