Want to get creative this fall?Welcome this fall season by exploring new art classes presented by ArtPlay at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Part of the UAB Center for the Arts, ArtPlay provides quality art programming and experiences for all ages, cultivating a welcoming and supportive space for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the arts. With opportunities for every age and ability level, ArtPlay will host a variety of one-day and multi-week classes designed to help participants explore something new, return to a favorite artistic practice or continue developing a craft.
Classes are available from preschool to adult. Most classes meet weekly and are led by community artists. Read more about ArtPlay’s classes. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the class or workshop.
A discount is available for UAB students and employees when registering by phone. Call the Center for the Arts’ Guest Services at 205-975-2787.
Children and teens
Nature Journaling, for third grade through high school, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 29-Nov. 3. Participants will develop observation and drawing skills through nature journaling, combining scientific curiosity with artistic expression. Led by Amy Sides, each session encourages slowing down, noticing details, and recording experiences through sketching and writing. This class fosters creativity, mindfulness and a deeper connection to the natural environment. $150.
Intro to Theatre: The Art of Storytelling, for kindergarten through fifth grade, with two separate sessions: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, or 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Taught by Irealle Sylvas, this interactive class introduces young learners to the foundations of storytelling through theater. Students engage in creative movement, character-building and imaginative play while developing confidence and communication skills. Through guided exercises and collaborative storytelling, participants bring ideas to life and gain a deeper understanding of narrative and performance. $40.
Flow & Fashion: Pour Art + Jewelry, for sixth grade to adult, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 28-Oct. 19. This multi-session class led by Rhonda Henry explores the creative process from painting to wearable design. Participants begin by creating abstract pour paintings, experimenting with color, movement and composition. In later sessions, they transform elements of their artwork into custom jewelry pieces. The class combines visual art and design, encouraging experimentation, personal expression and an understanding of how artwork can evolve across mediums. $150.
Everything Will Go Wrong
Registration for fall classes at ArtPlay is now open. , for sixth grade to high school 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. In this high-energy improv workshop led by Zoe Christie, students learn to embrace mistakes and turn them into creative opportunities. Through theater games, collaborative exercises and guided performance scenarios, participants build confidence, adaptability and stage presence. This class encourages risk-taking in a supportive environment and helps young performers develop resilience, communication skills and trust in their instincts. $40.
Collage Shirts, for sixth grade through adult, 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. This session is led by Peter “Float” Lüker and allows participants to design and create a one-of-a-kind wearable artwork using collage techniques and heat press technology. Participants will combine shapes, patterns and personal designs to produce custom shirts while learning the basics of layout, transfer and production. This class blends visual art with functional design in an engaging, hands-on format. While ArtPlay will have T-shirts available, participants should plan to bring their own cotton/poly-blend T-shirts to personalize (two or three shirts are recommended). $65
Adults
Intro to Stencil Cutting, 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. Led by Peter “Float” Lüker, participants will learn the fundamentals of stencil creation and design, transforming images into bold graphic compositions. This workshop introduces cutting techniques, layering and spray application methods, providing a hands-on exploration of street art processes and creative experimentation while creating dragon and cloud design. $65.
The Whys and Hows of Saving Money, 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. This engaging workshop is led by Lisa Gibbs and introduces participants to the fundamentals of financial literacy, including saving strategies, budgeting and goal-setting. Designed for artists and creative individuals, the class connects discipline in the arts to financial wellness. Participants will leave with practical tools and actionable steps for building financial confidence. $50.
Graveyard Silhouettes, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 17. Explore atmospheric watercolor techniques in this seasonal painting workshop with Heather Hyatt. Participants will create moody landscape compositions using silhouette, contrast and limited color palettes to achieve dramatic visual effects. This class emphasizes composition, layering and expressive mark-making while offering a fun, accessible entry point into watercolor. $50.
Atmospheric Watercolors, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 7. In this workshop led by Heather Hyatt, students will explore the expressive possibilities of watercolor through layering, color blending and atmospheric techniques. Focusing on mood and composition, participants will experiment with washes and texture to create dynamic, evocative paintings. This class is ideal for those looking to refine their skills or develop confidence with watercolor as a medium. $50.
Acting for Non-Actors (Intermediate), 9:30-11 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 3-Nov. 14 (except Oct. 24). Led by Brendan Powers, this class is ideal for those who have taken Acting for Non-Actors and learned the basics of theater stagecraft and terminology. These sessions will delve more deeply into creating engaging, nuanced performances, both scripted and improvised. Exercises in character study, text analysis and ensemble work will be explored in a fun, casual learning environment. $175.
Buttonhole Bookbinding, 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. Learn the fundamentals of traditional bookbinding in this hands-on workshop led by Vickie Finley. Participants will create their own handcrafted journal using buttonhole stitch techniques while exploring materials, structure and design. This class offers a balance of technical skill-building and creative expression, resulting in a finished piece that is both functional and uniquely personal. $75.
Polymer Clay Jewelry, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. Participants will design and create their own polymer clay jewelry using bold color combinations, texture techniques and pattern-making approaches. This workshop is led by Rhonda Henry and introduces essential skills including shaping, curing and finishing, while encouraging individual style and experimentation. Students will leave with wearable artwork and a foundational understanding of polymer clay as a creative medium. $75.