Thomas Larson writes that “memoir is most successful when it is not the ‘story of a life,’ but a focused part of that life—a dozen summers spent working on a grandfather’s farm, a long relationship with a dying relative, the first year of law school.” You’ll work with writing prompts and timed writing exercises, and […]
read moreLearn the basic tenets of drawing and composition. We’ll cover line, shape, space and value. Hone your observation skills and use charcoal to translate what you see to paper.
read moreLearn to create a well-composed cityscape or landscape, set it on canvas and create a wonderful painting in acrylic.
read moreThis class is an introduction to sewing. The goal is not to dive deep on any one skill, but to teach you the most basic and useful techniques to sewing that you can build on in more advanced classes. Since the goal is to learn by doing, we are going to attempt to complete one […]
read moreMake a simple sketchbook or bring your own. Learn how to fuel creativity & form a habit of sketch booking. We'll do collaborative sketchbook activities, take walking field trips to go sketching outside and learn new techniques we've never thought of before!
read moreLearn how to weave on a rigid heddle loom! We'll warp a rigid heddle loom using the direct warping method. This method is unique to rigid heddles and quick to set up so you can start weaving in no time. You can expect demonstrations on maintaining straight selvages, dealing with weft tails, changing colors, and […]
read moreLearn basic small metalworking techniques to make small containers, jewelry boxes, or other hollow form sculptures. To create your piece, we'll learn sawing, filing, sanding, forming, texturing, annealing, multiple styles of soldering, and patination. We'll focus on laying out different sculptural shapes, high temperature soldering, and tension lid construction. While this is a beginner class […]
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 moreDevelop skills that will allow you to convey accurate proportions of the human figure. Begin by drawing in graphite and charcoal, then move into oil painting, which is great for exploring volume and fluidity. We’ll discuss paint and color mixing, media and application techniques.
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 moreExplore encaustic painting for the first time or return to expand your skills. You will work with opaque and transparent colors, layering, using stencils and creating patterns using hot wax.
read moreBrush up on the basics! We'll review wheel throwing techniques and skills. Create and complete work during class with enough time to fire and glaze. This class is open to students who have previously taken wheel throwing classes. We will review and refresh our knowledge of wedging, centering, throwing, trimming and glazing. We will take […]
read moreLearn the basics of basketry with an emphasis on using the techniques to make 3D sculptural forms. We will cover the basics of weaving and dyeing with reed, coiling with raffia, and looping with waxed thread. We will use these skills as the starting point for thinking about baskets as sculptures. Plan to leave class […]
read moreLearn about natural dyeing and the household materials make the most vibrant colors for your fabric! You will learn how to prepare your fabric, make mordant baths, dye with scraps, foraged goods, powdered pigments and items you can find in your kitchen. You will leave this class with a book of all of your dyed […]
read moreLearn the basics of watercolor painting while we make Christmas themed watercolor paintings, such as wreaths, ornaments, stockings and Christmas trees. Topics covered include brush stroke techniques, painting wet on wet and wet on dry, glazing, ink with watercolors, and flooding and blending. We will touch on adding calligraphy to your small paintings, which will […]
read moreStudents should bring a digital camera with manual adjustment capacities (no phones). For storage and processing photos, students need to have access to a personal computer.
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 […]
read moreLearn to fuse and slump glass in the kiln. We'll create designs by cutting colored sheet glass, using glass stringers, rods and frits. By layering patterns and firing glass in kilns, students can create tiles, bowls, plates and panels. No previous experience needed.
read moreWelcome to the Creative AI class! This class is designed to teach artists of all backgrounds how to use various AI tools in the creative process. From generating unique ideas to creating stunning visuals, we'll explore the exciting possibilities of AI in art. Join us and unlock your creativity in new and innovative ways!
read moreLet’s get outside and explore Richmond's parks! Whether you new to the city or a native, this is a great way to see more of your community and practice your drawing skills. As a class we are going to meet up and wander through three different parks, capturing spring and documenting what we see.We welcome […]
read moreLearn how to use gouache paint as we create works from observation. Gouache is an opaque, flat, color medium with beautiful possibilities. We'll start with a one-subject painting from observation and then move through projects with a variety of subjects like still-lifes with fruits and vegetables, flowers and botanicals, interiors and furniture, and outdoor landscapes. […]
read moreWhether you're currently working on a literary project or trying to get inspiration, this generative workshop will serve as a gentle and fun way to push yourself creatively. Through prompts, mini-lectures, readings, supportive discussion, group members will work towards realizing their prose visions.
read moreLearn the ancient craft of knitting! You will learn to cast on, knit, purl and cast off to make a beginners project. We'll also cover pattern reading, abbreviations, yarn and needle selection.
read moreLearn to make cable, loop-in-loop, and woven chains. Using the skills mastered you will make your own unique chain designs. We will work in copper and Silver. Leave class with lots of samples and as many finished chains you can make!
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