Hope Studios Art Nights
Lesko Discovery Center (650 W International Airport Rd, Anchorage)
See class descriptions
With generous grant support from the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Human Development, Hope Studios is excited to host twice-monthly Art Nights now through April 2026. These hands-on DIY workshops are designed to bring people together through creativity and self-expression. No prior art experience is required for any of the classes.
Each Art Night features a different guest art instructor and medium, offering participants the chance to explore something new in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether you’re painting, screen-printing, or experimenting with mixed media, you’ll learn approachable techniques, enjoy a fun night out, and leave with something you made yourself. Space is limited for each class to keep the experience personal and welcoming, so we encourage early registration.
Sign up for one—or several—of the upcoming Art Nights below!
Registration disclaimer: Enrollment in Art Night classes requires an active waiver with Hope. If you do not currently have an active waiver, you must contact our New Services team before completing registration.
These events are sponsored by the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Human Development through the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Art Night with Steven: Mushroom Painting
December 19, 2025
Join Hope Studios for a fungi-inspired art class! Choose from a selection of 12-inch wooden mushroom cutouts and paint your own one-of-a-kind piece—complete with a wall hanger for easy display. Along the way, you'll learn about real mushroom anatomy. At the end of the night, you will go home with a wall-ready piece of art that’s as fun as it is unique.
The class will be led by Steven Davis—artist name MycoZephyr—a neurodivergent artist with a love for mixed media, a passion for mycology, and a curiosity for exploring new materials and techniques.
Check out Steven's artwork on Instagram @mycozephyr.
Art Night with Alberta: Finger-Knit Blankets
January 2, 2026
Learn how to make a soft, chunky blanket using just your fingers and oversized yarn—no knitting needles, no stress, no experience required. The class will be led by guest art instructor, Alberta Boulkhouatem. Alberta loves the finger-knitting technique for its simplicity and the beautiful, chunky textures it creates. She believes knitting is a powerful tool for unwinding and maintaining focus, especially beneficial as she manages her neurodiversity. Her goal as an instructor is to make knitting fun and accessible, helping every participant leave with a beautiful handmade item and the confidence to keep creating.
Art Night with Caroline: Fake Cakes
January 16, 2026
Ever wanted to enjoy all the fun of cake decorating—with none of the baking? This art night is for you! Art Night: Fake Cakes is a creative DIY class where you’ll design and decorate a small wooden box that looks good enough to eat—using faux frosting, piping techniques, and fun embellishments. Participants will paint their own small wooden box to serve as the base of the fake cake, then learn and practice a variety of piping techniques using pre-mixed materials and piping bags. The instructor, Caroline, will demonstrate different piping styles before guiding you as you add “frosting,” decorative details, and a personalized message on top. (All supplies provided.) You’ll leave with a finished, one-of-a-kind fake cake to take home!
- All class payments are nonrefundable unless the class is canceled by Hope Studios.
- Supported in part by a generous gift from the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Human Development through the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
