
Held at the Stifel Fine Arts Center, the valley’s preeminent resource for art education, Oglebay Institute’s Visual Arts Department offers a variety of classes in traditional and non-traditional mediums.
Painting and pottery classes are offered each session. Crafts including jewelry making, woodcarving and stained glass are also available. A variety of workshops round-out our diverse curriculum.
Classes are available for most ages, interests and skill levels. Students work with up-to-date equipment and supplies with guidance from expert instructors in a relaxed and creatively stimulating environment.
Check back each session for new offerings.
Fall session begins September 13, 2026.
Fall 2026 Class Registration Opens 9am Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Drawing with Mr. Brad
Get ready to draw, create, and have fun! In Drawing with Mr. Brad, young artists will explore a variety of exciting drawing materials and techniques while creating unique, imaginative projects each week. From pencils, markers, and more, this class is perfect for kids who love to draw and want to build their skills in a fun, encouraging environment. (Limit 16)
Ages: 10 -14
Meets: Thursdays, 4:30-5:30pm
Begins: Thurs., Sept. 17
Duration: 6 weeks
Instructor(s): Brad Johnson
$90/85 OI members
Kids Art Sampler
During this 6-week course, students will explore a variety of art mediums and techniques, including painting, collage, sculpture, and more! Students will also learn about famous artists as we create fun projects, develop new skills, and explore their artistic creativity throughout each lesson. Participants are encouraged to wear old clothes or bring a “paint shirt”. We’re going to have lots of messy fun! (Limit 15)
Ages: 6 -10
Meets: Wednesdays, 4-5pm
Begins: September 30
Duration: 6 weeks
Instructor(s): Heather Henthorne
$80/$75 OI members
Leaded Glass – Intermediate Stained Glass
Participants will learn how to design their own panels and artwork, work with lead came, and cement panels. Leaded panels are intended for architectural use and can evolve into window making. Class participants will work on a large project week to week, with the guidance of instructor and local artist, Kellie White. All materials and tools are provided; bring yourself and your creativity! (Limit 12)
Ages:18 & up
Meets: Wednesdays, 6pm-8pm
Begins: Wed., Sept. 16
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Kellie White
180/$170 OI members (Includes material fee)
Stained Glass
Learn glass cutting techniques while exploring the characteristics of glass. From beginner to advanced. (Limit 15)
Ages: 18 & up
Meets: Thursdays, 7-9pm
Begins: Thurs., Sept. 17
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Howard Gamble
$145/$135 OI members (Includes material fee.)
Woodcarving
For beginners to expert. Learn woodcarving techniques at your own pace from experienced carvers.
Ages: 18 & up
Meets: Mondays, 6:30-9pm
Begins: Mon., Sept. 14
Duration: Year round
Instructor(s): Oglebay Woodcarvers Guild
Free
Beginning to Intermediate Oil Painting
Explore what you need to start painting with oils. Learn what material to use and how to use them to produce your painting. Paint along with Greg and on your own with guidance. A material list will be emailed to you. (Limit 14)
Ages: 13 & up
Meets: Tuesdays, 6-8pm
Begins: Tues., Sept. 15
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Greg Siegwart
$105/$95 OI members (Materials not included; supply list will be provided.)
Intermediate to Advanced Oil Painting
Expanding from the Beginning Oil Painting. Painting throughout the 8-week session. Expanding on painting Alla Prima (all at once) and Traditional Paint (wet on dry). We will explore tone, value, and color theory. We go deeper into composition. We will look at the selection of materials, how to choose the color and the properties and selection of oil paints available, how to make the selection of brushes and knives, and how to use them. We will explore the different painting surfaces and how to prepare them for oil painting, demonstrate how to stretch a canvas and prepare it for oil paint, and how to varnish the painted works. A material list will be emailed to you. (Limit 14)
Ages: 13 & up
Meets: Mondays, 6-8pm
Begins: Mon., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Greg Siegwart
$105/$95 OI members (Materials not included; supply list will be provided)
Beginning & Intermediate Portrait Painting
Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or looking to strengthen your portrait painting skills, this eight-week class will help you gain confidence in painting the human face. Designed for both beginning and intermediate artists, each session combines demonstrations, guided exercises, individual instruction, and constructive feedback in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere. Students will learn how to simplify complex subjects into manageable steps while developing the skills needed to create expressive, lifelike portraits. Throughout the course, we will explore:
- Drawing accurate proportions and facial feature
- Building form and structure through value and light.
- Understanding light, shadow, and creating depth
- Mixing natural, luminous skin tones and achieving color harmony
- Developing confident brushwork and painterly techniques
- Creating portraits with greater likeness, expression, and confidence Students will work from high-quality reference photographs while receiving personalized guidance throughout the class. Whether your goal is to paint family members, friends, or simply improve your overall painting skills, this class provides a supportive environment where artists of all experience levels can learn and grow. (Limit 14)
Ages: 13 & up
Meets: Wednesdays, 6-8pm
Begins: Wednesday, Sept. 16
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Laurie Johnson
$105/$95 OI members (materials not included; supply list will be provided)
Beginner Pottery
Learn the fine art of pottery no matter what your skill level is. Work with wet clay and glazes. Learn wheel throwing and hand-building techniques. Participate in a Raku Firing on Nov. 3 (Limit 12)
Ages: 16 & up
Meets: Mondays, 6-8pm
Begins: Monday, Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Olivia Snider
$165/$155 OI members (Includes material fee. Additional fee possible based on usage.)
From Clay to Fire Discover the exciting art of Raku Pottery in this hands-on workshop! Create a hand-built vessel from Raku clay, learn glazing techniques, and experience the thrill of a live outdoor Raku firing on the front porch of the Stifel Fine Arts Center.
Week 1: Hand-build your vessel using Raku clay.
Week 2: Glaze your piece and learn about Raku finishes.
Week 3: Participate in an exciting outdoor Raku firing and watch your pottery transform with dramatic crackle and metallic effects.
No experience necessary. All materials, glazes, and firing are included. (Limit 16)
Ages: 18 & up
Meets: Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm
Begins: Wed., Sept 23
Duration: 3 weeks
Instructors(s): Rick Morgan
$75/$70 OI members
Hand Building Pottery with Andrea
Discover the art of creating beautiful, functional pottery – no wheel required! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn traditional hand building techniques including slab, coil, and pinch methods to create unique ceramic pieces. Projects may include cups, mugs, plates, bowls, and other creative forms. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your skills, this class offers a supportive space to explore and create. (Limit 16)
Ages: 16 & up
Meets: Tuesdays 2-4 p.m.
Begins: Tues., Sept. 15
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Andrea Dubiel
$165/$155 OI members (Includes material fee. Additional fee possible based on usage.)
Intermediate Pottery with Andrea
Take your love of pottery to the next level. Work with wet clay and glazes. Learn the basics and advanced wheel-throwing and hand building techniques. Participate in a Raku Firing on Tuesday, Nov 3. (Limit 12)
Ages: 16 & up
Meets: Tuesdays, 6-8pm
Begins: Tues., Sept. 15
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructors(s): Andrea Dubiel
$165/$155 OI members (Includes material fee. Additional fee possible based on usage.)
Open Pottery Studio
This is open to students who have taken pottery classes at the Stifel Fine Arts Center before. There will be no instructor during open studio, but students will receive shelf space and may make a maximum of 16 pots. Additional pots $5 each. Participate in a Raku firing on November 3. (Limit 15)
Ages: 18 & up
Meets: Mondays 9am-5:30pm, Tuesdays 9am-1:30pm, Wednesdays 4pm-8pm Thursdays 9am-8:30pm, Fridays 1pm-4:45pm and Saturdays 10am-3:45pm.
Begins: Mon., Sept. 14
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): N/A
$145/$135 OI members (Includes material fee. Additional fee possible based on usage.)
Pottery with Andrea
Available for two skill levels, intermediate/advanced and beginners. Learn the fine art of pottery no matter what your skill level is. Work with wet clay and glazes. Learn wheelthrowing and hand-building techniques. (Limit 12)
Ages: 16 & up
Meets: Wednesdays, 10:30am-12:30pm (Beginners & Intermediate); 1-3pm (Intermediate & Advanced)
Begins: Wed., Sept. 16
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor(s): Andrea Dubiel
$165/$155 OI members (Includes material fee. Additional fee possible based on usage.)
The Bainbridge Method: Encaustics Fine Art
3-hour workshops open to all experience levels, from complete beginners to experienced artists looking to expand their practice. Each class will introduce participants to a unique approach to encaustic painting, emphasizing creativity, exploration, and personal expression while teaching the fundamentals of the medium. This is the price for one workshop session with six separate workshops to choose from; each workshop will cover the same lessons. (Limit 10)
Ages: 18 & Up
Session Options:
Saturday, Sept. 12 – 10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm
Saturday, Oct. 10 – 10am-1pm or 2pm – 5pm
Saturday, Nov. 7 – 10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm
Duration: 3 hours
Instructor(s): Freddie Bainbridge
$60/$55 OI members (includes all materials)
Intergenerational Gel Plate Printing Workshop
Bring your kids and/or grandkids with you for a fun, hands-on gel plate printing workshop! Explore color, texture, and creativity while making one-of-a-kind prints across generations. No prior art or printing experience required — just come ready to play and create. (Limit 12)
Ages: 12 & Up
Meets: 10am-3:30pm Saturday, Oct. 17
Begins: Saturday, October 17
Duration: 5 1/2 hours
Instructor(s): Frances Metcalf
$70/$65 OI members (includes all materials)
Gel Plate Workshop
Unwind, experiment, and get creative in this fun gel plate printing workshop for adults. Explore layers of color, texture, and pattern while creating unique handmade prints. No prior experience required — just bring your curiosity and enjoy the process! (Limit 12)
Ages: 18 & Up
Meets: 10am-3:30pm Monday, Oct. 12 or Sat., Nov. 14
Duration: 5 1/2 hours
Instructor(s): Frances Metcalf
$70/$65 OI members (includes all materials)
Dainty Gemstone Jewelry Workshop
In this 75-minute workshop you will make either 1 necklace or 1 bracelet with your choice of beautiful gemstone beads and metal chain. We will be working with small beads & thin wires doing basic wire wrapping, so some hand dexterity is required. (Limit 12)
Ages: 10 & Up
Meets: 1-2:15pm Saturday, Sept. 19
Begins: Saturday, Sept 19
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Instructor(s): Carri Welsh
$40/$35 OI members (includes all materials)
Steam Punk Resin Bracelet Workshop
Discover Steampunk, an art form inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery that incorporates machine parts like gears and clock hands to create fantasy 3D pieces. In this Resin workshop you will make an adjustable bracelet with an oval bezel link & metal chain. You will end up with a mini collage of tiny assorted antique watch parts which will be preserved forever under a clear glass-like resin. After the resin has been cured for 24 hours, you can stop by the Stifle Center at your convenience to pick up your creation. (Limit 12)
Ages: 8 & Up
Meets: 1-2pm Sat., Oct. 10
Begins: Saturday, Oct. 10
Duration: 1 hour
Instructor(s): Carri Welsh
$30/$25 OI members
Jewelry Basics: Earrings Workshop
In this hour-long class, we will explore all the essential jewelry making skills to create beautiful earrings. We will use a variety of materials including crystals, glass, pearls, & metal. You will get to be as creative as you’d like, keeping your earrings simple or complex, whatever inspires you! (Limit 12)
Ages: 8 & up
Meets: 1-2pm Sat., Oct. 17
Begins: Saturday, Oct. 17
Duration: 1 hour
Instructor(s): Carrie Welsh
$40/$35 OI members
Beginner Stained Glass Abstract Workshop
Curious about stained glass? This hands-on workshop is the perfect opportunity to explore the art of stained glass in a relaxed, beginner-friendly setting. You’ll learn basic design techniques, get familiar with the essential tools, and be guided through the process of creating your own abstract stained-glass piece from start to finish no experience necessary! Feel free to bring snacks or a sack lunch to enjoy during the session. (Limit 10)
Ages: 18 & up
Meets: 9:15am-3:45pm Sat., Sept 26
Begins: Saturday, September 26
Duration: 6 1/2 hours
Instructor(s): Mary Rose
$80/$75 OI members (includes all materials)
Stained Glass Halloween Suncatcher Workshop
Celebrate the season with a charming stained-glass Halloween Suncatcher–just in time for Halloween! In this festive workshop, you’ll learn how to incorporate decorative wirework and soldering techniques into your design, creating a beautiful, handmade piece to brighten any window. No experience is needed; all materials and instructions are provided. Feel free to bring snacks or a sack lunch to enjoy during the session. (Limit 10)
Ages: 18 & Up
Meets: 9:15am-3:45pm Sat., Oct. 24
Begins: Saturday, October 24
Duration: 6 1/2 hours
Instructor(s): Mary Rose
$80/$75 OI members (includes all materials)
Stained Glass Christmas Gnome Workshop
Celebrate the season with a charming stained-glass Christmas Gnome–just in time for the Holidays! In this festive workshop, you’ll learn how to incorporate decorative wirework and soldering techniques into your design, creating a beautiful, handmade piece to brighten any window. No experience is needed; all materials and instructions are provided. Feel free to bring snacks or a sack lunch to enjoy during the session. (Limit 10)
Ages: 18 & Up
Meets: 9:15am-3:45pm Sat., Nov. 21
Begins: Saturday, November 21
Duration: 6 1/2 hours
Instructor(s): Mary Rose
$80/$75 OI members (includes all materials)
Stained Glass Christmas Ornament Workshop
Come and make a beautiful ornament to hang on your tree, give as a gift or hang as a suncatcher in your window. Pattern selection will be provided (there are many patterns to choose from). You can make additional ornaments for $10 each. You are welcome to bring snacks/sack lunch if you desire. (Limit 10)
Ages: 18 & up
Meets: 9:15am-3:45pm Sat., Dec. 5
Begins: Saturday, December 5
Duration: 6 1/2 hours
Instructor(s): Mary rose
$80/$75 OI members (includes all materials)



