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.

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Spring 2023 Classes/Workshop Schedule

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From Trash to Treasure: Recycled Art Workshop with Sam Hundley- June 3

Saturday, June 3

11 am – 1 pm

Ages: 16+ and Adults

  Price: $65 (HAL members $60)

Learn to create artwork using found objects that would otherwise be considered worthless junk. This class teaches participants to look at everyday objects in a different way and to see the potential for creating something meaningful and unique. The class will cover various techniques, such as: How to turn a single object into the catalyst for something bigger; how to use the power of simplicity; how to incorporate a variety of items such as bottle caps, broken jewelry, plastic toys, driftwood, rusty car parts – anything – into surprising, one-of-a-kind folk art. Participants will work on their own projects under the guidance of Sam Hundley, a retired newspaper illustrator turned scrap artist and author of picture books for children. Hundley will bring some scraps with him and participants are asked to bring their own recycled objects for use. And a tetanus shot wouldn't hurt...

 

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Paper Flower Class with Ronda Bowden- June 3

Saturday, June 3

11 am – 1 pm

Class Limit: 8

Ages: 18+

Price: $ 55 (HAL Members $50)

Paper flower artist, Ronda Bowden will teach you techniques to create realistic and whimsical flowers with paper. In this workshop, you will produce a gorgeous peony for yourself or to give to a loved one.  A one-time supply fee of $15 payable to the instructor will cover your supplies and provide you with all the tools you need to create flowers in class and at home.

 

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Handmade Paper and Pulp Painting Workshop with Rich Gray- June 10

Saturday, June 10

Time 11am -2 pm

Ages 18+

Class Limit: 8

Price: $70 (HAL Member $65)

This is a hands-on class in which participants will learn how to create sheets of paper from recycled materials and processed plant fibers using a mold and deckle and the pour method.  Students will learn how to turn their papers into unique works of art through techniques such as pulp painting, layering and laminating, and imbedding botanicals, fibers and other decorative inclusions.  All materials are provided, but students are welcome to bring blossoms and leaves from their gardens or other fairly flat materials to embed in their paper.  The class will cover the tools and equipment needed for papermaking at home, as well as various techniques for creating different textures and patterns in the paper.  At the end of the class, students will have an understanding of the process of paper making and will have several sheets of unique paper to take home. The class is perfect for anyone interested in the art of paper making, or anyone looking for a new and creative hobby.

 

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Gelatin Monotype and Collage Workshop with Eloise Shelton-Mayo- June 17

Saturday, June 17, 10 am – 1 pm

Class size: 15

Ages: 18+

Price: $75 (HAL members: $70), plus $15 material fee paid to instructor in class.

Learn how to layer and create contrast on the gelatin plate for prints that rock. Eloise will provide the plates, brayers, texture materials, white print paper and some exciting surprises!

 

Simple supply list for participant is to bring darker card stock like black, blues or violets. Black is instructor’s favorite. Bring a selection of basic colors red, blue, yellow, white and black plus one metallic if desired. (No folk or craft paint in little bottles as it has very little pigment.)  Bring other colors if you have them. Mid-grade paints like Liquitex Basics, Windsor Newton and store brands work well. Quinacridone red and Nickel Azo Yellow in heavy body add a great punch mixed with the less expensive paint.   Wear an old shirt or apron or both.

 

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Summer Camps for kids ages 8-13

Click here for summer camps.

Click the arrows to see which summer camps we'll have this year and sign your kids up today!

AMERICAN THEATRE

 

CHARLES H. TAYLOR VISUAL ARTS CENTER

 

Summer 2023 Classes/Workshop Schedule

Sculpture 101 with Alex Drewry - Thu, July 13-27, Aug 3-17

Thursdays, July 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10, 17 (6 weeks)

6 – 8 pm

Age: 16+

Price: $125 (HAL Members $120)

Creating a sculpture requires a combination of creativity and patience. With practice and dedication, anyone can learn to create beautiful sculptures that capture the imagination and inspire awe. This six-week exploration of line, shape, and form has been specifically designed for new students. Participants will use simple sculpture techniques (additive & subtractive) such as wood, wire, and other materials to create small sculptures. The emphasis will be on 3-D design. Finishing options include painting, coating, and base construction. 

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Investigating Intermediate Watercolor Painting with Pam Oden - Fri, July 14-28, Aug 4-18

Fridays, July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18 (6 weeks)

10:15 am - 12:45 pm

Age: 18+

Price: $125 (HAL members $120)

This class is designed for students who already possess basic fundamental skills in handling watercolor. Students will be encouraged to ‘delve deeper’ into Design, Value, and Color. Class topics will include still life and collaging a landscape/seascape. We will look at design principles employed by contemporary artists for inspiration. Students will work from ‘live’ setup and from their own photos.

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Youth Art Night (Kid's Classes) - Fri, July 14-Aug 4

Fridays, July 14, 21, 28, August 4 (4 weeks)

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Age: 5 to 8

Price: $20 per session

Let your child unveil their inner artist! We’ll explore observation through color using materials such as watercolors and pastels. This class will equip kids to be confident in how they approach others and will inspire them to have a positive perspective on themselves. Each young artist will have individual pieces to take home but will work on a collaborative piece as a class as well. We’ll look at the elements of art and see how we can utilize them to make colorful, fun creations!

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Introduction to Acrylic Painting with Alex Drewry - Tues, July 18 & 25, Aug 1-22

Tuesdays, July 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22 (6 weeks)

6 – 8 pm

Age: 16+

Price: $125 (HAL Members $120)

Acrylic painting is a popular and versatile medium for artists of all skill levels. Before you start painting, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of color theory and composition, as well as an idea of what you want to create. Acrylic paint dries quickly, so you can add layers and make changes to your painting as you go. It is important to experiment with different techniques, such as blending, layering, and dry brushing, to create texture and depth in your painting. With practice and experimentation, you can create beautiful acrylic paintings that showcase your unique style and vision.

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Beginner Watercolor Painting with Pam Oden - Wed, July 19 & 26, Aug 2-23

Wednesdays, July 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23 (6 weeks)

10:15 am - 12:45 pm

Age: 18+

Price: $125 (HAL members $120)

This class is designed for beginner students and will focus on the fundamental of basic watercolor techniques and materials. Students will explore still life, and landscape, and incorporate a “figure” into their work as well as the use of shape, line, value, color, and texture to create good composition. Students will be exposed to both contemporary and master artists in history, as they explore painting styles and influences leading to the development of watercolor as a modern American art form.

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Beginner Watercolor Painting with Alex Drewry - Wed, July 19 & 26, Aug 2-23

Wednesdays, July 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23 (6 weeks)

6 – 8 pm

Age: 16+

Price: $125 (HAL Members $120)

Students will be engaged in applying techniques and learning the basic fundamentals of watercolor. Working alongside the instructor, students will find their own unique style and be able to fluidly apply both basic foundations and your own creativity. Dress for mess – basic drawing skills are not necessary but welcome.

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Digital Photography – How to Take Better Portraits with Wayne Berry - Wed, July 19 & 26

Wednesday, July 19, 26 (2 weeks)

6 – 8 pm

Age: 16+

Price: $50 (HAL Members $45)

Digital photography portraits focus on capturing people in a specific way, whether it's a posed headshot or a candid moment. These portraits can be taken in a variety of settings, from a studio to a natural outdoor location. One of the advantages of digital photography is that it allows photographers to take multiple shots and quickly review and edit them, ensuring that they get the perfect shot.

The use of post-processing software also allows photographers to enhance their images further, whether it's adjusting the color, contrast, or sharpness. Digital photography portraits can be a powerful way to capture the essence of a person and tell their story through an image, creating a lasting memory for both the subject and the photographer.

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Introduction to iPhone Photography with Wayne Berry - Thu, Aug 10 & 17

Thursdays, August 10 and 17 (2 weeks)

6 – 8 pm

Age: 16+

Price: $50 (HAL Members $45)

An iPhone photography class is designed to teach individuals how to take stunning photographs using their iPhones. The course will cover a range of topics, including composition, lighting, editing, and post-processing techniques. Students will learn how to use the built-in camera features of their iPhone, such as HDR, portrait mode, and night mode, to create beautiful and professional-looking photos.

They will also discover how to use third-party apps and accessories to enhance their images even further. The class may be suitable for both beginners and experienced photographers looking to improve their skills and take their iPhone photography to the next level. Overall, an iPhone photography class can provide valuable knowledge and tools to help individuals capture and share their experiences with the world.

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Workshops

Artist Book Workshop with Katie Prock - Sat, July 22

Saturday, July 22

1 – 5 pm

Age: 18+

Price: $65 (HAL Members $60)

Students will be guided through a self-reflective exercise which includes writing prompts and then create diarist collages in response on large pieces of roll paper. Attendees should bring copies of photographs and other paper ephemera – origami, postcards, sheet music, grocery lists, printed text messages, sonograms, found images, etc. – relating to their own history and identity. Items brought should be items they are willing to cut up, photocopies work too. 

The documents/images they brought and the words/phrases generated in the reflective exercise will be the source materials and provide inspiration for their pieces.  After the collages are created, they will be folded down again and again to create book-sized spreads which will then be cut apart and bound into a book using a simple pamphlet stitch.

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Intro to Jewelry-Making - Basic Jewelry Creations with Jama Watts - Wed, Aug 2

Wednesday, August 2

6 – 8 pm

Ages 16+ and Adults

Price: $ 65 (HAL member $60)

Join this beginner-friendly class that teaches the fundamentals of jewelry making. Students will learn how to use basic jewelry-making tools, including how to add beads and other embellishments to their creations. The class will cover the tools and materials needed, as well as various techniques such as crimping, making wrapped and simple loops, and finishing pieces in a professional manner.

At the end of the class, students will have the skills to create their own beaded jewelry pieces, including pendants, earrings, and bracelets. The class is perfect for those who are new to jewelry making or those who want to learn a new skill.  Students who have jewelry-making tools are encouraged to bring them, as there will be limited tools to share.

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Creating with Metal Clay with Bronwyn Evans - Sat & Sun, Aug 12 & 13

Saturday and Sunday, August 12 and 13

10:30 am – 2 pm (each day)

Age: 18+

Price: $125 (HAL Members $120)

What is metal clay and what can I make with it? Join us for this workshop and discover the exciting world of metal clay! In this introductory workshop, you will learn the basic techniques and skills needed to successfully create jewelry using metal clay. From the history and composition of metal clay to the best ways to cut, texture, form, shape, fire, and finish you will learn it all.

We will work with fine silver clay to create a pair of earrings and a pendant. There will also be information about some of the new base metal clays and the different firing techniques they require. If you fall in love with metal clay, the instructor will provide free firings for two months after the class in her home studio. There is a supply fee of $40 paid to the instructor.

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