The Art of Writing: Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem is a four-week writing workshop focused on writing mysteries. In the words of the great Sherlock Holmes, “The game’s afoot!”

As writers, the mystery genre is one of the most challenging, because it is a game you play with your reader, doing your best to keep them from solving the case until the very end while still having the solution make perfect sense in hindsight.

Throughout this writing course, we’ll explore the great detectives and the kinds of mysteries from classic to noir to cozy and how to construct one that will keep your readers guessing.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a collection of fresh writing, peer feedback, and practical tools to continue your writing journey beyond the workshop.

Come ready to write, share, and grow.

This workshop is open to writers of all levels and genres.

Ages 15+

Fridays 6-8 pm

April 10th - May 1st

Class Fee: $152

Have fun exploring the many different techniques one can use with watercolor pencils!

Watercolor pencils are a versatile medium because they can be used dry for colored-pencil effects, partially diluted, or completely diluted. These pencils are fun to use and can create smooth or textured artwork, and they’re a great way to become more comfortable with watercolor as a painting medium!

Accomplished artist Valerie Larson will be presenting examples of her own watercolor-pencil paintings, showcasing various techniques she uses. These techniques include mixing colors, creating paper palettes, and much more.

Students can bring their own photo for painting inspiration or follow along with the one provided in the workshop. You will also be working on Aquaboard, a clay-like surface made for watercolors. 

ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED VIA THE SUPPLY FEE!!

Ages 15+

Saturday, April 11th

1-3:30 pm

Registration Fee: $47.50        Supply Fee: $7

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.

Gaining Perspective

In this class you will learn techniques to help you depict accurate proportion and perspective in your artwork. These skills are applicable to any medium, but you will be concentrating on preliminary drawings rather than finished work. Students may work in black in white or in color. 

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

Ages 15+

Thursday 4-5:30 pm

April 16th - May 7th

Registration Fee: $114

Learn the art of "Beautiful Writing" with renowned artist Michele Frantz.

Students will be introduced to the versatile "Bookhand" alphabet, suitable for both elegant documents and everyday writing. After this four week course you will have all the fundamentals you need to start creating unique, homemade messaging for all the important moments in your life.

 All supplies will be provided via the supplies fee.

Thursdays 6-7:30 pm

April 16 - May 7

Class Fee: $114                             Supply Fee: $8

Do you have a little that loves to live large? Come out to our brand new theatre class for kids ages 3-5!

Students will bring beloved storybooks to life through imagination and acting exploration under the fun and expert guidance of EJ Fultz. This is an introductory class, with a new story each week, so every class is guaranteed to be a fun time. Students will grow in their excitement for theatre and reading!

Parents are encouraged to attend the class with their young ones.

Ages 3-5

Saturdays 9-10 am

April 18 - May 16

Class Fee: $95      Supplies Fee: $5

2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and this class is sure to get you moving in the right direction!

In a world full of multitasking and long to-do lists it’s easy to be overwhelmed. Practice mindfulness with a mambo lesson with Julissa Cruz, where you explore being present with yourself and other dancers in connecting with the cultural musicbringing awareness to your body and your mind in movement.

Students of any level and experience are welcome to attend, and partner dancing will not be a requirement. 

Please note that this class meets at the City of Manassas Community Center!

Ages 15+

Saturday, April 18th

10:30 am - 12 pm

Registration Fee: Free!

This free wellness class is brought to you in partnership with the City of Manassas.

2026 is the year to focus on your mental and physical health, and this Wellness series is the perfect place to start!

Come and paint a beautiful landscape scene using acrylic! Painting a landscape scene can be relaxing and a great pleasure to view. Emily will go step by step to show how to paint an outdoor landscape, including mixing colors, adding texture, and techniques for the use of acrylic paint.

Ages 15+

Saturday, April 18th

1-3 pm

Class Fee: Free!

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

If glass art has always seemed like an intimidating venture, then this is the workshop for you! Join us for a fun class where you will create your own special glass keepsake.

In the workshop, students learn about the basics of kiln-formed, fused glass, and they will use what they learn to create their own 3” x 3” glass Whimsy. With Easter and Mother's Day on the horizon, designs will be centered around spring imagery, and will make the perfect gift for someone special!

Completed works will be photographed and logged by Maureen, and your Whimsy will then be tack-fused in Maureen’s home studio kiln. Once your piece is ready you can come back to the ARTfactory to pick it up.

ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED VIA THE SUPPLY FEE!

Ages 15+

Saturday, April 25th

1-3 pm

Registration Fee: $38         Supply Fee: $30