Workshop Hosting
Muse & Co hosts two types of instructional events beyond our signature Paint & Boba nights: weekly art classes (recurring series) and guest artist workshops (one-time events). This guide covers how both work from the staff side.
Weekly Art Classes
These are structured, recurring courses where students sign up for a multi-session series. The database tracks each enrollment with session_number and total_sessions fields, so staff can see where each student is in their series. Examples include:
| Class | Format | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sketching Fundamentals | Multi-session series | 1.5 hours per session |
| Painting Techniques | Multi-session series | 2 hours per session |
| Still Life Drawing | Multi-session series | 2 hours per session |
How Enrollment Works
- Classes are listed on ncmuse.co/classes (calendar view) with full descriptions, dates, and pricing
- Students book at ncmuse.co/classes/book and pay through Stripe
- A Spanish-language version is available at ncmuse.co/clases-de-arte
- The admin portal shows the roster for each class session
- Terms and policies: ncmuse.co/terms/art-classes
INFO
Students who miss a session do not automatically get a refund. Makeup policies are handled case-by-case through the admin portal.
Staff Responsibilities for Weekly Classes
- Confirm the instructor is scheduled and prepared for the session
- Set up the room with appropriate supplies for the medium (see setup notes below)
- Welcome returning students and check in any new enrollees
- Handle drink service if students want to order
- Clean up after the session
Guest Artist Workshops
These are one-time events featuring a visiting artist who teaches a specific technique or project. They are typically promoted more heavily and may have higher ticket prices.
Planning a Guest Artist Workshop
| Step | Who | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Book the artist | Management | Agree on date, fee, topic, supply needs |
| Create the event listing | Management / Admin | Add to ncmuse.co/events with description, pricing, capacity |
| Promote | Management / Staff | Share on social media, email list, in-store signage |
| Prepare supplies | Staff | Artist provides a supply list; Muse & Co sources and sets up |
| Day-of execution | Staff + Artist | Standard event setup, check-in, drink service |
TIP
Ask the guest artist for their supply list at least 2 weeks before the event. Some mediums require specialty supplies that may need to be ordered.
Setup by Medium
Different workshops need different supplies. Here is a quick reference:
| Medium | Key Supplies | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic painting | Canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, palette, water cup, paper towels, apron | Same as Paint & Boba setup |
| Watercolor | Watercolor paper (not canvas), watercolor pan set, round brushes, water cups, paper towels | Paper must be taped down to prevent curling |
| Sketching / Drawing | Sketchpad, pencil set (HB-6B), eraser, blending stumps | No water cups or aprons needed |
| Mixed media | Varies by artist | Confirm supply list with the instructor |
WARNING
Watercolor and acrylic require different brushes. Do not mix them. Watercolor brushes are softer and more delicate -- using them with acrylic paint will damage them.
Capacity
| Event Type | Typical Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paint & Boba | 20-25 guests | Limited by easel and table count |
| Weekly art class | 10-15 students | Smaller for more personalized instruction |
| Guest artist workshop | 15-25 guests | Depends on the medium and space needs |
Capacity is set when the event is created in the admin portal. The customer portal automatically stops accepting registrations when the cap is reached.
Promotion Checklist
When a new workshop or class series is announced:
- [ ] Event listed on ncmuse.co/classes (for art classes) or ncmuse.co/events (for guest workshops) with accurate details
- [ ] Social media posts scheduled (Instagram, Facebook)
- [ ] Email sent to mailing list subscribers
- [ ] In-store signage or flyer posted
- [ ] Staff informed of the date and any special setup needs
Day-Of Checklist
- [ ] Room set up with correct supplies for the medium
- [ ] Check-in ready on staff.ncmuse.co
- [ ] Instructor confirmed and arrived
- [ ] Drink station prepped
- [ ] After event: follow Event Cleanup procedures
Last updated: March 2026
