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

2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and there's no better place to start than this entry in our ARTful Wellness series, brought to you in partnership with UVA Health.

Come and learn the basics of the fine art of Quilling or Paper Filigree. This unique process for creating beautiful paper artwork is naturally meditative and will help you find calm in creation. 

No prior experience is needed to join this class! Just bring an open mind, and your reading glasses.

Ages 15+ (Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)

Saturday, September 5th

2-4 pm

Registration Fee: FREE!!

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

Students will explore composition and color by creating a collage while working from a photographic reference image.

Focusing on shadows, midtones, and highlights, they will cut and arrange flat shapes of colored paper—no drawing or paint—to build form and depth.

By developing a custom paper color palette, students will create a modern, mosaic-like piece that emphasizes value and color relationships.

This class is open to artists of all levels.

All supplies will be provided via the supply fee.

Ages 18+

September 8-29

Tuesdays 3:30-5 pm

Registration Fee: $114   Supply Fee: $40

Dive into the exciting world of printmaking!

Students will experiment with relief printmaking techniques to create bold, layered artwork from simple materials. You will build skills in carving, inking, and pressing while exploring composition and texture.

This class is perfect for sparking creativity and producing multiples you're proud to share—all skill levels welcome!

All supplies provided via the supply fee!

Ages 18+

September 8-29

5:30-7:30 pm

Registration Fee: $152  Supply Fee: $40

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

Unlock the power of digital color and form in this immersive painting session. Utilizing professional tablets and Krita, students will learn to translate traditional painting concepts-like balance, focal points, and the rule of thirds-into the digital realm.

Whether starting with geometric abstractions or fluid organic shapes, participants will focus on building 'beautiful compositions' from scratch. The workshop culminates in a high-quality print of your final digital masterpiece to take home.

Ages 18+

Fridays 6-8 pm

September 11-25

Registration Fee: $114

2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and there's no better place to start than our ARTful Wellness series!

Origami has had a long tradition of mastery over one’s patience. It is a physical meditation to help quiet the mind while using your hands to create something beautiful. Take the journey and let your fingers comfort you and bring you peace.

Ages 15+ (Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)

Saturday, September 12th

2-4 pm

Registration Fee: FREE!

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

Join artist Michele Frantz for a 4 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 the last class will be held at the City of Manassas Community Center.

Ages 15+

Tuesdays 10:30-12:30

September 15-October 6

Tuition: $152                    Canvas Fee: $5