Design + Mixed Media Classes

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.

Mon, Jun 2 -- 23, 10 am – 1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, lower level
KOURTENAY PLUMMER

Students will learn how to combine clay and wire to design and create their own ceramic jewelry. Using a variety of handbuilding techniques and jewelry-making methods, participants will craft unique and personalized pieces including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and brooches. The instructor will guide students through the entire creative process, from brainstorming and sketching initial designs, to shaping clay, adding texture or patterns, and assembling the final jewelry pieces. Techniques include working with clay slabs, coils, and sculptural forms, as well as incorporating wire elements for structure and decoration. Students will also learn about firing and finishing processes, such as glazing or adding surface treatments to bring their pieces to life. Open to all levels of experience. Most materials are included.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

Sat & Sun, Jun 7 & 8, 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)

Sat & Sun, Jun 7 & 8, 10 am – 4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
JULIA PFAFF

Learn the ancient art of Shibori (Japanese style tie-dye) using fiber reactive dyes. Shibori creates sophisticated and complex patterns. Also known as Procion or coldwater dyes, they yield a rainbow of bright permanent colors. Participants will make several pieces of richly patterned fabric along with two silk scarves. A materials fee of $25, payable to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop, covers most of the materials.  Students can bring a few small natural fiber items from home to dye (cotton, silk, rayon, or linen).

Sat, Jun 14, 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. 

$90 (VMFA members $75)

Sat, Jul 26, 10 am – 4 pm (1 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
JULIA E. PFAFF

No quilting experience is necessary in this fast-moving and fun workshop. Students will learn a quick and contemporary construction technique. Foundation quilting allows an entire project to be sewn together and quilted at the same time. A materials fee of $15, payable to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop, covers quilt backing, batting, and a 14-inch pillow form. A materials list of what students need to provide will be provided on the VMFA website.