Class Schedule - Abernathy Arts Center

Click on a class below to begin the enrollment process:

!NEW! Open Painting Studio Wednesdays

Join other artists, one week at a time, or sign up for multiple sessions. Open Studios do not include formal instruction.  Registration is required for each session. Sessions are available in three-hour increments. 

Participants must bring their own art-making materials.  Quiet spaces, great natural lighting, and good vibes are included!

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address:  6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

CLICK THE RED DATE BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER FOR THAT SPECIFIC DATE. 

WI26 (A) Barbara May’s Acrylic Painting Workshop – Landscapes for Beginners

Never held a paintbrush? Can’t draw a straight line? No artistic ability?

THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR YOU!  You need no painting or drawing experience at all!  In this four-hour acrylic workshop, you will create a painting from scratch. Learn to see shapes, colors, and tones in the simplest way that will ultimately become a work of art. Paints, canvas, and brushes will be provided; however, you will need to bring the items on the supply list.

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address:  6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Barbara May is a native Atlantan and raised her family blocks from Abernathy Arts Center. Her background and training are in accounting, business, and marketing. She has created and sold several successful businesses.  Once retired, she wanted to see if she could use the other side of her brain.  She sat down with some paints and a brush and created her first painting using a unique but simple way of seeing shapes, tones, and color.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Barbara May’s Pine Needle Basketry Workshop

The technique of creating crafts from pine needles is called coiling. Predating pottery, this kind of basket weaving is one of the oldest forms of artmaking! 

In this workshop, you will learn how pine needle coiling is done, and what materials and supplies are needed to achieve this technique. You'll go home at the end of the day with your new basket and the skills and motivation to create more of these fun and functional weaving creations!  

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address: 6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Barbara May was born and raised in Atlanta. She raised her sons just blocks from the Abernathy Arts Center and even took a class with them back in the early 1980’s. While living in Florida for the past 25 years, she began to explore art. She actually learned basketry from her watercolor teacher. She was immediately hooked. She would roam the long leaf pine forests to collect the needles. She returned to Atlanta four years ago. She no longer roams forests looking for needles, but now simply buys them online!

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Bryan Thompson’s Drawing for Beginners

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the basics of Drawing, utilizing fundamental techniques in quick sketching, refined drawings, and final renderings with light and shadow.  As a class, we will construct and render basic geometric forms, and graduate to more complex objects with textures to give them a realistic three-dimensional appearance.  The Drawing medium we will be using for this course is Graphite.

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address: 6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Bryan Thompson is a local Atlanta Artist receiving his BFA in Drawing and Painting from Kennesaw State University, and a Masters in Visual Development from Academy of Art University.  He has over a decade of Higher Education teaching experience in a multitude of mediums including traditional graphite and pastel drawing, oil painting, pen and ink drawing, and digital drawing and painting.  Bryan's subjects range from classical Still Life compositions, Portraiture, Figure Drawing, Figure Painting and Landscapes to Character, Creature and Prop Design dedicated to Games and Film.  

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Bryan Thompson’s Intermediate Drawing

Learn to draw more complex subject matter with added light, texture and shadow. Build on your basic fundamental techniques to elevate your drawing skills!  The medium for this course is Graphite.

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address: 6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Bryan Thompson is a local Atlanta Artist receiving his BFA in Drawing and Painting from Kennesaw State University, and a Masters in Visual Development from Academy of Art University.  He has over a decade of Higher Education teaching experience in a multitude of mediums including traditional graphite and pastel drawing, oil painting, pen and ink drawing, and digital drawing and painting.  Bryan's subjects range from classical Still Life compositions, Portraiture, Figure Drawing, Figure Painting and Landscapes to Character, Creature and Prop Design dedicated to Games and Film.  

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Carol Santos' Oil Painting

In this class, students will work on composition, value, shapes, and techniques in oils.  Students will use photos or occasionally work from setups to examine the effect of light on subjects. Students can bring their own photos to work from or use some provided by the instructor.  The course will include lectures, demonstrations, studio work (both in and out of class), and group critiques. While creativity is the foundation, honing your technique will elevate your work to a professional level.

If you are looking to take your oil painting journey to the next level, this class is for you!

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address:  6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Carol Santos is a Brazilian-born, Atlanta-based artist. Her work is deeply personal, exploring the lost narratives of oral history. Her sculptures, paintings, textiles, installations, and conceptual art investigate nostalgia and identity, creating connections with the viewer. Carol holds a bachelor's degree in communication and marketing, a master's degree in integrated marketing and communication, and is a recent graduate (May 2023) with a master’s degree in Fine Arts, Painting, from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Santos’ studio is in Sandy Springs, where she lives with her husband and three children.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Carolyn Rose’s Acrylic Painting Studio

This class is open to anyone interested in painting with acrylics. Whether you are a beginner or with 20 years’ experience, the class is made to meet you where you are and grow as a painter. Each week, the instructor will give a brief demonstration on an acrylic painting technique. You can start your paintings by selecting from plenty of examples the instructor will have on-hand, or you are more than welcome to bring your own material and have the time and space to work on it. This class is designed to be informative, productive, and reassuring. The instructor has 35 years' experience teaching all levels of painting.

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address: 6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Since enrolling in her first painting class in 1985 at a community arts center in Atlanta, Carolyn E. Rose has been actively interested in painting. She could tell right away how much drawing and painting meant to her. She earned a BFA in painting and drawing from SCAD in 2001 and an MFA in painting and drawing from Georgia State University in 2006. The High Museum of Art, the Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, and various other galleries in the Southeast have all displayed her work. She has experience teaching college students at all levels in drawing and painting, illustration, foundations (color theory & 2D design), art history, fashion history, and fashion design.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Carolyn Rose’s Experimental Drawing and Painting ONE NEW!

This class is for the Intermediate or Advanced artist with a solid Drawing or Painting background. It is a class designed to find the energy locked inside every drawing. Using the techniques of the abstract expressionists, we will explore the ideas behind the things we see and visualize them from the inside out - and sometimes upside down! Feeling and expressing emotive content through personal mark making is the goal. This vibrant class is the segue into Experimental Drawing and Painting TWO, which is the foundational background for any modern art project you may want to get involved in. Another plus: You will not get bored and quite likely you will get messy. We move at a fast pace.

Warning: Do NOT wear nice clothes. Certain projects will be painted with bare hands and charcoal.

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address: 6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Since enrolling in her first painting class in 1985 at a community arts center in Atlanta, Carolyn E. Rose has been actively interested in painting. She could tell right away how much drawing and painting meant to her. She earned a BFA in painting and drawing from SCAD in 2001 and an MFA in painting and drawing from Georgia State University in 2006. The High Museum of Art, the Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, and various other galleries in the Southeast have all displayed her work. She has experience teaching college students at all levels in drawing and painting, illustration, foundations (color theory & 2D design), art history, fashion history, and fashion design.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Christy Knight’s Winter Subjects in Acrylic - ALL LEVELS NEW!

Learn fresh techniques in acrylic painting on canvas from an award-winning artist and experienced instructor. Fundamentals will be reviewed including composition, medium manipulation, and best practices. Weekly exercises and studio time will culminate in final completed pieces that capture the changes of the season.

*Please note that there will be NO CLASS on Wednesday, February 4, 2026!*

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address: 6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Christy Baker Knight has been teaching naturalist art programs to all ages and abilities for over twenty years including at Blue Heron Nature Preserve and for Georgia Audubon.

A lifelong artist, Christy (Baker) Knight has worked as an Exhibit Designer for Fernbank Museum of Natural History and her illustrations for Field & Studio Productions, Ltd. have been published by Chronicle Books, the Nature Conservancy of Georgia, and the Journal American Rhododendron Society. She’s been awarded prestigious commissions of product design, promotional art and murals by the Humboldt Field Research Institute, the Southeastern Flower Show and the Fulton County Arts Commission.

Christy has exhibited and sold her work nationally in juried shows and galleries, and her meticulous yet lively botanical illustrations are in the collections of many private patrons.  You can visit Christy’s work at fieldandstudio.com.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Cristina Conti’s ARTpeace (Mixed Media) for Kids (AGES 6-8)

Children will explore different artists, techniques and mediums to create their own unique and amazing art piece. Kids should wear messy clothes and shoes, old t-shirts, smocks or aprons especially over any school uniforms (even though all materials will be water based and washable).   No need to bring supplies or materials – just bring your imagination!  Please no electronics or toys allowed in classroom.

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address:  6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

We always hear the term “life imitating art,” and just like her art, Cristina’s life is always adapting. Cristina’s mother knew she was imaginative from an early age, if the hidden crayons in her clothing were any indication. Encouraged to explore her creativity, without damaging walls and furniture, she began her art journey with paint by numbers and watching good ole Bob Ross.

She pursued a career in interior design. Cristina was a hospitality designer for 12 years designing both chain and boutique hotels across the US. After feeling the industry burnout and The Great Recession, she accepted a career change to become an event coordinator for a local university.  After suffering a brain injury in 2014, she knew her life would have to change again. Art became her therapy, her words. At that moment, she defied her old college advisor and pursued a career in her art.

Cristina has been teaching since 2018. Loving every minute of being a teacher and starving artist. She believes in learning everyday while having fun because life is too short. She lives in Marietta with her fur children, a pit bull named Georgia and black cat, Nyla. Feel free to follow her on Instagram @artpeace722. 

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Diana Toma’s Acrylic Painting

Fall in love with acrylic by exploring how to create representational paintings in a loose painterly way. This is a one-of-a-kind approach where contemporary concepts are implemented using traditional techniques. You will paint a variety of different subject matter at each class, such as florals, wildlife, landscapes, cityscapes, portraits & more, and finish a painting by the end of each session. Our instructor, award-winning professional artist Diana Toma, will demonstrate how to do it at each class and give you individual guidance as you progress with your artwork. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this class is designed to inspire and elevate your artistic skills to new heights. 

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address: 6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Diana Toma is an award-winning professional artist whose style blends traditional techniques applied in a contemporary manner. Holding a master’s degree in fine arts, she has been exhibiting her work since 1996, racking up participating in over a hundred international group exhibitions and 12 solo art shows. Her artworks have been featured in art magazines such Artist’s Magazine, American Artist, The Art of Watercolor, in 2024 being featured on the cover of The Best of Acrylic. An esteemed artist, Ms. Toma is often invited to represent the working artist on panel discussions, such as for the “TechsmARTs” at The Contemporary, “The business of art” at the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs in Atlanta, and judge art competitions, such as “Artists of Georgia Exhibit” at Carnegie Hall, the “Fine Art Annual Competition” at Arts Clayton Gallery, and more. In her free time Diana served as a chair and board member for the International Watercolor society, and Georgia Watercolor Society. Ms. Toma has been commissioned to create art for companies such as HBO, HGTV, USTA, RJTR and her artwork has been acquired to be displayed in public spaces, such as at the Fulton County’s libraries and commercial spaces throughout the Atlanta Metro Area. Diana Toma also teaches painting classes for adults. Her teaching approach focuses on fast, loose painting. Connect with her on social media @ArtByDianaToma

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Diana Toma’s Painting with Watercolor

Fall in love with watercolor by exploring the core principles of painting applied specifically to watercolor techniques. You will paint a variety of different subject matter at each class, such as florals, wildlife, landscapes, cityscapes, portraits & more, and finish a painting by the end of each session. Our instructor, award-winning professional artist Diana Toma, will demonstrate how to do it at each class and give you individual guidance as you progress with your artwork. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this class is designed to inspire and elevate your artistic skills to new heights. 

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address: 6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Diana Toma is an award-winning professional artist whose style blends traditional techniques applied in a contemporary manner. Holding a master’s degree in fine arts, she has been exhibiting her work since 1996, racking up participating in over a hundred international group exhibitions and 12 solo art shows. Her artworks have been featured in art magazines such Artist’s Magazine, American Artist, The Art of Watercolor, in 2024 being featured on the cover of The Best of Acrylic. An esteemed artist, Ms. Toma is often invited to represent the working artist on panel discussions, such as for the “TechsmARTs” at The Contemporary, “The business of art” at the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs in Atlanta, and judge art competitions, such as “Artists of Georgia Exhibit” at Carnegie Hall, the “Fine Art Annual Competition” at Arts Clayton Gallery, and more. In her free time Diana served as a chair and board member for the International Watercolor society, and Georgia Watercolor Society. Ms. Toma has been commissioned to create art for companies such as HBO, HGTV, USTA, RJTR and her artwork has been acquired to be displayed in public spaces, such as at the Fulton County’s libraries and commercial spaces throughout the Atlanta Metro Area. Diana Toma also teaches painting classes for adults. Her teaching approach focuses on fast, loose painting. Connect with her on social media @ArtByDianaToma

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Diana Toma's Abstract Exploration: Painting with Water-Based Media NEW!

Join award-winning artist Diana Toma for an expressive journey into abstract painting - where water-media meets imagination. In this class, you’ll explore how to loosen up, paint freely, and let color and gesture guide your composition. Working on paper, you’ll experiment with layers, fluid washes, and mixed media touches to create pieces that feel spontaneous yet deeply personal. Open to all water-based media, including watercolor, acrylic, and inks. 

All levels are welcome - just bring your curiosity and an open heart!

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address:  6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Diana Toma is an award-winning professional artist whose style blends traditional techniques applied in a contemporary manner. Holding a master’s degree in fine arts, she has been exhibiting her work since 1996, racking up participating in over a hundred international group exhibitions and 12 solo art shows. Her artworks have been featured in art magazines such Artist’s Magazine, American Artist, The Art of Watercolor, in 2024 being featured on the cover of The Best of Acrylic. An esteemed artist, Ms. Toma is often invited to represent the working artist on panel discussions, such as for the “TechsmARTs” at The Contemporary, “The business of art” at the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs in Atlanta, and judge art competitions, such as “Artists of Georgia Exhibit” at Carnegie Hall, the “Fine Art Annual Competition” at Arts Clayton Gallery, and more. In her free time Diana served as a chair and board member for the International Watercolor society, and Georgia Watercolor Society. Ms. Toma has been commissioned to create art for companies such as HBO, HGTV, USTA, RJTR and her artwork has been acquired to be displayed in public spaces, such as at the Fulton County’s libraries and commercial spaces throughout the Atlanta Metro Area. Diana Toma also teaches painting classes for adults. Her teaching approach focuses on fast, loose painting. Connect with her on social media @ArtByDianaToma

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Joanna Shirey’s Art of Quilled Flowers Workshop

Quilling is a fun and unique craft that almost feels like a lost art! It uses strips of paper to create beautiful designs and patterns - the possibilities are endless! In this workshop we explore the basics of quilling paper and the various techniques that will make your quilling experience even more enjoyable! The focus of this workshop is on various types of florals and greens. Building off of that we will make 3D flowers to create fun and unique gift tags and cards.

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address: 6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

 

Instructor Bio:

Hello! My name is Joanna and I’m what you may call a hobbyist! I have so many passions, but crafting is by far my favorite and most-practiced. While I love all aspects of crafting, my favorite types are paper crafting (especially quilling and card making) and watercolor painting. Additionally, I have always had a love for teaching. I started off teaching middle school science, and more recently taught English in Germany for two years. I’m thrilled to combine my passion for crafting and teaching, and I look forward to helping people fall in love with crafting as much as I have!

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) John Horne’s Figure Drawing: All Levels NEW!

A three-hour, sight-based, life-drawing class is available for everyone, from beginner to advanced.  A thirty-minute group critique follows our drawing time each week, where techniques, ideas, drawing concepts & points of composition are openly shared within our new drawing community. 

Explore SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS while developing a clear ability to see, understand, compose, and dynamically render the human figure. Open to all drawing media (i.e., charcoal, color pencils, pastels, conte, ink & watercolor)—the human form. Prior drawing experience is very beneficial. Live models in all classes.  Students ages 18+

MODEL FEE OF $60 IS COLLECTED BY THE INSTRUCTOR AT THE FIRST CLASS

(APPROXIMATLY $10 PER CLASS)

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address:  6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

John W. Horne is an award-winning professional artist/photographer and a much-sought-after instructor in the Metro Atlanta area. John's personal focus centers on creating and capturing realistic, figurative portraits and representational works, seeking a dream-like yet realistic, often asymmetrical ambiance. Since 1999, three of his adult students have gone on to become instructors at local art centers, another is now an art center director, eight students have been accepted into MFA programs, and John has helped place 64 of his teen students in universities and professional design schools including Rhode Island School of Design, Ringling, Parsons, The New School, F.I.T., MICA, SAIC, New Paltz N.Y., Columbia, Cal Arts, SCAD, and more.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) John Horne’s Portrait Drawing: All Levels NEW!

This three-hour observational portrait drawing class is offered to students of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced artists. Each session concludes with a thirty-minute group critique in which techniques, concepts, and compositional principles are thoroughly discussed within our developing drawing community.

Participants will examine spatial relationships while enhancing their ability to perceive, interpret, compose, and render the subject dynamically. All drawing media are welcome, including charcoal, colored pencils, pastels, conte, ink, and watercolor, with a focus on the human portrait form.

While prior drawing experience is advantageous, it is not required. This course is open to students age 18 and above.

MODEL FEES OF $60 ARE COLLECTED BY THE INSTRUCTOR AT THE FIRST CLASS

(APPROXIMATLY $10 PER CLASS)

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address:  6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

John W. Horne is an award-winning professional artist/photographer and a much-sought-after instructor in the Metro Atlanta area. John's personal focus centers on creating and capturing realistic, figurative portraits and representational works, seeking a dream-like yet realistic, often asymmetrical ambiance. Since 1999, three of his adult students have gone on to become instructors at local art centers, another is now an art center director, eight students have been accepted into MFA programs, and John has helped place 64 of his teen students in universities and professional design schools including Rhode Island School of Design, Ringling, Parsons, The New School, F.I.T., MICA, SAIC, New Paltz N.Y., Columbia, Cal Arts, SCAD, and more.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Karina Spataru Toma’s Creative Drawing and Painting (AGES 9-13)

This class offers an encouraging environment where students explore the creative learning process. Students will start with essential drawing skills and then move to investigate the fundamentals of color and painting. Please see the Supply List below

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address:  6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Karina Spătaru Toma is an award-winning photorealist portrait artist, illustrator, and experienced art instructor. Since 2022, Karina has been teaching drawing, painting, and digital arts to all ages across several art centers and summer camps in the metro Atlanta area. After earning her BFA from Kennesaw State University in 2024, she started working toward her dream of becoming an illustrator and concept artist for video games and animation.

www.karinuta.com

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Katharine Norman Pastel Painting

Students will learn key pastel techniques, application methods, color harmony, and composition, to create vivid works in a variety of subjects.  Classes will include demos, reference materials, and individualized instruction for all levels.

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address:  6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Katharine Norman is an experienced art educator with over ten years of teaching experience.  Skilled in digital to traditional art mediums, original research, art history, and curriculum development. Katharine holds a master’s degree in art education from the University of Florida with an emphasis in Visual Culture.  She is a member of both the Georgia and National Art Educators Association and is a resident of Sandy Springs.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Katharine Norman’s Mixed Media NEW!

Unleash your creativity in this hands-on mixed media class that blends traditional and unconventional materials. We’ll work with a variety of mediums while we explore layering, texture and personal expression. Each session offers guided instruction while encouraging experimentation and play. Whether you’re building on your portfolio or simply exploring, this class offers a supportive space to discover new techniques and let your ideas flow. We’ll have three final works, along with several studies along the way. Photo transferring will be a concept we explore, so have pictures you’d like to use gathered, and we’ll go over ways of making copies in class (not on day one). Join us for fun, new ways to approach your art!

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address:  6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Katharine Norman is an experienced art educator with over ten years of teaching experience.  Skilled in digital to traditional art mediums, original research, art history, and curriculum development. Katharine holds a master’s degree in art education from the University of Florida with an emphasis in Visual Culture.  She is a member of both the Georgia and National Art Educators Association and is a resident of Sandy Springs.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Kathy Rennell Forbes’ Painted Vacations in Watercolor

Students will create paintings in watercolor inspired by their travel photos or sketches. Kathy will start each class with a demonstration, then assist students individually and offer critiques (if desired). Prior watercolor experience highly encouraged; this is NOT a beginning class. Returning students will build on skills previously developed. Bring your current watercolors (warm and cool of each primary) and supplies, an assessment will be done to determine if additional items are needed. 

Please email questions to Kathy at: ArtbyKRF@mindspring.com

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address: 6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

 

Instructor Bio:

Kathy Rennell Forbes is an accomplished artist and instructor. Her impressionistic paintings are in private and corporate collections around the world.

The artist was a 2017 Olmsted Plein Air Invitational "Master Artist." She was an invited artist to the Olmsted Georgia Color four times (2019 - 2022). Kathy is a Signature Member and past President of the Georgia Watercolor Society. She participates in many solo and group shows; and has won awards in local, regional and national exhibits. Forbes earned her BFA in Art and Art Education at the University of Georgia in Athens. She continues to attend art workshops with many of the leading painters of today.

Kathy has exhibited and conducted watercolor demonstrations at the High Museum of Art, Booth Western Art Museum and Oglethorpe University Museum of Art. She conducts watercolor workshops around the U.S. and Internationally (Cuba, France, Italy, Spain) and teaches art classes in the Atlanta area. Forbes creates her artwork at ‘Studio Z’ in Atlanta’s historic Westside Arts District.

https://www.rennellforbes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/artbykrf/

https://www.facebook.com/KathyRennellForbesArtist

Artist Statement:

I work in watercolor, acrylic and oil; my favorite is watercolor. I love the freedom this medium provides and how the paints react to different surfaces and the way I manipulate my brush. The medium is very transportable. It allows me to travel with a minimum of supplies across the globe, to a local park or garden to paint outdoors. Working in nature, heightens all my senses that then take hold in my paintings. In addition to the beautiful landscape in front of me; I like to capture the sound of the birds and insects chirping, the soft breeze on the back of my neck, the smell of the saltwater and the taste of local foods into my paintings. Although some of my outdoor paintings are finished works, many are studies. I take the information I gathered onsite and incorporate them into my studio paintings.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Lauren Adams’ Expressive Landscapes in Acrylic or Watercolor NEW!

Explore a different approach to landscape painting. Learn how to use bold colors, dynamic brushstrokes, and simplified forms to convey an emotional response to a scene. Working loosely allows the expression of personal connections to the landscape, going beyond a mere visual representation. 

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address:  6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Instructor: Lauren Adams

lhapainting@gmail.com

A Southern artist and native of rural middle Georgia, Lauren Adams has explored and experimented with painting and drawing most of her life. Inspired by her southern roots and the natural world, her work runs the gamut from figurative to landscape and beyond.  Adams holds an MFA in painting from the Savannah College of Art & Design. And in addition to her studio practice, she currently teaches adult painting classes in a wide variety of media at various arts centers in Georgia.  Adams’ work can be found in many private and public collections throughout the Southeast, including the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and the Historical Society of Sandersville, GA.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Mary MacGregor’s Cartoon Drawing for Teens & Tweens (AGES 10 -17)

In this engaging drawing art class, teens and tweens learn to express themselves creatively while learning fundamental subject matter and techniques. Students will practice how to draw faces, facial features, figures in motion, expressive character design, and characters in unique settings, as well as story boards, imaginational characters, text bubbles, line quality and mark making. Students will work on a unique final project each session!

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address:  6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Mary MacGregor is an illustrator from Marietta, Georgia, who graduated with a BFA from Kennesaw State University in 2023.

Growing up in a household of artists and musicians, she was encouraged to pursue the arts at an early age. As she got older, her love for drawing shifted from a hobby to a serious career pursuit. In 2020, she transferred to Kennesaw State University as an art major. There, she built a network of likeminded artists which led her to opportunities at local art shows and conventions.

Mary has an affinity for digital illustration, as well as traditional media such as ink and gouache. Her artwork is heavily inspired by her passion for fantasy and science fiction. She plans to pursue a career in the entertainment industry as a concept artist.

CLICK THE RED TEXT BELOW FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER.

WI26 (A) Melanie Paul’s Learn to Crochet – 5 WEEKS

In this introductory class, you will learn the fundamentals of crochet. You will learn how to make a slip knot, a crochet chain, a single crochet, and a double crochet. 

A review of common crochet abbreviations and various types of yarns and weights will be presented.

You will learn how to read a yarn label, so you’ll be able to select appropriate yarns and quantities for your future projects.

The class project is a headband.

Materials fee paid to instructor - $20

Please contact me if you have any questions.  melaniepaul@comcast.net

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address: 6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Melanie Paul has been knitting for more than 20 years. She has knitted and designed an array of fashion items and accessories, including coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, and purses. Her knit repertoire also includes decorative pieces for the home.  She has participated in holiday craft shows and has donated many hand-knits for charitable distribution.  Melanie teaches knitting privately and has been a fiber arts instructor at continuing education programs.

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WI26 (A) Melanie Paul’s Learn to Knit – 5 WEEKS

Learn the fundamentals of knitting in this introductory class, including cast on, knit, purl, bind off, and how to increase and decrease.

A review of knitting abbreviations, types of yarns, needle sizes, and samples of knit patterns will be presented.  

Learn how to read a yarn label and be ready to select yarns for your future projects.

Select a headband or a hat for the class project. 

$20 Material fee paid to instructor at first class.

Please contact me if you have any questions - melaniepaul@comcast.net

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address: 6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

 

Instructor Bio:

Melanie Paul has been knitting for more than 20 years. She has knitted and designed an array of fashion items and accessories, including coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, and purses. Her knit repertoire also includes decorative pieces for the home.  She has participated in holiday craft shows and has donated many hand-knits for charitable distribution.  Melanie teaches knitting privately and has been a fiber arts instructor at continuing education programs.

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WI26 (A) Rob Knight’s Backyard Birds and Beyond Photography Workshop

Wildlife photography, and birds in particular, can be a daunting discipline to explore. The long lenses and specific camera settings require a bit of study and a LOT of practice to master. This 2-hour class will begin with the basics for photographing birds and wildlife. Instructor Rob Knight will go over equipment considerations, camera settings, shooting modes, auto focus, and more. In the second half of the class, Rob will show you how he built a “bird studio” in his front yard, and give you tips for setting up your own bird studio. With a convenient place to practice, you will be comfortable and confident behind the camera when you set out to capture the perfect wildlife shots in the field!

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address: 6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Travel and Nature photographer Rob Knight has been a professional artist for over thirty years. He’s been a photographer for more than half of that time and an educator since 2009. Rob is a professional photographer, educator, and a Tenba Visual Artist. He is an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop Lightroom, and a two-time finalist for the National Association of Photoshop Professionals’ “Photoshop Guru” award. Rob has published two books for Peachpit Press and Rocky Nook Publishing, and his work has been featured in Nature’s Best Photography magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and more.

Rob is best known for his destination photo workshops, his easy-going teaching style, and his informative critiques. Rob enjoys teaching in a classroom setting, but he loves teaching and exploring with students on location. Rob began leading photo workshops in 2009 with a focus on nature and wildlife photography. Some of his favorite locations are Costa Rica and Grand Teton NP.

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WI26 (A) Steffi Nicole: Expressing Your Life Force Energy NEW!

This isn’t an art class—it’s an invitation to listen.
To slow down, soften, and let what’s inside move through color, texture, and image.
Through ritual, movement, breath, and paint, you’ll explore your inner landscape and create from the endless well of Life Force Energy that lives within you.

Building on the Affirmation Art Workshop created for Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat Pray Love), this 6-week journey blends intuitive artmaking with sacred practice. Each week offers a rhythm of journaling, guided meditation, mindful movement, and breathwork—followed by time to create and reflect.

We’ll expand from journal pages into layered mixed-media pieces on wooden panels, using materials like charcoal, ink, collage, acrylics, and fragments of your own writing.

There’s no right way to do this work. Just bring your presence, your curiosity, and your willingness to explore.

Former participants have shared:

“I’ve learned that it’s not about the product but the process.”
“I can’t believe how much art I made!”
“More than an art class—a moment to drop in and connect to a deep community.”
“Thank you for holding such a sacred, safe, beautiful space so I could dive into my creativity. This work is deeply needed. These spaces are pure sunshine.”

Whether you’re in a season of transformation, seeking reconnection, or simply feeling the call to create, this workshop offers a sanctuary for your creative soul.

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address:  6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

Instructor Bio:

Steffi Nicole is known as an 'Energy Healer for Environments' and has infused walls throughout the U.S. with her affirmation art. Through her use of vibrant colors, bold lines, and empowering messages, she inspires others on their journeys to self-discovery and healing. Her art has been featured with Elizabeth Gilbert, Michelob Ultra, The Berman Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Hotel Clermont, Arts Beacon, and The City of Atlanta, among others.

She is also the author of Mother’s Tongue, a self-love planner designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit; the designer behind a vibrant activewear line; and a Georgia Women’s Policy Institute Fellow. Additionally, she holds an MA in Women’s Spirituality from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She strives to uplift the human spirit through her creations. Discover more at @SteffiNicoleB or www.SteffiNicole.com

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WI26 (B) Barbara May’s Acrylic Painting Workshop – Landscapes for Beginners

Never held a paintbrush? Can’t draw a straight line? No artistic ability?

THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR YOU!  You need no painting or drawing experience at all!  In this four-hour acrylic workshop, you will create a painting from scratch. Learn to see shapes, colors, and tones in the simplest way that will ultimately become a work of art. Paints, canvas, and brushes will be provided; however, you will need to bring the items on the supply list.

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address:  6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Barbara May is a native Atlantan and raised her family blocks from Abernathy Arts Center. Her background and training are in accounting, business, and marketing. She has created and sold several successful businesses.  Once retired, she wanted to see if she could use the other side of her brain.  She sat down with some paints and a brush and created her first painting using a unique but simple way of seeing shapes, tones, and color.

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WI26 (B) Barbara May’s Pine Needle Basketry Workshop

The technique of creating crafts from pine needles is called coiling. Predating pottery, this kind of basket weaving is one of the oldest forms of artmaking! 

In this workshop, you will learn how pine needle coiling is done and what materials and supplies are needed to achieve this technique. You'll go home at the end of the day with your new basket and the skills and motivation to create more of these fun and functional weaving creations!  

For convenient parking located nearest the tennis courts – use GPS address: 6621 Bridgewood Valley Road, NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. 

Instructor Bio:

Barbara May was born and raised in Atlanta. She raised her sons just blocks from the Abernathy Arts Center and even took a class with them back in the early 1980s. While living in Florida for the past 25 years, she began to explore art. She actually learned basketry from her watercolor teacher. She was immediately hooked. She would roam the long-leaf pine forests to collect the needles. She returned to Atlanta four years ago. She no longer roams forests looking for needles, but now simply buys them online!

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Contact Us

Abernathy Arts Center
 254 Johnson Ferry Road NW
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

phone 404-343-6692