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 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 moreLearn how to make realistic portraits using the beautiful, painterly medium of charcoal on toned paper. This class teaches traditional academic concepts, but in an encouraging open environment conducive to learning. We will examine how to successfully represent form and capture a likeness from life. This class teaches Realist techniques that were taught in the […]
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 moreLearn the basics of watercolor painting while we make fall themed paintings, featuring pumpkins, apples, florals and leaves. 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 be perfect for […]
read moreBring along your oil pastels or oil paint sticks for this plein air class that meets in different locations around our fabulous River City. We’ll visit some of Richmond’s favorite sites – such as Pony Pasture and Maymont – and discover some new ones too! This course will meet off-site and instruction will happen in […]
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 moreIf you've taken multiple beginner drawing classes or have experience with drawing in the recent past, this class may be a great opportunity for you to "get back in there!" This class will allow opportunities for you to experiment and recover your mark-making style and apply it to various subject areas with different dry media. This class […]
read moreJoin this class to continue wheel and hand building with plenty of feedback and guidance from the instructor as you explore independent projects. This class is best for intermediate and advanced students who are interested in furthering their ideas and have a solid foundation of the basics of ceramics .
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 the basics of lampworking with borosilicate glass. From gathering and mashing to sculpting, students can expect to leave the class with fundamental skills and several fully finished pieces. We will cover pendants and small sculptures, and explore your own ideas and visions. This class is best suited for beginners but can accommodate more experienced […]
read moreHave you taken poetry workshops at VisArts? Do you feel ready to deepen your craft? Work with other experienced writers to study, learn new forms and critique your classmates' work.
read moreIn this course, you will discover the process of planning and creating mixed media artworks incorporating ceramics and beading. Over the course of eight weeks, we will start by brainstorming project concepts, followed by crafting the ceramic components in the first four weeks. Subsequently, over the next four weeks, we will delve into various beading […]
read moreLearn to take black and white photographs using 35mm film, process the film, and print photographs in a darkroom. Enjoy lots of technical guidance and aesthetic feedback, whether you’re just getting started or expanding your portfolio and skill set.
read moreLearn what all the buttons on your digital camera actually do. You’ll learn about things like white balance, resolution and megapixels. We’ll discuss how to capture an image, ensure proper exposure and create an effective composition. Weekly assignments coupled with in-class discussions will help you troubleshoot problems and develop a creative eye.
read moreTake your metal jewelry making to the next level. We’ll focus on design execution, stone setting as well as fabricating and soldering with sterling silver. You’ll also advance your polishing skills for finishing pieces.
read moreLearn the basics of how to make books. Over four weeks we will go over accordion books, long-stitch and short-stitch binding, and how to make a clamshell box to hold your creations.
read moreStudents will learn skills such as paper mache, basic woodworking, and wire armature construction to build functional puppets and marionettes. Special emphasis will be placed on bringing an original character from the student’s imagination to life.
read moreStarting with basic slabs, we’ll learn how to cut, bevel, dart and fold clay into soup bowls, cups, planters, boxes with lids, and sugar + creamer sets. This class will focus on rolling good slabs, exploring texture + surface treatment, and using oxides in glazing.
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 moreUse stamping, stencil, inlay, screen printing on gelli plates (use provided or order your own during class for $25), and transfer techniques to add botanical inspiration to your ceramic work! Practice drawing skills and experiment with underglazes to take your ceramic decoration to the next level.
read moreCreate functional ceramic pieces using slab, coil, pinch and slump techniques. Learn how to use tools, create a variety of forms and apply slips. By the end of the class you’ll have a good understanding of basic hand building methods and clay studio practices.
read moreForging is a process which changes the cross section of a metal bar, rod or wire with pressure applied by a hammer. We will cover three basic forging processes: flattening, drawing with the rolling mill, and upsetting. We will focus on how to "scroll" wire using both pliers and hammering methods. You'll have time to […]
read moreIn this class we will have a refresher on lampworking basics and take our skills to the next level. We will introduce hollow glass techniques and make several finished projects that are student-lead.
read moreAdvance your knowledge of acrylic painting by practicing technical applications of paint. Students will develop their own style of painting as they learn advanced techniques. We will learn how to paint in various genres, to paint from life, and to develop a concept from sketch to completion. Students will complete multiple paintings but will finish […]
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