Summer 2026 Classes & Workshops
JUNE
Gel Plate Printing Workshop
Instructor: Sarah Mullins
Adults & Older Teens
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Time: 5pm - 8pm
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Students will explore color, texture, and various techniques creating prints with stencils, masks and found objects. Your printed papers will be perfect for use as collage paper, backgrounds, art journals, cards and even jewelry.
No experience needed—just a willingness to experiment and enjoy the process of creating unique, one-of-a-kind prints. Gel plate printing can be addicting so be ready to have some fun. Build on your experience with a future workshop on using multiple layering techniques and exploring botanical print making.
Contact Sarah for any questions at sarah.mullins8@gmail.com or text/call 973-714-9561.8 students
Class #TSMGEL1
$75/$70 non-member/member
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Gel plate (8x10 recommended) Speedball plates found at Michael’s will not work for this class. Contact instructor for recommendations or questions regarding size and brands sarah.mullins8@gmail.com
Acrylic paint. A limited palette of 3 colors + white, black and gold is recommended.
Brayers are available, but bring your own if you have one
Hand sanitizer and paper towels or baby wipes for cleaning your plate
Stencils - any size or design
Makeup sponges or stencil brush
You might also want to bring household items such as:
empty toilet paper or paper towel roll
5-10 rubber bands
Mark making tools that are not sharp including:
Paint brush, silicone items such as small basting brush, sculpting tools used for clay
Old credit card
Stamps
Paper will be supplied, but other recommended papers to try include deli paper, rice paper, tissue paper (wet strength preferred) medical exam paper, tea bag paper. These papers have various transparency properties especially helpful in collage.
Birds of Paradise Watercolor Workshop
Instructor: Kat Block
Adults & Older Teens
Date: June 20, 2026
Time: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
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We are not using real flowers for this workshop; instead we will work from my painting, allowing us to focus closely on shape, color, and composition. These striking flowers are surprisingly easy to draw and lend themselves to design and compositional awareness, making them perfect for exploring strong forms and dynamic arrangements in watercolor.
Bring the following supplies:
9” x 12" 140 lb cold press watercolor paper
No. 2 and No. 4 watercolor brushes
HB pencils, erasers, watercolor trays
Cadmium orange, cadmium yellow medium, ultramarine blue, opera rose, sap green, phthalo green
Email Kat Block with any questions at katblock123@gmail.com.
Class #SUKBW2
$75 Non-Members / $70 Members
Max # of students: 12
Watercolor Painting - All Levels
Instructor: Mark de Mos
Adults & Older Teens
Dates: Mondays, June 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 1:30- 4:30 pm
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Class will be responsive to the needs of the students, and will explore various techniques, and styles. Students can work on their own, but each week will feature a step by step demo. Choosing a color palette to fit the subject, under-painting, use of sedimentary colors versus dye color, spatter and different types of brushes, and masking will be covered.
Contact instructor with questions/supplies at demosart@verizon.net.
$210 non-members/$195 member
Class# MD113
Mixed Media: Abstract Landscape 1 Workshop
Instructor: Nina Nemeth
Adults & Older Teens
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 4pm - 7pm
SOLD OUT
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We'll dive into the essentials of composition, color theory, texture, and line to help you create captivating abstract pieces. This session focuses on experimentation and developing ideas, especially through sketchbook exercises. If you have a mixed-media sketchbook, please bring it along—though we’ll also have paper available. You are encouraged to bring a long any medium you enjoy, such as pencil, pen, water-soluble drawing materials, oil pastels, charcoal, watercolor, or acrylic paints. Instructor will have supplies available for small fee for those who do not bring supplies.
$10.00 Supply Fee payable to Instructor first day - (only if needed by student)
Please contact instructor with any questions at nina.nemeth@yahoo.com or 973-454-1987.
Class# TWNNJ26
$75 non members / $70 members
Max # of students: 11
Patterned Portraits: A Collage Workshop
Instructor: Eileen West
Adults & Older Teens
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
Time: 5pm - 8pm
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Come solo or bring a friend—this workshop is all about having fun while exploring your artistic side.
You’ll design a one-of-a-kind portrait (yourself or someone else) using bold, vibrant wallpaper patterns. Experiment with texture, color, and design to capture personality in unexpected and imaginative ways. It’s less about perfection and more about discovery, expression, and letting your creativity lead.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just curious to try something new, this experience will spark inspiration and leave you energized.
All skill levels are welcome, and supplies will be provided by instructor. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to play.
$5 materials fee payable to instructor day of workshop (VENMO or cash)
Email Eileen West with any questions at eileen.west2@gmail.com.
Class #THEW2
$75 non-members/$70 members
Max # of students: 12
JULY
Painting: Watercolor, Oil, Acrylics Class - All levels are welcome
Instructor: Anju Saran
Adults & Older Teens
Dates: Mondays, July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 7pm–9:30pm
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You’ll learn how to select colors and apply them in layers using various techniques, with tools such as brushes, palette knives, and other supplementary materials. Key concepts like composition, lighting, and values will be explored.
Students can choose one medium (Watercolors, Acrylics, or Oil) to focus on, allowing ample time to dive deep into the techniques and nuances of that medium. Each student works on their own project at their own pace, with the option to work from a still-life setup or reference photos. Subjects may include landscapes, seascapes, florals, still life, figurative pieces, and/or portraits.
While new concepts are introduced, individual mentoring plays a key role in this class, making it perfect for continuing students looking to refine their skills.
Note: Supplies are not included.
Contact the instructor for the supply list for the medium you choose to learn.
Email: anjusaranarts@gmail.com
Phone: 973-723-1130.
Class# MAS781
$260 non-members per semester
$235 members per semester
Min of 5 students to run class
Painting: Watercolor, Oil, Acrylics Class - All levels are welcome
Instructor: Anju Saran
Adults & Older Teens
Dates: Tuesdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11, 18, 25
Time: 7:30pm–9:30pm
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You’ll learn how to select colors and apply them in layers using various techniques, with tools such as brushes, palette knives, and other supplementary materials. Key concepts like composition, lighting, and values will be explored.
Students can choose one medium (Watercolors, Acrylics, or Oil) to focus on, allowing ample time to dive deep into the techniques and nuances of that medium. Each student works on their own project at their own pace, with the option to work from a still-life setup or reference photos. Subjects may include landscapes, seascapes, florals, still life, figurative pieces, and/or portraits.
While new concepts are introduced, individual mentoring plays a key role in this class, making it perfect for continuing students looking to refine their skills.
Note: Supplies are not included.
Contact the instructor for the supply list for the medium you choose to learn.
Email: anjusaranarts@gmail.com
Phone: 973-723-1130.
Class# MAS782
$250 non-members per semester
$225 members per semester
Min of 5 students to run class
Life Drawing with Instruction
Instructor: John Power
Adults over age 18
Dates: Coming Soon!
Time: 7:30pm-10pm
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Learn life drawing with guidance from MCAA’s current Thursday night instructor/monitor, working from a live nude model. Students will develop observation, proportion, and mark-making skills in a supportive studio setting. Please bring a drawing pad and your favorite tools—pencils, charcoal, pen, or ink.
Contact John Power at powerart11@gmail.com with any questions.
$40 model fee. Must be 18 or older.Class# WJP7
$130 non-member
$115 member
11 student max
Intuitive Collage: Unlocking Creative Flow Workshop
Instructor: Eileen West
Adults & Older Teens
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 10am - 1pm
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Whether you’re an experienced artist or just beginning, intuitive collage offers a calming, engaging way to expand your creativity and explore new possibilities.
You’ll create your own collaged cards while being introduced to the SoulCollage® process. A curated selection of backgrounds and images will be provided, and you’re welcome to bring personal photos, magazines, or materials to incorporate into your work.
Your finished cards are for personal use and can support journaling, reflection, or inspire further artistic exploration. No experience necessary.
$5 materials fee payable to instructor day of workshop (VENMO or cash).
Email Eileen West with any questions at eileen.west2@gmail.com.
Class #SAEW2
$75 non-members/$70 members
Max # of students: 12
Botanical Gel Plate Printing Workshop - Intermediate Level
Instructor: Sarah Mullins
Adults & Older Teens
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time: 4pm - 7pm
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Students will learn how to make monotype prints focusing on color, texture, and various layering techniques using masks, stencils, as well as natural botanicals. We’ll learn how to set up a simple registration system and how to work with different color combinations and paint transparencies.
This is an intermediate level class. Students should have a basic understanding of how to use a gel plate with acrylic paint and a brayer. At the end of the class, you will have created and printed your own unique finished prints which can be framed, used for cards or collage.
Contact Sarah for any questions at sarah.mullins8@gmail.com or text/call 973-714-9561.
8 students
Class #TSMGEL2
$75/$70 non-member/member
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Gel plate (8”x10” or 5”x7” recommended). Speedball plates found at Michael’s are not recommended for this class. Contact instructor for recommendations or questions regarding size and brands
Acrylic paint. A limited palette of 3 colors + white, black and gold is recommended. Feel free to bring Golden Open paints or a paint extender medium as well if you have them as they allow more time to arrange your botanicals. These are not required items. Fluid acrylics are not generally recommended as they can dry too quickly for botanical printing in some environments
Painters tape or masking tape
Brayers are available, but bring your own if you have one
Paper towels and hand sanitizer or baby wipes for cleaning your plate and brayer
Optional
Strong copy paper as well as deli paper will be supplied. Tissue paper (preferably wet strength) or medical exam paper is recommended for their transparent properties. Rice paper and tea bag paper are also good options
Natural botanicals will also be supplied. Feel free to bring some leaves such as maple or oak or any with strong patterns to them such as hydrangea I recommend picking them the day before and pressing them in a book beforehand if you can
Items to make texture such as cardboard, embossed paper, saran wrap, foil, onion bag, regular tissue paper, rubber or acrylic stamps, medicine bottle caps
Stencils - any size or design
$5 supply fee to be paid to instructor at workshop
AUGUST
Mixed Media: Abstract Landscape 2 Workshop
Instructor: Nina Nemeth
Adults & Older Teens
Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Time: 4pm - 7pm
SOLD OUT
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Please feel free to join even if you have taken the class before; we will cover new territory. We'll continue to dive into the essentials of composition, color theory, texture, and line to help you create captivating abstract pieces. This session focuses on experimentation and developing ideas, especially through sketchbook exercises. If you have a mixed-media sketchbook, please bring it along—though we’ll also have paper available. You are encouraged to bring along any medium you enjoy, such as pencil, pen, water-soluble drawing materials, oil pastels, charcoal, watercolor, or acrylic paints. Instructor will have supplies available for small fee for those who do not bring supplies.
$10.00 Supply Fee payable to Instructor first day - (only if needed by student)
Please contact instructor with any questions at nina.nemeth@yahoo.com or 973-454-1987.
Class# TWNNJL26
$75 non members / $70 members
Max # of students: 11
Sunflowers Watercolor Workshop
Instructor: Kat Block
Adults & Older Teens
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 1:30pm-4:30pm
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The focus will be on the structure of the flower which is very geometric, helping you see and draw the sunflower more accurately by finding the underlying shapes that guide its form. We’ll also explore making value changes with the color yellow—often one of the trickiest colors in watercolor. The challenge is to make value changes in yellow, while maintaining luminosity and depth. The other challenge is to making a compelling composition. Perfect for artists who want to sharpen their drawing skills while deepening their understanding of color.
Email Kat Block with any questions at katblock123@gmail.com.
Class #: SAKB81
$75 Non-Members / $70 Members
Max # of students: 12
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Bring the following supplies:
Watercolor paper 140lb cold press
Hb pencils, erasers
Tray for paint
Cadmium yellow medium paint?
Cadmium yellow deep
Raw umber
Sepia
Sap green Phthalo green
Alizarin crimson
No 2 and no 4 pointed round watercolor brushes
Whimsical Birdhouse Watercolor Workshop
Instructor: Janet Wadler
Ages 7-12
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time: 9:30am-11:30am
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In this guided drawing and painting workshop, children will follow step-by-step directions to create a composition of a birdhouse in a landscape, while being fully encouraged to personalize their creations with their own unique designs and details. To create our birdhouse composition, we will concentrate on our use of lines, shapes, patterns and textures and then we will add color using a wax resist painting technique which is using watercolors over crayon or oil pastels. This class is open to all skill levels and offers a warm studio environment for young artists to explore and experiment with different methods and materials. Start picking out a spot to hang their masterpiece!
Email Janet Wadler with any questions at jcwadler1@gmail.com.
Class #JWSA1
$45 non-members/$40 members
Min/Max # of students: 4/12
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Supplies to Bring:
HB drawing pencil and eraser
Sharpie black permanent marker (Fine)
Box of crayons and/or oil pastels
Watercolor box of 8 or 16 pans with included brush. (I like Prang)
Optional: a larger watercolor brush, size 8 or 10
Paper will be supplied
ONGOING
Life Drawing
Dates: Ongoing - 1st & 3rd Thursday evening of each month
Time: 7:30pm - 10pm
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Contact John Power for specific dates:powerart11@gmail.com
$15 model fee. Members only. Must be 18 or older.
Sculpture
Instructor: Michael Shacham
Dates: Wednesdays - Ongoing
Time: 5pm – 8pm
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We will be working from the model and combining both the technical and spiritual to create sculpture.
Contact instructor about questions/supplies: michael80@optonline.net or 201-506-0363
Class# M353
$140 members per 4 weeks
$160 non -members per 4 weeks
Open Studio
Open Studio offers members a relaxed, creative space to work independently, explore new ideas, and connect with fellow artists. Bring your own materials, enjoy dedicated studio time in a supportive and inspiring environment, and feel free to bring your lunch. Membership is required to attend.