Beginner, intermediate, and advanced potters are invited to join one of our amazing Ceramics Instructors for this immersive 5-week pottery course. This class supports all ability levels with a student-led approach to ceramics, incorporating both handbuilding and wheel throwing techniques. Whether you are new to pottery or looking to refine your craft, we will meet you where you are and help you reach your pottery goals. Community clay is included.
Open to ages 11 and up.
Beginner and Intermediate potters are invited to join Sierra Hooge for this immersive 10-week pottery course. This class caters to all ability levels with mixed methods (hand-building and wheel-throwing) and is a student led approach to ceramics.
Those new to pottery will learn the basics of wheel-throwing, hand-building, decorative treatments and glazing. Experienced potters can brush up on their craft and expand on their existing skill with the guidance of an expert ceramic artist. With a small class size (8 max) students will receive whole group instruction as well as one on one guidance. This class is open to students ages 11 and up.
Intermediate and Advanced potters are invited to join Zach Stephens for this immersive 10-week pottery course. The class is for anyone that has consistently taken All Levels Pottery classes and is an INDEPENDENT wheel-thrower and hand-builder.
PLEASE NOTE: only intermediate/advanced practices/techniques will be taught. No basics. Experienced potters can brush up on their craft and expand on their existing skill with the guidance of an expert ceramic artist. With a small class size (8 max) students will receive whole group instruction as well as one on one guidance.
The OPS Spring Membership is a seasonal, bundled studio pass for experienced ceramic artists who want regular access to the pottery studio without paying per session. This membership provides access to all scheduled Open Pottery Studio sessions throughout the season, along with clay, glazes, tools, and firings included. Memberships are waitlisted and approved after a brief interview to ensure the studio is a good fit. Interested artists must email sierra@bigskyarts.org to discuss prior ceramics experience before registering.
For full details, schedules, and studio policies, please visit our OPS information page.
Open Pottery Studio is only open to people currently enrolled in a pottery class or highly experienced ceramicists with their own tools pre-approved by the studio manager. Please note there is NO OFFICIAL INSTRUCTION during this class.
Open Pottery Studio participants will have access to wheels, hand-building materials and glazes. You must pre-register in order to secure a space.
Archie Bray A-Clay is the only clay body allowed in the studio. It is a Cone 5/6 White Stoneware. Purchase 25lb for $30 during class with cash or credit card.
We are a community pottery studio, no production pottery is permitted during this class. Kiln shelf rental for the cost of $30 is available for those wishing to produce more than 5-10 vessels during the session.
If you have any questions, please contact sierra@bigskyarts.org
Join Shannon Brennan for a fun, inspiring stained glass experience. Shannon will guide you through the basics of the process of stained glass art and design. Participants will walk away at the end of 5-weeks with 1-3 stained glass projects!
Please note that Stained Glass Open Studio is only open to people CURRENTLY enrolled in a MULTI-WEEK class or past students with Shannon Brennan.
Please note there is NO OFFICIAL INSTRUCTION during this class. Stained Glass Open Studio participants will have access to all materials needed in order to continue to work on their class projects. You must pre-register in order to secure a space. This is an extension to continue working on class projects and refining your stained glass skills independently.
This introductory sewing course taught by Alyvia Schoener, owner of ScrapHouse Designs, offers a practical and approachable way to learn the basics of sewing. Across five weeks, students will become familiar with sewing machines, essential tools, and fabrics while developing core skills such as straight stitching, seam construction, hemming, and basic finishing techniques. Instruction focuses on building strong fundamentals through hands-on practice and clear demonstrations.
Students will work on a variety of beginner-level projects designed to reinforce techniques and build comfort with the sewing process. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid understanding of sewing fundamentals and ability to create their own unique pieces. No previous sewing experience is necessary.
Any class payments above the suggested class fee (Take a Class/Give a Class, Help a Neighbor, Sponsor Materials) are tax deductible and will be acknowledged via email for tax purposes.
Students will transform natural oyster shells into stunning floral decor pieces in this relaxing evening workshop taught by Amy Gitchell designed for adults. These make gorgeous jewelry dishes, decorative accents, or thoughtful gifts. No experience necessary - this hands-on class offers the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill in a welcoming environment.
Decoupage is the art of embellishing objects by gluing cutouts from patterned napkins, tissue paper, and other materials onto surfaces and sealing with varnish and oyster shells make the perfect canvas! You'll learn decoupage techniques while creating beautiful shell art in patterns ranging from botanical themes to bold modern designs. Each participant will complete multiple shells, finishing them with a glossy sealant and optional gold leaf edging for an elegant touch.
All materials and tools are provided, and no prior experience is required.
Any class payments above the suggested class fee (Take a Class/Give a Class, Help a Neighbor, Sponsor Materials) are tax deductible and will be acknowledged via email for tax purposes.
This workshop taught by Brinley Nielson introduces the art of soft soldering through the process of creating your own handcrafted charms. Designed with beginners in mind, the class covers essential techniques including preparing materials, safely using a soldering iron, creating clean soldered connections, and adding decorative elements. You will explore layering, texture, and composition while building confidence in foundational soft soldering lead-free skills.
Each participant will create a charm during the session. The charm will incorporate layered elements such as glass, metal, or found objects, allowing you to experiment with your own creative style. Tumbled stones will be provided.
Participants are also encouraged to bring small personal items that can withstand 450 degrees from home that can be incorporated into their charm designs.
All materials and tools are provided, and no prior experience is required. By the end of the workshop, you will leave with creative charms and a solid understanding of soft soldering techniques. Any class payments above the suggested class fee (Take a Class/Give a Class, Help a Neighbor, Sponsor Materials) are tax deductible and will be acknowledged via email for tax purposes
This workshop taught by Brinley Nielson introduces the art of soft soldering through the process of creating your own handcrafted rings. Designed with beginners in mind, the class covers essential techniques including preparing materials, safely using a solder iron, creating clean soldered connections, and adding decorative elements. You'll explore texture, shaping, and design while gaining confidence with foundational jewelry making skills.
Each participant will make two finished rings during the session. The first will be a simple band ring that focuses on core soldering and shaping techniques. The second will be a statement ring featuring a stone or glass element, allowing you to incorporate color, contrast, and your own creative style.
All materials and tools are provided, and no prior experience is required. By the end of the workshop, you will leave with two unique rings and a solid understanding of soft soldering techniques that you can continue exploring on your own.
Any class payments above the suggested class fee (Take a Class/Give a Class, Help a Neighbor, Sponsor Materials) are tax deductible and will be acknowledged via email for tax purposes.
Explore the art of glass fusion in our Fused Glass Bear Workshop taught by Kayelynn Hess. Participants will create a bear themed wall hanger with basic cutting and layering techniques. We will also learn about glass safety, different types of firings, and glass compatibility.
All materials and tools are provided, and no prior experience is required. Pieces will require firing in a kiln and will be available for pick up once finished. Any class payments above the suggested class fee (Take a Class/Give a Class, Help a Neighbor, Sponsor Materials) are tax deductible and will be acknowledged via email for tax purposes.
Join Vicky Merryman for this watercolor workshop, where you will create a heartfelt portrait of your beloved pet using expressive, approachable watercolor techniques. You will be guided through the process of capturing your pet's personality, likeness, and charm, no matter your experience level.
We will cover essential watercolor skills including color mixing, layering, fur textures, and expressive mark making, with plenty of individual guidance along the way. Vicky has a background in teaching watercolor classes in local communities in Alta, Utah, such as the Alta Community Enrichment Center. This workshop is perfect for animal lovers, creatives, and anyone looking to make a meaningful piece of art.
Suitable for all skill levels, this class offers a welcoming and relaxing environment for anyone wanting to create something special. All supplies are included, just bring yourself and your creativity.
Any class payments above the suggested class fee (Take a Class/Give a Class, Help a Neighbor, Sponsor Materials) are tax deductible and will be acknowledged via email for tax purposes.
Tending Our Nervous Systems Through Art is a practical, body-based, and evidence backed workshop designed to help participants reduce stress, find flow, and restore balance through creative practice. Inspired by Emotional First Aid, this collaborative offering with Be Well Big Sky, the Arts Council of Big Sky, and Zahrah Malki of Zahrah Art, invites participants to engage in the meditative rhythm of watercolor as a way to calm the nervous system and reconnect to the present moment. Through guided exercises, attendees will build accessible creative tools to process emotions, improve focus, and reset between life's ongoing demands, while also experiencing the power of shared creativity to foster connection, care, and lasting cultures of support.
Matter of the Imagination (MoTI), is collaborating with the Arts Council of Big Sky to host a free zine-making workshop centered on science fiction and fantasy. Start with a quick doodle warm-up, then create your own mini zine inspired by imaginative themes like magical worlds, strange creatures, or futuristic ideas. All materials are provided and no experience is needed. Come chat, experiment, get creative, and leave with your own handmade zine!
Participants will explore the basics of making zines, what they are, their history as self-published works, and how they have long been a medium for creative freedom and community expression. By the end of the workshop, each participant would leave with their own handmade zine and a deeper connection to both the creative process and the MoTI community.
Any class payments above the suggested class fee (Take a Class/Give a Class, Help a Neighbor, Sponsor Materials) are tax deductible and will be acknowledged via email for tax purposes.
This workshop ranges from ages 11 and up.
Learn the basics of applique in this beginner friendly sewing workshop with Alyvia Schoener, owner of ScrapHouse Designs! Participants will design and draw their own applique shapes, learn how to cut fabric pieces, and sew them onto durable canvas aprons. This workshop covers simple applique techniques, fabric placement, stitching methods, and creative design ideas while making a personalized wearable piece. Perfect for all levels and anyone interested in exploring sewing and textile art in a fun, creative environment.
Suitable for all skill levels, this class offers a welcoming and relaxing environment for anyone wanting to create something special. All supplies are included, just bring yourself and your creativity.
Any class payments above the suggested class fee (Take a Class/Give a Class, Help a Neighbor, Sponsor Materials) are tax deductible and will be acknowledged via email for tax purposes.
In this watercolor workshop, participants will explore painting expansive skies, distant horizons, and expressive landscapes using approachable watercolor techniques. The class focuses on building balanced compositions with special attention to sky, light, and atmosphere, and is open to all experience levels.
We will cover essential watercolor skills including color mixing, layered washes, soft transitions, and creating depth through value and scale. Emphasis will be placed on capturing mood and openness rather than fine detail, with plenty of individual guidance throughout the session.
Vicky Merryman has a background in teaching watercolor classes in local communities in Alta, Utah, including the Alta Community Enrichment Center. This workshop is perfect for creatives, nature lovers, and anyone interested in exploring landscape painting with a sky-first approach.
Suitable for all skill levels, this class offers a welcoming and relaxing environment for anyone wanting to create something special. All supplies are included, just bring yourself and your creativity.
Any class payments above the suggested class fee (Take a Class/Give a Class, Help a Neighbor, Sponsor Materials) are tax deductible and will be acknowledged via email for tax purposes.