Contact the SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) group in your region. They could either suggest a member who could instruct you or help you find another solution. The Massachusetts/Rhode Island group's blog is
http://saqa-ma-ri.blogspot.com/ and the NH/VT/ME group is at
http://saqanhvtme.blogspot.com/ . As with most everything here in New England, the borders are very friendly.
Also, if you're in the eastern part of the state, The Lowell Quilt Festival coming up in August (8/8-8/10) has an amazing showing of art quilts in several of the venues each year (The Brush Gallery is a must see), in addition to amazing quilts of every type, of course. You might see a quilt whose style you admire and find contact info for the artist. You'll find a wealth of information there, I'm sure, and have a wonderful time to boot.
As has been mentioned, a good, solid background in the principles and elements of design is never wasted. They need not be taught by fiber artists. Contact the local juried art guild or craftsmen league for leads. Ours here in NH offers all kinds of classes taught by their members. Part of their mission is education, as it is with all similar groups.
Finding a class/workshop/instructor is not as simple as looking in the yellow pages, but it's not impossible either. And the potential reward is huge! Happy hunting!!