Classes 

At The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center, we believe the best way to keep the arts in your life is by creating art throughout your life. Our educational programs allow visitors and students to broaden their understanding and appreciation of art by interacting with art, artists, and instructors, while expressing themselves through the creation of their own artwork.

The Arts Center has approximately 20 classes in various media throughout the year on a quarterly basis. These include drawing, watercolor, painting, photography, and other media. Both one day workshops and multi-week class sessions are offered. Our award winning artist instructors exhibit widely throughout Hampton Roads and have 10 to 40 years of teaching experience.

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Winter 2024 Class Schedule

Jewelry Creations with Jama Watts - Wed, March 20 & 27

Wednesdays, March 20 and 27 (2 weeks)

6:00pm to 8:00pm

Ages: 16+ 

Price: $65 (HAL members $60), Students must also pay a supply fee of $20 to the instructor.

Do you have cameos or cabochons that you don’t know what to do with?  Want to turn those unused pieces into new jewelry?  In this workshop, instructor Jama Watts will walk students through creating a beaded bezel around gemstone cabochons using a variety of seed beads, fabric, and thread to create a beautiful piece of wearable art. The class is perfect for those who are new to jewelry making or those who want to learn a new skill.  Students who have jewelry-making tools are encouraged to bring them, as there will be limited tools to share. 

 

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Winter 2024 Workshop Schedule

Silk Painting with Mary Swezey - CLASS FULL

Saturday, March 23

10 am to 4 pm

Age: 18+

Price: Free, materials fee of $20 to be paid to the arts center

Textile artist Mary Swezey will help you discover the French technique of serti, drawing with a liquid resist to create designs and patterns on silk scarves. Once the resist has dried and set with an iron, fabric paints are applied to complete the design. Students can expect to finish a long scarf. The workshop will also include a brief overview of the history of silk painting. This program has been organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is funded, in part, by the Paul Mellon Endowment and the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund. There will be a short break for lunch – students bring a bag lunch.

 

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Intro to Metal Clay with Bronwyn Evans - Sat, March 23

Saturday, March 23

10:00am to 4:00pm

Age: 18+

Price: $80 (HAL Members $75), Students must also pay a supply fee of $45 to the instructor.

What is metal clay and what can I make with it? Join us for this workshop and discover the exciting world of metal clay! In this introductory workshop, you will learn the basic techniques and skills needed to successfully create jewelry using metal clay. From the history and composition of metal clay to the best ways to cut, texture, form, shape, fire, and finish you will learn it all.

 

We will work with fine silver clay to create a pair of earrings and a pendant. There will also be information about some of the new base metal clays and the different firing techniques they require. If you fall in love with metal clay, the instructor will provide free firings for two months after the class in her home studio. Students can bring a bag of lunch.

 

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Creating Beads with Metal Clay with Bronwyn Evans - Sat, March 30

Saturday, March 30

10:00am to 4:00pm

Age: 18+

Price: $80 (HAL Members $75), Students must also pay a supply fee of $45 to cover the cost of 15 grams of clay.

Beads have always been an essential part of jewelry making. In this workshop, students will explore some of the ways to create beads using fine silver metal clay. You will learn to make tube beads, various shaped beads formed over combustible cores, and a lentil bead using dry construction techniques. You will learn about firing and finishing metal clay. Firing will be done in class if time allows; otherwise, the instructor will fire and your work will be available for pick up at the office. The instructor will have a limited amount of additional clay available for purchase. Students can bring a bag of lunch.

 

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2024 Spring Class Schedule

Beginning Acrylic Painting with Alex Drewry - Tues, April 23 - June 4

Tuesdays, April 23, 30, May 7,14, 21,28, and June 4 (7 weeks)

6:00pm – 8:30pm

Age: 16+

Price: $145 (HAL Members $140)

Acrylic painting is a popular and versatile medium for artists of all skill levels. Before you start painting, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of color theory and composition, as well as an idea of what you want to create. Acrylic paint dries quickly, so you can add layers and make changes to your painting as you go. It is important to experiment with different techniques, such as blending, layering, and dry brushing, to create texture and depth in your painting. With practice and experimentation, you can create beautiful acrylic paintings that showcase your unique style and vision.

 

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Watercolor Studio with Pam Oden - Wed, April 24 - May 29

Wednesdays, April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 (6 weeks)

10:15am - 12:45pm

Age: 18+

Price: $125 (HAL members $120)

Step into the enchanting world of watercolors with our immersive studio class. In this inspiring environment, budding and experienced artists alike gather to explore the delicate art of painting with watercolors. Guided by our skilled and passionate instructor, you'll learn essential techniques such as blending, layering, and wet-on-wet, allowing you to capture the ethereal beauty of your subjects on paper.

 

Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape from everyday life or aiming to refine your artistic skills, our watercolor studio class offers a supportive, communal space to foster your artistic journey. Join us and let the soothing flow of watercolors transport you into a realm of artistic expression and self-discovery.

 

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Beginning Watercolor Painting with Alex Drewry - Wed, April 24 - June 5

Wednesdays, April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and June 5 (7 weeks)

6:00pm - 8:30pm

Age: 18+

Price: $145 (HAL members $140)

Join Alex Drewry in the exploration of watercolor painting. Students will be engaged in applying techniques and learning the basic fundamentals of watercolor. Working alongside the instructor, students will find their own unique style and be able to apply both basic foundations and their own creativity fluidly. Dress for a mess is encouraged and basic drawing skills are not necessary, but welcomed!

 

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Write Back to Art with Lisa Hartz - Wed, April 24 - May 29

Wednesdays, April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 (6 weeks)

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Ages: 18+

Price: $95 (HAL members $90)

In this creative writing workshop, we’ll read a variety of poems crafted in response to visual media while we view the images that inspired them. Writing prompts will be offered to get you started crafting your responses to one or two images each week. These early drafts will be shared (if and when you’re ready) and constructive criticism offered. You will leave each meeting ready to seek out the imagery that inspires you and return with revisions or fresh work to share. Open to writers of all levels of experience.

 

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Oil Painting 101 with Ray M. Hershberger - Thurs, April 25 - May 30

Thursdays, April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 (6 weeks)

10:00am – 12:30pm

Age: 18+

Price $125 (HAL Members $120)
This beginning painting class is also a good refresher course for intermediate students. Among the topics covered: are materials, color theory, tonal values, rendering, glazes and impasto, and developing your personal style. Whether you're capturing the beauty of a landscape, the nuance of a portrait, or the energy of an abstract piece, beginning oil painting opens up a world of creative possibilities, encouraging you to express your unique artistic vision. Bring a selection of photographs to use as source material as well as your current supplies. We will cover supplies in the first week. Canvases should range from 9” x 12” up to 16” x 20.” 

 

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Drawing 101 with Alex Drewry - Thurs, April 25 - May 30

Thursdays, April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 (6 weeks)

6:00pm – 8:00pm

Age: 18+

Price $125 (HAL Members $120)
Drawing is a foundational skill that can aid in the development of other creative pursuits. An art form in its own right, learning how to draw can help unlock one's creative potential. Many benefits associated with drawing include increased focus and relaxation, improved creativity and problem-solving, and greater hand-eye coordination. Each week, you'll learn how to practice and implement the basic elements of drawing, contour drawing, shading, and spatial relationships.

 

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Intermediate Watercolor with Pam Oden - Fri, April 26 - May 31

Fridays, April 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 (6 weeks)

10:15am - 12:45pm

Age: 18+

Price: $125 (HAL members $120)

This class is designed for students who already possess basic fundamental skills in handling watercolor. Students will be encouraged to ‘delve deeper’ into Design, Value, and Color. Class topics will include still life, collaging a landscape/seascape, ‘figure’ design adding pattern, and non-representational abstract design. We will look at design principles employed by contemporary artists for inspiration.

 

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Bead Weaving with Jama Watts - Thurs, May 2 - May 30

Thursdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 (5 weeks)

10:00am - 12:00pm

Ages 16+

Price: $100 (HAL members $95); Students are to pay a supply fee of $ 20 to the instructor.

Bead weaving is a captivating and intricate craft that involves the artful assembly of beads to create stunning, often elaborate designs. This age-old technique, dating back thousands of years across various cultures, utilizes a variety of weaving stitches, such as peyote, herringbone, and right-angle weave, to interlace individual beads into cohesive patterns. Bead weavers employ a needle and thread to meticulously build these beadwork structures, enabling them to produce an array of ornamental items, like bracelets, necklaces, and earrings to decorative items like tapestries and amulet bags.

 

The diversity of bead shapes, sizes, and colors offers endless creative possibilities, making bead weaving both a form of artistic expression and a means of preserving cultural traditions. Whether crafting for personal enjoyment or to create intricate heirlooms, bead weaving exemplifies the harmonious fusion of creativity and precision. 

 

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Wood Carving by Hand with Christopher B. Wagner - Thurs, May 16 & 23

Thursdays, May 16 and May 23 (2 weeks)

6:00pm – 9:00pm

Age: 12+; students younger than 16 require parental supervision

Price $100 (HAL Members $95)

Join Christopher B. Wagner for a two-day introduction to the tools and techniques used in carving a small wooden figure or animal. During the class, you will be guided through the process of planning an original wood carving, how to use traditional chip carving knives, and how to finish your piece with homemade milk paint. The carvings can be stand-alone small sculptures or whatever your creative mind imagines.

 

The first day will be introducing the wood carving techniques while whittling as a group. The second day will be finishing the carving, mixing milk paint, and painting the figure.  This workshop is open to all skill levels. All supplies will be provided by the instructor and available for students to keep after the classes.

 

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Digital Photography: The Basics and Beyond with Wayne Berry - Wed, June 5 & 12

Wednesdays, June 5 and 12

6:30pm to 9:00pm

Age: 18+

Price: $55 (HAL members $50)

Are you ready to take your camera off the Auto Button and learn to make better photographs? If so, this class is for you. The two sessions will cover an introduction to digital photography, tips for using your camera properly, and show you how to use compositional techniques for more appealing photos. There will be an optional shooting assignment between classes one and two. Please bring a digital camera to each class.

 

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2024 Spring Workshop Schedule

From Trash to Treasure: Recycled Art Workshop with Sam Hundley - Thurs, May 2

Thursday, May 2

6:00pm-8:00pm

Ages:16+ 

Price: $65 (HAL members $60)

Learn to create artwork using found objects that would otherwise be considered worthless junk. This class teaches participants to look at everyday objects in a different way and to see the potential for creating something meaningful and unique. The class will cover various techniques, such as: How to turn a single object into the catalyst for something bigger; how to use the power of simplicity; how to incorporate a variety of items such as bottle caps, broken jewelry, plastic toys, driftwood, rusty car parts – anything – into surprising, one-of-a-kind folk art.

 

Participants will work on their own projects, the instructor will bring some scraps, and students are asked to bring their own recycled objects for use. And a tetanus shot wouldn't hurt...

 

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Stranger than Fiction: Great Art Heists in History Lecture Presented by Anne Kenny-Urban, Art Historian - Thurs, May 9

Thursday, May 9

6:00pm-7:00pm

Free to the public

Discover what Japanese gangsters, bear spray, and daring boat getaways have in common with noteworthy art thefts. In this lecture, you will travel the globe learning why museums from Amsterdam to Zimbabwe have been targets for thieves and what tools they use to elude detection. Find out who got caught…and who did not.

 

This program has been organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is supported, in part, by the Paul Mellon Endowment and the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund.

 

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Jewelry Creations with Jama Watts - Sat, May 11

Saturday, May 11

10:30am – 2:30pm

Ages 16+ 

Price: $65 (HAL members $60); Students are to pay a supply fee of $20 to the instructor.

Do you have cameos or cabochons that you don’t know what to do with?  Want to turn those unused pieces into new jewelry?  In this workshop, instructor Jama Watts will walk students through creating a beaded bezel around gemstone cabochons using a variety of seed beads, fabric, and thread to create a beautiful piece of wearable art.

 

The class is perfect for those who are new to jewelry making or those who want to learn a new skill.  Students who have jewelry-making tools are encouraged to bring them, as there will be limited tools to share. Please bring a bag of lunch. 

 

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Creative Journey through Collage Workshop with Linda Hansen - Tues, May 14

Tuesday, May 14

6:00pm – 9:00pm

Ages: 18+

Price: $65 (HAL Members $60)

Embark on a creative journey through collage, a captivating fusion of art and expression. In this immersive learning experience, participants will delve into the dynamic world of collage-making, exploring the limitless possibilities of combining diverse materials, textures, and images. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, this workshop is designed to ignite your imagination and unleash your artistic flair.

 

Guiding you through the fundamental techniques of composition, layering, and juxtaposition, the instructor will empower you to craft visually compelling narratives and evoke emotions through your unique collage creations. As we experiment with various materials such as magazines, photographs, and more, students will discover the transformative power of assembling disparate elements into harmonious and thought-provoking artworks. Join us where creativity knows no bounds, and let the art of collage become a medium for self-expression, storytelling, and personal exploration.

 

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2024 Spring Youth Classes/Workshops Schedule

Youth Two-Dimensional Mixed Media Classes with Carol Gruppe - Tues, April 30 - June 4

Tuesdays, April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, and June 4 (6 weeks)

5:30pm – 7:00pm

Ages: 8-12 years old

Price: $100

In this class, your child will learn some basic art techniques, which will build a solid foundation for art lovers and future artists. Children will explore techniques using pastels, paper, printing, collage, and paint. This experience focuses on having fun while exploring creativity! Possible activities include paper making, printmaking, stenciling, collage, and creating a masterpiece on canvas!

 

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For those needing ADA/Accessible accommodations due to limited mobility or wheelchair access, please let the CHTVAC staff know at the time of registration so we can best serve the needs of our students.


 

CALL FOR INSTRUCTORS

The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center is looking for experienced artists in a variety of mediums to teach 6-8 week courses or 1-2 day workshops. Some mediums we have previously offered include watercolor, photography, oils/acrylics, collage, alcohol ink, and oil & cold wax. We are interested in individuals with previous professional teaching experience who may offer mediums outside of our normal repertoire or may offer a new take on a familiar medium.

If interested, please email ctvisualarts@hampton.gov with your contact information, class proposal (including any class materials), preferred class times (Tuesday-Saturday, daytime or evening), and list of previous classes taught.

*Registration will end five days before the class/workshop start date.*