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

Winter time is approaching, so why not prepare by painting a beautiful figure on a simple ornament?

Come paint a cardinal (Virginia's state AND official holiday bird!) perched on a holly branch, with a round wooden ornament as your canvas. Professional artist and instructor Emily Thomson will show you how to paint step by step to make your ornament your own! Whether for yourself or someone special in your life, express yourself through the paints and explore the feelings surrounding this magical time of year through art. 

Ages 15+

Friday, November 13

6:30-8:30 pm

Registration Fee: FREE!!

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

2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and there's no better place to start than this free wellness class!

Discover the process of scratching, inking, and hand-printing your own stylized tree-inspired artwork.

In this beginner-friendly wellness printmaking class, you’ll be introduced to simple relief carving and hand-printing techniques.

As you create, pause and consider: What helps me stay rooted during a changing season? Create a simple black-and-white tree print that reflects your own sense of growth, rest, strength, or change.No detailed drawing or extensive carving is required - just a willingness to make marks, get inky, and enjoy the reveal of your design on paper.

No experience is needed, and all materials are provided.Please note: We will be using beginner-friendly carving tools. Safe tool use will be demonstrated at the start of class.

Participants should feel comfortable using small, sharp tools and following safety guidance throughout the workshop.

Ages 15+

Monday, November 16

6-8 pm

Registration Fee: FREE!

Do have a love for theatre and acting, but want someplace to hone your craft? This class is for you!

Students will develop the actor’s ability to embody the character in a scene. We will discuss and utilize acting techniques to reach the goal of a deeply real character that the audience can connect to.

Actors will get to perform their scenes in front of an audience at the end of this class.

Ages 15+

Saturday, November 21

7-8:30 pm

Registraton Fee: $28.50

Celebrate the beauty of autumn with a colorful pastel landscape filled with glowing trees and rich seasonal color.

Students will create a vibrant fall scene that feels loose, expressive, and full of movement.

All supplies will be provided via the supply fee!

Ages 15+

Monday, November 23

6-9 pm

Registration Fee: $57    Supply Fee: $18

Create festive handmade wrapping paper and gift tags with a cheerful winter feel!

Students will carve simple stamps from pink erasers and print repeating patterns, using printmaking to create one-of-a-kind holiday paper and seasonal accents.

Ages 15+

Monday, December 7

6-8 pm

Registration Fee: $38

Ready to turn your ideas into custom stickers? In this fun, hands-on 1-day workshop, you’ll learn how to design and create your own stickers from start to finish — all from home.

You’ll learn how to create bold, eye-catching designs, that really make your stickers pop!

You’ll also discover two easy ways to make your stickers: how to create them without a cutting machine, and how to use a cutting machine for a more polished, professional look.

By the end of the class, you’ll have the skills and confidence to design, print, and create stickers for fun, gifts, or even to grow your own brand.

All supplies provided via the supply fee.

Ages 15+

Saturday, December 12th

11 am - 2 pm

Registration Fee: $57       Supply Fee: $5

2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and there's no better place to start than this free wellness class!

Just in time for the holidays, relax and enjoy some hot cocoa while we make colorful and sparkly ornaments with paper, paint and wood.

No art experience required, just some skill with scissors and glue.

Ages 15+

Saturday, December 12

12-2 pm

Registration Fee: Free!

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

Of course, auditions can be scary and stressful - but all too often actors commit preventable mistakes that keep them from displaying their full potential. This session is designed to help actors of all ages prepare for auditions and avoid these setbacks.

Session participants will discuss a comprehensive list of "what to do" and "what NOT to dos" when auditioning for a theatre production. Things like: the difference between "good confidence" and "bad confidence," how to introduce yourself, interacting with accompanists, choosing literature, etc.

In the end, the more an actor understands the director's expectations and point of view, the more successful they will likely be.

The class will end with volunteers performing their "cuts" for the class for feedback! Interested students should email their cuts to alex@virginiaartfactory.org.

Ages 15+

Saturday, December 12

5-7 pm

Registration Fee: $38