Flexible Access is a program focused on providing continuing education opportunities through pay-what-you-can visual art courses for ages 17 and up.

In 2022, ALH kicked off a multi-year initiative to re-imagine the role of an Art League School to foster radical imagination, reduce economic barriers to art education and impact positive social change through the arts. This program marks the start of a larger initiative to prioritize arts access and equity taking place at the ALH school.

HOW TO REGISTER

All school registration can be made over the phone during our office hours, online, or by contacting the school email. Contact the ALH School for more information at school@artleaguehouston.org or 713.523.9530 ext. 3.

Phone: Students may register by calling Art League Houston at 713-523-9530 ext. 3 during regular office hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Email: Provide contact information to best reach you at (include name and phone) to school@artleaguehouston.org (use the subject line - Art League School: Flexible Access Registration)

Online: Students can register the pay-what-you-can options available online.

MORE INFORMATION

Please note: Flexible Access courses have limited seating. Once registered, attendance to these courses is highly encouraged. All courses take place at Art League Houston unless noted otherwise. Membership discounts are not applicable to Flexible Access courses. Before registering for any class, students must carefully read the Art League School policies by clicking here. By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering, which are subject to change).

WINTER 2026

Handcrafted Culture: Exploring Ethnic Techniques Through Intuitive Fiber Art  (FA-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS Handcrafted Culture: Exploring Ethnic Techniques Through Intuitive Fiber Art  (FA-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS Handcrafted Culture: Exploring Ethnic Techniques Through Intuitive Fiber Art  (FA-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS Handcrafted Culture: Exploring Ethnic Techniques Through Intuitive Fiber Art  (FA-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS Handcrafted Culture: Exploring Ethnic Techniques Through Intuitive Fiber Art  (FA-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS
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Handcrafted Culture: Exploring Ethnic Techniques Through Intuitive Fiber Art  (FA-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Nela Garzón

All Levels
Tuesday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 20 - March 3
7 weeks
$450 public / Pay-What-You-Can

Studio 1


In this class, students will be guided through a variety of mixed-media fiber art techniques inspired by rich ethnic craft traditions such as Guna molas, Otomi embroidery, and Haitian and Native American beadwork. Together, we will explore intuitive composition methods to create a vibrant and expressive wall hanging.

We’ll begin by learning the principles behind molas, the colorful reverse appliqué technique traditionally crafted by the Guna people of Panama and Colombia. Students will start by hand-stitching creative designs, then learning to cut and restitch to reveal a bold, multi-layered composition. Next, we’ll dive into embroidery techniques inspired by the vivid textiles of the Otomi people of Mexico. Using basic stitches, students will intuitively "draw" on fabric with thread, filling their shapes with color and texture to bring their compositions to life. To complete the piece, students will learn two beadwork techniques for embellishing with beads and sequins: one inspired by the dazzling drapo Vodou flags of Haiti, and another based on traditional Native American beadwork styles.

Throughout the class, students will be encouraged to work intuitively and personally, combining these global techniques to create a unique fiber art wall hanging that tells their own story.

NOTE: This course will open for registration on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM


This program has limited seating. For Flexible Access courses, ALH requires students to attend 70% of the scheduled classes. Failure to do so will place the student in a 6-month waitlist for future Flexible Access courses. Membership discounts are not applicable to Flexible Access courses. If a payment option isn’t available, contact the ALH School during office hours for assistance. By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Ink Drawing for Illustration (FA-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS Ink Drawing for Illustration (FA-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS Ink Drawing for Illustration (FA-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS Ink Drawing for Illustration (FA-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS Ink Drawing for Illustration (FA-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS
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Ink Drawing for Illustration (FA-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Zach Mendoza

Intermediate / Advanced
Sunday afternoons, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
January 25 - March 8
7 weeks
$450 public / Pay-What-You-Can

Studio 3


In this course, students will explore the expressive and technical possibilities of ink as a medium for illustration. Through in-depth demonstrations and live model sessions, students will learn to build compelling images using pen, brush, and ink wash. The course will address structure, proportion, gesture, and the use of line and value to create mood, clarity, and narrative intent. Students will develop an understanding of how to integrate traditional drawing fundamentals with illustrative thinking—composition, storytelling, and emphasis. The class will balance observational study with creative interpretation, culminating in a final project that synthesizes both. This course is recommended for intermediate to advanced students with prior drawing experience.

NOTE: This course will open for registration on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM

This program has limited seating. For Flexible Access courses, ALH requires students to attend 70% of the scheduled classes. Failure to do so will place the student in a 6-month waitlist for future Flexible Access courses. Membership discounts are not applicable to Flexible Access courses. If a payment option isn’t available, contact the ALH School during office hours for assistance. By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

 
Fabric Jewelry from Fashion Inspirations (FA-3) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP Fabric Jewelry from Fashion Inspirations (FA-3) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP Fabric Jewelry from Fashion Inspirations (FA-3) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP Fabric Jewelry from Fashion Inspirations (FA-3) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP Fabric Jewelry from Fashion Inspirations (FA-3) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP
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Fabric Jewelry from Fashion Inspirations (FA-3) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Dongyi Wu

All Levels
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
February 7
1 Day
$175 public / Pay-What-You-Can

Studio 1


In this workshop, students will learn how to create unique fabric jewelry using fabric scraps and metal wire. Drawing inspiration from magazine clippings and collage techniques, participants will explore how to design and construct voluminous, artistic fabric components.

Once the fabric elements are completed, instructor Dongyi will guide students in connecting them securely to human bodies by crafting a fibula—an ancient form of safety pin. The class will cover basic hand-stitching and metal-forming techniques, allowing students to combine textiles and metal into wearable, one-of-a-kind pieces. All levels.

NOTE: This course will open for registration on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM

This program has limited seating. For Flexible Access courses, ALH requires students to attend 70% of the scheduled classes. Failure to do so will place the student in a 6-month waitlist for future Flexible Access courses. Membership discounts are not applicable to Flexible Access courses. If a payment option isn’t available, contact the ALH School during office hours for assistance. By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Fabric Jewelry and Soft Sculptures (FA-4) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP Fabric Jewelry and Soft Sculptures (FA-4) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP Fabric Jewelry and Soft Sculptures (FA-4) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP Fabric Jewelry and Soft Sculptures (FA-4) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP Fabric Jewelry and Soft Sculptures (FA-4) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP
Sold out
Fabric Jewelry and Soft Sculptures (FA-4) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Dongyi Wu

All Levels
Sunday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
February 15 + February 22
2 Days
$175 public / Pay-What-You-Can

Studio 1


This two-day workshop offers students a unique opportunity to transform flat fabric scraps into wearable jewelry or small soft sculptures with volume.

In the first session, participants will explore how to draw inspiration from fashion magazines and collage techniques to design and create unique fabric components. These will then be assembled into one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces using hand stitching.

In the second session, the focus shifts to creating soft sculptural forms through the introduction of paper sculpture techniques adapted for fabric. Students will experiment with methods such as reshaping, rolling, and duplicating their components to develop more dimensional and expressive pieces. All levels.


NOTE: This course will open for registration on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM

This program has limited seating. For Flexible Access courses, ALH requires students to attend 70% of the scheduled classes. Failure to do so will place the student in a 6-month waitlist for future Flexible Access courses. Membership discounts are not applicable to Flexible Access courses. If a payment option isn’t available, contact the ALH School during office hours for assistance. By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).