York Art Association

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

The quality and caliber of our teaching staff are truly special here at YAA. Offering year round sessions, we contract award-winning instructors from our region and beyond. Our classes, workshops and kids camps offer a variety of mediums, art styles and experience levels for adults and children. From watercolor and oil, to anime and collage, there really is something for everyone!

YAA is also the perfect venue for active seniors to pursue long-denied creative interests. We encourage anyone who has an interest in developing their artistic abilities to explore the opportunities available here at YAA. 

UPCOMING OFFERINGS

  • WATERCOLOR AND PENCIL ART - with Kim Morrow

    • Monday, July 06, 2026
    • Thursday, July 09, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • 220 S Marshall St York PA 17402
    • 8
    • 4 registrants
    Register

    July 6th -9th | 1pm-3pm | Ages 11-15 | $140M $160NM

    Four consecutive afternoons of rubber‑cement masking, watercolor wash, and watercolor‑pencil techniques. Learn to paint whimsical masked designs, create 2–3 color blended washes, lift rubber cement to reveal white shapes, and add layered watercolor‑pencil details. Finish a varnish‑ready piece and learn expressive abstract methods.


    WHAT STUDENTS WILL DO

    ● Paint whimsical masked designs using rubber cement

    ● Create blended background washes (2–3 colors)

    ● Remove rubber cement mask to reveal white shapes and textures

    ● Add and activate watercolor‑pencil marks for depth and detail

    ● Learn composition, color balance, brush and mask care, and finishing/varnish     tips

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  • MEMBERS' PRACTICE SESSION

    • Friday, July 10, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • 220 South Marshal St York PA 17402
    • 9
    Register

    Friday July 10th | 10am-3pm | $10 Members 

    Bring your own projects and enjoy dedicated creative time in the classrooms at the York Art Association.

    These self-directed sessions provide artists with the opportunity to work independently, connect with fellow members, and utilize the Association’s space in a relaxed and supportive environment. Participants are welcome to stay for the full time or drop in for the time that best fits their schedule - it's really up to you on how you want to use this time to practice and create!

    Tables are available for $10 per session. Space is limited to 10 participants per session. No instruction will be provided.





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  • POP-UP: VISION BOARD with Sue Marrazzo ISAP, NCS, ISEA-NF

    • Saturday, July 11, 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 220 South Marshall St York Pa 17402
    • Be the first
    Register

    July 11th | 2-4pm | ALL LEVELS | $25M $30NM  

    Take some time to dream big and get creative! In this fun and inspiring Pop-up, students will create a personalized vision board using images, quotes, colors, words, and affirmations that reflect their goals, interests, and aspirations. Whether you are thinking about personal growth, creativity, school, friendships, travel, future plans, or simply the energy you want to bring into your life, this project is a chance to express it visually in a meaningful way.

    A vision board acts as a creative roadmap and daily reminder of what you want to focus on and manifest during the second half of the year. Students will explore collage techniques, design, and self-expression while creating something motivational, unique, and completely their own. Come ready to relax, reflect, create, and leave feeling inspired for the months ahead!

    *All Supplies are included. 

    *Students may bring some of their own collage materials


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  • STORYBOOK CREATIONS - with Karen Starr

    • Monday, July 13, 2026
    • Thursday, July 16, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • 220 S Marshal St York PA 17402
    • 9
    • 3 registrants
    Register

    July 13th-16th | 10am-12pm | Ages 6-10 |$140M $160NM


    Young artists will be inspired through the magic of storytelling in this creative, imagination-filled class! Each session begins with a lively read-aloud, followed by a hands-on art project that brings the story to life in a unique and meaningful way.

    Featured stories and projects include:

    • “The Dot” – Students will explore creativity and self-expression as they learn to “make their mark,” creating artwork that celebrates individuality and artistic confidence.
    • “Harold and the Purple Crayon” – Using a limited purple palette and geometric shapes, students will design their own imaginative worlds and adventurous scenes.
    • “Giraffes Can’t Dance” – Artists will sculpt their own animal using air-dry clay, then paint it in bold, unexpected colors to celebrate uniqueness and self-expression.
    • “Swimmy” – Students will experiment with printmaking techniques, using handmade stamps and bubble wrap to create dynamic underwater scenes full of texture and movement.

    This class encourages creativity, builds confidence, and helps students connect storytelling with artistic expression in a fun and engaging way!

    No materials needed.

    About the Instructor:

    Karen Starr is a retired art teacher with 21 years of education experience. She taught art to children from 1st-12th grades at different times throughout her career at Southeastern School District. Before teaching, Karen was a graphic designer at various locations in Baltimore, MD for 10 years.  She enjoys all mediums, but gravitates towards pencil pet portraits and watercolors. Her work can be seen on FaceBook at : K. Starr Portraits.  Karen is looking forward to teaching these classes at York Art Association this summer. We will have so much fun!

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  • SCULPTED SNACKS - with Karen Starr

    • Monday, July 13, 2026
    • Thursday, July 16, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • 220 S Marshall St York PA 17402
    • 5
    • 6 registrants
    Register

    July 13th-16th | 1-3pm | Ages 11-15 | $140M $160NM

    Registration Closes July 6th

    Students will dive into a fun and imaginative process as they create playful 3D food sculptures—think colorful desserts, stacked pancakes, sprinkled donuts, and classic hot dogs! Using everyday materials like toilet paper, water spray bottles, gesso, Mod Podge, and more, they’ll learn how to build form, add texture, and bring their creations to life. This hands-on experience encourages creativity, experimentation, and a little bit of delicious-looking fun (no eating required!).

    All materials will be supplied. 

    About the Instructor:

    Karen Starr is a retired art teacher with 21 years of education experience. She taught art to children from 1st-12th grades at different times throughout her career at Southeastern School District. Before teaching, Karen was a graphic designer at various locations in Baltimore, MD for 10 years.  She enjoys all mediums, but gravitates towards pencil pet portraits and watercolors. Her work can be seen on Facebook at : K. Starr Portraits.  Karen is looking forward to teaching these classes at York Art Association this summer. We will have so much fun!

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  • MEMBERS' PRACTICE SESSION

    • Friday, July 17, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • 220 South Marshal St York PA 17402
    • 9
    Register

    Friday July 17th | 10am-3pm | $10 Members 

    Bring your own projects and enjoy dedicated creative time in the classrooms at the York Art Association.

    These self-directed sessions provide artists with the opportunity to work independently, connect with fellow members, and utilize the Association’s space in a relaxed and supportive environment. Participants are welcome to stay for the full time or drop in for the time that best fits their schedule - it's really up to you on how you want to use this time to practice and create!

    Tables are available for $10 per session. Space is limited to 10 participants per session. No instruction will be provided.





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  • UNDER THE SEA - with Sue Miller

    • Monday, July 20, 2026
    • Thursday, July 23, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • 220 S Marshall St. York PA 17402
    • 4
    Register

    July 20th -23rd | 10am-12pm | Ages 6-10 | $140M $160NM

    Registration Closes July 13th

    Dive into creativity during our “Under the Sea” Camp! Your child will explore the wonders of ocean life by designing and creating their very own sea creatures, then bringing their underwater world to life in a personalized shoebox diorama. From colorful fish to imaginative deep-sea creatures, each project will be a unique ocean adventure!

    If you happen to have extra shoeboxes, toilet paper tubes, or other small recyclable materials at home, we would greatly appreciate any donations—they help make our creations even more magical!

     

    SUE MILLER began drawing at a young age, around 7 years old. She would often draw animals, plants, and trees around her house to share with her parents and grandparents. She was mesmerized by the famous artists' works found in books and on TV, admiring the “great masters.”

    Sue continued to grow and learn art forms at York College of PA, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. As an artist, she continues to learn techniques from other artists such as David J. Rogers, Bianca Rosen, and Bradley Hendershot, who have influenced the shaping of her own unique style. Her goal is to share her enthusiasm and joy for the arts while encouraging students to learn something new every day. She believes that all students are capable of learning to draw and paint with patience and practice. She is a proud member of the York Art Association.


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  • EMBROIDERY CAMP - with Sue Miller

    • Monday, July 20, 2026
    • Thursday, July 23, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • 220 S Marshall St. York PA 17402
    • 6
    • 6 registrants
    Register

    July 20th -23rd | 1-3pm | Ages 11-15 | $140M $160NM

    Registration Closes July 13th

    In this Summer Embroidery Camp you will learn 14 basic stitches using DMC floss to create your own shapes, textures and outlines for designs that will jazz up your own t-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, shorts, pillowcase, apron, tea towels, or hand towels.  

    So look around your house and bring to camp,  your jeans, jean jackets, t-shirts, sweatshirts, cooking apron, shorts, pillowcase, handkerchief, to decorate with hand sewn embroidery stitching!

      

    SUE MILLER began drawing at a young age, around 7 years old. She would often draw animals, plants, and trees around her house to share with her parents and grandparents. She was mesmerized by the famous artists' works found in books and on TV, admiring the “great masters.”

    Sue continued to grow and learn art forms at York College of PA, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. As an artist, she continues to learn techniques from other artists such as David J. Rogers, Bianca Rosen, and Bradley Hendershot, who have influenced the shaping of her own unique style. Her goal is to share her enthusiasm and joy for the arts while encouraging students to learn something new every day. She believes that all students are capable of learning to draw and paint with patience and practice. She is a proud member of the York Art Association.

     

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  • Mixing Greens in the Landscape with Chris Gold

    • Sunday, July 26, 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • York Art Association 220 S. Marshall St York, PA 17402
    • 14
    • 1 registrant
    Register

    July 26th | 2-4pm | All Levels | $25M $30 NM

    Greens are all over the landscape in Pa and surrounding states!  We will explore photos of wooded and grassy scenes and the paintings generated from them. Then learn how to create mixtures of this challenging color to create variation, interest and depth in your paintings. Go beyond using a 'tube green' which can flatten and dull your work and make your pieces sing!


    Supply List:

    Viridian green

    Ultramarine blue,

    Cerulean or Manganese Blue,

    Pale Yellow,

    Medium Yellow,

    deep yellow,

    Warm Red,

    Cool red

    Yellow Ochre

    Burnt Sienna

    Titanium White.

    Brushes, Palette knife, Palette. 

    Grids for mixing exercises will be provided. 

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  • PAWS AND PAINT (8-10) - with Jessie Groft

    • Monday, July 27, 2026
    • Thursday, July 30, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • 220 S Marshall St York PA 17402
    • 10
    • 2 registrants
    Register

    July 27th -30th | 10am-12pm | Ages 8-10 | $140M $160NM

    Registration closes July 20th

    Give your child a wildly creative experience at our Paws and Paint camp! Young artists will explore painting techniques while bringing their favorite animals to life on canvas—from fluffy pets to scaly critters.

    What makes this camp extra special? Real animal visitors from Critter Connections! Campers will have the unique opportunity to observe and interact with live animals, helping them capture authentic details, personality, and movement in their artwork.

    Through guided instruction, fun demos, and plenty of creative freedom, kids will build confidence in their artistic skills while deepening their appreciation for animals. The week is filled with hands-on painting, up-close animal encounters, and lots of imaginative fun.

    Perfect for animal lovers and creative kids alike—this is an art adventure they won’t forget!



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  • PAWS AND PAINT (11-15) - with Jessie Groft

    • Monday, July 27, 2026
    • Thursday, July 30, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • 220 S Marshall St York PA 17402
    • 5
    • 7 registrants
    Register

    July 27th -30th | 1PM-3pm | Ages 11-16 | $140M $160NM

    Registration closes July 20th


    Give your child a wildly creative experience at our Paws and Paint camp! Young artists will explore painting techniques while bringing their favorite animals to life on canvas—from fluffy pets to scaly critters.

    What makes this camp extra special? Real animal visitors from Critter Connections! Campers will have the unique opportunity to observe and interact with live animals, helping them capture authentic details, personality, and movement in their artwork.

    Through guided instruction, fun demos, and plenty of creative freedom, kids will build confidence in their artistic skills while deepening their appreciation for animals. The week is filled with hands-on painting, up-close animal encounters, and lots of imaginative fun.

    Perfect for animal lovers and creative kids alike—this is an art adventure they won’t forget!



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  • MEMBERS' PRACTICE SESSION

    • Friday, July 31, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • 220 South Marshal St York PA 17402
    • 9
    Register

    Friday July 31st | 10am-3pm | $10 Members 

    Bring your own projects and enjoy dedicated creative time in the classrooms at the York Art Association.

    These self-directed sessions provide artists with the opportunity to work independently, connect with fellow members, and utilize the Association’s space in a relaxed and supportive environment. Participants are welcome to stay for the full time or drop in for the time that best fits their schedule - it's really up to you on how you want to use this time to practice and create!

    Tables are available for $10 per session. Space is limited to 10 participants per session. No instruction will be provided.





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  • THE ART OF MURAL PAINTING (10-17) - with Annelise Vuono

    • Monday, August 03, 2026
    • Thursday, August 06, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • 220 S Marshall St York PA 17402
    • 6
    • 9 registrants
    Register

    8/3-8/6 | 10am-3pm | Ages 10-17| $165 MEM / $185 NON-MEM

    Registration Closes July 27th

    This unique tween/teen art camp, led by professional artist Annelise Vuono, offers an exceptional opportunity for young creatives ages 10-18. Participants will explore the design process, learning how to plan and execute a large-scale mural to be displayed in a public space.

    Throughout the camp, students will collaborate to bring Annelise's conceptualized design to life, applying their artistic skills to each stage of the project. Working together in the studio, these aspiring artists will gain hands-on experience with all phases of mural creation, from initial sketches to the final finishes. This immersive experience promises to inspire creativity, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment, all while contributing to a meaningful public art project.

    *The location and theme for this year's mural are currently being finalized, so more details on this exciting opportunity will be shared soon.

    *For safety and weather-related reasons, mural construction and painting will take place at YAA, with the mural to be installed at its designated location at a later date. 

    SUPPLIES: All supplies included. Students should dress for the mess and bring a packed lunch for camp.


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  • MEMBER PRACTICE SESSION

    • Friday, August 07, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • 220 South Marshal St Lancaster PA 17402
    • 10
    Register

    Friday August 7th | 10am-3pm | $10 Members 

    Bring your own projects and enjoy dedicated creative time in the classrooms at the York Art Association.

    These self-directed sessions provide artists with the opportunity to work independently, connect with fellow members, and utilize the Association’s space in a relaxed and supportive environment. Participants are welcome to stay for the full time or drop in for the time that best fits their schedule - it's really up to you on how you want to use this time to practice and create!

    Tables are available for $10 per session. Space is limited to 10 participants per session. No instruction will be provided.





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  • NARRATIVE COLLAGE & ASSEMBLAGE with Linda Popp

    • Monday, August 10, 2026
    • 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
    • 220 S Marshal St York PA 17402
    • 11
    • 4 registrants
    Register

    AUGUST 10TH | 930-330pm | ALL LEVELS | $150M $175NM 

    Registration Closes 8/3


    This workshop is open to ages 10+

    Elaborate the narrative of a personal photograph using collage/assemblage techniques.


    In this workshop, participants will create a collage or assemblage using found materials/objects to tell more of the story of a personal, meaningful photograph. The photograph can be of a person, place, animal, event, etc. Materials can include paper, fabrics, and small objects. Linda will share concepts, techniques, and tips from her own studio practice. There will also be a PowerPoint presentation and examples of narrative collages and assemblages. 


    Supply list: 

    Participants will need to supply their own photographs, collage materials, and assemblage objects. 


    Linda will supply background paper, adhesives (Mod Podge, glue sticks, hot glue, E6000), brushes, scissors, and X-Acto knives, etc. 


    Suggestions of what to bring:

    Meaningful personal photographs - can be a copy

    materials such as paper, news papers, maps, letters, stamps, music, recipes, scoresheets, tickets, dried flowers, other small objects. 





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  • LUMINOUS WATERCOLOR with Lynne Yancha

    • Tuesday, August 11, 2026
    • 9:30 AM
    • Thursday, August 13, 2026
    • 4:00 PM
    • 220 S. Marshall St York, PA 17402
    • 7
    • 5 registrants
    Register

    8/11, 8/12, 8/13 | 9:30-4pm | INTERMEDIATE | $225M/$250 NM 

    Registration Closes 6/2/26

    In this workshop, the focus is on figurative and animal subjects, exploring essential aspects such as power through design, paint application, the significance of light, mystery, and embracing the beauty of mistakes. Lynne introduces the use of white acrylic to enhance details, provides techniques for crafting realistic skin tones, and guides you in combining elements of abstraction and realism in your watercolor paintings. 

    Lynne offers personalized one-on-one sessions, addressing individual needs, and presents demonstrations tailored to each student's requests for a truly enriching artistic experience.

    Join us for an immersive journey where creativity flourishes under Lynne's expert guidance.

    What to expect if you are new to this workshop:

    1. To benefit the most from this workshop, you should have a basic knowledge of watercolor.
    2. You are encouraged to bring your own photograph reference (5x7 or larger and clear) or use one of the references available during the session.
    3. You will work at your own pace - each student will receive individualized instruction.  

    4. Don’t worry if your supplies are limited - Lynne will help you get the most out of the materials you have.


    SUPPLY LIST: 

    5H Pencil

    Windsor Newton Brushes: Flats: ½”, ¾”, 1” - Series 295, Small Rounds: 1 and 2 - Series 101, Rigger #3

    Arches 300lb Hot Press Paper (Lynne will have 22x30 on hand to purchase at a cost of $22 per sheet payable to the instructor – if needed) subject to change

    Paint: Liquitex Heavy Body Titanium White Acrylic

    Watercolor (It is not necessary to purchase every color listed below, but these are my favorites)

    Winsor Newton Professional Watercolors: Davies Grey, Opera Rose, Indian Yellow, Cobalt Turquoise Light, Quinacridone Gold, Permanent Carmine, Indigo, Van Dyke Brown, Permanent Sap Green, Raw Siena, Cobalt Blue

    Rembrandt Watercolors: Alizarin Crimson, Bluish Green, Quinacridone Rust, Sap Green, Van Dyke Yellow, Cobalt Blue, Indigo Blue

    Colors from either brand above: Cadmium Yellow

    M. Graham Paint:

    Any Quinacridone color - My favorite “quin” colors are:

    Quinacridone Rust, Quinacridone Gold


    *Bring a Sweater (Instructor prefers a cool room)

    Pack a Lunch!

    Art Supply Catalogs and Online Supplies

    www.Journeyartstuff.com Info@journeyartstuff.com

    www.dickblick.com 1-800-933-2542

    www.cheapjoes.com 1-800-227-2788



    LYNNE YANCHA  A.W.S. has received national recognition for her luminous watercolors: beautiful paintings of children, animals, still-life, and landscapes. Yancha’s sensitivity to her subjects, superb drawing, painting, and timeless realism is captivating.

    Lynne resides in Mifflinburg, PA and has been conducting watercolor workshops at YAA for years. Her three day workshops are always well attended, inspirational and a good time.  

    https:/lynneyancha.com/

    "I always begin my work with musings. I am not sure that the work is so different from years past… what I am sure of is that I am different. I use the same techniques as always in a layered, lost and found way. My media continues to be mixed: watercolor, white acrylic, ink, lead and colored pencils. I like contrast, edge-to-edge interest, and a story: yours and mine. Mostly, I am absolutely in love with the mystery of inspiration and how it affects the process. I have a painting that is entirely different from the image with which I began. It tells its own story!"  - Lynne

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  • MEMBERS' PRACTICE SESSION

    • Friday, August 14, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • 220 South Marshal St York PA 17402
    • 9
    Register

    Friday August 14th | 10am-3pm | $10 Members 

    Bring your own projects and enjoy dedicated creative time in the classrooms at the York Art Association.

    These self-directed sessions provide artists with the opportunity to work independently, connect with fellow members, and utilize the Association’s space in a relaxed and supportive environment. Participants are welcome to stay for the full time or drop in for the time that best fits their schedule - it's really up to you on how you want to use this time to practice and create!

    Tables are available for $10 per session. Space is limited to 10 participants per session. No instruction will be provided.





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  • WATERCOLOR PORTRAITS with Chris Bohn

    • Tuesday, August 18, 2026
    • Wednesday, August 19, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • 220 S Marshal St York PA 17402
    • 14
    • 1 registrant
    Register

    8/18, 8/19 | 930-4pm | INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED | $150M $175NM 

    Registration Closes 8/11

    Come and learn the art of watercolor portraiture!  Watercolor painting and capturing the human form are often seen as intimidating and overwhelming to students.  In truth, there are proven approaches that can remove much of the guesswork from portrait painting in watercolor.  In this 2-day workshop, we will learn an easy and clear method for depicting portraits and figures, using effective watercolor technique.  This class is ideal for students who have some experience in drawing or painting portraits, but no prior watercolor experience is required. 

    Topics will include:

    - Simple methods for capturing a likeness and proper proportions

    - Working with a limited palette to create natural and vibrant skin tones

    - Working with watercolor and different levels of paper dampness

    - How to keep your painting fresh and lively

    Material List

    Tube watercolor (student or professional grade) - Raw Sienna, Ultramarine Blue, Quinacridone Rose, Raw Umber

    3 full sheets of 100% cotton rag cold press watercolor paper (140 or 300 lb)

    #10 Round Watercolor Brush

    1/2" Flat Watercolor Brush

    2" Flat Watercolor Brush

    Watercolor palette 



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  • MEMBERS' PRACTICE SESSION

    • Friday, August 21, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • 220 South Marshal St York PA 17402
    • 9
    Register

    Friday August 21st | 10am-3pm | $10 Members 

    Bring your own projects and enjoy dedicated creative time in the classrooms at the York Art Association.

    These self-directed sessions provide artists with the opportunity to work independently, connect with fellow members, and utilize the Association’s space in a relaxed and supportive environment. Participants are welcome to stay for the full time or drop in for the time that best fits their schedule - it's really up to you on how you want to use this time to practice and create!

    Tables are available for $10 per session. Space is limited to 10 participants per session. No instruction will be provided.





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  • COLOR EXPLORATIONS with Susan Nicholas Gephart

    • Saturday, August 22, 2026
    • 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
    • 220 S Marshall St York PA 17402
    • 11
    • 4 registrants
    Register

    August 22nd | 9:30-4pm | All Levels | $200M $225NM

    Registration closes 8/15

     In this relaxed, upbeat workshop you will learn how to see the depth of color and create a unique and personally expressive painting in the subject of your choice. The use of the color wheel will help support and guide your color mixing. Susan Nicholas Gephart will begin with a short inspirational demo designed to kick-start you into the creative spirit and aid in color expression. 

    Susan Nicholas is a lifelong plein air and studio painter, who will support you in the steps of learning how to create a unique and personally expressive painting. Susan Nicholas’s teaching philosophy is to “Connect, Inspire, Support.” After Susan graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, she began teaching pastels at the Art Alliance in 1983. She is highly skilled and experienced in teaching all mediums and levels.

    Important: Susan encourages each artist to contact her by email after they register, and share their personal goals for this workshop. This is important to her so she can connect with each artist to prepare demonstrations based on student needs.

    Recommended supplies: Visit Susan Nicholas’ Website’s Supplies & Products page: https://www.snicholasart.com/supplies-products. Contact instructor with supply questions.

    Instructor Contact: Susan Nicholas Gephart, 814-360-216 or Email SNicholasArt@gmail.com

    Instructor Website: www.SNicholasArt.com

    Biography: Susan Nicholas Gephart is an internationally recognized instructor and award-winning pastel and oil painter who has been creating colorful, impressionistic landscapes for over five decades. Susan Nicholas developed a deep appreciation of the earth and its relationship to art when she was a young child. Her passion to explore the landscape is expressed through a unique use of color, texture, and atmosphere, capturing the emotion of a moment with spontaneity and directness.

    Susan is a demonstrator for Sennelier watercolors and Jack Richeson & Co. art supplies and has three Signature sets of Richeson Hand-Rolled Soft Pastels.

    Her colorful, impressionistic studio and plein air paintings make her a sought-after instructor whose teaching philosophy is to “Connect, Inspire, Support.” Susan has been PACE faculty four times, including the Pre-Convention for PACE18 Beginners Track Pastel. In 2021, she was international faculty for PleinAir magazine’s virtual event, Pastel Live. Susan was faculty for the September Pastel Live 2025.

    Susan has been organizing the May Hameau Artist Retreats for 28 years, is a founding member of the Farmland Preservation Artists, an associate member of the Pastel Society of America, and a signature member and president of the Central Pennsylvania Pastel Society.

    View her work online: www.SNicholasArt.com
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  • DESIGN SECRETS FOR AN ARTIST with Kim Morrow

    • Wednesday, August 26, 2026
    • Thursday, August 27, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • 220 S Marshal St York Pa 17402
    • 14
    • 1 registrant
    Register
    AUGUST 26TH 27TH| 9:30AM-4PM | All Levels | $140M $160NM

    Using Graphic Design Principles to Create Stronger Fine Art 

    Workshop Description 

    Most artists learn techniques for applying paint, drawing accurately, or working in their chosen medium, but many receive little formal training in how to organize visual elements for maximum impact. In this workshop, participants will learn how graphic designers use visual hierarchy, contrast, balance, movement, and focal points to guide a viewer's eye and strengthen communication. 


    Through demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and the creation of original artwork, students will discover practical tools for improving composition regardless of medium. Suitable for painters, collage artists, mixed-media artists, printmakers, and drawing enthusiasts.


    Materials List

    Please bring:

    • Sketchbook or drawing pad
    • Pencil and eraser
    • Black fine-tip marker
    • Ruler or straightedge (optional)
    • Scissors and glue stick (for collage option)
    • 8.5" × 11" Bristol paper or mixed-media paper
    • Your choice of art supplies for creating artwork:
      • Drawing materials (pencils, charcoal, ink, etc.)
      • Watercolors
      • Acrylic paints
      • Collage papers, magazines, and other ephemera
      • Mixed-media supplies


    Note: Please bring any materials you already enjoy working with. The focus of the workshop is design and composition, so participants are welcome to work in their preferred medium.


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  • MEMBERS' PRACTICE SESSION

    • Friday, August 28, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • 220 South Marshal St York PA 17402
    • 10
    Register

    Friday August 28th | 10am-3pm | $10 Members 

    Bring your own projects and enjoy dedicated creative time in the classrooms at the York Art Association.

    These self-directed sessions provide artists with the opportunity to work independently, connect with fellow members, and utilize the Association’s space in a relaxed and supportive environment. Participants are welcome to stay for the full time or drop in for the time that best fits their schedule - it's really up to you on how you want to use this time to practice and create!

    Tables are available for $10 per session. Space is limited to 10 participants per session. No instruction will be provided.





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  • DRAWING WITH AN ARCHITECT'S EYE With Blake Gifford

    • Saturday, August 29, 2026
    • 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
    • 220 S Marshall St York PA 17402
    • 15
    • Be the first
    Register

    AUGUST 29TH| 9:30AM-3PM | All Levels | $140M $160NM

    Registration Closes 8/22

    This workshop is about more than just drawing buildings - it’s about learning to see the world differently.

    Architects are trained to notice patterns, proportions, and underlying geometry in everyday life. In this workshop, we’ll slow down and practice that kind of seeing - learning how to break complex scenes into simple shapes, lines, and relationships that make them easier to understand and draw. We’ll explore how the built environment is full of visual clues: how objects relate to one another in scale, how lines lead the eye, and how perspective gives depth to what we see. You’ll learn to read these cues and use them to build more confident, structured sketches - whether you're drawing a street corner, a chair, or just a shadow across a wall.

    Topics will include:

    • How to simplify what you see into basic forms
    • Using perspective and proportion to create depth and accuracy
    • Drawing as a tool for understanding space, not just copying it

    This isn’t about perfection - it’s about observation, interpretation, and clarity. You'll come away with a new way of seeing the world and the tools to start translating that vision onto paper like an architect does: with purpose, structure, and curiosity.

    SUPPLY LIST

    • 9”x12” sketch paper - unlined, medium-weight (easy for quick sketches and handling perspective lines)
    • Pencils – HB, 2B, and 4B for a range of light sketching to darker emphasis.
    • Eraser – kneaded eraser (good for soft corrections and lightening) and/or white vinyl eraser (for crisp clean-ups).
    • Straightedge – a 6–12” ruler or architect’s scale (useful for perspective exercises and proportional studies).
    • Tracing paper – for layering over initial sketches to refine proportions and experiment with corrections.
    • Optional - Colored pencils – a small set of earth tones/greys (helpful for shading, emphasis, or highlighting geometry).
    Blake Gifford

    is a licensed architect with more than a decade of experience as a designer and project manager in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Maryland. He currently manages historic preservation and state museum projects across the Commonwealth with the Department of General Services in Harrisburg. While he always loved drawing, he found it largely absent from day-to-day architectural practice. In 2021, he launched York Architecture Illustrated - a website and social media platform dedicated to hand-drawn studies of York’s historic buildings - bringing together his professional expertise and passion for visually interpreting the city’s architectural heritage

    Website: yorkarchillustrated.com 
    Facebook: York Architecture Illustrated
    Instagram: @york_arch_illustrated 



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