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:
Intro to Ceramic Hand Building - February
Join us for Intro to Ceramic Hand-Building! This class welcomes people of all skill levels who would like to build and develop their hand-building skills. In this class we will cover basic hand-building techniques including pinching, coiling, slab building, applying textures, glazing, and fundamentals of the life cycle and process of ceramics.
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!”
Abstract Comic Strips - February
In this workshop you will learn how to create a comic stripusing the Red King’s basic plot structure of Beginning-Middle-End. You will have a choice of drawing or collaging your story’s characters and action to create a 3–5 frame visual story usingabstract shapes and marks. At the end of the workshop, youwill have an opportunity to share your stories with each other.
Movie Mending Night
Join us for community sewing and movie viewing evening! Watch the award-winning movie 200 Meters. Film begins at 6 pm. Sewing starts at 5 pm. Bring your mending or hand-sewing projects, or clothes you want to add patches on to stitch during the movie. Mending supplies provided.
Watercolor Basics with Zimmy - February
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.
Learn to Read a Sewing Pattern - February
If you feel intimidated by using a sewing pattern, then this class is designed for you. Join OffCenter's master sewist, Alden, to learn the basics of how to read a sewing pattern, as well as some tips and tricks for making it easier. Bring a sewing pattern and the fabric you need for it to this class (or come to OffCenter before the class to browse our patterns and fabric). This single session class will get you started working on your pattern
Eraser Block Printing - February
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.
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.
CANCELLED: Macrame Yarn Plant Hangers
In this beginner friendly class, Steph will instruct attendees how to make macrame plant hangers using non-traditional materials, such as yarn, and cotton cord to create unique pieces to take home. She will introduce several foundational knots (square knot, half knot / spiral knot, barrel knot) that attendees can apply to future knotted creations!
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!
Monoprinting - March
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. No prior printmaking experience or fine motor skills are necessary to participate in this workshop.
Poetry of the Personal & Political: Forms of Poetry - March
Poetry of the personal and political will cover the basics of poetry with a lens of sharing personal experiences within a larger political and socioeconomic ecosystem. How the intimate details of our lives can often be political in the way they impact our place in the world. No political agenda will be pushed in any way; this is an opportunity to explore your own place in the world and how poetry can help you understand/cope with that place.
Learn to Sew (Sewing Machine 101) - March
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!)
Bookbinding Series March: 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
Intro to Screenprinting - March
Join us for Introduction to Screen Printing with Zimmy! This workshop will be a 3-session series over the course of 3 weeks. We will learn the basics of single layer screen printing using a DIY method and mostly affordable/found materials. This class is intended for new/beginner level screen printers or intermediate screen printers who want to learn about the DIY methods used at OffCenter's printmaking shop.
Ceramic Hand Building: Portraits - March/April
In this Ceramic Hand-Building class we will be exploring portraits! This class welcomes people of all skill levels who would like to learn the basics of ceramic hand-building while exploring expression, facial features, and developing your understanding of proportions, form, and learn to render a recognizable portrait within the medium of ceramics.
Acrylic Painting - The Basics and Play
Acrylic painting 101. Learn about palette set up, choosing a surface to paint on, preparing a surface, paints and their properties, brushes, mark making and more. Then we will paint and play!
Ages 16 and up. No experience required.
Junk Mail Journals: Masking Tape Binding - March
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.
Hermit Crab Poems - March
Hermit crabs are known for creating inventive homes in all sorts of surprising spaces and containers. As writers, we can use the containers of other types of writing to form inventive poetry! This writing workshop will play with a variety of forms (including lists, recipes, instructions, letters, and photo captions) to invigorate your writing. We’ll look at example poems and use prompts to generate our own writing.
DIY Tarot Workshop - March
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.
Poetry of the Personal & Political: Drafting Process - April
Poetry of the personal and political will cover the basics of poetry with a lens of sharing personal experiences within a larger political and socioeconomic ecosystem. How the intimate details of our lives can often be political in the way they impact our place in the world. No political agenda will be pushed in any way; this is an opportunity to explore your own place in the world and how poetry can help you understand/cope with that place.
Write Your Year Writing Workshop - April
Hermit crabs are known for creating inventive homes in all sorts of surprising spaces and containers. As writers, we can use the containers of other types of writing to form inventive poetry! This writing workshop will play with a variety of forms (including lists, recipes, instructions, letters, and photo captions) to invigorate your writing. We’ll look at example poems and use prompts to generate our own writing.
Bookbinding Series April: 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.
Write Your Year Writing Workshop - July
Hermit crabs are known for creating inventive homes in all sorts of surprising spaces and containers. As writers, we can use the containers of other types of writing to form inventive poetry! This writing workshop will play with a variety of forms (including lists, recipes, instructions, letters, and photo captions) to invigorate your writing. We’ll look at example poems and use prompts to generate our own writing.
Write Your Year Writing Workshop - October
Hermit crabs are known for creating inventive homes in all sorts of surprising spaces and containers. As writers, we can use the containers of other types of writing to form inventive poetry! This writing workshop will play with a variety of forms (including lists, recipes, instructions, letters, and photo captions) to invigorate your writing. We’ll look at example poems and use prompts to generate our own writing.
Junk Mail Journals: Ring Bound Binding - February
Utilizing sturdy junk mail flyers, we will cover them with painted, recycled packing paper, using a ring bound method, we turn our junk mail into a fun and functional art journal, We will use the painted packing paper to embellish the pages and create a palette for you to add your own art.
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!
Bookbinding Series February: 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.
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.
Learn to Sew: Sewing Machine 101 - February
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!)
Making it Shine: A Demo on How to Put the Final Finish on Your Acrylic Paintings
In this demonstration class, Pamela will show how to seal your paintings for illumination and protection. She will also show a technique for mounting an acrylic painting on paper to a cradle board as an alternative to framing. We will discuss the use of fixatives and other finishing media. Bring your questions about how to best prepare your work for final presentation. Please do not bring your paintings into class; this is an informative demonstration only. You can apply the knowledge you learn in this class during OffCenter Open Studio, OffCenter Open Paint, or at home!
Collagraph Printing - February
Collagraphy is a printmaking process where artists use a variety of recycled and inexpensive materials to create editioned prints. Materials may include mat board, glue, textured materials, carborundum (grit), and acrylic media. In two 3-hour sessions, class participants will learn how to create and print their collagraph plates (matrix).
Poetry of the Personal & Political: Enabling Details - February
Poetry of the personal and political will cover the basics of poetry with a lens of sharing personal experiences within a larger political and socioeconomic ecosystem. How the intimate details of our lives can often be political in the way they impact our place in the world. No political agenda will be pushed in any way;this is an opportunity to explore your own place in the world and how poetry can help you understand/cope with that place.
Color Theory Workshop - February
There are an infinite number of color combinations; no two mixed colors are exactly the same. Learning more information about how colors interact can open up new ways to play around with whichever crafts we prefer! This workshop will introduce students to the foundations of color mixing theory using acrylic paints. We will go over the split primary color palette, which has warm and cool hues of red, yellow and blue. After mixing secondary and tertiary colors, students can play with mixing a variety of neutral browns, grays, and blacks starting from primary colors.
Intro to Improv Quilting - February
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.
February Tote Bag Workshop
Join sewist Alden Sobol as they guide you through the process of making your very own reversible tote bag! Sewing machines and all materials will be provided. This queer-led class is perfect if you have some experience using a sewing and are looking to improve your skill or confidence level.
Origami Folds Workshop - January
Join us and learn several folds that Scarlet learned growing up as a lover of Origami. Some of these folds include: Paper Crane, Balloon, Cootie Catcher, Paper Star, and The Chinese Flower Vase. No experience necessary. Ability to fold paper required. Ages 10 and up.
Block Printing - January/February
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.
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.
Write Your Year Writing Workshop - January
Hermit crabs are known for creating inventive homes in all sorts of surprising spaces and containers. As writers, we can use the containers of other types of writing to form inventive poetry! This writing workshop will play with a variety of forms (including lists, recipes, instructions, letters, and photo captions) to invigorate your writing. We’ll look at example poems and use prompts to generate our own writing.
Paint the Sky Painting Class - January
New Mexico’s skies have inspired countless paintings. Paint your own sunset, sunrise, or sky view in this two-session class. This beginning acrylic painting class is to inspire students to use color to create and convey a beautiful sky.
Session one will include an introduction to the color wheel, basic painting tools, and helpful techniques. We’ll discuss and practice color mixing and paint base coat of sky.
Session two will focus on using layers of color to create depth and vibrancy, as well as painting clouds.
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!”
Artist Trading Cards - January
Artist trading cards (ATCs) are miniature pieces of art thatare traded around the world. Artists create, trade and collect art at organized"swap" events, either in person or online. The only official rule forATCs is the size: 2.5 inch x 3.5 inch. We will utilize several techniques to create unique art for trading or collecting. All supplies will be provided. Please wear clothing appropriate for painting and glueing.
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.
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!
Lego Pixel Printmaking - January
In this class, you'll use flat LEGO tile blocks to create intricate patterns on a base plate that are then rolled through a press, leaving an impression of their original design. No experience necessary, all ages welcome (participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult).
Happy NOON Year's Eve!
We'll be OPEN for a special all-ages Tuesday Open Studio to celebrate New Year's Eve together! Save the date to join us on Tuesday, December 31 between 10 am and 2 pm to wrap up 2024 and head into the new year with creativity & connection!
OffCenter Gift Wrapping Party! Saturday
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!
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!”
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!
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!
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.
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: 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
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.
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!