FAQs

Davis Studio is located at 916 Shelburne Road in South Burlington, VT.

Please remember to wear (or bring) clothes that could get permanently stained with paint. This for all classes at Davis Studio. 

Youth attending any of our programs should wear good walking shoes/boots and have appropriate gear for the weather conditions as we spend time outside regularly.

If you are taking one of our fused glass classes, please do NOT wear sandals or open-toed shoes.

Though rare, snow days do occur at Davis Studio. Please view details below.

Davis Community School (Pre-K through 5th grade) follows the South Burlington School District schedule for Snow Days.

Youth Programming (Explorers, Creative Path and Destinations) In-person classes will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Students will be offered an online option that day. Instructors will call and e-mail parents with further information.

Adult Programming will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather via phone and email prior to the start time of the course. We do not offer make up classes, but our instructors are prepared to offer remote learning opportunities as they see fit. Please contact your instructor directly with any weather related questions.

Davis Studio Office For the safety of our administrative staff, if the South Burlington School District is closed for the day, the main office will be closed. Thank you for understanding. E-mail will be monitored throughout the day

Please note that filming/photography, for promotional and archival purposes, takes place during all programs at Davis Studio, including classes, workshops and Community School programs. The photos and recordings may appear on our website and in social media posts.

Effective Fall 2020, we no longer host private events and birthday parties. We suggest visiting findandgoseek.net for alternatives.

Davis Studio welcomes adults and teens to volunteer in our studio for different programs & activities. Please fill out our Volunteer Application Form and we’ll be in touch when & if we need volunteers!

If you have a credit with us, please call or email us so we can verify the credit amount. We will give you instructions on exactly how to register for a class or camp, using your credit, at that time.

Class or camp fees are non-refundable. However, fees may be transferred in full to a future class or camp if a written request (e-mail) is received 14 days prior to the start of the class or camp from which you are withdrawing. If we have fewer than 14 days’ notice the credit will be minus 25% the cost of your class or camp. Cancellations within 48 hours of a class, camp or workshop are non-refundable/non-transferable. We often turn away students and a last minute cancellation prevents us from filling the spot. Please be advised that multiple transfers may incur additional fees.

Tuition based youth art programs with an automatic bank withdrawal (ACH) set up require 45 days’ notice of cancellation in writing because we have made a yearly commitment to our teachers and changes in enrollment put their jobs at risk. If you need to withdraw your student, please email the office at with your request.

You may absolutely pay by check! Please note, however, that our classes fill up quickly, and your spot will not be reserved until we have received your check, completed registration form, and emergency form. When you reserve your spot(s) and pay on our website, you will receive an immediate confirmation of your place in the class. When paying by check, it is possible that the class you want to take, will fill up before we receive your payment.

If you are sending us a check, please be sure to send us the following completed forms with your check:

• For your child(ren): Registration Form(s)
• For yourself: Registration Form

If we receive your payment without these forms, we are unable to hold your space in the class(es). Thanks for understanding!

We welcome you to try our one-day introductory workshops which include Fundamentals of Drawing, Fundamentals of Painting, and a variety of Fused Glass workshops. You are also invited to enroll in any of our eight-week classes without first attending a workshop. No matter if you are a complete beginner or an experienced artist, our instructors will provide you with appropriate support for your skill level.

Many beginners feel this way and after arriving for their first class at Davis Studio are relieved that our Instructors are highly skilled in teaching beginner students. Many adult students in our classes and workshops are also beginners! Our teachers create a warm and encouraging environment where you can relax and enjoy the process of learning. Taking a few hours every week to attend a creative class can add joy to your life in many ways.

Our adult program consists of three departments : drawing, painting, and fused glass.  There are six 8-week courses in each department that rotate every 8 weeks throughout the academic year.  We offer programming during the week days from 9 a.m.–11 a.m., from 12–2p.m., and our evening week day courses are from 6:30–8:30 p.m.  We also offer weekend workshops that are 12:30–2:30 p.m. or 12:30–3:30 p.m.

If your class or workshop is cancelled due to inclement weather, your Instructor will offer the group a make up class or alternative workshop date.

We do not offer make-up classes due to a student’s absence.  However, if you need to miss multiple classes, we are happy to connect individually to discuss your situation. Please reach out directly to your Instructor or to Kat Lawlis our Adult Program Director ()

Congratulations!  Completing your Thriving Artist Certificate is a great goal and one that will help you build confidence in art making, refine your authentic voice & style, as well as create deep connections with others in our creative community.

Let your Instructor know that you would like to receive your certificate and trust that our Adult Program Director Kat Lawlis is tracking your progress

Once you complete all 6 courses in one department, your instructor will perform a short acknowledgement at the conclusion of your last course in order to award you Davis Studio’s drawing, painting, or fused glass certificate and to celebrate your accomplishment.

Taking two or more 8-week courses at once is an immersive experience!  Multiple weekly art classes will fill your life with art making and also with a rich creative community.  We recommend this option for those who have the availability in their schedules and who are focused on improving their skills and developing their artistic voice.

Our 8-week drawing and painting courses are open to all levels of experience, so they are all available to you!  We would suggest choosing a course that is focused in an area that you are interested in. Are you a portrait painter looking to improve your portrait skills?  We would suggest either ‘Learn To Draw Faces’ or ‘Paint Compelling Portraits’.  Our Instructors design their curriculum with multiple pathways through each project, so that you can dictate the level of challenge.

Sometimes a class is not a perfect fit and we encourage you to reach out directly to your instructor to discuss your experience.  If you have connected with your Instructor and still feel strongly that it is not a great fit, please reach out to our Adult Program Director Kat Lawlis . Kat will be able to support you and offer options.

We do not offer Adult Art scholarships at this time.

Typically, the first 30 minutes of a two-hour class is spent on instruction. The remaining time is spent working on a project with plenty of 1:1 time with the Instructor. The last class of an 8-week session is usually a group critique and does not include instruction or very much studio work time. Fused Glass courses do use the majority of the last class for studio work time and will include a final firing.

Drawing is considered the foundation of all art. You no doubt drew pictures and symbols long before you learned to write. You may have stopped drawing somewhere along the way, but that urge to draw is always there. Drawing is one of the most powerful tools you have to develop a creative mindset.

Drawing allows you to slow down, be patient, and pay attention. Much like meditation, drawing helps calm your mind. A practice of observation, inquiry, and steady effort are healthy for you in so many ways. Even if you are a beginner, you can make rapid progress and feel a deep sense of accomplishment.

You will receive individualized support in a group setting, with just the right balance of  technique-building and creative freedom. With the support of our nurturing instructors, you will develop the skills to reach your individual goals; to render with accuracy and to express your original ideas.

The Instructors in our painting program focus their technique lessons and projects using acrylics as well as water mixable oil paints – which are just like traditional oil paints, except without the fumes or messy clean up!

We do not offer watercolor painting classes at this time, but a watercolor workshop may be available soon!

We offer specialized workshops designed with our current students in mind to build onto their existing art education experience at Davis Studio. We hope that these specialized workshops excite and challenge our students in new and interesting ways! These workshops include: ‘Color Theory Part 1 & 2’ and ‘Linocut Printmaking’.

We also offer workshops that are open to everyone. These workshops are a great way to become familiar with Davis Studio before committing to an 8 week course. ‘Fundamentals of Drawing’ and ‘Fundamentals of Painting’ are workshops designed for students who are new to Davis Studio, are beginners, or who are looking for a refresher on the fundamentals. Our Instructors will coach you through technique exercises and projects that are engaging in a warm studio environment.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, kits may be purchased as a complete set or separately by item.  Please contact our Adult Program Director Kat Lawlis for more information ()

*Professional Drawing Supply Kits are meant to last several years with care of materials. The following supplies are included in the Drawing Supply Kit:

• HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B Graphite Pencils
• Pink Pearl Erasers
• Metal Sharpener
• White Gel Pen
• Vine Charcoal
• Compressed Charcoal
• Compressed & White Charcoal Pencils
• Jumbo Kneaded Eraser
• Tortillons/Blending Sticks
• Conte Crayons
• Oil Pastel Set
• Chalk Pastel Set
• Watercolor Pencil Set & Paint Brush
• 005, 03, and 08 Sakura Pigma Micron Fine Liner Pens
• 18” x 24” Newsprint Pad (50 sheets)
• 9” x 12” Mixed Media Sketchbook (60 sheets)
• 23” x 26” Drawing Board w/clips
• Art Bin Essentials Storage Container
• Soft Portfolio w/strap 23 x 31 (for transporting supplies & drawings)

For the 2023-2024 academic year, kits may be purchased as a complete set or separately by item.  Please contact our Adult Program Director Kat Lawlis for more information ()

*Professional Painting Supply Kits are meant to last several years with care of materials

The following supplies are included in the Painting Supply Kit:

• Set of 12 lightweight, synthetic, all-media paint brushes
• Set of 3 palette knives
• Folding brush/palette knife storage case w/zipper
• HB Graphite Pencil
• Pink Pearl Eraser
• Metal Sharpener
• Watercolor Paper Pad, 30 sheets, 12” x 18”
• Small Interactive Color Wheel
• One Wet Palette w/ Lid
• 30 Palette Paper Sheets for Wet Palette
• One Sponge Insert for Wet Palette
• Soft Portfolio w/strap 23 x 31 (for transporting supplies & paintings)

Typically, the first 30 minutes of a two-hour class is spent on instruction. The remaining time is spent working on a project with plenty of 1:1 time with the Instructor. The last class of an 8-week session is usually a group critique and does not include instruction or very much studio work time. Fused Glass courses do use the majority of the last class for studio work time and will include a final firing.

The medium of fused glass involves working with a variety of glass hand tools and electric power tools.The studio is located on two floors. Students should be comfortable standing or sitting for periods of time. The use of hand and power tools to cut and grind glass requires moderate hand strength and a firm hand for gripping, squeezing, and manipulating glass. If you are concerned about your ability to participate safely and comfortably in the class, please contact Micaela Wallace to discuss before registering. Micaela’s email is .

Our instructors will give you individualized support in a group setting, providing just the right balance of technique-building and creative freedom. You will develop the skills to reach your individual goals and to express your original ideas.

Family friendly fused glass workshops are for ages 8 and up!  However, children 8-12 must be accompanied by an adult enrolled in the workshop. Our family friendly glass workshops include : ‘Holiday Ornaments’, ‘Have A Heart’, ‘Windchimes’, and ‘Mother’s Day Gifts’.

Fused glass, or kiln fused glass, is the joining of pieces of glass together in the heat of a kiln. Artists start with sheet glass (we work in Bullseye COE 90 ONLY) and then cut, sand, and shape these sheets with the help of “cold working” tools (like the flat lapidary grinder, wet tile saw and sandblaster).

An Ancient Art Form

Kiln formed and glass fusing techniques have been with us for nearly five thousand years with evidence of early examples found in Syria, Palestine, and Egypt. The Romans used glass fusing as their primary glass-working method. You will use modern tools and techniques to explore the beautiful artform.

All our beginner glass classes will give artists a chance to learn each tool in our glass studio, as well as offer projects ideas to help give hands-on practice for popular techniques. Projects are tailored to each student’s skill level, with advanced versions offered to those with fused glass experience.

‘Color and Composition’ covers the basics while looking at fused glass through the lens of color theory. Artists are introduced to color mixing, dilutions/saturations, and color harmony which can be helpful when choosing a project’s design specifications.

‘Decorative Arts’ offers a fundamental approach to fused glass and shows artists the variety of firing schedules and molds to create small pieces of dishware and home decor (sun catchers, candle holders, vases, soap dishes, etc.). Besides sheet glass, students will be introduced to a wide array of accessory glass materials and how to use them in a design.

Beginner classes are project based and give students an opportunity for in-class studio time to complete works of art from start to finish. New students will be introduced to the studio, to best practices, as well as how to use each tool in our cold-working room. More experienced students are welcomed to join, and will be offered advanced projects to challenge their existing skills.

Intermediate classes are technique based. Each class focuses on how to create unique components (ie., pattern bars and powder wafers) and a chance to experiment with speciality materials (like fiber paper and enamels). Many projects include special firing schedules and kiln loading instructions. Students will leave this class with a collection of components to use in future fused glass artwork as well as directions/experience and firing schedules for each technique.

Fused Glass Independent Study is a great chance for students who have taken an 8-week beginner class to continue practicing their skills at their own pace.  Advanced students can make use of the cold-working room and kilns to create their own works of art.

Independent Study sessions are self guided with an instructor present to answer questions and offer advice. When there is interest, and with advanced notice, kiln space will be held open for powder firings. Students who attend Independent Study can anticipate being offered ½ a shelf of kiln space for their work each class.

If the class you are taking requires an art kit please bring that to the studio each week.

We recommend that you bring a water bottle and pack a snack or lunch depending on the duration of your class. Please be aware that Davis Studio is a peanut and nut-free facility.

We are a peanut free and tree nut free facility so all students must refrain from bringing peanuts/tree nuts or products made with peanuts/tree nuts into the Studio.

Davis Studio Youth Art Scholarship Fund ​

Interested in applying for a scholarship to Davis Studio? Please fill out the application and send it in with:

1. A short letter indicating why you would like your child to attend one of our classes or camps.
2. Income Verification: IRS 1040 (pages 1 and 2)
3. A recent pay stub OR letter from your employer.

PLEASE NOTE:

• We need your application processed at least two weeks be. A parental contribution is required to secure a space in class or camp.
• Need-based aid is intended to defray the cost of class/camp attendance, where appropriate, and will not cover more than 50% of the total cost of enrollment. Available funding is limited, with the purpose of helping as many families as possible who demonstrate need.
• Scholarship Award does not guarantee a space in the class/camp requested. Enrollment is subject to availability at the time parental contribution is received.

Email Application and supporting documents to:

OR Mail Application and supporting documents to:

Davis Studio
916 Shelburne Road
South Burlington, VT 05403

Please provide appropriate clothing for art making along with weather appropriate outer-gear. Send your child with a packed lunch, a snack & a drink. Include an ice pack if needed. **Do not bring any peanuts, peanut butter or peanut products into the studio as we have students and staff with severe, life-threatening allergies who frequently attend the studio.**

If your child has an allergy that requires an Epi-pen, (s)he cannot attend camp without it. The Epi-pen will need to be given to the instructor on the first day or upon arrival each morning.

Yes, we do!

Summer Aftercare Option: We will offer aftercare at both Davis Studio & Vermont Commons. **Be sure to click the correct enrollment button based on the location of your child’s summer camp.

We can provide aftercare for your child from 2:30–5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, for each of our weekly camps.  The cost of aftercare is $100 for all four days. Aftercare is not available on Fridays.

Your child must be enrolled in camp to be eligible to attend aftercare.

You may call Davis Studio (802) 425-2700, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. If you do not speak to a live person, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. You may also e-mail us at . E-mail is often the quickest and most efficient way to get in touch with us.

We want to set all of our students up for success at Davis Studio. If your child has a 1:1 in their school we would like to check in with you before class/camp begins. Please contact us at Our excellent instructors are adept at adjusting lesson plans to accommodate a student’s needs and learning style. However, if your student needs a higher level of individualized support we may ask you to provide a 1:1 for their time here. These decisions require an individualized discussion which should take place prior to registering for class/camp.

Cancellation Policy: Class or camp fees are non-refundable. However, fees may be transferred in full to a future class or camp if a written request (e-mail) is received 14 days prior to the start of the class or camp from which you are withdrawing. If we have fewer than 14 days’ notice the credit will be minus 25% the cost of your class or camp. Cancellations within 48 hours of a class, camp or workshop are non-refundable/non-transferable. We often turn away students and a last minute cancellation prevents us from filling the spot. Please be advised that multiple transfers may incur additional fees.

Please contact us if you have any questions.