Tuesdays, September 17, 24, October 1, 8, and 15 (5 weeks)

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Age: 18+

Class Price: $115 (HAL Members $110)

Drawing is a foundational skill that can aid in developing other creative pursuits.  An art form in its own right, learning how to draw can help unlock one's creative potential. The benefits of drawing include increased focus and relaxation, improved creativity and problem-solving, and greater hand-eye coordination. Each week, you'll learn how to practice and implement the basic elements of drawing, contour drawing, shading, and spatial relationships.

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Wednesdays, September 18, 25, October 2, 9

10:15 am - 12:45 pm

Age: 18+

Class Price: $90 (HAL Members $85)

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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Wednesdays, September 18, 25, October 2 and 9 (4 weeks)

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Age: 18+

Price: $90 (HAL Members $85)

Join Alex Drewry in the exploration of watercolor painting. Students will be engaged in applying techniques and learning the fundamentals of watercolor. Working alongside the instructor, students will find their unique style and be able to fluidly apply both basic foundations and their own creativity. Dress for a mess is encouraged and basic drawing skills are not necessary, but welcomed!

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Thursdays, September 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, and 24 (6 weeks)

10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Ages: 18+

Price: $135 (HAL Members $130)

Join this intermediate watercolor class designed for artists who have a foundational understanding of watercolor techniques and wish to enhance their skills. In this course, students delve deeper into the medium, exploring advanced techniques such as wet-on-wet, glazing, and color layering and using Yupo and rice paper. The curriculum includes the study of light and shadow, texture creation, and the use of negative space to add depth and dimension to paintings.

Participants will also learn to mix complex colors, control water flow, and utilize various brushes for different effects. Through guided projects and personal experimentation, students refine their artistic style and gain confidence in their ability to create dynamic and expressive watercolor works.

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Thursdays, September 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, and 24 (6 weeks)

2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Age: 18+

Price: $125 (HAL Members $120)

Unleash your creativity and refine your artistic skills in our Pastel and Drawing Studio class. This dynamic course invites artists of all levels to explore the vibrant world of pastels and the foundational techniques of drawing. Through a series of engaging exercises and projects, you'll learn to master color blending, shading, and textural effects with pastels, while also honing your drawing accuracy and expressiveness.

Guided by an experienced instructor, each session offers personalized feedback and a supportive environment to help you develop your unique artistic voice. Whether you're a beginner eager to explore new mediums or an experienced artist looking to deepen your expertise, our Pastel and Drawing Studio class provides the perfect canvas for your artistic journey.

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Wednesdays, October 16, 23, 30, and November 6

10:15 am - 12:45 pm

Age: 18+

Class Price: $90 (HAL Members $85)

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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Thursdays, October 3 and 10 (2 sessions)

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Age: 18+

Price: $70 (HAL Members $65)

Join your fellow artists at this color theory workshop which delves into the intricate relationships and psychological impacts of colors. Participants will explore the fundamentals of the color wheel, learning about primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. The workshop covers concepts such as hue, saturation, and value, helping attendees understand how colors interact and influence one another.

Through hands-on activities, participants experiment with color mixing, creating harmonious palettes and contrasting schemes. The workshop also touches on color symbolism and its cultural significance, enabling a deeper appreciation of how color can convey emotions and messages in art and design. By the end of the session, attendees gain a comprehensive understanding of color dynamics and practical skills for applying color theory to various creative projects.

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Saturday, October 12

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Age: 18+

Price: Free, materials fee of $20, payable to Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center

Textile artist Mary Swezey will help you discover the French technique of serti, drawing with a liquid resist to create designs and patterns on silk scarves. Once the resist has dried and set with an iron, fabric paints are applied to complete the design. Students can expect to finish a long scarf. The workshop will also include a brief overview of the history of silk painting. 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. There will be a short break for lunch – students bring a bag of lunch.

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Saturday, October 19

10:30 am – 1:30 pm

Ages: 18+

Price: $65 (HAL Members $60)

Embark on a creative journey through collage, a captivating fusion of art and expression. In this immersive learning experience, participants will delve into the dynamic world of collage-making, exploring the limitless possibilities of combining diverse materials, textures, and images. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, this workshop is designed to ignite your imagination and unleash your artistic flair.

Guiding you through the fundamental techniques of composition, layering, and juxtaposition, the instructor will empower you to craft visually compelling narratives and evoke emotions through your unique collage creations. As we experiment with various materials such as magazines, photographs, and more, students will discover the transformative power of assembling disparate elements into harmonious and thought-provoking artworks. Join us where creativity knows no bounds, and let the art of collage become a medium for self-expression, storytelling, and personal exploration.

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Saturday, October 26

10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Ages: 18

Price: $65 (HAL Members $60)

Join artist Steve Prince in this exciting hands-on workshop that explores the expressive power of abstract art through the medium of watercolor monotypes. Participants will create dynamic watercolor templates on Yupo paper, cut and arrange the dried color materials on an acrylic sheet, and utilize water-saturated archival paper to reconstitute the watercolors to create unique, multicolored All materials will be provided, and all skill and experience levels are welcome – just bring your imagination.

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Wednesday, November 6

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Ages: 16+

Price: $45 (HAL Members $40)

The Holiday Ornaments & Gift Tags Workshop is a creative and festive event where participants learn to craft beautiful, 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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Wednesday, November 6

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Ages: 18+

Price: $45 (HAL Members $40)

Small art is a fun way to practice presence, explore big ideas, and invite small acts of creativity into your daily life. Small art is playful, challenging, rewarding, and easy to complete. This workshop will provide several drawing, painting, and embroidery techniques that invite you to immerse in play, creativity, and mindful art-making.

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Wednesday, November 13

6-9 pm

Class Limit: 12

Ages: 16+

Price: $ 25 ($22 HAL members)

Block printing holiday cards is a creative way to add a personalized and handcrafted touch to your seasonal greetings. Block printing allows you to create a beautiful set of holiday cards that are both artistic and personal. The technique's flexibility lets you explore various holiday designs, from traditional to modern, ensuring your cards are one-of-a-kind.  This technique allows you to make unique, festive designs on cards using simple materials and your creativity.

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Thursday, October 17

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Ages: 10+ with parent

Price: $35 (HAL Members $30)

Join us to learn how to hand sew whimsical felt critters that can be used to add a personalized touch to gifts, wreaths, garlands, and various decor, or attach your creation to a colorful beaded keychain to adorn your adventure necessities. During this creative endeavor, you will learn simple hand stitching and appliqué techniques, making this experience accessible even for beginners. By selecting vibrant felt colors and whimsical patterns, crafters can create charming animals that bring warmth and character to any project. This craft not only nurtures artistic skills but also provides a heartfelt way to personalize and elevate everyday items and special occasions. During this workshop, critter crafters will complete one pattern with the instructor and receive material and supplies to make 2 more critters at their leisure – 3 critters total. All supplies are included in this workshop. 

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Saturday, November 9

10:30 am – 1:30 pm

Ages: 10+ with parent

Price: $45 (HAL Members $40)

Get ready for the holidays! Join us to create your own festive, customized stocking. Choose from a variety of patterns featuring modern yet nostalgic holiday characters and themes to design your stocking. Crafters will learn basic hand stitching and appliqué techniques to arrange and attach their felt designs as well as other sequins, beads, and embellishments to create a truly one-of-a-kind, holiday memento.

This workshop allows crafters to express their creativity and make unique keepsake items that can be cherished for years to come. Handmade stockings not only serve as charming holiday décor but also as thoughtful gifts, adding a warm and personalized element to the joy of the season. All supplies are included in this workshop. 

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