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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: Classes are back at the Eno Arts Mill!


UPCOMING CLASSES

 

Pet Portraiture in Watercolor with Ryann Carey
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
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.

 

Improv and the Art of Failing Wonderfully with Dylan Grewen
Class will be held at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, NC
Thursdays, August 6th – September 10th
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.

 

Sweet & Simple Watercolor Fruit with Rachel Brown
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.

 

Beginning Watercolor Course (Watercolor I) with Ryann Carey
Wednesdays, September 2nd – October 14th (NO class on 10/7)
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
$175 for 6 weeks
Ages 18+

Back by popular demand! In this beginner watercolor painting class, students will learn about supplies, color theory, composition, and most importantly watercolor specific techniques. Small practice projects will be done along with work on an independently chosen piece.

 

Practical Magic: Functional Origami with Kathy Burnside
Saturday, September 12th
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
$45
Ages 18+

Fold, Use, Repeat: A Practical Origami Workshop Did you know that a simple sheet of paper can become a useful tool for your daily life? We invite you to join us for a 3-Hour Origami Workshop where we move beyond decoration and into the world of functional art. In this hands-on session, you will learn to fold items that you can actually use every single day. No Experience Necessary: If you can fold a piece of paper in half, you’re ready to join! All supplies provided! What You’ll Make: From sturdy desk organizers and gift boxes to bookmarks and elegant envelopes- Make wonderful gifts. 

 

AORTIA: Art of Relaxation with Tangle-Inspired Art with Kathy Burnside
Saturday, September 26th
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
$45
Ages 18+

Fold, Use, Repeat: A Practical Origami Workshop Did you know that a simple sheet of paper can become a useful tool for your daily life? We invite you to join us for a 3-Hour Origami Workshop where we move beyond decoration and into the world of functional art. In this hands-on session, you will learn to fold items that you can actually use every single day. No Experience Necessary: If you can fold a piece of paper in half, you’re ready to join! All supplies provided! What You’ll Make: From sturdy desk organizers and gift boxes to bookmarks and elegant envelopes- Make wonderful gifts. 

 

Capturing the Spirit of Nature: A Plein Air Workshop with Lori Putnam (WAITLIST ONLY)
Celebrating 10 years of Paint it Orange Plein Air Paint-out!
Monday & Tuesday, September 28th & 29th
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day
$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.

 

Autumn Affirmation Cards with Stacey Hayes
Saturday, October 3rd
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
$40
Ages 18+

Join us for a creative and mindful journey to tune into Autumn’s rhythms—a time of intentional release and inward focus. We will draw from seasonal wisdom to create nature-inspired affirmation cards. This session blends mindfulness, the expressive arts, and nature connection. You will leave with a mini deck of personalized self-care cards to encourage you throughout the season. 

This compassionate space is for anyone who hopes to breathe life into their creativity and attune to the rhythms of the natural world. No previous art or writing experience is necessary. All materials are provided.

 

Introduction to Junk Journal with Kathy Burnside
Saturday, October 10th
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
$75
Ages 18+

Fold, Use, Repeat: A Practical Origami Workshop Did you know that a simple sheet of paper can become a useful tool for your daily life? We invite you to join us for a 3-Hour Origami Workshop where we move beyond decoration and into the world of functional art. In this hands-on session, you will learn to fold items that you can actually use every single day. No Experience Necessary: If you can fold a piece of paper in half, you’re ready to join! All supplies provided! What You’ll Make: From sturdy desk organizers and gift boxes to bookmarks and elegant envelopes- Make wonderful gifts. 

 

Watercolor Open Studio with Ryann Carey
Tuesdays, October 13th – November 10th
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
$150 for 5 weeks
Ages 18+

Enjoy a relaxed, self-directed 5-week watercolor session designed for artists of all skill levels. Bring your own project or start something new while working in a supportive environment. The instructor will be available to offer individual guidance, answer questions, demonstrate techniques, and provide feedback as needed.

 

Feeling Fall in Watercolor with Ryann Carey
Saturday, October 24th
2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
$90
Ages 18+

Step outside of pumpkins and apple cider and into the fall landscape!  This workshop focuses on creating loose and bold fall landscapes that will push thinking outside traditional boundaries. This workshop is open to all skill levels. 

 

Intermediate Watercolor Course (Watercolor 2) with Ryann Carey
Wednesdays, November 11th – December 16th
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
$175 for 6 weeks
Ages 18+

This intermediate watercolor class is designed for students who have completed an introductory course (does not have to be one from Ryann) and would like to continue their skills. We’ll continue working on foundational techniques, explore style and composition, and develop our own independent project. 

This class encourages experimentation and creative growth in a supportive and fun environment. By the end of the course, you will have a stronger technical foundation and a portfolio of finished pieces that reflect your evolving artistic voice.

 

Seasonal Concertinas: Exploring Micro Seasons with Accordion Books with Stacey Hayes
Saturday, October 3rd
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
$40
Ages 18+

Join us for a creative and mindful journey to tune into Autumn’s rhythms—a time of intentional release and inward focus. We will draw from seasonal wisdom to create nature-inspired affirmation cards. This session blends mindfulness, the expressive arts, and nature connection. You will leave with a mini deck of personalized self-care cards to encourage you throughout the season. 

This compassionate space is for anyone who hopes to breathe life into their creativity and attune to the rhythms of the natural world. No previous art or writing experience is necessary. All materials are provided.

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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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