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Upcoming Adult Workshops

    • 03/05/2026
    • 03/12/2026
    • 2 sessions
    Register
    The Desert Art Center • Presents
    ART NIGHT Series
    Beginner-friendly workshops • Thursday evenings
    Join us at the Desert Art Center on Thursday evenings for an all new series of exciting workshops. New to art and not sure where to start? PERFECT! These workshops are for YOU!
    Desert Art Center artists will guide you on your journey, consider this your very own DATE NIGHT with ART!
    Dates & Time
    Thu, Mar 5
    Thu, Mar 12

    5–7 PM
    Beginner “Intuitive Art, Made Easy — Professional Results”
    A beginner-friendly, confidence-building class designed to help you loosen up, trust your instincts, and create polished, satisfying results—no prior experience needed.
    Cost:
    • $95 (includes supplies)
    •  $180 for both weeks (includes supplies)
    Instructor: Julianna Poldi — juliannapoldi@gmail.com
    View All Art Night Classes →
     
    • 03/07/2026
    • 03/08/2026
    • 2 sessions
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Fine Art Gel Plate Printing
    with Jerry Harty


    March 7 & 8, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

    2 sessions

    $175.00 registration fee + $20 materials fee paid to instructor during first session 




    Fine Art Gel Plate Printing

    Discover the playful and versatile world of gel plate printing in this hands-on workshop. Explore layering, textures, and unexpected patterns while creating one-of-a-kind prints. Perfect for artists of all levels, this class encourages experimentation and the joy of discovery.

    About Jerry Harty 

    Jerry Harty is a self-taught artist whose work is light and whimsical, bringing a sense of curiosity and delight to every creative experience.
    • 03/14/2026
    • 03/21/2026
    • 2 sessions
    Register

    Clay and Texture
    with Andrew Marr


    March 14 & 21

    2 sessions

    $175 registration fee | Materials included

    1pm-4pm




    Discover the fundamentals of hand-building while experimenting with creative surface textures. Students will learn to shape clay and use unconventional tools to add depth, pattern, and personality to their work. This workshop is ideal for those who want to build confidence in clay while exploring its expressive potential.

    About Andrew Marr 

    Andrew Marr is a ceramic artist and educator specializing in tactile, expressive clay work. He is also a juried artist at the Desert Art Center.
    • 03/19/2026
    • 04/02/2026
    • 3 sessions
    Register
    The Desert Art Center • Presents
    ART NIGHT Series
    Beginner-friendly workshops • Thursday evenings
    Join us at the Desert Art Center on Thursday evenings for an all new series of exciting workshops. New to art and not sure where to start? PERFECT — these workshops are for YOU!
    Desert Art Center artists will guide you on your journey, consider this your very own DATE NIGHT with ART!
    Dates & Time
    Thu, Mar 19
    Thu, Mar 26
    Thu, Apr 2

    5–7 PM
    Clay Charcuterie Tray + Small Bowls
    Create a one-of-a-kind serving set you’ll actually use. Design and build your own charcuterie tray and a set of small bowls using beginner-friendly handbuilding techniques.
    Cost: $250 (includes clay, glazes & kiln firing fees)
    Instructor: Andrew Marr — andrewZmarr@gmail.com
    View All Art Night Classes →
     
    • 03/28/2026
    • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    Register

    Cyanotype Sun Prints
    with Rose Cefalu


    March 28, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

    $120 registration fee




    Cyanotype, Making Sun Prints in the Desert

    Learn the art of cyanotype, one of the oldest photographic printing processes. Using the desert sun as your light source, you’ll create striking blue-and-white prints with natural objects and personal designs. This hands-on workshop is beginner friendly and encourages experimentation with this historic yet playful medium.

    About Rose 

    Rose Cefalu is a creative and curious photography teacher and lifelong student of art, excited to explore and share new ways of making art.
    • 04/04/2026
    • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    Register

    Animals in Pastel
    with Alane Levinsohn


    April 4, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

    1 session | 4 hours of instruction

    $100 registration fee




    Animals in Pastel

    Create expressive animal portraits while exploring color, texture, and technique with pastels. Learn how to capture personality and bring your subject to life in this engaging, hands-on workshop.

    About Alane 

    Alane Levinsohn is an award-winning artist working in charcoal, pastels, and oils.
    • 04/09/2026
    • 04/16/2026
    • 2 sessions
    Register
    The Desert Art Center • Presents
    ART NIGHT Series
    Beginner-friendly workshops • Thursday evenings
    Join us at the Desert Art Center on Thursday evenings for an all new series of exciting workshops. New to art and not sure where to start? PERFECT! These workshops are for YOU!
    Desert Art Center artists will guide you on your journey, consider this your very own DATE NIGHT with ART!
    Dates & Time
    Thu, Apr 9
    Thu, Apr 16

    5–7:30 PM
    Beginner Abstract Made Easy: Create Frame-Ready Art
    Make bold, modern abstract art with step-by-step guidance. Designed to help beginners create a piece that feels finished, polished, and ready to display.
    Cost:
    • $95 (includes supplies)
    • $180 for both weeks (includes supplies)
    Instructor: Julianna Poldi — juliannapoldi@gmail.com
    View All Art Night Classes →
     
    • 04/11/2026
    • 04/12/2026
    • 2 sessions
    Register

    Landscapes Masterclass

    April 11th & 12th • 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

    Instructor: Mark Kerckhoff
    Tuition: $350
    Location: Desert Art Center, 550 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

    About the Masterclass

    Join celebrated California landscape artist Mark Kerckhoff for an inspiring masterclass at the Desert Art Center. In this hands-on session, Mark will guide participants through the process of capturing the essence of outdoor light and natural landscapes.

    Drawing on his expertise and deep connection to California’s diverse scenery, Mark will demonstrate techniques in color harmony, composition, and perspective while offering personalized feedback to help participants refine their skills.

    Whether you're new to plein air painting or looking to elevate your craft, this masterclass provides a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of the region’s most accomplished artists.

    • 04/18/2026
    • 04/19/2026
    • 2 sessions
    Register

    Portraits of Men in Oil
    with Ric Della Bernarda

    April 18 & 19, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

    2 sessions 

    $200.00 registration fee + $10 model fee paid to instructor during first class 






    This two-day workshop explores Ric’s classically trained yet contemporary alla prima approach to portrait painting. On the first day, students will work through small study exercises, building a foundation in portrait technique. On the second day, the class will progress to a long pose from a live model, with Ric providing demonstrations and detailed explanations throughout. Students will gain confidence and strengthen their skills in painting the head and portrait.

    About Ric 

    After studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Ric worked early in his career as a fashion illustrator for various department stores and as a freelance illustrator. After working in a corporate environment for 30 years Ric's true love of painting finally blossomed at his home in Ogunquit Maine and Palm Springs California where he resides. Ric continues to develop his craft through various workshops including studying at the Florence Academy of Art, Florence Italy. Ric was the Artist in Residence at Cliff House Maine for over 4 years where he had a working studio in the resort and taught both plein air oil painting and acrylic classes for guests.
    • 04/23/2026
    • 05/07/2026
    • 3 sessions
    Register
    The Desert Art Center • Presents
    ART NIGHT Series
    Beginner-friendly workshops • Thursday evenings
    Join us at the Desert Art Center on Thursday evenings for an all new series of exciting workshops. New to art and not sure where to start? PERFECT! These workshops are for YOU!
    Desert Art Center artists will guide you on your journey, consider this your very own DATE NIGHT with ART!
    Dates & Time
    Thu, Apr 23
    Thu, Apr 30
    Thu, May 7

    5–8 PM
    Wheel Throwing for Beginners: Small Succulent Pots
    Learn the basics of wheel throwing while creating small succulent pots, perfect for beginners who want a fun, hands-on introduction to the wheel.
    Cost: $250 (includes materials & firing)
    Instructor: Andrew Marr — andrewZmarr@gmail.com
    View All Art Night Classes →
     
    • 05/07/2026
    • 05/21/2026
    • 3 sessions
    Register
    Instructor headshot

    Beginning Printmaking

    Instructor: Jerry Harty

    Thursdays • 1:00pm – 4:00pm $150 + $20 materials fee

    About the Class

    Discover the art of printmaking in this three-week course designed especially for beginners. Each week, you’ll explore a different printmaking process and build foundational skills to create your own unique prints. Over the term, we will cover: Relief Printing (Linocuts), Etching (Drypoint), and Monoprinting.

    Class Dates: May 7, 2026 • May 14, 2026 • May 21, 2026

Past Adult Workshops

02/28/2026 MASTERCLASS: Pastel
02/21/2026 Workshop: Elements of Watercolor
02/12/2026 Art Night Series: Mug Making
02/08/2026 Workshop: AI is the Artist's Friend
02/02/2026 Workshop series: Hand-tinted Photography
01/19/2026 Workshop series: Beginning Printmaking
01/17/2026 Workshop: Landscape Paint Along
01/10/2026 Workshop: Portraits
12/06/2025 Workshop: Creative Color Techniques in Acrylic
11/24/2025 Workshop series: Beginning Printmaking
11/23/2025 Workshop OFFSITE: The Art of Beeswax
11/15/2025 Workshop: Elements of Watercolor
11/09/2025 Workshop: Oil and Cold Wax
10/25/2025 Workshop: Enjoy Plein Air
10/19/2025 Workshop: AI is the Artist's Friend
06/01/2024 WORKSHOP: Natalie Richards
04/14/2024 WORKSHOP: Watercolor with Jim Nelson
04/13/2024 WORKSHOP: Watercolor with Jim Nelson
04/07/2024 WORKSHOP: Collage & More with Kathleen Scoggin
04/06/2024 WORKSHOP: Collage & More with Kathleen Scoggin
03/03/2024 WORKSHOP: The Art of Beeswax
03/02/2024 WORKSHOP: Elements of Watercolor w/ Ian Cooke
02/24/2024 WORKSHOP: The Artist's Eye with Cathy Parker
02/18/2024 WORKSHOP: Drawing the Head with Jessica Schiffman
02/17/2024 WORKSHOP: Drawing the Head with Jessica Schiffman
02/11/2024 WORKSHOP: Making Your Paintings Pop! with Bob Hannah
02/10/2024 WORKSHOP: Plein Air in Oil with Nita Harper
02/10/2024 WORKSHOP: Making Your Paintings Pop! with Bob Hannah
02/04/2024 WORKSHOP: Landscapes with Joe A. Oakes
02/03/2024 WORKSHOP: Plein Air for Beginners with Nita Harper
02/03/2024 WORKSHOP: Landscapes with Joe A. Oakes
01/28/2024 WORKSHOP: Abstract Painting with Kathleen Scoggin
01/21/2024 WORKSHOP: Watercolor Portraits with Jim Nelson
01/20/2024 WORKSHOP: Watercolor Portraits with Jim Nelson
11/19/2023 WORKSHOP: Elements of Watercolor with Ian Cooke
11/18/2023 WORKSHOP: Elements of Watercolor with Ian Cooke
11/05/2023 WORKSHOP: Elements of Watercolor with Ian Cooke
10/14/2023 WORKSHOP: Selling Art on the Internet with Terry Hastings
10/14/2023 WORKSHOP: Selling Art on the Internet with Terry Hastings
06/03/2023 WORKSHOP:NATALIE RICHARDS - One-Day Intensive Pastel Workshop: Reflections in Water
05/06/2023 WORKSHOP: Selling your Artwork Online with Terry Hastings
04/30/2023 WORKSHOP: NATALIE RICHARDS - Landscape Embroidery: Stitch the “Spring Birches” Needle Art Workshop
04/22/2023 WORKSHOP:KATHLEEN SCOGGINS - One-Day Mixed Media
04/01/2023 WORKSHOP: JESSICA SCHIFFMAN - Plein Air Painting
03/25/2023 WORKSHOP:IAN COOKE - Elements of Watercolor
03/12/2023 WORKSHOP:NATALIE RICHARDS - One-Day Pastel Workshop - Creating Trees
03/05/2023 WORKSHOP:KATHLEEN SCOGGINS - One-Day Mixed Media
02/25/2023 WORKSHOP: SELLING YOUR ARTWORK ONLINE
02/18/2023 WORKSHOP: JIM NELSON - Watercolor
02/10/2023 WORKSHOP: DAVID WOLFRAM - A Passion For Pastels
01/21/2023 WORKSHOP: JESSICA SCHIFFMAN - Drawing the Head
01/12/2023 WORKSHOP: BERNARD HOYES - Non-Toxic Electrolyte Etching
01/08/2023 WORKSHOP:ROSE CEFALU - CYANOTYPE Photography
01/07/2023 WORKSHOP:DAVID FAIRRINGTON - Learn How To Draw and Paint Your Pet
12/10/2022 WORKSHOP: NATALIE RICHARDS - Landscape Embroidery Stitch the “Best of Fall”
11/20/2022 WORKSHOP: ROSE CEFALU - Cyanotype Photography
10/29/2022 WORKSHOP: NATALIE RICHARDS - Two-Day Intensive Pastel
10/22/2022 WORKSHOP:IAN COOKE - Elements of Watercolor
10/02/2022 WORKSHOP: JIM NELSON - Watercolor
10/01/2022 WORKSHOP: DAVID WOLFRAM - Introduction to Pastels
Desert Art Center
550 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 info@desertartcenter.org (760) 323-7973
 

Desert Art Center has served as a creative hub in Palm Springs since 1950. Located in the historic Frances Stevens School at the gateway to the Uptown Design District, we offer exhibits, art education, and community outreach programs to support artists of all ages and levels.

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