Blog

ONSITE: Glass Fusing + Slumping for the Absolute Beginner

July 12, 2022

Learn 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.

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ONSITE: Sculpting Figures

July 12, 2022

Are you ready to build some larger forms and create some creatures? Bring your ideas for an animal, figure, mask, garden gnome, or abstract sculpture to life! Learn coiling and carving techniques, how to build slab supports and constructing connected forms to make figures, 3D sculptures or relief work that's built to last. We'll have […]

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ONSITE: Experimental Mixed Media

July 12, 2022

Discover new techniques to expand your creativity and find your own unique way to represent the world around you, using a variety of media. In this class, you will learn how to experiment with watercolor, ink, and other mixed media of your choice, to create three pieces inspired by the world around you.

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ONSITE: Stone Setting Basics

July 12, 2022

In this survey course, you will learn some of the fundamental techniques of stone setting including bezel setting, prong setting, and flush setting. In each class, we will learn a different technique and try our hand at it. Students will come away with a good grasp of setting techniques to incorporate into their jewelry-making practices. […]

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ONSITE: Introduction to Acrylic Painting (B)

July 12, 2022

Get an introduction to acrylic painting including technical aspects, material handling, the pursuit of creative directions, and experimentation with expressive elements. The course is intended to help students develop control in painting from observation as well as invention.

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ONSITE: The Art of the Book

July 12, 2022

Learn how to make at least 8 different kinds of books using folding, tearing, cutting, and gluing techniques with a bunch of creativity! You'll come away with beautiful, finished books, instructions and knowledge on how to make more of these satisfying masterpieces.

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ONSITE: Unpacking Humanity Through Spoken-Word

July 12, 2022

The art of expressing joy, pain, triumph, or tragedy by painting pictures with words.  This series journeys the human experience through the lens of poetry as performance art. Richmond's first poet Laureate,  Douglas Powell/Roscoe Burnems unpacks captivating poetry slam performances and guides participants to create dynamic pieces of their own. 

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ONSITE: Sew a Stylish Boho Bag

July 12, 2022

Using Julia's signature "carry-all" pattern, make a unique bag that combines function and style in a contemporary carpetbag design. Julia based her pattern on a WWI red cross knitting bag in the Valentine museum collection and uses it every day for everything from beach visits to market runs and days in the office.

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ONSITE: Creating a Landscape with Soft Pastel

July 12, 2022

Learn methods of using soft pastels for landscape subjects from conception to completion. We'll cover application methods, color mixing techniques, and blending processes for drawing the landscape. Various methods and techniques will be discussed based on the papers and materials chosen by each student. We'll go over principles of composition based on format variation including […]

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ONSITE: Introduction to Cyanotypes

July 12, 2022

Learn about the cyanotype process and how to integrate this alternative photography process into a variety of media. The cyanotype process uses UV light and non-toxic materials to print photographic images on a variety of surfaces. We will learn how to coat and print cyanotypes on paper first. Then we'll discuss conceptualizing and creating imagery […]

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ONSITE: Learn to Knit (B)

July 12, 2022

Learn 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.

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ONSITE: Lessons in Classical Painting

July 12, 2022

Discover the benefits of classical painting! This class is beneficial for students who want to improve their overall oil painting skills, no matter their individual style of painting (representational or abstract). This class will stress the process of indirect painting and the importance of using an underpainting for improved results. Weekly topics will include value, […]

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ONSITE: Exploring Surface Decoration

July 12, 2022

Explore surface decoration for functional pottery. Each week, we’ll cover new surface techniques such as slip transfer, screen printing, underglaze processes, decals, lusters and more. We’ll also discuss visual concepts to facilitate a greater understanding of design and make thoughtful decisions when finishing a piece.

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ONSITE: Intermediate Wheel Throwing (A)

July 12, 2022

Expand your skills by learning additional throwing techniques and working on complex projects. We'll explore larger-scale pieces, throw platters, make sets, and add hand-built elements to our pieces. This class caters to individual interests, so we'll address specific techniques for your projects. Discussion on reduction firing in the gas kiln and glaze firing to cone […]

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ONSITE: WTF (Woman, Trans, Femme) Woodworking: Make a Stool

July 12, 2022

This class is a safe space for women, trans, and femme folks to learn introductory woodworking techniques. You'll learn to make a simple stool and be able to customize it. Gain experience using the table saw, mitre saw, band saw, jointer and planer. We will respect marginalized identities, be patient with one another, use accessible […]

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ONSITE: Painting Abstract with Color

July 12, 2022

Starting with a basic color wheel we'll learn the elements of color and practice color mixing and color matching using the grid painting technique. Then we'll apply what we've learned to color experiments and free studies done as paper collages. By the end of class, we'll translate our paper collage "studies" into gouache paintings.

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ONSITE: Introduction to Screenprinting (A)

July 12, 2022

Explore 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.

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ONSITE: Writing the Memoir

July 12, 2022

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 […]

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ONSITE: Introduction to the Wheel (D)

July 12, 2022

Learn 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.

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ONSITE: Digital Worldbuilding + Character Creation for Comics + Graphic Novels

July 12, 2022

Learn how to develop, refine and depict fully realized worlds. We will discuss the basics of character, prop, and environment design with a focus on graphic novels (as well as other media). At the end of class, you will have a fully rendered character, setting, and inventory in Adobe Photoshop. Hopefully the beginning of a […]

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ONSITE: Introduction to Stained Glass (C)

July 12, 2022

Students will learn the fundamentals of building a stained glass panel or 3D object from start to finish. The lessons will encompass pattern design, glass scoring/breaking, grinding, foiling, soldering, framing, and applying various patinas. Each student will have made at least one piece they can bring home and immediately display at the end of the […]

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ONSITE: Visible Mending: Clothing Repair Through an Embroidery Lens

July 12, 2022

Learn 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.

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