Classes | The Fly Arts Center

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.

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.

Become a Member of The Fly Arts Center > | Apply to Teach Art Classes at The Fly Arts Center >

UPCOMING Visual Arts CLASSES

Gemstone Tree Workshop

Thursday, March 12th

6:00pm-8:00pm

Instructor: Courtney Young

Class Description:

This Gemstone Tree workshop is a hands-on, creative class where participants design and craft their own decorative, bonsai-style trees using wire and gemstone chips, typically mounted on a natural crystal or stone base. Suitable for beginners, these sessions usually cover wire-twisting techniques to create branches, foliage, and roots, resulting in a unique, personalized piece.

Your guide you step by step...no experience is required! You will leave with a beautiful art piece that your created yourself!!

Cost: $45

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Art For All Class: Acrylic Paint Pouring CLASS IS FULL, WAIT LIST ONLY

Saturday, March 14th

10:00am-12:00pm

Instructor: London Oberleas

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.

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UV Resin Pendant Workshop

Thursday, March 19th

6:00pm-8:00pm

Instructor: Courtney Young

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.

Cost: $45

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Monochromatic Painting

Friday, March 20th

6:00pm-8:30pm

Instructor: Crystal O'Neal

Class Description:

Join artist, Crystal O'Neal in this Monochromatic Painting Lesson. Learn to use a single hue (color) combined with various tints (adding white), shades (adding black), and tones to create a unified, harmonious, and often dramatic composition. This technique emphasizes value, composition, and texture over color mixing, allowing artists to create depth through light and dark contrasts.

Cost: $45

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Face Painting 101

Saturday, March 21st

1:00pm-3:00pm

Instructor: Courtney Young

Class Description:

Come learn the basics of face painting!
Add a little joy to any party or event!
Earn extra income!
Use your skills to volunteer!

In this workshop, we will be covering:
▪︎ Best brands of face paint to use
▪︎ Specialty brushes for different techniques
▪︎ Basic brush strokes used
▪︎ The joy of Split Cakes!
▪︎ Sponge applications
▪︎ Learn two of the most popular designs!

Courtney Young has been a professional face painter for the past several years and she loves every moment! We are excited that she is willing to pass along her knowledge in this class.

Bring your sense of fun and adventure, as we will be painting each other's faces during the class!

Cost: $35

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Art For All Class: Art Journaling 101

Saturday, March 21st

10:00am-12:00pm

Instructor: Santha Koonce

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.

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Art is Fun!

Get off your phone and channel your inner creative!

Thursday, March 26th

5:30pm

Instructor: Santha Koonce

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!

Cost: $30

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Kintsugi Inspired Abstract Painting

Saturday, April 4th

10:00am-1:00pm

Instructor: Dina Davenport

Class Description:

Inspired by Kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with pieces of gold. They tell the story of healing, preserving, and embracing perfection. Seeing its beauty in what one might see perceive as flawed.

Artist, Dina Davenport will guide you step by step to a completed Kintsugi masterpiece!

Cost: $45

Reserve your seat here: https://flyartscenter.ludus.com/200520266

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Art For All Class: Beginner Oil Painting

Saturday, April 11th

10:00am-12:00pm

Instructor: Katie Hestla

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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Brush Pen Lettering Workshop

Friday, April 17th

6:00pm-8:30pm

Instructor: Crystal O'Neal

Class Description:

In this class you will learn the basics to get you started in Hand-Lettering with a Brush Pen.

Lettering is a fun and relaxing pastime. The fact that lettering isn’t handwriting is the exact reason why anyone can learn it...you just have to be willing to practice the drills you will learn in this class.

Includes the following supplies:
Brush Lettering Pens (2)
Mechanical Pencil
Kneaded Eraser
Crystal O'Neal Art- Brush Pen Lettering Guide
Crystal O'Neal Art- Brush Pen Lettering Practice Sheets

Cost: $50

Reserve your seat using this link: https://tinyurl.com/April17thBrushLettering

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Art is Fun!

Get off your phone and channel your inner creative!

Thursday, April 23rd

5:30pm

Instructor: Santha Koonce

Class Description:

Cost: $30

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Art For All Class: Beginner Gouache Painting

Saturday, May 9th

10:00am-12:00pm

Instructor: Pamela Smith-Warner

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 is Fun!

Get off your phone and channel your inner creative!

Thursday, May 28th

5:30pm

Instructor: Santha Koonce

Class Description:

Cost: $30

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Art For All Class: Bead Suncatcher

Saturday, June 13th

10:00am-12:00pm

Instructor: Courtney Young

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.

Registration Opens May 15th