Petaluma Arts Center

06/22/2026

New Voices | Panel Discussion
July 11, 3:30-4:30pm
$15 Members / $20 Non-Members

Join us for an inspiring afternoon at the Petaluma Arts Center for Teaching As Art Practice, a panel discussion exploring the dynamic relationship between teaching and creative practice.

Drawing from Aristotle’s quote, “Those who can, do; those who understand, teach,” this conversation brings together artist educators from across the North Bay to discuss how teaching art shapes, challenges, and enriches their own artistic work. Through personal experiences and shared perspectives, panelists will reflect on mentorship, creative process, pedagogy, and the evolving role of educators within contemporary art communities.

The panel features professors and teachers from Sonoma State University, College of Marin, and Santa Rosa Junior College.

Moderated by New Voices Curator Emma Logan, this engaging discussion offers insight into the intersection of artmaking, education, and community connection.

Above featured art by Max Jones titled “Feasting.” Max Jones

For tickets, find the link in our bio or here: https://mynorthbaytickets.com/e/teaching-as-art-practice-panel-discussion

06/18/2026

Blind Expression: Discovering Your Inner Abstract Voice
June 19, 1-4pm Ages 10+
An acrylic painting workshop for teens and adults of all skill levels that guides participants through an intuitive, judgment-free creative process. Beginning with intention setting and eyes-closed painting, students generate spontaneous marks that they later develop into abstract compositions with conscious refinement, all while working within simple constraints like a limited color palette. The experience emphasizes tapping into subconscious imagery, building confidence in one’s unique artistic voice, and exploring meaning beyond literal representation. The workshop concludes with a reflective group activity where participants anonymously share written interpretations of their work and collectively match them to the paintings, fostering empathy, connection, and deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives in art.

Register for this class by finding the link to PAC Academy in our bio, or here: https://mynorthbaytickets.ticketsauce.com/e/pacacademy-inner-abstract-voice

06/07/2026

Please visit PAC Academy’s presenting sponsor, We are so grateful for the support! Now go get your art on! www.rileystreet.com

06/07/2026

We at PAC want to thank everyone who participated in and attended The Origin Stories Symposium. It was a wonderful event filled with community, compassion and connection thanks to all of you. Here is a message from Elaine Tajima Johnston, founder of Saffron Arts & Culture:

“Thank you and the PAC staff for all of the support with this exhibition and the symposium. We heard from many of our Gen Z participants and their families how meaningful it was to have a safe space to share their stories and experience the many different ways stories can be told through art, music, personal experiences, and conversation.

The experience reinforced what we hope to create through this work: greater connection, compassion, and empathy across generations.“

06/03/2026

PAC Academy Workshop: Zines for Teens

Jump into a high-energy, hands-on zine-making experience where teens bring their ideas to life through bold visuals and DIY storytelling. Using hand-drawing, collage, found papers, and simple binding techniques, participants create their own self-published mini magazines from start to finish. Whether the message is political, personal, social, or playful, this workshop empowers creative voices to be seen and shared—resulting in a one-of-a-kind zine that’s as expressive and unique as its maker.

Instructed by Ann Ledo-Lane .ledolane
To register for this class, find the PAC Academy link in our bio, or here: https://mynorthbaytickets.ticketsauce.com/e/pacacademy-zines-for-teens

06/02/2026

PAC Academy Workshop: Create Your Own Children’s Book

This class introduces the process of turning a children’s picture book idea into a tangible project ready for publishing. In a fun, collaborative workshop setting, students create an illustrated ABC story while learning the key steps of book development—from initial concept to storyboard, dummy book, and a finished illustrated page. The course emphasizes both creativity and practical ex*****on, guiding participants to approach their work as if preparing it for submission to a publisher or for self-publishing.

Instructed by Gus D’Angelo
To register for this class, find the PAC Academy link in our bio, or here: https://mynorthbaytickets.ticketsauce.com/e/pacacademy-create-childrens-book

06/02/2026

PAC Academy Workshop: Digital Tools in Painting

Take your traditional painting skills to the next level by harnessing the power of digital tools you already own. In this useful workshop, you’ll learn how to transform your own photographs into polished watercolor, gouache, or oil paintings using mobile devices, tablets, and intuitive apps for gridding, color matching, and design. Drawing on techniques used that Gorsiski developed for top studios like Walt Disney and Industrial Light & Magic, this class shows how technology can simplify complex processes, improve accuracy, and speed up ex*****on. This will help you create more confident, professional-level work from start to finish.

Instructed by Gregory Gorsiski
To register for this class, find the PAC Academy link in our bio, or here: https://mynorthbaytickets.ticketsauce.com/e/pac-academy-digital-toolspaint

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

If you’ve ever wanted to take an art class but didn’t think you had the time or talent, then the Petaluma Arts Center has a solution for you.

See more below

05/19/2026

Foundations of Oil Painting
A Workshop: June 17, 6-9pm
Curious about oil painting but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly workshop demystifies the essentials, introducing you to the materials, tools, and core techniques that make oil painting so rich and versatile. You’ll learn how to set up your palette, understand mediums and surfaces, and explore foundational methods like layering, blending, and brushwork. With guided instruction and hands-on exploration, you’ll gain the confidence to begin your own oil painting practice and discover the unique beauty of working with this timeless medium.

To register for this class, find the PAC Academy link in our bio, or here: https://mynorthbaytickets.ticketsauce.com/e/pac-academy-oil-painting-foundations