Art Instruction in Providence: Classes and Lesson Plans

Choose a format that fits your goal

Describe what you want to learn in concrete terms: drawing proportions, mixing watercolor, making a screen print or developing a portfolio. Send an instructor examples of your current work and ask how they would teach the next skill. For a child, explain their interests and ask how the instructor balances demonstrations, practice and feedback.

Consider private instruction for feedback on a particular project or lessons arranged around your household schedule. Request a trial lesson before committing to a package. For a group course, ask about class size, prerequisites and planned projects. Find out how the instructor gives individual feedback and whether you can bring work from home.

For printmaking, photography or fabrication, review AS220 Community Studios. Its facilities include a printshop, fabrication lab, media arts studio and darkroom. AS220 lists workshops alongside studio memberships. Ask which workshop teaches your intended process and what certification you need to practice afterward. [2]

Compare course totals and additional expenses

Providence Art Club lists five nonmember course options: five weeks for $225, five weeks with a model for $280, eight weeks for $300, ten weeks for $375, and ten weeks with a model for $400. Only the ten-week model listing explicitly identifies a figure class. Confirm the subject, meeting dates, session length and available places before purchasing. [4]

Request a written quote for private lessons. Ask the instructor to separate lesson fees, travel, materials and equipment charges. For a package, get the number and length of sessions, payment schedule and expiry date. Compare the full amount you must pay rather than treating a course total as an hourly lesson price.

AS220 lists adult Practicing Artist membership at $35 per month and Exposure Level membership at $0 per month. Exposure membership provides computer and co-working access; Practicing Artist membership adds equipment access after certification and communal supplies. Ask staff about workshop fees and which materials you must buy for your intended project. [2]

Allow time for practice and preparation

RISD CE advises adult online students to allow at least six hours per week for lessons, discussions and assignments. Its adult asynchronous courses have assignment periods even though they have no required meeting times. Before enrolling, reserve time to practice, photograph your work and participate in course discussions. [1]

For multi-week adult classroom courses with at least 18 meeting hours, RISD CE advises approximately three hours of weekly assignment work outside class. It states that adult in-person workshops totaling 12 hours or less have no additional time commitment outside scheduled meetings. Compare classroom time and homework with your available evenings or weekends. [1]

RISD CE makes supply lists available in Canvas 30 days before a course starts. It also states that it does not cover supplies purchased in advance if it cancels a course. Review the list, ask which items you can reuse, and check the course status before making expensive purchases. [1]

Arrange a private or in-home lesson

Ask an instructor to show work in your chosen medium and explain their experience teaching your age group or skill level. Request a sample lesson outline and describe any access needs. For a child's lesson, agree on parent presence, pickup arrangements and permission to photograph or share their work.

For lessons at home, describe your table, lighting and cleanup space. Ask the instructor to specify surface protection, ventilation and material storage for the planned activity. Agree who brings tools and who cleans up. Ask whether the instructor carries liability coverage for teaching in someone else's home.

Get cancellation and rescheduling terms before paying. Ask what happens if the instructor misses a lesson and whether you can change the medium after trying it. Agree on a learning goal to review after the first few sessions, such as completing a drawing study and explaining the technique you practiced.

Providence Art Club published nonmember course fees

Choose an instruction route

Your hiring checklist

1. Name the medium, learner age, experience and project you want help with.
2. Request a course outline or private lesson plan with opportunities for feedback.
3. Confirm the teaching address, room access and transportation arrangements.
4. Get the full cost, including supplies, travel, equipment charges and deposits.
5. Check prerequisites and ask whether studio practice requires certification.
6. Reserve time for homework and practice between meetings.
7. Agree on cancellation, package expiry and child supervision arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I budget for a local art course?

Providence Art Club publishes nonmember course totals of $225–$400 across five listed options lasting five, eight or ten weeks. Ask about supplies and meeting hours before comparing them. These fees describe one provider's courses, rather than private lesson prices across the city. [4]

Does an AS220 membership include personal instruction?

AS220 lists workshops separately from membership options. Practicing Artist membership includes equipment access after certification and communal supplies. Ask staff which teaching and certification sessions you need and whether you must pay fees beyond membership. [2]

Can my teenager join a free arts program?

AS220 Youth provides free arts programming for ages 14–21, including painting, screen printing and digital media. Contact youth staff about joining, the current class schedule and activities that fit your teenager's interests. [3]

Can I ask a RISD instructor questions before enrolling?

RISD CE does not share instructor contact information before a course begins. Direct placement and course questions to the CE office at 401 454-6200. Ask about prerequisites, supplies, workload and the teaching location. [1]