Interested in learning a new art form or just having a fun couple of hours with friends making art? Wilson Arts offers a variety of creative arts classes, presented by staff, as well as talented local and regional artists.
Please check back often – we are always adding new classes and workshops to broaden your artistic horizons!
Register securely online through our Square using the button above, by phone at 252-291-4329, or visit the Wilson Arts Center at 204 Nash Street South during regular business hours (Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). Sales tax will be added at checkout to all orders.
All registrations are final. Refunds are only given in the event that the organizer cancels the event. Refunds will be given by check.
WATERCOLOR CAKES: A SWEET PAINTING PARTY with Kyler Rogers
Wednesday, October 8 / 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Wilson Arts Center / Kitchen
Age: 14 & up (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $40 Per Person / $35 Wilson Arts Members
Must pre-register by Saturday, October 4 at Noon
Join instructor Kyler Rogers for a mini cake decorating class inspired by the NC Watercolor Society Juried Exhibition.
In this artistic dessert decorating class, participants will transform pre-made mini cakes into edible masterpieces using watercolor-inspired techniques.
Learn how to tint and blend buttercream like brushstrokes, add delicate designs, and finish with creative decorations that echo the dreamy colors of the wonderful watercolor paintings in our gallery.
This special class takes place during the NC Watercolor Society’s exhibition, so you’ll be surrounded by stunning works of art while you create your own delicious interpretation.
No baking experience necessary!
THE ART OF YOGA with Stacy Matthews
Saturday, October 11 / 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Location: Wilson Arts Center / Truist Event Gallery
Age: 14 & up (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $20 per session per person
Must pre-register by Wednesday, October 8 at Noon.
Find Your Flow Among the Art! Step into a space where creativity and mindfulness meet. Join us for The Art of Yoga, a one-hour session led by certified instructor Stacy Matthews, held in the inspiring surroundings of the Truist Event Gallery.
As you move through gentle poses, you’ll be surrounded by visual art that sparks imagination and invites presence—helping you connect not just with your body, but with your inner creative spirit. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this is your chance to relax, recharge, and reflect in a truly unique setting.
Please bring your own mat. All skill levels are welcome!
ROLL WITH IT: BRIGADEIRO WORKSHOP with Kyler Rogers
Thursday, October 16 / 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Wilson Arts Center / Kitchen
Age: 8 & up
Cost: $20 per person / $15 Wilson Arts Members
Must pre-register by Tuesday, October 14 at Noon
Brazil’s beloved sweet treat – your way! Discover the magic of Brigadeiros, a rich, fudgy Brazilian chocolate truffles that will melt in your mouth.
In this hands-on class, we’ll make the classic stovetop mixture, then roll and coat each treat with your choice of toppings like springles, chopped nuts, cocoa powder, coconut flakes, and more.
Whether your like your sweets crunchy, chewy, or classic, you’ll have the opportunity to customize your own batch of Brigadeiros and learn tips for shaping, storing, and sharing these irresistible bites.
Perfect for chocolate lovers, beginner cooks, and anyone who enjoys a little hands-on fun in the kitchen. All supplies are provided. Ages 8 and up welcome with a helping adult.
FIGURATIVE DRAWING SESSIONS
Saturday, October 18 / 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Wilson Arts Center / Studio 2*
Age: 18 & up
Cost: $20 per session per person
Must pre-register by Wednesday, October 15 at Noon
Immerse yourself in the art of figure drawing with our Figurative Drawing Sessions, guided by moderator Mike Radford. Experience dynamic live drawing with a rotating selection of professional models, featuring a blend of quick gesture sketches and extended poses. This workshop is designed for free, self-directed work with no formal instruction, making it ideal for artists of all skill levels. We provide easels, drawing boards, and a variety of mediums, but feel free to bring your own supplies as well. Join us for a session of creative exploration and skill enhancement!
*With the upcoming renovation at the Wilson Arts Center in the near future, please be aware that the studio location and models may change.
MONSTER BITES: HALLOWEEN COOKIE BALL WORKSHOP with Kyler Rogers
Thursday, October 30 / 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Wilson Arts Center / Kitchen
Age: 8 & up
Cost: $35 per person / $30 Wilson Arts Members
Must pre-register by Tuesday, October 28 at Noon
A Frightfully Fun No-Bake Treat Workshop!
Get into the Halloween spirit with this sweet and spooky hands-on class! We’ll be conjuring up Oreo® cookie balls – a no-bake treat made with crushed Oreos® , cream cheese, and melted chocolate – then turning these festive bites into deliciously fun monster bites!
You’ll learn how to roll and dip your cookie balls in ghoulish shades of colorful chocolate, and decorate them with sprinkles, candy eyes, and other frightful flourishes. Make them look like monsters, pumpkins, or just delicious bites of mischief!
Perfect for Halloween parties, spooky movie nights, or just a fun seasonal treat.
All materials provided. Ages 8+ welcome with adult accompaniment.
PAPER SLASHING: A RENAISSANCE-INSPIRED COLLAGE WORKSHOP with Lori Oxendine
Saturday, November 22/ 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Wilson Arts Center / Studio 1
Age: 14 & up (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $30 Per Person / $20 Wilson Arts Members
Travel back to the late 15th century when practical mending technique used by Swiss soldiers started a fashion trend so unusual and bold that it swept through Europe’s aristocracy like wildfire.
In this workshop, we’ll breathe new life into that centuries-old style, reimagining it through paper collage instead of fabric. You’ll layer richly colored and patterned papers, then use a technique called “slashing” to reveal bursts of hidden color, creating vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces by taking away rather than adding. Along the way, you’ll dive into color theory, play with texture, and explore movement in three dimensions to revive this rich Renaissance decadence.
The result will be your own richly textured artwork that carries a blend of resilience, artistry and a touch of flamboyance.
Instructor Bio:
Truth be told, it’s all my parent’s fault. I’ve been drawing since the age of two. I drew in the blank pages of books, on every spare piece of paper, napkins, even on the walls. My parents allowed all of this. They even refused to paint over my “cave drawings” so when I announced that I was trading in my meticulously planned career in biology for a life in art, they didn’t bat an eyelash. Go figure.
In 1981, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the Corcoran College of Art and Design to study under incredible mentors, including Tim Gunn (yes, that Tim Gunn), Alonzo Davis, Gene Davis, and William Newman to name-drop a few.
Over the years I’ve fallen in love with color, contrast, typography, texture, paper, light, gauche and the magic that happens when you bring them together. With a BFA in graphic design and more than 40 years of experience and two businesses in producing fine art and design, I still wake up excited to create.
Wilson Arts Workshop Disclaimer
Wilson Arts events are provided with no special warranty either express or implied. The Organizers, including but not limited to the Wilson Arts Executive Board and Sponsors of Wilson Arts events, assume no liability for any loss, theft, damage, or injury to property or persons whether arising in contract, negligence, equity or otherwise. Participation in Wilson Arts events is considered “at your own risk.” All participants must use due care under the circumstances to comply with all rules, regulations, and instructions given in the Workshops.
If Wilson Arts has to cancel a class/workshop, you will be given the option to put the funds toward an upcoming workshop OR a refund via check within 2 weeks of class cancellation.