There’s always something happening at the ARTfactory!
Our event calendar displays all performances, special events, and classes/camps. Please view our CANCELLATION POLICY prior to registering or ticket purchases.
Looking for just Classes & Camps? Visit our Classes & Camps page.
This foundational course is designed to sharpen young artists' observational skills while introducing them to the Elements of Art (line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and space) and the Principles of Design (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity). Through hands-on exercises, students will learn how to intentionally apply these "building blocks" to create […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 - […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 these classes, students will explore a variety of compositional formats, such as triangles and spirals, and learn how to use visual elements such as line, color, texture […]
Begin your journey into the art of paper cutting. Many cultures have created fine works of art with this easily manipulated medium. By concentrating on the usage of both negative and positive spaces, intricate lines, bold patterns, and amazing shapes can be literally “carved out” of paper. The results are amazing. In this workshop you […]
September 11-20, 2026 Dark, unsettling, and endlessly thought-provoking, No Exit is one of the most famous works of existential drama ever written. First performed in 1944, Jean-Paul Sartre’s groundbreaking play confronts audiences with urgent questions about identity, responsibility, and the ways we define ourselves through others. The play takes place in a stark, windowless room in the […]
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, […]
Join us for a workshop that will delve into capturing character in pet portraits, with a focus on the eyes as the windows to the soul. Teacher Valerie Larson will introduce two helpful methods of transferring a photo image to an 8” x 10” Aquabord or watercolor paper (attendees can choose the surface they're most […]
2026 is the year to focus on yourself, and there is no better way than through some art therapy! Students will doodle and color on different papers, and the cut them up and make a "quilt". You can open your mind by trading papers with other students, and creating a mesh of ideas and inspiration […]
