Learn to create small, sculptural hand-built objects with a focus on form, process and sustainability. We will work with paperclay, low fire clay and wild clay. Explore and investigate basic coil, pinch and slab making techniques with these three different clay bodies. Learn where clay comes from, and how to use it sustainably and economically:
read moreJump right into working with sterling silver for jewelry. Basic jewelry fabrication techniques will be demonstrated or reviewed including sawing, drilling, sanding, polishing, and soldering. You can expect to leave class with one finished piece of jewelry. This class is accessible to the beginner but is also ideal for someone looking to polish their beginner […]
read moreExplore traditional mediums to create futuristic landscapes and imaginative sci-fi concepts. For artists of all levels.
read moreThis class is designed for those interested in expanding their skills, techniques, and concepts in clay. Weekly demonstrations will be individualized to cater to each student's skill level and interest.
read moreIn this acrylic painting class for all levels, you will learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting and discover your own style of painting as you advance through the class. We will learn how to paint in three dimensions, learn about color theory, facial anatomy and how to paint from life. More advanced students will […]
read moreCreate compelling landscapes in a series of paintings. Each week, we’ll focus on elements of the landscape including techniques for rendering sky, terrain, trees and water. We’ll also focus on palette development and color mixing. We'll cover seasonal themes and architecture while learning to use light and color to create depth. You'll practice layout and […]
read moreThis class is an introduction to basic Chinese ink and watercolor painting, including brush line drawing and ink wash techniques. Students will make small studies of a variety of subjects and a final painting from their own design.
read moreExplore the basics of clay. We’ll cover the proper use of studio tools, equipment and materials. You’ll learn about slab construction, coil building and combined techniques. We’ll also demonstrate wheel throwing and discuss how various clays and glazes respond to each other.
read moreLearn how to transform metals into beautiful works of wearable art. We’ll cover techniques such as sawing, drilling, texturing, working with wire, filing, sanding and polishing. We’ll also cover riveting, soldering with a torch. You’ll use these skills to make one finished piece of jewelry.
read moreCreate a free-standing sculpture with both wood and glass elements. You’ll explore the sculptural properties of wood while learning some basic woodworking skills. and learn how to incorporate glass into your piece. This class is for students skilled in glass who want to learn about wood.
read moreLearn basic sewing techniques and create a project of your choice with instructor guidance. Weekly demonstrations will include sewing machine basics, fabric basics, simple seams, simple hems, zipper application, how to take body measurements, and how to follow a sewing pattern. The first classes will be demonstration-based and the final classes will focus on the […]
read moreLearn how to design objects for everyday use in the home, from coasters to tableware. You’ll learn how to work with glass: cut and lay out designs that are then brought to a full fuse in the kiln. In this class you will learn how to work with slumping molds, and create objects you'll love […]
read moreConducting figure studies can improve your representation of the human body, as well as the way it interacts with light. We’ll use various media, including graphite, charcoal, sanguine and conte chalk, as we work through a series of quick-gesture and long-pose drawings. Enjoy demonstrations and discussions about anatomy and drawing techniques.
read moreLearn the basics of fountain building. We will build the components for a simple slab-built tabletop fountain and learn how to plumb it.
read moreDiscover nature in Richmond in crisp winter. Dress warm and find some comfy gloves and let's get active! Start your weekend with a brisk walk around the local Fan District collecting textures and natural objects to draw from! This half outdoor/indoor class will be relaxing and inspiring. Enjoy a nice cup of herbal tea at […]
read moreThere are a million ways to get your ideas from your brain and onto paper but how about from brain to screen? Procreate is an easy-to-use digital illustration program that gives you the freedom to dream up and create exactly what you want with no bounds! We’ll learn the different aspects of sketching and rendering […]
read moreExplore the artistry and mechanics of comics by reading and discussing contemporary works and completing guided exercises to create our own pieces. Learn how text and image collaborate to tell a story that is greater than the sum of its parts. We will work on fast and fearless in-class exercises to stretch our minds and eventually […]
read moreFocus on making functional handbuilt ceramics such as bowls, sugar bowls, urns and platters with an added sculptural element. Focus will be on slumping and slab construction. Create small animals or abstract elements to give your work some whimsical and reverent personality.
read moreLearn the ins and outs of oil painting including palette development and color mixing, as well as how to choose and use a variety of supports. We’ll cover composition development and design, constructing an underpainting, using value and mixing and manipulating medium. You’ll also learn how to use a palette knife and create a variety […]
read moreLearn to weave on a floor loom. You’ll enjoy warping demonstrations and plenty of practice time, along with tips for achieving smooth selvages and an even beat. Plan to design and complete at least one plain weave project—a rag rug, a scarf or a table runner. Returning students will take on more complex projects.
read moreLearn to throw clay on a potter’s wheel. We’ll cover the foundations of wheel work, including wedging and centering clay and forming cylinders, cups and bowls. Basic glazing information will help you finish your final forms.
read moreUse watercolor to paint landscapes while exploring basic watercolor skills, materials and techniques. Watercolor can be both fun and frustrating, dynamic and meditative. You will learn to use color to make simple watercolor washes and layering techniques while exploring the history, materials, tricks and ways to capture light as you paint and sketch using this […]
read moreThis class is for students who have previously taken a stained glass class at VisArts. Use this class to finish working on projects already started or begin a new project. This is a great opportunity to reinvigorate your creative practice with glass!
read moreImprov quilting is quilting with freedom in mind. Beginning a quilt with no real concept, quilters will spin the fabric into an ever-evolving fabric tapestry. We’ll dive into improv quilting blocks of our own while talking about the pioneers of this technique (Rosie Lee Tompkins, Quilters of Gee’s Bend, Etc.)
read moreStudents will learn fundamentals of 3D printing and learn to design their own models using iPads in the program Nomad Sculpt. Basic troubleshooting skills will be taught and demonstrated, students will explore their creativity. and take home a physical item they dreamed up.
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