NEW for class attendees — enjoy a 10% discount on Chaffee Gallery Shoppe purchases on the day of your class!
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES by noon the day before the class unless otherwise noted.
Download enrollment and financial forms here
FOR ALL CLASSES:
• Must pre-register and pre-pay before class date
• Safety Protocols, mask policy
• Limited number of students
• Classes open to TEENS 15+ (Note: Figure Drawing Class needs parent/guardian written permission)
• On occasion we allow age 14 or younger, however, an adult must accompany youth and stay for the duration of the class
We offer a variety of classes for teens and kids too! They make a great gift. Check them out here.
Jump to Weekly Classes
Note: Held monthly on the fourth Saturday each month, RSVP Required. We are excited to be partnering with Phoenix Books on Center St., Rutland Book Group members get 20% off purchase of our monthly book.
ADULT WATERCOLOR
Thursday, May 14
5:30–7:30pm
Instructor: Lorraine “Rainey” Dewey
$40 per person
Min: 5, Max: 10
Supplies will be available. However, we encourage you to bring your own Watercolor brushes that you can also use to practice: 1” flat, #8 or #10 Round and small Round #0 or #1 for fine detail.
CLASS FOCUS: Deeper dive into Value Sketch and Color Study
Come, learn to paint in watercolor! This class is for beginners, though all levels are welcome.
This class will help you build a foundation toward your painting goals. Attendees will be guided as they paint from their own perspective.
MUST PRE-REGISTER
Figure Drawing with live model
Third Wednesday of each month
Next session will be May 20, 5–7pm
Bring own supplies.
Minimum students: 4
Sign up for 4 weeks at $60 or $20 per class
MANDALA PAINTING
Wednesday, May 20
5:30–7pm
$25 per person includes all supplies, tea & treats
Min: 5
Join us for a mindful and relaxing experience! Meet up with Friends or unwind solo with this fun and inspiring MANDALA DOT ART MAKING where you can choose your item to paint, then enjoy Sweet Treats with Tea! MUST PRE-REGISTER by Noon the Tuesday before the class.
Pour Painting
Thursday, May 21
6–8pm
Instructor: Lorrie Amerio Maniery
$30 per person includes all supplies
Min: 5, Max: 12
Learn pour painting technique. Follow along with an instructor and leave with a finished painting.
Must Pre-register BY NOON WEDNESDAY prior.
Book Group
We’ve moved to fourth Saturday of each month!
Saturday, May 23
11am–Noon
We will be discussing The Meaning of Your Life, by Arthur C. Brooks.
This Book Group gets together to share insights, experiences and perspectives, with meaningful conversations. Once a month we choose an author that may guide us to our own personal power, becoming stronger mentally, physically, spiritually, and maybe most importantly finding resiliency to what life throws our way. These books are positive and offer the opportunity for self-discovery in mindset, habits, emotional well-being, and more. We meet in the Chaffee Art Center, an 1890s Queen Anne Victorian mansion, offering a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Enjoy a hot beverage and sweet treats from our Café area. RSVP Required https://chaffeeartcenter.square.site/
“Why Book Clubs Are Good for Your Mental Health”
Posted Jan. 9, 2025 | Reviewed by Gary Drevitch
Mandala — ALL AGES
Saturday, May 30
11am–12:30pm
$25 per person includes all supplies; Min: 5
Get ready for a fun, mindful and relaxing experience! Attendees will choose among a few items for their mandala dot art creation. This is a multi-age class so bring friends, adult and young artist, mentor and mentee, etc! The repetition of patterns and choice of colors provides a pathway to process emotions, boost self-esteem, gives a sense of accomplishment, plus allows exploration and self-expression.
MUST PRE-REGISTER by Noon the Friday before the class.
Wire Twisting — Willow Tree
Wednesday, June 17
6–8pm
Instructor: Hope Will
$35 per person includes all supplies
Min: 5
Learn the wire twisting technique and make a willow tree. Follow along with the instructor while she guides you through the process with tips & tricks to make it easy and fun. Attendees will leave with a finished tree.
Must Pre-register BY NOON the TUESDAY before.
Sip ‘n’ Dip
Thursday, June 18
6–8pm
$35 per person includes all supplies; Min: 5
Image: TBD
Instructor: Sally Hogan
Are YOU ready for some fun!
Perfect for a date night or just out with friends!
Attendees follow along with an instructor and leave with a finished acrylic painting. BYO wine.
Note: Sip n Dips are offered monthly. Private classes available. We can also host your friends and family for a special event (bridal shower, birthday, etc.)
Gouache Painting
Wednesday, June 24
6–8pm
Fee: $40 includes all supplies
Instructor: Shy Carter
Min: 5
Image: Landscape by Shyanne Carter
Learn the gouache painting technique. Instructor will walk attendees through the steps needed to create a finished landscape piece such as How to use gouache paints, water control, value sketch, color mixing, and more. All supplies provided.
(Gouache paint is a fast-drying, opaque, water-based medium composed of pigment, binder and filler, creating a matte, velvety finish. Known for being easy to use and versatile, it is a hybrid of watercolor and acrylic, offering high coverage in one stroke.)
Must Pre-register BY NOON, TUESDAY before the class.
Weekly Classes
Connections Weekly Group
Fridays
12–1pm
Must RSVP
This group will meet weekly on Fridays at Noon at the Chaffee Art Center. The idea is to create a place to share with others (thoughts, philosophies, spirituality, cultures, and more) in a respectful way. All are welcome. Please RSVP https://chaffeeartcenter.square.site/
Bone Builders at the Chaffee
No Bone Builders Dec. 24, 26, 31, and Jan. 1. We look forward to seeing you Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Free weekly classes Wed. & Fri.
Wednesdays, 3:30–4:30pm
Fridays, 11am–12pm
Volunteer Instructor: Heather Wilson
Back-up Instructor: Karen Harris
This is a free program through RSVP.
All you need to bring with you is a bottle of water.
Each participant will need to fill out paperwork that can be done before they attend the first class, OR they can just not use weights for the first class and pick up paperwork then. [email protected]
The RSVP Bone Builders Program relies upon weight training and balance exercises to protect against fractures caused by osteoporosis by increasing muscular strength, balance and bone density. All classes are free!
Must pre-register: https://chaffeeartcenter.square.site/
Creative Canvas Weekly Saturday Activity
MUST PRE REGISTER by Noon on Friday the day before
All Ages
Time: 12–2pm
$25 per person — All materials will be set up and ready for you with a choice of 3 images you can paint. Includes use of: Canvas, paint, brushes, easel, smock. [Youth must be accompanied by an adult.]
If last minute decision, please call first!
Note: This is DIY. If you would like an instructor at an additional fee, please call 802.775.0356
Adult Artery Weekly FRIDAYS — FREE
FREE Adult group for connection, inspiration, and a place to create with others. Join in the fun and creative energy every FRIDAY 10am-12pm! Painting, crafting, creating — all mediums welcome. No set topic or instructor, attendees will work on their individual artwork.
• It’s FREE if bring own painting supplies (donation appreciated)
• Option for those that need supplies: Chaffee provides paint (watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastel), canvas, brushes, easel — $20 per person
MUST PRE-REGISTER
Ukulele Group
FREE…Thursdays, 12–1pm
Attendees will play a group of sheet music. All levels welcome.
Ages: Adults and 12+
Note: This is not a class, but a group enjoying playing the ukulele together. Attendees will have a selection of music to play from. All levels welcome.
MUST PRE-REGISTER BY WEDNESDAY at 12pm at https://chaffeeartcenter.square.site/ or call number below.
There are a limited amount of in-house instruments that can be used … they need to be reserved 802-775-0356.
Payments and Refunds
Checks payable to: Chaffee Art Center
16 South Main Street, Rutland VT 05701
[email protected]
Effective April 22, 2024 — Full payment is required to secure your space in classes. There are minimum and maximum enrollment limits, so be sure to register quickly to ensure your place. Students will be notified if a class is to be canceled due to low registration at least a week in advance and will be refunded in full.
Refund requests must be received at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the class. An administration fee of 50% of the class price is non-refundable, and the credit card charge will be added. After the two-week window, a partial class credit may be processed at the discretion of the Director. Class credits are non-refundable/non-transferable. No shows or cancellations the day of the class are not eligible for refund or class credit.
Please note: Classes are normally held in our second floor studio only accessible via the grand staircase. Sometimes we are able to hold them on the first floor that is accessible by a ramp from the parking lot, or you may be able to do it via zoom. It is important to call ahead to see if we can make arrangements.