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ARTFactory



Our Classes

Drawing Feelings as Blobs

Free

with Jonathan Flanders

Calendar May 23, 2026 at 12 pm

2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and there's no better place to start than this free wellness class, brought to you in partnership with UVA Health!

In this class, students will start by painting loose, abstract blobs of color without overthinking it. You'll focus on color, movement, and feeling rather than trying to make something “look right.”

Once the paint is down, you'll use markers or pens to draw over them, turning the blobs into faces, characters, or anything else they see in the forms. The idea is to let the image reveal itself instead of planning it from the beginning!

This class will help you recognize and express your emotions in a low-pressure way. Sometimes feelings start out messy or hard to define, kind of like random paint on a page. By transforming those blobs into something recognizable, you'll practice making sense of what you're feeling and seeing their emotions with curiosity instead of judgment. It’s a playful way to build self-awareness, creativity, and comfort with imperfection!

Ages 15+

Saturday, May 23rd

12-2 pm

Registration Fee: FREE!

This free wellness class is brought to you in partnership with UVA Health

The Art of Quilling: An Intensive Workshop

$119 MEMBER PRICE: $10115

with Stephanie McGee

Calendar May 23, 2026 at 1 pm

Quilling, or Paper Filigree, is the ancient art of creating designs by cutting and coiling thin strips of paper. In this intensive two-day workshop, you will learn the basic techniques and come away with a unique piece of paper art!

The first three-hour session on Saturday will introduce you to the history and basic tools and methods of this unique art form. Reading glasses are recommended for those with limited vision.

The second session on Sunday will be a concentration on techniques and more advanced tools of Quilling, Paper Filigree. We will explore techniques of different paper artists to expand your skills and understanding of this exciting art form.

Artists of any level are not only welcome but encouraged to attend!

Ages 15+

Saturday, May 23rd and Sunday, May 24th

1-4 pm

Registration Fee: $114     Supply Fee: $5

Journey to Drawing: Make Your Point

$114 MEMBER PRICE: $9690

with Michele Frantz

Calendar May 28, 2026 at 4 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Whether you are a beginning artist or just want to improve your skills, these classes will explore the basis of all art...drawing!

This series is designed to identify fundamental drawing skills that the participants can take and develop further on their own. Participants can take one or several sessions; each session will introduce a different aspect of drawing, such as gesture, line, shading, proportions, etc.

Make Your Point

In this class you will take your art to the next level by exploring the elements of compostition such as unity, contrast, movement, etc. This class is recommended for students who have at least some experience with their chosen medium. Students may work in either black and white or color drawing mediums. 

See the suggested supply list here - note that supplies will not be provided for this class!

Ages 15+

Thursday 4-5:30 pm

May 28 - June 18

Tuition: $114

Will run

Crafting Flowers with Pastel

$119 MEMBER PRICE: $10115

with Michele Frantz

Calendar May 28, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 4 weeks

If you love vibrant color, you will love pastels!

Dive right in without needing paintbrushes, solvents, or a palette – no other medium allows you to apply rich color as quickly as soft pastels. We will be exploring the shapes and colors of flowers in both landscapes and still life settings.

Paper will be provided via the Paper Fee, and additional supplies can be purchased by selecting the option at checkout. Returning students can use their supplies from previous classes. 

Thursdays 6-7:30 pm

May 28 - June 18

For ages 15 & up.

Tuition: $114    Paper Fee: $5    Optional Supplies: $10

Will run

Beyond the Reference Photo: Turning Memories into Visual Stories

$155 MEMBER PRICE: $13175

with Christine Raymond

Calendar May 30, 2026 at 11:30 am

A reference photo can capture what a place looked like… but great art can reveal what it meant to you personally.

This workshop is about moving beyond simply copying a photo and learning how to transform meaningful memories into visual stories.

Think favorite vacations. Honeymoons. Childhood memories. A place that changed you. A view you still carry with you.

Using examples from her solo exhibition "4 the Love of Virginia", Christine Raymond will guide students through her personal process of uncovering the emotional heart of a place and turning it into work that feels personal, intentional, and alive.

Whether their final piece becomes realistic, impressionistic, or abstract, this workshop is about creating art that communicates more than a scene—it tells a story.

Please note that aside from a 9x12 canvas supplies WILL NOT be provided for this workshop! Students should bring their favorite art supplies and an old sketchbook.

Ages 13+

Saturday, May 30th

11:30 am - 4:30 pm

Class Fee: $150    Canvas Fee: $5

Needlefelting 101: A Free Workshop

Free

with Chris Mendaros

Calendar May 31, 2026 at 1 pm

Have you ever been curious about small felted projects, but never had the time to explore the artform? Join us for a free talk/demonstration, and get some hands on experience with the tools and materials of the trade!

Through this workshop, you’ll learn about basic techniques used in 3D needlefelting, and will get hands on experience using all the tools involved.

All ages welcome, but children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday, May 31st

1-3 pm

Registration Fee: FREE!!

Glass Art 101: A Free Lecture/Demonstration

Free

with Maureen Storey

Calendar May 31, 2026 at 4 pm

Have you ever wondered about glass art, but didn't know where to start? Join us for a fun and informative afternoon with glass artist Maureen Storey, and learn all about the materials and techniques used to make exquisite (and functional) glass art!

With a hands on component towards the end of the class, this is sure to be an afternoon to remember! 

This event is free to the public!

Ages 15+

Sunday, May 31st

4-5:30 pm

Registration Fee: Free!!

Oil Painting: Still Life

$210 MEMBER PRICE: $17850

with Emily Thomson

Calendar Jun 3, 2026 at 6:30 pm, runs for 5 weeks

Learn to paint various still life set ups using the fundamentals of oil painting. We will start with basic shape still lifes and learn value by using just black and white paint. Then we will paint more complex subjects and learn how to work in color.

Students will learn how to mix colors, how to paint using oils, and various techniques to build layers of value and color. Supplies are provided.

Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 pm

June 3 - July 1

Tuition: $190       Supply Fee: $20





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