Join ARTFactory in celebrating the literary arts with a dual-session workshop in poetry! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just curious, this two-part workshop poses the question: what is poetry, really? Together we will read, write, reflect on, & workshop poems as well as discuss how and where to get published. Come ready to read, create & connect!

Lead by Gwen Fletcher, BA in English, Creative Writing from the University of Mary Washington. A former bookseller, Gwen has over a decade of experience in the book industry and has hosted countless poetry book clubs, writing workshops, author talks, open mics, and more.

Session 1 --

Open-ended prompt to start, free write

Reading: Delphiniums in a Window Box, Dean Young

Discussion: The Rules -- form, rhyme, metre, historical context

Group activity: Collaborative haiku (Renku)

Workshop: Read aloud & critique Renkus

Instructor: Gwen Fletcher

Tuition: $38

Join ARTFactory in celebrating the literary arts with a dual-session workshop in poetry! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just curious, this two-part workshop poses the question: what is poetry, really? Together we will read, write, reflect on, & workshop poems as well as discuss how and where to get published. Come ready to read, create & connect!

Lead by Gwen Fletcher, BA in English, Creative Writing from the University of Mary Washington. A former bookseller, Gwen has over a decade of experience in the book industry and has hosted countless poetry book clubs, writing workshops, author talks, open mics, and more.

Session 2 --

Open-ended prompt to start, free write

Reading: Olio, Tyehimba Jess

Discussion: Breaking the Rules -- free verse, calligrams, prose-poems, return to form

Workshop: In small groups or as a whole, depending on class size, review and critique homework pieces

Group activity: Acts of self publication -- review of publication opportunities, lit mags, zines, Poets & Writers, prizes, etc.

Instructor: Gwen Fletcher

Tuition: $38

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: $114  Canvas Fee: $5

Drawing the Landscape!

Discover the power of shape, value and line to help you see and draw landscapes.

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.

Subjects will include still life and landscapes. Participants will provide some of their own materials (see supply list); other materials will be provided via the $5 supply fee.

Ages 15+

Tuition: $85.50 Supply fee $5

Join artist Michele Frantz for an evening class in acrylic painting.  Quick drying, vibrant, and versatile, acrylics may be applied to a wide variety of surfaces and altered with different additives.  Students new to acrylics will learn introductory basics; experienced students will improve their skills and explore new directions. Supplies are provided via supply fee if needed. You may bring your own supplies if you have taken the class previously.   

For ages 15 & up.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $114 Supply Fee (optional): $20   

Explore the beautiful fluidity and transparency of watercolor. Beginners will learn basic tools and techniques. Experienced students will explore new methods, materials, and styles. This class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented in each session.  A list of supplies can be found on the Classes and Camps page, or by clicking here. Watercolor paper will be provided by the instructor.

For ages 15 & up.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $114  Paper Fee: $5

FROM FRAGMENTS TO FANTASTIC ~ ONE-OF-A-KIND ACCENT PAPERS (Session 4 of 4 - Join the full 4-class series – Get 10% off)

Take your paper-palette making to the next level by combining, assembling, and reinventing!

In Session Four, you’ll transform existing papers into entirely new creations by deconstructing, curating, and reconstructing elements into striking, handcrafted designs. This session will inspire you to think outside the box—piecing together textures, colors, and patterns into unexpected and stunning compositions.

WHAT YOU’LL GET:

✅ All Supplies Included – Just bring yourself! Everything you need is provided.

✅ Take-Home Extras – Any provided paper supplies you don’t use in class are yours to keep.

✅ Handouts & Bonus Materials – Helpful guides and tips so you can continue exploring beyond the class.

✅ Hands-On, Interactive Learning – Learn by doing in a fun, supportive environment where creativity thrives.

✅ Perfect for All Experience Levels – Whether you're a fine artist or a paper craft enthusiast, there’s something for you!

FLEXIBLE CLASS OPTIONS:
Take just one class – Pick the session that interests you most! (Full price per class) Join the full 4-class series – Get 10% off and build a complete, versatile palette of papers!

No prior experience is needed—just a passion for creativity and a love for paper! Whether you're a mixed media artist, scrapbooker, or paper enthusiast, this series will open up endless possibilities for your creative practice.

Are you ready to unlock your creativity and craft a palette of papers that are truly one-of-a-kind?

Reserve your spot today and start creating!

Tuition: $100 Supply fee: $40
(Separate Suppy Fee for each class covers all materials used in the class to create the papers including all base papers as well as use of Instructor’s tools, paints, and media.)

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!

Instructor: Kim B Miller

Tuition: $40

Ages 13-Adult