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ARTFactory



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Do-It-Yourself Matting and Framing

$5750 MEMBER PRICE: $4887

with Michele Frantz

Calendar Aug 15, 2026 at 1 pm

This workshop will cover the basics of framing works on both paper and canvas, the tools and materials required, where to get them, and standards you will be expected to meet if you are thinking of entering your work in art shows.

Each participant will have the opportunity to cut a mat and go through the steps to a finished, framed work. Students will need to provide the following: an 8x10 frame (wood preferred) and a piece of art.

If the art is on paper, the image area should be either 4x6 or 5x7. If the art is on a canvas or board, it should be 8x10. All other supplies will be provided via the supply fee.

Ages 18+

Saturday, August 15th

1-3:30 pm

Registration Fee: $47.50    Supply Fee: $10

Art and Storytime

$3350 MEMBER PRICE: $2848

with Stephanie McGee

Calendar Aug 22, 2026 at 10:30 am

Ages: 5 - 8

The art of storytelling is thousands of years old. Histories or morals, each story that has existed puts pictures in the mind. Visual artists become illustrators of the world through the storytelling of their own mental images instead of words.

In this class, students will listen to a story to inspire them to create an artwork of their own impressions of the story. Students will create a 3D collage inspired by a scene from the story. 

Ages 5-8

Saturday, August 22nd

10:30 am - 12 pm

Registration Fee: $28.50    Supply Fee: $5

Cartoon Character Development

$82 MEMBER PRICE: $6970

with Lydia Bratton

Calendar Aug 22, 2026 at 3 pm, runs for 2 weeks

Ages: 9 - 12

Great cartooning is more than just drawing—it’s about writing and world-building! In this expanded two-session workshop, students follow a professional creator’s protocol: first,designing a character’s "soul" and silhouette; second, developing a unique storyline; and finally, placing them into a detailed indoor or outdoor setting.

By focusing on the architecture of a character rather than rushing into full comics, participants will master dynamic posing andpersonality development to ensure their creations are ready for any adventure.

The workshop takes place in our Digital Arts Lab, offering students the best of both worlds. Whether they prefer drawing manually or want to explore our professional desktopworkstations and drawing tablets, they will have the tools and time needed to refine theirwork.

Students will walk away with a complete character "blueprint" including varied poses, a narrative foundation, and a background scene—the essential first steps for any aspiringcartoonist or storyteller.

Ages 9-12

Saturdays 3-5 pm

August 22-29

Registration Fee: $76          Supply Fee: $6

Painting in Gouache: Scenes in Nature

$248 MEMBER PRICE: $21080

with Emily Thomson

Calendar Aug 26, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 6 weeks

Join us for a six week course exploring the fun and versatile medium gouache!

Students will paint three different nature subjects- floral landscape, butterflies and birds! Learn how to mix colors, and how to use the gouache paint as a wash and in thicker more opaque applications to build layers and details.

All supplies will be provided via the supply fee.

Ages 15+

Wednesdays 6-8 pm

August 26-September 30

Registration Fee: $228    Supply Fee: $20

Payment plan available: $150 deposit plus 1 payment of $98.00, paid every four weeks.

Shakespeare 101

$76 MEMBER PRICE: $6460

with Shelby Mejia

Calendar Aug 29, 2026 at 2 pm

Ages: 13 - 18

Do you want to learn more about Shakespeare, but don't know where to start? Come join Ms. Shelby for a one-day workshop that will leave actors excited and confident about exploring The Bard's work!

Actors will engage in textual analysis and hands-on activities to help Shakespeare's text come to life and become more accessible to read.

Each student will leave with a monologue that has been worked on during the workshop, and feedback that will help them take their Shakespearean skills to the next level beyond our work session!

Ages 13-18

Saturday, August 29th

2-6 pm

Registration Fee: $76

Acrylic Alchemy

$195 MEMBER PRICE: $16575

with Jackie Del Vacchio

Calendar Sep 2, 2026 at 10:30 am, runs for 5 weeks

Ignite your creativity and supercharge your skills in color theory, value, and composition! Using a limited palette, dive into a thrilling, unique acrylic exercise that unlocks endless possibilities.

Each session spotlights fresh artists for inspiration, sparking exhilarating discoveries in your personal style. Let famous masterpieces guide you to see the brilliance in your own skills.

All skill levels welcome!

Please note that aside from a canvas supplies will NOT be provided for this class. Please see the list of recommended supplies to be purchased here

Ages 15+

Wednesdays 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

September 2-30

Registration Fee: $190       Canvas Fee: $5

Wild, Wonderful Watercolor Pencils!

$168 MEMBER PRICE: $14280

with Valerie Larson

Calendar Sep 2, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 4 weeks

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

Paper Quilling for Calm

Free

with Stephanie McGee

Calendar Sep 5, 2026 at 2 pm

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.





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