Adult Classes

Tue, May 6 - 27, 10 am – 1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DAWN FLORES

Artist John Singer Sargent was a master of color. His blacks were textured, his whites were complex, and his side-by-side use of warm and cool colors gave his paintings vibrancy. In this intensive class, students will study Sargent’s artwork through slide presentations and catalogs. Working in either watercolor or acrylic paint, students will complete color exercises, copy Sargent’s work, and create their own compelling pieces inspired by Sargent’s use of color. Prerequisites: basic drawing and watercolor or acrylic painting skills.

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Fri, May 9–30, 10 am --1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
SALLY BOWRING

This class combines visits to the VMFA galleries and studio work. Each session will start with a visit to a different painting. The instructor will lead a discussion about the meaning of the painting, the period in which it was created, and surrounding ideas, writings, and music of the time. Students will return to the painting studio, inspired by the painting and information, to create a work of art. Students may work in any drawing or painting medium they choose. Prerequisite: basic drawing & oil or acrylic painting skills.

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Wed, May 7 - 28, 10 am -- 1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
SARAH HAND

Explore sculpting with papier mâché to create your favorite bird. This is a fun introduction to the basics of papier mâché, but also suitable for folks who want to take their skills up a notch. The instructor will discuss bird forms and anatomy and demonstrate the use of armature sculpting and traditional newspaper and paste papier mâché. Learn various ways to attach pieces, create expressions, and embellish. Explore how to make a three-dimensional object in a low-tech medium. The instructor will also show examples of her own creations. A materials fee of $20 is payable to the instructor at the first session. It includes most materials.

Tue, Jun 3 – Jul 22, 10 am – 1 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DIANA DETAMORE

Do you doubt your artistic ability or believe you cannot draw? This is your opportunity to challenge that perception. Based on the teaching methods of Betty Edwards, author of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, this class will offer a series of visual exercises to improve the way you see and render objects on paper. You will learn basic drawing skills including contour line, use of negative space, perspective, proportion, and shading, building your ability and confidence to draw realistically.

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Thu, Jun 5–Jul 24, 1–4 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DAWN FLORES

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.

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Wed, Jun 4 – Jul 23, 1 – 4 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DAWN FLORES

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

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Thu, Jun 5–Jul 24, 10 am–1 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd Floor 
MARY SCURLOCK

In this class, students will work with traditional and non-traditional materials, techniques, and tools while exploring and expanding their definition of drawing and its limitless possibilities. By experimenting with different rendering techniques, students will discover a personalized vocabulary of mark making. They will create a series of experimental drawings, participate in group discussions, demonstrations, and critiques. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills. 

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Mon, Jun 9–Jul 28, 9:30 am–12:30 pm (8 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.

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Thu, Jun 5 -- Jul 17 (no class Jul 3), 10 am – 1 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
SARAH HAND

Make playful and colorful illustrations using familiar and unusual techniques and media. In this lighthearted class, you will learn to generate ideas for imagery, simplify drawings while adding personality, make a portfolio to hold experiments and samples, and create finished art. Students will develop an intuitive feel for mixing and using color. Techniques included are painted paper collage, stencils, and masks, smudging and scribbling, oil pastel and crayon, simple printmaking, and fun ways to add lettering and words to your art.

$180 (VMFA members $160)

Tue, Jun 3– Jul 22, 9:30 am–12:30 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
AMY SMITH

Learn to use direct observation when painting from life. Through demonstrations, observation-based painting exercises, and instructions, 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 or abstract paintings. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills.

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Thu, Jun 26–Jul 31, 9:30 am–12:30 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
MARTHA PRIDEAUX

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.

$180 (VMFA members $160)

Mon, Jun 2–Jul 21, 1–4 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
AMY SMITH

Explore drawing and 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.

$200 (VMFA members $160)

Mon, Jun 23–Jul 28, 1–4 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
MARTHA PRIDEAUX

Discover approaches and materials that can inspire new ideas and add a fresh dimension to your artwork. Explore the beautiful textured surfaces that you can create using cold wax medium and oil paint. The instructor will do demonstrations and provide guidance when experimenting with a variety of new materials. Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills.

$180 (VMFA members $160)

Wed, Jun 18– Jul 23, 1–4 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
KATHY CALHOUN

$180 (VMFA members $160)

Wed, Jul 9 -- 30, 9 am – noon (4 Sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
MARIA REARDON

Explore drawing and painting the landscape from direct observation. With guidance from the instructor, students will develop a more fluid response to painting on location. Students need to provide their own plein air painting easel, stool and painting supplies. Prerequisite: basic drawing and painting skills. 

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Tue, Jun 3 – Jul 22, 7 – 10 pm (8 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.

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Wed, Jul 9– 30, 7–10 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
JOAN ELLIOTT

This is a good painting class for beginning or intermediate level oil painters who want to develop their own personal painting style and approach to imagery. Through individual guidance, students explore painting strategies and working methods. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills.

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Mon, Jul 7 – 28, 7 – 10 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
JOAN ELLIOTT

Explore drawing and 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. 

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Sat & Sun, Jun 14 & 15, 10 am–4pm (2 session) | Studio School, 2nd floor
CATHERINE PURDY

Develop observational drawing skills and learn to capture depth, details, and sense of place through architectural illustration. After learning the basics of one-and two-point perspective, explore the museum grounds with the instructor to practice sketching on site. Back in the studio, choose one of your sketches to refine using watercolor and ink. Previous experience with watercolor is not necessary. The workshop is a great way to jumpstart a travel sketchbook or urban sketching practice. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills. 

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat, Jun 14, 10 am–4 pm (1 Session) | Studio School, 2nd floor
KENDRA WADSWORTH

Explore several methods for making acrylic pour paintings.  These paintings are characterized by unpredictable swirls of colorful paint with a glossy finish. Please bring a maximum of eight small canvases or panels. These need to be safely transported flat after painting (canvases should not exceed 11” x 14”). Also provide one quart of white semigloss house paint, and four to six acrylic paint colors of your choice.  Miscellaneous supplies will be provided by the instructor for a $5 materials fee (cash or check) payable at the beginning of the workshop. Prerequisite: basic drawing and painting skills.

$90 (VMFA members $75)

Sat & Sun, Jun 21 & 22, 10 am – 4 pm (2 session) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DIEGO SANCHEZ

Experiment with various painting and drawing media. Explore new ideas, techniques, and imagery. Students will work on individual projects with demonstrations from the instructor. This is a great workshop to recharge your studio practice. A brief overview of artificial intelligence basics will be presented. Prerequisite: basic drawing and painting skills. 

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat, Jun 28, 10 am–4 pm (1 session) | Studio School, 1st floor
KAREN EIDE

Encaustic painting is an ancient process using molten, pigmented beeswax to create layered and luminous art. Designed for both new and experienced painters, the instructor 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. Some materials included.

$105 (VMFA members $90)

Sat, Jun 28, 10 am–4 pm (1 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
MARTHA PRIDEAUX

Explore new ideas and creative approaches to your artwork by experimenting with the techniques that the Surrealists pioneered. The instructor will lead the class through several Surrealist methods for making art and show the work of Surrealist artists. This fun, experimental, and playful workshop is for beginning to advanced artist who are interested in exciting new ways of making art by tapping into the subconscious.

$90 (VMFA members $85)

Sat & Sun, Jul 12 & 13, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
PAM FOX

This workshop explores the use of photography with mixed-media applications. Students combine photographic materials (digital or traditional prints, photocopies, found imagery or old photographs) with oil paint to produce new and exciting imagery. The instructor demonstrates a variety of approaches, including surface supports and preparation, gluing techniques, surface alterations, paint application, varnishing, cold wax, and other surface treatments. Open to all levels of experience.

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat & Sun, Jul 12 & 13, 10 am–4 pm (2 Sessions) | 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.

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat, Jul 19, 10 am–4 pm (1 session) | Studio School, 2nd floor
MARTHA PRIDEAUX

Experiment with new techniques, materials, and more to make innovative collages. The teacher will demonstrate ways to design, mount, and present your artwork in this workshop designed for all levels of experience.
 
$90 (VMFA members $75)

Sat & Sun, Jul 19 & 20, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
MARIA REARDON

This is a great workshop for intermediate drawing students to practice their portrait drawing skills. Working from a live model, students will learn how to capture a likeness and expression in their portrait drawing. The workshop will include demonstrations and one on one guidance. Pastel techniques and materials will be discussed. Prerequisite: intermediate drawing skills 
using soft pastels

$140 (VMFA members $125)

Sat & Sun, Jul 26 & 27, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DAWN FLORES

Draw, paint, or collage artwork in response to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. This workshop will include a slide lecture and visit to the exhibition Frida: Beyond the Myth at VMFA. Students should bring the medium of their choice, one they feel proficient in. Participants will have access to a library of books and photographs to use as reference material. The instructor will provide guidance on creative choices. There will be group discussions and critiques. Appropriate subjects to focus on in the workshop could be the still life, botanical imagery, portraits of animals and/or people, symbolism, or social commentary. Intermediate and advanced students are required to supply the artmaking materials of their choice.  Prerequisite: intermediate and advanced 
level students

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Tue, Jun 3–Jul 22, 10 am–1 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
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, Jun 2–Jul 21, 7–10 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
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 we can learn from it. Students explore ways in which a realization of the shadow can open creative avenues for use in various writing exercises, including guided imagery, dream work, and active imagination.

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Wed, Jun 4–Jul 23, 7–10 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
CATHERINE CARSON

In this class, we will use creative nonfiction storytelling to explore parts of our childhood and memorialize them.  We’ll explore genrebending by incorporating poetry, prose, and fiction elements. This is a workshop class, meaning your peers’ critique is the most valuable aspect of the class. Because of this, every student will have the opportunity to workshop their piece every week and will be required to write in between classes to have work to edit. Through short stories and personal essays, we will practice the art of exploring memories and honoring the youngest parts of ourselves together.

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Sat, Jun 21, 10 am – 4 pm (1 session) |Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
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 these 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.

Tue, Jun 17 - Jul 22, 7 -10 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
KEVIN MORLEY

This class is for anyone who wants to get into the darkroom. Those with no or non-recent experience will be taught the basics of developing film, as well as making contact prints and enlargements. Topics include mixing chemistry, enlarger operation, adjusting contrast and density, making photograms, contact sheets from negatives, editing, and printing enlargements. Students will shoot photos outside of class time and use the darkroom during class. Those with recent darkroom experience are also welcome and will receive feedback during lab time. Students must provide their own film camera, film, and photo paper. Photo chemicals will be provided.

$180 (VMFA member $160)

Fri, Jun 6– 27, 10 am–1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
MARY HOLLAND

Learn to make four simple book structures in the class for artists, photographers, and anyone interested in custom handmade books. The instructor will guide students through the steps of making a new book structure each week, covering the accordion book, accordion spine book, explosion book, and meander book. These special books can be customized to contain collages, photographs, sketches, prints, poetry, recipes, or anything else you desire. They also make special 
keepsakes or gifts. Some materials included.

$155 (VMFA members $135)

Tue, Jul 1– 22, 10 am–1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
RANDY TOY

This fast and fun experimental process yields unique prints every time—guaranteed! Learn how to use large inking rollers to create striking abstract prints without a press. The unpredictable nature of this technique keeps things exciting and can yield beautiful images that you could not anticipate. No experience required.

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Thu, Jun 5– Jul 10, 7–10 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
GRACE MAE HUDDLESTON

This class will take you through the stepby-step process of making a relief print using Speedy Cut, a product like linoleum but easier to cut. Students will create a nature-inspired design, learn to transfer the design to the Speedy Cut block, carve the block, ink the block, and create an edition of prints. At the end of the class students will have the opportunity to participate in a “print exchange” with your fellow students. You will leave the class with your own prints as well as a collection of prints by others. Most materials are provided. Prerequisite: basic drawing skills

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Sat, Jul 12, 10 am – 4 pm (1 session) |Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
DIANA DETAMORE

Create your own unique handmade book by simply folding paper.  The instructor will guide students in constructing accordion style books, which provide excellent vehicles for collections of photographs, collage, drawing, or text. The instructor will share her collection of handmade books as examples of how these simple formats can be transformed into personal and imaginative books and journals. No experience necessary.

Tue, Jun 3–Jul 22, 7–10 pm (8 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 are included. Extra clay is available for purchase.

$215 (VMFA members $195)

Thu, Jun 5– Jul 24, 10 am–1 pm (8 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 are included. Extra clay is available for purchase.

$215 (VMFA members $195)

Thu, Jun 5– Jul 24, 7–10 pm (8 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 are included. Extra clay is available for purchase.

$215 (VMFA members $195)

Tue, Jun 3–Jul 22, 10 am–1 pm (8 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 are included. Extra clay is available for purchase. 

$215 (VMFA members $195)

Mon, Jun 2 -- 23, 10 am – 1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, lower level
KOURTENAY PLUMMER

Students will learn how to combine clay and wire to design and create their own ceramic jewelry. Using a variety of handbuilding techniques and jewelry-making methods, participants will craft unique and personalized pieces including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and brooches. The instructor will guide students through the entire creative process, from brainstorming and sketching initial designs, to shaping clay, adding texture or patterns, and assembling the final jewelry pieces. Techniques include working with clay slabs, coils, and sculptural forms, as well as incorporating wire elements for structure and decoration. Students will also learn about firing and finishing processes, such as glazing or adding surface treatments to bring their pieces to life. Open to all levels of experience. Most materials are included.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

Sat & Sun, Jun 7 & 8, 10 am – 4:30 pm (2 sessions) | 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)

Sat & Sun, Jun 7 & 8, 10 am – 4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
JULIA PFAFF

Learn the ancient art of Shibori (Japanese style tie-dye) using fiber reactive dyes. Shibori creates sophisticated and complex patterns. Also known as Procion or coldwater dyes, they yield a rainbow of bright permanent colors. Participants will make several pieces of richly patterned fabric along with two silk scarves. A materials fee of $25, payable to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop, covers most of the materials.  Students can bring a few small natural fiber items from home to dye (cotton, silk, rayon, or linen).

Sat, Jun 14, 10 am – 4 pm (1 session) | Studio School, 1st floor
MARY SWEZEY

Participants will learn about the history of visible mending with roots in Japanese Sashiko and Indian Kantha stitching. With guidance from the instructor, students will make a mending sampler featuring a variety of stitches to fix tears and holes in loved and worn clothing. You will learn skills to repair your clothing and make them interesting in the process. The instructor will provide a mending kit for $20, payable at the beginning of the workshop. You may also want to bring additional cloth or a clothing item to work on during the workshop. 

$90 (VMFA members $75)

Sat, Jul 26, 10 am – 4 pm (1 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
JULIA E. PFAFF

No quilting experience is necessary in this fast-moving and fun workshop. Students will learn a quick and contemporary construction technique. Foundation quilting allows an entire project to be sewn together and quilted at the same time. A materials fee of $15, payable to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop, covers quilt backing, batting, and a 14-inch pillow form. A materials list of what students need to provide will be provided on the VMFA website.

Tue, Jun 3–Jul 22, 5:30–6:30 pm (8 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 use an exercise or yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing during this hour-long, instructor-led class.

$110 (VMFA members $90)