Classes
At The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center, we believe the best way to keep the arts in your life is by creating art throughout your life. Our educational programs allow visitors and students to broaden their understanding and appreciation of art by interacting with art, artists, and instructors, while expressing themselves through the creation of their own artwork.
The Arts Center has approximately 20 classes in various media throughout the year on a quarterly basis. These include drawing, watercolor, painting, photography, and other media. Both one day workshops and multi-week class sessions are offered. Our award winning artist instructors exhibit widely throughout Hampton Roads and have 10 to 40 years of teaching experience.
*Registration will end five days before the class/workshop start date. Active Advantage is not affiliated with Hampton Arts, if you have signed up for their subscription by mistake, please email: ActiveAdvantage@active.com and they will issue a refund.*
Summer 2025 Class Schedule
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Breaking Through: Creative Strategies to Overcome Artist's Block with Alex Drewry
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Tuesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 (5 weeks)
6 – 8 pm
Class size: 12
Age: 18+
Class Price $80 (HAL Members $75)
This art class is centered on using imagination and intuition to encourage students to tap into their inner creativity, allowing their ideas to flow freely without strict guidelines or limitations. In this setting, students, working in all media, are encouraged to trust their instincts, letting spontaneous thoughts and feelings shape their artistic expression. The class fosters an open, experimental atmosphere where the process is valued over the outcome, promoting personal interpretation and emotional connection to the artwork.Rather than focusing on technical precision, the emphasis is on exploring abstract concepts, colors, shapes, and forms that emerge from within, guided by each student’s unique perspective. The use of unconventional tools and techniques may be encouraged, allowing for a sense of playfulness and discovery. This type of class helps students break away from conventional thinking and develop a deeper connection to their creative intuition, leading to more authentic and imaginative pieces.
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Watercolor Studio I with Pam Oden (4 weeks)
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Wednesdays, July 2, 9, 16, and 23
10:15 am - 12:45 pm
Class size: 12
Age: 18+
Class Price: $105 (HAL members $100)
Step into the enchanting world of watercolors with our immersive studio class. In this inspiring environment, budding and experienced artists alike gather to explore the delicate art of painting with watercolors. Guided by our skilled and passionate instructor, you'll learn essential techniques such as blending, layering, and wet-on-wet, allowing you to capture the ethereal beauty of your subjects on paper.
Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape from everyday life or aiming to refine your artistic skills, our watercolor studio class offers a supportive, communal space to foster your artistic journey. Join us and let the soothing flow of watercolors transport you into a realm of artistic expression and self-discovery.
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Watercolor Studio II with Pam Oden (4 weeks)
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Wednesdays, August 6, 13, 20, and 27
10:15 am - 12:45 pm
Class size: 12
Age: 18+
Class Price: $105 (HAL Members $100)
Step into the enchanting world of watercolors with our immersive studio class. In this inspiring environment, budding and experienced artists alike gather to explore the delicate art of painting with watercolors. Guided by our skilled and passionate instructor, you'll learn essential techniques such as blending, layering, and wet-on-wet, allowing you to capture the ethereal beauty of your subjects on paper.
Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape from everyday life or aiming to refine your artistic skills, our watercolor studio class offers a supportive, communal space to foster your artistic journey. Join us and let the soothing flow of watercolors transport you into a realm of artistic expression and self-discovery.
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Introduction to Acrylic Painting with Sean “Teach” Strickland
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Wednesdays, July 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13, and 20
6-8 pm
$ 125 (HAL Members $ 120)
Discover the vibrant world of acrylic painting in our Beginning Acrylic Painting class! This course is designed for beginners with little to no prior experience, offering a fun and supportive environment to explore your creativity. You’ll learn fundamental techniques such as color mixing, brush handling, layering, and texture creation while working on a variety of projects. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll gain confidence in your artistic abilities and develop your own unique style. Whether you’re looking to start a new hobby or build a strong foundation in painting, this class is the perfect place to begin your artistic journey.
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Introduction to Gouache with Alex Drewry
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Thursdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and August 7 (6 weeks)
6 – 8 pm
Class size: 12
Age: 18+
Class Price $ 125 (HAL Members $ 120)
Gouache, known for its rich opacity and matte finish, allows artists to explore bold color applications and layering techniques similar to both watercolor and acrylic. In this intro class, students can learn the fundamentals of gouache—such as paint consistency, blending, and reactivation—while experimenting with different brushwork styles and textures. Demonstrations on creating gradients, highlights, and shadows help build technical skills, while open-ended projects encourage personal expression. Students gain confidence not only in handling this versatile medium but also in understanding how it can be used to bring depth and personality to their artwork.
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Introduction to Watercolor Painting with Tom Daley
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Thursdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7
6-8 pm
$ 125 (HAL Members $120)
Discover the joy of watercolor painting in this beginner-friendly class, perfect for those looking to explore their creativity with this vibrant and fluid medium. You'll learn essential techniques such as color mixing, brush control, and layering to create beautiful, expressive paintings. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll practice foundational skills while working on fun, step-by-step projects designed to build your confidence. Whether you're completely new to painting or looking to refine your skills, this class provides a relaxed and supportive environment to unleash your artistic potential.
Summer 2025 Youth Art Classes
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Mixed Media Exploration with Joy Wike
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Thursdays, July 24, 31, August 7, 14
10 am – 11:30 am
Ages 5-7 years old
$ 60
Young creators will embark on a creative journey through different mediums. Focusing on the creative process, students will get to experiment with different techniques and applications, allowing them to nurture their curiosity. Each week we will explore a different medium and at the end of the class, students will take what they have learned to collaborate on a group project to be displayed in the Art PLAYce.
Summer 2025 Workshops
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To the Moon and Back - A Collaborative Workshop Between Children and their Caregiver with Joy Wike
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Friday, August 8
10:30 am - 12 noon
Children Ages 5-10 & their parent/caregiver
$ 40
Interested in spending some quality creative time with your kiddo? Come and join us for a morning of partnered parent and child creative play. Students and their caregiver will be guided through a prompt that fosters equal participation from both the parent and the child. At the end of the workshop students and their caregivers will leave with a completed piece of artwork and some creative prompts they can use to continue creativity at home.
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Colorful Currents – A Mindfulness Based Painting Workshop with Joy Wike
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Saturday, August 16
10:30 am - 12 noon
$ 40 (HAL Members $ 35)
Ever feel overwhelmed navigating the various seasons of life? Take a breath and allow yourself the opportunity to paint your expressions in this relaxed and supportive painting workshop. During this creative time, participants will be given questions and prompts that invite gentle reflection and grounded inner dialogue. Participants will work with color and intuitive brushstrokes to create a piece they can uniquely identify with.
Fall 2025 Class Schedule
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Watercolor Studio I with Pam Oden
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Wednesdays, September 17, 24, October 1, 8
10:15 am - 12:45 pm
Class size: 12
Age: 18+
Class Price: $105 (HAL members $100)
Step into the enchanting world of watercolors with our immersive studio class. In this inspiring environment, budding and experienced artists alike gather to explore the delicate art of painting with watercolors. Guided by our skilled and passionate instructor, you'll learn essential techniques such as blending, layering, and wet-on-wet, allowing you to capture the ethereal beauty of your subjects on paper.
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Watercolor Studio II with Pam Oden
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Wednesdays, October 22, 29, and November 5, 12
10:15 am - 12:45 pm
Class size: 12
Age: 18+
Class Price: $105 (HAL memebers $100)
Step into the enchanting world of watercolors with our immersive studio class. In this inspiring environment, budding and experienced artists alike gather to explore the delicate art of painting with watercolors. Guided by our skilled and passionate instructor, you'll learn essential techniques such as blending, layering, and wet-on-wet, allowing you to capture the ethereal beauty of your subjects on paper.
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Introduction to Acrylic Painting with Sean “Teach” Strickland
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Wednesdays, September 17, 25, October 1,8,15, 22
6-8 pm
$ 125 (HAL Members $ 120)
Discover the vibrant world of acrylic painting in our Beginning Acrylic Painting class! This course is designed for beginners with little to no prior experience, offering a fun and supportive environment to explore your creativity. You’ll learn fundamental techniques such as color mixing, brush handling, layering, and texture creation while working on a variety of projects. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll gain confidence in your artistic abilities and develop your own unique style. Whether you’re looking to start a new hobby or build a strong foundation in painting, this class is the perfect place to begin your artistic journey.
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Lines of the Face: Portrait Drawing Essentials with Emily Christoff Flowers
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Thursdays, September 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23 (6 weeks)
2 pm -4:30 pm
Class Size: 12
Age: 18+
Price: $125 (HAL members $120)
Teaching portraiture invites students to explore the art of capturing the human face with expression, proportion, and personality. Through guided exercises in observation and technique, students will learn to see the structure and subtle details that bring portraits to life. Emphasis is placed on developing drawing skills, understanding facial anatomy, and experimenting with style while encouraging each artist’s unique perspective.
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Introduction to Watercolor Painting with Tom Daley
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Thursdays, September 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, and 23
6-8 pm
$ 125 (HAL Members $120)
Discover the joy of watercolor painting in this beginner-friendly class, perfect for those looking to explore their creativity with this vibrant and fluid medium. You'll learn essential techniques such as color mixing, brush control, and layering to create beautiful, expressive paintings. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll practice foundational skills while working on fun, step-by-step projects designed to build your confidence.
Fall 2025 Youth Art Classes
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Youth Drawing & Painting Class with Jenn Clemons
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Wednesdays, September 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15 (5 weeks)
5:30 pm–7:00 pm
Class Limit: 12
Ages: 9 to 12 years old
Price: $ 60
This youth art painting and drawing class is a vibrant space where young, aspiring artists explore their creativity through various artistic mediums. Guided by an experienced instructor, the class fosters a nurturing environment that encourages self-expression and experimentation. Students learn fundamental techniques such as sketching, shading, color blending, and brushwork, while also being introduced to different art styles and concepts. The class often involves hands-on projects where kids can work on individual or collaborative pieces, allowing them to develop their unique artistic voices. With a focus on both skill-building and imagination, the class helps students gain confidence in their artistic abilities while fostering a lifelong appreciation for art.
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Creatively Me with Joy Wike
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Thursdays, September 18, October 2, October 16 and October 30
10:30 am – 11:15 am
Ages: 3-5 yrs old (with parent)
Class Limit: 10 children
Price: $10 per session
In these rotating art classes, young minds will get the opportunity to explore different art techniques and expand their creativity through hands on art activities. At the end of each session, children will leave with a completed piece of artwork.
Fall 2025 Workshops
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Branches & Bloom: Exploring Trees in Alcohol Ink with Tammy Burgett
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Tuesday, September 16
6 – 8:30 pm
Class Size: 12
Age: 18+
Price: $ 50
Explore the vibrant world of alcohol ink in this hands-on workshop focused on trees. Participants will learn techniques for manipulating colorful inks on non-porous surfaces to create expressive, abstract, or realistic tree forms. No experience is necessary—just bring your creativity and a willingness to play with color and flow!
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Mandala Rock Painting
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Tuesday, September 16
6-8 pm
Class Size: 15
Age: 16+
Price: $20
Inspired by The Mystical Arts of Tibet presentation at The American Theatre, join us in learning the meditation practice of painting mandala rocks for your home or garden. No experience is necessary. Just bring your spirit and unwind!
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From Studio to Screen: Promoting Your Art on Social Media with Clayton Singleton
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Saturdays, September 20 and 27
11am - 1pm
Class Size: 20
Age: 18+
Price: $ 60
Enroll in this two-day workshop with marketing mastermind Clayton Singleton to examine how social media offers artists a powerful platform to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and build a personal brand. It allows for real-time engagement, feedback, and networking with collectors, galleries, and fellow creatives. By sharing behind-the-scenes content, process videos, and finished pieces, artists can cultivate a loyal following and broaden their visibility beyond traditional gallery spaces.
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Abstract Watercolor Exploration with Dawn Flores
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Saturday, September 27
11 am – 4 pm
Class Limit: 12
Ages: 18+
Price: Free, supply fee of $20 person
Watercolors have the reputation of being the most challenging painting medium. The unforgiving white of the paper and the uncontrollable nature of water make this medium intimidating. Through a series of exercises, participants will learn how forgiving white paper can be and how to control water and pigment. Focusing on color and composition, participants will practice techniques while creating small and large abstract paintings. Bring a bag lunch. This program has been organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is funded, in part, by the Paul Mellon Endowment and the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund.
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Encaustic with Collage Workshop with Eloise Shelton-Mayo
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Saturday, October 4
11 am - 4 pm
Class Size: 10
Age: 18+
Price: $ 90
Explore the luminous and layered world of encaustic in this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn how to work with hot wax and pigments, incorporating found images, papers, and mixed media into their compositions. This versatile technique encourages experimentation, allowing artists to build rich textures, embed materials, and create captivating visual depth. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, this class offers a unique fusion of painting and assemblage. Bring a bag lunch. Supply fee of $30 is payable to the instructor.
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Japanese Tie-Dye Workshop with Julia E. Pfaff
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Saturday, October 11
11 am - 4 pm
Class Size: 12
Age: 18+
Price: Free, supply fee of $20 per person
This workshop teaches the fundamentals of fabric pattern dyeing using an updated version of the ancient Japanese tradition of Shibori (tie-dye). We will be using fiber reactive dyes in an immersion process. Participants will produce several samples and a silk scarf. This high-energy workshop yields great immediate results. Completed fabrics are suitable for quilting, home decorating, and use in one-of-a-kind wearables. Bring a bag lunch.
Fall 2025 Youth Workshops
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Thread & Color: Creative Embroidery for Kids with Gen Silva
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Tuesday, September 16, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Class Limit: 12
Ages: 10-14 yrs
Price: $ 35
In this creative workshop, youth will explore the colorful and expressive world of abstract embroidery. Using simple stitches and a variety of textures, participants will create unique designs that focus on shape, pattern, and imagination rather than realistic images. This hands-on class encourages personal expression and experimentation while introducing the basics of needlework in a fun, approachable way.
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Thread & Color: Creative Embroidery for Kids with Gen Silva
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Saturday, October 18, 11 am-1 pm
Class Limit: 12
Ages: 10-14 yrs
Price: $ 35
In this creative workshop, youth will explore the colorful and expressive world of abstract embroidery. Using simple stitches and a variety of textures, participants will create unique designs that focus on shape, pattern, and imagination rather than realistic images. This hands-on class encourages personal expression and experimentation while introducing the basics of needlework in a fun, approachable way.
Holiday Happenings
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Holiday Ornaments & Gift Tags Workshop with Tammy Burgett
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Tuesday, November 6
6-8:30 pm
Class Limit: 12
Ages: 16+
Price: $50
Join your fellow students in creating beautiful and personalized decorations using alcohol ink. This versatile medium allows for vibrant, fluid designs that are perfect for adding a unique touch to holiday ornaments and gift tags. In the workshop, attendees are guided through the process of applying alcohol ink to various surfaces, creating stunning marbled effects and colorful patterns. With a focus on both technique and creativity, this workshop is suitable for all skill levels, offering a fun and engaging way to prepare for the holiday season. By the end of the session, participants leave with their own handcrafted ornaments and tags, ready to adorn their homes or to be given as thoughtful, homemade gifts.
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Diamond Art
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Wednesday, December 17
6-8 pm
Class Limit: 12
Ages: 16+
Price: $10
A holiday diamond art activity is a festive, hands-on craft where participants create sparkling seasonal images—like Christmas trees, snowflakes, reindeer, or ornaments—using tiny resin "diamonds" placed on a sticky, pre-printed canvas. The canvas includes color-coded sections that guide the placement of each gem, similar to paint-by-numbers. It’s a relaxing and creative way to get into the holiday spirit, suitable for both kids and adults, and often used as a fun group activity, gift-making project, or cozy winter pastime. The result is a sparkling, mosaic-like artwork that catches the light beautifully. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Demi Lovato have been spotted working on diamond paintings and sharing them on social media.
For those needing ADA/Accessible accommodations due to limited mobility or wheelchair access, please let the CHTVAC staff know at the time of registration so we can best serve the needs of our students.
CALL FOR INSTRUCTORS
The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center is looking for experienced artists in a variety of mediums to teach 6-8 week courses or 1-2 day workshops. Some mediums we have previously offered include watercolor, photography, oils/acrylics, collage, alcohol ink, and oil & cold wax. We are interested in individuals with previous professional teaching experience who may offer mediums outside of our normal repertoire or may offer a new take on a familiar medium.
If interested, please email ctvisualarts@hampton.gov with your contact information, class proposal (including any class materials), preferred class times (Tuesday-Saturday, daytime or evening), and list of previous classes taught.