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.  

Beginner and intermediate potters will learn appropriate trimming methods and compositional consideration during this one-day workshop. Trimming is a critical component in realizing any composition. Participants will go through hand-on exercises on four different trimming forms and techniques (templates provided) in the workshop. 

This one-day workshop will introduce and review standard glazing procedures and techniques on various shapes and sizes of bisqueware. Glazing is the final punctuation mark of creating a piece of pottery. Learn how to get predictable results and reduce inconsistencies. This one-day workshop will also introduce and review characteristics of various clays and what happens during the kiln firing. Participants will go through hands-on exercises on 5 different forms to practice the application of wax resist, different glazing methods and compositional consideration. 

Learn the basic process of breaking, cutting, shaping, assembling, and finishing damaged ceramic tableware to create a one-of-a-kind pendant. In this eco-friendly workshop, we will discuss the value of using antique and previously loved ceramic dishware to repurpose in new and creative ways. 

This two-day workshop introduces beginner and intermediate potters to design and composition for several types of foot rings on both hand-built and wheel-thrown forms. Learn about contemporary and traditional styles, emphasis on aesthetics vs. structural strength and glazing and firing requirements. Students will do hands-on exercises on provided pieces and create their own for experimentation and practice.  

Design your own clutch to match your style and mood. This Leatherwork 101 class will teach you the basics of cutting curves in leather, punching holes, and lacing techniques to create a half-moon clutch that is 100% you! Students can choose their type of leather, lacing, and hardware to create a one-of-a-kind piece. All levels welcome. 

The saddle stitch is the most fundamental and durable style of hand sewing in leatherwork. Learn the basics of the stitch as you cut, hand punch, and sew up your own two pocket card wallet. You will learn how leather is prepared, how to use leatherworking hand tools properly, as well as some leather finishing techniques to level up your custom leather wallet. All levels welcome. 

Bring your creative practice wherever you go with a bound leather sketchbook made completely by your own hands. Learn the basics of leather types and leather-working skills like cutting, sewing, and closure options with your preferred leather and thread colors. We will fill our handmade books and learn some bookbinding in the process with heavyweight watercolor paper. You will be able to draw, write, and paint in your own unique sketchbook. All levels welcome. 

Explore oil and acrylic painting during this 8-week class. This class will guide participants through the painting process, from color mixing and blending, to application, and brushwork. Students will gain an enhanced understanding of composition and perspective. Choose which painting medium is best for you and learn how acrylic and oil can be used together. Develop your own personal approach to drawing and painting as you examine unique styles from both classical and contemporary artists. Students will paint still lifes and create a Master Copy from a famous artist. Class supply list provided. 

Enhance your artistic abilities by learning how to draw the human face. Understanding the underlying anatomy of the face is a critical aspect of painting and drawing portraits. In this class, students will draw from a live model while learning the fundamentals of achieving accurate facial proportions. 

Come to the first class with a pencil, eraser, and drawing pad. The instructor will provide a list of supplies at the first-class session. 

Artists have long painted outdoors, gaining inspiration from the natural environment. Join experienced art instructor, Suzanne Stevens, for this 5-week, outdoor art class and explore many beautiful environments around the Hampton Roads area. This class will meet at the Hermitage for the first-class session. Each class thereafter will meet at various locations around Hampton Roads. This will allow students to paint a variety of beautiful outdoor environments. Students are welcome to work with art materials of their choice: oil, acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, pastel, etc.

Channel your creativity in this dynamic 4-week class with emphasis on exploring a variety of art media including charcoal, watercolor, acrylic paint, graphite, oil pastels, and more! This is an exploratory class that consists of different exercises to help challenges to push the boundaries of how you create. 

If you have an interest in art and being creative, this is a great class for you. Bring an open mind to this non-intimidating class and leave each week feeling energized and inspired. Learn new skills while experimenting with different approaches to expression and art materials. 

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. 

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. 

Learn how to make the most of your digital camera and create better photographs by taking control of image creation. This class presents a solid foundation of DSLR camera use through in-class demonstrations and lectures and hands-on classwork and assignments. Lectures and assignments cover shooting in manual modes, image storage capabilities, file types, various camera menus, exposure, light, shutter effects, and the resulting creative possibilities. A digital SLR camera is preferable but any camera with manual capabilities will work for this class. No previous camera knowledge or experience is required.

Please bring the printed manual that came with your camera to the first class.
The book Understanding Exposure, 4th Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera by Bryan Peterson is required.
Photo editing skills will not be covered.

This course is a continuation of Introduction to Digital Photography and meets off-site at designated locations. Students will learn how to be more creative with their digital photographs by further exploring light and composition as well as additional camera settings and shooting in black and white. The emphasis of this class is shooting photographs. Students will be given assignments to learn new techniques.

*Students must have taken Introduction to Digital Photography.
The book Within the Frame: the Journey of Photographic Vision by David DuChemin is required.
This class meets at various locations offsite and will not take place at the Hermitage Visual Arts School. 

Join experienced photographer and instructor, Judith Soule, for an engaging, hands-on class where you will learn how to harness the power of Adobe Lightroom Classic, an essential tool for both amateur and professional photographers. Whether you are looking to streamline your workflow, enhance your editing skills, or confidently present your final images, this class will guide you through every step of the process. 

You will learn how to:
Download and organize your images for a seamless workflow
Manage and catalog your photos efficiently
Develop and edit your images to achieve professional-quality results
Present and export your work for web, print, and social media 

This course is perfect for photographers who want to take control of their editing process while maintaining a smooth and efficient system. 

What to Bring:
A laptop loaded with the latest version of Adobe Lightroom Classic (desktop version)
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic Book (Voices That Matter) – 1st Edition by Scott Kelby 

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

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

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 flower sun catcher. Beginner students will gain experience with cutting glass, foiling, and soldering.

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

Taking stained glass to a new level, this class is geared toward individuals with basic stained-glass experience. Learn new techniques for achieving a three-dimensional flower form to create a decorative hair accessory.

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

Using a variety of art-making materials, this class will focus on the positive psychological, emotional, and social aspects of creativity. Through creative arts, students will enhance social connections and reaffirm that all humans have the capacity for creativity.

Students will learn how to approach different art mediums in a new way each week. Discussions will focus on ways that creativity can help improve mental health and how to destigmatize and rehumanize art and creativity. If you have an interest in art and being creative and want to learn how to incorporate it in your life, this is a great class for you.

All levels welcome. 

It is never too soon to introduce your child to art! Spend the morning with your child making art using various methods like drawing, painting, collage, and printing. This class will stimulate their budding curiosity through singing and movement activities, engaging stories, exploratory art experiences, and nature walks. Help foster your child’s growing mobility with new sensory and fine motor experiences. 

Artful Play is an exploratory, stimulating, inviting, and safe environment for young children and their caregivers to become familiar with basic art materials, while nurturing creativity, curiosity, and developmental growth.