Upcoming Classes at Our Blacksburg Location
Looking to get creative this spring? The Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley is offering a variety of hands-on art classes in Blacksburg, perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike. From watercolor and weaving to drawing and pointillism, there’s something for everyone. Check out the upcoming classes below and reserve your spot today!
Beginning Watercolor with Harriet Anderson
Dates: Thursdays, March 20 – April 24, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Description: A six-week beginner class where you'll learn watercolor techniques step-by-step. The class kicks-off with students working on a 4”x 6” winter scene. Early lessons focus on watercolor techniques and not as much on drawing. Each lesson builds on the first one, adding new elements, sky, mountains, barns or houses, forests, flowers and even figures if you choose. Fee: $140 for members; $168 for non-members
Link: https://www.facnrv.org/shop/beginning-watercolor-harriet-anderson-six-week-class-spring-2025
Creative Tea Party with Ann Shawhan
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Description: Join Ann Shawhan, for an afternoon break in the day, socializing over making art, tea and cookies. Ann has a BFA from Florida State University, 1974. She has been predominantly a painter until 3 years ago when she took up making non-traditional mosaics. Explore the idea of mosaic making with paper and canvas pieces. Materials are supplied but can be supplemented with photos and paper you'd like to bring.
Fee: $25 for members; $31.25 for non-members
Link: https://www.facnrv.org/shop/creative-tea-party-march-22-2025
Realistic Drawing Workshop(Two Available Sessions)
Dates: Friday, March 28 & Saturday or March 29, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Description: Have you been curious about realistic drawing, but haven’t wanted to invest in a class or materials yet? Come dip your toes into the world of realistic drawing and ignite your inner artist. As a self-taught artist, I know getting started can be daunting. In this 2-hour workshop I will share with you my favorite drawing materials, techniques and secrets to quieting the inner critic. You will get to play with the tools and apply techniques while creating a simple take home drawing.
Fee: $25 for members; $31.50 for non-members
Link (March 28): https://www.facnrv.org/shop/realistic-drawing-march-28-2025
Link (March 29): https://www.facnrv.org/shop/realistic-drawing-march-29-2025
Weaving Sampler with Nikki Pynn
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Description: Try your hand at weaving in this 2 hour class. Learn the basics on a Rigid Heddle Loom, dress the loom, weave and finish with a hem-stitch to make a hanging sampler. All materials included.
Fee: $25 for members; $31.25 for non-members
Link: https://www.facnrv.org/shop/weaving-sampler-2025-april-5
How to Create Accurate Line Drawings Using a Grid with Lisa Wood
Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 10:30am-12:30pm
Description: Are you one of the many people who struggle with rendering an accurate line drawings from a photo? I was one of those people years ago, until I learned about using a grid. In this 2-hour workshop, I will share with you everything I learned to help me create accurate line drawings that translated into becoming a commissioned artist. Come learn how to draw up a grid on your drawing surface, how to enlarge or reduce your image, important tips to prevent problems and much more. I will also share about what I discovered when working on watercolor paper. You will get to practice the techniques I share as you work on a small drawing using the grid.
Fee: $25 for members; $31.50 for non-members
Link: https://www.facnrv.org/shop/accurate-line-drawings-april-9-2025
Blending, Shading and Contrast: The Key to Realistic Drawing
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Description: Have you ever wondered why some drawings pop off the page and others look flat? In this workshop, you will learn how to create depth in your drawings through understanding the value scale and how to create a smooth build up of graphite. Instructor Lisa Wood will introduce you to one of her favorite finds, graphite powder. During this session you will get to use the blending tools and graphite while working on a small drawing project. All skill levels welcome.
Fee: $25 for members; $31.50 for non-members
Link: https://www.facnrv.org/shop/blending-shading-contrast-april-12-2025
Pointillism Painting Workshop with Lisa Wood
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Description: Come Experience the art of pointillism with this fun project. In this workshop you will be introduced to pointillism painting and apply this technique to a small teak trinket box. This style of painting has a very calming effect on the mind and can be turned into a meditative practice to foster positive mental health. This workshop is in memory of Valerie Jaros, Stonespirations Art.
Fee: $25 for members; $31.50 for non-members
Link: https://www.facnrv.org/shop/pointillism-april-19-2025
Pointillism Painting Workshop with Lisa Wood
Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Description: Come relax and experience the art of pointillism painting. In this workshop you will be introduced to pointillism painting and apply this technique on a river stone. This style of painting has a very calming effect on the mind and can be turned into a meditative practice to foster positive mental health. This workshop is in memory of Valerie Jaros, Stonespirations Art.
Fee: $25 for members; $31.50 for non-members
Link: https://www.facnrv.org/shop/pointillism-may-3-2025