Upcoming Classes

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• Laura Sippos, 3/27 Brushless Acrylics Happy Hour

  • When
    Friday, March 27, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA, 15317
  • Spaces left
    7
  • Registered
    9 registrants

  Register

  Enjoy snacks and drinks while trying your hand at an art project.

  All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner. Supplies and light snacks and refreshments are included with the workshop fee.  

  Of course, happy hour is best with friends, so bring one or two, or come and make a new one! A great date night, too! 

  Happy hours are the fourth Friday of most months.

  Jan. 23, 2026 6:30-8:30
  

  Feb. 27, 6:30-8:30

  Mar. 27, 6:30-8:30

  Apr. 24, 6:30-8:30

  May 22, 6:30-8:30

  Minimum: 6
  Maximum: 16

  
  

  Show details
• Bill Karaffa, Drawing the Portrait Series

  • Start
    Monday, March 30, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Tuesday, March 31, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA, 15317
  • Spaces left
    10
  • Registered
    6 registrants

  Register

  Bill Karaffa is a practicing Pittsburgh-based artist who focuses on capturing the portrait in many of his works. His focus is on the technical aspects of portraiture drawing.  His work has been successfully accepted into a variety of international, national and regional art exhibitions. 

  The first part of the workshop will develop the student’s ability to accurately draw the human head/face. The focus for the first day will be on understanding the basics of facial anatomy, proportions of a human head, facial gestures and expressions, rendering facial planes and forms, and how to capture a likeness of a sitter.  The first day will utilize a variety of hand outs, and reference photography.  The instructor will cover the use of photography and some of the pros/cons and adjustments necessary.

  The second day of the workshop will address rendering forms under lighting conditions and will culminate in a 3 to 4 hour long pose session with a live model.

  Sessions may include brief demos by the artist to show the processes being discussed.

  The instructor will provide a variety of hands-on insights and suggestions to participants as they complete the various assignments.  

  Two day series only. $10-$15 model fee depending on number of students.

  Student Materials List - Drawing Supplies

  Graphite Pencils HB, B, 2B, 3B to 5B

  Charcoal Pencils or Sticks in Hard, Medium and Soft

  Generals White Caulk Pencils

  Willow and/or Vine Charcoal

  Sharpeners and Sanding Blocks

  Erasers (gum and stick)

  Newsprint paper 18 x 24

  Strathmore 400 or 500 Grey or Tan Toned 18 x 24 or 22 x 30 (2 Sheets)

  Drawing Board (Gator or MDF) 22 x 30

  Tape or Clips

  Easel or Table Easel

  Maximum class size: 16
  Minimum class size: 6

  Show details
• Laura Sippos, Thrift Store Altered Art

  • When
    Wednesday, April 01, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA, 15317
  • Spaces left
    14
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  All skill levels.

  Turn beautiful, or not so beautiful, thrift store, art into something new and fun! (or scary, whimsical, or downright weird). Bring your imagination and learn some techniques to rescue some art. A good time will be had by all! This one makes a great girls night out or a date!

  All materials provided.

  Minimum: 6
  Maximum: 16

  
  

  Show details
• Sue Levy, Watercolor Spring Colors Series (her LAST workshop)

  • Start
    Tuesday, April 07, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Tuesday, April 28, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd. McMurray, PA 15317
  • Spaces left
    12
  • Registered
    4 registrants

  Register

  Sue Levy has announced she is retiring from her many years of teaching for MAL. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of our favorite instructors!

  A great class for beginner to intermediate watercolor artists!
  

  Designed for those of you who have a desire to paint in Watercolor.
  * For those with some drawing ability to those just getting back to painting and for those of you more advanced in painting.

  My classes are designed to inspire and help you have a better understanding of:

  • How to control the water; too little; too much? Learn the tips.
  • Work Wet and Wet: wet paper and wet brush or dry paper, dry brush?
  • Values: we will do an exercise using one color to create the values from te very lightest to medium to the darkest values. You will experiment with this.
  • Brushes: Let's talk about brushwork: how to use round brushes and flat brushes and explore each brush to make special marks. There are flat brushes, round brushes, detail brushes, rigger brushes, angle brushes, and rake brushes to use with watercolor. All of these depend on how much pressure you apply to your paper, how you hold your brush, etc.
  • Very important are the elements of design and composition to help you create the best in your painting.

  We will also explore the beautiful pallette of spring and talk about how to mix paints and how to best achieve luminous color! Much more will be covered as we go along in the exciting way to paint watercolor.

  Class Description:

  Design and composition and the principles of design.
  1- techniques, painting, wet into wet, (wet paper, wet brush), dry into wet (dry paper, wet brush). See how the paint mingles with the water. We’ll do a freeform exercise. No mistakes just plain fun !
  I’ll do a demo and you can paint along
  2- paper, Arches 140 pound, cold press, 100% rag.
  3- pigments, watercolor tube paint or cake or sometime referred to as pan paint.
  4- brushes, how to use your brush to get the most from them. Round, Flat etc. brushes.
  5- WATER: VERY IMPORTANT: How much water, ratio or % to the paint ratio or %. We will learn value studies by the % of water to the pigment (paint).
  
  Materials List:

  • Water container can be anything to hold your water
  • Palette to mix paint. A styrofoam plate works
  • Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block.
  • Paper towels
  • Palette to mix paint,a styrofoam plate works
  • Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block
  • Paper towels
  • Watercolor tube or cake/pan paint:

  Basic Palette:
  Lemon yellow
  Cadmium yellow medium
  Cadmium red light
  Alizarin crimson
  Cobalt blue
  Ultramarine blue
  Cerulean blue
  Yellow ochre
  Burnt Sienna

  This is a limited palette. If you want more colors bring them. If you are a painter already, bring your gear.

  See you in April, Come and have fun with Watercolor!

  This Watercolor Workshop is a casual class, all questions are welcome. Learn techniques in Watercolor; getting the maximum use of your brushes.

  This class is geared toward students interested in learning the wonderful world of watercolor. Some drawing ability is preferred. For beginners to intermediate painters.

  Maximum class size: 16
  Minimum class size: 4

  (Register here for the series or register for 4/7, 14, 21, and 28 sessions separately from the Class Calendar.)

  
  

  Show details
• Sue Levy, 4/7 Watercolor Spring Colors

  • When
    Tuesday, April 07, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd. McMurray, PA 15317
  • Spaces left
    12
  • Registered
    4 registrants

  Register

  A great class for beginner to intermediate watercolor artists!
  

  Designed for those of you who have a desire to paint in Watercolor.
  * For those with some drawing ability to those just getting back to painting and for those of you more advanced in painting.

  My classes are designed to inspire and help you have a better understanding of:

  • How to control the water; too little; too much? Learn the tips.
  • Work Wet and Wet: wet paper and wet brush or dry paper, dry brush?
  • Values: we will do an exercise using one color to create the values from te very lightest to medium to the darkest values. You will experiment with this.
  • Brushes: Let's talk about brushwork: how to use round brushes and flat brushes and explore each brush to make special marks. There are flat brushes, round brushes, detail brushes, rigger brushes, angle brushes, and rake brushes to use with watercolor. All of these depend on how much pressure you apply to your paper, how you hold your brush, etc.
  • Very important are the elements of design and composition to help you create the best in your painting.

  We will also explore the beautiful pallette of spring and talk about how to mix paints and how to best achieve luminous color! Much more will be covered as we go along in the exciting way to paint watercolor.

  Class Description:

  Design and composition and the principles of design.
  1- techniques, painting, wet into wet, (wet paper, wet brush), dry into wet (dry paper, wet brush). See how the paint mingles with the water. We’ll do a freeform exercise. No mistakes just plain fun !
  I’ll do a demo and you can paint along
  2- paper, Arches 140 pound, cold press, 100% rag.
  3- pigments, watercolor tube paint or cake or sometime referred to as pan paint.
  4- brushes, how to use your brush to get the most from them. Round, Flat etc. brushes.
  5- WATER: VERY IMPORTANT: How much water, ratio or % to the paint ratio or %. We will learn value studies by the % of water to the pigment (paint).
  
  Materials List:

  • Water container can be anything to hold your water
  • Palette to mix paint. A styrofoam plate works
  • Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block.
  • Paper towels
  • Palette to mix paint,a styrofoam plate works
  • Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block
  • Paper towels
  • Watercolor tube or cake/pan paint:

  Basic Palette:
  Lemon yellow
  Cadmium yellow medium
  Cadmium red light
  Alizarin crimson
  Cobalt blue
  Ultramarine blue
  Cerulean blue
  Yellow ochre
  Burnt Sienna

  This is a limited palette. If you want more colors bring them. If you are a painter already, bring your gear.

  See you in April, Come and have fun with Watercolor!

  This Watercolor Workshop is a casual class, all questions are welcome. Learn techniques in Watercolor; getting the maximum use of your brushes.

  This class is geared toward students interested in learning the wonderful world of watercolor. Some drawing ability is preferred. For beginners to intermediate painters.

  Maximum class size: 16
  Minimum class size: 4

  (Register here for the series or register for 4/7, 14, 21, and 28 sessions separately from the Class Calendar.)

  
  

    

  
   

  Show details
• Laura Sippos, Polymer Clay Jewelry Series

  • Start
    Wednesday, April 08, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Wednesday, April 15, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA, 15317
  • Spaces left
    16
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  All skill levels

  This class is all about play, with a fantastic outcome! Try your hand at some interesting techniques to make polymer clay sparkle and shine, or even look like your favorite crystals or rocks. Students will create at least two jewelry items like earrings, pendants, brooches, etc.

  Two week series only. All materials provided, including jewelry findings.

  Maximum class size: 16
  Minimum class size: 6

  Show details
• Sue Levy, 4/14 Watercolor Spring Colors

  • When
    Tuesday, April 14, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd. McMurray, PA 15317
  • Spaces left
    14
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  A great class for beginner to intermediate watercolor artists!
  

  Designed for those of you who have a desire to paint in Watercolor.
  * For those with some drawing ability to those just getting back to painting and for those of you more advanced in painting.

  My classes are designed to inspire and help you have a better understanding of:

  • How to control the water; too little; too much? Learn the tips.
  • Work Wet and Wet: wet paper and wet brush or dry paper, dry brush?
  • Values: we will do an exercise using one color to create the values from te very lightest to medium to the darkest values. You will experiment with this.
  • Brushes: Let's talk about brushwork: how to use round brushes and flat brushes and explore each brush to make special marks. There are flat brushes, round brushes, detail brushes, rigger brushes, angle brushes, and rake brushes to use with watercolor. All of these depend on how much pressure you apply to your paper, how you hold your brush, etc.
  • Very important are the elements of design and composition to help you create the best in your painting.

  We will also explore the beautiful pallette of spring and talk about how to mix paints and how to best achieve luminous color! Much more will be covered as we go along in the exciting way to paint watercolor.

  Class Description:

  Design and composition and the principles of design.
  1- techniques, painting, wet into wet, (wet paper, wet brush), dry into wet (dry paper, wet brush). See how the paint mingles with the water. We’ll do a freeform exercise. No mistakes just plain fun !
  I’ll do a demo and you can paint along
  2- paper, Arches 140 pound, cold press, 100% rag.
  3- pigments, watercolor tube paint or cake or sometime referred to as pan paint.
  4- brushes, how to use your brush to get the most from them. Round, Flat etc. brushes.
  5- WATER: VERY IMPORTANT: How much water, ratio or % to the paint ratio or %. We will learn value studies by the % of water to the pigment (paint).
  
  Materials List:

  • Water container can be anything to hold your water
  • Palette to mix paint. A styrofoam plate works
  • Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block.
  • Paper towels
  • Palette to mix paint,a styrofoam plate works
  • Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block
  • Paper towels
  • Watercolor tube or cake/pan paint:

  Basic Palette:
  Lemon yellow
  Cadmium yellow medium
  Cadmium red light
  Alizarin crimson
  Cobalt blue
  Ultramarine blue
  Cerulean blue
  Yellow ochre
  Burnt Sienna

  This is a limited palette. If you want more colors bring them. If you are a painter already, bring your gear.

  See you in April, Come and have fun with Watercolor!

  This Watercolor Workshop is a casual class, all questions are welcome. Learn techniques in Watercolor; getting the maximum use of your brushes.

  This class is geared toward students interested in learning the wonderful world of watercolor. Some drawing ability is preferred. For beginners to intermediate painters.

  Maximum class size: 16
  Minimum class size: 4

  (Register here for the series or register for 4/7, 14, 21, and 28 sessions separately from the Class Calendar.)

  
  

    

  
   

  Show details
• Laura Sippos, Cyanotype Printing

  • When
    Saturday, April 18, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA, 15317
  • Spaces left
    16
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  All skill levels

  An early method of photography, this unique art medium uses sunlight to create a reverse image. In a fun learning environment, students mix the appropriate chemicals, apply them to paper and fabric, and create several pieces of original art. Each student will also have the opportunity to create art on their choice of an apron or a tote bag!
  

  All materials and light snacks provided 

  Minimum: 6
  Maximum: 16

  
  

  Show details
• Sue Levy, 4/21 Watercolor Spring Colors

  • When
    Tuesday, April 21, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd. McMurray, PA 15317
  • Spaces left
    16
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  A great class for beginner to intermediate watercolor artists!
  

  Designed for those of you who have a desire to paint in Watercolor.
  * For those with some drawing ability to those just getting back to painting and for those of you more advanced in painting.

  My classes are designed to inspire and help you have a better understanding of:

  • How to control the water; too little; too much? Learn the tips.
  • Work Wet and Wet: wet paper and wet brush or dry paper, dry brush?
  • Values: we will do an exercise using one color to create the values from te very lightest to medium to the darkest values. You will experiment with this.
  • Brushes: Let's talk about brushwork: how to use round brushes and flat brushes and explore each brush to make special marks. There are flat brushes, round brushes, detail brushes, rigger brushes, angle brushes, and rake brushes to use with watercolor. All of these depend on how much pressure you apply to your paper, how you hold your brush, etc.
  • Very important are the elements of design and composition to help you create the best in your painting.

  We will also explore the beautiful pallette of spring and talk about how to mix paints and how to best achieve luminous color! Much more will be covered as we go along in the exciting way to paint watercolor.

  Class Description:

  Design and composition and the principles of design.
  1- techniques, painting, wet into wet, (wet paper, wet brush), dry into wet (dry paper, wet brush). See how the paint mingles with the water. We’ll do a freeform exercise. No mistakes just plain fun !
  I’ll do a demo and you can paint along
  2- paper, Arches 140 pound, cold press, 100% rag.
  3- pigments, watercolor tube paint or cake or sometime referred to as pan paint.
  4- brushes, how to use your brush to get the most from them. Round, Flat etc. brushes.
  5- WATER: VERY IMPORTANT: How much water, ratio or % to the paint ratio or %. We will learn value studies by the % of water to the pigment (paint).
  
  Materials List:

  • Water container can be anything to hold your water
  • Palette to mix paint. A styrofoam plate works
  • Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block.
  • Paper towels
  • Palette to mix paint,a styrofoam plate works
  • Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block
  • Paper towels
  • Watercolor tube or cake/pan paint:

  Basic Palette:
  Lemon yellow
  Cadmium yellow medium
  Cadmium red light
  Alizarin crimson
  Cobalt blue
  Ultramarine blue
  Cerulean blue
  Yellow ochre
  Burnt Sienna

  This is a limited palette. If you want more colors bring them. If you are a painter already, bring your gear.

  See you in April, Come and have fun with Watercolor!

  This Watercolor Workshop is a casual class, all questions are welcome. Learn techniques in Watercolor; getting the maximum use of your brushes.

  This class is geared toward students interested in learning the wonderful world of watercolor. Some drawing ability is preferred. For beginners to intermediate painters.

  Maximum class size: 16
  Minimum class size: 4

  (Register here for the series or register for 4/7, 14, 21, and 28 sessions separately from the Class Calendar.)

  
  

    

  
   

  Show details
• Laura Sippos, 4/24 Watercolor Spring Happy Hour

  • When
    Friday, April 24, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA, 15317
  • Spaces left
    14
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  Enjoy snacks and drinks while trying your hand at an art project.

  All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner. Supplies and light snacks and refreshments are included with the workshop fee.  

  Of course, happy hour is best with friends, so bring one or two, or come and make a new one! A great date night, too! 

  Happy hours are the fourth Friday of most months.

  Jan. 23, 2026 6:30-8:30
  

  Feb. 27, 6:30-8:30

  Mar. 27, 6:30-8:30

  Apr. 24, 6:30-8:30

  May 22, 6:30-8:30

  Minimum: 6
  Maximum: 16

  
  

  Show details
• Sue Levy, 4/28 Watercolor Spring Colors

  • When
    Tuesday, April 28, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd. McMurray, PA 15317
  • Spaces left
    15
  • Registered
    1 registrant

  Register

  A great class for beginner to intermediate watercolor artists!
  

  Designed for those of you who have a desire to paint in Watercolor.
  * For those with some drawing ability to those just getting back to painting and for those of you more advanced in painting.

  My classes are designed to inspire and help you have a better understanding of:

  • How to control the water; too little; too much? Learn the tips.
  • Work Wet and Wet: wet paper and wet brush or dry paper, dry brush?
  • Values: we will do an exercise using one color to create the values from te very lightest to medium to the darkest values. You will experiment with this.
  • Brushes: Let's talk about brushwork: how to use round brushes and flat brushes and explore each brush to make special marks. There are flat brushes, round brushes, detail brushes, rigger brushes, angle brushes, and rake brushes to use with watercolor. All of these depend on how much pressure you apply to your paper, how you hold your brush, etc.
  • Very important are the elements of design and composition to help you create the best in your painting.

  We will also explore the beautiful pallette of spring and talk about how to mix paints and how to best achieve luminous color! Much more will be covered as we go along in the exciting way to paint watercolor.

  Class Description:

  Design and composition and the principles of design.
  1- techniques, painting, wet into wet, (wet paper, wet brush), dry into wet (dry paper, wet brush). See how the paint mingles with the water. We’ll do a freeform exercise. No mistakes just plain fun !
  I’ll do a demo and you can paint along
  2- paper, Arches 140 pound, cold press, 100% rag.
  3- pigments, watercolor tube paint or cake or sometime referred to as pan paint.
  4- brushes, how to use your brush to get the most from them. Round, Flat etc. brushes.
  5- WATER: VERY IMPORTANT: How much water, ratio or % to the paint ratio or %. We will learn value studies by the % of water to the pigment (paint).
  
  Materials List:

  • Water container can be anything to hold your water
  • Palette to mix paint. A styrofoam plate works
  • Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block.
  • Paper towels
  • Palette to mix paint,a styrofoam plate works
  • Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block
  • Paper towels
  • Watercolor tube or cake/pan paint:

  Basic Palette:
  Lemon yellow
  Cadmium yellow medium
  Cadmium red light
  Alizarin crimson
  Cobalt blue
  Ultramarine blue
  Cerulean blue
  Yellow ochre
  Burnt Sienna

  This is a limited palette. If you want more colors bring them. If you are a painter already, bring your gear.

  See you in April, Come and have fun with Watercolor!

  This Watercolor Workshop is a casual class, all questions are welcome. Learn techniques in Watercolor; getting the maximum use of your brushes.

  This class is geared toward students interested in learning the wonderful world of watercolor. Some drawing ability is preferred. For beginners to intermediate painters.

  Maximum class size: 16
  Minimum class size: 4

  (Register here for the series or register for 4/7, 14, 21, and 28 sessions separately from the Class Calendar.)

  
  

    

  
   

  Show details
• Laura Sippos, Intermediate Color Theory

  • When
    Saturday, May 02, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA, 15317
  • Spaces left
    16
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  Knowledge of creating and using a color wheel preferred.

  Take your art to the next level by expanding your understanding of color theory. This hands-on class will explore the meaning of color, color harmonies, atmospheric perspective, simultaneous contrast, and more.
  

  Dive into the vibrant world of color in this engaging 3-hour workshop designed for artists of all levels. Unlock the secrets of color theory through easy-to-understand concepts, practical applications, and hands-on activities. Participants will explore the color wheel, learn about color harmony, and discover how to mix and apply colors effectively in their artwork. Whether you're an aspiring painter or a seasoned artist looking to enhance your skills, this workshop promises to be informative, inspiring, and a fun way to deepen your understanding of color dynamics. Join me for an immersive experience that will enrich your artistic journey!

  All supplies included. 

  Minimum: 6
  Maximum: 16

  
  

  Show details
• Laura Sippos, Monotypes: Gel Plate Printing

  • When
    Wednesday, May 06, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA, 15317
  • Spaces left
    16
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  All skill levels 

  Students bring their own gel plate, all other materials provided 

  Minimum: 6
  Maximum: 16

  
  

  Show details
• Laura Sippos, Handmade Paper

  • When
    Wednesday, May 20, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA, 15317
  • Spaces left
    16
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  All skill levels 

  My favorite way to recycle is making handmade paper! Learn it all from start to finish in this educational and entertaining workshop. All sorts of random paper scraps and even egg cartons will become fresh paper for you to use in all of your projects. We will even create some seeded paper, which makes a great gift. Join me to learn how to make the magic happen and take home your own handmade paper. You may never throw away your little paper scraps again.
  

  All materials provided 

  Minimum: 6
  Maximum: 16

  
  

  Show details
• Laura Sippos, 5/22 Mixed Media Minis Happy Hour

  • When
    Friday, May 22, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    MAL Studio, 4069 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA, 15317
  • Spaces left
    16
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  Enjoy snacks and drinks while trying your hand at an art project.

  All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner. Supplies and light snacks and refreshments are included with the workshop fee.  

  Of course, happy hour is best with friends, so bring one or two, or come and make a new one! A great date night, too! 

  Happy hours are the fourth Friday of most months.

  Jan. 23, 2026 6:30-8:30
  

  Feb. 27, 6:30-8:30

  Mar. 27, 6:30-8:30

  Apr. 24, 6:30-8:30

  May 22, 6:30-8:30

  Minimum: 6
  Maximum: 16

  
  

  Show details