Personal interest

Get out of your comfort zone and into the studio! AUArts Continuing Education offers tons of great studio-based art courses for adults. Cultivate your creativity in disciplines from arts, crafts, media, and design.

These courses are taught by practicing artists in the same well-equipped facilities that support our degree students. Whether you’re a beginner or practicing artist, these courses guarantee to inspire the creative in everyone. Courses include drawing, painting, ceramics, glassblowing, graphic design and more. If you’ve ever wondered if you have what it takes to be an artist, now is the time to get amongst like-minded people and find out.

Each course meets 6:30 - 9:30 one night a week for eight weeks.

We offer courses year-round! To see what's being offered now check your desired discipline.

Art & Business
Ceramics
Design & Digital M edia Arts
Drawing
Glassblowing
Jewellery & Metals
Painting
Photography
Weeklong Summer Courses

Don't miss! Sign up now to secure your seat in the studio.

For the sake of your health and safety, courses will have a limited number of seats. Students are required to adhere to AUArts COVID-19 vaccination policy in order to attend courses on-campus.

Please note, due to the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation these courses may be subject to cancellation.

Take Personal interest courses as a bundle to spend more time focused on your craft while earning a Certification of Achievement.

Please note: Courses appearing in red are currently available for registration.

Register here Certifications of achievement

student drawing on a tilted drafting table in an art studio

Available Courses by Discipline

Please note: Registration closes 1-week before first class meeting.

Art & Business

Course Name	Start & End Dates	Day & Time	Price
Strategic Marketing (online)	November 10 - February 2	Thursday: 6:00 - 9:30pm	$540 + GST
You’ve got some marketing instincts and a good creative mind, but how do you really self-brand and market yourself and/or your respective employer in today’s more evolved and sophisticated communications world? Strategic marketing will open your mind to understanding how to build a proper brand while creating an effective marketing platform, with a focus on the theoretical and strategic. You will participate in this course online through MS Teams.

Ceramics Courses

Course Name	Start & End Dates	Day & Time	Price
Ceramics Basics	October 5 - November 23	Wednesday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$540 + GST
Learn foundational skills of wheel throwing through hands on instruction, and practice. Create one-of-a-kind pieces as you work on simple assignments and get comfortable at the wheel. Finish your projects by glazing and firing them as the final step in the process.
Ceramics: Handbuilding	No longer available this term	Monday: 6:30 - 9:30	$540 + GST
Learn technical and aesthetic aspects of hand building sculptural and functional forms. Learn good practices and approaches while being introduced to different surface treatments, including decoration with slip and glazes, and firing. Work through a set of projects designed to give you foundational skill-building practice.

Design & Digital Media Arts Courses

Course Name	Start & End Dates	Day & Time	Price
Cartooning	No longer available this term	Monday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Create unique comic characters through a series of thumbnail sketches that you develop into final drawings whether it is a one cell, New-Yorker-style comic, a full strip, or a graphic novel. Develop a personal style that becomes identifiable with you as you hone your drawing and communication skills.
Digital Lab for Designers	No longer available this term	Monday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Learn the basics of Adobe CS6 apps. Go beyond simply studying the software, to integrating good design. Work through a series of projects where you may apply your knowledge of design fundamentals for clean visual communication. Learn fundamental techniques that will have allow you to modify images through colour correction, exposure correction, compositing, and retouching. discover how to use channels, masks, histories, and work with RAW files and conversions along with picking up some quick-keys to streamline your workflow.
Graphic Design Fundamentals	No longer available this term	Wednesday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Gain an understanding of visual communication design and the role of a graphic designer. Learn to problem solve and generate ideas through sketching and drawing, to further develop your skills. Emphasis will be on using the elements and principles of design effectively while you work on projects that push your creativity.
Illustration	October 6 - November 24	Thursday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Increase your ability to communicate ideas visually as you learn about the different markets where illustration is commonly used. Discuss how to take an idea and explore it visually, in order to expand on it, and create a finished piece. Look at examples to help your understanding as you work on weekly illustrations.
Typography	No longer available this term	Tuesday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Learn the principles of typography and typeface design and gain an understanding of how to improve your viewer's experience.

Colour Fundamentals	not available this term	Weeknight: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Learn the fundamentals of colour theory and more. Colour is a key component in art, design, and illustration, setting the tone of what you are communicating. You will select colours to work for you, through a series of projects that will deepen your understanding of how colour is essential to your work’s effectiveness and success

Graphic Design: Branding	not available this term	Weeknight: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Learn the elements of branding, whether for a person, a product, or a company, and how to create something so it’s easily recognizable by consumers. You will discuss what a brand can accomplish and identify the best questions to ask to help define a brand identity and determine brand objectives.

Drawing Courses

Course Name	Start & End Dates	Day & Time	Price
Abstract Drawing	October 11 - November 29	Tuesday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Abstraction can be challenging... start with some basics in drawing to learn some ways to get there. Start with observational drawings that you break down by sectioning, enlarging, and distorting. Practice different drawing methods with a variety of drawing media. Discuss the approach of various abstract artist. Discovering the power of their works as you explore where images and ideas come from. Individual and group critiques will provide artistic growth through greater understanding of abstraction.
Botanical Drawing	October 5 - November 23	Wednesday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Learn the fundamentals of colour theory and more. Colour is a key component in art, design, and illustration, setting the tone of what you are communicating. You will select colours to work for you, through a series of projects that will deepen your understanding of how colour is essential to your work’s effectiveness and success
Classical Drawing Techniques	October 4 - November 22	Tuesday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Using the same methods Renaissance artists used, improve your representational drawing skills, and learn how to capture on paper what your eye sees, not what your mind thinks it sees. You will focus on how to visually analyze your subject matter, create steps for greater accuracy, better proportions, mass and values in your drawings.
Drawing Fundamentals	October 6 - November 23	Thursday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Gain confidence and fundamental skills in drawing as you work through projects aimed at increasing your perceptive abilities and eye-hand coordination. Focus on the elements of drawing, observation, and composition as you explore a variety of drawing media and techniques.
Portfolio Prep	October 4 - November 22	Tuesday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Focus on building a strong set of drawings to include in your portfolio for submission to AUArts or any other visual arts institution, through a series of drawings including: still life, landscape, the human figure, self-portraiture, and collage - all aimed at increasing your observational drawing skills.
Figure Drawing	not available this term	Weeknight: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Working with a live model, use a variety of media, and gain studio experience in gesture and analytical figure drawing, modeling of form and space through light and shadow, perspective, proportion, and different drawing techniques and methods.
Landscape Drawing	not available this term	Weeknight: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Draw landscapes with confidence from observation and location sketches. Landscapes can be complex subjects and understanding where to start, what to include, and what leave out can be overwhelming. You will learn how to simplify your composition, isolate subject matter, and create atmospheric perspective in your drawings. Experiment with different drawing media to illustrate different parts of the landscape: grass, trees, rocks, foliage, and a variety of different skies.
Perspective Drawing	not available this term	Weeknight: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Learn the foundations of linear perspective as you draw environments using one, two, and multi-point perspectives. Draw interior spaces and three-dimensional objects with ease and great success.
Pet Portraits	not available this term	Weeknight: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
We love our pets! Learn how to draw yours, whether it’s a dog, a cat, a bird, a snake, or a fish. You’ll start by sketching simple contoured shapes and move into portraying their likeness through careful, accurate observation. Focus on the head and how to draw the eyes, nose, mouth, etc... and how to capture your animal’s personality. You will also learn how to represent fur, feathers, or scales.

Glassblowing Courses

Course Name	Start & End Dates	Day & Time	Price
Glassblowing Basics	October 5 - November 23	Wednesday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$585 + GST
Learn the basic processes of hot glasswork, with a focus on solid and simple blow forms, in a studio environment limited to eight students; in order to give you optimum access to all equipment and instructor.
Glassblowing Beyond Basics	October 15 - November 19	Saturday: 9:30am - 1:30pm	$585 + GST
Expand your knowledge of hot glasswork as you develop your skills further in a small class setting with lots of individualized instruction. Challenge yourself and try creating different forms and working with colour. The last class meeting will provide cold working time to complete your pieces.

Jewellery & Metals Courses

Course Name	Start & End Dates	Day & Time	Price
Open Jewellery Studio	October 15 - November 19	Saturday: 9:30am - 1:30pm	$540 + GST
Here’s your chance to complete past projects in a jewellery studio week after week. You will have access to a professional jeweler for advanced instruction and guidance. Be prepared to generate your own projects. Your instructor will provide technical advice, critical feedback, and new skills demonstrations on request.
Jewellery Fundamentals: Cold Connections	October 11 - November 29	Tuesday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$540 + GST
You will be amazed at the jewellery you can make from flat pieces of metal. Learn basic metalworking skills (sawing, piercing, filing, shaping, stamping, surface texturing, and finishing) and how to use simple hand tools in a fully outfitted jewellery making studio. Get ample studio working time and support from your instructor throughout as you learn fabrication processes.
Jewellery Fundamentals: Soldering Skills	October 13 - December 1	Thursday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$540 + GST
Soldering opens up a world of creative possibilities in jewellery making. In this technical class, you'll learn essential techniques for joining metal components together through soldering, including butt-joint soldering, sweat-joint soldering, using resists/heat sinks, when and how to use different types of solder, and much more!
Jewellery: Ring Basics	October 12 - November 30	Wednesday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$540 + GST
Take your jewellery making skills to the next level. This course teaches students the basic techniques of ring making including measuring, piercing, texturing, filing, soldering, shaping, and finishing. Students will start with making a wrap-over ring or an open-backed ring and move on to creating a soldered ring. Expect to create original designs and walk away with two or more rings.

Gem Setting: Flush	not available this term	Weeknight: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$540 + GST
Take your gem setting to the next level by learning an advanced, and highly secure form of setting. Embed beautiful gems into your custom jewellery, ensuring it does not protrude in any way. Flush setting makes precious gems damage resistant by protecting the stone from harsh impacts and daily wear-and-tear, making the piece as resistant and strong as its wearer. Watch detailed demonstrations and get ample time to practice with different shaped stones under the guidance of your instructor.
Gem Setting: Prong	not available this term	Weeknight: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$540 + GST
Learn a variety of technical stone settings used in jewellery making through detailed demonstrations and ample practice under the guidance of your instructor. Focus on prong setting in addition to channel setting and some theory.
Gem Setting: Heavy Bezel	not available this term	Weeknight: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$540 + GST
Take your jewellery making skills to the next level and learn a basic (and oldest) stone setting technique — bezel. A bezel setting surrounds your gemstone and creates a unique look and a very secure set. Heavy bezel setting is the perfect next step after mastering traditional fine silver wire bezel setting. Watch detailed demonstrations and get ample time to practice with different shaped stones under the guidance of your instructor.
Jewellery: Chains & Clasps	not available this term	Weeknight: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$540 + GST
Really hone your sawing, shaping, and soldering skills as you construct chains and clasps from metal wire. Your instructor will present different chain styles and simple clasps—s-hook, toggle, and keyhole with cap for you to practice and perfect.

The Magic of Fine Silver Clay	not available this term	Weeknight: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$385 + GST
Imagine being able to model with "clay", ending up with a fine silver object. With endless potential for jewellers, enamellists, ceramists, polymer artists, mixed media artists, and anyone interested in miniatures. You will be introduced to the basics of working with this innovative new materials and gain hands-on experience in the construction of flat and hollow forms, moving on to more complex forming and moulding methods.
Wire Jewellery	not available this term	Weeknight: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$540 + GST
Even beginners can create wearable wire jewellery using simple tools and a little ingenuity! Learn basic wire manipulation techniques such as straightening, bending, wrapping, and twisting. Expand your options with a little forging. Learn to make your own ear wires, earrings, pendants, jump rings, neck hoops, beads, and more.

Painting Courses

Course Name	Start & End Dates	Day & Time	Price
Abstract Painting	October 6 - November 24	Thursday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Break free from representational painting! Let go and create abstract and non-objective paintings based on your interests. Get introduced to historical and contemporary examples and approaches to abstraction with an emphasis on the materials used, the process, and the impact of the relationship between form and content.
Acrylic Painting Basics	October 3 - November 28	Monday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Acrylic paints are so versatile and perfect for those who are new to painting. Learn the basics of colour theory, paint mixing, application techniques, and composition. Learn the basics of colour theory, paint mixing, application techniques, and composition while developing your skills AND confidence in your creative potential.
Oil Painting Basics	No longer available this term	Wednesday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Discover the materials and techniques of oil painting through still life, landscape, and portrait assignments structured to introduce you to its language and practice. Explore the formal principles that enable effective design with the aim of developing your personal vision.
Watercolour Painting Basics	No longer available this term	Thursday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Watercolours can be challenging to work with, especially if you are new to painting, but understanding some basic watercolour handling and techniques will guarantee success. Learn how to stretch paper, proper brush handling, how to work wet-on-wet or drybrush along with some tricks of the trade and gain skills as you work through projects.

Landscape Painting	No longer available this term	Wednesday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Paint the rolling plains of Ohio, Himalayan mountains, or your own backyard, after being introduced to the fundamentals of landscape painting. Learn the foundations of linear perspective as you paint environments using one, two, and multi-point perspectives. Painting will be from observation as well as the imagination.
Figure Painting	not available this term	Weeknight: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$355 + GST
Working with a live model, use a variety of media, and gain studio experience in gesture and analytical figure painting, modeling of form and space through light and shadow, perspective, proportion, and different painting techniques and methods.

Photography Courses

Course Name	Start & End Dates	Day & Time	Price
Digital Photography Basics	October 6 - November 24	Thursday: 6:30 - 9:30pm	$440 + GST
Learn basic camera operations and how to use your cameras settings, including exposure, aperture, and shutter speed, while you experiment with composition, lighting, and different lens to see how they affect your images.

Please note: Courses appearing in red are currently available for registration.

For more information please contact the Continuing Education office by email

Weeklong Summer Courses

Get into the studio for full days of constructive productivity away from your usual daily interruptions. 

These weeklong courses are intended for committed artists looking to work in a serious studio environment. You will participate in group discussions and critiques as you grow your practice and deepen your understanding of your work and how it is interpreted by others.  

All artists are welcome, whether you have been working on your practice for several years or several months.  

Course Name	Start & End Dates	Day & Time	Price
100 Drawings in a Week	July 2023	Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm	$505 + GST
Get really creative and push yourself to complete 100 drawing in a week. You’ll improve your drawing skills through your sustained drawing practice as your instructor helps you move from concentrating on mostly formal issues to more conceptual ones. Be introduced to past and current artists who have strong drawing practices and participate in individual and group critiques which will aide in your artist growth.
Abstract Painting Week	July 2023	Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm	$505 + GST
Take your abstract painting practice to the next level and spend an uninterrupted week in the studio! Work alongside other abstract painters and build community under the guidance of your instructor as you produce new work or explore a new technique or approach to what you’ve been doing. You will participate in individual and group critiques throughout the week. Acrylic paint will be the medium used as it is flexible and dries quickly.
Open Jewellery Studio Week	July 2023	Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm	$675 + GST
Here’s your chance to complete past projects in a jewellery studio, while having access to a professional jeweler for advanced instruction and guidance. Be prepared to generate your own projects. Your instructor will provide technical advice, critical feedback, and new skills demonstrations on request.
Sketchbook Drawing Week	July 2023	Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm	$505 + GST
Your sketchbook is a place to work out ideas, collect your thoughts, hone your drawing skills, and be as a source of inspiration. Maintaining a daily sketchbook practice can boost your creativity and increase your productivity. Your instructor will work with you to create daily challenges and discuss how to keep up your practice, even on really busy days. You will sketch out and about around Calgary, and develop your ability to work on location.

Fall Personal Interest Registration Open!