Upcoming Workshops

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.

Registration deadline: Saturday, November 8 at Noon

No dessert says “fall†quite like pumpkin pie – and in this class, we’ll master it together from start to finish! You’ll learn how Kyler roasts her pumpkin from scratch and turns it into a silky, spiced filling that tastes worlds better than canned. She’ll also show you how to reheat and bake it straight from frozen – so you can enjoy a homemade pie without the holiday stress. Plus, we’ll talk about fun flavor twists and topping ideas to make your pie truly your own. By the end of the class, you’ll have the skill (and the pie!) to be the star baker at your holiday table!

All materials provided. Ages 10+ welcome with adult accompaniment.

Registration deadline: Wednesday, November 19 at Noon

Get into the holiday spirit with a festive Thanksgiving feast you don’t have to stress over! In this special class, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: hands-on fun and a live cooking demonstration. We’ll kick things off with a delicious appetizer as Kyler guides you through the main event – a slow-roasted turkey stuffed with fresh apple, orange, lemon slices, and fragrant herbs, served alongside creamy scalloped potatoes and tender stove-top glaze carrots.

Students will also roll up their sleeves for a few small but flavorful projects: you’ll make your own compound butter and a sample of Kyler’s Seasoning Blend to take home. We’ll wrap up the evening enjoying the full Thanksgiving meal we’ve created together along with a delicious seasonal dessert. Along the way, you’ll pick up practical tips and tricks for timing, prep, and presentation, as well as the recipes for every delicious treat you try throughout the night – everything you need to feel confident hosting your own holiday gathering.

All materials provided. Ages 14+ welcome with adult accompaniment.

Pre-registration is required. Registration closes Wednesday, November 19 at Noon.

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.

Registration deadline: Saturday, November 29 at Noon

Step up your appetizer game and join us for a hands-on journey through the world of deviled eggs like you’ve never tasted before!

In this class, each student will have the opportunity to try a full flight of delicious, creative deviled eggs, exploring bold flavors, elegant twists, and unexpected pairings. You’ll make:

  • Loaded Deviled Eggs with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh green onions
  • Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs with a tangy kick
  • Smoked Salmon and Dill Deviled Eggs for a touch of sophistication
  • Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs for a creamy, cheesy Southern flair
  • Pan-Fried Deviled Eggs for a crispy, golden twist on the class

Along the way, you’ll learn how to class up and customize your own deviled eggs, from seasoning and textures to garnishes that make them party ready. By the end of class, you’ll have a tray of show-stopping eggs to impress your friends and family, plus the confidence to experiment with endless flavor combinations.

Taste, learn, and elevate this classic appetizer to a whole new level!

All materials provided. Ages 10+ welcome, but minors must have adult accompaniment.

Registration deadline: Tuesday, December 16 at Noon

Think a boxed cake mix is just a shortcut to a cake? Think again! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to transform a simple box mix into an array of delicious desserts that taste like they came straight from a bakery.

You’ll explore techniques for:

  • Brownie-style Desserts and Bars: From fudgy to cakey, with fun flavor add-ins and mix-ins
  • Cookies: Turn cake mix into perfectly soft or chewy cookies all kinds of fun flavor twists
  • Dump Cakes and Cobblers: Layered with pie fillings for quick, show-stopping desserts

Along the way, you’ll pick up tips for flavor variations, mix-ins, and baking tricks to make every dessert taste better than homemade.

By the end of class, you’ll have a selection of elevated boxed-mix desserts to enjoy and impress your friends and family.

All materials provided. Ages 8+ welcome, but minors must have adult accompaniment.

Registration deadline: Thursday, December 18 at Noon

Get ready to wow your guests with show-stopping holiday appetizers! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn to make a variety of elegant and flavorful small bites perfect for entertaining.

We’ll focus on classic favorites with a gourmet twist, including:

  • Tomato Garlic Confit Dip with Crostini – rich, savory and bursting with flavor
  • Bacon-Wrapped Dates – sweet, salty, and irresistibly addictive
  • Festive Holiday Cheese Ball – creamy, festive, and perfect for sharing
  • Cheese Crackers – crisp, buttery, and flavorful for the perfect nibble

Along the way, you’ll pick up tips for presentation, flavor balance, and make-ahead prep, so your holiday entertaining is stress-free and impressive.

By the end of class, you’ll have a tray of delicious appetizers ready to serve and the confidence to recreate them at home.

All materials provided. Ages 10+ welcome, but minors must have adult accompaniment.

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.