Spring comes early to the ArtWorks Center. In fact, we’ve been planning for it since September.

We know how long those first few months after the new year are, and having a reason to get out of the house — or out of bed — is clutch.

To that end, we’ve slated three studios and 46 classes from 11 different teachers in eight different artistic mediums for January to May of 2015. Clay, photography, acrylic, watercolor, writing, drawing, knitting and music will all be part of the mix, with more to come as we roll toward the end of the year.

What’s more — we’ve added online registration to our education program, which means no scraping the windshield or picking your way across ice-laden terrain to sign up for your favorite class.

While you may be familiar with a few of these spring classes (e.g. Uncork and Create), most are new to the program. One addition to the spring bill is a beginners’ portrait and figure drawing class led by Everett Hays, whose work you may know without knowing you know it — his beautifully rendered portraits of athletes, particularly Minnesota Twins players, have been a staple of Austin decor for decades. The six-part class runs on Tuesday evenings and begins on Jan. 13.

Our other instructors, whom I’ll be introducing in due time, include Nate Howard, Sherezada Jensen, Krystal Lennie, Bradley Mariska, John Sullivan, Pam Urick, Jim Wegner, Lindsey Williams and Paul Williams. While their art is diverse, there is at least one common thread between the classes themselves — they’re worth leaving the house for.

Visit us at austinareaarts.org to see our full line-up and follow the Austin Area Commission for the Arts on Facebook to stay in the loop on further additions to the schedule.