The Art Center
Alturas, California — A creative hub for Modoc County artists and community members
About The Art Center
The Art Center in Alturas is the creative heart of Modoc County — a welcoming space where local artists gather, learn, create, and share their work with the community. Open to artists of all skill levels, The Art Center offers studio space, art classes, exhibitions, and community events that celebrate the rich artistic culture of our region.
The Art Center on FacebookContact & Hours
What The Art Center Offers
Art Classes
Ongoing classes in painting, ceramics, mixed media, and more — open to all skill levels.
Open Studio
Drop-in studio time for artists to work independently in a shared creative space.
Exhibitions
Regular gallery exhibitions showcasing the work of local and regional artists.
Community Events
Workshops, demonstrations, and community art projects throughout the year.
Our Partnership with MCAC
The Modoc County Arts Council partners closely with The Art Center to bring funded art education to Modoc County residents. Through this partnership, MCAC provides funding to compensate art instructors who teach a minimum of eight sessions to a minimum of eight students. Classes are typically eight weeks long and cover a wide range of disciplines — from painting and ceramics to mixed media and more.
Meet the Board
The Art Center is guided by a dedicated volunteer board committed to arts access in Modoc County.
Charisa Olsen
ChairpersonCharisa is a watercolor, stained glass, and pottery artist. She is active in fundraising ideas and partnering with local agencies (public health and others). She also is a part time volunteer at The Art Center, working in the gift gallery and assisting with events.
Teresa Jacques
Vice President / TreasurerTeresa has served as the board chair and brings a background in finance and fiscal expertise to The Art Center. She also teaches stained glass and mosaic art, and volunteers in the gift gallery.
Linda Irvin
SecretaryLinda is the longest serving board member and is a part time volunteer in the gift gallery and for events. Linda has experience in stained glass and watercolor painting.
Our Teachers
The Art Center's instructors bring a wealth of artistic skill and community dedication to every class.
Teresa Jacques
Mosaics & Stained GlassTeresa has been a dedicated member of The Art Center community for many years, serving on the board and volunteering in the gift gallery. She brings her passion for mosaic and stained glass art into the classroom, offering students hands-on instruction in both disciplines.
Sherryl Knox
Stained GlassSherryl has served as a board member in the past, as a volunteer, and has been an instrumental player in keeping the facility running.
René Wellman
Painting & MosaicRené previously served as a board member, volunteers in the gift gallery, and teaches watercolor and acrylics, children's art, mosaic art, and mixed media.
Shawna Waterman
Hand-building Ceramics (co-teacher)Shawna is a longtime student of The Art Center who is stepping into the classroom for the first time this year. Co-teaching Hand-building Ceramics alongside Wendy Bailey, she brings enthusiasm and a student's perspective to help continue building and sustaining ceramics classes for the public.
Wendy Bailey
Hand-building Ceramics (co-teacher)Wendy has been a dedicated student of The Art Center for many years and is now sharing her passion for ceramics as a first-year teacher. Co-teaching Hand-building Ceramics with Shawna Waterman, she is committed to keeping this beloved class accessible and thriving in the community.
Current Classes
Sign up for one of our fall classes — space is limited, so register early.
Thursdays only · 12:00–3:00 PM
Stained & Mosaic Glass
Meets Thursdays only, 12:00–3:00 PM with Teresa Jacques. Learn to score and cut glass, foil, solder, or use glass on a surface and grout. Pay by session: $18.75 · 4 sessions $75 · 8 sessions $150. Scholarships available.
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Aug 25 – Sept 18 · Tuesdays & Fridays only · 5:30–8:30 PM
Handbuilding Pottery
Meets Tuesdays and Fridays only, 5:30–8:30 PM. Learn hand-building, molding, and glazing. Space is limited — sign up soon.
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Sept 16 – Nov 4 · Wednesdays only · 5:30–8:30 PM
Mosaic Class
Meets Wednesdays only, 5:30–8:30 PM. 8 weeks of glass nipping, design, and grouting. $100 for the full session.
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Sept 14 – Nov 2 · Mondays only · 5:30–8:30 PM
Stained Glass
Meets Mondays only, 5:30–8:30 PM with Sherryl Knox. $150. New students have priority — sign up in person soon.
More details →Come Visit The Art Center
Open to the community — artists, students, and curious minds of all ages are welcome.