17 Syllables of Poetic Truth: A Haiku Workshop with Kim B. Miller

Sunday, September 21, 1-3 pm (Ticketed Gallery Event – ARTfactory Gallery, 1st floor)Registration fee: $40

Haiku and senryu, two tiny but mighty forms of Japanese poetry, are like little poetic swords: short, sharp, and full of meaning! In this workshop, we’re inviting poets, writers and non-writers to stretch their creative muscles and explore new ways to express themselves.

You might’ve heard of haiku (hello, 5-7-5), but writing one is a whole different story. Senryu, that’s haiku’s more human-centered cousin that most people haven’t even met yet.

Once writers discover the joy of packing powerful, heartfelt, or even funny thoughts into just a few lines, they’re hooked. It’s like unlocking a superpower and once they do, there’s no stopping the poetry from flowing!

About Kim B MillerKim B Miller is a multi-disciplinary performing artist with proficiency in several forms of expression. Kim is proud to be an alumna of two esteemed institutions: Rochester Institute of Technology, (NY) where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Retail Management, and Northern Virginia Community College, (Woodbridge Campus) where she graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology. Both schools played a pivotal role in shaping her educational and professional path, providing a solid foundation for her success.

A former telecommunications and marketing executive, Kim followed her calling to become a performing artist. Kim is Prince William County, Manassas & Manassas Park, VA Poet Laureate Emerita. She is the (first and only) Black Poet Laureate for that region. Her poems have been published in African Voices magazine, an international haiku anthology, Washington City Paper (DC newspaper), Prince George’s Community College Literary & Arts Magazine and several books, websites and anthologies. She is a formidable spoken word poet, captivating audiences with her bold words and sparking change through her passionate delivery.

Kim is a dynamic speaker known for fostering growth and inspiration. She served as the keynote Northern Virginia Community College, for their S.E.AL. Awards in April 2025 and for the 2024 Women Impact Virginia Summit. She was also the keynote at the 2023 Rappahannock Writer’s Conference at Germanna Community College and she spoke at the 2023 Journal of Curriculum Theorizing Annual Conference in Dayton, Ohio.

She has been awarded Haikuist of the Year at the DMV Renaissance Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and received the Vivien H. Hansbury Award for her pioneering contributions to women in the creative arts. Additionally, Kim earned the DMV Best Business Award in the Arts & Entertainment category in both 2021 and 2023. Kim was the 2019 Southern Fried Haiku Champion. Kim was named the 2025 Best of Prince William Author of the Year by InsideNoVa.

Kim is also a highly sought-after facilitator and host. As a facilitator, Kim leads engaging and impactful workshops. She taught online haiku classes: one for Google and another that drew her largest audience of 1,800 students. She facilitated a haiku class in person at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York and Shenandoah University in Virginia.

As the author of several books, her words continue to resonate deeply with audiences, leaving a lasting impact. Her 2 new haiku books were recently released: Brooklyn Flavored Haiku & 17 Syllables of Poetic Ammo.

In the scene study class, actors will take specific scenes from movies, television, or plays and apply exercises and techniques to create believable characters and performances. Actors will work with the instructor to build on foundational skills and receive feedback to improve their craft.  The class will conclude with a mini presentation of scenes and/or monologues for friends and family on the last day of class. 

Ages: 8-14

Mondays 5:30-7pm

Instructor: Shelby Mejia

Tuition:  $114  Script Fee: $5

Join artist Michele Frantz for a 5 lesson session in acrylic painting!  Versatile and forgiving, acrylic paints may be manipulated with a wide array of techniques, applied to many different surfaces, and modified with various additives.

Students new to acrylics will learn introductory basics; experienced students will improve their skills and explore new directions. Class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented in each session. Click here for a list of supplies. Canvases and boards will be provided by the instructor.

For ages 15 & up.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $152 Canvas Fee: $5

In the scene study class, actors will take specific scenes from movies, television, or plays and apply exercises and techniques to create believable characters and performances. Actors will work with the instructor to build on foundational skills and receive feedback to improve their craft.  The class will conclude with a mini presentation of scenes and/or monologues for friends and family on the last day of class. 

Ages 13-18

Thursdays 5:30-7pm

Instructor: Shelby Mejia

Tuition:  $114  Script Fee: $5

In this multi-media class, instructor Mike Flynn will guide students through four different projects using ink pen and watercolor paint. Students will conquer a new project each week, and learn the fundamentals of using both pen and paint to create beautiful art. Canvases and pens will be provided via the supply fee, paint supplies will need to be purchased. You can find supply lists on the classes and camps page on our website or by clicking here.

Instructor: Mike Flynn

Tuition: $190 Paper Fee: $10

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.

Exploring Charcoal 

One of the oldest of all media, explore the moody and mysterious world of charcoal! All materials provided. All materials will be provided via the $5 supply fee.

Thursday 4:00-5:30pm

October 30-Nov 20

Tuition: $152 Supply fee $5

Do you love creating comics, cartoons, and anime sketches?  Improve your character illustration skills and personal style. We will look at Eastern and Western comics, and then use hand drawing techniques to illustrate a page, just like the professionals!   Supplies provided. 

For ages 8-14.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $152  Supply Fee: $5  

This class will support the improvement of fundamental drawing skills, while bringing students together for fun and creativity.  This session will focus on elements & principles of design as well as perspective. Come explore line, form, shading and texture using traditional art media.  Class may be taken multiple times through the year; lessons and subject matter will vary each session.  Media could include pencils, charcoal, colored pencils, pens, markers and pastels.  Supplies are provided via supply fee. 

For ages 8-14

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $152 Supply Fee: $5