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: $30

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.

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.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NO CLASS 11/11!

For ages 15 & up.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $152 Canvas 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: $114 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 optional 

For ages 15 & up.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $114 Supply Fee: $20   

If you’ve ever said, “I can’t draw a straight line,” this class is for you. In Foundational Drawing Skills, you’ll learn the core principles every artist needs to draw accurately and confidently. Starting with the basics, we’ll explore proportion, composition, and the key ways to use space to create visually pleasing designs. What you’ll gain:

• Ability to accurately measure and draw proportions

• Skills to design still lifes and compositions that “read” well

• Improved accuracy in observational drawing

• Greater confidence with graphite and other drawing tools

Through a combination of demos, hands-on exercises, and encouraging feedback, you’ll build a toolbox of skills you can apply to any drawing style or subject. No prior experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to learn

There will be no class on Thursday, November 27th due to Thanksgiving.

Please note that there will be no materials provided, so please use the link below.

Click here

Ages 14+

Thursdays 6:30-8 pm

Instructor: Christine Raymond

Tuition: $180

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: $152  Supply Fee: $5

Join local artist Michele Frantz for Cards and Cocoa, Holiday card edition!

Michele will walk the group through a magical holiday scene using multimedia on card paper. Ditch the shopping trip and leave with a set of handmade cards with envelopes to give out this holiday season.

Get festive with some hot cocoa and participate in an optional cookie exchange by bringing in 12 cookies to share. 

All supplies are included in the registration fee.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Sunday, November 9 from 12-3pm

Tuition: $60