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.
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 […]
Come learn to paint using acrylic paints, with the fall landscape as your subject! Students will paint two different paintings, and with each one you will learn how to mix colors. You will also get a better understanding of how to see values, colors and textures within the landscape. Please note that aside from a […]
This class is designed for children who are ready to take the spotlight! Students will learn the fundamentals of acting such as storytelling, creative movement, vocalization, and confidence in front of a group. The goal of this class is for students to learn these skills in a way that is fun and enjoyable, while also […]
Step into the spotlight and discover the magic of musical theatre! In this engaging class, students will explore the three pillars of the stage—singing, acting, and dancing—through fun exercises, group numbers, and age-appropriate scenes from popular musicals. Young performers will build confidence, strengthen their stage presence, and develop foundational performance skills while working collaboratively with […]
Join us for a four-week course exploring flora and fauna from around the world through watercolor paints! Artist Mike Flynn will guide students through the tips and techniques that will help their paintings come to life. Every class will focus on a different subject, provided by the instructor. Please note that aside from watercolor paper […]
Whether your child is brand-new to the stage or already bursting with Broadway energy, this class is the perfect place for them to explore the many aspects of musical theatre. Each week they will strengthen their acting, singing, and dancing skills, all while learning a short piece to be performed at the last session. Along […]
In this acting course, actors will learn fundamental acting skills that can be applied to any theatrical setting through exercises and script-based practice. Actors will work with Ms. Shelby to hone their skills and receive feedback that will take them to the next level of their acting journey! The class will conclude with a mini […]
Join artist Michele Frantz for a 5 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 […]
