"4 the Love of Virginia" by Christine Raymond
2026-04-22 10:00 - 2026-05-31 17:00 UTC | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
“4 the Love of Virginia” Christine Raymond Solo ExhibitExhibit dates: April 22, 2026-May 31, 2026Artist Reception: Saturday, April 25, 6-8 PMRSVP: https://insidenovatix.com/events/4-the-love-of-virginia-opening-reception-4-25-2026-210448 View the artwork, meet the artist, and enjoy wine and light refreshments at this free event.Artist Talk & Live Demonstration: Saturday, May 9, 2-4 PMAbout the ExhibitFor over a decade, plein air artist Christine Raymond has found endless inspiration in the great outdoors. Her upcoming solo exhibition, 4 the Love of Virginia, is a visual love letter to the diverse landscapes of her adopted home state.
Drawing upon more than two years of exploration across Virginia’s five distinct geographic regions—the Coastal Plain (Tidewater), Piedmont, Blue Ridge Mountains, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau—this body of work captures the spirit and diversity of the state’s natural beauty. Each region, with its own character and charm, has uniquely shaped the artist’s creative vision.
Approximately 75% of the works in 4 the Love of Virginia were painted on location, allowing viewers to experience the immediacy and authenticity of plein air artistry. The remaining 25% are larger, more expressionistic pieces in oil and cold wax, developed from plein air studies. These studio works convey the artist’s emotional and interpretive response to the landscapes that have moved her most deeply.
4 the Love of Virginia is more than an exhibition—it is an invitation to explore, reflect, and fall in love with Virginia’s rich and varied terrain. Through her art, Christine Raymond hopes to inspire others to discover the state’s natural wonders and share in the profound sense of place that has shaped her life and work.

Contact ARTfactory, Gallery Director: Jordan Exum | jexum@VirginiaARTfactory.org 9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110 | 703-330-2787 Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (10 am-5 pm), Sunday (12-5 pm) VirginiaARTfactory.org

Graffiti 101: Blackbook Sessions
2026-05-05 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
This class will focus on the fundamental skillset of drawing letters and characters.
Looking at the work of graffiti artists from around the globe, we’ll analyze the different styles and methods used by the masters of this artform.
As opposed to sketch books, graffiti artists draw in ‘blackbooks’ which will be the sole focus of this course.
All supplies provided via the supply fee!
Ages 16+
Tuesdays 6-8 pm
May 5-26
Registration Fee: $152 Supply Fee: $30

Payment plan available: $100 deposit plus 2 payments of $27.33, paid every four weeks. Final payment of $27.34.

Watercolor Tips and Techniques to Build Confidence
2026-05-06 10:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Interested in Watercolors, but afraid to take a class for fear of being out of your depth? Local artist Mike Flynn has designed a course perfect for the absolute beginner in watercolors!
Over the course of four classes you will be introduced to the tools of the trade. Mike will demonstrate basic techniques, and show you how to design with values, shapes and details.
Students may use their own photos to create a landscape painting , with help from Mike, or a reference can be provided.
Please note that supplies (aside from paper) will not be included in this class. The list of supplies to be purchased can be found here.
Ages 16+
Wednesdays 10:30 am – 1 pm
May 6-27
Registration Fee: $190 Paper Fee: $5

Intro to Theatre for Kids (5-8)
2026-05-06 16:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
This class is designed for younger students ages 5-8 to begin to 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 creating a safe environment for students to feel like they can explore. In order to accomplish this, the class is designed with emphasis on different activities and games as opposed to a singular performance.
We will utilize familiar and classic children’s stories, such as Peter Rabbit, The Rainbow Fish, The Three Little Pigs, etc. to build on these skills. Using known stories allows the children to learn how to be creative while still offering a framework for them to follow. For example, if the story we were looking at that day was The Three Little Pigs, we might explore how to act as a pig vs wolf by changing how we move and use our voices, talk about breath support by “blowing down the houses”, and of course act out the story using all of those elements.
In addition to stories we will also play games that encourage creativity and teamwork. These help students grow an awareness of different ways they can move their bodies, as well as strengthens their listening skills. By the end of the class your youngster is guaranteed to have a new appreciation for theatre, and will be ready for more!
Ages 5-8
Wednesdays 4:30-5:30
May 6-27
Class Fee: $76

Mother Nature's Revenge: Writing Eco-Horror
2026-05-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
The Art of Writing: Mother Nature’s Revenge is a four-week Eco-Horror themed writing course. The world is on fire, and it only seems to be getting worse by the day.
With climate anxiety at an all-time high, it can help to channel it into writing. In this course, we’ll explore and define the genre of Eco-Horror, from sci-fi horror like Annihilation to fantasy like The Hallow, not just through writing but also discussing our favorite pop cultural examples.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a collection of fresh writing, peer feedback, and practical tools to continue your writing journey beyond the workshop.
Come ready to write, share, and grow.
This workshop is open to writers of all levels and genres.
Ages 15+
Fridays 6-8 pm
May 8-29
Registration Fee: $152

Latin Cardio
2026-05-09 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | City of Manassas Community Center, 8750 Sudley Rd, Manassas, 20110, United States
Get ready to move with a Latin focused Cardio class to get your heart rate pumping and your body in motion. This follow along style class with focus on repetitive movement to popular music of the Latin Culture with moves geared towards mobility.
Ages 15+
Saturday, May 9th
10:30-11:30 am
Registration Fee: FREE!!
This free wellness class is brought to you in partnership with the City of Manassas.

Lionel Bart's Oliver!
2026-05-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-10 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
In honor of their 100th production, Piped Piper Theatre presents the beloved musical Oliver!
Discover the heartwarming tale of Oliver! – the musical based on Charles Dickens’ classic story. Follow young orphan Oliver Twist on his journey from a grim London workhouse to the bustling streets filled with colorful characters, unforgettable songs, and timeless lessons about hope and belonging. With favorites like “Consider Yourself” and “Where is Love?”, Oliver! is a captivating adventure for audiences of all ages!
May 9th & 10th at Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas.
Lionel Bart’s Oliver! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Artist Talk & Live Demo with Christine Raymond, "4 the Love of Virginia"
2026-05-09 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
“4 the Love of Virginia” Christine RaymondExhibit dates: April 22, 2026-May 31, 2026Artist Talk & Live Demonstration: Saturday, May 9, 2-4 PMWitness the artist in action and learn more about the inspiration for her newest collection of work “4 the Love of Virginia”.About the ExhibitFor over a decade, plein air artist Christine Raymond has found endless inspiration in the great outdoors. Her upcoming solo exhibition, 4 the Love of Virginia, is a visual love letter to the diverse landscapes of her adopted home state.
Drawing upon more than two years of exploration across Virginia’s five distinct geographic regions—the Coastal Plain (Tidewater), Piedmont, Blue Ridge Mountains, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau—this body of work captures the spirit and diversity of the state’s natural beauty. Each region, with its own character and charm, has uniquely shaped the artist’s creative vision.
Approximately 75% of the works in 4 the Love of Virginia were painted on location, allowing viewers to experience the immediacy and authenticity of plein air artistry. The remaining 25% are larger, more expressionistic pieces in oil and cold wax, developed from plein air studies. These studio works convey the artist’s emotional and interpretive response to the landscapes that have moved her most deeply.
4 the Love of Virginia is more than an exhibition—it is an invitation to explore, reflect, and fall in love with Virginia’s rich and varied terrain. Through her art, Christine Raymond hopes to inspire others to discover the state’s natural wonders and share in the profound sense of place that has shaped her life and work.

Contact ARTfactory, Gallery Director: Jordan Exum | jexum@VirginiaARTfactory.org 9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110 | 703-330-2787 Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (10 am-5 pm), Sunday (12-5 pm) VirginiaARTfactory.org

Springtime Clay Creations
2026-05-09 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Celebrate the blooming season by getting your hands messy in our Spring Time Clay workshop!
This two-part series is designed for older kids and teens to explore the fun of hand-sculpting and detailed painting.Over two Saturday afternoons, students will use air-dry clay to create nature-inspired art. We’ll spend the first week building our masterpieces and the second week bringing them to life with professional painting techniques.
This short class will be the perfect way to welcome spring with a project you can take home and display!
Ages 8-14
Saturdays 3-5 pm
May 9-16
Registration Fee: $76 Supply Fee: $5

Painting Acrylics with Jortt
2026-05-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
John will present a two hour class where he leads students in painting an original piece of art based on his signature strange and wonderful style using acrylic paints. Students will paint along and be encouraged to create their own original work.
He will address the following :
– Composition
– Finding shapes
– Lines of action
– Color theory
– Working with a color palette
– Stop thinking and start creating
Ages 15+
Wednesday, May 13th
6-8 pm
Class Fee: $38 Canvas Fee: $5

Medusa & Circe
2026-05-15 19:00 - 21:30, 2026-05-16 19:00 - 21:30, 2026-05-17 14:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Medusa & Circe: An Odyssey, the Myth that Born Them All is a devised theatrical work created through ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre Intensives, where ensemble collaboration, physical storytelling, and mythic inquiry drive the creative process. Rather than retelling classical myths as fixed narratives, the piece reimagines Medusa and Circe as central figures in a shared odyssey. Medusa and Circe are no longer cautionary tales or antagonists to heroes, but myth-makers in their own right—voices emerging from the margins to reclaim agency over their stories.

Memories on Paper: A Free Wellness Workshop
2026-05-16 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and these wellness workshops are a great place to start!
This will be a class centered on journaling as a form of wellness. I primarily journal during vacations and when I want to remember something, but anything can be journaling if you want it to be.
We’ll go over Notes App thoughts and quotes as well as how to finally start filling that journal that feels too pretty to use.
Saturday, May 16th
1-4 pm
Class Fee: Free!
This free wellness class is brought to you in partnership with UVA Health.

Flemish Still Life Painting Workshop
2026-05-17 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a step-by-step guided painting class inspired by the rich beauty of 17th-century Flemish still life paintings!
In this session, you’ll learn how to paint a fruit or vegetable using acrylics while exploring dramatic lighting, color, and texture. This class is perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike. Each participant will leave with a finished painting beautifully displayed in a gold frame.
All supplies provided via the supply fee!
Ages 15+
Sunday, May 17th
2-5 pm
Registration Fee: $57 Supply Fee $10

Acrylics Basics and Beyond
2026-05-19 10:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
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 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
May 19th – June 16th
Tuition: $190 Canvas Fee: $5

Affirm and Align: A Creative Coloring Experience
2026-05-21 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | 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 this installment of our ARTful Wellness series.
Join us for a calming creative workshop that invites you to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself through intentional coloring and gentle reflection.
Participants will spend time coloring affirmation-based designs while engaging with simple prompts that encourage mindfulness, grounding, and personal alignment. This experience blends creativity with nervous system regulation, creating space to pause, breathe, and move at your own pace.
Participants are welcome to arrive anytime during the workshop window and stay as long as they’d like while coloring and reflecting. No artistic experience is needed, just come as you are and enjoy a quiet moment of creativity and connection.
All ages welcome (students under 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult)
Thursday, May 21st
11 am – 12:30 pm
Registration Fee: Free!!
This free wellness class is brought to you in partnership with UVA Health.

Watercolor Basics and Beyond
2026-05-22 10:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | 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 THERE WILL BE NO CLASS 6/19 DUE TO JUNETEENTH!!
Ages 15+
Fridays 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
May 22nd – June 26th
Tuition: $190 Supply Fee: $5

Drawing Feelings as Blobs
2026-05-23 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | 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 this free wellness class, brought to you in partnership with UVA Health!
In this class, students will start by painting loose, abstract blobs of color without overthinking it. You’ll focus on color, movement, and feeling rather than trying to make something “look right.”
Once the paint is down, you’ll use markers or pens to draw over them, turning the blobs into faces, characters, or anything else they see in the forms. The idea is to let the image reveal itself instead of planning it from the beginning!
This class will help you recognize and express your emotions in a low-pressure way. Sometimes feelings start out messy or hard to define, kind of like random paint on a page. By transforming those blobs into something recognizable, you’ll practice making sense of what you’re feeling and seeing their emotions with curiosity instead of judgment. It’s a playful way to build self-awareness, creativity, and comfort with imperfection!
Ages 15+
Saturday, May 23rd
12-2 pm
Registration Fee: FREE!
This free wellness class is brought to you in partnership with UVA Health

The Art of Quilling: An Intensive Workshop
2026-05-23 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-24 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Quilling, or Paper Filigree, is the ancient art of creating designs by cutting and coiling thin strips of paper. In this intensive two-day workshop, you will learn the basic techniques and come away with a unique piece of paper art!
The first three-hour session on Saturday will introduce you to the history and basic tools and methods of this unique art form. Reading glasses are recommended for those with limited vision.
The second session on Sunday will be a concentration on techniques and more advanced tools of Quilling, Paper Filigree. We will explore techniques of different paper artists to expand your skills and understanding of this exciting art form.
Artists of any level are not only welcome but encouraged to attend!
Ages 15+
Saturday, May 23rd and Sunday, May 24th
1-4 pm
Registration Fee: $114 Supply Fee: $5

Journey to Drawing: Make Your Point
2026-05-28 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Whether you are a beginning artist or just want to improve your skills, these classes will explore the basis of all art…drawing!
This series is designed to identify fundamental drawing skills that the participants can take and develop further on their own. Participants can take one or several sessions; each session will introduce a different aspect of drawing, such as gesture, line, shading, proportions, etc.
Make Your Point
In this class you will take your art to the next level by exploring the elements of compostition such as unity, contrast, movement, etc. This class is recommended for students who have at least some experience with their chosen medium. Students may work in either black and white or color drawing mediums.
See the suggested supply list here– note that supplies will not be provided for this class!
Ages 15+
Thursday 4-5:30 pm
May 28 – June 18
Tuition: $114

Crafting Flowers with Pastels
2026-05-28 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | 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 flowers in both landscapes and still life settings.
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.
Thursdays 6-7:30 pm
May 28 – June 18
For ages 15 & up.
Tuition: $114 Paper Fee: $5 Optional Supplies: $10

Mastering the Landscape
2026-05-30 11:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Have a vacation photo or favorite locale you want to paint and don’t know how to start? Bring a photo from your favorite location and paint your own painting!
Learn how to create luminous, atmospheric landscapes.Inspired by her ‘4 the Love of Virginia’ solo show, this special workshop pulls back the curtain on how Christine designs compositions, simplifies complex scenes, and uses light and color to create glowing, expressive landscapes.
You’ll learn the exact methods she uses in her own paintings—and create a piece in that same lyrical, light-filled style.
Please note that aside from a 9×12 canvas supplies WILL NOT be provided for this workshop! A link to the necessary supplies can be found here.
Ages 13+
Saturday, May 30th
11:30 am – 4:30 pm
Class Fee: $150 Canvas Fee: $5

Needlefelting 101: A Free Workshop
2026-05-31 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, 20110, United States
Have you ever been curious about small felted projects, but never had the time to explore the artform? Join us for a free talk/demonstration, and get some hands on experience with the tools and materials of the trade!
Through this workshop, you’ll learn about basic techniques used in 3D needlefelting, and will get hands on experience using all the tools involved.
All ages welcome, but children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday, May 31st
1-3 pm
Registration Fee: FREE!!

Glass Art 101: A Free Lecture/Demonstration
2026-05-31 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York)
Have you ever wondered about glass art, but didn’t know where to start? Join us for a fun and informative afternoon with glass artist Maureen Storey, and learn all about the materials and techniques used to make exquisite (and functional) glass art!
With a hands on component towards the end of the class, this is sure to be an afternoon to remember!
This event is free to the public!
Ages 15+
Sunday, May 31st
4-5:30 pm
Registration Fee: Free!!

Oil Painting: Still Life
2026-06-03 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Learn to paint various still life set ups using the fundamentals of oil painting. We will start with basic shape still lifes and learn value by using just black and white paint. Then we will paint more complex subjects and learn how to work in color.
Students will learn how to mix colors, how to paint using oils, and various techniques to build layers of value and color. Supplies are provided.
Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 pm
June 3 – July 1
Tuition: $190 Supply Fee: $20

Procreate for Beginners: Create with Confidence on Your iPad (8-14)
2026-06-05 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Whether you’re brand new to digital art or looking to better understand Procreate’s tools, this class will guide you through the essentials and beyond.
You’ll learn how to navigate Procreate with ease, work with layers, customize settings, and use powerful tools to enhance your artwork. As the series progresses, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in a guided project, giving you hands-on experience and a finished piece you can be proud of.
By the end of the course, you’ll not only understand how Procreate works — you’ll feel comfortable creating in it on your own. No prior experience required — just bring your iPad, Apple Pencil, and creativity!
Please note that students will need to bring their own iPad, Apple Pencil, and will need to download Procreate onto their devices ahead of the class.
Ages 8-14
Fridays 5-7 pm
June 5-26
Registration Fee: $152
