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Orange Co. Arts Commission

Promoting and strengthening the artistic and cultural development of Orange County, North Carolina

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Classes


Interested in teaching? Learn more here.

Interested in youth programs? Learn more here.


FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

We want everyone to be able enjoy the benefits of self expression, regardless of financial standing. If you would like to take a class but need financial assistance, please fill out our scholarship request form here.

CANCELLATION POLICY

No refunds will be given for cancellations within 7 days before the beginning of class (first date in a series, or a single workshop). 

LOCATION CHANGE

Due to flooding caused by Tropical Storm Chantal, OCAC classes will be taking place at satellite locations in Hillsborough until the Eno Arts Mill reopens (mid 2026). Please note the class locations below.


UPCOMING CLASSES

 

Improv and the Art of Failing Wonderfully (Summer 2026) with Dylan Grewen
Class will be held at Snow Approach Foundation (129 E King St – Hillsborough, NC)
Thursdays , June 11th – July 23rd (NO class June 18th)
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
$167 for 6 weeks
Ages 18+

Improv is a fun, low-pressure way to express yourself, think on your feet, and break out of your routine. Improv and the Art of Failing Wonderfully can teach you how to turn up the volume of your imagination while turning down the volume of your inner critic. When the volumes switch, magic happens! No scripts, no pressure—just games, exercises, and scenes designed to help you embrace spontaneity and find joy in the unexpected. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone looking to stretch their creative muscles, this class offers a welcoming and supportive space to play, laugh, and grow.

 

Paper as Keepsake: Handmade Greeting Cards – Father’s Day Cards with Patricia Efunsade
Class will be held at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, NC
Saturday, June 20th
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
$45
Ages 18+

Father’s Day Cards Edition! This monthly workshop introduces participants to handmade greeting cards using mixed media paper techniques. You will learn how to work with paper through collage, layering, and die-cutting while exploring color, texture, and composition in a simple, approachable way.
Each session will feature a new theme inspired by the current season or holiday, along with a specific technique such as creating from master sheets, working with decorative and painted papers, or incorporating die cut elements into cohesive designs.
Patricia will guide you step-by-step through the process, making this class ideal for beginners while still offering new ideas for those with prior experience. You will create multiple card designs during class, with the option to complete any additional pieces at home if needed. No prior art experience is required. All supplies provided!

 

The Art of Making Money with Ellie Snow
Class will be held at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, NC
Saturday, June 27th
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
$150
Ages 18+

This full-day workshop is designed for 2D artists who want to begin selling their work in practical, accessible ways. We’ll cover creating prints and cards, pricing, craft markets, retail shops, co-op galleries, along with framing and display. The workshop also includes opportunities for feedback on your work and ideas; bring what you’ve got!
The emphasis is on clarity and decision-making—what to make, where to sell it, and how to move forward without getting stuck. Participants will leave with a concrete plan, practical tools and resources, and a better understanding of how to build income over time.
Just bring a pen, notepad, laptop, or any preferred notetaking device.

 

Intro to Playwriting: Science of the Scene with Meghan Gambling
Class will be held at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, NC
Saturdays, July 11th – August 8th
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
$175 for 5 weeks
Ages 18+

This class focuses on scene construction: what is happening in a scene, to whom, and why. You’ll use in-class exercises, examples from plays, and discussion to identify the story you’re trying to tell and learn how to convey it in a clear and compelling manner. Classes will include writing and workshopping scenes since performance and practice are integral to determining what’s working (and what’s not!). Beginners are welcome, as are those with previous theatrical writing experience who are looking to create and connect with others. No acting skills required! Even if you are not writing a play, this class is a study in dialogue and scene construction that you can take to any project! 

 

Paper as Keepsake: Handmade Gift Card Holders with Patricia Efunsade
Class will be held at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, NC
Saturday, July 18th
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
$45
Ages 18+

Does giving gift cards ever feel too impersonal? Step up your gift-giving experience with this mixed-media, beginner-friendly experience, where you will learn to create a few different styles of gift card holders using layered paper techniques!

 

Pet Portraiture in Watercolor with Ryann Carey
Class will be held at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, NC
Saturday, July 25th
2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
$100
Ages 18+

Come learn to paint your furry family.  Designed for beginner and intermediate painters, this class will focus on capturing the unique personality of each animal. You will learn two different techniques, giving you the opportunity to explore approaches that best suit your artistic style.

Students are required to bring their own watercolor supplies.  A minimum of 3 pieces of 140 lb 100% cotton paper are needed for this class. Portraits will be created in a 8 x 10 format.

In addition, students must email two photos of the pet(s) they would like to paint by Thursday morning prior to the workshop to the instructor. For the best classroom results, students should be open to the instructor making compositional adjustments to the reference images. If you do not already own watercolor supplies, see the ticketing site for some good suggestions for beginners.

 

Nostalgic Still Life in Watercolor with Ryann Carey
Class will be held at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, NC
Saturday, August 1st
2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
$100
Ages 18+

Often everyday objects are vessels of memories. In this workshop, you will select items that you wish to capture on paper and learn to arrange them into story-filled compositions. The focus will be on creating work that feels personal and expressive while also exploring basic watercolor techniques.

This class is suitable for beginners and intermediate artists. Students are required to bring their own watercolor supplies.

Students should also bring in a minimum of 5 objects to paint along with basic watercolor supplies including a minimum of 3 pieces of 100% cotton 140lb paper, 8 x 10 or larger.
If you do not already own watercolor supplies, see the ticketing site for some good suggestions for beginners.

 

Sweet & Simple Watercolor Fruit with Rachel Brown
Class will be held at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, NC
Saturday, August 22nd
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
$80
Ages 18+

Join us for a relaxed, creative class where we’ll “let go”  and explore the spontaneous nature of watercolor while celebrating the bright fruits of the season. Fruit is the perfect subject for practicing color, shape, light, and shadow in a playful and approachable way.  Participants will create several watercolor postcards—perfect for sending to friends and loved ones or keeping as small works of art.  All skill levels are welcome — beginners can enjoy learning a new medium, while experienced painters can loosen up, experiment, and refine their skills in a supportive environment. Supplies are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your favorite materials.

 

Capturing the Spirit of Nature: A Plein Air Workshop with Lori Putnam
Class will be held at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, NC
Celebrating 10 years of Paint it Orange Plein Air Paint-out!
Monday & Tuesday, September 28th & 29th
$475
Ages 18+

This workshop will focus on finding and painting the character of a particular place and time. What makes this painting look any different from the one you painted last week? What is it that you want to share about the scene through paint? Are you relying too much on familiar formulas instead of personal response? Forget process. There is no reason to paint the same way every time. Come out and play a while… we’re going to shake things up a bit! NOTE: In case of inclement weather, this workshop will be held indoors.

A suggested supply list can be found on the ticketing site linked above.

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ONGOING CLASSES

 

Drop-In Life Drawing Studio
with Tom Stevens
2nd Tuesdays of the month: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
4th Tuesdays of the month: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
NEW, TEMPORARY LOCATION: Tom Stevens Gallery @ 126 W King St in Hillsborough, NC
$15 per session
Ages 18+

Join us for Life Drawing sessions facilitated by Tom Stevens. Each session will start with a round of 2 and 5 minute poses, followed by three rounds of 20 minute poses. No instruction, but a great opportunity to practice your life drawing/painting skills from poses by a live nude model. Artists provide their own materials. Absolutely no photography or video allowed in the sessions.
The studio is located on the second floor of 126 W King Street in Hillsborough, and the building has no elevator; participants must be able to navigate stairs to access.

 

Junk Journal Artisans Meet-Up
This meet-up is PAUSED until the move back to the Eno Mill.
Every Thursday
10 AM – 1 PM
Eno Arts Mill Classroom
$5 per session, drop-ins welcome

This Junk Journal Artisans Meet-up is a gathering of individuals who share a passion for creating and embellishing junk journals. This drop-in club provides a supportive space for artists to work on their journals together, share ideas and techniques, and learn from each other’s experiences. Bring your work in progress and craft with others in a shared space. Each artist will be responsible for bringing their own supplies to each session.

 

Community Craft Lab
with Shaerie Mead
3rd Saturdays
2 – 5 PM
West Campus Office Building, 131 Margaret Ln, RM 004 Hillsborough, NC
FREE
Join us for a casual crafternoon of creativity! Bringing together makers of all different experience levels and mediums, our goal is to create community, foster imagination, pass along skills, or just chill out for a bit. Follow the prompt / project of the day, or bring your own work in progress & supplies. Meetup is FREE with registration! Come take a deep breath, be inspired, and leave feeling a bit more connected.

 

Teen Arts Collective: LGBTQIA+
with Natalia Torres del Valle
Every Tuesday
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Eno Arts Mill Classroom
FREE

This weekly group is a safe and creative space for LGBTQIA+ identifying teens. Group sessions are led by Natalia Torres del Valle, MA, Registered Expressive Arts Therapist #2104. Interest in any art form is welcome. Basic visual art materials are provided and teens are encouraged to bring supplies to express themselves in their favorite artistic medium (i.e. visual, music, writing, movement, drama). Sessions begin with a grounding exercise, an art exploration centered on a theme, and ends with group processing. Email Natalia with interest at: Natalia Torres del Valle contact@littlehouseartstherapy.com

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Copyright © 2026 Orange County Arts Commission
(919) 245-2129
437 DIMMOCKS MILL RD., SUITE 17 | HILLSBOROUGH, NC 27278
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