This generative workshop will be collaborative with a focus on listening and the vulnerability of quieting down and tuning in. Like a pod, we will move through each other's words and work, so that together we can find new places to write from and to. Plan to bring a few lines or a whole poem […]
read moreLearn how to felt things that remind you of fall! Explore all things cozy through the art of felting tiny sculptures and fall weather scenes in this class with a mix of needle felting and 2-D wet-felting techniques! Needle felting and wet felting are very intuitive mediums and super satisfying to pick up! With this […]
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 moreThis course will teach techniques for drawing life-like human portraits in charcoal. The rich blacks and subtle nuances achieved with charcoal on paper create pieces with beautiful depth and striking contrast. While you will have the freedom to interpret your image however you wish, instruction will be geared toward realism and the process of accurately […]
read moreThis course will explore linocut printmaking by defining ‘home’ and creating a print of it. This could be a building, a person, a pet, a park, anywhere that evokes the feeling of home. Sophie will be bringing in examples of her own work and portraits of her ‘home’ to share with the class. This course […]
read moreThis course will cover the fundamental skills of flat-pattern design. Flat pattern design is the process of using “blocks” or “slopers” to create sewing patterns for apparel design. This course will show students how to take body measurements for pattern making as well as introduce them to the two methods of dart manipulation. Students will […]
read moreWhether you are a novice or advanced, this class will immerse you in screen-printing methods and projects that are customized for your personal level of enjoyment and exploration. Each student will select a personal theme and work with the instructor to make use of appropriate inks, image-making techniques like drawing fluid and photo, and substrates […]
read moreLearn how to mock-up a mural and then paint it on the side of VisArts! For inspiration, we will go on a walking tour of Richmond murals and talk about formal qualities of murals and their concepts. Students will work together around a common theme to design and sketch a mural. Sketches will be arranged […]
read moreLearn how to crochet! We will learn basic stitches through projects that the students can take home with them. Starting with the most basic single crochet, all the way to fancier stitches like the lemon peel stitch and linked double crochet. You'll learn how to stitch in a straight line, over a 3-D object, and […]
read moreHave you ever wanted to learn the art of woodburning? In this class, we will teach you the basics of pyrography – from understanding the different techniques and skills involved to creating your own unique designs. At the end of this course, you'll go home with a wood-burned project of your own design, and a […]
read moreExplore screenprinting, 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 moreLearn the basics of marble making using a propane torch and glass rods. Enjoy generous demonstrations, discussions and time to practice as you explore various marble styles.
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 moreWhy do folktales and fairy tales have such a remarkable staying power? Author and mythographer Marina Warner suggests that it’s “because the meanings they generate are themselves magical shape-shifters, dancing to the needs of their audience.” In this class, we’ll read and discuss fairy tales, both traditional and revisionist. We will then reimagine them, as […]
read moreLearn new techniques to improve your functional and non-functional ceramic forms. Try cone 10 reduction glazes and soda firing. Learn new surface design processes using slips, underglazes, terra sigillata and the spray booth application of both underglazes and overglazes. This class is best for intermediate and advanced students with a solid foundation of the basics […]
read moreLearn and practice new hand stitches each week to create vibrant colors and textures for mending clothing. You can apply these techniques to torn areas, stains or embellish something damage-free. We will create patches that can be used for clothing in class or saved for future repairs as we practice various stitch styles.
read moreCreate a pair of ceramic lamps using ceramic columns, wood bases and high-quality brass parts. We’ll explore form, surface and glazing to create ceramic columns that suit your personal style. You’ll even learn some wiring basics to make your lamps functional.
read moreLearn cloisonné enameling, an ancient technique with contemporary applications. You’ll explore basic enameling and learn how to create cloisons (French for “compartments”) that separate different colors and shapes in a finished cloisonné design. Each student will finish this class having completed one small piece.
read moreLearn folding, cutting, and forming techniques to create three-dimensional paper sculptures. Get playful, get colorful, get creative!
read moreLearn about the techniques related to Cinéma Vérité, which involves drawing attention away from the presence of the camera and interfering in reality at the same time. With lectures, screenings, and workshops, you will create a mini-documentary based on the concept of Cinéma Vérité.
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 moreNatural dyeing is a wild and wonderful adventure. Getting good color saturation and permeance can be tricky. Each color has its own ingredients, process, and history. You will work with natural fiber fabrics/yarns and explore various dye stuffs and pattern making techniques.
read moreLearn the basics of glass cutting, foiling, soldering and framing in order to embellish your home with stained glass panels, decorative mirrors or handmade lampshades. By the end of the class, beginners will have learned the fundamentals and completed a panel. Returning students will be able to explore more advanced techniques.
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 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.
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