Workshops
and Classes
Let’s Get Creative.
Each session is a chance to learn with creative people and get messy. Perfect for a date night or a fun outing with friends. All supplies are included unless otherwise noted; check your expectations at the door and let’s play! See our calendar for class offerings.
Questions? workshops@graphiteartscenter.org.
Drop-in: Make Art with MaryRepeating Event
Join us for “Sunday in the Studio with Mary”. This is your opportunity to work with Graphite Arts Center founder and artist, Mary Olsen in a relaxed and inspiring environment. Bring your own supplies and a project to work on. If you need inspiration, Mary will have supplies for you to use and some fun […] ...
Class: Teen Art Nite
Calling all teens! Join us for a night of creating and experimenting with different art mediums and mark-making techniques – paint, pencils, pastels and more. No art experience necessary. Bring a friend and hang out while exploring your creativity in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. We’ll start with a guided tour of the current Teen Art […] ...
Class: Watercolor for Relaxation – October 2025
Unwind and let go with watercolor painting. This class is designed to help you de-stress through the process of painting. We will begin with a few warm-up exercises followed by a 10-minute visualization to help you completely relax. Then tapping into our intuition, we will use watercolor painting to calm our minds. Along the way […] ...
Class: Holiday Printmaking 2025Repeating Event
Design your own holiday cards, tags and gifts. Students will make linocut art and then use the Graphite printing press to make cards, tags, wrapping paper, artwork gifts, etc. You can choose to print holiday themed designs or any other image of your choice. Whether you are a budding or experienced artist, our classes offer […] ...
Class: Practicing Flow
Take one hour for yourself to be free from everything. In this class we will practice freedom, expression and release from fixed forms of art. You will be given a prompt to begin as we create art together. The goal of this class is to recognize your authentic voice. Art making requires discipline and nurtures […] ...
Class: Watercolor for Relaxation – November 2025
Unwind and let go with watercolor painting. This class is designed to help you de-stress through the process of painting. We will begin with a few warm-up exercises followed by a 10-minute visualization to help you completely relax. Then tapping into our intuition, we will use watercolor painting to calm our minds. Along the way […] ...
Class: Mandala Dot Painting
Discover the calming and creative world of mandala dot painting! In this fun and easy class, you’ll learn how to create beautiful, unique designs using simple dotting techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or looking for a new creative outlet, this relaxing art form is perfect for unwinding and expressing your artistic side. Using stencils, we’ll […] ...
Class: Clay OrnamentsRepeating Event
Get your hands dirty and your creativity flowing in this fun and festive clay hand-building class. You’ll learn how to shape, sculpt, and texture clay, as well as tips for finishing and decorating your pieces. By the end of the class, you’ll have a unique, personalized collection of handmade ornaments—perfect for gifting or keeping as […] ...
Class: Watercolor for Relaxation – January 2026
Unwind and let go with watercolor painting. This class is designed to help you de-stress through the process of painting. We will begin with a few warm-up exercises followed by a 10-minute visualization to help you completely relax. Then tapping into our intuition, we will use watercolor painting to calm our minds. Along the way […] ...
Class: LandscapesRepeating Event
Explore the beauty of landscapes in this hands-on art class led by Mary Olsen, local artist and founder of Graphite Arts Center and Art Start Northwest. Over two sessions, you’ll learn how to draw and paint a landscape using a variety of materials, from traditional watercolor and acrylics to experimental techniques with pastels, inks, and […] ...
Class: BIG Words – Bold Typographic PaintingsRepeating Event
Make a statement—literally! In this bold, large-format painting class, led by Mary Olsen, students will explore the power of words, letters & numbers through large-scale typographic art inspired by the style of artists such as Robert Indiana, Jasper Johns, Mel Bochner and Keith Haring. Using strong, simple shapes, vibrant color palettes, and monumental letters, students […] ...
Class: Creative Drawing Techniques
Explore the expressive possibilities of drawing through a variety of traditional materials and mark-making techniques. This course introduces students to creative approaches using pencil, pen, charcoal, and ink to develop personal style, improve technical skills, and experiment with texture, contrast, and composition. Through a combination of guided exercises, observational drawing, and imaginative projects, students will […] ...
We are currently still planning new events, classes and workshops.
Please check back soon.
More Ways to Create Art
Community Art Space
Art Start Northwest supports Art For All, a non-profit organization empowering people with disabilities to create and exhibit art in the greater Puget Sound area. Art For All community classes are held at Graphite Arts Center on the 1st Wednesday of each month.