classes designed for artists at every stage.
all about our classes
We offer classes in Pottery, Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, Photography, Printmaking, Arts & Wellness, along with Art Talks and free Gallery Tours throughout the year. We also offer open studio sessions for printmaking.
If a class you'd like to take is sold out, please join the waitlist by adding your contact info on the registration page.
Pottery classes are held in our Pottery Studio.
Printmaking classes are held in our Printmaking Studio.
All other classes are held in our Paint Studio.
While all art-making supports self-expression and personal growth, some of our classes may be especially suited to those seeking a mindful, reflective, or wellness-centered experience. Look for the Arts & Wellness icon next to a class listing.
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opportunities for all
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private lessons
Private lessons are now available for non-pottery classes. Let us know what you’d like to explore by filling out a questionnaire.
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scholarships
We’re committed to making art accessible to all by offering scholarships and reduced rates for classes, studio access, and memberships.
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accessibility
Our classroom spaces are ADA-compliant. Except Printmaking. Please Email or call us at (401) 783-2195 with questions about accessibility.
frequently asked questions
Everything you might need know about taking a class at SCAA.
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Our classes are for adults (16+) of all levels from beginner to advanced unless otherwise noted.
We offer a friendly atmosphere in which students feel comfortable and supported in learning about art.
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We do not but many places in our community do focus on kids art classes. To take a class a person needs to be at least 16 years old.
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Class sizes are relatively small, from 3-10 people, so instructors have time to give individualized attention to your level. We understand that everyone's knowledge and ability at art is different. Our instructors design their curriculums with that in mind.
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No, our classes are open to the public. However, members do receive discounts on classes. visit our membership page for a full list of benefits.
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Our instructors come from a wide range of artistic and educational backgrounds, including professional artists, experienced educators, and longtime members of the South County Art Association community. All are practicing artists who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping others grow creatively.
We believe art is learned through exploration rather than a single method. Our instructors introduce a variety of techniques and approaches, giving students the skills and confidence to develop their own creative expression.
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Yes, we offer classes throughout the year with sessions beginning in January, April, June, and September.
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You can register for a class here on our website, or you can stop by or call (401) 783-2195 during office hours.
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Yes, to register for a class with a gift certificate please call (401) 783-2195, email us or stop during office hours (Weds-Sun 1-5 pm) and we’ll set you up.
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Class sizes are limited and enrollment is on a first come, first received basis. If the maximum class size is reached, you can add your name and contact information as if you we're going to register for class. It'll automatically add you to the waitlist. We require all students to sign a waiver upon registration.
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Unfortunately, we’re not able to hold a spot for you in class until we receive full payment. If a class is full, sign up on our waitlist and we’ll contact you if a spot opens up. Please note that waitlists are only for the current session and they don't extend to future sessions.
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Classes are held in our Pottery, Printmaking, and Painting Studios.
We are located at 2587 Kingstown Road in Kingston, three doors east of the University of Rhode Island entrance in the historic village.
Parking is available behind our buildings or on the street. Our driveway is located between the gallery and the Pottery Studio building.
The Painting Studio can be accessed through the Pottery Studio entrance or, weather permitting, through the barn doors. The Printmaking Studio is located on the 2nd floor and is accessible through the rear entrance of the Pottery Studio.
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When you sign up for a class, please check to see if there’s a materials list so you’ll have time to purchase your supplies. For some classes, materials are supplied. In those cases, bring cash or a check to give to your instructor on the first day of class.
About a week before classes begin, a welcome email is sent to each student with information about their upcoming class -
Here are some places we use to purchase art supplies:
Jerry’s Artarama
Amazon
Michaels
Blick Art Materials -
Student cancellation must be at least 10 days before the start of a class for a refund, less a $20 fee. The $20 non-refundable registration fee is included in the class tuition. SCAA is not able to prorate class fees for classes missed. Once a class has started, there will be no refunds issued.
Occasionally, we may find it necessary to cancel a class due to low enrollment. Should this occur, registered students would be notified and refunded the full course fee.
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We require all students to a sign a waiver upon registration.
Let’s get creative! explore our Spring classes
The quality of work always on display in the gallery, the shop and the studios far exceeds what I thought it would be. There is a perpetual flow of infectious creativity at the SCAA, stemming from the staff and permeating everyone involved.
We are all fortunate to have the SCAA in our lives.
—Brian Dougan, 2024
meet our new instructors in 2026
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Painting
Chris Long is a sculpture graduate of the Lyme Academy of Art, CT. Previously a sculpture and drawing instructor, Long left New England to travel the country in an RV in 2009. He taught himself to paint as a street artist in New Orleans, plein air painted the Southwest, and returned to RI in 2025. Long completes multiple oil paintings daily, which you can view on his Instagram: @long_painter or website: chrislongpainter.com.
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![Shaun Rock]()
Drawing
Shaun Rock (University of Connecticut, BFA; Southern Connecticut State University, MS) is a professional artist and arts educator who produces and exhibits fine art throughout New England. Known for his coastal landscapes of Rhode Island and the imagery of rural Connecticut, Rock is a highly regarded art teacher who continues to nurture creative minds. He exhibits his oils and watercolors at the Shaun Rock Gallery in Matunuck, R.I. Rock also participates in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout the region. Rock maintains a residence in Matunuck, R.I.
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Mixed Media
Christina Ascani is an artist and photojournalist with a diverse background in both media and education. She previously held roles as a photographer and photo editor at respected organizations such as NPR and National Geographic. Now, she channels her passion for art into teaching, working full-time with middle and high school students. Christina specializes in a range of crafts, including embroidery, paper arts, book binding, and paper marbling.
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Pottery
Alison Purwinis holds a BFA in Ceramics from the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford and completed a year of post-baccalaureate study at the University of Colorado Boulder. She teaches at Anyhow Studio in Providence, where she is also a member, and is skilled in wheel throwing, handbuilding, and mold making. Alison’s work explores both functional forms and whimsical, mixed-media sculpture.
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![Susan Sward]()
Painting
Susan Sward is a natural science illustrator and painter living in South Kingstown. She has been teaching art for over 30 years and has exhibited her work at the South County Art Association, Wickford Art Association, the Providence Art Club, Warwick Center for the Arts, and other galleries.
are you passionate about teaching the arts?
we’d love to know what interests you
Let us know what classes you’d like to see at SCAA. Your feedback helps us design a program of classes that serves our community.