Studio School

Thu, Feb 8–Apr 25, 1–4 pm (12 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.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Wed, Feb 7 – Apr 24, 1 – 4 pm (12 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.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Mon, Feb 5–Mar 25, 1:30–4:30 pm (8 Sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Merenda Cecelia

Be inspired by works in the VMFA collection as well as native flora. Students will learn basic botanical drawings skills using graphite and pen and ink drawing from life as well as photographs. Watercolor techniques and experimentation will also be included later in the semester. Prerequisite: basic drawing skills.

$195 (VMFA members $175)

Mon, Feb 5–Apr 22, 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.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Tue, Feb 6– Apr 9, 9:30 am–12:30 pm (10 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Maria Reardon

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 or abstract paintings. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills.

$220 (VMFA members $200)

Mon, Feb 5– Apr 22, 1–4 pm (12 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.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Wed, Feb 7– Apr 24, 9:30 am –12:30 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Amy Smith

This is a great drawing and painting class for students who are interested in working from direct observation, including the figure and still life. The instructor will encourage drawing as an important foundation for painting. Individual and group critiques will be provided. Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Thu, Feb 8–Apr 25, 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.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Tue, Feb 6–Apr 23, 10 am–1 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Diana Detamore

Using found materials, create unique images that range from abstract and dynamic to representational and poetic. The instructor will discuss materials, techniques, mounting, and presentation. Explore one of the most satisfying forms of visual play. Experienced students are also welcome.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Mon, Feb 5–Apr 22, 10 am–1 pm (12 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.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Tue, Feb 6 – Apr 23, 7 – 10 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.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Wed, Feb 7–Apr 24, 7–10 pm (12 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. Prerequisite: basic drawing skills.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Sat, Feb 24, 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, Feb 24, 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, Feb 24 & 25, 10 am–4 pm (2 session) | Studio School, 2nd floor
MARIA REARDON

This workshop is an introduction to painting with gouache, an opaque water-soluble medium that is like watercolor. Gouache, which is applied in layers like acrylics or oils, offers highly saturated colors, flexibility, and spontaneity. The medium is great to use as a sketching medium to plan larger paintings or as 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 and painting skills.

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat, Mar 2, 10 am–4pm (1 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Amy Smith

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. 

$90 (VMFA members $75)

Sat & Sun, Mar 9 & 10, 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 & Sun, Mar 23 & 24, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Martha Prideaux

This workshop will teach students how to build beautiful textured surfaces using cold wax medium and oil paint. Experienced and beginner 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 and painting skills. 

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat, Apr 6, 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. Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills.

Please bring as many painting canvases or panels as you can safely transport – not to exceed 24” x 24”, one quart of white semigloss house paint, and four to six acrylic colors of your choice. Miscellaneous supplies will be provided by the instructor for a $5 fee, payable at the beginning of the workshop.

$90 (VMFA members $75)

Mon, Apr 29 -- May 20, 10:00 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)

Wed, May 1  --  22, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm (4 Sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor and on location
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)

Fri, May 3–24, 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 that they are familiar with. Prerequisite: basic drawing & oil or acrylic painting skills.

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Thu, May 2– 23, 10 am–1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Kathy Calhoun

of interior space designed by you. Students should be familiar with the painting medium they plan to work with. Prerequisites: basic drawing&painting skills.

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Tue, Apr 30–May 21, 10 am–1 pm (4 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. 

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Tue, Apr 30 -- May 21, 10 am -- 1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
SARAH HAND

Explore sculpting with papier-mâché to create small sculpture. The instructor will demonstrate the use of armature sculpting, traditional newspaper and paste papier-mâché, and painting. Students will then create their own sculptures. Learn various ways to attach pieces, create expressions, and embellish. Explore how to make a three dimensional object in this low-tech medium. The instructor will also show examples of her own creations and give students an overview of papier-mâché. A materials fee of $20 is payable to the instructor at the first class session. It includes most materials.

Tue, Feb 6–Apr 9, 1:30 pm–4:30 pm (10 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
Tracy Lynch

Flash nonfiction is an evolving genre, steadily increasing in popularity among readers and writers alike. Flash is generally considered under 750 words and packs a punch through honed and purposeful prose. Through group discussions, readings, lectures, and classroom exercises, you will learn to write FNF and walk away with some new implements in your writer’s toolkit.

 
$220 (VMFA members $200)

Tue, Feb 6–Apr 23, 10 am–1 pm (12 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.  

Wed, Feb 7–Apr 10, 10 am–1 pm (10 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room 
Tracy Lynch

In this course, we will take a deep dive into personal narrative. We will read essays and excerpts from longer works by authors past and present. We'll discuss that "works" and why, and we'll zoom in on the various literary techniques and styles we encounter. And, of course, we'll write. Through lecture, reading, and discussion, we'll learn more about how to write our memories in ways that engage and entertain. You will leave with the beginnings of three personal essay drafts.
 
$220 (VMFA members $200)

Thu, Feb 8–Apr 11, 10 am–1 pm (10 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
Tracy Lynch

This class is for writers of all genres looking for feedback, challenge, and growth. Facilitated by Tracy Rothschild Lynch, who has researched and written about varying workshopping methods, this course will use the expertise of fellow students dedicated to help you edit, strengthen, and explore new and old pieces. All in a positive and supportive environment.
 
$220 (VMFA members $200)

Mon, Feb 5–Apr 22,  7–10 pm (12 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.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Sat, Mar 2, 10 am–4 pm ( 1 session)| Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
Stacy Hawkins Adams

Learn why telling your story matters and how you can best craft it for publication or personal accomplishment. Select a fictional form such as a novel, short story or children's book or a nonfiction form such as a memoir, blog, or essay. This workshop is ideal for beginning writers who want to get from the idea stage to "The End."

$90 (VMFA members $75)

Sat, Mar 23, 10 am–4 pm (1 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 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. 
 
$90 (VMFA members $75)

Mon, Feb 5–Mar 11, 10 am–1 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor 
MONICA ESCAMILLA

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)

Mon, Feb 5–Mar 11, 7–10 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor 
MONICA ESCAMILLA

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)

Mon, Mar 18 - Apr 22, 10 am – 1 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
MONICA ESCAMILLA

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 to use in class is recommended. Prerequisite: digital photography skills.

$175 (VMFA members $155)

Mon, Mar 18 - Apr 22,  7–10 pm (6 sessions)| Studio School, 1st floor
MONICA ESCAMILLA

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 to use in class is recommended but not required. Prerequisite: digital photography skills.

$175 (VMFA members $155)

Wed, Feb 7 - Apr 24, 7 -10 pm (12 sessions)| Studio School, 1st floor
GEORGIANNE STINNETT

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 supplied.

$250 (VMFA member $230)

Sat, Mar 9, 10 am–3 pm (1 session) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room 
TRAVIS FULLERTON

Do you use your iPhone to make photos more than your digital camera? Learn from a photographer who uses his iPhone regularly in his studio practice. Students will learn the various camera functions and will practice shooting during in-class exercises.

$90 (VMFA members $75)

Fri, Feb 9–Apr 26, 10 am–1 pm (12 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 print techniques including Gelli plates, watercolor transfers, and collage using printed images. Individual critiques will be provided. This is a great introduction to one-of-a-kind prints. Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills.

$260 (VMFA members $240)

Tue, Feb 6–Apr 23, 10 am–1 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
RANDY TOY

In this class, students are encouraged to experiment with printmaking processes and develop a body of work that is open to experimentation. They will learn various monotype processes including Gelli plates, watercolor transfers, and hand-tinting as well as a few developed by the instructor to create unique, one-of-a-kind prints. This is a great opportunity to explore printmaking. Individualized critiques will be provided. Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills.

$260 (VMFA members $240)

Sat, Mar 9, 10 am–4 pm (1 sessions) | 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. 

$90 (VMFA members $75)

Thu, Feb 8–May 2 (no class Mar 20), 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)

Tue, Feb 6–Apr 30 (no class Mar 18), 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, Feb 8–May 2 (no class Mar 20), 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, Feb 6–Apr 30 (no class Mar 18), 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, Apr 6, 10 am–3 pm (1 session) | Studio School, lower level
Steven Glass

Current pottery students will work on independent projects in this one-day workshop. Faculty assistance is available. Prerequisites: current enrollment in any VMFA pottery class.

$65 (VMFA member $50)

Sat & Sun, Feb 10 & 11, 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, Feb 10 & 11, 10 am – 4 pm (2 session)| Studio School, 1st floor
JULIA PFAFF

Learn the ancient art of Shibori ( Japanese style tie-dye) using the king of natural dyes--indigo. Additional color can be added with the introduction of black walnut dye. Participants will make several pieces of richly patterned fabric along with two cotton kitchen towels and a silk scarf. A materials fee of $25, payable to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop, covers most materials. Students can bring a few small natural fiber items from home to dye ( cotton, silk, or linen). 

Sat, Feb 24,  10 am -- 4 pm (1 session) | Studio School, 1st floor

MARY SWEZEY

Learning a few basic embroidery stitches will allow you to embellish your own clothing or household textiles or simply make marks on fabric and draw with thread. Embroidery is an easy, portable, and inexpensive art form. Cotton fabric, a small embroidery kit, and hoops will be supplied. Feel free to bring a piece of clothing or tea towel to embellish. Expect to complete a small sampler of stitches and a hoop composition and a fabric embellishment. A materials fee of $20 payable to the instructor is due at the beginning of the workshop.

$90 (VMFA members $75)

Sat, Mar 16, 10 am – 4 pm (1 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
RANDY TOY

Learn the techniques of sliding knot and loop closures to make adjustable and fixed necklaces quickly and easily with everyday tools. With these basic techniques, students can make everything from minimal cord necklace to an elaborate wearable. A materials fee of $10, payable to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop, will cover the cording. Students will need to bring their own adornments such as charms, beads, or other materials to embellish and wear. Beads should have a minimal opening of at least 2 mm to accommodate the cord.  

$90 (VMFA members $75)

Sat, Apr 13, 10 am–4 pm (1 session) | Studio School, 2nd floor
SAAJIDA CHOHAN

Awaken your creative spirit and draw ideas inspired by the VMFA African art collection to create your own beaded jewelry. Practice traditional and contemporary beading techniques using an array of natural and fabricated materials, while learning about African cultures and body adornment. Tools are available during the workshop and materials are included.

$110 (VMFA member $95)

Mon, Feb 5–Apr 8, 5:30–6:30 pm (10 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.

$120 (VMFA members $100)

Tue, Feb 6–Apr 9, 5:30–6:30 pm (10 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 to this hour-long, instructor-led class.

$120 (VMFA members $100)