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

In a world of uncertainty, it's important to express yourself and acknowledge your strengths! This is doubly important for young artists growing into their skills and talents.

In this one-off workshop, students will use mixed media to create a tree that will help them reflect on themselves in a positive light. With prompts to help them think about their support, skills, dreams, and ways they can better the world, students will leave with new artistic skills and a project to help them face the school year with confidence. 

Ages 9-12

Sunday, August 30th

12:30-2 pm

Registration Fee: Free!!

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

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 6-8

Sunday, November 1

12-2 pm

Registration Fee: $38   Supply Fee: $5

Join Stephanie McGee in exploring origami, an ancient artform created through geometry and meditation!

Seemingly complex folds of accurate angles, planes and corners are used by the student to create exquisite pieces of art. Once learned, the forms fall into place and let the mind wander in a meditatative flow of repetition and muscle memory. 

These classes are an excellent tool for the young artist to develop their motor skills and deepen their three dimensional processing!

All supplies provided via the supply fee!!

Ages 9-12

Sundays 2:30-4:30

November 1-8

Registration Fee: $76    Supply Fee: $2

Designed for upper-elementary and middle school artists ready to build a strong artistic foundation, this course focuses on integrating the fundamental Elements of Art (line, shape, form, texture, value, color, and space) and Principles of Design (balance, contrast, emphasis, pattern, and proportion) into every lesson.

Each Monday evening, students explore new concepts through guided skill-building exercises and studio practice. Every project begins with foundational pencil drawing skills before expanding into versatile mixed media techniques—utilizing heavy-weight multimedia, watercolor, and toned papers alongside graphite, charcoal, pen & ink, soft pastels, and gentle watercolor background washes. Students will learn to break down complex subjects, render dynamic textures, build strong compositions, and manipulate light sources with confidence.

Ages 9-12

Mondays 6-8 pm

November 2-30

Registration Fee: $190      Supply Fee: $5

Improv can be a scary concept for actors who aren't given the space or time to practice the craft, but this class will help!

Through this course, instructor Shelby Mejia will assist actors in developing improv skills with instruction and games that aim to allow actors to relax and rely on their natural instincts to navigate improvised scenes and games.

The course will conclude with a short performance of improvised games to showcase what students have learned throughout the course.

Ages 9-12

Tuesdays 5:30-7 pm

November 3-17

Registration Fee: $85.50

Do you have a young one that loves the arts? Join us for this brand new painting class, where they can have fun, hone their skills, and start their journey towards becoming an artist!

Students will learn different techniques through a different project every class. You will also use different mediums, be it acrylic, watercolor, or more! Students will leave with wonderful compositions that they can cherish for years to come.

Ages 6-8

Wednesdays 4:30-6 pm

November 4-25

Registration Fee: $114      Supply Fee: $5

Do you have a pre-teen that loves art, but could use some guidance? In this brand new painting class, students will learn the fundamentals of both acrylic and watercolor painting in a fun and welcoming environment!

Students will learn a different technique in each class, and will create wonderful compositions that they can take home and cherish.

All supplies will be provided via the supply fee.

Ages 9-12

Wednesdays 6:30-8 pm

November 4 - 25

Registration Fee: $114      Supply Fee: $5

It is never too early for a child to explore all theatre has to offer! With child development in mind, this class offers students their very first taste of theatre, while also allowing them to grow their social and emotional skills.

Through fun games, team-building exercises, and lots of movement your child will learn the basics of storytelling, grow in their communication and collaboration skills, and learn how to empathize with others. And they will do all of this while also doing what children do best: using their imagination!

Ages 3-5

Thursdays 4:30-5:30

November 5-19

Registration Fee: $57