Adults

Wednesday, October 7, 14, 21, 28, 6 - 7 pm (4 sessions) 

Explore the art of the ancient Andes! This course surveys the major cultures and artworks from the ancient Andes, which consists of the present-day countries of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. We’ll begin with the monumental architecture, ceramics, and metalwork from the Chavín culture and continue chronologically through to the incredible textiles and landscape architecture 
of the Inka Empire.

Instructor: Dr. Jeanette Nicewinter, Associate Professor, Art History, Annandale Campus, Collegewide Honors Lead Faculty, Northern Virginia Community College

Thursday, November 19, 1–2:30 pm (1 session) 

Join Dr. Theresa A. Cunningham, Associate Curator of European Art and the Mellon Collection, for a closer look at the exhibition The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the Dallas Museum of Art. This one session class will focus on works of art in the exhibition and the provocative art movement that set the course for modern art in the 1870s and beyond.  

Instructor: Dr. Theresa Cunningham, Associate Curator of European Art and the Mellon Collection 

Thursday, December 3, 1–2:30 pm (1 session) 

Join Dr. Cordier for an exclusive behind-the scenes look at The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the Dallas Museum of Art. Discover how a major exhibition comes to life, from essential curatorial questions and fresh scholarship to gallery design, interpretation, and the cross departmental and partner collaborations that make a project of this scale possible. Don’t miss this one-session class and special preview of this exciting exhibition!

Instructor: Dr. Sylvain Cordier, VMFA’s Paul Mellon Curator and Head of the Department of European Art 

Saturday & Sunday, October 3 & 4, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions) 

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, discussions, and individual instruction, students complete multiple drawings working from the still life and landscape images. Soft vine charcoal (assorted sizes), 18" × 24" sketchpad and a kneadable eraser required.

Instructor: Dawn Flores

Saturday, October 3, 10 am–4 pm (1 session)

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.

Instructor: Martha Prideaux

Saturday & Sunday, October 10 & 11, 10 am–4 pm (2 Sessions)

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.

Instructor: Dawn Flores

Saturday, October 17, 10 am–4pm (1 session)

Start by exploring a variety of drawings of the human form by other artists. Then with guidance from the instructor and working from a live model, learn to create expressive portraits in charcoal and pencil. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills. 

Instructor: Amy Smith

Saturday & Sunday, October 24 & 25, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions) 

This workshop will teach students how to build beautiful textured surfaces using cold wax medium and oil paint. Experienced and beginning painters are welcome. The workshop will consist of demonstrations and hands-on practice. With guidance from the instructor, students will create small-scale studies and paintings using various techniques and leave with an understanding of how to use the wax medium to build gorgeous, layered surfaces in future paintings. Prerequisites: basic drawing & painting skills. 

Instructor: Martha Prideaux

Saturday & Sunday, October 31 & November 1, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions) 

 This workshop is an introduction to painting with Gouache, an opaque water-soluble medium that is like watercolor. The medium offers highly saturated colors, flexibility, and spontaneity, applied in layers like acrylics or oils. Great to use as a sketching medium to plan larger paintings or for finished artwork.  Students will learn to use gouache to make studies, to plan compositions and color themes that they may use for larger works. Prerequisites: basic drawing & painting skills. 

Instructor: Maria Reardon

Saturday & Sunday, November 7 & 8, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions)

Learn how to capture the unique personality of your favorite furry friend. Start by studying the anatomy and features of different animals, focusing on the artistic process of making detailed studies. Then with guidance from the instructor and working from photographs, create accurate and expressive portraits of your own pet using drawing materials and oil or acrylic paint.  

Instructor: Catherine Purdy

Saturday & Sunday, November 21 & 22, 10 am–4 pm (2 session)

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.

Instructor: Maria Reardon

Saturday, October 17, 10 am – 4 pm (1 session)

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.

Saturday & Sunday, October 3 & 4, 10 am – 4 pm (2 session)

With guidance from the instructor, students will create poems in both Spanish and English, inspired by artworks in the VMFA galleries. Students will also make small collages and simple drawings to illustrate the poems. On the second day of the workshop, these pieces will be assembled into a small handmade zine, allowing participants to combine various techniques including writing, collage, drawing and design into a personal bilingual booklet that they can take home and enjoy. Both Spanish and English speakers are welcome.

Monday, October 26–November 30, 7–10 pm (6 sessions)

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.

Instructor: Kevin Morley

Saturday, October 10, 10 am–4 pm (1 sessions)

Learn how to incorporate plant botanicals: leaves, fronds, grasses, etc. as a primary component in your prints. These natural materials are a great way to easily add silhouettes, intricate detail, and textures to your work. The technique is very engaging, and the printed results are beautifully expressive. No experience is required. 

Instructor: Randy Toy

Saturday, October 24, 10 am–4 pm (1 session) 

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 (8"x 10" or larger) and other materials. 

Instructor: Mary Holland

Saturday, October 3, 10 am – 4 pm (1 session) 

Participants will learn the history of visible mending with roots in Japanese Sashiko stitching 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 garments and make them more interesting in the process. The instructor will provide a mending kit for $20, payable at the beginning of the workshop (check or cash). You may also wish to bring an additional cloth or clothing item to work on during the workshop.

Instructor: Julia Pfaff

Saturday & Sunday, October 17 & 18, 10 am – 4:30 pm (2 sessions)

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.

Instructor: Jude Schlotzhauer

 Saturday, October 24, 10 am–4 pm (1 session)

Sashiko is an ancient Japanese style of decorative stitching that draws inspiration from nature. Using grids and careful stitching this meditative technique creates designs that are visually striking. Participants will learn about Sashiko’s history, materials, and patterns. Expect to create several samples 
during class. All materials are included for a $20 fee (cash or check) payable to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop. All sewing levels are welcome.

Instructor: Julia Pfaff

Saturday & Sunday, November 7 & 8, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions)

Learn how to make a small vessel out of wool and silk fibers or expand your skills. Fine merino wool roving, a resist, hand manipulation and a bit of experimentation will all be used to make a decorative container. The use of other materials for embellishment will also be explored, such as fabric, silk paper, and yarn. You will need to get your hands wet and soapy and be able to manipulate the wool with your hands in a repetitive motion. A fee of $20 (cash or check) payable to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop will cover materials for the felt vessel. Please bring two old towels and one hand towel. All other tools will be provided for use in the workshop. 

Instructor: Shelley Jones

 Saturday, November 21, 10 am–4 pm (1 session)

Spend a day creating handmade holiday gifts, cards, and decorations with your own hands. Skip the holiday crowds and stressful errands and fold paper stars, print your own gift tags and cards, design and cut out folk art-inspired paper garlands, and construct sparkly matchbox dioramas. There will be glitter!

Instructor: Sarah Hand

Monday, October 5 – November 30 (no class Oct 19), 5:30–6:30 pm (8 sessions)

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 to this hour-long, instructor-led class.

Instructor: Jodi Bock

Tuesday, October 6 – November 24, 5:30–6:30 pm (8 sessions)

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.

Instructor: Jodi Bock