Classes & workgroups are a fun way to play with a new medium, deepen your skills, and connect with your community!
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You can sign up and pay for a class right here on our website. Find all our upcoming classes here, add to cart, and then check out to complete your purchase. Prefer to sign up in person or over the phone? Just stop by the studio during open hours or call us, 505.247.1172.
Open hours: Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Wednesdays & Thursdays, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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Most classes include all the supplies that you’ll need. Check the individual class descriptions for details. Call, email, or stop by the studio with questions or if you need support in gathering any required or additional materials! We’re here to help!
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Accessible pricing is key to our community focused classes! All of our classes are offered with tiered pricing, with a completely free option available. (Limited number of free spots available online. Call or stop by the studio if you want to sign up for a free spot and there’s not one available here.) Whether you’re able to pay the base price or pay at a higher level, your support goes to cover the costs of paying our teachers, providing space and materials, and continuing to offer a wide variety of classes, always with free and open spaces to share.
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Unless otherwise noted in specific class descriptions below, all of our classes are open to everyone ages 16 and up. Many classes are suitable for folks under 16 years old, please contact the studio to find out! If you have any questions about accessibility or support you might need in a class, let us know. We’re here to help.
Workgroups & Weekly drop in events
In addition to the classes & workshops listed farther down this page, OffCenter also hosts free weekly workgroups and open drop in art nights! No need to register for these, you are welcome to just drop in! (We do recommend you pre-register for classes & workshops.)
Mondays, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mandy Gardner facilitates a supportive, safe space for writers to let their pens fly freely. Join the group for prompts to get you writing poetry and prose! There are no wrong ways to write. Read more from the Writing Group here! *Age 18+ please.
Puppet Theater Group
Tuesdays, 12:30-2 p.m.
Joe Munley and his puppet players spin tales of mayhem, love and adventure every Tuesday afternoon at OffCenter. Join the crew to write, rehearse and perform their next puppet play! All-ages. Participants under 16 must have an adult with them.
Fiber Art
Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m.
Drop in to join crafter and mixed media artist Darla Wirth in working on your fiber art projects! Bring your own project or start something new with OffCenter’s free materials! Knit, weave, crochet, stitch, knot, felt…
All-ages. Participants under 16 must have an adult with them.
Card Making & Collage Group
Thursdays, 3-5 p.m.
Making funky collage cards is elevated to fine fun during our free weekly drop-in Card Making Group facilitated by Sally Bergen. Participants can keep their creations or donate the cards they make to OffCenter. All materials are provided. All-ages. Participants under 16 must have an adult with them.
Drop In & Draw!
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon
Join long-time OffCenter teacher David Blecha for a weekly drawing workgroup on Saturday mornings! We’ll alternate between working from still life set-ups and drawing prompts, with opportunities for individual work and collaborations. Whether you consider yourself an advanced artist or if you think: “I can’t draw!” - come play with drawing with us! All-ages. Participants under 16 must have an adult with them.
Open Sew - Drop In Class
Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. Free, no registration required. Make a donation to sustain Open Sew here!
Bring in your own project or start something new using our fabric and materials. Need help navigating a sewing machine? Or just need space to spread out your project and create? Join us for a free, weekly evening sewing time facilitated by our skilled sewing teacher Alden Sobol!
All-ages. Participants under 16 must have an adult with them.
Strengthening Creativity - Monthly Drop In Class
Second Thursday of the month, 6-8 p.m. Free, no registration required. Make a donation to sustain free drop in workshops here!
This drop in monthly workgroup focuses on strengthening the creative muscle. Perfect for those who feel like they have lost their creativity or just want to find new ways to expand their creative expression. We will explore integrating creative practices in everyday life in this peer sharing group.
Artful Journal - Monthly Drop In Class
Third Thursday of the month, 6-8 p.m.
Free, no registration required. Make a donation to sustain free drop in workshops here!
Join in for some super creative hands-on making in our new monthly journal making group at OffCenter with artist and teacher, Michelle Holdt! Build or "Hack" your own creative journal and then learn a few simple sketching and poetry exercises to start to put “yourself into your book!”
Open Paint - Monthly Drop In Class
Fourth Thursday of the month, 6-8 p.m.
>> Date change for November & December only: Open Paint will meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-8 p.m. on November 14 and December 12.
Free, no registration required. Make a donation to sustain free drop in workshops here!
Join Pamela Heater and other painters at OffCenter for studio time to work on your personal painting projects. Bring work to complete or start new work. Pamela will be there to join you in painting and provide guidance and advice as requested. In addition, there will be a painting prompt and/or activity to stir your creative juices.
Bring in your own supplies or use paint, brushes, and materials from OffCenter! Water-based paints only please.
Classes & workshops
OffCenter’s classes & workshops include visual arts, crafts, movement, and more! Classes are offered on a sliding scale with free options but we do recommend you pre-register as there is limited space in each class. Find details for each individual class below! Need help registering? Stop by during open hours or email us at info@offcenterarts.org.
Interested in teaching a class at OffCenter? Fill out the Workshop Proposal form here! We’re currently scheduling classes for winter and spring.
Upcoming classes & events:
Strengthening Creativity - November
This drop in monthly workgroup focuses on strengthening the creative muscle. Perfect for those who feel like they have lost their creativity or just want to find new ways to expand their creative expression. We will explore integrating creative practices in everyday life. This is a peer sharing group. Drop in, no registration required.
Open Paint - Drop-in Painting Group
Join Pamela Heater and other painters to work on your personal painting projects during this free, open painting studio time! Bring work to complete or start new work. Pamela will be there to join you in painting and provide guidance and advice as requested. In addition, there will be a painting prompt and/or activity to stir your creative juices.
OffCenter Puppet Crew - November
The OffCenter Arts Puppet Crew is an all-ages group for all skill levels of puppetry. Join the fun and develop your puppet skills, learn to create and restore puppets, and have the opportunity to perform with other puppeteers at community events!
Dream Collage Workshop - November
Make collage art from your dreams! In this returning workshop, you’ll be taught three approaches for making collages about your dreams. You will also learn about using art to explore the meaning of your dreams in a supportive group.
Learn to Sew (Sewing Machine 101) - November
In this beginning sewing class, Alden Sobol will teach you all the basics of how to use a sewing machine and get you started on your first project - making a pin cushion. No sewing experience necessary! Sewing machines and all materials provided. (Or bring your own sewing machine if you prefer!)
Monoprinting - November
Join printmaker Adrian Ricca Lucci for a fun introduction to monoprinting! Learn a quick and easy method for printmaking with an etching press! Prints can be made in as little as five minutes, and every print is unique.
Drop In Artful Journal Making - November
Join us for some super creative hands-on making in our new monthly journal making group at OffCenter with artist and teacher, Michelle Holdt! Build or "Hack" your own creative book! We begin by collecting fun paper and punching holes in it and tying it with a ribbon or “hack” an existing blank journal by collaging, stamping, and painting into it. Then learn a few simple sketching and poetry exercises to start to put “yourself into your book!”
Bookbinding Series: Japanese Stab Stitch Binding
Join OffCenter resident sewist, Alden, in this opportunity to learn how to sew book bindings. In this second class of the series you'll learn how to make a book using the Japanese Stab Stitch Binding. You'll leave the class with a handmade journal or notebook using this unique and versatile binding technique
DIY Tarot Workshop - December
In this DIY Tarot Workshop, River Rising will teach folks how to create their own tarot cards using collage materials. Blank tarot cards and collage materials will be provided.
Bookbinding Series: Coptic Stitch Binding
Join OffCenter resident sewist, Alden, in this opportunity to learn how to sew book bindings. In this third class of the series you'll learn how to make a book using the Coptic Stitch Binding. You'll leave the class with a handmade journal or notebook using this unique and versatile binding technique.
Open Paint - Drop-in Painting Group
Join Pamela Heater and other painters to work on your personal painting projects during this free, open painting studio time! Bring work to complete or start new work. Pamela will be there to join you in painting and provide guidance and advice as requested. In addition, there will be a painting prompt and/or activity to stir your creative juices.
Strengthening Creativity - December
This drop in monthly workgroup focuses on strengthening the creative muscle. Perfect for those who feel like they have lost their creativity or just want to find new ways to expand their creative expression. We will explore integrating creative practices in everyday life. This is a peer sharing group. Drop in, no registration required.
Dream Pillow Workshop - December
Make your very own dream pillows! In this returning workshop, you’ll be taught simple hand-sewing techniques to create a small herbal-pillow using recycled textiles. You will also learn how to use common herbs and simple routines to improve your sleep and remember your dreams.
No art-making or dream work experience is necessary.
OffCenter Gift Wrapping Party!
Drop in for a fun gift wrapping party! Bring your presents (or shop OffCenter’s gallery!) and use OffCenter’s materials to wrap your holiday gifts! We’ll have package topper DIYs, stamps and supplies to create your own wrapping paper, and more!
Winter Community Dinner
Join us for a free community potluck dinner! Thursday, December 19 from 5-7 pm. Bring a friend, bring food to share, or just come join in the fun with your community!
Drop In Artful Journal Making - December
Join us for some super creative hands-on making in our new monthly journal making group at OffCenter with artist and teacher, Michelle Holdt! Build or "Hack" your own creative book! We begin by collecting fun paper and punching holes in it and tying it with a ribbon or “hack” an existing blank journal by collaging, stamping, and painting into it. Then learn a few simple sketching and poetry exercises to start to put “yourself into your book!”
OffCenter Puppet Crew - January
The OffCenter Arts Puppet Crew is an all-ages group for all skill levels of puppetry. Join the fun and develop your puppet skills, learn to create and restore puppets, and have the opportunity to perform with other puppeteers at community events!
OffCenter Puppet Crew - February
The OffCenter Arts Puppet Crew is an all-ages group for all skill levels of puppetry. Join the fun and develop your puppet skills, learn to create and restore puppets, and have the opportunity to perform with other puppeteers at community events!
OffCenter Puppet Crew - March
The OffCenter Arts Puppet Crew is an all-ages group for all skill levels of puppetry. Join the fun and develop your puppet skills, learn to create and restore puppets, and have the opportunity to perform with other puppeteers at community events!
OffCenter Arts Birthday Party!
Celebrate 23 years of OffCenter Community Arts Project this November! Join us on Saturday, November 9 for our Birthday Party from 10 am to 2 pm.
*No regular Open Studio on Saturday, November 9. Instead join us for cake, music, art making, and celebrating 23 years of OffCenter!
Ceramic Handbuilding Workshop - November
In this introductory level class, learn a variety of ceramic handbuilding techniques. You'll have time to create at least one final project. Give these creations as gifts for the holidays, sell at the holiday markets, or decorate your home!
Bookbinding Series: Pamphlet Stitch Binding & Accordion Books
Join OffCenter resident sewist, Alden, in this opportunity to learn how to sew book bindings. In this first class in the series you'll learn how to make one of the simplest sewn bindings - the pamphlet stitch. You'll leave with 2 or 3 different books using the pamphlet stitch as well as an accordion fold book that doesn't require any sewing.
Monoprinting - October
Join printmaker Adrian Ricca Lucci for a fun introduction to monoprinting! Learn a quick and easy method for printmaking with an etching press! Prints can be made in as little as five minutes, and every print is unique.
Pajama Shorts Sewing Workshop
Come make yourself a pair of PJ shorts for wearing to bed or lounging around the house. In this 2-session class you will learn how to use sewing patterns, and how to make basic adjustments to them to fit your body. This class requires basic sewing machine knowledge and skill. **Please take the Tote Bag class or the Sewing Machine 101 class before registering for this class.
Ceramic Masks Workshop - October
Learn a variety of ceramic hand building techniques in this two-part workshop by making fanciful ceramic masks, just in time for Halloween!
Drop In Artful Journal Making - October
Join us for some super creative hands-on making in our new monthly journal making group at OffCenter with artist and teacher, Michelle Holdt! Build or "Hack" your own creative book! We begin by collecting fun paper and punching holes in it and tying it with a ribbon or “hack” an existing blank journal by collaging, stamping, and painting into it. Then learn a few simple sketching and poetry exercises to start to put “yourself into your book!”
October Learn to Sew
In this beginning sewing class, Alden Sobol will teach you all the basics of how to use a sewing machine and get you started on your first project - making a pin cushion. No sewing experience necessary! Sewing machines and all materials provided. (Or bring your own sewing machine if you prefer!)
DIY Tarot Workshop - October
In this DIY Tarot Workshop, River Rising will teach folks how to create their own tarot cards using collage materials. Blank tarot cards and collage materials will be provided.
Strengthening Creativity - October
This drop in monthly workgroup focuses on strengthening the creative muscle. Perfect for those who feel like they have lost their creativity or just want to find new ways to expand their creative expression. We will explore integrating creative practices in everyday life. This is a peer sharing group. Drop in, no registration required.
Watercolor Basics with Zimmy - October
Learn the basics of how watercolor paints work through a series of paint sketching exercises! Begin to find your own painting style through experimentation as we collectively get to know watercolor as a medium. This class is designed for beginners - no watercolor or painting experience required.
Improv Quilting Series
In this series of three classes over the course of six weeks, you will learn the process of making a quilt from start to finish. All participants will have the opportunity to make their own 36"x36" quilt (the traditional size for a baby quilt), using improvisational quilting techniques that emphasize intuition, ease, and joyful making.
Eraser Block Printing - October
Join OffCenter for a fun single-session printmaking workshop to learn about block printing with erasers! We'll be using erasers and carving tools to create designs to print on paper.
OffCenter Puppet Crew October
The OffCenter Puppet Crew is a group made for all skill levels of puppetry. We will focus on restoring and creating new puppets, large to small. We will also attend various puppet events in the community. This is a drop in group with a focus on growing the Puppet Crew. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Dream Journals Workshop
Make your own dream journal and learn creative ways to record your dreams! In this returning workshop, you’ll be taught basic book-binding skills to create a hand bound journal using recycled materials. You will also learn about the practice of dream journaling and how it can improve your sleep and creativity. No book binding or dream work experience is necessary.
Open Paint - Drop-in Painting Group
Join Pamela Heater and other painters to work on your personal painting projects during this free, open painting studio time! Bring work to complete or start new work. Pamela will be there to join you in painting and provide guidance and advice as requested. In addition, there will be a painting prompt and/or activity to stir your creative juices.
Monoprinting - September
Join printmaker Adrian Ricca Lucci for a fun introduction to monoprinting! Learn a quick and easy method for printmaking with an etching press! Prints can be made in as little as five minutes, and every print is unique.
OffCenter Arts Harvest Brunch!
Get tickets now & come celebrate with us! Saturday, September 21, 2024
Join us for a fundraiser brunch at Explora this September!
Fun, games, delicious food, art-making, and brunch with friends all in support and celebration of OffCenter Community Arts Project!
Drop In Artful Journal Making
Join us for some super creative hands-on making in our new monthly journal making group at OffCenter with artist and teacher, Michelle Holdt! Build or "Hack" your own creative book! We begin by collecting fun paper and punching holes in it and tying it with a ribbon or “hack” an existing blank journal by collaging, stamping, and painting into it. Then learn a few simple sketching and poetry exercises to start to put “yourself into your book!”
Apron Making Sewing Workshop
Come make yourself an apron with custom pockets! In this two-session class, you’ll learn how to work with bias tape and how to sew on pockets!
This class requires basic sewing machine knowledge and skill. **Please take the Tote Bag class or the Sewing Machine 101 class before registering for this class.
Junk Mail Journal: Masking Tape Journals
Recycling all kinds of junk mail, including flyers, envelopes, and sturdy mail flyers, make a journal using masking tape as binding. We will use paint and collage to embellish the pages and create a palette for you to add your own art.
Strengthening Creativity
This drop in monthly workgroup focuses on strengthening the creative muscle. Perfect for those who feel like they have lost their creativity or just want to find new ways to expand their creative expression. We will explore integrating creative practices in everyday life. This is a peer sharing group. Drop in, no registration required.
Drypoint 2 - Intro to Multicolor Intaglio Printing
Want to deepen your etching experience? Join Janet for a three-session drypoint etching class where you will explore various ways to introduce color into your prints.
September Learn to Sew
In this beginning sewing class, Alden Sobol will teach you all the basics of how to use a sewing machine and get you started on your first project - making a pin cushion. No sewing experience necessary! Sewing machines and all materials provided. (Or bring your own sewing machine if you prefer!)
Block Printing - September
Join OffCenter for a fun printmaking workshop to learn a 2-layer relief block printing process! We'll be using rubber blocks and carving tools to create designs to print on paper. No experience necessary. Motor skills similar to using a pencil required. All materials provided.
OffCenter Puppet Crew
The OffCenter Puppet Crew is a group made for all skill levels of puppetry. We will focus on restoring and creating new puppets, large to small. We will also attend various puppet events in the community. This is a drop in group with a focus on growing the Puppet Crew. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Drop In Zine Making
Free drop-in Zine Making night at OffCenter Arts! Use our free materials and create zines of your own. Whether you’re prepping for ABQ ZineFest or just want to learn about zines, stop by between 6-8 pm.
Intro to Improv Quilting
In this class, you will learn how to make quilt blocks using techniques that emphasize improvisation, ease, and joy. You will leave class with one quilt block ready to be add to piece of clothing, as the start of a larger quilt, or to use in another project like a pillowcase or tote bag.
How to Make a “How to” Zine
Join Teaching Artist/Bookmaker, Michelle Holdt to make two simple zine formats. Learn how to make a "How To" zine! Plus: create a Gratitude zine as an exploration of gratitude.
Learn to Sew August
In this beginning sewing class, Alden Sobol will teach you all the basics of how to use a sewing machine and get you started on your first project - making a pin cushion. No sewing experience necessary! Sewing machines and all materials provided. (Or bring your own sewing machine if you prefer!)
Become A Volunteer
OffCenter operates on donated art supplies and materials and with the support of many wonderful volunteers! Want to get more involved? Learn about being a volunteer, sign up for our newsletter, and get all the details on donations here!