Introduction to Blacksmithing
Explore the world of blacksmithing. You’ll learn the fundamental techniques of tapering, bending, and twisting metal. You’ll create items such as hooks and key chains, while learning the skills of the trade.
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Introduction to Hot Glass
Delve into large-scale, soft glass processes. You’ll learn about the equipment and process, then explore some beginner techniques for solid shaping and sculpting. We’ll also cover a technique called bubble trapping, which lets you capture small pockets of air inside the glass. You’ll create three objects: a paper weight, a caterpillar and a feather.
read moreIntroduction to Hot Glass
Delve into large–scale, soft glass processes. You’ll learn about the equipment and process, then explore some beginner techniques for solid shaping and sculpting. We’ll also cover a technique called bubble trapping, which lets you capture small pockets of air inside the glass. You’ll create three objects: a paper weight, a caterpillar and a feather.
read moreIntroduction to Metal Clay
Metal 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 moreIntroduction to Modern Calligraphy
Explore the art of calligraphy. We’ll start by discussing the differences between traditional calligraphy, lettering, brush lettering and dip pen techniques. You’ll learn about basic tools, from traditional ink-nib pens to modern brush pens, and we’ll use them to practice pen strokes and eventually create letters from these strokes. Finally, we’ll cover difficult connections and […]
read moreIntroduction to Mold Making- NEW!
Explore mold-making, a useful technique for creating one-of-a-kind pieces and casting multiples. You’ll create your own prototype from which we will make single-use rigid and reusable flexible silicone molds. After the mold is made, we’ll cover casting techniques for replicating your piece in plaster, concrete, resin, wax and more. Expect to walk away from class […]
read moreIntroduction to Modern Calligraphy
Explore the art of calligraphy. We’ll start by discussing the differences between traditional calligraphy, lettering, brush lettering and dip pen techniques. You’ll learn about basic tools, from traditional ink-nib pens to modern brush pens, and we’ll use them to practice pen strokes and eventually create letters from these strokes. Finally, we’ll cover difficult connections and […]
read moreIntroduction to Modern Calligraphy
Explore the art of calligraphy. We’ll start by discussing the differences between traditional calligraphy, lettering, brush lettering and dip pen techniques. You’ll learn about basic tools, from traditional ink–nib pens to modern brush pens, and we’ll use them to practice pen strokes and eventually create letters from these strokes. Finally, we’ll cover difficult connections and […]
read moreIntroduction to Modern Calligraphy
Explore the art of calligraphy. We’ll start by discussing the differences between traditional calligraphy, lettering, brush lettering and dip pen techniques. You’ll learn about basic tools, from traditional ink-nib pens to modern brush pens, and we’ll use them to practice pen strokes and eventually create letters from these strokes. Finally, we’ll cover difficult connections and […]
read moreIntroduction to Modern Calligraphy
Explore the art of calligraphy. We’ll start by discussing the differences between traditional calligraphy, lettering, brush lettering and dip pen techniques. You’ll learn about basic tools, from traditional ink–nib pens to modern brush pens, and we’ll use them to practice pen strokes and eventually create letters from these strokes. Finally, we’ll cover difficult connections and […]
read moreIntroduction to Paper Sculpture
Explore paper’s 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. The actions of opening and closing, folding and unfolding, expanding and collapsing will be our conceptual guides as we discover and learn about the structural components […]
read moreIntroduction to Modern Calligraphy
Explore the art of calligraphy. We’ll start by discussing the differences between traditional calligraphy, lettering, brush lettering and dip pen techniques. You’ll learn about basic tools, from traditional ink-nib pens to modern brush pens, and we’ll use them to practice pen strokes and eventually create letters from these strokes. Finally, we’ll cover difficult connections and […]
read moreIntroduction to Poetry Comics- NEW!
Dive into an exploration of this hybrid form, which brings together the visual elements of comics with the lyric possibilities of poetry, creating a new form of expression all its own. We’ll look at examples of poetry comics from contemporary artists working in this form, and we’ll try our hand at exercising some of the […]
read moreJapanese Stab-Bound Books- new!
Explore Japanese stab binding’s beautiful sewn patterns, combining the seduction of embroidery with practical bookbinding. Traditionally used throughout Asia and on original manga books, stab binding is great for displaying photographs, making notebooks and creating fabric books. You’ll go home with at least three different book styles to keep or give as gifts.
read moreIntroduction to Woodblock Printing
Explore woodblock printing, humanity’s oldest printmaking process. You’ll learn to design and transfer an image onto the block and cut the block to produce a relief image. Then, we’ll cover how to transfer the image to paper, both printing it by hand and by press.
read moreIntroduction to Woodblock Printing
Explore woodblock printing, humanity’s oldest printmaking process. You’ll learn to design and transfer an image onto the block and cut the block to produce a relief image. Then, we’ll cover how to transfer the image to paper, both printing it by hand and by press.
read moreLarge-Scale Cyanotype
Create a life-size portrait of your family or group of friends using the cyanotype process. Cyanotypes are an alternative, non-silver photographic process that utilizes sunlight. Exposed areas turn a deep blue, while unexposed areas remain white. Plan to bring objects, negatives, small furniture or anything else that is representative of what is important to you […]
read moreSoft, Stuffed Objects – NEW!
Learn the basics of pattern making by creating a 3-D fabric object based off of a 2-D drawing. Create a funny, soft, stuffed object to keep in your house and make you laugh as well as keep you cozy.
read moreStreet Photography
Explore 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 moreTry Your Hand at Hot Glass (12+ with an Adult) – New!
Learn about hollow working or blowing glass, and make a glass object with the help of an instructor. We’ll explore the equipment, process and some beginner techniques for hollow shaping. Students with 11 a.m., 12 p.m., or 1 p.m. time slots will make a cup, and students at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., or 4 p.m. […]
read moreWheel Throwing Large Vessels
Making large ceramic forms is a special skill. We’ll cover how to throw large vessels on the wheel and how to throw in multiple sections on separate wheels. You’ll also learn to create large hand-built forms using slab construction. Finally we’ll discuss special concerns when firing large pieces and additional glazing techniques.
read moreArtist Statements: Letterpress Broadsides
Experiment with broadsides, posters historically used for making proclamations or social commentary. Create your own contemporary broadsides to express yourself, get your message out to the world or start a conversation. We’ll cover the fundamentals of typesetting and create small broadsides on chipboard. Students will print textured backgrounds using random wood type, then their statements […]
read moreArt Handling for Artists: Tips for Installing Multiple Works with Accuracy – NEW!
Learn how to bring multiple 2-D works together, arrange them and install them on a group wall. We’ll explore hardware systems available for hanging various forms of artwork, then discuss layout options and presentation ideas common to museums, galleries, commercial and residential spaces. Finally, we’ll practice installing a variety of artworks and hardware types with […]
read moreBrooches are Back – New!
Learn how to use cold connections to create solutions for pin backs and brooches. You’ll explore different ways of connecting found or alternative materials to create wearable jewelry. We’ll cover techniques such as rivets, tabbing and how to fabricate a pin to create wearable jewelry.
read moreBlacksmithing Fireplace Tools– NEW
Stay warm by stoking the fire with a set of fireplace tools that you forged yourself. Students will learn common blacksmithing techniques, including drawing out and riveting, while creating a poker and shovel. If time allows, we may also attempt a fireplace broom.
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