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.
SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW ALL CLASSES
CERAMICS • DRAWING • PAINTING • METALSMITHING • FIGURE DRAWING • WORKSHOPS….
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Community Workshop
$20. per person
Pre-Registration Required
Ages 8 thru Adult
Youth ages 8 -14 must be accompanied with an adult
Teaching Artist: Michelle Wilson
Join us on Saturday, April 18 for a special Felted Earth Ornaments Workshop celebrating Earth Day month. Using soft wool and beginner-friendly needle-felting techniques, participants will create a handmade Earth ornament inspired by the beauty of our planet. This workshop offers a fun and thoughtful way to slow down, make with your hands, and celebrate April through creativity. Perfect for beginners and anyone who enjoys handmade projects.
Felted Earth Ornaments
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Community Workshop
$20. per person
Pre-Registration Required
Ages 8 thru Adult
Youth ages 8 -14 must be accompanied with an adult
Teaching Artist: Michelle Wilson
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
Seaweed Rattles
Sunday, April 12 , 2-4pm
$20. per person
Pre-Registration Required
Ages 8 thru Adult
Youth ages 8 -12 must be accompanied with a registered adult
Teaching Artist: Alan Salazar
Seaweed Rattles are a traditional tribal rhythm instrument of the Chumash People.
Learn to make traditional tribal Seaweed Rattles with Alan Salazar. As an elder in both the Chumash and Tataviam tribes, Alan works to revitalize his Native culture through his books, storytelling and traditional arts. Alan will bring an assortment of Bull Kelp bulbs, respectfully collected along the central coast of California along with driftwood from the same area and teach how to transform these natural materials into traditional rhythm instruments.
Earth pigments from traditional Chumash lands will also be available if you would like to paint your rattle as well. Mona Lewis, artist, author and Alan's wife, will guide participants in making paint from locally foraged ocher rocks to paint your rattle.
This class is suitable for adults and children, aged 9 and up. Students ages 9-12 are welcome if a parent is registered for the class and is there to help with the project.
Looking forward to our time together!
Chumash Seaweed Rattles
Sunday, April 12 , 2-4pm
$20. per person
Pre-Registration Required
Ages 8 thru Adult
Youth ages 8 -12 must be accompanied with a registered adult
Teaching Artist: Alan Salazar
Seaweed Rattles are a traditional tribal rhythm instrument of the Chumash People.
Mondays, April 13 - May 4
Time: 6-8:30pm
4 weeks
Intermediate class, beginners welcome
Teaching Artist: Andres Salazar
Adults
Fees: $145.
Mondays, April 13 - May 4
Time: 6-8:30pm
4 weeks
Intermediate class, beginners welcome
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.
____________________________Saturdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23
4 weeks
Time: 10am-12pm
Teaching Artist: Andres Salazar
Adults
Fees: $145.
____________________________
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
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, April 18-June 6, no class 5/9 or 5/16
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.
Spring, Metalsmithing, Form and Fabrication
Saturdays, April 18-June 6, no class 5/9 or 5/16
Teaching Artist: Michelle Wilson
Time: 10am-12:30pm
$315 for 6 classes
Limited to 8 students
Adults
Wednesdays, March 11 - April 15
Time: 6-8:30, 6 sessions
Teaching Artist: Horacio Martinez
Adults
$250.
____________________________Wednesdays, March 11 - April 15
Time: 6-8:30, 6 sessions
Teaching Artist: Horacio Martinez
Adults
$250.
____________________________
Thursdays, 6-8:30
Jan29-Mar5, Mar12-Apr16, Apr23-May28
Adults
$150 for 6 class session
Drawing materials not included
____________________________Evening, Thursdays, 6-8:30
Led by Lee Ballard
Adults
Drawing materials not included
____________________________
Wednesdays, April 15 - May 13
Time: 10-12:30pm
Teaching Artist: Thomas Weber
$235.
Cost Includes:
$175. per 5 class session ($35. per class)
$25. for first 25 lb. bag of clay
$35. for your own personal tool kit
Bring a small towel or rag and an apron to your classes
Classes are limited to 10 students
This is the perfect class for beginners and intermediate level students who would like to learn or perfect their skills on the potter’s wheel. 3 hours studio time per week is available for students to work independently. Glazes and firing included. Additional clay can be purchased from Vita.
Pottery Wheel, Wed/AM
Wednesdays, April 15 - May 13
Time: 10-12:30pm
Teaching Artist: Thomas Weber
$235.
Saturdays, April 25-May 23, 2026
5 classes
Teaching Artist: Wyn Matthews
Time: 10:30-1pm
Monthly payment option available
$235.
_________________________Saturdays, April 25-May 23, 2026
5 classes
Teaching Artist: Wyn Matthews
Time: 10:30-1pm
Monthly payment option available
$235.
_________________________
Wednesdays, May 27 - July 29
Instructor: Ben Provo
Time: 6-8:30pm
$410.
Cost Includes:
$350. per 10 class session ($35. per class)
$25. for first 25 lb. bag of clay
$35. for your own personal tool kit
Bring a small towel or rag and an apron to your classes
Classes are limited to 10 students
This is the perfect class for beginners and intermediate level students who would like to learn or perfect their skills on the potter’s wheel. 3 hours studio time per week is available for students to work independently. Glazes and firing included. Additional clay can be purchased from Vita.
Wednesday, pm , Pottery Wheel
Wednesdays, May 27 - July 29
10 weeks
Instructor: Ben Provo
Time: 6-8:30pm
$410.
Thursdays, May 28 - July 29
Time: 6-8:30pm
Teaching Artist: Wyn Matthews
$410
Cost Includes:.
Fees: $350. per 10 class session ($35. per class)
$25. for first 25 lb. bag of clay, (included in the price)
$35. for your own personal tool kit , (included in the price)
Payment option available $150 per month for 3 month.
Bring a small towel or rag and an apron to your classes
Classes are limited to 10 students
This is the perfect class for beginners and intermediate level students who would like to learn or perfect their skills on the potter’s wheel. 3 hours studio time per week is available for students to work independently. Glazes and firing included. Additional clay can be purchased from Vita.
Thursday/pm, Pottery Wheel
Thursdays, May 28 - July 29
10 weeks
Time: 6-8:30pm
Teaching Artist: Wyn Matthews
$410
Fridays, April 17- May 15
Time: 6-8:30pm
5 sessions
Instructor: Thomas Weber
$235.
Cost Includes
$175. for 5 classes
$25. for first 25 lb. bag of clay, (included in the price)
$35. for your own personal tool kit , (included in the price)
If you have your own tool kit use the discount code NOTOOLS at checkout
Bring a small towel or rag and an apron to your classes
Classes are limited to 10 students
This is the perfect class for beginners and intermediate level students who would like to learn or perfect their skills on the potter’s wheel. 3 hours studio time per week is available for students to work independently. Glazes and firing included. Additional clay can be purchased from Vita.
Friday/pm , Pottery Wheel
Fridays, April 17- May 15
Time: 6-8:30pm
5 sessions
Instructor: Thomas Weber
$235.
Tuesdays, April 14 - June 16
Time: 6-8:30pm
10 sessions
Teaching Artist: Thomas Weber
$410. includes clay and tools
Payments available at checkout through Klarna
Cost Includes:
$350. per 10 class session ($35. per class)
$25. for first 25 lb. bag of clay
$35. for your own personal tool kit
Bring a small towel or rag and an apron to each class
Classes are limited to 10 students
This class will cover hand-building techniques such as pinching, coil building, slab building, carving and glazing. With the use of carving tools, slab roller, and extruder students will build their own projects of both functional and/or sculptural nature. Two hours per week of open studio hours are included with the class.
Ceramics, Hand-building, Tues/PM
Tuesdays, April 14 - June 16
Time: 6-8:30pm
10 weeks
Teaching Artist: Thomas Weber
$410. includes clay and tools
Payments available at checkout through Klarna
Sundays, May 17 - July 19, 10 classes
Time: 10-1 pm
10 sessions
Teaching Artist: Thomas Weber
$410. includes clay and tools
Bring a small towel or rag and an apron to each class
Classes are limited to 10 students
This class will cover hand-building techniques such as pinching, coil building, slab building, carving and glazing. With the use of carving tools, slab roller, and extruder students will build their own projects of both functional and/or sculptural nature. Two hours per week of open studio hours are included with the class.
Sunday, Ceramics, Hand-building
Sundays, May 17 - July 19, 10 classes
Time: 10-1 pm
10 sessions
Teaching Artist: Thomas Weber
$410. includes clay and tools