Blog

ONLINE: Writing + Cats

April 10, 2024

Some of the world’s best-known writers have adored cats, and that adoration has shown up in their writing. sharing about the influence of their feline friends on their literary We will talk about the influence cats can have on how we approach our creative writing and explore how we can use cats to help us […]

read more

ONLINE: Facing the Blank Page

April 10, 2024

In this 2-hour generative session, we will practice managing our doubts when they interfere with our creative process. Together, we will allow ourselves to write in ways that are brave and embarrassing, confusing and important, strange and exciting. We will create a set of strategies we can use the next time we face a blank […]

read more

ONLINE: Writing + Photography

April 10, 2024

In this introductory class, we will take some basic principles of photography and apply them to our work as writers. We will take photos; do some writing; learn to crop and edit both our images and our words; talk about the similarities between the two art forms; and how our exploration of one can feed […]

read more

ONLINE: The Tough Stuff: Healing Through Writing

April 10, 2024

This class is for the conversations that still need to happen. We’ll talk about the barriers that keep us from writing what we need to write. We’ll also examine works by Chanel Miller, Jeannette Walls, and Layli Long Soldier to take lessons from the ways in which they make difficult topics easier to access. Students […]

read more

ONLINE: Submitting Writing to Literary Journals

April 10, 2024

Sending writing to literary journals can be an intimidating process. In this two-hour class, we'll take a step-by-step approach to sending our writing out to journal editors. Learn directly from Samantha Steiner, MFA, a writer with 50+ publications including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. In addition to her work in the world of book publishing, Steiner […]

read more

RVA Poetry Fest: Poetry for Absolute Beginners

April 08, 2024

Join us for a crash course in reading and writing poetry. We’ll read a few poems together, talk about what makes them tick, and try our hand at capturing some poetry on the page. (If we run out of time for the writing exercise during the allotted workshop time, participants will be given a writing […]

read more

RVA Poetry Fest: Melody Calling: Creating Lyrics to Found Melodies

April 05, 2024

In this workshop, students will have a chance to brainstorm lyrics and determine song structures after listening to a few instrumental melodies that could use some words of their own! Students towards the end of class can perform their piece if they'd like to share. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate songwriter, or just love […]

read more

ONSITE: Learn to Use a Sewing Machine: Make a Throw Pillow

April 04, 2024

In this beginners' course, students will learn the basics of machine sewing. First, students will learn how to set up their machines and practice using them. Once students feel comfortable with simple machine sewing, they will have the opportunity to sew a throw pillow to apply their new skills. Through the construction of the pillow, […]

read more

ONSITE: Felt Your Pet in 2D

April 04, 2024

Learn how to apply two-dimensional needle felting techniques to make a felted portrait of your pet on fabric. With a printed out image of your pet, we will go through transferring an outline on fabric, filling in large shapes and adding in details with texture and layering. You’ll leave with a finished portrait of your […]

read more

ONSITE: Low-Tech Fabric Printing

April 04, 2024

Use low-tech printing techniques such as stencil, stamp and texture plates to print fabric. Learn about repeats and compositional printing. We will work with dye and discharge paste. Perfect for beginners or experienced fiber students. Your finished fabrics can be used in home furnishing, clothing, and quilting projects.

read more

ONSITE: Wheel Throwing Large Forms Workshop

April 04, 2024

Join us for a one-day workshop to learn new skills in throwing larger forms on the wheel! You will learn how to center 5+ lbs, join thrown pieces together, and add coils to pieces on the wheel. We will work on making large serving bowls, planters, and larger shapes. You should comfortably be able to […]

read more

ONSITE: Flameworking Workshop: Leaf Pendants (B)

April 04, 2024

Come learn about flameworking in a quick and fun afternoon class. Learn how to make glass leaf pendants using clear and colored borosilicate glass rods using the flame of a propane-oxygen torch. You'll be introduced to basic techniques as well as the tools and equipment needed to explore flame working.

read more

ONSITE: Figure Drawing (F-D)

April 04, 2024

These drawing sessions are open to anyone interested in drawing from a live, nude figure model. A studio monitor guides the model and overall experience, but drawing instruction is not provided.

read more

ONSITE: Gold Charm Necklace (A)

April 04, 2024

Craft your own custom gold pendants for a personalized charm necklace. You'll build 2 charms to attach to your dainty cable link chain. We will use some beginner metalsmithing skills to solder, stamp and polish your pieces from start to finish!

read more

ONSITE: WTF (Woman, Trans, Femme) Woodworking: Make a Cutting Board

April 04, 2024

This class is a safe space for women, trans, and femme folks to learn introductory woodworking techniques. You'll learn to make a customizable cutting board using glue ups. Gain experience using the table saw, mitre saw, band saw, jointer and planer. We will respect marginalized identities, be patient with one another, use accessible language and […]

read more

ONSITE: Long-Pose Portrait Figure Drawing (E)

April 04, 2024

Participants will draw portraits from a live, clothed figure model. A studio monitor will guide the model and overall experience, but drawing instruction is not provided. Open to anyone interested in drawing portraits from a live, clothed figure model.

read more

ONSITE: Gelli Plate Printmaking (this class is only offered a few times a year)

April 04, 2024

In this class, students will learn how to create beautiful monotypes without a press. Students will practice developing images with stencils, stamps, and drawing utilizing bands of color and texture. Students will use pre-made stencils and will also create some of their own. Come experiment and see how accident and intent can play into our […]

read more

ONSITE: Textured Bangle Bracelets

April 04, 2024

Make several textured and forged bangle bracelets. Using simple hammering and forging techniques, create textured and varied dimensional wire bangles. We will be working in copper and brass for practice, then you will be provided silver wire for two bracelets.

read more

ONSITE: Flameworking Glass Flora

April 04, 2024

Explore the world of flameworking and sculpting with glass. You’ll learn basic sculpting and forming techniques for borosilicate glass on the torch and gain an understanding of welds and connections by constructing flowers and other organic forms.

read more

ONSITE: Figure Drawing (F-H)

April 04, 2024

These drawing sessions are open to anyone interested in drawing from a live, nude figure model. A studio monitor guides the model and overall experience, but drawing instruction is not provided.

read more

ONSITE: Long-Pose Portrait Figure Drawing (D)

April 04, 2024

Participants will draw portraits from a live, clothed figure model. A studio monitor will guide the model and overall experience, but drawing instruction is not provided. Open to anyone interested in drawing portraits from a live, clothed figure model.

read more