Join us for the inaugural wellness workshop in our new artWORKS Collaborative series, brought to you in partnership with the Didlake Foundation!

Join us for a FREE arts experience centered around exploration, creativity, and community! Led by one of our expert arts instructors, the group will explore painting, drawing, and more in a calming and coommunal setting. Participants can expect to have the space to explore and express themselves in a safe environment. 

Beyond being fun, these experiences are designed to foster belonging, friendship, confidence, and meaningful social connections. Research shows that participation in the arts can boost mood, reduce stress, enhance cognitive skills, promote empathy, and strengthen overall well-being.

All materials will be provided - just come with an open mind and a willingness to create!

Ages 10+

Please note that children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult!

Wednesday, August 19

2-3:15 pm

Registration Fee: FREE!

Join us for one of the inaugural wellness workshops in our new artWORKS Collaborative series, brought to you in partnership with the Didlake Foundation!

Join us for a FREE arts experience centered around exploration, creativity, and community! Led by one of our expert arts instructors, the group will explore painting, drawing, and more in a calming and coommunal setting. Participants can expect to have the space to explore and express themselves in a safe environment. 

Beyond being fun, these experiences are designed to foster belonging, friendship, confidence, and meaningful social connections. Research shows that participation in the arts can boost mood, reduce stress, enhance cognitive skills, promote empathy, and strengthen overall well-being.

All materials will be provided - just come with an open mind and a willingness to create!

Ages 10+

Please note that children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult!

Wednesday, August 26

2-3:15 pm

Registration Fee: FREE!

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 one of several provided. You will also be working on Aquabord, a clay-like surface made for watercolors. A 12-color set of watercolor pencils will be provided for classroom use, but you're welcome to bring your own watercolor pencils if you'd like to have more color options!

ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED VIA THE SUPPLY FEE!!

Ages 15+

Wednesdays 1-3 pm

September 2-23

Registration Fee: $152       Supply Fee: $16

Join us for one of the inaugural wellness workshops in our new artWORKS Collaborative series, brought to you in partnership with the Didlake Foundation!

Join us for a FREE arts experience centered around exploration, creativity, and community! Led by one of our expert instructors, the group will explore movement and dance as a form of self expression. Participants can expect to have the space to explore and express themselves in a safe environment. 

Beyond being fun, these experiences are designed to foster belonging, friendship, confidence, and meaningful social connections. Research shows that participation in the arts can boost mood, reduce stress, enhance cognitive skills, promote empathy, and strengthen overall well-being.

All materials will be provided - just come with an open mind and a willingness to move!

Ages 10+

Please note that children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult!

Wednesday, September 2

2-3:15 pm

Registration Fee: FREE!

Transform your inner critic into a guiding voice that helps rather than hinders.

In this class you will learn to approach your own artwork with fresh eyes, mastering self-editing techniques that elevate composition and skills without self-doubt. Bring a picture of a work of art you created to reflect on.

This intermediate course equips you to see and refine your work constructively, building progress you're proud of. The class is designed for artists ready to level up!

All supplies will be provided via the supply fee!

Ages 16+

September 9-30

Wednesdays 1-3 pm

Registration Fee: $152    Supply Fee: $10

The crucial role of composition in art is to establish balance and harmony in one’s artwork, while at the same time effectively using contrast to provide interest. In this series of classes, students will explore a variety of compositional formats, and learn how to use visual elements to make these formats work. 

In "A Formal Affair" we will be concentrating on "symmetrical balance" (aka "formal balance"), most commonly seen in portraiture, religious art and still life art. This is a more traditional approach to design, and a good starting place for those just beginning to explore composition.

Some previous experience with your chosen media is recommended, since the emphasis will be on design rather than technique. The instructor will supply reference photos, but students are also welcome to bring their own. Students may work in any media; no supplies provided.

Please note that the last class will take place at the City of Manassas Community Center!!

Ages 15+

Thursdays 4-5:30 pm

September 17 - October 8

Registration Fee: $114

Join us for a workshop that will delve into capturing character in pet portraits, with a focus on the eyes as the windows to the soul.

Artist Valerie Larson will introduce two helpful methods of transferring a photo image to watercolor paper. These methods will allow you to easily achieve correct proportions and have more fun with the portrait-painting process! Students can bring a favorite close-up pet photo to work from or follow along with the photo provided.

Brushes and paper will be provided via the supply fee. You will need to bring your own watercolor paints!

Ages 18+

Wednesday, September 30th

1-3:30 pm

Registration Fee: $47.50

Supply Fee: $10.50

The crucial role of composition in art is to establish balance and harmony in one’s artwork, while at the same time effectively using contrast to provide interest. In this series of classes, students will explore a variety of compositional formats, and learn how to use visual elements to make these formats work. 

In "Slightly Askew" we will be concentrating on "informal" (assymmetrical) balance, the most widely used approach to composition, especially in contemporary art. Students will be introduced to some basic formats, and encouraged to find their own solutions to an effective composition.

Some previous experience with your chosen media is recommended, since the emphasis will be on design rather than technique. The instructor will supply reference photos, but students are also welcome to bring their own. Students may work in any media; no supplies provided.

Please note that the first class will take place at the City of Manassas Community Center!!

Ages 15+

Thursdays 4-5:30 pm

October 22 - November 12

Registration Fee: $114