Classes at The Arts Center in Orange

Our listings are divided into How Do They Do That? (one day demonstrations), Craft Saturdays (one day classes), workshops (one or two days long), classes (normally 6 or more weekly sessions), open studios (these vary) and camps (5 consecutive days). Please click the link for the type of class that interests you, or you may scroll down to view all class offerings.

How Do They Do That?
Craft Saturdays
Adult Workshops
Adult Classes
Open Studios
Classes and Workshops for Kids
Summer Camps for Kids

To register, contact The Arts Center at (540) 672-7311.

Don't see what you're looking for? Suggest a class!

Classes for Adults (and Teens with Instructor Approval)

Outdoor Intermediate/Advanced Acrylics
Times: Mondays, 6-8pm
Session 1: June 9, 16, 23, 30 July 7, 14
Session 2: July 21, 28, Aug 4, 11, 18, 25
Instructor: Ed King
Fee: $80, plus $20 supply fee
Students will explore painting outdoors through exercises which address color, composition, value and style. One-on-one guidance makes this appropriate for students with some experience and for those who want to paint realistically or abstractly.

Wearable Textiles
Times: Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Session 1: June 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15
Session 2: July 22, 29, Aug 5, 12, 19, 26
Instructor: Audrie Trammell
Fee: $80, plus $20 supply fee
Create decorative garments such as silk scarves and shirts using the exciting technique of Batik along with other fabric dying methods.

3-D Design
Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-6pm
Dates: June 17, 19, 24, 26, July 8,10
Instructor: Monica Newell
Fee: $80, plus $20 supply fee
Expand your vision of art as we learn about our inner creative life in a 3-D context. We will experiment with challenges such as unconventional materials and various types of artistic space. We will explore our personal expression to find our individual voice.

Collage
Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-6pm
Dates: July 22, 24, 29, 31, Aug 5, 7
Instructor: Monica Newell
Fee: $80, plus $20 supply fee
Learn the beauty of "zen collage" and "intuitive collage" with a focus on the message behind the art, be it, social, emotional or humorous. The art of collage will be taught with respect for the photographic image as well as the harmony created using contrasting images. The goal is to reveal collage as a fine art form in a way that satisfies the artist and honors the artistic intellect.

Beginning/Intermediate Wheel Throwing
Times: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30pm
Session 1: June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9
Session 2: July 16, 23, 30, Aug 6, 13, 20
Instructor: Aimee Hunt
Fee: $80, plus $20 supply fee
Learn the basics of centering and throwing cylinders, bowls and closed forms on the potter’s wheel. Must be 11 years or older.

Intermediate/Advanced Wheel Throwing
Times: Wednesdays, 7-9pm
Session 1: June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9
Session 2: July 16, 23, 30, Aug 6, 13, 20
Instructor: Aimee Hunt
Fee: $80, plus $20 supply fee
Students will move beyond the basics and learn to finish their pieces through trimming, decorating and glazing.

Open Studios

Clay Studio
Contact the Arts Center in Orange at 540.672.7311 for Summer Clay Studio info.


1-4 Day Workshops for Adults (and Teens with Instructor Approval)

Y Art? Child Care Provider Training
Date: Saturday, June, 21, 9-1pm
Instructor: Suzanne Giannini
Fee: $12, includes refreshments
Learn the social, educational and developmental benefits of including the arts in your curriculum in this hands-on workshop. Explore how children experience everything from scribbling to schematic drawings to increased imagination. Enjoy step-by-step “Ages and Stages” art lessons appropriate for children from birth through teens. Child Care providers will earn 4 in-service hours for this class. You must pre-register and pre-pay for the class.
Suzanne Giannini has nearly 15 years experience working with families and children. She works independently as a Child Care Educator and is recognized by the Department of Social Services Division of Licensing. Suzanne just completed her Masters in Human Services at Capella University.

Summer Program Directors: Schedule a visit to the Arts Center for a tour and an activity. Call for more information and dates.

For Parents of Pre-School Kids
Date: Sat, July 12
Time: 10-11:30am
Instructor: Barbara Hawley, Fee: $15, + $5 supply fee
Childcare provided. This workshop is designed to help parents introduce art to their pre-school children in ways that are playful, instructional and safe. Discussion and demonstration are followed by simple interactive art activities.


How Do They Do That?

There are currently no How Do They Do That? sessions scheduled.


Craft Saturdays for Ages 10 - Teen

There are currently no Craft Saturdays sessions scheduled.


Classes and Workshops for Kids

Free Saturday Morning Classes for Kids
On the last Saturday of each month bring your kids to the AC. There is no fee, but please call ahead to register so we can prepare enough materials.
Dates: Sat, June 28, July 26, Aug 30
Times: 10-11am for 5-8 year olds (preK with an adult)
11am-12pm for 9-12 year olds
Pre-registration required.

Father’s Day Workshop - Back by Popular Demand!
Date: Sat, June 14, Time: 10-11:30am, Ages: any (3-5 with an adult)
Instructor: Wendy Wiebe, Fee: $10, $7.50 for high quality tie
Surprise dad with a hand-painted silk tie that he will want to wear!


One-week Creative Kids Summer Camps and Mini Camps for PreK with an Adult

Supervised Lunch Break 12-1pm: Kids ages 6 and up are welcome to stay for supervised play (free art, movie, read) for $2/day. Bring your own lunch.

Register for 8 of the 9 weeks, get a discount. For siblings: Register 1 child, get the other at ½ price. Discounts don’t apply to the supply fee.

JUNE
Week of June 9-13
Painting
Dates: Mon-Fri, June 9-13, Time: 10-12, Ages: 8-12
Instructor: Anna Marie DeMio Dowen, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Learn basic techniques while exploring color and form using watercolor, acrylic, tempera and fabric dyes in a comfortable studio environment. Use other materials to enhance your painting.

Creature Feature
Dates: Mon-Fri, June 9-13, Time: 10-12, Ages: 7-12
Instructor: Barbara Hawley, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Become the designer and creator of your own monsters, aliens, robots, and other amazing creatures. A variety of art media and methods will be included to ensure an extraordinarily exciting week.

International Arts and Crafts
Dates: Mon-Fri, June 9-13, Time: 1-3pm, Ages: 7-12
Instructor: Barbara Hawley, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Learn about world geography through making arts and crafts from many nations. Taking an idea from Australia, we will be making a didgeridoo. From Africa, we will study the dynamics of sound and rhythm by creating unique drums. Come for ideas and inspiration from around the world.

Weaving in the Park
Dates: Mon-Fri, June 9-13, Time: 10-12pm, Ages: 13 and up
Instructor: Cindy Beblavy, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Location: Porterfield Park Shelter (behind Orange Elem)
If you are creative and love being outside on warm summer days, this camp’s for you. Create a one-of-a kind handwoven wall hanging using natural materials. Rain or shine!

Week of June 16-20
Papier Mache
Dates: Mon-Fri, June 16-20, Time: 10-12pm, Ages: 8-12
Instructor: Anna Marie DeMio Dowen, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Animal, vegetable, fantasy? Take your imagination and bring it to life by designing, constructing and decorating a 3-dimensional form through the step-by-step papier mache process.

Mix It Up!
Dates: Mon-Fri, June 16-20, Time: 1-3pm, Ages: 7 and up
Instructor: Wendy Wiebe, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Explore music from classical to Rock and Roll and find out how each change the way we create art. Listen and move to music, make musical masterpieces and instruments using a variety of mediums.

Mini Drawing Camp with Kitty Dodd
Date: Mon-Wed, June 16-18, Time: 9-10am, Ages: 6-8
Instructor: Kitty Dodd, Fee: $25, + $5
Learn drawing fundamentals in a fun way using markers, colored pencils, crayons and more. Take your drawing pad outdoors on nice days. See Kitty’s amazing art in our gallery shop.

Drawing with Kitty Dodd
Date: Mon-Fri, June 16-20, Time: 10-12pm, Ages: 7 and up
Instructor: Kitty Dodd, Fee: $55, + $10
Learn drawing fundamentals in a fun way using markers, colored pencils, crayons and more. Take your drawing pad outdoors on nice days. See Kitty’s amazing art in our gallery shop.

Outdoor Painting in the Park
Dates: Mon-Fri, June 16-20, Time: 10-12pm, Ages: 7-12 OR
Time: 1-3pm, Ages: 13 and up
Instructor: Cindy Beblavy, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Location: Porterfield Park Shelter (behind Orange Elem)
If you are creative and love being outside on warm summer days, this camp’s for you. Explore a variety of techniques of painting en plein air (outdoors). Rain or shine!

Week of June 23-27
Art for Wild Boys in the Park
Dates: Mon-Fri, June 23-27, Time: 10-12pm, Ages: 5-7 OR
Time: 1-3pm, Ages: 8-12
Instructor: Wendy Wiebe, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Location: Porterfield Park Shelter (behind Orange Elem)
Design your own CD covers, create and play air band instruments, make an action painting, record a song, collaborate on a clay castle, and more. Rain or Shine!

Mini Camp for PreK: Artful Transportation
Dates: Mon-Wed, June 23-25, Time: 11-12, Ages: 3-5 with an adult, Fee: $25, + $5 supply fee
Dates: Mon-Fri, June-23-27, Time: 1-2:30pm, Ages: 6-8, Fee: $45, + $10 supply fee
Instructor: Cindy Beblavy
Foster a life-long joy of creating in this inspiring environment. Explore trains, boats, parachutes and more using different media including paint, pastels, clay, prints and more.

Mini Camp for PreK: Beetle Bug Jam
Dates: Mon-Wed, June 23-25, Time: 11-12, Ages: 3-5 with an adult, Fee: $25, + $5 supply fee
Dates: Mon-Fri, June 23-27, Time: 1-2:30pm, Ages: 6-8, Fee: $45, + $10 supply fee
Instructor: Cindy Beblavy
Explore our creepy, crawly, squirmy friends using different mediums including paint, pastels, sculpture, prints and more.

JULY
Week of July 7-11
Equine Art Camp for Horse Crazy Kids (not necessary to know how to ride)
Dates: Mon-Fri, July 7-11, Time: 10-12pm, Ages: 7-12
Instructor: Martha Strawther, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Venture into the exciting, mysterious world of horses and do projects based on their beauty. Learn practical information about them and have hands-on learning experiences. We'll create “horsey” art in many different mediums and explore a different equine discipline each day. (hint, one day explores equine Olympics)

At the Seashore
Dates: Mon-Fri, July 7-11, Time: 10-12pm, Ages: 6-9
Instructor: Barbara Hawley, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Spend a week’s vacation exploring the shore and marine life at The Arts Center. Students will learn about the beach environment through creative projects involving drawing, painting, sculpture and other artistic means. Marine animals, plants, sand, water, and fun.

Clay and Paper Beads
Dates: Mon-Fri, July 7-11, Time: 1-3pm, Ages: 6-9
Instructor: Cindy Beblavy, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Make non-fire clay and paper tube beads then create your own necklaces, back pack adornments, key rings, bracelets and more.

Let the Games Begin
Dates: Mon-Fri, July 7-11, Time: 1-3pm, Ages: 7-12
Instructor: Barbara Hawley, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Design, make, and play your own games. Working together as a team, we will make games for group and solitary play including board games, toss games, and a fantastic marble run. The week will culminate with our own 2008 Olympic games.

Beginner Plus Knitting for Teens
Dates: Mon-Fri, July 7-11, Time: 10-12, Ages: 13 and up
Instructor: Barbie Renton, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Laugh, talk, share and learn to knit (or refresh your skills) at the same time. Bring your own project or you can select from your choice of a purse, poncho, scarf, vest or a pet blanket. You can complete your project by the end of camp or have everything you need to finish at home. Max 6 students.

Week of July 14-18
Felted Marionette Magic
Dates: Mon-Fri, July 14-18, Time: 10-12, Ages: 8-12
Instructor: Wendy Wiebe, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
This beginner class will concentrate on the creation of a traditional marionette. Students will learn the basics of the felting process, construct body parts, heads and faces, and assemble their marionettes to take home. Max 6 students. Please, no children under 8.

Wear Your Art
Dates: Mon-Fri, July 14-18, Time: 1-3pm, Ages: 8 and up
Instructor: Wendy Wiebe, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Express your individuality in one-of-a-kind art that can be worn, used as decoration, or simply admired. Create duck tape items, clay necklaces, paperclip adornments, fabric-dyed tee-shirts, painted canvas bags and maybe even henna.

Kid’s Clay
Dates: Mon-Thurs July 14-18, Glazing Day TBA, Time: 10-12, Ages: 8 and up
Time: 1-3, Ages: 7-12
Instructor: Cindy Beblavy, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Kids can’t do this at home! Kids explore the world of clay through a variety of exciting projects that incorporate the basic techniques of pinched, slab and coiled construction.

Week of July 21-25
Painting with Tissue Paper, Yarn and More
Dates: Mon-Fri, June 21-25, Time: 10-12, Ages: 6-9
Instructor: Cindy Beblavy, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
You’ll be amazed at what you can create combining torn tissue and other mediums. Create jewel-colored abstract or realistic paintings of landscapes, portraits, or something from your imagination. See gallery exhibit for examples of yarn painting.

Hoof, Paw, Claw: Drawing Animals with Kitty Dodd
Date: Mon-Fri, July 21-25, Time: 10-12pm, Ages: 13 and up Or
Time: 1-3pm, Ages: 6-9
Instructor: Kitty Dodd, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Animal and art lover’s will love this camp! View our new exhibit then learn how to draw animals in a fun way using markers, colored pencils, crayons and more. Take your drawing pad outdoors on nice days. See Kitty’s amazing art in our gallery shop.

Clay and Paper Beads
Dates: Mon-Fri, July 21-25, Time: 10-12, Ages: 13 and up
Instructor: Cindy Beblavy, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Make non-fire clay and paper tube beads then create your own necklaces, back pack, key rings, bracelets and more.

Week of July 28-Aug 1
Fairyland
Dates: Mon-Fri, July 28-Aug 1, Time: 10-12, Ages: 6-9
Instructor: Barbara Hawley, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
From fluttering wings to wishing star wands, the enchanted land of fairies will be created and experienced through drawing, painting, costume design, and other magical methods.

Teen Clay
Dates: Mon-Thurs June 9-13, Glazing Day TBA, Time: 10-12, Ages: 13 and up
Instructor: Cindy Beblavy, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Teens can’t do this at home! Kids explore the world of clay through a variety of exciting projects that incorporate the basic techniques of pinched, slab, and coiled construction.

Artist’s Treasure Book
Dates: Mon-Fri, July 28-Aug 1, Time: 1-3pm, Ages: 13 and up
Instructor: Barbara Hawley, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Students will create an artistic journal using drawing, watercolors, sewing, collage and a multitude of other techniques. Combining words with images, “the museum of you” will unfold with your personal vision.

High Plains Drifter
Dates: Mon-Fri, July 28-Aug 1, Time: 1-3pm, Ages: 6-9
Instructor: Wendy Wiebe, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Travel to the western plains and discover life as a Lakota Sioux. There will be flute making, teepee building, drum designing, maybe even some beads, pouches, vests etc. Learn some of the Lakota words for colors and nature. Come discover life on the plains!

AUGUST
Week of Aug 4-8
Art of the Masters

Dates: Mon-Fri, Aug 4-8, Time: 10-12, Ages: 8-12
Instructor: Anna Marie DeMio Dowen, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Have fun learning about the life and work of a different artist each day and complete a masterpiece of your own inspired by that artist’s style using a variety of materials – clay, paint, prints, and found objects.

Paper Crazy
Dates: Mon-Fri, Aug 4-8, Time: 10-12, Ages: 7-12
Instructor: TBA, Fee: $55, +$10 supply fee
Make your own handmade paper, origami creatures, pop-up books and cards and more.

Mixed Media: Everything but the Kitchen Sink
Dates: Mon-Fri, Aug 4-8, Time: 10-12, Ages: 7-12 OR
Dates: Mon-Fri, Aug 4-8, Time: 1-3pm, Ages: 13 and up
Instructor: Wendy Wiebe, Fee: $55, +$10 supply fee
Have fun exploring something different everyday.

Week of Aug 11-15
All Things Cowboy (and Cowgirl)
Dates: Mon-Fri, Aug 11-15, Time: 10-12, Ages: 8-12
Instructor: Wendy Wiebe, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Let’s go back in time and make great art of the Old West. Using many mediums, young artists will forge out all types of western art and throughout the week will transform into old-time cowboys and cowgirls!

Stick-Horse (Felted Art on a Stick)
Dates: Mon-Fri, Aug 11-15, Time: 1-3pm, Ages: 8-12
Instructor: Wendy Wiebe, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Create a beautiful felted animal in the style of a stick-horse. Using natural fibers each young artist will design and construct a whimsical or realistic, one of a kind, animal that will be fashioned into a stick animal. Please no children under 8.

Junktique: Trash to Treasure
Dates: Mon-Fri, Aug 11-15, Time: 10-12pm, Ages: 7-12 OR
Time: 1-3pm, Ages: 13 and up
Instructor: Gigi Payne, Fee: $55, + $10 supply fee
Help the environment by transforming throw away items into unique works of art.

Note to all students: Class refunds will not be issued after the first class meeting. Cancellations due to weather will follow the Orange County School closing schedule, unless otherwise notified. Students may also call The Arts Center and the answering machine will have current information.

Instructor Bios
Cindy Beblavy received her fine arts degrees from the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Columbus School of Art and Design.

Anna Marie DeMio Dowen studied at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago, as well as Western Illinois University and Arizona State University. Her artwork includes painting, drawing, and multimedia explorations. She directs the Arts Center’s Community Outreach Program and teaches adult classes for the program.

Kitty Dodd is an award winning artist specializing in animals. She works exclusively in colored pencils and oils. She has exhibited in several national shows, received awards and has art in homes around the world. Kitty has taught many classes including the starting of an art department in a private school to teaching adults at the National Zoo in D.C.

Barbara Hawley received her BA in Studio Art from the University of Maryland. She developed the first artist-in-residence program at the UVA Cancer Center where she focused on creative self-expression and the healing power of art. She has also introduced art programs and classes to Grymes Memorial School, the Renaissance School, Neuro Care and Play Partners a division of Child, Youth, and Family Services.

Aimee Hunt received her BA from the College of the Atlantic where she concentrated on Fabric and Ceramics. For 8 years Aimee was a student at the Bemis Art School for Children. She has also studied at the Worcester Craft Center and the Corcoran School of Art.

Ed King teaches for Germanna Community College and is interested in ancient history, archaeology and images from nature in his art. He got his MFA degree from Pratt Institute in NYC, and also studied at VCU in Richmond.

Thomas Marsh is a classical figurative sculptor who has created many public monuments in California, as well as public sculptures in Florida and at Freedom Park in Arlington, VA. He received a BFA in painting from the Layton School of Art, Milwaukee, WE, an MFA in sculpture from California State University, Long Beach, and has studied extensively in Italy.

Monica Newell of Monster Art studio in Sperryville Virginia is an acrylic painter/mixed media artist with 16 years experience creating and showing art around the country.

Martha Strawther is the Director of Montpelier Hunt Races and enjoys painting as a hobby.

Audrie Trammell is a local artist and teacher who resides in Louisa with her family. She has a BFA in Art Education and BLS in Studio Art. Her media are sculpture, ceramics and painting. She shows her work in venues around the region and works out of her private studio. She has taught painting, ceramics and printmaking in Orange and Richmond since 2002.

Wendy Wiebe has taught felting privately and in schools for 6 years. She has received awards for her work from the Southeastern Animal Fiber Festival and the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival and was invited to show her work at the prestigious International Fiber Festival in London. She raises Karakul and Navajo-Churro sheep at Finefelt Farm in Orange.





Home | Current Exhibit | About the Arts Center | Info for Artists | Board of Directors/Staff | Community Outreach
Main Gallery Exhibits | Classroom Exhibits | Support the Arts Center | Classes | Directions | Newsletter (.pdf)
© 2004 The Arts Center in Orange, artcenter@firstnetva.com
Page design by: webologie

 art lovers have visited this page.