Students are taught in a supportive environment, seminar-style so that they can explore and learn to write in a variety of formats. Creative Writing classes are small with a maximum of ten so students can receive feedback from the instructor and classmates.
Instructors Tracy Lynch and Douglas Jones teach most weekly classes.
Class Schedule
Memoir Writing [31]
Tue, Jun 3–Jul 22, 10 am–1 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
DOUGLAS S. JONES
Willa Cather wrote, “Some memories are realities and are better than anything that can happen to one again.” Ernest Hemingway wrote, “Memory is hunger.” This class merges the two notions that memories are heightened experiences and that they make us hunger for more. The instructor offers students encouraging feedback and specific writing prompts to help develop ideas.
Writing the Shadow [32]
Mon, Jun 2–Jul 21, 7–10 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
DOUGLAS S. JONES
Each of us has a dark self. Sometimes we glimpse it in dreams; sometimes we come to know it in our thoughts or imaginings. The aim of this course is to draw it out and see what we can learn from it. Students explore ways in which a realization of the shadow can open creative avenues for use in various writing exercises, including guided imagery, dream work, and active imagination.
$200 (VMFA members $180)
Writing About Childhood NEW! [33]
Wed, Jun 4–Jul 23, 7–10 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
CATHERINE CARSON
In this class, we will use creative nonfiction storytelling to explore parts of our childhood and memorialize them. We’ll explore genrebending by incorporating poetry, prose, and fiction elements. This is a workshop class, meaning your peers’ critique is the most valuable aspect of the class. Because of this, every student will have the opportunity to workshop their piece every week and will be required to write in between classes to have work to edit. Through short stories and personal essays, we will practice the art of exploring memories and honoring the youngest parts of ourselves together.
$200 (VMFA members $180)
Memoir Writing Workshop [34]
Sat, Jun 21, 10 am – 4 pm (1 session) |Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
DOUGLAS S. JONES
Willa Cather wrote, “Some memories are realities and are better than anything that can happen to one again.” Ernest Hemingway wrote, “Memory is hunger.” This class merges these two notions: that memories are heightened experiences, and that they make us hunger for more. The instructor offers students encouraging feedback and specific writing prompts to help develop ideas.
Simple Folded Books Workshop NEW! [39]
Sat, Jul 12, 10 am – 4 pm (1 session) |Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
DIANA DETAMORE
Create your own unique handmade book by simply folding paper. The instructor will guide students in constructing accordion style books, which provide excellent vehicles for collections of photographs, collage, drawing, or text. The instructor will share her collection of handmade books as examples of how these simple formats can be transformed into personal and imaginative books and journals. No experience necessary.