Winter 2025 Classes

Chris Fasolino
All levels
Explore the world of ancient Rome, including architectural and engineering wonders like the Pantheon, the aqueducts, and the Colosseum; beautiful paintings of villa gardens; and marble sculptures of stunning realism. From the palaces of emperors to the lost cities of Vesuvius, from the glories of Rome as a great city to the mysterious frontier provinces of England and Egypt, this is grand tour through classical art and archaeology.

January 6 – March 10, 2025
(No class January 20; make-up class TBD)
Mondays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Location: VBMA Studio 4 and via Zoom
#25WI-01 $335 (VBMA members $285)
Register for #25WI-01

Chris Fasolino
All levels
This course is designed to enhance students’ appreciation and enjoyment of the VBMA’s exhibition French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950. Featuring gallery visits, the instructor will discuss the work of Monet, Morisot, Renoir, Corot, Manet, Degas, Caillebotte, and Cezanne.
This course will take a journey from the café society of Paris to the gardens of Giverny, all from the comfort of the Museum.

January 8 – March 12, 2025
Wednesdays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Location: VBMA Studio 4 and via Zoom
#25WI-02 $335 (VBMA members $285)
THIS CLASS IS CLOSED FOR REGISTRATION

Lynn Berkowitz
All levels
Taking a cue from the VBMA’s painting and sculpture collections, this class will explore vital themes through the work of key artists, the language of abstraction, look of animals, presence of people, and pride of place. Works by Butterfield, Dine, Otterness, Pfaff, and more, show an evolution of styles and interests. By delving into these universal themes there is sure to be a fresh take on what is on view in the Museum. Short engaging videos bring new perspectives to the conversation.

February 13 – March 13, 2025
Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Location: Classes meet via Zoom
#25WI-04 $140 (VBMA members $120)
Register for #25WI-04

Chris Fasolino
All levels
What is Impressionism? Why is it so beloved a style? What should one look for when visiting the VBMA’s exhibition French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950? This five-week course is designed to answer those questions, giving students an engaging and exciting introduction to the work of Monet and his friends. This will feature gallery visits to enhance students’ enjoyment of the exhibit, as the class learns the stories behind beautiful paintings while standing right in front of them!

February 13 – March 13, 2025
Thursdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 4 and via Zoom
#25WI-05 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-05

Elise Mahovlich
All levels
Students will enjoy an invigorating yoga practice with a slight modification – the chair is the ‘ground.’ Students will employ this everyday prop to take them through the range of motion for a full body workout that will include forward bends, backbends, and spinal twists for flexibility; standing and balancing poses to build stability and core strength; and breathing techniques for body awareness and stress reduction.

Classes meet January 6 – February 3, 2025
(No class January 20; make-up class TBD)
Mondays, 9:30 – 10:30 am
Location: VBMA Atrium
#25WI-06 $85 (VBMA members $75)
Register for #25WI-06

Classes meet February 10 – March 10, 2025
Mondays, 9:30 – 10:30 am
Location: VBMA Atrium
#25WI-07 $85 (VBMA members $75)
Register for #25WI-07

Katie Nall
All levels
Qigong is an 8,000-year-old movement program that exercises the body as a whole. With over 9,000 variations, it is the parent form for Tai Chi, Kung Fu, acupuncture, acupressure, and Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping). Qigong is known as the Longevity Exercise. No special equipment required.

Classes meet January 7 – February 4, 2025
Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: VBMA Atrium
#25WI-08 $85 (VBMA members $75)
Register for #25WI-08

Classes meet February 11 – March 11, 2025
Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: VBMA Atrium
#25WI-09 $85 (VBMA members $75
Register for #25WI-09

Rebecca Barnhouse
All levels
This class is for students who have an idea for a novel or have a draft they would like to rethink, or who are curious whether novel-writing is right for them. Students will decide what kind of novel they would like to write, who the main characters are, and what conflict drives the story. Voice, stakes, structure, and character transformation will all be covered. Students will write in class and share their work with others. By the end of the class, they will have a plan to help complete their first draft. Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet January 9 – February 6, 2025
Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Location: VBMA Studio 4
#25WI-14 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-14

Xaque Gruber
All levels
Students will explore the art of illustration through character design and visual storytelling. They will work from song lyrics, literature, nursery rhymes, and more. Students will learn to create images that enhance the text. Whether aspiring to be the next Beatrix Potter or simply looking to enjoy the creative process, all are welcome. No experience is necessary—just bring creativity and imagination! Recommended supply list coming soon. Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet January 7 – February 4, 2025
Tuesdays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 3
#25WI-15 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-15

Aric Attas
All level
This fun and interactive class is designed to teach students the fundamentals of photography. Discover f/stops and shutter speeds and how to use them to take better photos. We’ll also discuss composition, color, perspective and imaginative approaches to photography to spark creativity! Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet January 6 – March 10, 2025
(No class January 20; make-up class TBD)
Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 4
#25WI-16 $335 (VBMA members $285)
Register for #25WI-16

Adam Conard
All levels
Students will learn how to get the most out of their phone’s camera while learning the basics of what makes a successful photograph. Class will touch on the history of photography and where it’s at today. Additionally, students will discover tips and tricks to enhance their mobile photography skills and learn about apps, sending and printing options and other skills to support successful mobile photography. All students need to bring is their cell phone!

Classes meet January 7 – February 4, 2025
Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 4
#25WI-17 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-17

Classes meet February 11 – March 11, 2025
Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 4
#25WI-18 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-18

Kenneth George
All levels
This course will explore five different kinds of photography: Landscape, Street, Portrait, Food, and Abstract. All levels are welcome. Digital camera and lens required, access to a laptop with Adobe Creative Cloud or Lightroom is a plus. Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet January 11 – February 8, 2025
Saturdays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Location: VBMA Studio 4
#25WI-20 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-20

Classes meet February 15 – March 15, 2025
Saturdays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Location: VBMA Studio 4
#25WI-21 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-21

Sandy Bachmann
Beginner to intermediate levels
In this exciting hand-building class, participants will learn all aspects of working with clay slabs, coils, and pinch pots. This class is great for beginners who are looking for a creative outlet and returning students who wish to advance to more complex techniques. Students will learn about surface decorations, how to add sprigs to forms to be able to customize and personalize. Both sculptural and functional forms will be addressed. There will be sessions for glazing/underglazing pieces. Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet January 6 – March 10, 2025

(No class January 20; make-up class TBD)
Mondays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 5
#25WI-22 $385 (VBMA members $335)
THIS CLASS IS CLOSED FOR REGISTRATION

Walford Campbell
Advanced level
This studio course is geared to the student who is motivated to undertake ambitious individual work in clay and further their understanding of ceramic art. The goal is to provide the advanced student with the opportunity to grow and to produce desired but previously unattainable work. Student work will reflect well thought out and executed projects, including aesthetic decisions, an increased ability to handle material, and an increased proficiency with glazing techniques. Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet January 7 – March 11, 2025
Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 5
#25WI-23 $385 (VBMA members $335)
THIS CLASS IS CLOSED FOR REGISTRATION

Roberto Wong
Beginner to intermediate levels
In this engaging course, students will explore the ancient art of terracotta, transforming raw clay into expressive, timeless forms. Through hands-on instruction, participants will learn essential techniques, such as preparing clay with the correct moisture and consistency, joining parts seamlessly, and mastering various texture methods. Students will create pieces using slab-building techniques, focusing on achieving the perfect balance of thickness and texture. Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet January 8 – March 12, 2025
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 5
#25WI-25 $385 (VBMA members $335)
Register for #25WI-25

Kent Johnson
Intermediate to advanced levels
This class provides an intensive immersion in wheel throwing. Students grow their skills and will learn shortcuts to successfully make pots on the wheel. Weekly demonstrations will cover basic forms, such as cups and bowls, and will move on to advanced forms such as tall vases and larger forms. Instruction on glazing techniques will round out the course, allowing students to finish pieces to take home and enjoy. Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet January 8 – March 12, 2025
Wednesdays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 5
#25WI-26 $385 (VBMA members $335)
THIS CLASS IS CLOSED FOR REGISTRATION

Camila Greco
Beginner to intermediate levels
Students learn the basics of wheel throwing during this beginner class. They will experiment with surface decoration, including carving, and discuss various glaze applications. By the end of the session, students will be able to create both functional and decorative pieces, gaining the confidence to advance to more complex techniques. Key topics include studio safety, ceramics vocabulary, wheel-throwing steps, glazing, surface decoration, trimming, and pot anatomy. Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet January 8 – March 12, 2025
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 5
#25WI-27 $385 (VBMA members $335)
Register for #25WI-27

Robbin Buller
Beginner to intermediate levels
This ceramics class invites students to explore the art of hand-building and wheel-throwing, covering essential techniques such as forming methods, surface treatments, and glazing. Students will create both functional pieces and sculptural works, with a focus on craftsmanship, concept development, and design principles. By the end of the course, students will have developed a solid foundation in ceramics and completed a collection of unique creations to take home. Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet January 9 – March 13, 2025
Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 5
#25WI-28 $385 (VBMA members $335)
Register for #25WI-28

Marlene Evans Putnam
Beginner level
This course will ensure that beginning students learn to see shapes, understand shadows, and use lines in powerful or delicate ways. Students learn to use their drawing tools properly and confidently and will be amazed at their steady progress as they learn to design and compose their projects. The instructor will teach by both lecture and studio demonstration. Click here for a list of recommended supplies.

Classes meet January 9 – February 6, 2025
Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 1
#25WI-35 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-35

Classes meet February 13 – March 13, 2025
Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 1
#25WI-36 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-36

Sherry Haaland
All levels
Students will learn pastel techniques of strokes/ marks, scumbling, crosshatching, dabbing, and blending. By experimenting with these methods, students can experiment on their own individual artworks. Click for a list of recommended supplies.

Classes meet January 9 – February 6, 2025
Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 3
#25WI-37 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-37

Classes meet February 13 – March 13, 2025
Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 3
#25WI-38 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-38

Adam Conard
All levels
This class will take a trip down nostalgia lane to both learn and put to use professional methods for making personalized stationary including: post cards, gift cards, envelopes, bookmarks wall art, and more! Students will even send some letters out right from the Museum. This is an all levels class and will combine numerous skills including illustration, paper making, paper crafts, painting, and print making methods. Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet January 6 – February 3, 2025
(No class January 20; make-up class TBD)
Mondays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25WI-40 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-40

Classes meet February 10 – March 10, 2025
Mondays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25WI-41 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-41

Judy Burgarella
All levels
Students will work independently in this open studio, bringing their own supplies in the medium of their choice and references to work from. The instructor will offer individual guidance along with demonstrations of various techniques and helpful tips and tricks. Click here for a list of recommended supplies.

Classes meet January 6 – February 3, 2025
(No class January 20; make-up class TBD)
Mondays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25WI-42 $205 (VBMA members $175)
THIS CLASS IS CLOSED FOR REGISTRATION

Classes meet February 10 – March 10, 2025
Mondays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25WI-43 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-43

J.K. Van Arsdall
All levels
In this experimental painting class, students of all levels will explore the creative potential of using fast-drying acrylics as a base for layering various materials. Whether focusing on objective or abstract concepts, participants will be encouraged to trust their intuition and transform accidental marks into purposeful, expressive art. The class invites students to bring any non-oil-based materials they wish to incorporate, as well as multiple canvases or boards, for a fully immersive and personalized mixed media experience. Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet February 12 – March 12, 2025
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 3
#25WI-46 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-46

Stephanie Lovallo
All levels
In this creative class, students will explore renowned artists like Monet, Matisse, Van Gogh, and Picasso through interactive demos and group activities. Each session introduces a variety of painting techniques, such as paint pouring and alcohol ink, while diving into the history of these iconic artists. Students will complete small-scale paintings inspired by these artists and finish the course by creating a personal piece in their favorite style. The class concludes with a celebration of each student’s artistic journey. Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet January 9 – February 6, 2025
Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25WI-47 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-47

Barry Shapiro
Advanced level
This course is designed for students who have had experience painting in acrylic and/or oil and who wish to expand their knowledge and technical skills. The instructor will encourage students to explore new techniques and work in larger formats. Click here for a recommended list of supplies.

Classes meet January 6 – March 10, 2025
(No class on January 20, make-up class TBD)
Mondays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 1
#25WI-48 $335 (VBMA members $285)
Register for #25WI-48

Pearl Lau
All levels
In this class, students will learn how 19th-century French artists such as Claude Monet broke away from European traditions. They explored light and color in addition to changing the subject matter from formal portraits to the working class. The invention of the train brought artists out of dingy, smoky Paris to the sunny and colorful south of France. Pastel, oil, or acrylic is appropriate for this class—students’ choice. Students will work from photos of landscapes they bring in, as well as from those the instructor has collected. Click here for a list of recommended supplies.

Classes meet January 6 – February 3, 2025
(No class January 20; make-up class TBD)
Mondays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 3
#25WI-49 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-49

Classes meet February 10 – March 10, 2025
Mondays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 3
#25WI-50 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-50

Barry Shapiro
Beginner to intermediate levels
Each class will start with a brief illustrated presentation, beginning with the history of still life painting. Subsequent presentations will be on specific artists and styles and classes will end with a group critique. Click here for a recommended list of supplies.

Classes meet January 7 – February 4, 2025
Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 1
#25WI-53 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-53

Barry Shapiro
All levels
This class is for all levels of artists who want to explore the world of abstract painting by looking at its origins and its contemporary practitioners. Each week features a new style and approach for oil and acrylic painters. Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet February 11 – March 11, 2025
Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 1
#25WI-54 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-54

Barry Shapiro
Beginner level
This course is designed to teach beginners the art and science of oil or acrylic painting, including perspective, color, and brushwork. Classes cover what students need to know about how to start an enjoyable and successful lifetime of painting. Students will work on assignments in class with specific instruction. Click here for a recommended list of supplies.

Classes meet January 8 – March 12, 2025
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 1
#25WI-56 $335 (VBMA members $285)
THIS CLASS IS CLOSED FOR REGISTRATION

Joel Johnson
Intermediate to advanced levels
Watercolor studies will include a variety of subjects to be explored including still life, portrait, landscape, and architecture. Small scale will be used in a more rapid approach to the various painting techniques watercolor employs. Instructor will demonstrate painting methodology to students as well as providing constructive individual and group critiques. Images to be painted will be provided by the instructor. Click here for recommended supply list.

Classes meet January 8 – March 12, 2025
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 3
#25WI-57 $335 (VBMA members $285)
Register for #25WI-57

Adam Conard
All levels
This class takes a deep dive into creating successful oil paintings including choosing the right supplies, creating depth, tone, and value and setting up the canvas. Students will go over the rich and vibrant history of oil painting and how it is being used today. Whether a seasoned oil painter, new to painting, or have been painting in other mediums, this class will have a lot to offer. Students are free in their artistic expression to create the subject matter of your choice. Click here for a list of recommended supplies.

Classes meet January 8 – February 5, 2025
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25WI-59 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-59

Classes meet February 12 – March 12, 2025
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25WI-60 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-60

Pearl Lau
All levels
The class will look at European artists and how they formed compositions, specifically landscapes. The focus will be on the French Impressionists and understanding perspective and diminishing colors to create depth in
a painting. Students can choose their own medium. Each student will create three 8 x 10” and one final beautiful large 11 x 14” painting. Click here for a list of recommended supplies.

Classes meet January 9 – February 6, 2025 Thursdays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25WI-61 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-61

Classes meet February 13 – March 13, 2025 Thursdays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25WI-62 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WI-62