Visual Arts

Welcome to ARTfactory’s ARTful Wellness Series!

We understand the importance of mental health and want to provide a safe place for individuals and families to find and learn positive ways to better their well-being. We are grateful to be partnering with UVA Health in a way that provides our community with helpful resources to help ease depression, stress and anxiety, plus help improve things such as memory and mood.

Our ARTful Wellness Series will include classes and workshops for all ages. Please view our ARTful Wellness Series tab at the top of our website in the navigation bar to view a detailed list of upcoming classes and workshops related to mental health. To read the ARTful Wellness Series press release, visit our homepage.

This camp will lead young artists and cartooning fans through the first steps to develop an imaginary setting in a process known as “Worldbuilding.”  Bring your cartoons to life with a backstory that adds interest, humor, originality and FUN!  Worldbuilding classes may be taken multiple times. Each student’s creative journey may develop at their own pace.  For ages 7-12

Instructor: Ryan Arias

Tuition: $210  Supply Fee: $15 Register by March 27 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

Explore the powers of the third dimension in this diverse approach to sculpture. Build anything from whimsical characters to abstract constructs! Using wire, wood, clay and more, we will develop and improve modeling skills and the ability to “see” the three-dimensional art in the making. For ages 11 – adult

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $210  Supply Fee: $15    Register by March 27 for 10% tuition discount for non-members and 25% discount for members.

Join Mx. Lee Lee for an exploration into the world of art through makeup. During this spring break adventure,  you will use your makeup and tools to learn how to use inspiration and create using your face as a canvas. You will need your own makeup supplies and some brushes. Mx. Leelee will have some tools available to help with specific techniques but you will want your own brushes. From color theory to abstract art, each session will have a theme as LeeLee imparts their knowledge in the world of Makeup creation.

Students will need the following makeup items:  white primer, foundation that matches skin color, blush, multicolor eye palette, basic brush set, mascara, lipstick, eye liner. We will provide specialty colors, brush cleaner, makeup wipes and specialty pieces if needed.

Ages 11-18

Note:  Following the current CDC recommendation, students and instructors should wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk.  Class size will be limited for social distancing.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing our facilities.

Instructor: Mx. LeeLee King

Tuition: $168    Register by March 27 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

Join us for four evenings of soothing rhythms and energized beats in the beautiful setting of AROMA Wine Tasting Room in Historic Manassas.  Instructor Carol Hartt will introduce various hand drums and world percussion instruments. Students will learn to play several different rhythms and how to mix and match these sound sequences. We will learn to cooperate in a drum circle and create beautiful percussive tones in synchronicity.  Drums provided by instructor.  Don’t miss this fun and unique opportunity to experience the relaxing effects of focused rhythms and musical collaboration!  No prior experience needed.  For ages 15 – adult.  Wine by the glass will be available for sale to ages 21 & over.

ARTfactory thanks Morais Vineyards for allowing our use of their beautiful tasting room for this class.  Learn more about Morais Vineyards at https://moraisvineyards.com.

Note:  Following the current CDC recommendation, students and instructors should wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk.

Instructor: Carol Hartt

Tuition: $56
Early Registration Discount:  Register by April 3 for 10% off for non-members and 25% off for ARTfactory Members.

This class will support improvement of fundamental drawing skills while bringing students together for fun and creativity.  Come explore line, form, shading and texture using traditional art media.  Class may be taken multiple times through the year; lessons and subject matter will vary each session.  Media could include pencils, charcoal, colored pencils, pens, markers and pastels.  Supplies provided via supply fee. For ages 11-14

Note:  Following the current CDC recommendation, students and instructors should wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $84  Supply Fee: $15   Register by April 10 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

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 skills and explore new directions. Class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented each session. List of acrylics supplies given upon registration; canvases and boards will be provided by the instructor. For ages 15 & up.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $140  Canvas Fee: $10    Register by April 3 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

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 skills and explore new directions. Supplies provided via supply fee.  For ages 15 & up.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $105  Supply Fee: $20   Register by April 10 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

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 each session.  List of watercolor supplies given upon registration.  Watercolor paper will be provided by instructor. For ages 15 & up.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $140  Canvas Fee: $10    Register by April 10 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

Let’s get together to focus, relax and create something beautiful.  Nurture peace of mind with a method of meditative structured drawing that allows you to explore line, color and creativity with freedom, fun and spontaneity.  Award-winning instructor Cheryl Miehl will guide students through crystal clear follow-along demonstrations of the steps to create original free-form spirals of color and intricacy.   Throughout the experience students will learn to use the art form to reduce stress. No drawing experience is needed, just a willingness to try something new.  For ages 15 – adult.

*Workshops in our ARTful Wellness Series are sponsored by UVA Health.  Through their generous grant, registrants will receive a special 25% discount on tuition, and each student will receive an art supply kit to use during the workshop. 

Instructor: Cheryl Miehl

Tuition: $28 – 25% UVA Health Sponsorship Discount = $21
Supply Fee:  *Provided by UVA Health.

Here’s a fun introduction to the fluidity and transparency of watercolor. Come to our beautiful Caton Merchant Gallery and enjoy a step-by-step afternoon of watercolor painting.  Award-winning artist Mike Flynn will show the way through gentle guidance and clear demonstrations.  The subject matter will be suited to beginners, and more experienced painters will learn tips and tricks from Mike in a relaxing atmosphere.  If you love the medium, we have lots more classes you may enjoy!  For ages 15 – adult.

*Workshops in our ARTful Wellness Series are sponsored by UVA Health.  Through their generous grant, registrants will receive a special 25% discount on tuition, and each student will be provided with watercolor paper, brushes and paints to use during the lesson. 

Note:  Following the current CDC recommendation, students and instructors should wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk.

Instructor: Mike Flynn

Tuition: $49 – 25% UVA Health Sponsorship Discount = $36.75
Supply Fee:  *Provided by UVA Health.

Come indulge design impulses in our studio art class! Find plenty of individual instruction & opportunities to try new media & techniques. We will draw, paint, sketch and build dynamic creations.  For ages 11-14.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $84  Supply Fee: $12  Register by April 17 for 10% tuition discount for non-members, 25% discount for members.

Anime art lovers, this class will show how acrylic and watercolor paints may be used to create a portrait of your original anime character.  Acrylic paints are vibrant, versatile and perfect for beginners. We will focus on creating an original manga style character, and use drawing media to bring color and detail to the design.  We will finish with a painting on canvas, watercolor paper, or panel board. For ages 10 – Adult.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $112    Supply fee:  $8     Register by April 24 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

This class is designed for the beginner. Take this opportunity to work step by step in acrylic paints to achieve a complete animal portrait painting with the guidance of children’s book illustrator Emily Thomson. Color mixing, technique, and material properties will be addressed. Bring your favorite animal photograph to use as a visual reference, either printed out in full color high resolution, or bring your laptop to view a digital copy.  Phones are too small for viewing references.  For ages 13 – Adult.

Instructor: Emily Thomson

Tuition: $140     Supply Fee: $20      Register by May 1 for 10% tuition discount for non-members and 25% tuition discount for members.

Do you need to find more time for self-care in your day? Join Kimberly Faulkner, a practitioner of art and healing, for this one-time, stress reduction workshop designed for mothers or women who identify as caregivers. Through guided meditation and personal reflection, you will tap into creative expression through an art project inspired by nature. Kimberly will review self-care techniques and share new activities you can practice at home with your family. You are sure to leave rejuvenated and return to care giving with a greater sense of balance. No artistic background required. *Kimberly Faulkner is a board-certified Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (ATR-BC.) Learn more about Kimberly and her practice at www.bluemonarchcreative.com.   For ages 15 – adult.

*Workshops in our ARTful Wellness Series are sponsored by UVA Health.  Through their generous grant, registrants will receive a special 25% discount on tuition, and each student will receive an art supply kit to use during the workshop, and refreshments will be served.

Note:  Following the current CDC recommendation, students and instructors should wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk.

Instructor: Kimberly Faulkner

Tuition: $35 – 25% UVA Health Sponsorship Discount = $26.25
Supply Fee:  *Provided by UVA Health.

This mini class for young artists will support fundamental drawing skills while bringing students together for creativity.  Come explore line, form, shading and texture using traditional art media and a variety of fun subject matter.  Your supply fee will provide each student with a kit to use during class that could include pencils, charcoal, colored pencils, pens, markers and pastels.  For ages 7-11.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $63  Supply Fee: $12   Register by May 1 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

Join us for four evenings of soothing rhythms and energized beats in the beautiful setting of AROMA Wine Tasting Room in Historic Manassas.  Instructor Carol Hartt will introduce various hand drums and world percussion instruments. Students will learn to play several different rhythms and how to mix and match these sound sequences. We will learn to cooperate in a drum circle and create beautiful percussive tones in synchronicity.  Drums provided by instructor.  Don’t miss this fun and unique opportunity to experience the relaxing effects of focused rhythms and musical collaboration!  No prior experience needed.  For ages 15 – adult.  Wine by the glass will be available for sale to ages 21 & over.

ARTfactory thanks Morais Vineyards for allowing our use of their beautiful tasting room for this class.  Learn more about Morais Vineyards at https://moraisvineyards.com.

Note:  Following the current CDC recommendation, students and instructors should wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk.

Instructor: Carol Hartt

Tuition: $56
Early Registration Discount:  Register by May 8 for 10% off for non-members and 25% off for ARTfactory Members.

Join us on Friday evenings for a fun studio art class! Find plenty of individual instruction & opportunities to try new media & techniques. We will draw, paint, sketch and build dynamic creations.  For ages 7-11.

Note:  Following the current CDC recommendation, students and instructors should wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $84  Supply Fee: $15   Register by May 15 for 10% tuition discount for non-members, 25% discount for members.

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 skills and explore new directions. Class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented each session. List of acrylics supplies given upon registration; canvases and boards will be provided by the instructor. For ages 15 & up.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $112  Canvas Fee: $10    Register by May 15 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

Discover the art of “beautiful writing” in clear and easy steps. This program is suitable for both beginners and intermediate students who want to expand skills. The class includes simple take-home projects to help you become confident with this ancient and therapeutic art form.  A perfect class for card making and invitations, it is also ideal for students who are exploring the art of bookmaking and art journals.  Beginners are welcome to take the class and start at square one.  Returning students will review the introductory fonts from your initial session, and expand your practice to include font options French Ronde, Legende, Gothic.

Supply fee covers a calligraphy pen & nib kit that you keep, customized for left handers and right handers!

For ages 15 – Adult.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $84  Supply Kit: $30     Register by May 15 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

Learn about different pastel supports (types of papers & boards) while exploring a variety of techniques. Dive right in without needing paintbrushes, solvents, or a palette – no other medium allows you to apply rich color to support as quickly as you can with soft pastels. Supply list will be provided upon registration. Paper will be provided via Paper Fee.  For ages 15 & up.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $84  Paper Fee: $8    Register by May 22 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

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 each session.  List of watercolor supplies given upon registration.  Watercolor paper will be provided by instructor. For ages 15 & up.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $112  Paper Fee: $10    Register by May 22 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

Do you love cartoons, comic books and animation? Learn the fundamentals of creating your own cartoons and improve your character illustration skills and personal style. We will look at eastern and western comics, and then use hand-drawing techniques to illustrate an exciting story or page, just like the professionals!  Our digital tablets, computers and software will be available cartooning tools, too!  For ages 7 – 12

Note: These programs are available to Manassas City residents with the zip code 20110 or for students who attend Manassas City Public Schools. Tuition and supply fees have been greatly reduced through the generous support of City of Manassas Department of Parks, Culture & Recreation. Registrants will be required to provide their residence address and school information in special questions when purchasing the camp.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $52.50

Explore the powers of the third dimension in this diverse approach to sculpture. You will have creative freedom regarding the source of your inspiration. Build anything from whimsical characters to abstract constructs – the sky is the limit! Using wire, wood, clay & more, we will develop and improve modeling skills and the ability to “see” the three-dimensional art in the making. For ages 11 – 15.

Note: These programs are available to Manassas City residents with the zip code 20110 or for students who attend Manassas City Public Schools. Tuition and supply fees have been greatly reduced through the generous support of City of Manassas Department of Parks, Culture & Recreation. Registrants will be required to provide their residence address and school information in special questions when purchasing the camp.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $52.50

We will learn to create cartoons using powerful software tools.  Gain experience in taking hand drawings into digital programs for further artistic manipulation.  Learn to develop your layout and add text in layers.  Bring a flash drive to take your creations home!

Course will take place in our Wind River Chimes Creative Computer Lab at ARTfactory.  We provide powerful desktop computers and access to Adobe Creative Cloud and other widely accessible software programs.  For ages 9-14.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $224    Supply Fee:  $20     Register by June 12 for 10% tuition discount.  (Members receive a 25% early registration member discount.)

Are you a budding artist filling page after page with drawings? Join this studio art camp and play with materials and techniques that will expand your creativity in two and three-dimensional projects. Discover your own creative power as you learn about the wonderful elements of design: Line, Shape, Form, Value, Space, Texture, Color.  For ages 7-11.

Instructor: Lori Grebner

Tuition: $168   Supply Fee:  $20      Register by June 12 for 10% tuition discount. (Members receive a 25% early registration member discount.)

Join artist Ashley Lubold for a beautifully green, sustainable art class.  We will take inspiration from nature and use earthly elements to make beautiful art in the fresh air and comfortable studios of Windy Knoll Farm.  Projects may include organic sculpture, collage, mosaics and more.  Each day will wind down with a traditional drum circle lesson with Carol Hartt, a unique experience and a favorite feature!  For ages 9-14.

Instructors:  Ashley Lubold and Carol Hartt

Tuition: $210  Supply Fee: $15  Register by July 12 for 10% tuition discount. (Members receive a 25% early registration member discount.)

What better way to explore beautiful use of color and design than to look to several “stars” of the art world? We will weave some fun art history into this multi-media art camp.  Students will be inspired to find their own unique voice and self-expression through painting, drawing, sculpture and more. For ages 7-12.

Note:  Following the current CDC recommendation, students and instructors should wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk.  Class size will be limited for social distancing.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing our facilities.

Instructor: Lori Grebner

Tuition: $210  Supply Fee: $20  Register by June 19 for 10% tuition discount for non members and 25% discount for members.

This class will improve your ability to draw elements of the human form, no matter what your preferred drawing style.  For ages 10-15.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $210    Supply Fee:  $15     Register by June 19 for 10% tuition discount. (Members receive a 25% early registration member discount.)

Do you love to draw and want to explore line, shape, texture and value in a manner that conveys drama and mystique? Try the visually powerful medium of charcoal. We will experiment with additive and subtractive applications using charcoal pencils and sticks and learn blending tools and techniques to manipulate the medium for a wide variety of effects. For ages 13 to Adult.

Instructor: Emily Thomson

Tuition: $140 Supply Fee: $10   Register by June 19 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

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 skills and explore new directions. Class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented each session. List of acrylics supplies given upon registration; canvases and boards will be provided by the instructor. For ages 15 & up.

Note:  We may accommodate make-up lessons for this particular class, so don’t let your vacation schedule hinder participation.  Contact Candace Penders to learn more at 703-330-2787 or via email at [email protected]

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $84  Canvas Fee: $8   Register by June 26 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

Explore the beautiful fluidity & transparency of watercolor with three summer lessons in Michele’s very popular series!  Class is offered throughout the year with a different approach each session, so feel free to take this course repeatedly.  Beginners will learn basic tools & techniques; experienced students will expand skills with new methods, materials, styles and subjects. List of watercolor supplies given upon registration; watercolor paper will be provided by instructor. For ages 15 & up.

Note:  We may accommodate make-up lessons for this particular class, so don’t let a vacation conflict prevent your participation.  Contact Candace Penders to learn more at 703-330-2787 or email your concern to [email protected]

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $84  Canvas Fee: $8     Register by June 26 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

This class will explore the fundamental techniques of oil painting.  We will begin by looking at real flowers.  With the instructor’s guidance, students will photograph the flowers in the art studio, and learn to crop the image to capture an interesting composition.  We will print the final reference photo for students.  The fluid shapes and colors found in the flower of their choice will form the basis of a beautiful oil painting.  Oil paints and canvases will be provided via supply fee.  Learn quickly in our summer daily lesson format, starting on a Monday and ending the following Monday.  For ages 15 – Adult.

Instructor: Emily Thomson

Tuition: $168 Supply Fee: $25  Register by July 17 for 10% tuition discount for non-members and 25% discount for members.

Over 5 evenings, we will compare the properties of three distinctly different media with guidance and practical application. You will select a reference photo and create three separate works of art based upon that photo; one in soft pastels, one in oil paints, another in acrylics. Through the process, students will learn the basic techniques and supplies needed to get started in these media, and gain a better understanding of their variations in color blending. This class is the perfect overview for the beginner who wants to compare options, and would make a wonderful foundation for portfolio studies for experienced students. Bring some reference photos you find appealing. The instructor will supply choices, too, and advice in your final selection. Materials will be provided via supply fee. For ages 13 to Adult.

Instructor: Emily Thomson

Tuition: $175 Supply Fee: $30   Register by July 31 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

Join artist Emily Thomson for a relaxing and fortifying class in drawing fundamentals!  Improve your drawing skills as we explore line, value, shape, texture, light, space and perspective. Bring your artist sketching pencils and charcoals, and an 18″ x 24″ drawing pad. This class may be taken multiple times; lessons will vary from session to session. For ages 15 & up.

Instructor: Emily Thomson

Tuition: $105       Register by Sept. 25 for 10% tuition discount for non-members, 25% discount for members.

This class will explore the fundamental techniques of oil painting.  Each student will select a reference photo with guidance from teaching artist Emily Thomson.  The instructional approach will be customized to address the skill development for students:
Experienced Beginner (some drawing and painting experience, but new to oils.)
Intermediate (some experience with oil painting, but looking to improve skills.)
Oil paints and canvases will be provided via supply fee.  For ages 15 – Adult.

Instructor: Emily Thomson

Tuition: $168 Supply Fee: $20  Register by Nov. 6 for 10% tuition discount for non-members and 25% discount for members.