Art/Creative Expression Programs
VIVA’s Theater Lab Classes for Beginners
VIVA is community theater with, by, and for older adults. VIVA’s Theater Lab classes are designed to educate older adults in the arts of acting. These classes can be experienced for fun and creative growth or lead to performances on stage in front of an audience. Join one (or both) of these Theater Lab Classes for Beginners and experience theater from the actor’s side of the footlights!
VIVA Theater Lab – Improv for Beginners
43167 | EAST | Fridays, September 12 – October 17 | 1 – 3 p.m. | Fees: R/NR $60/$75 (6 classes)
Improv (improvisation) is a form of live theater in which plot, character and dialogue are all made up in the moment - and hilarity often ensues. With fun warm-ups and collaborative games, beginners are guided in creating short scenes. Participants may stand or remain seated if desired. Instructor: Rachel Trueblood is a writer, teacher, performer, director, and professional mime and has been involved in the world of theater all her life.
VIVA Theater Lab – Acting for Beginners
41857 | EAST | Tuesdays, September 16 – October 21 | 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Fees: R/NR $60/$75 (6 classes)
This course introduces participants to the fundamentals of acting for the stage. In an atmosphere of fun and non-judgment, participants can connect with each other, learn the basics of story, character, voice, age-appropriate movement and observation, and practice acting in a scene with other actors. Instructor: Anne Sandoe is an actor, director and teacher. She has performed with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and taught acting and voice for more than thirty years.
Experimental Techniques in Transparent and Opaque Watercolor
Learn a variety of experimental techniques using transparent and opaque watercolor, including pen and ink, mono-printing, and the use of sand, dyes, saran wrap, gauze, and collage. Participants will explore both media types to develop their personal style through imagery or abstraction. Designed for all skill levels. Instructor: Sally Elliott was a professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder and Denver in drawing and painting. She has exhibited locally and nationally for over 40 years and has earned numerous awards and honors. Note: Each participant will receive a materials list to purchase prior to class (approx. $60), and the instructor will provide some materials.
Watercolor in September
42518 | EAST | Wednesdays, September 3 – October 8 | 1 – 4 p.m. | R/NR $70/$87
Watercolor in October
42637 | EAST | Wednesdays, October 15 – November 19 | 1 – 4 p.m. | R/NR $70/$87
Basic Drawing / Learning How to See
Build foundational drawing skills through techniques in line, mass, and composition using materials like pencil, charcoal, ink, and more. Learn how to see with a new artistic eye while coordinating perception and technique. Learn to draw using foundational techniques and a variety of drawing tools. Suitable for all experience levels. Instructor: Sally Elliott is a former professor in drawing and painting at the University of Colorado Boulder and Denver. She has been exhibiting and nationally for over 40 years and is a member of Spark Cooperative Galley in Denver, CO. Note: Materials list provided prior to class (approx. $60). Some materials supplied by instructor.
Drawing in September
42907 | EAST | Thursdays, September 4 – October 9 | 1 – 4 p.m. | R/NR $70/$87
Drawing in October
42908 | EAST | Thursdays, October 16 – November 20 | 1 – 4 p.m. | R/NR $70/$87
Groundworks Art Lab Printmaking
Explore unique and experimental art forms of monotype and relief printmaking techniques. The relief method involves carving a small linoleum block which can be reused to make multiple prints, whereas the monotype method creates a one-of-a-kind artwork which cannot be repeated. Each session, participants will receive directions via instructor demonstrations and hands-on assistance designed for all levels of experience. Themes are open-ended and everyone may create a unique picture based on interest, skill level, or inspiration of the day. Everyone will leave with a print of individual artwork. All materials provided.
Printmaking in September at WEST
42525 | WEST | Friday, September 19 | 10:30 a.m. – noon | R/NR $10/$13
Participants will use relief printmaking techniques to create an art print.
Printmaking in October at EAST
42536 | EAST | Monday, October 6 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | R/NR $10/$13
Participants will use relief printmaking techniques to create a card.
Printmaking in October at WEST
42526 | WEST | Friday, October 17 | 10:30 a.m. – noon | R/NR $10/$13
Participants will use monotype printmaking techniques to create a card.
Printmaking in November at EAST
42635 | EAST | Monday, November 3 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | R/NR $10/$13
Participants will use relief printmaking techniques to create a card.
Printmaking in November at WEST
42527 | WEST | Friday, November 21 | 10:30 a.m. – noon | R/NR $10/$13
Participants will use relief printmaking techniques to create a card.
Printmaking in December at EAST
42636 | EAST | Monday, December 1 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | R/NR $10/$13
Participants will use relief printmaking techniques to create an art print.
Printmaking in December at WEST
42624 | WEST | Friday, December 19 | 10:30 a.m. – noon | R/NR $10/$13
Participants will use monotype printmaking techniques to create an art print.
Groundworks Art Lab Pottery Classes
Groundworks Art Lab Boulder offers monthly hand building classes. Participants will learn about the three fundamentals of pottery to make functional and whimsical pieces: pinch pots, coils, and slabs. All materials and tools provided, and all items will be processed at Groundworks Art Lab facility. No experience necessary.
Pottery in September at EAST
42519 | EAST | Monday, September 8 | 1 – 2:30 p.m. | R/NR $10/$13
Pottery in September at WEST
42522 | WEST | Wednesday, September 17 | 1:30 – 3 p.m. | R/NR $10/$13
Pottery in October at EAST
42520 | EAST | Monday, October 13 | 1 – 2:30 p.m. | R/NR $10/$13
Pottery in October at WEST
42523 | WEST | Wednesday, October 15 | 1:30 – 3 p.m. | R/NR $10/$13
Pottery in November at EAST
42521 | EAST | Monday, November 10 | 1 – 2:30 p.m. | R/NR $10/$13
Pottery in November at WEST
42524 | WEST | Wednesday, November 19 | 1:30 – 3 p.m. | R/NR $10/$13
Pottery in December at EAST
42618 | EAST | Monday, December 8 | 1 – 2:30 p.m. | R/NR $10/$13
Pottery in December at WEST
42619 | WEST | Wednesday, December 17 | 1:30 – 3 p.m. | R/NR $10/$13
SPARK and Groundworks Art Lab Pottery Class
42534 | WEST | 2nd Tuesdays, September 9, October 14, December 9 | 1 – 2:30 p.m. | No Fee (NO class November 11 Veterans Day holiday)
This pottery class is designed for individuals living with neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, who are accompanied by a caregiver. Participants will learn about the three fundamentals of pottery to make functional and whimsical pieces: pinch pots, coils, and slabs. Groundworks Art Lab will supply all materials and tools, and all work will be processed at the Pottery Lab facility. Information will be given during the class about how to collect finished pieces. No experience necessary. Sponsored by Groundworks Art Lab, Alzheimer's Association, and City of Boulder.
NEW! Groundworks Art Lab Mosaic Art Classes
Explore the colorful world of mosaic glass art in this beginner-friendly workshop. Mosaic art involves creating images or patterns by arranging small pieces of colored glass or tile and setting them with grout. Participants will design and assemble a small mosaic art piece during each session using glass or tile pieces and adhesive. Completed pieces will be left with the instructor for grouting and can be picked up at a later date. No prior experience needed.
Mosaic Art in September
43640 | WEST | Tuesday, September 2 | 10 a.m. - noon | No Fee (Subsidized by generous community donations.)
Mosaic Art in October
43641 | WEST | Tuesday, October 7 | 10 a.m. - noon | No Fee (Subsidized by generous community donations.)
Mosaic Art in November
43642 | WEST | Tuesday, November 4 | 10 a.m. - noon | No Fee (Subsidized by generous community donations.)
Mosaic Art in December
43643 | WEST | Tuesday, December 2 | 10 a.m. - noon | No Fee (Subsidized by generous community donations.)
Purple Art – Creative Expression
Purple Art invites participants to explore creativity through a series of mixed media art projects, encouraging free expression without judgment or prior experience. All materials provided. Instructors: Abby Sivy and Cindy Parker are the owners of Bohemia, LLC, a local art studio that provides innovative, expressive art programs across the Front Range with older adults in a welcoming environment filled with humor and fun.
Purple Art in September at WEST: Neurographic Art
42352 | WEST | Friday, September 26 | 2 – 3:30 p.m. | $20 per person
This method involves creating flowing, organic lines and shapes on paper, then rounding off any sharp corners to create a calming and aesthetically pleasing artwork. This meditative practice is used to reduce stress and enhance creativity.
Purple Art in October at EAST: Eric Carle
42529 | EAST | Friday, October 10 | 2 – 3:30 p.m. | $20 per person
Eric Carle is beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for children, such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Create whimsical Eric Carle inspired pieces using paper and paint.
Purple Art in October at WEST: African Mud Cloth Patterns
42531 | WEST | Friday, October 24 | 2 – 3:30 p.m. | $20 per person
The mud cloth is a traditional art form of the Bamana people from the country of Mali, Africa. Inspired by images of mud cloths, participants will create a mud cloth pattern.
Purple Art in November at EAST: Mandalas
42530 | EAST | Friday, November 14 | 2 – 3:30 p.m. | $20 per person
Circles symbolize all aspects of human and planetary existence - from profane to profound. Learn about this ancient tool and using collage materials to create a unique mandala.
Purple Art in December at EAST: Holiday Cards
42628 | EAST | Friday, December 12 | 2 – 3:30 p.m. | $20 per person
Using sparkly, shiny materials and beautiful papers, make a few cards to give or send.
Dichroic Fused Glass Art Workshop
Create unique fused glass art using pre-cut glass bases and colorful dichroic glass embellishments to make two unique pendants or magnets. Dichroic refers to objects that show two different colors depending on angle or lighting. Finished pieces are kiln fired at the instructor’s studio and returned to the Age Well Center for pickup. Instructor: Melissa Sweetser is a Boulder native with over 10 years’ experience in glass art and a passion for bringing workshops to older adults in the Front Range.
Fused Glass Art in September at WEST
42517 | WEST | Monday, September 22 | 2 – 3:30 p.m.| $20 per person
Fused Glass Art in November at WEST
42914 | WEST | Monday, November 24 | 2 – 3:30 p.m.| $20 per person
Fused Glass Art in December at EAST
42516 | EAST | Tuesday, December 9 | 2 – 3:30 p.m.| $20 per person
Fused Glass Art in December at WEST
42915 | WEST | Monday, December 15 | 2 – 3:30 p.m.| $20 per person
Drawing Native Grasses with OSMP
43060 | WEST | Monday, November 10 | 9 a.m. – noon | No Fee
Learn about grassland ecosystems and receive guided instruction on drawing native grasses with pencil and colored pencil with City of Boulder Open Space Mountain Parks volunteer naturalist, Linda Gerstle. Basic materials supplied. Bring your own sketch supplies if desired. No experience required.
Art & Travel Journaling: A Creative Journey
43252 | WEST | Tuesday, November 18 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | No Fee
Go beyond traditional journaling and explore a vibrant, personal way to capture travels, thoughts, and memories. This expressive course blends words with sketches, doodles, drawings, collage, and mixed media to create what is often described as a “visually enhanced diary.” Embrace creativity without rules, build confidence with a variety of artistic materials, and develop a meaningful journaling practice. No prior art experience required. Instructor: Allen Harlow, Licensed Architect with 30 years’ experience in College of Architecture Planning with the University of Colorado.