adult education

adult art classes

YAM adult art classes are designed for everyone from beginners to artists who want to hone their skills. Every class is taught by a professional artist who is eager to share their creative process and techniques. These museum-based classes are perfect for lifelong learners and creative members of our community. All adult art classes are available for OPI credits.

YAM Museum Members receive 20% off most adult education courses.

This project is funded in part by the Montana Arts Council, an agency of the State Government, and by the National Endowment for the Arts.

4th Annual Urban Sketchbook Symposium
When: Saturday, May 16 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Cost: 
Free

Sponsored by the MAC, Billings Art Association, Arts Paper & Paint, and Crooked Line Studio

Where Every Line Tells a Story.
Unleash your imagination at the Sketchbook Symposium. YAM has again dedicated a space for artists to explore the raw beauty of the creative process. From quick gestures to intricate masterpieces, join a community of creators for a day of live demonstrations, collaborative sketching, and expert-led open studio opportunities. Whether your sketchbook is a mess of “messy thinking” or a polished portfolio, come discover the power of the pencil. Unlock your inner artist and see where your lines take you.

2026 participating artists include:
Beth Korth – Inspiration in Layers
Shane DeLeon – Cosmic Craziness
Anne Holub – Sketching into the Third Dimension
Dawn Nelson – Nature Journaling
Nancy Petersen – Zen Doodling
Brittany Hernandez – Art Journaling
And more!

Sketchbook Symposium: Focused Visual Journaling workshop with artist Katherine Jore
When: Saturday, May 16 | 1 – 6 PM at YAM’s Visible Vault
Cost: $40

This class will focus on the visual qualities you can easily add to your journal pages. Join local artist Katherine Jore and explore ephemeral additions to your sketchbook process.

You can expect:

  • A little introduction
  • The building blocks (collage, color, mark making)
  • A few guided pages
  • A discussion on composition (unifying the page)
  • To make your own pages while Katherine offers tips and ideas along the way

Body Language: Yoga & Figure Drawing Retreat at Tippet Rise
When: Saturday, May 30 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Cost: $50

The Yellowstone Art Museum is offering an incredible Yoga and Figure Drawing retreat at Tippet Rise Art Center. Participants will experience both art forms in symphony with the landscape and architectural wonder of the Cottonwood Campus. Artists, Beth Korth and Marilu Metherell will guide an in-depth dive into drawing the human figure as Yoga instructors, Sarah Brown and Carolanne Rohrs empower our studies with mindfulness of movement and form.

Sarah Brown has taught yoga in Billings for two decades. She currently teaches at the Billings Family YMCA and at Montana State University Billings. She leads classes that focus on alignment and connection from a place of authenticity and joy. Sarah also hosts Field Days on Yellowstone Public Radio and has worked at newspapers and magazines nationwide.

Carolanne Rohrs has been teaching group and private yoga classes, as well as workshops, since 2010. She currently teaches at the Billings Family YMCA as well as the youth yoga classes at the Yellowstone Art Museum’s Summer Art Academy. Carolanne’s classes focus on body and mind connection, alignment, strength, and breath.

Join us and experience two classes at Tippet Rise like never before. Lunch is included and will be curated by Chef Sheena Ernst with Wild Table, Red Lodge, Montana.

Cancellation Policy

Classes will be cancelled two weeks prior to the scheduled date if enrollment is insufficient. Your enrollment cost will be refunded fully.  Please enroll before then to avoid cancellations.

After registering, if you cannot attend a class, you must cancel a full TWO WEEKS before the class, or your money will not be refunded.

For more information contact:
Marilu Metherell, Adult Education Coordinator
406.256.6804 x250
adulted@artmuseum.org

connections at the art museum with the montana chapter of the alzheimer’s association

This monthly program is an important way for people living with early-stage cognitive impairment, including those living with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, and their care partners to connect with others at the YAM. Promoting connection, interaction, and companionship through viewing and discussing artwork and creating art in the studio. The bonds formed at these programs often last throughout the duration of the disease, creating additional support for all involved.

 

When: Every 3rd Friday | 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Cost: Free

To register, contact Adult Education Coordinator, Marilu Metherell, at 406-256-6804 x250 or adulted@artmuseum.org.

April 17, 2026
May 15, 2026
June 19, 2026
July 17, 2026
August 21, 2026

For more information please contact
Alzheimer’s Association

800.272.3900
montana@alz.org

 

For additional support please contact the Alzheimer’s Association’s free, 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 to speak with information specialists and care consultants.