Weekly classes are the core of what we do. In small groups of 10-12 students, elders are able to learn new skills, explore new ideas, and build positive relationships with their peers. We offer free introductory classes for individuals, residential communities, and senior centers. Online and In Person options available. Contact us at info@artwithelders.org for more information about classes for communities. For individuals looking for online classes, please provide your contact info below.
Working directly with our Partner Communities, which include senior living communities, senior centers, and long term care facilities, our program has provided almost 2,000 in-person and online art classes to 400 older adults throughout the San Francisco Bay Area each year.
Taught by a team of dedicated professional artists, students gather in groups of up to twelve for two hours each week to learn about and create art. Since many are new to art making, the program is sequential and tailored to each artist’s skill level and areas of interest. AWE is distinctive in its program quality, fostering the artistic journey and unique personal expression of each individual in a supportive group environment. Using a variety of media, students have an opportunity to hone their skills in art fundamentals, from color and composition to perspective and background, and benefit from interaction with instructors and peers. Classes are offered in a variety of languages, including English, Russian, Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Saturday Intergenerational Open Studio Online with Darcie O’Brien
AWESTRUC – Online Interactive Classes
(Art With Elders Shared Through Resourcefully Using Computers)
Our experienced professional artists provide instruction and build community through online interactive art classes. Classes are scheduled for 2-hour sessions throughout the week. Art students from beginner to advanced levels can join us to take their creative abilities to the next level with the guidance of an instructor and support from classmates. Students will need a computer, tablet, or smart phone for visual and audio access to the interactive classroom platform.
Individuals and groups living independently or residing at senior living communities are invited to sign up for our classes. Group/Community rates and full scholarship available. $10-15 per session suggested donation for individuals requested, but not required. Free introductory classes available. Please fill in the form below so we can contact you with more details.
Provide us with your contact info and we will connect with you to give you details and get you signed up!
You can pay for Online Interactive Classes by clicking the Donate button below. Major Credit Cards and PayPal accepted:
AWE Online Learning Tutorials
Welcome Art With Elders Artists! Please enjoy this online art tutorial collection from some of our Artist Instructors
From our Executive Director and Laguna Honda Program Director, Mark Campbell: Learn more about Mark’s work on his website: markhcampbell.com. BFA, painting and sculpture Rollins College. MFA, Academy of Art University, San Francisco. Studied classical realistic oil painting 1992-96. Started using wood and stone in compositions in 1997. Collected internationally by museums, celebrities and businesses since 2000.
Mark’s “AWE at LHH Painting Inspired by Music”
From Mark’s project for Minna Gallery exhibit, “Discolandia”
Mark’s “Art With Elders At LHH The Art of Play”
Mark’s “Drawing Lesson 1”
Source Image for Drawing Lesson 1
Mark’s “Intro to Watercolor”
Source Image for Mark’s Watercolor Lesson
From AWE Artist Instructor Yvette Brown, Fibonacci Secret to Drawing Succulents.
Learn more about Yvette’s work on her website: yvettembrown.com. “My work is about the deep psychological and physical responses people have to motion. I create images that tap into the rich vein that lies between our dreams of flying and our nightmares of falling out of control.” YouTube link: Fibonacci Secret to Drawing Succulents
From Artist Instructor Min Lee
Min Lee is a traveling photographer and filmmaker. He has traveled throughout thirty destinations worldwide, and has accumulated a growing collection of over 600 photos and videos. For an inside look at the work coming out Fuglee Studio, please visit fuglee.com.
Drawing instruction from Min Lee on YouTube:
The Drawing Board E1: Drawing Fundamentals
The Drawing Board E2: Figure Drawing and Proportions
The Drawing Board E3: Still Life
The Drawing Board EP9: Clouds II – Painting Clouds
From AWE Artist Instructor Hugh Leeman
Now based in San Francisco, AWE Artist Instructor Hugh Leeman is a world traveler who has engaged with people to make art along his journey. Please visit his website to see his work: http://www.hughleeman.com/
Learn more about Hugh’s creative path in this video of his presentation to the AWE Friday Open Studio group:
From AWE Artist Instructor Hugh Leeman: Dutch Still Lifes: A Window Into Political, Economic, and Social Change
From AWE Artist Instructor Intern Kathryn Whitten
Kathryn is a rising sophomore at Columbia University. She plans to major in visual arts, focusing specifically on painting. In her art practice, she loves to paint portraits of her family and landscapes around her hometown, Point Reyes Station. She is interested in becoming an art professor and working with non-profit art education programs. As a part of her summer 2021 internship with AWE, she created this 2-part workshop that she presented to the Saturday Open Studio group facilitated by AWE Artist Instructor Darcie O’Brien:
Self Portrait Studies 1 & 2 by Art with Elders intern Kathryn Whitten
Portrait Presentation Part 1
Portrait Presentation Part 2
Drapery Demo
for the Indexical Clothing Portrait Project by Art with Elders intern Kathryn Whitten
Indexical Clothing Portrait Project Parts 1 & 2 by Art with Elders intern Kathryn Whitten
Studio Visit by AWE Artist Instructor Yvette Brown
for the Indexical Clothing Portrait Project by Art with Elders intern Kathryn Whitten
Value Exercise
for the Indexical Clothing Portrait Project by Art with Elders intern Kathryn Whitten
Slide Presentations for the Indexical Clothing Portrait Project
Clothing Portrait Presentation Part 1
Sample classwork from Projects by Art with Elders intern Kathryn Whitten
Kathryns Projects Sample Work
From AWE Artist Instructor Emeritus, Zimou Tan
Zimou graduated from the Academy of Art College in San Francisco in 2001 with degrees in both Fine Arts and Traditional Illustration. Zimou has exhibited widely from New York to Pasadena, and has been recognized extensively for his abilities in art. You can learn more about Zimou and his work on his website: http://www.zimoutanart.com/
Here’s an example of the many tutorials you will find at Zimou Tan You Tube, enjoy!