Virginia Art Factory

Celebrating the 250th with Watercolors
2026-08-06 10:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, and to celebrate we are offering a class focused on the defining landmarks of our country!
“From Sea to Shining Sea”, each class will focus on painting a different historic landmark, with references provided by Mike.
Please note that aside from watercolor paper, supplies will not be provided for this class. Please see this list to purchase the recommended supplies!
Please note that there will be no class 8/20!! The makeup day is September 3rd.
Ages 16+
Thursdays 10:30 am – 1 pm
August 6- September 3
Registration Fee: $190 Paper Fee: $5

Watercolor Basics and Beyond
2026-08-07 10:30 - 12:30 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Explore the beautiful fluidity and transparency of watercolor.
Beginners will learn basic tools and techniques
. Experienced students will explore new methods, materials, and styles. This class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented in each session.
A list of supplies can be found on the Classes and Camps page, or by clicking here. Watercolor paper will be provided by the instructor.
Ages 15+
Fridays 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
August 7-28
Tuition: $152 Supply Fee: $5

Worry and Wonder Boxes
2026-08-09 13:00 - 14:00 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and there’s no better place to start than with this entry in our ARTful Wellness series!
Everyone has worries sometimes—and sometimes it helps to have a special place to put them!
In this fun and relaxing parent-and-me workshop, young artists ages 5-8 will decorate their own worry box using colorful paints and simple mandala-inspired designs. As we paint, we’ll explore patterns, colors, and creativity while learning that art can be a wonderful way to express our feelings and find moments of calm.
Participants will leave with a beautiful keepsake box where they can tuck away written or drawn worries, happy wishes, affirmations, or treasured little notes.
No art experience is needed—just imagination and a willingness to create!
Ages 5-8 (Must be accompanied by an adult!)
Sunday, August 9th
1-2 pm
Registration Fee: Free!
This free wellness class is brought to you in partnership with UVA Health.

Acrylics Basics and Beyond
2026-08-11 10:30 - 12:30 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Join artist Michele Frantz for a 4 lesson session in acrylic painting!
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 their skills and explore new directions.
Class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented in each session.
Click here for a list of supplies. Canvases and boards will be provided by the instructor.
Ages 15+
Tuesdays 10:30-12:30
August 11 – September 1
Tuition: $152 Canvas Fee: $5

Mixed Media Printmaking Cityscape (9-12)
2026-08-12 18:00 - 20:00 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Students will create a bold and playful city scene with glowing lights, simple building shapes, and lively pattern.
This class blends printmaking and layered color in a fun, hands-on way while giving kids a finished artwork that feels bright, modern, and exciting.
Ages 9-12
Monday, January 25
6-8 pm
Registration Fee: $38 Supply Fee: $18

Journey to Composition: Into the Light
2026-08-13 16:00 - 17:30 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Join us for an introduction to creating the illusion of atmosphere and depth in interiors and still life art!
Learn how light and shadow affects how we perceive objects in a limited space, such as a room or a tabletop, and how it differs from achieving depth in landscape art.
Students will come away with an understanding of the role of color, value, edges and contrast, and how to use them to improve their art. Students may work in any media. Students must bring their own supplies! Michele will provide reference photos, or students may use their own.
Ages 15+
Thursdays 4-5:30 pm
August 13 – September 3
Registration Fee: $114

Exploring Acrylics
2026-08-13 18:00 - 19:30 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Join artist Michele Frantz for an evening class in acrylic painting. Quick drying, vibrant, and versatile, acrylics may be applied to a wide variety of surfaces and altered with different additives. Students new to acrylics will learn introductory basics; experienced students will improve their skills and explore new directions. Supplies will not be provided – please check the supplies list here for everything you need!
For ages 15 & up.
Thursdays 6-7:30 pm
August 13-September 3
Tuition: $114

DIY Matting and Framing
2026-08-15 13:00 - 15:30 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
This workshop will cover the basics of framing works on both paper and canvas, the tools and materials required, where to get them, and standards you will be expected to meet if you are thinking of entering your work in art shows.
Each participant will have the opportunity to cut a mat and go through the steps to a finished, framed work. Students will need to provide the following: an 8×10 frame (wood preferred) and a piece of art.
If the art is on paper, the image area should be either 4×6 or 5×7. If the art is on a canvas or board, it should be 8×10. All other supplies will be provided via the supply fee.
Ages 18+
Saturday, August 15th
1-3:30 pm
Registration Fee: $47.50 Supply Fee: $10

artWORKS Collaborative Visual Arts Workshop
2026-08-19 14:00 - 15:15, 2026-08-26 14:00 - 15:15 | Birmingham Green, 8595 Centreville Road , VA 20110, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Join us for the inaugural wellness workshop in our new artWORKS Collaborative series, brought to you in partnership with the Didlake Foundation!
Join us for a FREE arts experience centered around exploration, creativity, and community! Led by one of our expert arts instructors, the group will explore painting, drawing, and more in a calming and coommunal setting. Participants can expect to have the space to explore and express themselves in a safe environment.
Beyond being fun, these experiences are designed to foster belonging, friendship, confidence, and meaningful social connections. Research shows that participation in the arts can boost mood, reduce stress, enhance cognitive skills, promote empathy, and strengthen overall well-being.
All materials will be provided – just come with an open mind and a willingness to create!
Ages 18+
Wednesday, August 19 and 26
2-3:15 pm
Registration Fee: FREE!

Art and Storytime
2026-08-22 10:30 - 12:00 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
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 5-8
Saturday, August 22nd
10:30 am – 12 pm
Registration Fee: $28.50 Supply Fee: $5

Creating Luster: Self-Portrait Painting in Oils
2026-08-22 12:30 - 15:00 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Using mirrors and direct observation, students will create a self-portrait while learning the foundations of oil portraiture. Through exercises in drawing, color mixing, and paint application, students will develop an understanding of facial structure, likeness, and luminous skin tones.
Topics will include observation-based drawing, color temperature, flesh-tone mixing, edges, and expressive brushwork. Students will leave with a completed self-portrait and a stronger understanding of painting from life.
Other than a canvas, supplies will not be provided for this class. A full list of suggested supplies can be found here.
Ages 18+
Saturdays 12:30-3 pm
August 22-September 26
Registration Fee: $285 Canvas Fee: $5

Cartoon Character Development
2026-08-22 15:00 - 17:00 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Great cartooning is more than just drawing—it’s about writing and world-building! In this expanded two-session workshop, students follow a professional creator’s protocol: first, designing a character’s “soul” and silhouette; second, developing a unique storyline; and finally, placing them into a detailed indoor or outdoor setting.
By focusing on the architecture of a character rather than rushing into full comics, participants will master dynamic posing and personality development to ensure their creations are ready for any adventure.
The workshop takes place in our Digital Arts Lab, offering students the best of both worlds. Whether they prefer drawing manually or want to explore our professional desktop workstations and drawing tablets, they will have the tools and time needed to refine their work.
Students will walk away with a complete character “blueprint” including varied poses, a narrative foundation, and a background scene—the essential first steps for any aspiring cartoonist or storyteller.
Ages 9-12
Saturdays 3-5 pm
August 22-29
Registration Fee: $76 Supply Fee: $6

Painting in Gouache: Scenes in Nature
2026-08-26 18:00 - 20:00 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Join us for a six week course exploring the fun and versatile medium gouache!
Students will paint three different nature subjects- floral landscape, butterflies and birds! Learn how to mix colors, and how to use the gouache paint as a wash and in thicker more opaque applications to build layers and details.
All supplies will be provided via the supply fee.
Ages 15+
Wednesdays 6-8 pm
August 26-September 30
Registration Fee: $228 Supply Fee: $20

Shakespeare 101
2026-08-29 14:00 - 18:00 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Do you want to learn more about Shakespeare, but don’t know where to start? Come join Ms. Shelby for a one-day workshop that will leave actors excited and confident about exploring The Bard’s work!
Actors will engage in textual analysis and hands-on activities to help Shakespeare’s text come to life and become more accessible to read.
Each student will leave with a monologue that has been worked on during the workshop, and feedback that will help them take their Shakespearean skills to the next level beyond our work session!
Ages 13-18
Saturday, August 29th
2-6 pm
Registration Fee: $76

Tree of Strength
2026-08-30 12:30 - 14:00 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
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.

Wild, Wonderful Watercolor Pencils!
2026-09-02 13:00 - 15:00 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Have fun exploring the many different techniques one can use with watercolor pencils!
Watercolor pencils are a versatile medium because they can be used dry for colored-pencil effects, partially diluted, or completely diluted. These pencils are fun to use and can create smooth or textured artwork, and they’re a great way to become more comfortable with watercolor as a painting medium!
Accomplished artist Valerie Larson will be presenting examples of her own watercolor-pencil paintings, showcasing various techniques she uses. These techniques include mixing colors, creating paper palettes, and much more.
Students can bring their own photo for painting inspiration or follow along with the one provided. You will also be working on Aquabord, a clay-like surface made for watercolors.
ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED VIA THE SUPPLY FEE!!
Ages 15+
Wednesdays 1-3 pm
September 2-23
Registration Fee: $152 Supply Fee: $16

artWORKS Collaborative Movement Workshop
2026-09-02 14:00 - 15:15 | Birmingham Green, 8595 Centreville Road , VA 20110, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Join us for one of the inaugural wellness workshops in our new artWORKS Collaborative series, brought to you in partnership with the Didlake Foundation!
Join us for a FREE arts experience centered around exploration, creativity, and community! Led by one of our expert instructors, the group will explore movement and dance as a form of self expression. Participants can expect to have the space to explore and express themselves in a safe environment.
Beyond being fun, these experiences are designed to foster belonging, friendship, confidence, and meaningful social connections. Research shows that participation in the arts can boost mood, reduce stress, enhance cognitive skills, promote empathy, and strengthen overall well-being.
All materials will be provided – just come with an open mind and a willingness to move!
Ages 18+
Wednesday, September 2
2-3:15 pm
Registration Fee: FREE!

Paper Quilling for Calm
2026-09-05 14:00 - 16:00 | VA
2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and there’s no better place to start than this entry in our ARTful Wellness series, brought to you in partnership with UVA Health.
Come and learn the basics of the fine art of Quilling or Paper Filigree. This unique process for creating beautiful paper artwork is naturally meditative and will help you find calm in creation.
No prior experience is needed to join this class! Just bring an open mind, and your reading glasses.
Ages 15+
Saturday, September 5th
2-4 pm
Registration Fee: FREE!!
This free wellness class is brought to you in partnership with UVA Health.

Collage Color Lab
2026-09-08 15:30 - 17:00 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Students will explore composition and color by creating a collage while working from a photographic reference image.
Focusing on shadows, midtones, and highlights, they will cut and arrange flat shapes of colored paper—no drawing or paint—to build form and depth.
By developing a custom paper color palette, students will create a modern, mosaic-like piece that emphasizes value and color relationships.
This class is open to artists of all levels.
All supplies will be provided via the supply fee.
Ages 18+
September 8-29
Tuesdays 3:30-5 pm
Registration Fee: $114 Supply Fee: $40

Print Making Lab
2026-09-08 17:30 - 19:30 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Dive into the exciting world of printmaking!
Students will experiment with relief printmaking techniques to create bold, layered artwork from simple materials. You will build skills in carving, inking, and pressing while exploring composition and texture.
This class is perfect for sparking creativity and producing multiples you’re proud to share—all skill levels welcome!
All supplies provided via the supply fee!
Ages 18+
September 8-29
5:30-7:30 pm
Registration Fee: $152 Supply Fee: $40

Self Art Edit
2026-09-09 13:00 - 15:00 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Transform your inner critic into a guiding voice that helps rather than hinders.
In this class you will learn to approach your own artwork with fresh eyes, mastering self-editing techniques that elevate composition and skills without self-doubt. Bring a picture of a work of art you created to reflect on.
This intermediate course equips you to see and refine your work constructively, building progress you’re proud of. The class is designed for artists ready to level up!
All supplies will be provided via the supply fee!
Ages 16+
September 9-30
Wednesdays 1-3 pm
Registration Fee: $152 Supply Fee: $10

Digital Painting and Composition
2026-09-11 18:00 - 20:00 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Unlock the power of digital color and form in this immersive painting session. Utilizing professional tablets and Krita, students will learn to translate traditional painting concepts-like balance, focal points, and the rule of thirds-into the digital realm.
Whether starting with geometric abstractions or fluid organic shapes, participants will focus on building ‘beautiful compositions’ from scratch. The workshop culminates in a high-quality print of your final digital masterpiece to take home.
Ages 18+
Fridays 6-8 pm
September 11-25
Registration Fee: $114

Peaceful Origami
2026-09-12 14:00 - 16:00 | VA
2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and there’s no better place to start than our ARTful Wellness series!
Origami has had a long tradition of mastery over one’s patience. It is a physical meditation to help quiet the mind while using your hands to create something beautiful. Take the journey and let your fingers comfort you and bring you peace.
Ages 15+
Saturday, September 12th
2-4 pm
Registration Fee: FREE!
This free wellness class is brought to you in partnership with UVA Health.

Acrylic Basics and Beyond
2026-09-15 10:30 - 12:30 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Join artist Michele Frantz for a 4 lesson session in acrylic painting!
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 their skills and explore new directions.
Class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented in each session.
Click here for a list of supplies. Canvases and boards will be provided by the instructor.
Please note that the last class will be held at the City of Manassas Community Center.
Ages 15+
Tuesdays 10:30-12:30
September 15-October 6
Tuition: $152 Canvas Fee: $5

Exploring the Landscape in Pastels
2026-09-17 18:00 - 19:30 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
If you love vibrant color, you will love pastels! Dive right in without needing paintbrushes, solvents, or a palette – no other medium allows you to apply rich color as quickly as soft pastels. We will be exploring the shapes and colors of the landscape in different seasons.
Paper will be provided via the Paper Fee, and additional supplies can be purchased by selecting the option at checkout.
Returning students can use their supplies from previous classes.
Please note that the last session of this class will take place at the City of Manassas Community Center!
Ages 15+
Thursdays 6-7:30 pm
September 17 – October 8
Registration Fee: $114 Paper Fee: $5 Optional Supply Fee: $10

Watercolor Basics and Beyond
2026-09-18 10:30 - 12:30 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Explore the beautiful fluidity and transparency of watercolor.
Beginners will learn basic tools and techniques.
Experienced students will explore new methods, materials, and styles. This class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented in each session.
A list of supplies can be found on the Classes and Camps page, or by clicking here. Watercolor paper will be provided by the instructor.
Please note that the last session of this class will meet at the City of Manassas Community Center
Ages 15+
Fridays 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
September 18 – October 9
Tuition: $152 Supply Fee: $5

Exploring Composition: A Formal Affair
2026-09-18 16:00 - 17:30 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
The crucial role of composition in art is to establish balance and harmony in one’s artwork, while at the same time effectively using contrast to provide interest. In this series of classes, students will explore a variety of compositional formats, and learn how to use visual elements to make these formats work.
In “A Formal Affair” we will be concentrating on “symmetrical balance” (aka “formal balance”), most commonly seen in portraiture, religious art and still life art. This is a more traditional approach to design, and a good starting place for those just beginning to explore composition.
Some previous experience with your chosen media is recommended, since the emphasis will be on design rather than technique. The instructor will supply reference photos, but students are also welcome to bring their own. Students may work in any media; no supplies provided.
Please note that the last class will take place at the City of Manassas Community Center!!
Ages 15+
Thursdays 4-5:30 pm
September 17 – October 8
Registration Fee: $114

Alla Prima Workshop: Painting Oils in One Sitting
2026-09-26 11:30 - 16:30 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Join us for a warm, beginner-friendly introduction to alla prima—the joyful “all at once” painting approach. We’ll begin with simple objects from life to learn color mixing, shape simplification, and confident brushwork. Then we’ll apply those same principles to clouds and trees in my signature landscape style, finishing with a small landscape study from a photo I provide.
Want to paint faster without sacrificing beauty? Feel stuck overworking your paintings? You’ll learn how to:
• Paint wet-into-wet with clarity
• Simplify scenes without losing atmosphere
• Mix clean sky and foliage colors
• Create depth using light and edges
• Complete a small landscape in just one afternoon
You’ll leave knowing exactly how to approach a painting from start to finish—quickly, simply, confidently.
A list of recommended supplies can be found here! If you have any questions about possibly substitutes of supplies, please reach out to Christine at craymondartist@gmail.com
Ages 13+
Saturday, September 26th
11:30 am – 4:30 pm
Registration Fee: $150 Supply Fee: $5

Sculpting Your Inner World: A Free Wellness Class
2026-09-27 14:00 - 17:00 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and there’s no better place to start than our ARTful Wellness series!
This workshop is an invitation to explore your emotions and intentions through three-dimensional form.
Using simple sculpting techniques, you will create a small, abstract or figurative sculpture from earthenware clay that represents a feeling, a goal, or a part of your inner world. The focus is on intuitive expression, not realistic representation.
This is a powerful and cathartic exercise in self-reflection. You’ll take your finished clay piece home to air-dry and finish as you wish.
Ages 15+
Sunday, September 27th
2-5 pm
Registration Fee: FREE!
This free wellness class is brought to you in collaboration with UVA Health.
