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 [email protected] 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 ($25 per year) and we have limited grant funding available if this is a barrier. Please reach out to NVCAC director Kerstin Auer ([email protected]) 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.
Modern Monoprints: A Gelli Workshop with Vanessa Trenholm
NOTE: This is a 2-Part Class.
You are registering for both dates (Saturday, May 30 & Sunday, June 7 2026)
This workshop introduces adults to the creative possibilities of gelli plate printmaking. Participants learn how to build layered monoprints using color, texture, stencils, and found materials, creating bold and expressive prints without the need for a traditional press.
Each session begins with a short demonstration, followed by hands‑on studio time to explore techniques and develop personal style. No experience is required, and everyone leaves with a collection of unique prints and the skills to continue experimenting at home.
Participants should bring a paint shirt or apron. All other materials are provided. 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, May 30, 2026 & Sunday, June 7, 2026 @ 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Studio Room at Nicola Valley Community Arts Centre - 2051 Voght St (beside Kekuli Cafe)
Instructor: Vanessa Trenholm
Vanessa's interest in printmaking began during her Fine Arts studies at UBC Okanagan, where she was drawn to the hands‑on, process‑driven nature of the medium. To make printmaking more accessible for beginners, Vanessa developed an introductory scratchfoam relief class designed to help new artists start to think like a printmaker using simple, affordable materials. She has since taught this course to students of all ages, with an emphasis on curiosity, experimentation, and creative confidence.
Class is completely full, thank you!
Linedancing Party! (Session 1) with Jojo Massey
Join us for a fun night of Linedancing. We will learn a variety of Beginner Dances that are always fun, no matter what level of Linedancing you have experienced. Wear comfortable shoes (leather soles are good, runners work too, and cowboy boots are awesome) and comfortable clothing. Bring plenty of water to hydrate. Refreshments will be provided during the break. Suitable for all ages 15 and up. No previous experience required.
The step patterns are good for the mind, the motion is good for the body, and the music and social interaction are good for the soul. This is a great activity for those who love to dance, and for those who want to get moving again.
Minimum: 5, maximum: 20 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: Friday, June 5, 2026 from 7 pm to 9 pm
Where: Cadet's Hall - 1755 Coldwater Avenue, Merritt, BC
Instructor: Jojo Massey
Jojo learned to Linedance while being a Snowbird in Mexico. She started teaching Linedance classes there, and now brings her passion and love of Linedancing to share in Merritt.
After working for many years in a sedentary job, Jojo is happy to have found an activity that makes movement fun. She likes that the steps are low impact, and a great way to increase mobility, even for folks who have not been active for a while.
Linedancing Party! (Session 2) with Jojo Massey
Join us for a fun night of Linedancing in which we will re-visit Linedances learned in Session 1, and continue on with some new easy Linedances in Session 2. (Note: you can attend Session 2 even if you did not attend Session 1) We will learn a variety of Easy Linedances that are always fun, no matter what level of Linedancing you have experienced. Wear comfortable shoes (leather soles are good, runners work too, and cowboy boots are awesome) and comfortable clothing. Bring plenty of water to hydrate. Refreshments will be provided during the break. Suitable for all ages 15 and up. No previous experience required.
The step patterns are good for the mind, the motion is good for the body, and the music and social interaction are good for the soul. This is a great activity for those who love to dance, and for those who want to get moving again.
Minimum: 5, maximum: 20 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: Friday, June 19, 2026 from 7 pm to 9 pm
Where: Cadet's Hall - 1755 Coldwater Avenue, Merritt, BC
Instructor: Jojo Massey
Jojo learned to Linedance while being a Snowbird in Mexico. She started teaching Linedance classes there, and now brings her passion and love of Linedancing to share in Merritt.
After working for many years in a sedentary job, Jojo is happy to have found an activity that makes movement fun. She likes that the steps are low impact, and a great way to increase mobility, even for folks who have not been active for a while.
Free Drop-In Art Sessions
Creative Play
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!
Find all the dates in our Event Calendar or on our Facebook page.
See you at the Arts Centre!
Creative Play by Day
Join us once a week for Creative Play by Day, on Tuesdays between 1:30 to 3:00 pm. Drop in for some fun and creative art-making with Jennifer Chemago and Mischelle Pierce! The art sessions will be open for you to play with the art materials of your choice, and sometimes we will provide guided activities or projects.
Jennifer is an Art Therapist and will be on hand to offer guidance for those who wish.
