McKinney Center announces spring art classes for 2026

Spring 2026 is looking fresh for the McKinney Center, with new offerings and over 40 classes and workshops on the calendar. The McKinney Center and Jonesborough's Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts have announced their spring schedule of classes of hands-on learning opportunities for both children and adults. Registration is now underway for all upcoming classes and workshops, according to a press release from the Town of Jonesborough. All courses are led by experienced and supportive faculty. Art, music, drama, crafts and dance will be offered this spring for students of all ages. For children, the program offers instruction for young artists who are ready to explore the world of art. Students receive an introduction to art skills where activities and projects are organized to develop understanding and experiment with a wide variety of media, techniques and processes. Art Adventures (grades K-2) introduces painting, drawing, mixed media and printmaking to students as they begin to explore their creativity. Creative Constructions (grades 3–6) allows young creatives to construct original pieces of art and to learn more about various techniques. Students will work with scratchboard, learn perspective drawing, and try their hand at watercolor and acrylic painting. These two classes are also offered during the day for Homeschool families. For older elementary-aged students and high-school students, courses are taught to build their skills as artists, including drawing and painting skills that will be taken to the next level. Options include pottery, dance, drawing, glass fusion, watercolors, mixed media and more, according to the release. Clay classes are also favorite for all age groups, and there are many options for children and teens. The center also offers private lessons available for vocal, guitar, fiddle and dulcimer. Adult students also have a lot to look forward to during the Spring semester. Pottery wheel classes and clay hand-building classes are offered in the evenings and during the day. Other classes include glass fusion, jewelry, canning, oil painting, watercolors, mosaics, chair weaving and more. Participants may receive an Early Bird discount of $15 off when using the promo code EBSPRING2026 through Jan. 17. Class sizes are small, and spaces fill up quickly; early registration is recommended. Individual class costs may vary. The last day to register for classes is Jan. 24. Payment plans and scholarships are also available for students, K-12, who have a financial need. Apply for scholarships at: https://mckinneycenter.com/scholarships/ The McKinney Center is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Staff encourage all visitors to be at home at the McKinney Center; take a class, participate in an exhibition, come to a lecture, volunteer your time, attend a workshop, or set up an easel on the grounds and paint. Please check the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School Facebook page throughout the year for more information about programs and events. Full descriptions of class offerings can be found online at www.mckinneycenter.com or by stopping by the McKinney Center, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to pick up a catalog. For additional information, contact McKinney Center Director, Theresa Hammons, at theresah@jonesboroughtn.org or call (423) 753-0562.