Wednesdays, April 22, April 29, May 6 and May 13

10:15 am - 12:45 pm

Class size: 14

Age: 18+

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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Wednesdays, May 20, May 27, June 3 and June 10

10:15 am - 12:45 pm

Class size: 14

Age: 18+

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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Thursdays, April 23, April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, and May 28

10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Class Limit: 12

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. Students refine their artistic style and gain confidence in their ability to create dynamic and expressive watercolor works.

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Thursdays, April 23, April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, and May 28

6-8 pm

Class Limit: 12

Ages: 18+

Price: $ 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. You'll practice foundational skills while working on fun, step-by-step projects designed to build your confidence.

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Thursdays, April 23, 30, and May 7

Time: 5:30 – 7 pm

Class Limit: 12

Ages: 9-12 years old

Price: $ 50

This engaging youth painting class invites young artists to explore their creativity through color, texture, and imagination. Students will learn foundational painting techniques—such as color mixing, brush control, composition, and layering—while experimenting with a variety of subjects ranging from landscapes and animals to abstract expression. Guided step-by-step instruction is balanced with opportunities for personal interpretation, encouraging each child to develop their own artistic voice in a supportive and inspiring environment. Designed to build confidence as well as technical skill, the class fosters creativity, problem-solving, and a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts.

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Saturday, April 25

11 am – 4 pm

Class Limit: 15

Ages: 18+

Price: $ 10

In this course, designed for students who have little previous experience with digital photography, instructor Jaclyn Brown will help students overcome their fear of using manual settings on a DSLR camera and show cell phone camera users how to maximize potential and quality. Students will be introduced to camera operations, very basic image editing, and other important building blocks. After the workshop, students will be able to utilize their newly acquired skills, gain knowledge of what makes a good photograph, and develop the confidence to take better control of their photographs as a whole. All digital cameras are welcome! Available to high school juniors and seniors, college students, and adults. 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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Saturday, May 2

11 am – 2 pm

Class Limit: 12

Ages: 16+

Price: $ 70

Participants will apply colored art glass to a glass base. The instructor will provide patterns and scrap glass, and students are also free to draw their own designs and embellish their pieces with items like murine or chain. Once the glass is glued, grout is applied and wiped off after a thirty-minute drying time.

A supply fee of $10.00 is needed for materials the instructor will be providing.

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Saturday, May 23

Time: 11 am – 4 pm

Class Limit: 12

Ages: 18+

Price: $10

Study the art of portraiture through the work and photographs of Frida Kahlo. Students will work in pastels as they hone their understanding of drawing portraits by working from photographs of the Mexican artist and/or her work. A slide presentation on the VMFA’s 2025 exhibition Frida: Beyond the Myth will be presented as part of the workshop. 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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Thursday, June 11

6-8 pm

Class Limit: 12

Ages: 16+

Price: $ 25

Create beautiful, functional art by designing your own pressed flower coasters. In this hands-on project, delicate blooms and greenery are carefully arranged and preserved to capture their natural color and intricate detail. Participants will learn how to press and prepare flowers, thoughtfully compose their designs, and seal them to create durable, water-resistant coasters perfect for everyday use. Blending nature and creativity, this process transforms simple botanical elements into elegant keepsakes that celebrate the seasons and add a handcrafted touch to any home. Participants will make two 4”x 4" coasters with pressed flowers and beveled glass.

A supply fee of $20.00 is needed for materials the instructor will be providing.

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Thursday, May 14

Time: 6-8 pm

Class Limit: 12

Ages: 16+

Price: $ 25

In this hands-on class, participants will create their own DIY field sketchbook designed for drawing, note-taking, and creative exploration on the go. Students will learn simple bookbinding techniques, choose papers suited for sketching and mixed media, and customize their sketchbooks with covers and personal details. Participants can bring their own fabric (must measure 9” x 12”) or the instructor can provide fabric. Along the way, the class will explore practical tips for using a field sketchbook outdoors—capturing quick observations, textures, and ideas in the moment. Perfect for all skill levels, this class encourages curiosity, portability, and the joy of making a creative tool that’s uniquely your own.

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Wednesdays, July 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19

10:15 am - 12:45 pm

Class size: 14

Age: 18+

Class Price: $ 150 (HAL members $ 145)

Step into the enchanting world of watercolors with our immersive studio class. We'll be looking at 6 American watercolorists for our inspiration as well as sharing some red, white, and blue watercolor paint samples to try!  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, July 15, 22

10:30 am – 1 pm

Class size: 10

Age: 18+

Class Price: $ 45 (HAL members $40)

The best camera is the one you have with you. And, that’s usually your cell phone.  It is convenient to have a camera at all times, but to take great photos with a phone you still need to think about a variety of elements, including composition, lighting, and exposure settings. In this class you will learn to set and use features on your phone to enhance your photos as well as basic composition tips. You will also be introduced to the built-in editing features of your phone as well as photo apps. This class is for android as well as iPhone users. So, let’s get smart about your smartphone!

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Thursdays, July 16, 23, 30

6-8 pm

Class size: 10

Age: 18+

Class Price: $ 65 (HAL members $60)

Are you a picture taker or a picture maker? From practical advice to hands-on photography, award-winning photographer Shirley Whitenack will teach this photography workshop that will empower you to take control of your camera and unleash your creativity.  Through lecture and hands-on photography, this class will reinforce the technical aspects of photography as well as provide techniques to improve your artistry. Topics Covered: basic camera mechanics, exposure triangle, shooting modes, flash, and composition.

Bring fully-charged camera, instruction manual, memory card, and lenses/accessories.

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Saturday, August 1

10 am - 2 pm

Class size: 14

Age: 18+

Workshop Price: $ 75 (HAL members $ 70)

Step into the enchanting world of watercolors with our immersive studio class. This workshop inspired by the bay, boats, beach and the marsh help 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. Bring a bag lunch.

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Week of July 13 – 17

Adventures in Space ~ 9 am to 12 noon

Ages 6 to 10

Camp Price: $180

In this camp, students will engage in a journey of exploration into all things outer space. From Sci-Fi to NASA astronauts, kids will expand upon their knowledge of space through art.

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Where We Live

 1 – 4 pm

Ages 11 – 15

Camp Price: $180

In this camp, students will engage in an exploration of the industries in the Tidewater region. Kids will learn about the five major industries in the area through art. Students can expect to create a variety of 3D projects that represent the industries of military, shipbuilding, commercial fishing, aerospace and tourism.

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