Winter classes start soon, but did you know The Art League offers more than just nine-week classes?

Workshops are a great way to dip your toe into something new. The 10 workshops below are Jumpstarts: one- or two-day workshops that serve as an introduction to a new medium for beginners. You could even gift one of these for the holidays with an Art League gift card!

10 Ways to Jumpstart Your Winter

Jumpstart in Watercolor: Rachel Collins shows you the ropes. This is for absolute watercolor beginners or those who need a refresher; some drawing experience is helpful. (January 3–4, $195)

Introduction to Encaustic: Beverly Ryan teaches this ancient medium, a mix of wax and pigment (seen in the video above). This is a great opportunity to try encaustic without buying the tools and equipment yourself. (January 6–7, $330)

Jumpstart in Ceramics: One day with clay! Our ceramics chair Blair Meerfeld teaches this short, fun jumpstart. (January 6, $50)

Jumpstart In East Asian Ink Painting – Sumi-E: The traditions of sumi-e stretch back 1,000 years, but you can pick up the basics in two days with Charlene Fuhrman-Schulz. This is appropriate for an absolute beginner or a painter in another medium. (January 6–7, $195)

Jumpstart in Hand Stitching: Make marks with needle and thread! Julie Booth teaches this workshop in basic stitching with some printing and painting techniques as well. (January 6–7, $195)

Jumpstart in Pastels: A chance to try out soft pastels without buying a set. Dive into this fast, bright, colorful medium with Nancy Freeman! (January 6–7, $195)

Jumpstart in Nuno Felting: With master felter Renate Maile-Moskowitz, learn about nuno felting. It’s a lightweight, drapable felt that’s fashion forward. (January 6, $125)

Jumpstart in Photography: Alison Duvall introduces the rest of your camera — that is, everything beyond auto mode. A great workshop for a traveler who wants to take home more artistic photos! (January 6–7, $185)

Jumpstart in Wet Felting: You have two choices for this introduction to handmade wool felt. (Renate Maile-Moskowitz teaches both.) Option 1 meets January 8 and 15 for three hours each evening. Option 2 meets January 8 only for six hours. ($100)

Is your interest piqued? These are only a handful of the over 200 classes and workshops this winter. Browse our full catalog for more!