Studio School

Thu, Sep 14–Dec 7, 1–4 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Sara Clark

Expand the use of color in drawing with soft pastels, employing various application methods and paper choices. Students work from the still life or subjects of their choice. Individual critiques provided. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills

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$250 (VMFA members $230)

Wed, Sep 13–Dec 6, 1–4 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Sara Clark

Learn to generate ideas, choose subjects, and adopt approaches to using paint and pastel. Students also work on independent projects with guidance and individual critiques from the instructor.  Prerequisites: basic drawing & painting skills

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$250 (VMFA members $230)

Tue, Sep 12–Nov 28, 9:30 am–12:30 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Marjorie Perrin

This class focuses on the oil-paint, chalk-pastel, and watercolor portrait. Students also learn about the rich history of the portrait in art.  Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills

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$250 (VMFA members $230)

Mon, Sep 11–Nov 27, 9:30 am–12:30 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Dawn Flores

Learn a wide variety of watercolor techniques while using related drawing mediums in this course for beginning and experienced watercolor artists. Students work directly from the still life, landscape, and other subject matter, with discussions of color and watercolor masterworks offering inspiration. Individual and group critiques provided. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills

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$250 (VMFA members $230)

Wed, Sep 13–Dec 6, 9:30 am–12:30 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Marjorie Perrin

Learn to use direct observation when painting from life. Through demonstrations, observation-based painting exercises, and instruction, beginning and intermediate artists strengthen their ability to see color and value relationships, and they learn how to mix colors accordingly. Students also learn to simplify any subject matter by identifying color masses from which to develop realistic paintings. Prerequisite: basic drawing skills

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$250 (VMFA members $230)

Mon, Sep 11–Nov 27, 1–4 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Matt Lively

Explore oil painting from direct observation, photos, or sketches and depict various subjects including the still life, human figure, and landscape. Students develop a more personal approach to imagery, drawing, and painting styles by examining the formal and expressive aspects in their work and that of classical to contemporary artists. Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills

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$250 (VMFA members $230)

Thu, Sep 14–Dec 7, 9:30 am–12:30 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Joan Elliott

This is a great studio course for students at the intermediate level who are working to develop their own personal painting style and approach to imagery. Through individual guidance, students explore painting strategies and working methods. Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills

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$250 (VMFA members $230)

Thu, Sep 14–Dec 7, 7–9:30 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Marjorie Perrin

This class helps students develop basic drawing skills through various techniques and materials, working from the model and other subjects. Class discussions and individual and group critiques round out the course. No experience is required - an excellent prerequisite for painting courses.

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$235 (VMFA members $215)

Wed, Sep 13–Dec 6, 7–10 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Dawn Flores

Designed for beginning and intermediate watercolor or acrylic students, this class covers the basic tools, materials, and practices of water-based paint media. Students will study classic and contemporary art while they experiment with various techniques. Individual and group critiques are included. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills

Click here for materials list.
$250 (VMFA members $230)

Wed, Sep 13–Dec 6, 7–10 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Joan Elliott

Learn to use direct observation when painting from life. Through demonstrations, observation-based painting exercises, and instruction, beginning and intermediate artists strengthen their ability to see color and value relationships, and learn how to mix colors accordingly. Students also learn to simplify any subject matter by identifying color masses from which to develop realistic paintings. Prerequisite: basic drawing skills

Click here for materials list.
$250 (VMFA members $230)

Mon, Sep 11–Nov 27, 7–10 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Joan Elliott

Explore oil painting from direct observation, photos, or sketches and depict various subjects including the still life, human figure, and landscape. Students develop a more personal approach to imagery, drawing, and painting styles by examining the formal and expressive aspects in their work and that of classical to contemporary artists. Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills

Click here for materials list.
$250 (VMFA members $230)

Sat & Sun, Sep 23 & 24, 10 am–4 pm | Studio School, 2nd floor
Marjorie Perrin

Beginning artists and those wanting to brush up on their skills will discover the basics of drawing, including pattern and composition, light and shade, proportion, three-dimensional form, and perspective. Learning through demonstrations, class discussions, and individual instruction, students complete multiple drawings working from the still life and landscape images. Soft vine charcoal (assorted sizes), 18" x 24” sketch pad, and a kneadable eraser required.

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$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat, Sep 23, 10 am–4 pm (1 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Chuck Scalin

This workshop instructs Advanced Collage students to create and prepare miniature works (3 x 3 x 3 in.) for this year’s Think Small 9 exhibition at Artspace gallery in November 2017. Prerequisites: Intro to collage.

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$90 (VMFA members $75)

Sat, Sep 30, 10 am–4 pm  | Studio School, 2nd floor
Karen Eide

Encaustic painting is an ancient process using molten, pigmented beeswax to create layered and luminous art. This workshop, designed for both new and experienced painters, teaches classic encaustic techniques and ways to combine them with contemporary painting techniques and mixed media. Discover collage, incising, texturizing, surface embellishment, and relief work, as well as how to combine oil paint, pastels, inks, watercolors, and gouache with the encaustic. Returning students may begin exploring larger scale works. Some materials included.

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$105 (VMFA members $90)

Sat, Sep 30, 10 am–4 pm  | Studio School, 2nd floor
Sara Clark

This workshop will help you generate ideas, choose subjects, and explore different media to channel your creativity.  Explore a variety of papers and combinations of media–pencils, crayons, pastels, inks, and paints. You will leave this workshop with a portfolio of studies and drawings, and new ways to develop ideas for future works.

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$90 (VMFA members $75)

Sat & Sun, Oct 7 & 8, 10 am–4 pm | Studio School, 2nd floor
Dawn Flores

Basic drawing skills are essential to building a strong foundation from which to express creativity in any medium. By focusing on the beauty of trees, students learn the importance of observation, proportion,  perspective, and form while discovering and cultivating an appreciation for the anatomical complexity of nature’s botanical wonders.  Students will work directly from observation on the VMFA grounds and from photographs provided by the instructor.

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$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat & Sun, Oct 21& 22, 10 am–4 pm  | Studio School, 2nd floor
Matt Lively

Start by exploring a variety of dog and cat portraits by other artists. Then with guidance from the instructor and working from photographs, students learn to create accurate, detailed, or expressive portraits of their own pet using drawing materials and oil or acrylic paint. Prerequisite: basic drawing skills

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$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat & Sun, Nov 4 & 5, 10 am–4 pm  | Studio School, 2nd floor
Dawn Flores

This workshop provides step-by-step instruction on a variety of watercolor techniques, including special effects, glazing, wet on wet, washes, and more. Working from colorful photographs or still lifes of flora and fauna, students explore the full range of watercolor painting. Prerequisite: basic drawing skills.

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$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat, Oct 14, noon–4 pm | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
Frank Saunders

Are you interested in collecting art but don’t know how to begin? This workshop offers invaluable information to get you started with confidence. The instructor will provide insight on the local art market, working with galleries and artists, and buying art online. Also learn ways to display and take care of your artwork when you get it home so you can enjoy it for years to come. 

$65 (VMFA members $50)

Sat, Nov 4,  10 am–noon  | Meet at Visitor Services desk
Scott Nolley

Explore VMFA's collection with painting conservator Scott Nolley, paying special attention to framing choices and techniques. Sudents will learn about the history of framing and how framing choices affect the way works of art are viewed.

$90 (VMFA members $75)

Tue, Sep 12–Nov 28, 10 am–1 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Douglas S. Jones

Willa Cather wrote, “Some memories are realities and are better than anything that can happen to one again.” Ernest Hemingway wrote, “Memory is hunger.” This class merges the two notions that memories are heightened experiences and that they make us hunger for more. The instructor offers students encouraging feedback and specific writing prompts to help develop ideas.  

Mon, Sep 11–Nov 27,  7–10 pm (12 sessions)  | Studio School, 2nd floor
Douglas S. Jones

Each of us has a dark self. Sometimes we glimpse it in dreams; sometimes we come to know it in our thoughts or imaginings. The aim of this course is to draw it out and see what students can learn from it. Students explore ways in which a realization of the shadow can open up creative avenues for use in various writing exercises , including guided imagery, dream work, and active imagination.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Wed, Sep 13–Dec 6,  7–9:30 pm (12 sessions)  | Studio School, 2nd floor
Amy Ritchie Johnson

We are all storytellers. In this class, we will experience the joys of writing stories of our own making and explore how the characters and events we write about can enrich our everyday world. Writing prompts, assignments, and discussion of the craft of fiction will benefit writers and readers of any level of experience.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Thu, Sep 14–Dec 7, 7–10 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Douglas S. Jones

Author Clarissa Pikola Estes writes about el duende—the goblin wind inside us that can turn a creative spark into a fire. Using timed writing, dream journals, guided imagery, active imagination, and more, this class fans students’ ideas for poems, stories, confessions, or plays into flames and even encourages clearer thinking.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Sat, Oct 28, 10 am–4 pm| Studio School, 2nd floor
Douglas S. Jones

Willa Cather wrote, “Some memories are realities, and are better than anything that can ever happen to one again.” Ernest Hemingway wrote, “Memory is hunger.” This workshop merges these two notions to demonstrate that memories, which can be heightened experiences, create a hunger for more. While the instructor offers students encouraging feedback and specific writing prompts to help develop ideas, students try simple strategies for writing about their own lives.

$90 (VMFA members $75)

Mon, Sep 11–Oct 9,  7–10 pm (5 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
Regi Franz

Find out what white balance, resolution, and mega pixels are all about. This class teaches students to use their digital cameras more effectively, including the fundamentals of image capture, camera operation, proper exposure, and using a flash. Weekly assignments and sharing images in class help beginning photographers troubleshoot and develop a creative eye. Bring a digital camera with manual adjustments and the camera manual to the first class.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

Wed, Oct 25–Nov 29, 10 am–1 pm (5 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
Regula Franz

Find out what white balance, resolution, and mega pixels are all about. This class teaches students to use their digital cameras more effectively, including the fundamentals of image capture, camera operation, proper exposure, and using a flash. Weekly assignments and sharing images in class help beginning photographers troubleshoot and develop a creative eye. Bring a digital camera with manual adjustments and the camera manual to the first class.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

Mon, Oct 23–Nov 27,  10 am–1 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
Regula Franz

This class helps students refine both technical and creative photographic skills. Through discussions, class critiques, and weekly assignments, participants solve problems with exposure, low-light situations, and creative ennui, and learn time-saving methods for an effective digital workflow. A digital SLR is recommended but not required. Prerequisite: digital photography skills

$175 (VMFA members $155)

Mon, Oct 23–Nov 27,  7–10 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
Regula Franz

This class helps students refine both technical and creative photographic skills. Through discussions, class critiques, and weekly assignments, participants solve problems with exposure, low-light situations, and creative ennui, and learn time-saving methods for an effective digital workflow. A digital SLR is recommended but not required. Prerequisite: digital photography skills.

$175 (VMFA members $155)

Tue, Sep 12–Nov 28, 9:30 am–12:30 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
Frank Saunders

This course is for students who want to pursue personal work while still becoming grounded in photo history and aesthetics. The majority of class time will be spent in the open darkroom, with the instructor providing technical support and advice for short- and long-term projects. A 35mm camera with manual settings required. Darkroom fee included.

$255 (VMFA members $235)

Tue, Sep 12–Oct 17, 7–10 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
Jeffrey Allison

Find out what white balance, resolution, and mega pixels are all about. This class teaches students to use their digital cameras more effectively, including the fundamentals of image capture, camera operation, proper exposure, and using a flash. Weekly assignments and sharing images in class help beginning photographers troubleshoot and develop a creative eye. Bring a digital camera with manual adjustments and the camera manual to the first class.

$175 (VMFA members $155)

Wed, Sep 13–Dec 6,  7–10 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
Georgianne Stinnett

For students with recent experience developing black-and-white film and a knowledge of photo-printing techniques, this class offers additional individualized study as well as technical assistance. While standard darkroom chemicals and equipment are included, students must supply their own film, paper, and specialized chemicals or equipment. This lab is not intended for production printing. Darkroom fee included. Prerequisites: black-and-white darkroom experience

$255 (VMFA members $235)

Sat, Nov 4, 10 am–4 pm  | Studio School, 1st floor
Regula Franz

Explore visual storytelling, which helps you document your journey more effectively. Through slide lecture and discussion, the instructor shares some of her experiences photographing people and places all over the world. The workshop also covers technical problems in travel situations, equipment, and effective digital-workflow ideas. Students have the opportunity to share their own travel shots. Prerequisites: basic digital photography skills

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$90 (VMFA members $75)

Wed, Sep 13–Dec 6, 10 am–1 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
Randy Toy

Delve into the creative possibilities of monotype, a unique process that combines painting, drawing, and printmaking. Covering the uses of oil- and water-based inks and paints, this course allows students to produce prints on the etching press and by hand. Technical assistance and individual critiques provided. Prerequisites: Basic drawing and painting skills

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$260 (VMFA members $240)

Fri, Sep 15–Nov 17, 10 am–1 pm (10 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
Mary Holland

Experiment with various monotype processes and produce work in oil- or water-based ink or paint by hand and on the etching press. With individualized technical guidance from the instructor, try other unique techniques including marbleizing and collage with decorative papers. This is a great introduction to one-of-a-kind prints. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills

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$220 (VMFA members $200)

Sat, Oct 21, 10 am–1 pm  | Studio School, 1st floor
Mary Holland

The Gelli plate is a wonderful tool for creating monotypes simply. With stencils, stamps, and transparent paints, as well as some planning, complex artwork results. Explore color theory and composition and enjoy using your own "printing press." Collage techniques will also be covered. Students must provide their own Gelli plate and other materials.

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$95 (VMFA members $80)

Thu, Sep 14–Dec 7, 10 am–1 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, lower level
Steven Glass

For students of all levels, this class teaches pottery making and design using various materials and techniques, including wheel-thrown and hand-built methods. By exploring the history of pottery making, students gain a better understanding of design. Individual critiques and technical assistance provided. Firing, glazes, and 25 pounds of clay included. Extra clay is available for purchase.

$270 (VMFA members $250)

Tuesdays, Sep 12–Nov 28, 7–10 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, lower level
Steven Glass

For students of all levels, this class teaches pottery making and design using various materials and techniques, including wheel-thrown and hand-built methods. By exploring the history of pottery making, students gain a better understanding of design. Individual critiques and technical assistance provided. Firing, glazes, and 25 pounds of clay included. Extra clay is available for purchase.

$270 (VMFA members $250)

Thu, Sep 14–Dec 7, 7–10 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, lower level
Steven Glass

For students of all levels, this class teaches pottery making and design using various materials and techniques, including wheel-thrown and hand-built methods. By exploring the history of pottery making, students gain a better understanding of design. Individual critiques and technical assistance provided. Firing, glazes, and 25 pounds of clay included. Extra clay is available for purchase.

$270 (VMFA members $250)

Tue, Sep 12–Nov 28, 10 am–1 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, lower level
Steven Glass

Create sculptural forms and hand-built vessels in this class that focuses on techniques, including coil and slab construction methods. Students experiment with various glazes and slips and are introduced to the history of ceramic art. Bring sketches of ideas to the first session. Both beginning and experienced clay students are welcome. Firing, glazes, and 25 pounds of clay included. Extra clay is available for purchase.

$270 (VMFA members $250)

Sat, Nov 4, 10 am–3 pm | Studio School, lower level
Steven Glass

Designed for students who need more time in the pottery studio to complete individual projects. Faculty assistance and consultation is available. Prerequisites: current enrollment in any VMFA pottery class 

$60 (VMFA members $45)

Sat, Oct 7, 10 am–4 pm | Studio School, 2nd floor
Shelley Jones

Learn about the types of beads (from glass to semi-precious gemstones), stringing options, wire-wrapping techniques. The instructor introduces students to the range of findings that hold jewelry together and shares helpful tools and resources. Participants leave the workshop with a handmade necklace, a pair of earrings, and the knowledge to continue jewelry making on their own. A fee of $25, payable to the instructor due at the beginning of the workshop, covers all materials. Tools also provided.

Sat & Sun, Nov 18 & 19, 10 am – 4:30 pm  | Studio School, 2nd floor
Jude Schlotzhauer

Learn the basics of stained glass and create a small window panel in your choice of patterns. Techniques covered in the workshop include pattern making, glass cutting, copper foiling, soldering, and construction. Make something beautiful to treasure or give as a gift.  All materials are included.

$175 (VMFA members $160)

Mon, Sep 11–Nov 27, 5:30–6:30 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, first floor, Parlor
Jodi Bock

This beginning-level yoga class incorporates stretching, strengthening, and breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote optimum health and well-being. Participants should bring an exercise or yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing to this hour-long, instructor-led class.

$125 (VMFA members $105)

Tue, Sep 12–Nov 28, 5:30–6:30 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor, Parlor
Jodi Bock

This beginning-level yoga class incorporates stretching, strengthening, and breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote optimum health and well-being. Participants should bring an exercise or yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing to this hour-long, instructor-led class.

$125 (VMFA members $105)

Wed, Sep 13–Dec 6, 5:30–6:30 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor, Parlor
Jodi Bock

This beginning-level yoga class incorporates stretching, strengthening, and breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote optimum health and well-being. Participants should bring an exercise or yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing to this hour-long, instructor-led class.

$125 (VMFA members $105)