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.

Ages 15+

Fridays 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

August 7-28

Tuition: $152  Supply Fee: $5

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.

Ages 15+

Tuesdays 10:30-12:30

August 11 - September 1

Tuition: $152 Canvas Fee: $5

Join us for an introduction to creating the illusion of atmosphere and depth in interiors and still life art!

Learn how light and shadow affects how we perceive objects in a limited space, such as a room or a tabletop, and how it differs from achieving depth in landscape art.

Students will come away with an understanding of the role of color, value, edges and contrast, and how to use them to improve their art.Students may work in any media. Students must bring their own supplies! Michele will provide reference photos, or students may use their own.

Ages 15+

Thursdays 4-5:30 pm

August 13 - September 3

Registration Fee: $114

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 will not be provided - please check the supplies list here for everything you need! 

For ages 15 & up.

Thursdays 6-7:30 pm

August 13-September 3

Tuition: $114 

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

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

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

If you love vibrant color, you will love pastels!Dive right in without needing paintbrushes, solvents, or a palette – no other medium allows you to apply rich color as quickly as soft pastels. We will be exploring the shapes and colors of the landscape in different seasons.

Paper will be provided via the Paper Fee, and additional supplies can be purchased by selecting the option at checkout.

Returning students can use their supplies from previous classes.

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

Ages 15+

Thursdays 6-7:30 pm

September 17 - October 8

Registration Fee: $114     Paper Fee: $5   Optional Supply Fee: $10