The most varied of all areas of studio art study, Design + Mixed-Media covers a wide range of classes and workshops including Hoop Embroidery, Introduction to Jewelry, Introduction to Stained Glass, Introduction to Sewing and many others.
Instructors Sarah Hand, Jude Schlotzhauer, Shelley Jones, and Mary Swezey teach many of the classes and workshops.
Class Schedule
Making Papier-Mâché NEW! [36]
Wed, May 7 - 28, 10 am -- 1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
SARAH HAND
Explore sculpting with papier mâché to create your favorite bird. This is a fun introduction to the basics of papier mâché, but also suitable for folks who want to take their skills up a notch. The instructor will discuss bird forms and anatomy and demonstrate the use of armature sculpting and traditional newspaper and paste papier mâché. Learn various ways to attach pieces, create expressions, and embellish. Explore how to make a three-dimensional object in a low-tech medium. The instructor will also show examples of her own creations. A materials fee of $20 is payable to the instructor at the first session. It includes most materials.
Printing, Dyeing, and Painting Fabric [59]
Wed, Feb 5 -- Apr 23, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
JULIA PFAFF
Explore a variety of approaches to making patterns on fabric including Japanese-style tie-dye and fabric printing with both dye and pigment. The instructor will cover the basics of printing in repeats and producing one-of-a-kind compositional fabric design. Finished fabrics will be suitable for quilting, home decorating, and garment construction. A materials fee of $45, cash or check, payable to the instructor at the first class, covers dyes and fabrics suitable for dyeing.
Art Quilting for Beginners [60]
Thu, Feb 6 -- Apr 24, 7 – 10 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
JULIA PFAFF
Learn to quilt like an artist in this class for beginners or experienced quilters who want to change their approach to quilting. The instructor will cover contemporary quilt design and techniques. Students will learn about piecing, applique, and machine quilting, finishing up the course with a unique wall or lap quilt.
Introduction to Stained Glass Workshop [61]
Sat & Sun, Feb 8 & 9, 10 am – 4:30 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
JUDE SCHLOTZHAUER
Learn the basics of stained glass and create a small window panel in your choice of patterns. Techniques covered in the workshop include pattern making, glass cutting, copper foiling, soldering, and construction. Make something beautiful to treasure or give as a gift. All materials are included.
$175 (VMFA members $160)
Fabric Printing in Reverse [62]
Sat, Feb 8, 10 am – 4 pm (1 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
JULIA PFAFF
This is a low -tech approach to printing fabric. Students will learn techniques such as stencil, stamp, and textured plates to print fabric with a paste that removes color. Its really like magic! Starting with black and colored fabrics, learn the fundamentals of fabric printing in repeats and in full compositions. This workshop is great for novice and experienced printers and fabric enthusiasts alike. A materials fee of $15, cash or check, payable to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop, covers all materials. Students may bring in a black cotton t-shirt to print on if they wish.
Indigo and Shibori Natural Dye Workshop [63]
Sat & Sun, Mar 1 & 2, 10 am – 4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
JULIA PFAFF
Learn the ancient art of Shibori (Japanese-style tie-dye) using the king of natural dyes: indigo. Additional color can be added with the introduction of black walnut dye. Participants will make several pieces of richly patterned fabric along with two cotton kitchen towels and a silk scarf. A materials fee of $25, payable to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop, covers most materials. Students can bring a few small natural fiber items from home to dye (cotton, silk, or linen).
A Felted Eyeglass Case Workshop NEW! [64]
Sat & Sun, Mar 8 & 9, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
SHELLEY JONES
Learn how to make a hand-felted eyeglass case or treasure bag out of merino wool roving laminated with silk and other fibers. Decorate with merino wool prefelts, yarn, or silk fabric. A resist, hand manipulation, and a bit of experimentation will all be used to make these decorative and useful bags. The use of other materials for embellishment will also be explored. Students will need to get their hands wet and soapy and be able to manipulate the wool with their hands in a repetitive motion. A fee of $10, payable
to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop, will cover materials for a case and bag, as well as simple tools for continuing to make felt at home. Please bring two old towels. All other supplies will be provided.
$145 (VMFA members $130)
Visible Mending Sampler Workshop [65]
Sat, Feb 22, 10 am – 4 pm (1 session) | Studio School, 1st floor
MARY SWEZEY
Participants will learn about the history of visible mending with roots in Japanese Sashiko and Indian Kantha stitching. With guidance from the instructor, students will make a mending sampler featuring a variety of stitches to fix tears and holes in loved and worn clothing. You will learn skills to repair your clothing and make them interesting in the process. The instructor will provide a mending kit for $20, payable at the beginning of the workshop. You may also want to bring additional cloth or a clothing item to work on during the workshop.