Beginner and intermediate potters will learn the basics of throwing forms on the potter’s wheel. Enjoy wheel-throwing functional forms such as bowls, cups, plates, and mugs. Experiment with glazing techniques and bring home beautiful hand-made pieces.  

Beginner and intermediate potters will learn the basics of throwing forms on the potter’s wheel. Enjoy wheel-throwing functional forms such as bowls, cups, plates, and mugs. Experiment with glazing techniques and bring home beautiful hand-made pieces.  

Take your pottery to the next level with this new open composition class. Students will hone their skills by focusing on two projects of their choosing. Working one-on-one with the instructor, students will propose two separate composition projects using their desired technique. Weeks 1-4 will be dedicated to the first composition project, while weeks 5-8 will focus on the second composition project. This is a great opportunity to focus on a particular project or design that you always wanted to try or to refine your existing style, all while receiving one-on-one guidance from your instructor. Previous experience required.

This workshop is designed for those looking to create custom print materials that elevate their brand. Whether you need a logo, business cards, stationery, or packaging, relief printmaking offers a hands-on way to produce professional, unique designs that set you apart. Learn how to create clean, graphic designs with a personal touch by carving a linoleum block. Students are encouraged to bring in their ideas and with the instructor’s guidance, refine them into a print-ready design. work with either single-color or multi-color prints and discover how to translate your design into a functional format that can be adapted across various materials. This workshop provides both the skills, and the tools needed to create tangible, custom assets that represent your brand. Whether you’re starting a new business or looking to refresh your existing branding, this workshop gives you the skills to create unique, high-quality prints that stand out.

Have you ever wanted to create brilliant stories through pictures or thought about expressing yourself through visual storytelling? Author and Illustrator, Rita Esposito, will walk you through all the steps to create a picture book including how to plot a great story, creating characters, setting, theme, style, and composition. Students will also learn about traditional publishing and self-publishing and working with writers and illustrators. This class covers everything you need to know to create an engaging story that keeps your readers engaged. Learn the structure of a picture book and how to create one from scratch in this exciting new class. 

Explore the art of figure drawing in a welcoming and inclusive environment. This class is perfect for beginners eager to learn the basics of the human form, or experienced artists looking to refine their skills. Draw the figure in short and long form poses with live models each week. Practice proportion, expressive line work, perspective, and details to inform your own artwork. Each week will include instructor guidance, group feedback and creative motivation. Basic drawing supplies will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring their preferred media to work with.

Learn the basics of painting and drawing to create compelling illustrations. Children’s book Author and Illustrator, Rita Esposito, will teach you various drawing techniques using pen and acrylic ink and how to paint with acrylic inks. This 4-week class will focus specifically on creating children and animals for illustrations. Gain an understanding of body proportions, capturing facial expressions, body gestures, clothing details and more. Learn about color theory, brushwork, and line work to create unique illustrations for all your future projects.

If you have ever wanted to explore painting with watercolor, this 4-day intensive class is for you. Learn the basics of working with watercolor by painting a still life and a landscape on the beautiful Hermitage grounds. This class will cover fundamental drawing techniques and elements of composition. 

This exciting new class will explore various flower pressing methods using locally grown flowers and how to incorporate them into various projects. Learn how to retain the vibrant colors and intricate shapes of your pressed flowers during the first session, then use those beautiful, pressed flowers in a project of your choice including coasters, frames, and bookmarks. If you’re ready to up your game from pressing flowers in a book, this class is for you!

Bring summer vibes into your home with a beautiful, living succulent arrangement in driftwood. During this one-day workshop, participants will choose from a variety of pre-sanded driftwood pieces collected from local Virginia shorelines. Select from several exotic varieties of succulents to build your arrangement in driftwood. Design techniques will be demonstrated on how to create this unique centerpiece that will live on for seasons to come. In depth details on how to maintain your creation as well as succulent care will be provided.

Practice your leatherworking skills like cutting, hole punching, saddle-stitching and edge finishing with a basic, lined leather valet tray with sewn details. Then, expand on those basics by making a small leather box with removeable lid- perfect for jewelry, gift giving, or holding small treasures and mementos.

Discover basic silversmithing skills during this one-day workshop. Participants will use a variety of tools to complete three decorative, silver rings. Get hands-on experience with various silversmithing techniques including hammer texturing, forming, torch soldering, and more.

Join experienced stained-glass artist, Sue Hill, for this beginner-friendly mosaic art workshop. Learn the basic techniques of cutting, assembling, attaching, and grouting stained glass to create a finished mosaic artwork. 

Discover the basic techniques of working with stained glass during this one-day workshop. Using specialized tools and equipment, students will create a stunning stained-glass wildflower. Beginner students will gain experience with cutting glass, foiling, and soldering.

*Individuals who are pregnant should consult with their physician prior to registering.