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Featured artist: Vera Karn White

The NHAC will be closed August 23-30 for gallery renovation. 
While the office is closed, Fall class registration is still open online! Look at the catalog and register here.

Diane Pontoriero's Classes

    • August 22, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 1
    Registration is closed

    Registration deadline: August 15

    Ages 16+

    In this intensive workshop we will explore 4 different dyeing techniques: bundle, eco-dyeing, solar and indigo. Bring plant material and 4 small items to be dyed. Detailed instructions will be sent upon registration.

    Bring a lunch. All other materials provided.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

    Date: Saturday, 8/22 (1 sessions)
    Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm


    • September 03, 2026
    • September 17, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 1
    Register

    REGISTRATION DEADLINE: August 27

    Ages 18+

    Savor the last days of summer creating a hand built bowl
    decorated with flowers, leaves and plants. No clay experience is needed as we use molds to form our bowls. Underglazes and glazes will breathe life into your botanical bowls.
     All materials included.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

    Dates: Thursdays 9/3 & 9/17 (2 sessions)
    No class 9/10

    Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm


    • September 10, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 6
    Register

    Registration deadline: September 3

    Ages 14+

    In this 2 hour workshop, you will follow along with the instructor to paint in the “alla prima” technique. We will be painting an evening sunset. As a modern twist, acrylic paints will be used. All materials included.  

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

     

    Date: Thursday 9/10 (1 session) 

    Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    • September 12, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 2
    Register

    Registration deadline: September 5

    Ages 16+

    Using small pieces of fused glass, you will arrange and stack the glass pieces on a kiln shelf to form a circular shape. The glass is then tack fused and slumped in a bowl shape to create a dish that looks like pieces of melted ice!  All materials included.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

    Date: Saturday 9/12

    Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    • September 12, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 6
    Register

    Registration deadline: September 5

    Ages 16+


    Learn to create stunning fused glass pendants, earrings, and pins. Beginner and experienced glass artists can make up to 8 pieces of wearable art. Class includes tips on the use of dichroic glass, layering glass, and using frits and stringers. You can create both full and tack fused pieces! All materials included.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero


    Date: Saturday 9/12 (1 session)

    Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    • September 19, 2026
    • October 03, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Registration Deadline: September 12

    Ages 18+


    Add to your fall décor with hand made clay pumpkins and gourds. You will be able to make 3-4 small gourd shapes that you will decorate with a variety of  glazes. First session is all about the making and the second session is all about perfecting your autumn harvest with glazes. All materials included.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero


    Dates: Saturdays 9/19 & 10/3 (2 sessions)
    No class 9/26

    Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    • September 19, 2026
    • October 03, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Registration deadline: September 12

    Ages 18+

    Let’s take the Gingerbread House in a scary direction. We will use slab construction, templates, and a variety of textures and stamps to make a haunted house: the perfect spooky addition to your Halloween décor! We will build during our first session and give your haunted house a ghostly glow with glazes during the second session.  All materials included.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero


    Dates: Saturdays 9/19 & 10/3 (2 sessions)
    No class 9/26

    Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    • October 01, 2026
    • November 12, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Registration deadline: September 24

    Ages 16+

    This 6-week class is for all skill levels as we explore both wheel throwing and hand building techniques. Learn the basics of clay work or build upon your skill level with more advanced pieces. The last class will focus on glazing. All materials included. 

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

    Dates: Thursdays 10/1 - 11/12 (6 sessions)

    (No class 11/5)

    Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    • October 05, 2026
    • November 16, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Registration deadline: September 28

    Ages 16+

    This 6-week class is for all skill levels as we explore both wheel throwing and hand building techniques. Learn the basics of clay work or build upon your skill level with more advanced pieces. The last class will focus on glazing.   All materials included. 

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

    Dates: Mondays 10/5 - 11/16 (6 sessions)

    (No class 11/9)

    Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    • October 05, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 1
    Register

    Registration deadline: September 28

    Ages 16+

    For those who enjoy soft pastels, this workshop will show you how to make your own pastel sticks! We will use commercial, non-toxic pigments and locally sourced clay earths to make our unique colors. Don’t be afraid to try out your new colors in our Soft Pastel Class. All materials included.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

    Date: Monday 10/5 (1 session)

    Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    • October 07, 2026
    • November 11, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 5
    Register

    Registration deadline: September 30

    Ages 16+

    Don’t think you can draw? Want to get better at drawing? I’m here to help.  Let’s take the “pain” out of learning to draw in this 6-week course. The fundamentals of drawing will be covered, including observational drawing, shading, and perspective. All materials included.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero


    Dates: Wednesdays, 10/7 - 11/11 (6 sessions)

    Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm



    • October 07, 2026
    • November 11, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 5
    Register

    Registration deadline: September 30
    Ages 16+

    Painting with watercolors is such a fluid and exciting process. We will explore the unique qualities of watercolors and cover a variety of watercolor techniques as we create our paintings. Supplies and the processes to complete works of art will be reviewed. Students will be able to work along with the instructor, as well as work on individual projects. All skill levels welcome. Materials list below. Watercolor kits available for purchase. 

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

    Dates: Wednesdays 10/7 - 11/11 (6 sessions)
    Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    Materials list:

    Students are encouraged to use materials already in their possession and to replenish supplies, using this list as a guide:

    -Paper: 140 lb. cold-pressed (9x12 or larger)
    -Brushes: flat tipped (1/2” or larger); round (varying sizes, at least one large and one small)
    -Paints: (tubes not cakes; student grade or artist grade) ultramarine blue; Prussian blue; burnt sienna; raw sienna; cadmium red; cadmium yellow
    -Painting surface: drawing board; Masonite board; watercolor block
    -Pencil
    -Soft eraser
    -Masking tape



    • October 12, 2026
    • November 16, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 3
    Register

    Registration deadline: October 5

    Ages 16+

    Soft pastels are a vibrant and rewarding painting medium! This class will cover using pastels with a variety of different techniques and with a variety of surfaces.  All levels are welcome as we explore the pastel pencils, sticks and pan pastels. All materials included.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero


    Dates: Mondays, 10/12 - 11/16 (6 sessions)

    Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm



    • November 07, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 11
    Register

    Registration deadline: October 31

    Ages 10+


    Discover how the birch tree got its stripes through a captivating Ojibwe folktale. Students will then bring the story to life by painting their own acrylic birch masterpiece. All materials included.


    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero


    Date: Saturday, 11/7

    Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    • November 14, 2026
    • November 28, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Registration deadline: November 7
    Ages 18+

    Using a variety of handbuilding techniques, we will make trees, gnomes, and Santas, all starting with a cone shape. These will be finalized with colorful glazes, ready to add to your holiday décor! No clay experience needed for this fun workshop. All materials included.  

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

    Dates: Saturdays 11/14 & 11/28
    No class 11/21
    Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm


    • November 14, 2026
    • November 28, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Registration deadline: November 7

    Ages 16+


    Liven up your holiday decorations with a hand built gingerbread house made out of clay. We will be using templates, slabs, sprig molds, stamps, and shape cutters to create our "candy" decorated houses. The houses will be finished with a variety of colorful ceramic glazes, making them absolutely irresistible.  All materials included.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero


    Dates: Saturdays 11/14 & 11/28 (2 sessions)
    No class 11/21

    Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    • November 18, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 9
    Register

    Registration deadline: November 11

    Ages 16+

    Add a unique painting to your holiday or winter décor. We will be using acrylic paint to create winter scenes on a roof slate. Paint along with the instructor or bring your own reference materials. All skill levels welcome.  All materials included.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero



    Date: Wednesday 11/18 (1 session)

    Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm



    • November 21, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 1
    Register

    Registration deadline: November 14

    Ages 16+

    We will build fused glass evergreens with a variety of colored glass and frits, which will be tack fused to create the 3D effect. The tree locations will be marked on the wood for securing after the firing. All materials included.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero



    Date: Saturday 11/21 (1 session)

    Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm



    • November 21, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Registration deadline: November 14

    Ages 16+

    Add some special handmade glass ornaments to your tree, use them as window decorations, or give them as a gift. Create 2-3 ornaments in this workshop using a variety of glass colors, frits, and stringers. All materials included.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero



    Date: Saturday 11/21 (1 session)

    Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm



    • December 03, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 3
    Register

    Registration deadline: November 26

    Ages 16+

    Using preformed wool roving balls and a variety of colored roving, you will learn how to needle felt wool ornaments for your Christmas tree. At the end of this workshop you should have 2-3 ornaments to decorate with or give as gifts. No experience necessary. All materials included. 

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

    Date: Thursday 12/3 (1 session)

    Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    • December 03, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 2
    Register

    Registration deadline: November 26

    Ages 16+

    Needle felting with colorful wool roving is a great technique to create a unique painting. First we will plan our painting to fit on an embroidery hoop, which is provided. You can either follow along with the instructor’s design or bring your own reference material to create your own personal painting. All materials included. 

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

    Date: Thursday 12/3 (1 session)

    Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    • December 12, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 4
    Register

    Registration deadline: December 5

    Ages 14+

    Pysanky is traditionally a spring craft, but we will take this beautiful batik process into the winter holidays. Using time-honored methods, you will create 2-3 gorgeous egg ornaments to hang on your tree or give as gifts.  All materials included.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

    Dates: Saturday 12/12 (1 session)

    Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Closed Classes

August 06, 2026 WS-506 Fused Glass Wall Vase (SU26)
July 27, 2026 A-310 Soft Pastels (SU26)
July 25, 2026 A-124 Just Raku & Pit Fire (SU26)
July 25, 2026 WS-125 Rustic Bell Wind Chime (SU26)
July 18, 2026 NHAC 2026 Open House
July 15, 2026 A-139 Clay Additions (SU26)
July 06, 2026 A-103 Let’s Throw Some Clay! - Monday Mornings (SU26)
July 02, 2026 A-104 Let’s Throw Some Clay! - Thursdays (SU26)
June 27, 2026 WS-126 Clay Curio (SU26)
June 25, 2026 WS-405 Shibori & Indigo Dyeing (SU26)
June 19, 2026 WS-216 Date Night with Bob Ross (SU26)
June 04, 2026 WS-502 Fused Glass Jewelry (SP26)
May 23, 2026 A-124 Just Raku and Pit Fire (SP26)
May 16, 2026 SE-103 Printmaking for Tweens & Teens (SP26)
May 16, 2026 SE-102 Printmaking for Kids (SP26)
May 09, 2026 WS-216 Paint Like Bob Ross (SP26)
May 06, 2026 WS-123 Kurinuki Pottery (SP26)
April 20, 2026 A-103 Let’s Throw Some Clay! - Monday Mornings (SP26)
April 16, 2026 A-104 Let’s Throw Some Clay! - Thursdays (SP26)
April 15, 2026 A-414 Batik Painting (SP26)
April 15, 2026 A-208 Watercolor Basics (SP26)
April 13, 2026 A-310 Soft Pastels (SP26)
April 09, 2026 WS-521 Fused Glass Suncatcher (SP26)
April 04, 2026 WS-106 Clay Fairy or Gnome House (SP26)
April 04, 2026 WS-124 Handbuilt Watering Can (SP26)
March 21, 2026 WS-501 Pysanky (Ukranian Easter Eggs) (WI26)
March 21, 2026 WS-419 Wet Felted Bowls (WI26)
March 11, 2026 A-136 Understanding Underglazes (WI26)
February 28, 2026 WS-403 Ice Dyeing (WI26)
February 22, 2026 WS-119 Decorated Clay Mirror(WI26)
February 21, 2026 WS-121 Textured Tray (WI26)
February 02, 2026 A-310 Soft Pastels (WI26)
January 31, 2026 WS-502 Fused Glass Jewelry (WI26)
January 31, 2026 WS-503 Fused Glass Bowls (WI26)
January 28, 2026 A-208 Watercolor Basics (WI26)
January 28, 2026 A-212 Painting Sampler (WI26)
January 17, 2026 WS-403.2 Ice Dyeing (WI26)
January 17, 2026 WS-122 Inspiration Animals (WI26)
December 06, 2025 WS-502 Fused Glass Jewelry (FA25)
December 06, 2025 WS-508 Fused Glass Ornaments (FA25)
November 22, 2025 WS-501 Pysanky for the Holidays (FA25)
November 22, 2025 WS-122 Holiday Trees(FA25)
November 19, 2025 WS-409 Wet Felted Landscapes (FA25)
November 05, 2025 WS-410 Wet Felted Flowers (FA25)
November 05, 2025 A-208 Watercolor Basics (FA25)
November 03, 2025 A-414 Batik Painting (FA25)
November 03, 2025 A-213 Georgia O'Keeffe Color Mixing Studies (FA25)
November 01, 2025 WS-120 Mug Making & Coffee Tasting (FA25)
November 01, 2025 WS-109 Clay Gingerbread House (FA25)
October 09, 2025 A-104 Let’s Throw Some Clay! - Thursday Evenings (FA25)
September 20, 2025 A-130 Just Raku (FA25)
September 18, 2025 WS-404 Indigo & Shibori Dyeing (FA25)
September 17, 2025 A-121 Inspired by Trees (FA25)
September 15, 2025 A-310 Soft Pastels (FA25)
September 13, 2025 WS-406 Felted Pumpkins & Gourds (FA25)
September 13, 2025 WS-104 Clay Pumpkins & Gourds (FA25)
September 11, 2025 WS-107 Botanical Bowls (FA25)
September 09, 2025 A-302 Drawing Basics (FA25)

North Hills Art Center

3432 Babcock Blvd | Pittsburgh, PA 15237

(412) 364-3622 

info@northhillsartcenter.org


© 2026 North Hills Art Center

The NHAC is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization