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Visual Arts

Visual Arts

Upcoming Classes


Ages 13 & up
(3 hours) Dec. 15
Sun. 1:30-4:30pm

Instructor: Carla Riga

Experience an authentic lotus-leaf painting workshop in the tradition originated in Himapan Gallery of Thailand. With studios thriving in New York, Paris, Bangkok, the Czech Republic, and Canada, Himapan has developed a creative process that is unique and accessible. Don't miss this opportunity to flex your creativity and produce an exquisite work of art in a very relaxing atmosphere. Gorgeous solid structure wooden canvases are already prepared with beautiful decoupaged lotus leaves. Instructor Carla Riga will provide paints, brushes/sponges, varnish, and helpful tips to inspire and get you started. You will leave with a painting ready to be hung, no additional framing needed. Sign up early - enrollment is limited. No previous art experience needed. Canvases and supplies are included in fee.
Center for the Arts may provide this Lotus Leaf Painting workshop as a private event for your group of 8 - 14 on a space available basis by special arrangement.  Contact the Center for details.


Ages 7-11
(12 hours) Dec. 26 - 27
Thu. - Fri. 10am – 4pm

Instructor:  Lydia Bratton

What do you know about cartooning? Join our mini-camp and improve your character illustration skills and personal style. We will look at eastern and western comics, and then use hand drawing, digital tablets, and cartooning software to illustrate a page, just like the professionals!


Ages 13-18
(12 hours) Dec. 30 - 31
Mon. - Tue. 10am – 4pm

Instructor: Nicole Osborne

Improve your skills in creating original anime characters with fully developed traits, motivations, and potential story arcs.  We will go over different drawing techniques to help build your character’s look and context, and finish with designing dynamic page layout compositions to showcase your scene. Traditional hand-drawing and inking methods will be featured in the workshop.  Course fee includes $10 supply fee.


 Ages 15 - Adult
Jan. 2 - 30
Thurs.  6:30-9pm

Instructor:  Mike Flynn

Explore the endless possibilities when using fluid and dry media together to make beautiful art. Working with watercolor, gouache, brushes, pencils, pens and ink we will blend line, stroke, wash, transparent and opaque color to create compelling compositions with subtle and bold textural variation. Subject matter options may vary among a variety of landscapes, seascapes, florals, still-life, and abstraction. Watercolor paper will be provided by the instructor. Supply list will be provided upon registration.

Course fee includes $12.00 supply fee.


Ages 15 to Adult
(9 Hours) Jan. 4 - Jan. 18
Sat. 9:30am - 12:30pm

Instructor: Don Flory

Do you own a Digital SLR camera but feel you aren’t taking advantage of its capabilities? This class will help you understand what your camera has to offer. We’ll cover issues that are not unique to digital cameras, such as basic camera operations, exposure, light metering, depth of field, ISO settings, as well as issues that are unique to digital cameras such as navigating, jpeg versus raw, setting white balance, color correction, understanding the histogram and more. Each class will include photo walks in our neighborhood for guided practice working with your camera settings. All brands of DSLR camera are welcome.


Ages 15 & up 
(5 Weeks)  Jan. 7 - Feb. 4
Tue. 10:30am-12:30pm

Instructor: Michele Frantz

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 skills and explore new directions. Class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented each session. List of acrylics supplies given upon registration; canvases and boards will be provided by instructor.

Course fee includes tuition and $12 canvas fee.


Ages 15 & up 
(5 Weeks)  Jan. 9 - Feb. 6
Thu. 10:15am-12:45pm

Instructor: Deborah Dismuke

This class will explore the fundamental techniques of oil painting, working from both still life and photographs. Beginners will learn the care and use of essential materials such as brushes, canvases, and mediums, and experienced students will advance their understanding of oils through expert guidance from the instructor. Class designed for students with some background in drawing. Supply list will be provided.

Course fee includes tuition and $12 canvas fee.

Event Phone: 703-330-2787


(5 Weeks)  Jan. 9 - Feb. 6
Thurs. 6:30-8:30pm

Instructor:  Michelle Ciancarelli

Interested in learning painting techniques starting from square one? This class is for you! Acrylic paints are forgiving, versatile and perfect for beginners. We will focus on enjoyment and step by step growth in a relaxing atmosphere. Supplies provided.


Ages 15  - Adult
(5 weeks) Jan. 10– Feb. 7
Fri. 10:30am-12:30pm

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Explore the beautiful fluidity and transparency of watercolor. Beginners will learn basic tools and techniques; experienced students will explore new methods, materials and styles. Class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented each session. List of watercolor supplies given upon registration; watercolor paper will be provided by instructor. Course fee includes tuition and $12 paper supply fee.


Ages 7-11
(4 Weeks) January 10 - 31
Fri.  6:30-8:30pm

Instructor:  Lydia Bratton

Wish you had more time to make something amazing in the art room? Come indulge design impulses in our Friday night studio art class!  Find plenty of individual instruction and opportunities to try new media and techniques; projects explored may vary with each student's interest. We will draw, paint, sketch, and build dynamic creations. Course fee includes $15.00 supply fee.

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