Events

Monthly Art Social at Red Bean Coffee Pickens Arts & Cultural Alliance(PACA) is reaching out to artists and art lovers alike to join us for a relaxed and inspiring monthly gathering.  Our new social group PACA Arts Connections is a group of volunteers who are passionate about teaching art and also the love of art.   Whether you’re a seasoned creative or simply enjoy the arts, this welcoming community is the perfect place to connect, share ideas, and spark new friendships. Enjoy casual conversation, creative tips, and a supportive atmosphere designed to encourage creativity in all forms. Each session will feature helpful insights, including photography tips with Judith Pishnery and acrylic painting tips with Rita Warner. Location: Red Bean CoffeeTime: Saturdays at 10:00 AM Upcoming Dates: April 11, 2026 May 16, 2026 June 13, 2026 No registration required—just drop in and join us! Come sip, create, and connect—we’d love to see you there!  

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER   Acrylic Painting Workshop Series | Pickens County Recreation Department Unleash your creativity in this hands-on acrylic painting workshop led by a seasoned professional Mrs. Rita Warner,  with over 30 years of experience as the Founder and Principal Instructor of Decorating Masters Inc. This engaging three-session class is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, offering step-by-step guidance in creating vibrant, eye-catching artwork. Always wanted to paint? If you’ve ever thought. “I wish I could do that”, this is your time!  You don’t need to be “naturally talented” to create beautiful art. You just need guidance, encouragement and the willingness to begin. Painting isn’t about perfection - it’s about learning, experimenting and discovering what you’re capable of. Join us for our ACRYLICS 101 series of 3 classes. In our Landscape class you’ll learn all about Composition, perspective and color theory. In the Still Life class, we focus on Shading, values and focal point. Our floral will show us how to use lost & found edges for more realistic flower petals and use of color for depth and focus. Every artist starts somewhere. Why not start now. Location: Pickens County Recreation DepartmentDates: Saturdays – June 13, 20, and 27Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PMCost: $120 for the full three-session series Spots are limited—register today and bring your artistic vision to life!

REGISTER HERE Ready to ditch Auto and actually drive your camera? Photo 101 is a lively, beginner-friendly adventure into the technical and creative foundations of photography. We break down the exposure triangle of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in ways that are ways to understand and feel intuitive, empowering, and surprisingly fun. You will learn how to control your camera, freeze motion, blur motion, control depth of field, nail focus, and choose lenses that shape the story you want to tell. This class is not just about buttons and settings. We also explore creative techniques that help you see with intention, including how light direction changes mood, how framing guides the eye, and how small choices can transform an ordinary scene into a compelling photograph. Expect hands-on practice, approachable challenges, and plenty of aha moments. By the end, you will feel confident making decisions behind the camera and excited to keep exploring your own creative voice. Equipment Requirements This class is designed for students using a digital SLR or mirrorless camera with exposure controls and interchangeable lenses. Any make or model is welcome, and there is no need for professional level equipment. If you are just getting started and need help choosing a camera, we can recommend a range of budget friendly options and starter kits. Learn your camera. Unlock your creativity. $150-4 session classes  WEDNESDAYS June 3, 10, 17, 24 5:30 to 6:50pm

REGISTER HERE   Lightroom 101 is a four week, hands-on introduction to the tools and techniques that make photo editing both powerful and enjoyable. In this 90 minute weekly class, you will learn how to organize your images, build a clean and efficient Library, and understand the Develop tools that shape exposure, color, contrast, and detail. We start with the basics of importing, rating, and managing your files so you always know where your photos live. Then we dive into creative editing, including how to correct exposure, enhance color, use presets, and apply masks to guide the viewer’s eye. You will practice simple workflows that help you edit faster and more intentionally, and you will learn how to export and share your finished images with confidence. This class is designed to be fun, supportive, and full of aha moments. By the end of the four weeks, you will feel comfortable navigating Lightroom, making thoughtful edits, and developing a style that feels like your own. This class requires a laptop computer with Lightroom Classic installed. Students should have basic computer skills such as naming and saving files, along with a reliable internet connection. A 1 TB or larger external hard drive is optional but helpful for storing and backing up photos. Adobe photography Plans - https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/compare-plans.html - If you are a student or teacher be sure to register for the education discount.   Learn Lightroom editing with clarity and confidence $150 4 session classes;  WEDNESDAYS June 3, 10, 17, 24 7:00 to 8:20pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER   Acrylic Painting Workshop Series | Pickens County Recreation Department Unleash your creativity in this hands-on acrylic painting workshop led by a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience as the Founder and Principal Instructor of Decorating Masters Inc. This engaging three-session class is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, offering step-by-step guidance in creating vibrant, eye-catching artwork. Participants will explore essential acrylic painting techniques including color blending, texture building, and composition. From stunning landscapes and glowing sunsets to expressive mixed-media pieces, each session is designed to help you grow your skills while creating artwork you’ll be proud to take home. Classes are interactive, encouraging creativity, confidence, and personal style in a fun and supportive environment. All art supplies are included, so just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to paint! Location: Pickens County Recreation DepartmentDates: Saturdays – June 13, 20, and 27Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PMCost: $120 for the full three-session series Spots are limited—register today and bring your artistic vision to life!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER   Acrylic Painting Workshop Series | Pickens County Recreation Department Unleash your creativity in this hands-on acrylic painting workshop led by a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience as the Founder and Principal Instructor of Decorating Masters Inc. This engaging three-session class is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, offering step-by-step guidance in creating vibrant, eye-catching artwork. Participants will explore essential acrylic painting techniques including color blending, texture building, and composition. From stunning landscapes and glowing sunsets to expressive mixed-media pieces, each session is designed to help you grow your skills while creating artwork you’ll be proud to take home. Classes are interactive, encouraging creativity, confidence, and personal style in a fun and supportive environment. All art supplies are included, so just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to paint! Location: Pickens County Recreation DepartmentDates: Saturdays – June 13, 20, and 27Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PMCost: $120 for the full three-session series Spots are limited—register today and bring your artistic vision to life!

REGISTER HERE Ready to ditch Auto and actually drive your camera? Photo 101 is a lively, beginner-friendly adventure into the technical and creative foundations of photography. We break down the exposure triangle of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in ways that are ways to understand and feel intuitive, empowering, and surprisingly fun. You will learn how to control your camera, freeze motion, blur motion, control depth of field, nail focus, and choose lenses that shape the story you want to tell. This class is not just about buttons and settings. We also explore creative techniques that help you see with intention, including how light direction changes mood, how framing guides the eye, and how small choices can transform an ordinary scene into a compelling photograph. Expect hands-on practice, approachable challenges, and plenty of aha moments. By the end, you will feel confident making decisions behind the camera and excited to keep exploring your own creative voice. Equipment Requirements This class is designed for students using a digital SLR or mirrorless camera with exposure controls and interchangeable lenses. Any make or model is welcome, and there is no need for professional level equipment. If you are just getting started and need help choosing a camera, we can recommend a range of budget friendly options and starter kits. Learn your camera. Unlock your creativity. $150-4 session classes  WEDNESDAYS June 3, 10, 17, 24 5:30 to 6:50pm

REGISTER HERE   Lightroom 101 is a four week, hands-on introduction to the tools and techniques that make photo editing both powerful and enjoyable. In this 90 minute weekly class, you will learn how to organize your images, build a clean and efficient Library, and understand the Develop tools that shape exposure, color, contrast, and detail. We start with the basics of importing, rating, and managing your files so you always know where your photos live. Then we dive into creative editing, including how to correct exposure, enhance color, use presets, and apply masks to guide the viewer’s eye. You will practice simple workflows that help you edit faster and more intentionally, and you will learn how to export and share your finished images with confidence. This class is designed to be fun, supportive, and full of aha moments. By the end of the four weeks, you will feel comfortable navigating Lightroom, making thoughtful edits, and developing a style that feels like your own. This class requires a laptop computer with Lightroom Classic installed. Students should have basic computer skills such as naming and saving files, along with a reliable internet connection. A 1 TB or larger external hard drive is optional but helpful for storing and backing up photos. Adobe photography Plans - https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/compare-plans.html - If you are a student or teacher be sure to register for the education discount.   Learn Lightroom editing with clarity and confidence $150 4 session classes;  WEDNESDAYS June 3, 10, 17, 24 7:00 to 8:20pm