FAQs

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Please review our FAQs before registering for a class.

can anyone take a class?

Classes are open to anyone - College students, teachers, artists, hobbyists, etc. High school students under 18 years of age must provide guardian consent in order to participate in a workshop. Penumbra must approve minors before they can enroll.

Are classes accredited?

Classes offered at Penumbra are non-accredited and students do not receive grades.

What is A typical class size?

Class sizes vary from 3 to 12 students (sometimes more) depending on the course material, process, and other factors.

When will new classes be announced?

Classes are announced on a rolling basis. Most classes are posted at least 2-3 months before they begin. For notifications, please join our mailing list (subscribe at the bottom of this page) or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

How do I register for a class?

In order to sign up, find your desired class, select a tuition option (member, non-member, new member + tuition, or professional member), fill out the registration form, click ‘Add To Cart’ and then head to your cart and checkout/pay. You will receive an email notification confirming that your order has been processed.

Is there a registration deadline?

Registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis and closes once a class has sold out. However, most of our classes have rolling admissions and student can sign up until the 24hrs before a class begins. Please note that many classes require some sort of preparation on the students’ end, so signing up as early as possible is recommended.

Are there any prerequisites?

Some classes have prerequisites, but most do not. Any class requiring prior skills or knowledge will say so in the description.

Can i work on my portfolio?

Most process-based in-person workshops are NOT for portfolio building. These classes are for learning and developing specific skills. However, some in-person and online classes are specifically portfolio-based.

What do i need to bring to class?

Please read your course description carefully to find out whether or not you need to bring your own camera, paper, equipment, or other materials. For the majority of our workshops, Penumbra will provide all necessary materials. However, certain classes will require students to bring their own supplies. An orientation email will be sent out at least a week before class begins, containing everything needed to know about your upcoming class.

What is your refund policy?

For more info on refunds, withdrawals, and cancellations, please read our policies.

Do you offer financial aid?

Unfortunately Penumbra does not offer financial aid. In order to take a class, students must pay when registering online. Please note that members receive discounts on nearly all workshops and classes. Please take a look at our membership options.

How do I pay for a class?

Our online store accepts all major credit cards.