ART CLASSES at the fly
​No cost art classes are now available for Bedford County residents through our new Art for All program. Classes are taught by local, resident and professional artists in a variety of art mediums. These classes are funded by the Tennessee Arts Commission.
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In addition, The Fly Arts Center currently offers paid classes through local artist instructors. We do not charge a fee to use our space for classes if the instructor is a member in good standing with us, and has been approved by our Classes Chairperson.
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Become a Member of The Fly Arts Center > | Apply to Teach Art Classes at The Fly Arts Center >
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UPCOMING Visual Arts CLASSES
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Art For All Class: Tunnel Books
​​​​​​Saturday, January 31st
10:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Santha Koonce
Class Description
During this class you will be introduced to tunnel books -- a unique art form in which paper is engineered to create the optical illusion of a little scene that has depth. We will create a tunnel book with a cozy winter theme using watercolor. Our focus will be on creating the tunnel and not necessarily on learning watercolor, so familiarity with this medium is suggested. ​All supplies are included.
Cost: FREE
The "Art For All" Free Classes Program is funded by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Class size is limited to 15 people.
Register Here: https://www.flyartscenter.com/artforall​​
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Art is Fun!
Get off your phone and channel your inner creative!
​​​​​​Thursday, January 22nd
5:30pm
Instructor: Santha Koonce
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Class Description:
Art doesn't have to be "good" to be incredibly beneficial! Pick up some new skills and create a unique piece of art, while enjoying a relaxing, creative environment. As a former art teacher in public schools, I believe in the power of art to transform us. It can help us focus, relax us, even lower our blood pressure. Join us monthly as we dive into fun art practices ranging from more skill-focused activities to experimenting with different mediums. Throughout the year we'll explore drawing, painting, collage, mixed media and more. Art is fun!
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Cost: $30
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Register Here: https://www.novemberroseart.com/service-page/art-is-fun?referral=service_list_widget
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Valentine Floral Bouquet in Gouache​​​​​​
Saturday, February 7th
10am-1pm
Instructor: Kristy Gibson
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Class Description
Through guided exercises and demonstration, students learn to control the unique properties of gouache, and create expressive and vivid art work. Emphasis is on foundation painting techniques, color mixing, composition and building confidence with the medium.
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Cost: $30
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Register Here: https://flyartscenter.ludus.com/200515329
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Resin Pendant Workshop​​​​​​​
Thursday, February 12th
6pm-8pm
Instructor: Courtney Young
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Class Description
This hands-on art class introduces participants to the creative process of making resin jewelry using UV resin, pigments, and pressed natural elements.
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Cost: $40
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Register Here: https://flyartscenter.ludus.com/200515559
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Neurographic Art for the Heart
Saturday, February 14th
10:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Dina Davenport
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Class Description
Neurographic art is a mindful drawing method, created by Pavel Piskarev, that uses flowing, "neuron-like" lines, overlapping shapes, and rounded corners to visually connect conscious and subconscious thoughts, reducing stress and fostering emotional processing, with no artistic skill required as the focus is on the meditative, stress-relieving process. It involves drawing freeform lines and curves, smoothing out intersections (rounding), and then coloring to create calm, abstract compositions that help transform negative feelings and promote mindfulness. All supplies are included.
Cost: $45
Register Here: https://flyartscenter.ludus.com/200515333
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​Art For All Class: Simple Colored Pencil Drawing
Saturday, February 21st
10:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Liz Alldredge
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Class Description:
A colored pencil drawing involves creating images with colored pencils, a medium combining the precision of graphite with vibrant colors. Artists build images using layers of light, controlled strokes to mix colors and create rich tones. Techniques include layering, blending, hatching, crosshatching, and pressure shading to achieve various textures and values on paper. The choice of paper, the pressure applied, and the sharpness of the pencil significantly impact the final appearance, allowing for everything from rough sketches to highly realistic, finished works.
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Cost: FREE
The "Art For All" Free Classes Program is funded by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Class size is limited to 15 people.
Registration Opens January 15th.
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Bird's Nest Necklace​​​​​​​
Saturday, February 21st
2pm-4pm
Instructor: Courtney Young
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Class Description
Get a jump on Spring by making your own Bird's Nest Necklace! Come join us for an afternoon of jewelry making, fun, and community! In this workshop, you will learn how to use beads in a new way, encapsulating them in the wire to create a one-of-a-kind nest. You can use a variety of beads to fit your style and needs.
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Cost: $35
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Register Here: https://flyartscenter.ludus.com/200515560
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Art is Fun!
Get off your phone and channel your inner creative!
​​​​​​Thursday, February 26th
5:30pm
Instructor: Santha Koonce
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Class Description:
Art doesn't have to be "good" to be incredibly beneficial! Pick up some new skills and create a unique piece of art, while enjoying a relaxing, creative environment. As a former art teacher in public schools, I believe in the power of art to transform us. It can help us focus, relax us, even lower our blood pressure. Join us monthly as we dive into fun art practices ranging from more skill-focused activities to experimenting with different mediums. Throughout the year we'll explore drawing, painting, collage, mixed media and more. Art is fun!
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Cost: $30
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Register Here: https://www.novemberroseart.com/service-page/art-is-fun?referral=service_list_widget
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Watercolor Initial with Flowers
Thursday, February 26th
6pm-8:30-m
Instructor: Crystal O'Neal
Class Description​
In this class you will create an 11" x 14" Watercolor Initial with Flowers. Choose colors to match your home or office decor. Add a name for more personalization!
Cost: $45
All supplies are included.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/Feb26WatercolorInitial
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Art For All Class: Acrylic Paint Pouring
Saturday, March 14th
10:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: London Oberleas
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Class Description:
In this class, you will learn a unique painting technique where the artist pours “fluid” acrylic paints on a surface to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece of abstract artwork. The artist may tilt, blow, spin, or manually manipulate the surface to control the natural flowing patterns created by the moving paint. All supplies are included.
Cost: FREE
The "Art For All" Free Classes Program is funded by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Class size is limited to 15 people.
Registration Opens February 15th.
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Art For All Class: Art Journaling 101
Saturday, March 21st
10:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Santha Koonce
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Class Description:
In this class you will learn the basics of art journaling. Participants can expect to learn a variety of techniques and strategies as they are guided through the creation of an art journal spread. Art journaling is a tactile, rewarding process that is a form of creative self-care. This class is for anyone who would like to explore their creativity in a supportive, playful environment. All supplies are included.
Cost: FREE
The "Art For All" Free Classes Program is funded by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Class size is limited to 15 people.
Registration Opens February 15th
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Art is Fun!
Get off your phone and channel your inner creative!
​​​​​​Thursday, February 26th
5:30pm
Instructor: Santha Koonce
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Class Description:
Art doesn't have to be "good" to be incredibly beneficial! Pick up some new skills and create a unique piece of art, while enjoying a relaxing, creative environment. As a former art teacher in public schools, I believe in the power of art to transform us. It can help us focus, relax us, even lower our blood pressure. Join us monthly as we dive into fun art practices ranging from more skill-focused activities to experimenting with different mediums. Throughout the year we'll explore drawing, painting, collage, mixed media and more. Art is fun!
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Cost: $30
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Register Here: https://www.novemberroseart.com/service-page/art-is-fun?referral=service_list_widget
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Art For All Class: Beginner Oil Painting
Saturday, April 11th
10:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Katie Hestla
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Class Description
Beginner oil painting involves applying oil-based paints with pigments suspended in drying oils, such as linseed oil, to a surface like canvas or wood panels. Key beginner techniques include prepping your surface by priming it, choosing a limited color palette to start, and using the "fat over lean" rule to ensure your layers dry properly. The slow-drying nature of oil paint allows for blending and corrections, making it ideal for beginners to practice and refine their work. All supplies are included.
Cost: FREE
The "Art For All" Free Classes Program is funded by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Class size is limited to 15 people.
Registration Opens March 15th.
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Art For All Class: Beginner Gouache Painting
Saturday, May 9th
10:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: TBA
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Class Description:
Gouache is a water-based paint that is known for its opaque, matte finish. It's similar to watercolor but with a thicker consistency and more pigment, which prevents light from easily passing through, creating an opaque effect. Gouache can be applied in thin washes or thick, layered strokes, and it's often used inillustration, design, and commercial art. All supplies are included.
Cost: FREE
The "Art For All" Free Classes Program is funded by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Class size is limited to 15 people.
Registration Opens April 15th
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​Art For All Class: Bead Suncatcher
Saturday, June 13th
10:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Courtney Young
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Class Description:
A beaded suncatcher is a hanging decorative item, often placed in windows, that uses beads, crystals, and other elements to catch sunlight and create rainbows or pretty reflections in a room. These creations are assembled by stringing beads and charms onto a wire or string, with designs varying greatly in complexity and materials used. Crystal beads are particularly popular for their ability to refract light and produce colorful displays. All supplies are included.
Cost: FREE
The "Art For All" Free Classes Program is funded by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Class size is limited to 15 people.
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Registration Opens May 15th
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Image courtesy of Shelley Aldrich, shared with permission
