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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*Registration will end five days before the class/workshop start date. Active Advantage is not affiliated with Hampton Arts, if you have signed up for their subscription by mistake, please email: ActiveAdvantage@active.com and they will issue a refund.*

2025 Spring Class Schedule 

Oil Painting 101 with Josh Tetzlaff

Tuesdays, April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, and 20

6-8 pm

$ 125 (HAL Members $120)

Teaching oil painting involves guiding students through the techniques, tools, and creative processes needed to master this classic art form. It begins with foundational skills such as color mixing, brushwork, and understanding composition. Your Instructor will demonstrate techniques like layering, glazing, and blending, helping students achieve texture, depth, and realism in their work. Along with technical skills, teaching oil painting encourages artistic expression and creativity, allowing students to develop their unique style. Safety practices, such as proper ventilation and material handling, are also essential aspects of instruction. Through hands-on practice, constructive feedback, and exploration of art history, students gain confidence and proficiency, unlocking the expressive potential of oil painting.

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Watercolor Studio I with Pam Oden (4 weeks)

Wednesdays, April 16, 23, 30, May 7

10:15 am-12:45 pm

Class size: 12

Age: 18+

Class Price: $100 (HAL members $95)

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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Watercolor Studio II with Pam Oden (4 weeks)

Wednesdays, May 14, 21, 28, June 4

10:15 am - 12:45 pm

Class size: 12

Age: 18+

Class Price: $100 (HAL members $95)

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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Drawing for All Levels with Al Staszesky

Wednesdays, April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21

6-8 pm

$ 125 (HAL Members $120)

Our drawing art class welcomes artists of every skill level, from those just starting out to experienced creators looking to refine their techniques. In a relaxed and supportive environment, you'll explore fundamental drawing skills like line work, shading, and perspective, while also having the freedom to experiment and develop your own unique style. Our experienced instructor provides personalized guidance and constructive feedback, ensuring that every student feels confident and inspired. Whether you're eager to capture the subtleties of everyday life or to dive into abstract forms of expression, our curriculum is designed to challenge and nurture your creative journey. Join us to unlock your artistic potential, build lasting skills, and connect with a community that celebrates creativity in every stroke.

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Abstract Watercolor Exploration with Jim Dees

Thursdays, April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22

10:30 am–12:30 pm

Class size: 12

Age: 18+

Price $ 125 (HAL Members $ 120)

You will embark on a creative journey where the boundaries of traditional watercolor painting are pushed to their limits. This course is a playground for artistic expression, where you'll dive into the mesmerizing world of abstract art using the fluidity and transparency of watercolors as your medium. Guided by seasoned artists and instructors, you will learn to harness the unpredictable nature of watercolors, discovering the beauty in spontaneity and embracing the freedom of abstraction. Through a series of hands-on exercises and projects, you'll explore techniques like wet-on-wet blending, masking, and layering to create captivating compositions. Whether you're a seasoned painter or a complete beginner, this class offers a safe and supportive environment to unleash your inner artist and let your imagination flow freely onto the canvas. Join us in a class that promises to be both liberating and inspiring, as you unlock the endless possibilities of abstract watercolor art.

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Portrait Drawing with Emily Christoff-Flowers

Thursdays, April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15

2-4:30 pm

Class Size: 12

Age: 18+

Price: $ 100 (HAL Members $ 95)

This class focuses on teaching portrait drawing and how to capture the likeness, expression, and character of a subject through careful observation and technique. It begins with fundamental concepts such as proportions, facial structure, and anatomy, helping students understand the relationships between features like the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Instructors guide students in techniques such as shading, contouring, and measuring angles to create depth and realism. Emphasis is placed on studying light and shadow to achieve three-dimensional form. Additionally, students learn how to convey emotion and personality through subtle details and expressions. Through practice, demonstrations, and constructive critique, students gain the skills and confidence to create lifelike portraits while developing their unique artistic style.

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Introduction to Acrylic Painting with Sean “Teach” Strickland

Thursdays, April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22

6-8 pm

Class Size: 12

Age: 18+

$ 125 (HAL Members $ 120)

Discover the vibrant world of acrylic painting in our Beginning Acrylic Painting class! This course is designed for beginners with little to no prior experience, offering a fun and supportive environment to explore your creativity. You’ll learn fundamental techniques such as color mixing, brush handling, layering, and texture creation while working on a variety of projects. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll gain confidence in your artistic abilities and develop your own unique style. Whether you’re looking to start a new hobby or build a strong foundation in painting, this class is the perfect place to begin your artistic journey.

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Introduction to Watercolor Painting with Tom Daley

Thursdays, April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22

6-8 pm

Class Size: 12

Age: 18+

$125 (HAL Members $ 120)

Discover the joy of watercolor painting in this beginner-friendly class, perfect for those looking to explore their creativity with this vibrant and fluid medium. You'll learn essential techniques such as color mixing, brush control, and layering to create beautiful, expressive paintings. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll practice foundational skills while working on fun, step-by-step projects designed to build your confidence. Whether you're completely new to painting or looking to refine your skills, this class provides a relaxed and supportive environment to unleash your artistic potential.

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Spring 2025 Youth Art Classes

 

Youth Drawing & Painting Class with Emily Neuner

Wednesdays, April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14

5:30 pm–7:00 pm

Class Limit: 12

Ages: 9 to 12 years old

Price: $ 60

This youth art painting and drawing class is a vibrant space where young, aspiring artists explore their creativity through various artistic mediums. Guided by an experienced instructor, the class fosters a nurturing environment that encourages self-expression and experimentation. Students learn fundamental techniques such as sketching, shading, color blending, and brushwork, while also being introduced to different art styles and concepts. The class often involves hands-on projects where kids can work on individual or collaborative pieces, allowing them to develop their unique artistic voices. With a focus on both skill-building and imagination, the class helps students gain confidence in their artistic abilities while fostering a lifelong appreciation for art

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Spring 2025 Workshop Schedule

Printmaking for All with Susan Borland

Saturday, April 19

10:30 am-12:30 pm

$ 45 (HAL Members $40)

This workshop will give an overview of various printmaking techniques - focusing on easy and inexpensive ways to begin your artistic journey. During this 2-hour workshop, you will be introduced to a variety of “alternative" forms of printmaking - kitchen lithography, tetrapack, collagraph and dry point techniques. Participants will learn the importance of the relationship between inks (oil, safe wash, rubber) and papers (various weights, textures, and their characteristics) in creating prints. Students will also get an overview of best practices in the use and disposal of various inks to minimize environmental impacts. Little or no experience in printmaking is needed, this is a hands-on class and participants should wear old clothing or bring an apron to minimize getting inked.

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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.