Adult Art Classes
Are you a member of the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council? Click here to become a member and take advantage of everything your membership offers: a tax receipt for your membership purchase, ability to register for our programs and to book co-working or studio space, and supporting our mission to connect community through the arts. You can also sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date on all things NVCAC.
We would love your input and we're always looking for workshop teachers! Which art classes for adults would you like to see? Which art classes for adults would you like to teach? Please get in touch with us at programs@nicolavalleyarts.com and let us know.
If you're an instructor and would like to send us a course proposal, please use this form.
Looking for Adult Art Parties? Find them here.
Healing Connection Community Art Classes
Healing Connections is a program of the Arts Council and a community for Merritt and the Nicola Valley. For all who suffer from chronic pain or illness, are part of the support system for someone who does, or simply want to connect with community and resources. While donations are always welcome, all Healing Connections events and art classes are free to attend. A membership for the NVCAC is required ($20 per year) and we have limited grant funding available if this is a barrier. Please reach out to NVCAC director Kerstin Auer (media@nicolavalleyarts.com) for more information or assistance.
Funding for Healing Connections Art Classes has been provided by the BC Interior Community Foundation as part of their Community Prosperity Program.
Nature Mandala with Mischelle Pierce
In this Nature Mandala Workshop, participants will create a circular , symmetric art design using materials found outdoors in nature . We will collect leaves, flowers, twigs, stones etc arranging them in a circular pattern usually around a central focal point . This is a mindful and artistic way to connect with nature , exploring patterns , colors , textures , while reflecting on the impermanence in nature ! We will then have photos taken of our mandala and prints made for each person
Maximum 10 participants
Cost: FREE!
We would like to thank the Interior Foundation of BC for the grant funding via the Community Prosperity Fund that makes these classes possible and free for the community.
When: Saturday, September 13 2025 @ 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Rotary Park in Merritt - meet at the bandshell
Instructor: Mischelle Pierce
Mischelle enjoys creating Nature Mandalas. It has helped her to connect with nature in a unique , creative way promoting mindfulness and relaxation .
Watercolour Cards with Amanda Pryzner-Dunn
Join us for a delightful beginner’s watercolour class, focusing on crafting beautiful fall-themed greeting cards. In this session, you'll learn to paint charming fall elements such as a vibrant wreath, a cheerful pumpkin, and other seasonal motifs. Whether you're new to watercolour or looking to enhance your skills, our class offers step-by-step guidance in a friendly environment. All supplies are provided, so you can dive straight into the joy of painting and leave with your own personalized set of fall greeting cards to share with friends and family. Embrace the cozy spirit of autumn and let your creativity flourish!
Maximum 10 participants
Cost: FREE!
We would like to thank the Interior Foundation of BC for the grant funding via the Community Prosperity Fund that makes these classes possible and free for the community.
When: Saturday, September 27 2025 @ 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Studio Room at Nicola Valley Community Arts Centre - 2051 Voght St (beside Kekuli Cafe)
Instructor: Amanda Pryzner-Dunn
Amanda of Pink Room Crafts began paper crafting in 2006 while living in Manchester, England. Initially focused on creating greeting cards, Amanda soon began to explore different techniques including quilling (paper rolling), embossing, stamping, as well as watercolour & ink, and acrylic painting. As a primary school teacher, she had the opportunity to gain experience in other areas of arts and crafts and further develop an appreciation for a variety of artistic styles.
Flower Pounding with Mischelle Pierce
In this Workshop, we'll be pounding flowers! It's as fun as it sounds, transferring fresh flowers onto paper or fabric by gently tapping the petals with a hammer. We will do a test piece and then make a handkerchief or bandana.
If you have any pansies, feel free to bring them; they work especially well. Any other flowers you want to bring to try and transfer, please do!
Also, if you have a metal hammer, please bring as well, we have several and usually share, but always nice to have an extra one.
Maximum 10 participants
Cost: FREE!
We would like to thank the Interior Foundation of BC for the grant funding via the Community Prosperity Fund that makes these classes possible and free for the community.
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025 @ 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Studio Room at Nicola Valley Community Arts Centre - 2051 Voght St (beside Kekuli Cafe)
Instructor: Mischelle Pierce
Mischelle Pierce is a creative soul who enjoys creating from Nature's materials. It has helped her to connect with nature in a unique , creative way promoting mindfulness and relaxation .
Beeswax Luminaries with Diana Grimshire
In this Beginner workshop, we will be using hot liquid beeswax to craft glowing luminaries adorned with dried flowers and/or temporary tattoos affixed to the outside. The instructor will supply flowers and tattoos but if you have your favourites pressed, please be sure to bring them. Participants will create sweet-smelling luminaries that give off the smell of summer.
Maximum 10 participants
Cost: FREE!
We would like to thank the Interior Foundation of BC for the grant funding via the Community Prosperity Fund that makes these classes possible and free for the community.
When: Saturday, October 18 2025 @ 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Studio Room at Nicola Valley Community Arts Centre - 2051 Voght St (beside Kekuli Cafe)
Instructor: Diana Grimshire
Diana has taught this workshop multiple times over the years. Her journey began after discovering a beautiful luminary made by a family in the Kootenays, which inspired Diana to create her own using dried flowers and pure beeswax.
Class is completely full - thank you!
Art Parties
Fall 2025 Paint Party
Come and spend an enjoyable 3 hours eating, drinking... and Painting. The atmosphere in Nana's Hitchin' Post Restaurant in Lower Nicola is Country Comfort.
We will paint a colourful abstract of a Peacock in all its glory, using Acrylic Paint. All supplies are provided. This painting is designed and led by Linda Suzuki. The Cost of this event includes a Drink and and a selection of appetizers from the Appetizer Buffet. Seating is limited, so grab a friend, and book soon :) Or come alone, and meet some new friends!
Ages 18 and up (attendees may be required to show ID if they select an alcoholic beverage as their free drink). Open to all. No Membership required.
When: Saturday, Sept 20 2024, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Doors open at 5:45 pm, Drink and Appetizers at 6:00 pm.
(You can order additional food and beverages at your own cost.)
Cost: $40
*No refunds on art programs, classes or events, unless NVCAC cancels.
Where: Nana's Hitchin' Post Restaurant, Lower Nicola.
(On Highway 8, 10 km towards Spences Bridge, on the right just past Canco) View the available menu for this evening.
Instructor: Linda is a professional art teacher and artist. She has taught art in a wide variety of mediums to young children, teenagers and adults for over 30 years. In addition to teaching, Linda now focuses her energy on her second career as a professional watercolour and acrylic painter.
Learn to Eco Dye Party
This is a 2-part class (Oct 3 & Oct 4)
Part 1 (Oct 3 - Optional) Fabric Preparation - 2 pm to 4 pm
Part 2 (Oct 4) - Dyeing, Steaming & Revealing the Dyed Fabric - 10 am to 4 pm
This beginner class is an introduction to eco/botanical printing. Participants will work on a silk or wool scarf of their choice using natural dyes and tannins and leaves and flowers they have collected from their house, neighbourhood or nearby park. Participants will spend some creative time to learn this craft, by playing with fibre, dyes, and natural objects. Each piece contains a little something from the Nicola Valley.
Oct 3 (attendance optional) Participants will learn to wash, chalk and mordant the fabrics to prepare them for dyeing. Participants will also mix and prepare the dyes and tannins for the Workshop on the following day.
Oct 4: In the morning we will practice with work on a tea towel (and watercolour paper if there is time). Then, once the concept of transferring and making marks is learned, we will work on the scarf and roll it for the steamer. The steaming takes 1.5 hours (break and lunch). the latter part of the class will be the big REVEAL as we never know exactly how the fibre pieces will turn out. many factors affect the outcome.
Refreshments included.
Minimum 6 / Maximum 10 participants
Cost: $100
*No refunds on art programs, classes or events, unless NVCAC cancels. Nicola Valley Arts Council membership required, $20 per year.
When: Friday, Oct 3 2025 @ 2 pm to 4 pm (Optional)
Saturday, Oct 4 2025 @ 10 am to 4 pm
Where: The Instructor's Private Residence in Lower Nicola (address to be sent to participants)
Instructor: Lynn Cox - Lynn loves to capture nature and transfer its beauty onto various fabrics, materials and fibres. She then turns these objects into unique wearables or captivating decor. Lynn wants to share her inspiring journey learning the various methods and techniques for making permanent marks with leaves, flowers, and vegetables onto natural fibres like wool, cotton, silk, linen and paper.
Lynn's work is available in the art gallery/gift shop .
Creative Play - Free Drop-In Art Sessions
Join us twice a month for Creative Play, a free drop-in art session, no registration required! This is a great opportunity to get to know what the Arts Council has to offer, try something new (with our supplies!) or bring a project you are working on.
Meet us at the Artist Studio in the Nicola Valley Arts Centre, every second Tuesday of the month and fourth Thursday of the month, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. No registration required!
Adults only, please.
Find all the dates in our Event Calendar or on our Facebook page.
See you at the Arts Centre!
