Wish your clothes fit you better? Learning the basics of alterations can transform your closet. We’ll cover hemming pants and other garments, shortening straps on a tank or dress, as well as taking in a top. We’ll use both machine and hand sewing to personalize your threads.
read moreLearn the basics of sewing machines in a class designed for the true beginner. We’ll cover machine fundamentals like threading, bobbins, needles and stitch length. We’ll also discuss stitching options, tools for your sewing kit, project ideas and sewing resources.
read moreWant to use Adobe InDesign to produce better business documents? In this class, you’ll learn to create great page layouts. We’ll focus on applying character and paragraph styles, flowing text into documents, creating linking styles and using scripts to streamline workflow.
read moreLearn the ins and outs of freelance writing from a local journalist, who can teach you the art of brainstorming and pitching stories, the etiquette behind communicating with editors, negotiating and selling your writing and the rewarding editing and publishing process.
read moreCreate a stunning pendant using dichroic glass and metal clay.You’ll learn to texture both sides of the clay, create a fold-over-style bail and safely set the dichroic cabochon so it can be fired in place. You can add custom appliqués or embellishments as desired. We’ll make and fire the pieces on Saturday and return on […]
read moreSet ‘fire-in-place’ gemstones in metal clay. You’ll master the techniques needed to set both faceted stones and flat bottomed cabochons three different ways.Take advantage of metal clay’s shrinkage to ‘mechanically’ capture the widest part of the gem, creating a perfectly seated stone. Use skills you already have to develop the design of the project. Inexpensive […]
read moreMetal clay is a malleable material that can be used to make jewelry and other small, sculptural objects. Make a pair of silver earrings and a pendant that features a coil frame and appliqué focal design.
read moreTransform your furniture from trash to treasure. You’ll learn nine paint techniques including distressing, antiquing and applying metallic finishes. We’ll go over the differences between chalk, milk and latex paint and discuss how to select the best furniture pieces and make minor repairs. You’ll learn to paint and protect your finished product. We’ll practice on […]
read moreA movie needs to be more than a display of technical virtuosity; it should also tell a compelling story. Explore a variety of film genres and filmmakers, from Chaplin to Coppola to the Coen Bros, always with an eye to the story. You’ll gain a greater appreciation for cinema, as well as getting a chance […]
read moreUsing the method of lensless photography, this course explores the origins of photographic imagery in which light passes through a small hole in a dark space and creates a mirror image on the opposing surface. Over the course of four weeks, students will create unique images by starting from the very beginning, the camera itself. […]
read moreUse paper as ground, medium, tool and fiber. This class is designed for artists in any media who want to explore paper’s wonderful and surprising possibilities. We’ll use simple tools to transform basic sheets of paper into sculptural forms by cutting, folding, weaving and using a variety of 3-D paper constructions. We’ll use the actions and […]
read moreExplore Richmond and delve into the world of street photography. We’ll look at historical and contemporary examples of street photography and discuss both technique and personal style. As a group, we’ll head out into the city to capture images. At the end of the day, we’ll return to VisArts to edit our images, share and […]
read moreThink outside the box with non-traditional techniques and materials to find out what’s possible using letterpress equipment. We will print using objects such as Legos and hardware from your local home improvement store to create experimental prints to either keep or trade with your classmates.
read moreLearn to make sculptures out of wool with needle felting techniques. You can sculpt, make flat, painting-like pieces, jewelry and even practical tools. We’ll do a mini project to help you get an understanding of the medium, then you’ll be guided through your choice of individual projects.
read moreCreate a scarf using your arms as tools for knitting in this one day workshop.
read moreExplore screen printing, a process that allows artists to create hand-printed multiples of the same image. Translate your graphic design, photography, or drawings into vibrant, layered compositions. Learn a variety of ways to create screens that can be used to print onto fabric, paper or wood.
read moreStep outside and explore Richmond while learning to paint on the spot. We’ll explore 3-D drawing skills, color theory and a range of watercolor techniques including dry brush, wet on wet, wet on dry, scumbling and salt. Students will sketch landscapes, paint from light to dark, and mix colors on the spot as they see […]
read moreExpand your weaving skills by learning how to weave patterns on the frame loom. Explore techniques such as the basket weave, twill and overshot. You’ll also learn how to manipulate these patterns to create new and interesting images.
read moreSome of the most prized wood is often cut into ultra thin slices called veneer. In this workshop, we’ll learn about cutting the thin strips and taping them together to make patterns or book match multiple sets to make a panel. We will learn about various substrates and edging. After preparing the substrate, we’ll press […]
read moreIn this workshop we’ll study basic wood bending techniques using steam and laminate bending, a method which uses multiple thin strips that bend around a form that makes a strong repeatable curve. You’ll learn about the materials, set up procedures and use of the tools and form building specific to bending wood. We’ll use the […]
read moreLearn to weave a Danish corded seat. You’ll receive a small wood stool and be taught how to weave a seat in the classic Danish, mid-century method. You’ll finish the class with a completed step stool and the necessary skills to pursue this craft on your own.
read moreGet to know gouache, a medium that allows for the application of rich, opaque layers of color like oil paint, but behaves and dries like watercolor. You’ll learn techniques for controlling the color and flexibility of gouache, then walk away with a finished painting.
read moreEver wanted to create your own comic or zine? Learn the basics of drawing, cartooning and sequential images. We’ll cover the steps of story building, character design and layout, then you’ll create your own zine, poster-sized comic or web series. We’ll also cover drawing techniques, personal style as well as printing and web-posting options.
read moreUse one of the earliest forms of photography to create tintypes, which are direct positives printed on an aluminum sheet using large format cameras. Learn the basics of this 19th century process, including how to pour and sensitize collodion, properly expose and develop plates, and apply a protective varnish. Plan to walk away with two […]
read moreIf you’re familiar with copper foiling, you’ll love learning the leading technique. Come with a design in mind and glass to get started. We will review the designs and learn how to fabricate a leaded glass panel.
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