Upcoming Classes
View Arts on Main’s Class Policies: https://www.gloucesterartsonmain.org/class-policies
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
November 2025 Show: "The Art of Rust"
November 2025 Monthly Exhibit
“THE ART OF RUST”
featuring
Al Bryan and Pat Andrews
Opening Reception: Friday, November 7th, 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Explore the beauty found in decay and transformation in The Art of Rust, a dual exhibition showcasing pastel works by Al Bryan and sculptural pieces by Pat Andrews. Through different mediums, both artists capture the textures, tones, and timeless character of rust—celebrating how nature reclaims, redefines, and reimagines the manmade.
Bryan’s photo realistic pastels evoke the warmth and subtle hues of oxidation, transforming corrosion into color and composition. Andrews’ sculptures, by contrast, embrace the tactile strength of metal, revealing resilience and renewal through form. Together, their works invite viewers to see rust not as ruin, but as art—an enduring testament to time, texture, and transformation.
The opening of this show will take place on Friday, November 7th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Arts on Main. Live music will be performed by Farren Winter. Light bites will be provided, and beer + alcohol will be available for purchase. The show will be on display at Arts on Main until Saturday, November 29th. The gallery is open Wednesday - Saturday from 12-5pm.
Many thanks to Arts on Main’s November Exhibit Sponsor, Gail and Rick Griffin!
Live music will be performed by Farren Winter during the opening reception! Thank you to Arts on Main’s First Friday Music Sponsor, Yolanda’s!
Farren Winter is a musician who performs live music in the Gloucester, VA area, with past performances documented at local venues like Gloucester Brewing Company and Short Lane Ice Cream. This will be Farren’s second time performing at Arts on Main, and we are delighted to have her back!
Find her on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/farren_winter
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
PAT ANDREWS
“I have been interested in art in almost every form since middle school. I still remember going to my grandparents’ house and my grandmother teaching me oil painting and my grandfather teaching me woodworking skills. This interest has allowed me to explore different media such as ceramics, wood working, drawing and metal working. As I became a parent, my goal was to encourage my children to develop the same appreciation for art in all its forms. I have watched my daughter learn how to play the piano as a child and taught her how to forge a piece of metal into a Roman Legion spear for her college history class. I have also passed on my love for metal working to my son as he completed a sculpture inspired by Alexander Calder and made a rose out of a cookie tin. Teaching my children these skills allowed me to renew my love for art and inspired me to branch out artistically. My goal is to have re-used or re-purposed 80% or more of all the materials in my pieces. I have learned to look at a piece of material and in addition to seeing it for what it was, seeing what it could become. I believe that is a primary goal of art. To teach us to look past the surface of not just a piece of art, but also another person, and see not just what they are, but what they can become.”
AL BRYAN
While currently living in Bon Air, Virginia, Al grew up in rural North Carolina surrounded by forest and farmland, spending his childhood outdoors and with family vacations to the mountains and coastal N.C. and VA, camping, fishing, and exploring all that nature had to offer. This has greatly influenced his genre of artwork.
Al is a graduate of the North Carolina State University School of Design. While that included plenty of drawing assignments, his formal art training was limited to simple form, color and light, and the history of art and architecture. While a student of Landscape Architecture, Al’s interest in fine art continued through his college years, inherited perhaps from his mother, formally trained, and other Sr. family members on both sides who were artists. His great Uncle Henry, an artist in St. Ives, England, was foremost in his encouragement, sending Al pen and ink sketches of coastal and maritime scenery when he was a child. Al would copy these and mail back the results!
During his career as a Professional Landscape Architect, Al was tasked with creating photo-realistic depictions of “Before” and “After” scenarios, which has carried over into his style which trends toward Hyper-realism.
With regard to his “creative process,” Al has to make a connection with the subject, usually stemming from his life experience.
Mural Workshop
Mural Workshop
VMFA Special Workshop with Hamilton Glass
Saturday, November 8th AND
Sunday, November 9th
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
*This workshop is divided into four sections: 11am-1pm and 2pm-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
You are welcome to come for one OR ALL of these sessions!
Partnering with the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society!
Want to be part of creating something beautiful for your community while supporting TWO local nonprofit organizations? Come join Arts on Main and the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society (GMHS) as we work with award-winning Richmond muralist Hamilton Glass to create a public mural!
In this workshop, we invite you to spend a few hours tapping into your inner artist and working collaboratively with a group to create a piece of public art. Learn what it’s like to be part of the process of creating large-scale works of art that will live and enrich their environment. The mural created in this workshop will be located on a storage container at the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society.
The workshop is divided into four sections: 11am-1pm and 2pm-5pm on Saturday and Sunday. You are welcome to come for one or all of these sessions! After signing up, please call or email Arts on Main (804.824.9464 or gallerymanager@gloucesterarts.org) to let us know which sessions you would like to reserve. Spaces are limited to 20 students per session and are on a first-come-first-served basis.
All supplies will be provided by the instructor, just wear clothes you can paint in!
For adults and teens ages 16+
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.
*For Pay What You Can options, please contact Arts on Main at (804) 824-9464
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Hamilton Glass’s career as an artist stems from his architecture and design background. “Despite working in the architecture field for 7 years, my passion for public art pushed me to start a career as an artist. Public art has always been a big influence and inspiration of mine, because of its power to influence and inspire the surrounding community. With every project I’m given, a dialog is built in that connects the work to the community to in which it lives. My work usually distinguished by my use of architectural elements with bright vivid colors and sharp lines,” he said. For many years Glass has been using public art as a tool to support and promote communities throughout the greater Richmond area. He has worked with an array of organizations, from Community Centers to Richmond Public schools in creating of these social change projects. The projects are usually mural-based and aimed at giving a voice to the underserved population. The goal of these projects is to encourage public equity and give students a since of accomplishment while reaching an unfamiliar audience and environment.
Artist Talk + Demonstration
“The Art of Layering: Techniques and Textures in Mixed Media”
Artist Talk + Demonstration with Robert Placky
Saturday, November 8
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Robert Placky shares techniques that transform surfaces through layering, texture, and experimentation. From acrylic lifts and ink transfers to rice paper and found materials, participants will discover how mixed media can expand creative expression. The talk emphasizes process, play, and the power of materials to shape meaning and form.
This event is free and open to the public!
MEET ROBERT PLACKY
Robert is a retired Art Educator & Exhibiting Artist living in Montross, VA.
Education
B.S. in Art Education, Pennsylvania State University
Graduate Studies (M.S. credits), Penn State University
Additional coursework: Virginia Commonwealth University; Manhattan College
Teaching Career
State College Area Senior High School (1982–2015)
Taught Drawing, Painting, and Advanced Placement Studio Art; mentored students in portfolio development
Coordinated AP Studio Art portfolio submissions (1999–2015)
Organized The Decade Shows and The Decade3 Show, featuring 55 alumni artists and a published catalog
Park Forest Junior High School (1974–1981)
International Teacher Exchange, North Geelong Secondary College, Victoria, Australia (1994)
Exhibitions (Selected)
Best of the Best, Shippensburg University (2014)
Images 2012 & 2013, Central PA Festival of the Arts, Robeson Gallery, Penn State University
Art Alliance of Central PA Juried Exhibitions (multiple years)
Presentations (Selected)
National Art Education Association – AP Studio Art portfolios, thematic teaching, and innovative studio practices (NYC, Baltimore, Washington, DC)
Pennsylvania Art Education Association – multiple workshops and lectures
Awards & Honors
Teacher Fellowships: CENTRO (Mexico City, 2013); Maryland Institute College of Art (2005)
Skidmore Six /Artist /Art Educators: summer residency at Skidmore College (1993)
Excellence in Instruction Commendation, Pennsylvania School Study Council (2008)
Superintendent’s Award, State College Area School District (2005)
Member, Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania (2007–2022)
Member, Tappahanock Art Guild (2025)
4th and 5th grade Palette Pals Reception
Palette Pals Reception at Arts on Main
Thursday, November 13
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Join us at Arts on Main on Thursday, November 13th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm for a reception featuring 4th and 5th Grade Palette Pals!
One artist from each class will receive a “Best in Show” award!
Palette Pals is Arts on Main’s signature educational program and part of our Youth Art Enrichment Programs. Founded in 2011 in one elementary school as the After-School Enrichment Program, it is now in every elementary school in Gloucester County, with over 3000 children participating to date. Palette Pals is currently conducted as an extracurricular, before-school program for students in grades K-5, led by the school’s art teacher. The program’s focus is on teaching STEAM-based art lessons that focus on current SOL objectives in math and science. Our goals are to provide hands-on experiential learning through art making and to increase student understanding of concepts related to math and science. This program is provided at no charge to the children or the schools and relies solely on grants and donations.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Mixed Media Collage Workshop
Mixed Media Collage Workshop 🎨
Creating Landscapes or Seascapes With Your Gelli Prints
Instructor: Gloria Clifford
Saturday, November 15 & Sunday, November 16
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
In this two-day workshop, you will learn techniques for properly adhering printed papers to various surfaces, including selecting the best adhesives and substrates for your project. The course will also focus on building balanced and engaging compositions, with special emphasis on creating simple seascapes and/or landscapes. Participants are encouraged to bring favorite photos or magazine pictures of landscape or seascape scenes as visual references to be inspired by. Please also bring a varied selection of gelli plate prints in all colors and textures! If you don’t have gelli prints, Gloria has some that you can use.
Students are required to bring their own supplies. Click the button below to view the supply list.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Gloria Clifford currently lives in White Stone, Virginia and works within her personal studio in numerous mediums. The artist's passion continues to be “Sea” inspired. In her past, Gloria's art was licensed by Manufacturers within the Home Décor Industry within the United States. Her art was also portrayed within several global films as a result of her honored membership within the former “Ocean Artists Society”. As an ocean artist, while living in Florida, Gloria was a volunteer photographer for a research aquarium owned and run by the Smithsonian Museum. She was also one of the art instructors for the beautiful and prestigious Vero Beach Museum of Art. Since moving back to Virginia, Gloria currently teaches classes within several local galleries in the Northern Neck of Virginia.
Paper Beads Workshop
Paper Beads Workshop
Instructor: Gudrun Kiel-Bullock
Saturday, November 15
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Learn how to make easy and colorful paper beads in many shapes and sizes, even Pandora-style beads. Different ways to use the beads will also be demonstrated such as in jewelry pieces, keychain fobs, ornaments, charms, etc.
For ages 15+
Students are required to bring their own supplies. Click the button below to view the supply list.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
“Creating art has always been a main focus in my life. Professionally, I worked as a graphic designer for many years while also pursuing other creative activities. I moved to Virginia 20 years ago and spent the first 6 years as a wildlife rehabilitator raising mostly orphaned baby squirrels. In 2012 I returned to art in the form of drawing in graphite, charcoal, and colored pencils. Fiber art has always interested me and Idiscovered felting in 2015. Creating in fiber – wet and needle felting as well as tapestry weaving – is currently where my journey has taken me. I enjoy the challenge of starting with loose wool fibers and in the case of wet felting, work with soap, water, and agitation to form my vision into a picture or vessel. In needle felting I also start with loose fibers but a barbed needle is my tool and with many needle stabs I create a picture or sculpture. I find both felting and weaving meditative in its repetitiveness and I like that I am using ancient art forms to create something contemporary. But no matter what form creation takes, for me, it is always about the joy of finding that seed of inspiration and seeing it come into form. My art has been accepted in many juried shows and has won awards. I am a member of the Williamsburg Spinners and Weavers and exhibit at the Art Speaks Gallery in Mathews. I have also taught classes in felting and weaving.”
Watercolor Workshop: Maine's Lighthouse
Watercolor Workshop: Maine's Island Lighthouse
Instructor: Jan Finn-Duffy
Wednesday, November 19
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join Jan Finn-Duffy on Wednesday, November 19 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM for a Watercolor Workshop at Arts on Main!
This painting of the lighthouse on Monhegan Island, Maine, has challenges that even beginners can master with a little guidance. Spend an evening expanding your watercolor experience with other painters! Step-by-step instructions will get you to the finish line. It’s sure to be an evening of fun with paint! Beginner-friendly!
All supplies will be provided by the instructor. Bring your friends and come have fun painting with watercolors!
FOR AGES 16+
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Jan Finn-Duffy is a self-taught watercolorist with a passion for painting and sharing watercolor skills with aspiring artists. She has a working studio at 40 Church Street in Mathews, VA, where her art is displayed and lessons are taught. Her art has been published in multiple international publications. Please visit her website www.JanFinnDuffy.com for more information.
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Gnome, Sweet Gnome: Pumpkin Patch Paint Party
Gnome, Sweet Gnome:
Pumpkin Patch Paint Party 🎃
Instructor: Juli Schuszler
Friday, November 21
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join Arts on Main Gallery Artist and teacher, Juli Schuszler, on Friday evening, Nov. 21 for a fun time painting! You will be creating a colorful image of a gnome in a pumpkin patch. This class will be completed using acrylic paint on an 11” x 14” stretched canvas. All materials necessary to paint this image will be provided by the instructor. All levels of experience are welcome, from beginner to experienced. You will receive a reference picture and printed step-by-step directions. Special instruction will be available to those needing help mixing colors and applying paint to create the details of this scene. Bring a friend, neighbor, relative, or spouse for this fun and engaging class.
For ages 16+
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Juli Schuszler is a Gloucester artist known for her vibrant and dramatic oil masterpieces showcasing the beauty of the natural world. A passion for color is evident in Juli's paintings, inspired by an ongoing love of nature and gardening. Much of Juli’s inspiration comes from her garden. Juli works from real life observations and her own reference photos, focusing on the play of light and shadow, creating drama and visual interest in her art. Often working on large canvases, Juli paints carefully and slowly, creating numerous layers of paint, building as she goes. Juli says, “I like to search for striking and dramatic light in the images that I collect for my references.... I want to transport the viewer to a beautiful world of color and light with my paintings, to take them into a garden of delight!” Anyone can see that the common thread through all her artwork is a love of color and light. Retired from careers in commercial art and then in teaching Art and English in public school, college, and university, Juli now pursues her own art in her home studio. Her artworks are featured in the Bay School for the Arts, The Charles H. Taylor Art Center, and the Crossroads Art Center as well as the RAL Art Center Gallery.
Charcoal Drawing Workshop
Charcoal Drawing Workshop
Instructor: Jody Ball
Saturday, November 22
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Come and explore the world of charcoal by drawing this pewter teapot on a toned paper surface with charcoal pencils. We will practice and explore ways to create a three-dimensional metallic look on a flat surface! Using the grid system, Jody will teach you how to make a line drawing of the teapot. After you transfer your teapot to the final drawing paper, you will begin to fill in the areas with soft strokes and layers of charcoal as the teapot takes shape on your paper. Jody will give you tips and advice as you work your way through this project. For beginner to experienced students, some drawing experience is helpful but not necessary. Everything you need is supplied in the workshop. Come and join us!
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
“Drawing and painting have been a part of my life as long as I can remember. As a child, my parents enrolled me in art lessons with a prominent hometown artist after my mother declared that all I did was draw and color! I now live in Deltaville, VA, but passionately taught art to students of all ages for many years in a homeschool co-op environment and my studio when I lived in Ohio. My first love is the pastel medium, and my representational paintings usually tend towards a softened, sometimes impressionistic appearance. Nature is my inspiration, and I am possessed by the colors, forms, and textures that are possible in creating two-dimensional art. My paintings grace the walls of many homes across the country, and I currently show my paintings at Gloucester Arts on Main, the RAL Art Center in Kilmarnock, and the Bay School Community Arts Center in Mathews.”
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
2025 Small works show & Holiday Marketplace
Submissions are CLOSED!
Stay tuned for the announcement of the featured artists!
photo from 2024 Small Works Show
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Winter Pastel Workshop
Winter Pastel Workshop 🌨️
Instructor: Jody Ball
Saturday, December 13
10:00AM - 12:30PM
Have fun painting a winter snow scene in this one-day pastel workshop! We are going to create this soft, quiet, snowy day by using the textured side of pink pastel paper to really make it pop! Jody will guide you with instruction, tips, and techniques as you have fun watching your painting come to life on the colorful, textured pastel paper provided in the class. This workshop is suitable for both beginners and advanced individuals, and everything you need is provided in the class. Come and join us this holiday season and have a wonderful time as we play and experiment with pastels!
All supplies will be provided by the instructor.
For adults and teens ages 12+
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
“Drawing and painting have been a part of my life as long as I can remember. As a child, my parents enrolled me in art lessons with a prominent hometown artist after my mother declared that all I did was draw and color! I now live in Deltaville, VA, but passionately taught art to students of all ages for many years in a homeschool co-op environment and my studio when I lived in Ohio. My first love is the pastel medium, and my representational paintings usually tend towards a softened, sometimes impressionistic appearance. Nature is my inspiration, and I am possessed by the colors, forms, and textures that are possible in creating two-dimensional art. My paintings grace the walls of many homes across the country, and I currently show my paintings at Gloucester Arts on Main, the RAL Art Center in Kilmarnock, and the Bay School Community Arts Center in Mathews.”
Holiday Stained Glass Workshop
Holiday Stained Glass Workshop 🎅🏻
Instructor: Sue Hill with SHill Creations Studio
Saturday, December 13
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us as we immerse ourselves in the beautiful art form of stained glass with Sue Hill. Create a genuine stained glass Christmas Ornament Sun Catcher! In this workshop, students will learn the basic techniques of glass cutting, assembling, soldering, and finishing under the guidance of an experienced teaching artist. Choose one of many holiday themed designs (provided by instructor) to display as decoration, sun catcher, ornament, or as a gift! No experience needed - Sue will guide you from start to finish. All supplies will be provided by the instructor, the only tool you need to bring is your imagination!
For ages 16+ (students under 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian)
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Sue spent her first 25 years Technical Writer and Proposal Writer utilizing her graphic design background in advertising and documentation for shipboard equipment and IT. She retired from that career to be a full time Stained Glass Artist. As an art lover, Sue Hill has always had an interest in art and vibrant colors. She has worked with a lot of processes and materials, but her love always takes her to the beauty of stained glass. She loves creating beautiful designs that can catch the sunlight or move with the wind while the colors magically project across a room or transfer to the ground. When she’s not busy creating in her studio, you can find her teaching and sharing stained glass art at various locations - including local Museums, Art Centers, Virginia Beach ViBe District, Botanical Gardens, and other local Studio Spaces. She teaches the importance of being eco-friendly and repurposing – turning everyday life into art. Her various workshops teach the basics of stained glass art, mosaics, upcycled ceramic jewelry, and more. Sue has been featured in Canvas Rebel Magazine, Bold Journey Magazine, and Discover Virginia Beach Podcast with Joseph Trahan. Additionally, she donates pieces and hold fundraiser classes for local non-profit organizations to help generate donations to help people, pets, wildlife, and the environment. Sue believes that everything has a story and all broken pieces can turn into beautiful new stories.
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Make Your Own Tea Blend!
Make Your Own Tea Blend! ☕️
Instructor: Lori Whitmore
Saturday, December 20
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Join Lori Whitmore on Saturday, December 20 from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM for a Tea Blending Workshop at Arts on Main!
Looking for a fun, interactive experience to celebrate a special occasion or just treat yourself? Our Tea Blending Workshop is the perfect way to dive into the world of tea, whether you're a long-time tea lover or just getting started! Join us for a delightful afternoon where you'll learn about different herbs, teas, and the art of blending. Discover how to pair flavors, steep your perfect cup, and explore the health benefits of each ingredient. Plus, we’ll spice things up with a fun tea game and a chance to win a prize! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your own personalized tea blend, sample it, name it, and package it to take home. You’ll also have the option to create a refreshing fall/winter blend, plus experiment with simple syrup flavors to give your tea a deliciously sweet twist. As a thank-you for attending, you'll receive a goody bag with all of your tea blending essentials. Don't miss out on this tea-filled event—come join us and make some unforgettable memories!
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Lori, “The Tea Lady”Founder & Master Tea Blender, Savory Blends Tea Co.Based in Richmond, VA, Lori is a lifelong tea enthusiast turned entrepreneur, world traveler, and passionate tea educator. Her journey with tea began as a personal obsession—curating unique blends from her travels and exploring the medicinal power of herbs. Today, that passion has blossomed into Savory Blends Tea Co., a handcrafted loose-leaf tea brand rooted in wellness, culture, and creativity. Inspired by an article in Essence magazine about entrepreneurship, Lori felt a spark—one that led her to turn her deep love of tea into a purpose-driven business. Her mission is simple but powerful: to turn tea skeptics into believers, one flavorful steep at a time. Lori specializes in custom wellness blends and loves sharing the healing power of tea through workshops, themed tea parties, community events, and tea catering experiences. Her work has been featured in The Richmond Times-Dispatch, YurView 757, Style Weekly, and she's proud to be a 2024 Comcast RISE Award recipient.
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Palette Knife Workshop: Let it Snow
Palette Knife Workshop: Let it Snow
Instructor: Rebecca West
Saturday, January 3
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Paint a wintery dream with paint and palette knife. Some brushwork involved learn techniques to use in your creations.
Students are required to bring their own supplies.
Supply list:
- small size pallet knife
- Medium brush
- Acrylic paint/Oil paint
- 12x16 canvas (size optional)
Open to all ages and skill levels!
All children must have a parent with them
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
“I believe each individual has the potential to create a masterpiece, even with very little experience if the effort comes from a true desire to express the inner self. Using a palette knife gives the creator another tool to add to a growing toolbox.
I have been an artist since birth. Mostly I paint, but sometimes I sculpt. I believe life is art. Creation is art. Most of my adult life has been lived in the sky as a professional pilot. I have drawn inspiration from the ever-changing skyscape and many visits to breathtaking landscapes. I paint to create something new that wasn’t there before. I sculpt to give form to my ideas which could or could not have a basis in reality.
Art is freedom.”
Dynamic Figure Drawing Workshop
Dynamic Figure Drawing Workshop
Instructor: Jess Goehner
Saturday, January 31, 2026
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Join us for a dynamic figure drawing class that explores expression, perspective, and the power of gesture. Working from a live model, timed exercises will push you to convey the human form quickly and creatively and to expand the creative language you bring to all forms of art. This class will include personalized feedback from the instructor, suggestions and resource lists, and collaborative critique skills with your peers. All levels welcome.
Supplies will be provided, but bring your favorite drawing materials to work with if you have them (large newsprint drawing paper or large sketch pad, preferred drawing tools). For ages 14+
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Directive is the studio practice of artist and designer Jess Goehner, a one-woman operation working in a garage on the Virginia coast. Her media exploration ranges from fine pen and ink drawings, found sculpture, photography, clothing design, fibers, painting, and leatherwork. Since 2013, her work under the name Directive has been focused on functional pieces which has served as an extension of a broader artistic inquiry—an exploration of material, form, and repetition as a language of making.
Paint your Home with Watercolors *CLASS FULL!
Paint your Home with Watercolors 🏡
*CLASS FULL!
Instructor: Jan Finn Duffy
Saturday, November 1
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join Jan Finn-Duffy on Saturday, November 1 from 1-4pm for a watercolor workshop at Arts on Main!
Paint your own home using watercolor. It’s a painting you and your family may treasure forever! (Some watercolor experience is helpful, but even beiginners with very little w/c experience can paint their home with instruction.) You will learn to make a value study (a grayscale drawing of your home), how to mix colors, and experiment with painting techniques to render a beautiful painting. All advanced preparation in art materials are provided by the instructor.
Each student needs to submit a good quality photo of your home that you want to paint to the instructor. Please email your photo to programs@gloucesterarts.org by October 25. The photo should have clear detail when printed, with light and shadow contrast, in order to be able to create a successful painting.
*CLASS FULL!
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Jan Finn-Duffy is a self-taught watercolorist with a passion for painting and sharing watercolor skills with aspiring artists. She has a working studio at 40 Church Street in Mathews, VA, where her art is displayed and lessons are taught. Her art has been published in multiple international publications. Please visit her website www.JanFinnDuffy.com for more information.
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Watercolor Workshop: The Finer Things *CLASS FULL!
Watercolor Workshop: The Finer Things *CLASS FULL!
Instructor: Jan Finn-Duffy
Wednesday, October 29
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join Jan Finn-Duffy on Wednesday, October 29 from 6-8pm for a Watercolor Workshop at Arts on Main!
Paint this arrangement, one flower at a time. Step by step guidance will help you enjoy the beauty of the watercolor medium. All skill levels can do this!
All supplies will be provided by the instructor. Bring your friends and come have fun painting with watercolors!
FOR AGES 16+
*CLASS FULL!
To be put on a waitlist, please call the gallery at (804) 824-9464
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Jan Finn-Duffy is a self-taught watercolorist with a passion for painting and sharing watercolor skills with aspiring artists. She has a working studio at 40 Church Street in Mathews, VA, where her art is displayed and lessons are taught. Her art has been published in multiple international publications. Please visit her website www.JanFinnDuffy.com for more information.
Woven Pumpkins Workshop
Woven Pumpkins Workshop 🎃
Saturday, October 25
2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Learn how to weave cute little pumpkins with yarn on a very portable little loom! Many things can be made on these great little looms. Tina will provide each student with a kit and guide you from start to finish on how to weave and assemble your pumpkin.
All supplies will be provided by the instructor, but if you have any special small sticks you love for a stem or other things you want to add you can bring them....You do not have to bring any supplies as Tina will have them in your kit.
For ages 12+
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Fiber artist. I do all the fiber sports (crochet, knit, spin yarn, weave, felt, dye). I learned to crochet at 16 as an exchange student living in Brasil. I have been in love with fiber ever since. I love color and textures. I love to learn and explore media and push the limits. My friends say I am a giant fairy living in the human realm. Some of my favorite things are feathers and locks. I love to spin yarn with feathers. I also love to teach.
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Foundation Quilting Workshop *CLASS FULL!
Foundation Quilting Workshop
VMFA SPECIAL WORKSHOP! *CLASS FULL!
Instructor: Julia Pfaff
Saturday, October 18
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Join Julia Pfaff on Saturday, October 18th from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM for a VMFA special workshop at Arts on Main!
In this fast-moving workshop, you will learn a quick contemporary construction technique guaranteed to expand your quilting abilities. Foundation quilting yields immediate finished results by combining piecing and quilting. This workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced quilters alike. Several samples suitable as small wall hangings or pillow tops will be made during the workshop.
Sewing machines will be available for those who don’t have one, but if you do have a sewing machine, please bring it with you! Fabric will be provided, but feel free to bring your own fabric if you have it.
FOR AGES 16+
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.
*For Pay What You Can options, call the gallery at (804) 824-9464
*CLASS FULL!
To be put on a waitlist, please call the gallery at (804) 824-9464
Take a look at some of Julia’s stunning works!
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Julia E. Pfaff is a recipient of a 2019-2020 Professional Artist Fellowship from the Virginian Museum of Fine art and an Individual Artist’s Fellowship from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. With an undergraduate degree in Art History from the University of Toronto and a Master of Fine Art degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, she divides her time between being an educator and studio artist. Pfaff has been quilting her entire life and has successfully turned a family tradition into a contemporary art form. Her quilts have been exhibited extensively and can be found in numerous national collections and publications.
View her work at https://juliapfaffquilt.blogspot.com
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Autumn Pastel Workshop *class full!
Autumn Pastel Workshop
*class full!
Instructor: Jody Ball
Wednesday, October 15
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Have fun painting an autumn scene in this one-day pastel workshop! You will be provided with beautiful photos supplied by your instructor, Jody Ball, or you can bring your own fall-themed photo to recreate. Jody will guide you with instruction, tips, and techniques as you have fun watching your painting come alive on the colorful, textured board supplied in the class. This workshop is suitable for both beginners and advanced individuals, and everything you need is provided in the class. Come and join us and experience this interesting technique in the world of pastels!
All supplies will be provided by the instructor.
For adults and teens ages 12+
class full!
To be put on the waitlist, please call the gallery at (804) 824-9464
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Drawing and painting have been a part of my life as long as I can remember. As a child, my parents enrolled me in art lessons with a prominent hometown artist after my mother declared that all I did was draw and color! I now live in Deltaville, VA, but passionately taught art to students of all ages for many years in a homeschool co-op environment and my studio when I lived in Ohio. My first love is the pastel medium, and my representational paintings usually tend towards a softened, sometimes impressionistic appearance. Nature is my inspiration, and I am possessed by the colors, forms, and textures that are possible in creating two-dimensional art. My paintings grace the walls of many homes across the country, and I currently show my paintings at Gloucester Arts on Main, the RAL Art Center in Kilmarnock, and the Bay School Community Arts Center in Mathews.
Shibori Dye with Indigo Workshop
Shibori Dyeing with Indigo 💙
Instructor: Sara McCourt
Saturday, October 11
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join Sara McCourt on Saturday, October 11 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm for a Shibori dyeing workshop at Arts on Main!
This class will teach you the basics of Shibori dye techniques using an indigo dye vat. Shibori is a Japanese form of creating resists on fabric for dyeing. This art form uses string, blocks, folding and clamps to create unique designs on the cloth. This class will cover the basic techniques and each student will dye their own scarf. Indigo is its own unique tradition used in many countries around the world. All supplies will be provided by the instructor.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
An avid knitter, Sara found that the needles in her hands were the gateway tool to a deeper passion: fiber. Wondering about the sourcing and processing of her mail-order wools led her to complete her Master’s Spinning Certification program at the Olds College in Alberta, Canada. She then began to use her handspun yarns in weaving. This of course led to the use of natural and synthetic dyes in her work. Now, Sara spins and dyes her own yarn, fibers, and fabrics for use in her various fiber arts.
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Needle Felt a Small Pumpkin 🎃
Needle Felt a Small Pumpkin 🎃
Instructor: Gudrun Kiel-Bullock
Saturday, October 4
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join Gudrun Kiel-Bullock for a fiber workshop on Saturday, October 4th from 10am - 3pm at Arts on Main!
Learn how to needle felt a small 3D pumpkin with an expressive face. Great opportunity to practice felting faces since there is no "right" or "wrong" pumpkin face. Materials will be provided by instructor. Large sewing needle, tweezers and reference pictures of expressive faces are helpful but optional. Bring a lunch or snack if desired.
FOR ADULTS AND TEENS AGES 16+
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
“Creating art has always been a main focus in my life. Professionally, I worked as a graphic designer for many years while also pursuing other creative activities. I moved to Virginia 20 years ago and spent the first 6 years as a wildlife rehabilitator raising mostly orphaned baby squirrels. In 2012 I returned to art in the form of drawing in graphite, charcoal, and colored pencils. Fiber art has always interested me and Idiscovered felting in 2015. Creating in fiber – wet and needle felting as well as tapestry weaving – is currently where my journey has taken me. I enjoy the challenge of starting with loose wool fibers and in the case of wet felting, work with soap, water, and agitation to form my vision into a picture or vessel. In needle felting I also start with loose fibers but a barbed needle is my tool and with many needle stabs I create a picture or sculpture. I find both felting and weaving meditative in its repetitiveness and I like that I am using ancient art forms to create something contemporary. But no matter what form creation takes, for me, it is always about the joy of finding that seed of inspiration and seeing it come into form. My art has been accepted in many juried shows and has won awards. I am a member of the Williamsburg Spinners and Weavers and exhibit at the Art Speaks Gallery in Mathews. I have also taught classes in felting and weaving.”
2025 Annual Juried Show
2025 Annual Juried Show!
Opening Reception: Friday, October 3
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Congratulations to the artists featured in this year’s 2025 Annual Juried Show at Arts on Main!
Sammy Anderson, Jody Ball, Canan Boomer, Beth Anne Booth, Barbara Brecher, Laurie Breakwell, Judy Bumgardner, Sarah Bushey, Brenda Clark, Jim Dees, Donald Dransfield, Jan Finn-Duffy, Carolyn Thompson Dudley, Mary Ellis, Jordan Flower, Mary Huennekens, Nancy Jacey, Anne Jackson, Bonnie-Leigh Jones, James Warwick Jones, Seth Jason Leslie, Lindsay Manzlak, John Maples, Kate Marrier, Mary McCormick, Gayle Merrill, Jackie Merritt, Lauren Oliver, Patricia Owens, Robert Placky, Tamara Priestley, Jennie Richards, Heather Salvador, Juli Schuszler, Collin Scott, Lauren Sowder, Patricia Spayd, Ron Spence, Theresa Wells Stifel, Brenda Sylvia, Lilyann Teifer, Gigi Vranian, Carol Whitney, Patricia Zavada
The 45+ artists in this show use fiber, metal, oil, watercolor, pastel, wood, and more to create stunning and unique art. The pieces range from the whimsical and humorous to the thought-provoking and insightful. You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind show!
This exhibition will run from October 3rd to November 1st. Three winning artists will be awarded a cash prize at the First Friday opening reception on Friday, October 3rd from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at Arts on Main. Juror and Judge Trent Nicholas will discuss his jurying process and announce the winning artists around 6:30 PM. Light bites will be served and beer + wine will be available for purchase. Nathan Stephenson will be performing live music.
Many Thanks to our October 2025 Exhibition Sponsors, Joan Bevelaqua & Robert Pagelsen!
MEET YOUR JUROR & JUDGE
Trent Nicholas received a BFA in Painting and Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1974 and an MA in Cinema Studies from New York University in 1986. He is currently the Statewide Media Programs Coordinator at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and teaches film history for the VCU Art History Department as Adjunct Faculty.
Live music will be performed by Nathan Stephenson at the opening reception!
Many Thanks to our First Friday Music Sponsor, Martha Matthews!
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Mosaic Workshop with Sue Hill
Mosaic Workshop
With Stained Glass
Instructor: Sue Hill with SHill Creations Studio
Saturday, September 27
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join Sue Hill on Saturday, September 27th from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM for a Beginner’s Mosaic Workshop at Arts on Main!
Immerse yourself in the beautiful art form of stained glass with Sue Hill! Sue will guide you in creating a stunning framed mosaic art piece that will capture the sunlight and project beautiful colors around your home. No big or fancy equipment is needed for this class. The only tool you need to bring is your imagination!
All supplies will be provided by the instructor. Bring your friends and come learn the art of mosaics!
FOR AGES 18+
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Sue spent her first 25 years Technical Writer and Proposal Writer utilizing her graphic design background in advertising and documentation for shipboard equipment and IT. She retired from that career to be a full time Stained Glass Artist. As an art lover, Sue Hill has always had an interest in art and vibrant colors. She has worked with a lot of processes and materials, but her love always takes her to the beauty of stained glass. She loves creating beautiful designs that can catch the sunlight or move with the wind while the colors magically project across a room or transfer to the ground. When she’s not busy creating in her studio, you can find her teaching and sharing stained glass art at various locations - including local Museums, Art Centers, Virginia Beach ViBe District, Botanical Gardens, and other local Studio Spaces. She teaches the importance of being eco-friendly and repurposing – turning everyday life into art. Her various workshops teach the basics of stained glass art, mosaics, upcycled ceramic jewelry, and more. Sue has been featured in Canvas Rebel Magazine, Bold Journey Magazine, and Discover Virginia Beach Podcast with Joseph Trahan. Additionally, she donates pieces and hold fundraiser classes for local non-profit organizations to help generate donations to help people, pets, wildlife, and the environment. Sue believes that everything has a story and all broken pieces can turn into beautiful new stories.
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Intermediate Watercolor Class Series
Watercolor Magic - Tips, Techniques, & Tools
Watercolor Class Series for Intermediate Beginners
Six Week Class Series
Monday Evenings
September 22 - November 3 (no class on October 20)
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Join artist Doug Mock as he leads a 6 weeks series of classes for artists that have completed any beginner class and would like to push their knowledge and skill to the next level. During this course, Doug will provide demonstration and discuss those techniques he uses most frequently to bring his subjects to life. He will use both a bold colorful floral as well as an old sea boat for these techniques. These classes are fun, engaging, and full of information that you will use on a regular and frequent basis.
Students are required to bring their own supplies. Please bring all supplies that you currently use for watercolor.
FOR ADULTS AND TEENS AGES 16+
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Doug Mock is an award-winning watercolor artist and teacher living in White Stone, Virginia. Born in 1966 in Central Pennsylvania he was raised in a small dairy farming community where strong work ethic, love of family and appreciation of nature were of major importance. Doug is mostly self-taught, with significant influence by figurative watercolorist Mary Whyte. Mock creates art inspired by people and nature. His work is characterized by unique design, bold color and creative subject matter. Capturing life’s simple moments, Doug’s art connects with collectors on an emotional level. Doug has been juried into and regularly appears in shows and exhibitions throughout the United States. His work is appreciated and can be found in private collections throughout the country. He is a member of prominent watercolor organizations and is a signature member of the Virginia Watercolor Society and the Southern Watercolor Society.
Weaving Placemats on a Rigid Heddle Loom *CLASS FULL!
Weaving Placemats on a Rigid Heddle Loom
*CLASS FULL!
Instructor: Caryn Hogg
Saturday, September 20
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Ever wondered about weaving but didn't have access to a loom or know where to start? Ever thought "I'm more a math and science person than an artist"? Ever found it hard to sit still during an art class? If so, then this is the class for you! Weaving is an art form that dates back thousands of years and relies on simple math and mechanics to design, plan, and create beautiful and functional art. Students in this class will use Arts on Main's rigid heddle looms to learn beginning weaving techniques and create lovely placemats for you to use in your home.
For ages 16+
All supplies are included.
*CLASS FULL!
To be put on a waitlist, please call the gallery at (804) 824-9464
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
“Hi, I'm Caryn Hogg. By day I work in Healthcare I.T. and am a tech nerd, but my creative side loves all things fiber arts. I am on a life journey from knitting to spinning to weaving to tatting to... who knows?! I am always excited to share my knowledge with people and love being living proof that anyone can make beautiful things with string - you just have to be willing to try!”
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Monotype printmaking & collage Workshop
Monotype printmaking &
collage Workshop 🎨
Instructor: Rose Nygaard
Three Day Workshop
Tuesday, September 16
Wednesday, September 17
Thursday, September 18
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join Rose Nygaard for a Three Day Monotype Printmaking & Collage Workshop at Arts on Main!
Learn how to enhance your creative voice! Students will learn how to create an abstract mixed media painting using monotype printmaking, acrylic painting, and collage. Monotype printmaking is a unique print that has been made by an image that has been painted on a metal, plastic, or another flat, smooth surface. Some of the earliest monotypes were made around 1640. Rembrandt, Degas, and Matise all did monotypes. Bring old letters, photographs, magazines, newspapers, anything you want and create a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork!
For teens and adults
*Students are required to bring their own supplies. Click the button below to view the supply list.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Rose has a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from American University In Washington, DC. She has been working in Abstract Art for the last thirty years.
Rose enjoys figurative, still life, and abstract painting and printing. She also experiments with collage as another way of expressing ideas and emotions. She works in different mediums; working boldly with color and shape. The design of the work relies on the color, shape, and weight of pigment and how it affects the visual and visceral reaction of the artist. An Award-winning acrylic painter, Rose teaches an ongoing series of acrylic classes.
Plarn Tote Bag Workshop
Plarn (plastic yarn) Tote Bag Workshop
Instructor: Gudrun Kiel-Bullock
Saturday, September 13
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Students will learn how to make plarn from plastic grocery bags and weave it on a cardboard loom to make a fun tote bag. Materials will be provided. Students will need to bring sharp scissors; a wide tooth comb or hair pick or fork. Optional - ruler, extra plastic bags. Bring lunch or a snack if desired.
For ages 16+
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
“Creating art has always been a main focus in my life. Professionally, I worked as a graphic designer for many years while also pursuing other creative activities. I moved to Virginia 20 years ago and spent the first 6 years as a wildlife rehabilitator raising mostly orphaned baby squirrels. In 2012 I returned to art in the form of drawing in graphite, charcoal, and colored pencils. Fiber art has always interested me and Idiscovered felting in 2015. Creating in fiber – wet and needle felting as well as tapestry weaving – is currently where my journey has taken me. I enjoy the challenge of starting with loose wool fibers and in the case of wet felting, work with soap, water, and agitation to form my vision into a picture or vessel. In needle felting I also start with loose fibers but a barbed needle is my tool and with many needle stabs I create a picture or sculpture. I find both felting and weaving meditative in its repetitiveness and I like that I am using ancient art forms to create something contemporary. But no matter what form creation takes, for me, it is always about the joy of finding that seed of inspiration and seeing it come into form. My art has been accepted in many juried shows and has won awards. I am a member of the Williamsburg Spinners and Weavers and exhibit at the Art Speaks Gallery in Mathews. I have also taught classes in felting and weaving.”
Understanding Composition & Design for All Visual Artists
Understanding Composition & Design
for All Visual Artists
Instructor: Doug Mock
Saturday, September 13th and Sunday, September 14th
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join Doug Mock on Saturday, September 13th and Sunday, September 14th from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM for a composition and design workshop at Arts on Main!
Join Doug Mock for this 2-day workshop where you will learn the importance of creating art that takes advantage of strong design and composition. You will learn about the elements and principles of design, how to assess your photos (or plein air sites) to ensure strong works of art and how to best plan your art for success. Doug will have tools and hands-on exercises to reinforce your learning. Artists will gain a better understanding of the elements and principles of design while learning about and identifying critical compositional armatures/structures in a variety of art forms. Artists will complete hands-on activities to further reinforce their understanding of the critical importance of strong design and compositions.
Doug regularly judges mixed-media art exhibits and consistently evaluates and critiques art based upon the artists understanding of and utilization of strong composition. This class is open to artists in all media so come and join the fun! Please bring a lunch each day as we will have a 45 minute working lunch break each day.
Please bring at least six - 8.5 x 11 photo references (in black and white) that you think would make great paintings. Bring a notebook, pen/pencil and a positive attitude!
This workshop is open to ALL artists in any art medium. This course is a comprehensive workshop designed by the instructor after not being able to find the workshop content in any one place.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Doug Mock is an award-winning watercolor artist and teacher living in White Stone, Virginia. Born in 1966 in Central Pennsylvania he was raised in a small dairy farming community where strong work ethic, love of family and appreciation of nature were of major importance. Doug is mostly self-taught, with significant influence by figurative watercolorist Mary Whyte. Mock creates art inspired by people and nature. His work is characterized by unique design, bold color and creative subject matter. Capturing life’s simple moments, Doug’s art connects with collectors on an emotional level. Doug has been juried into and regularly appears in shows and exhibitions throughout the United States. His work is appreciated and can be found in private collections throughout the country. He is a member of prominent watercolor organizations and is a signature member of the Virginia Watercolor Society and the Southern Watercolor Society.
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Abstract Mixed Media Workshop
Abstract Mixed Media Workshop
With VMFA Instructor Kendra Wadsworth
Saturday, September 6
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Join Kendra Wadsworth on Saturday, September 6th from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Arts on Main for an Abstract Mixed Media Workshop!
Looking to the “father of modern art,” Wassily Kandinsky, and comparing him to 21st-century artists Julie Mehretu, and “Stadia III,” students explore lyrical expression and measured marks as they apply to abstract art. Using a variety of traditional and nontraditional materials as well as a mini-psychological profile and music, students create large-scale works of geometric and organic origin.
FOR AGES 16+
All supplies will be provided by the instructor, but you are welcome to bring materials of your own (fabric, paper scraps, mixed media supplies, etc). Please bring a lunch, or plan to check out one of our local restaurants within walking distance!
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.
*For Pay What You Can options, please contact Arts on Main at (804) 824-9464
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Kendra Wadsworth, a scenic painter for motion picture, theatrical, television, and commercial projects, has an undergraduate degree in painting and printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has an MFA in painting from The University of Pennsylvania.
September Group Show: "The Archies"
September Group Show: "The Archies"
Seven Virginia Artists who bond through painting
featuring
Patti MacHale Bartol, Thomas Bradshaw, Coakley Brown, Kim Hall, Marjorie Perrin, Maria Reardon, Jennifer Young
Opening Reception -
Friday, September 5, 5:30 PM - 7:30PM
“It’s been said that corralling artists can be as challenging as herding cats. Naturally independent and each following his or her own drummer, this is the story of a group of uniquely individual artists who attended a plein air event together, sharing the cost of an Airbnb that was frequented by a neighborhood cat named Archie. Despite their different personalities and perspectives, the artists formed a natural bond, and have supported each other’s growth ever since. While Archie is no longer around (perhaps cats just aren’t meant to be herded after all), Archie’s tribe of talented painters continues to share a passion for plein air, traveling and painting together at least once a year. They are present for each other both artistically and personally, whether via ongoing group text or in person, through the daily trials and tribulations of life.”
The First Friday opening reception will take place at Arts on Main on Friday, September 5th from 5:30 PM - 7:30PM. Light bites will be served and beer + wine will be available for purchase. Live music will be performed by Ami Baker. The show will be on display at Arts on Main until Saturday, September 27th. The gallery is open Wednesday - Saturday from 12-5pm.
Many thanks to our September Exhibit Sponsors, Edward Jones/Walk to End Alzheimer’s!
Live music will be provided by Ami Baker at First Friday.
Thank you to our First Friday Music Sponsor, Kathy and Jens Andersen!
Ami Baker is 29 year-old female musician local to Gloucester VA. She is a singer-songwriter, lover of Jesus, and she enjoys writing songs to make people feel less alone.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Patti MacHale Bartole
“It’s in nature that I receive my primary source of inspiration, focusing on the restorative sights and sounds surrounding me. I’m drawn to the places that feel distant from the complexities of modern life: old mills, barns, farm houses, gardens and especially the “untouched” places like shorelines, marshes and mountains. I love to work in the immense “studio” of the outdoors, but I also enjoy working in my home studio in Mechanicsville, Virginia.
I’ve been blessed to have had early exposure to art through my mother, maternal grandmother and great grandmother, who were all painters. As a child, my grandmother would take me on outdoor painting excursions with her painting group. Now, one of my greatest pleasures is painting “en plein air”, in the open air, with other artists.
Art can be a solitary endeavor, so connections to other artists are vital. I’m a member of several art groups that provide fellowship, education and exhibition opportunites: James River Art League, Virginia Plein Air Painters and Virginia Watercolor Society. My work is exhibited with the above groups as well as in several galleries, corporate and private collections. My work is published in the North Light book, “How Did You Paint That? 100 Ways to Paint Landscapes”.
My formal education began with a BA in Fine Art from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Art is a lifelong pursuit and I’ve continued to study through workshops with professionals in various fields. I also enjoy sharing my love of art and years of study through teaching my own classes and workshops. I’ve taught classes in drawing, pastel, watercolor and oil.
Through art, I hope to share my strong connection with the natural world.”
Thomas Bradshaw
Richmond based Plein air artist, Thomas Bradshaw, has been honing his painting skills since he was a small child watching his grandmother create still life paintings in her basement studio. After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta with a degree in Graphic Design, he moved west to Jackson Hole, Wy where his evolution into a Plein air artist began to take shape.
Having always loved the outdoors, Thomas began to paint in and around Jackson Hole setting up his easel to capture the breathtaking western landscapes. He soon realized it was the perfect marriage of his two passions, painting and being in nature.“Jackson Hole was a place where I could immerse myself in the style of art that has always been my first love”. Thomas often says “ I have always loved seeing a painterly painted painting”.
His loose painterly style allows him to imply detail without overstating it. Using brushwork and a palette knife to create a textural impression which draws the viewer in for a closer look. Utilizing a limited palette, Thomas is able to create shimmering light through temperature and value and bring to life the way in which it illuminates the scene as a single moment in time. Painting Plein air forces the artist to recognize that light is the heart of any painting and that light is the quality that inspires the dynamic nature of the landscape.
Thomas is currently teaching a Master Class in Richmond and he is enjoying the pleasures and challenges of painting, teaching and spending time with his family.
Coakley Brown
“Drawing from my first career as a science teacher, but rooted in my childhood passion for art, I see with a sense of wonder that overflows into my paintings. I find treasure in the overlap of things convention tells us to separate. Within their interaction, a vibrant truth resonates. Searching for and discovering that truth brings a spirit of bold playfulness to my work as I explore relationships between color, paint application, subject matter, and self. For me, painting means much more than documenting what I see; it’s a celebration of found treasure.”
Kim Hall
“My work is a joyful reaction to the everyday scenes that we might drive past or that stream of light coming through a window as it fleetingly touches on an object. I love the freedom of wandering those backroads and coming upon the perfect spot to pull over and set up my easel. It’s a good balance with the sanctuary of my studio, where I have can work larger, experiment and see where a painting will take me. I have spent much of my life in or around the water and that is reflected throughout my work. My intent is for a painting to be as much about the paint as it is capturing a scene. I really want the viewer to be able to find their own interpretation.”
Marjorie Perrin
Marjorie Perrin paints the world around her using the richness of oil paint to convey mood and sense of place. Her style is influenced by Impressionism and Classical Realism. She taught Studio Art for 30 years at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Studio School and continues to teach art workshops for the VMFA Statewide Program.
Marjorie graduated with honors from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts; she also studied at Art Students League of New York and Virginia Commonwealth University. She has received several awards, most recent are Second Place Artists’ Choice Award for Tidelands Plein Air event in Tappahannock, Virginia in 2024, First Place at Gloucester Arts Festival Community Artist Plein Air Competition in 2019 and an Honorable Mention in the same event in 2024 in Gloucester, VA and Third Place in Plein Air Westhampton 2019 in Richmond, VA. She has also received two fellowships to the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.
Her work is included in numerous private and corporate collections in Richmond, Virginia, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, E.R. Carpenter Corp., Medical College of Virginia, Henrico Doctor’s Hospital, and Mutual Assurance.
She is an active member in the Portrait Society of America, Oil Painters of America, the Virginia Plein Air Painters Association, the Maryland Society of Portrait Painters, and the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association.
Maria Reardon
Maria Reardon paints the world around her. She loves being outdoors, immersed in nature, observing and experiencing everything going on first hand. She finds inspiration in rural and natural areas and often features horses, farm animals and wildlife in her landscapes. Her passion is painting on location, Plein Air, using vibrant and diverse colors in an impressionistic fashion, to represent the light and mood of a particular location.
Maria is a Virginia native and received her formal education from Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a Bachelor’s of Fine Art in illustration. She continued her study of the landscape with nationally known artists. Her work has been exhibited and is in private collections. She has received top awards during plein air competitions and gallery shows and her work has been published in art journals.
She is currently represented by Cabell Gallery (Lexington VA), Allure Art Center (White Stone VA) and Franco's Fine Clothier (Richmond VA). Maria enjoys teaching and is an instructor for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Studio School (Richmond VA) and the Tuckahoe Woman’s Club (Richmond VA). When she is not painting outdoors from life, she works from her studios in Rockville VA and Goshen VA.
Jennifer Young
Jennifer is an Ashland Virginia artist who creates vibrant paintings in oil, pastel, acrylic and gouache. Young received her formal training from Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a BFA (cum laude) in painting and art history. Her early work centered on the human figure and garnered gallery and museum shows in United States, at venues such as the Hofstra Museum and Purdue University.
Her work and subject matter changed dramatically after she was introduced to plein air painting. Working directly from life, “en plein air,” is to Young, inspiring, challenging, and endlessly rewarding. It has become a lifelong pursuit.
Jennifer’s professional painting career has spanned almost 30 years. Her work has been in numerous gallery exhibitions and received recognition at juried plein air events. Corporate collectors include Westminster Canterbury Retirement Community, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, VCU Health, Sheltering Arms Hospital, and Tuscan Sun Wines.
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
Linocut Printmaking Class
Linocut Printmaking Class
(FOUR WEEK SERIES)
Instructor: Lauren Sowder
Every Wednesday in September
September 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join Lauren Sowder every Wednesday in September from 6-8pm for a Linocut Printmaking Class Series at Arts on Main!
Ready, set, carve! In this class series, you will learn techniques of linocut relief printmaking and the fascinating history of this traditional medium. You will design, carve, and print a 6x8 inch linoleum block and leave with five original handmade prints of your own design on 8x10 inch paper. We will cover various techniques of carving and printing to create your finished product. This workshop is beginner-friendly, but all skill levels are welcome. For participants with previous printmaking experience, advanced techniques will be offered. All supplies will be provided by the instructor, including a linoleum cutter to take home and continue printmaking on your own! All you need to bring is your creativity, an apron, or clothes you don’t mind getting ink on!
For ages 18+
Take a look at some of Lauren’s phenomenal work!
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Lauren Sowder is a multi-media artist based in Newport News, Virginia, with a BA in English and Studio Art from Christopher Newport University. She works primarily in printmaking and watercolor, using her art to celebrate the connection between humanity and the natural world.
Carving a wood Panel: two Day Workshop
Carving a Wood Panel: two day workshop
Instructor: Christopher Wagner
Friday, August 29
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
AND
Saturday, August 30
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Join Christopher Wagner on Friday, August 29th from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM and Saturday, August 30th from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM for a Woodworking Workshop at Arts on Main!
Learn how to carve a low relief wood panel! Applicable for carving original art wood panels, and decorative elements in furniture. Tools and materials are included.
FOR AGES 8+
For kids 16 and under, parents are required to stay
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Christopher B. Wagner is a sculptor originally from Kentucky but has lived and worked all over the country. In the summer of 2022 he relocated from the West Coast to Williamsburg, VA to work at William & Mary University. He received a B.A. in art history and sculpture from Georgetown College after which he studied Sculpture at Edinboro University in which he graduated in 2010 with an M.F.A. He has been making and exhibiting his art ever since his work can currently be seen at Linda Matney Gallery in Williamsburg, VA, Guardino Gallery in Portland, OR, Imogen Gallery in Astoria, OR, and the Compound Gallery in Oakland, CA. Along with his own active studio he has worked as a Shop Manager for Eichinger Sculpture studio in Portland, OR; along with serving as an instructor and technician at numerous institutions including Gonzaga University, Mission College, De Anza University and most recently William & Mary University. His awards have included a Jurors Choice at Cherry Creek Art Festival, exhibitor at the Smithsonian Craft Show, the Glean Artist Grant, and the Emerging Artist Award from Portland Open Studios. His work focuses on recycled or reconstituted wood as the medium. Utilizing traditional carving skills in the creation of contemporary sculpture. The reclaimed lumber he predominantly sculpts in provides a sense of history that influences what he creates.
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.
RiverJam Music Festival
Get ready! RiverJam 2025 is approaching!
RiverJam 2025 promises a toe-tapping, hand clapping, soul soaring collaboration of live music and song featuring performances by Ballast Band, Don Irwin, Lily Loves Jazz, and One Voice Chorus Chorale. Local food vendors Gumbeau’s Catering, Nuttall’s Store, and Short Lane Ice Cream. Art activities, and an abundance of FUN FOR ALL!
Come join us from 3-7 pm on August 23, 2025 for our Ninth Annual RiverJam Music Festival!
This year’s festival will be hosted by Flat Iron Crossroads (7709 Flat Iron Rd, Gloucester, VA).
Tickets are available online or through our Gallery at 6580 Main Street, Gloucester, VA. If you are interested in sponsoring RiverJam 2025, please click the link below or call Arts on Main at 804.824.9464 for more details.
We can’t wait to see you there!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
EVENT SPONSOR
Mr. and Mrs. E. Claiborne Robins, Jr.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Gloucester Community Foundation – Theresa and Troy Stavens Charitable Fund
Dr. Arnold Stolberg
COMPOSERS SPOTLIGHT
Anonymous
Chesapeake Bank
Cook Foundation
Shaheen, Ruth, Martin & Fonville Real Estate
Phillips Energy, Inc.
SONGWRITERS CIRCLE
Catamount Tactical LLC
Flat Iron Crossroads
Friends of Cappahosic House
Jean & Dick Crowder, Friends of Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society
Martin, Ingles & Hensely, Ltd.
Porter’s on Main
Linda Wahlman
ENSEMBLE CAST
Riverside Health
BACKSTAGE
Consociate Media
H. Stone Digital Solutions
Middle Peninsula Golf Carts
Scotty Signs
Spencer Realty of Virginia, Ltd.
Mary Ellen Stumpf
Open Studio
Bring your art & supplies and paint from 12:00pm-2:00pm. You’ll work alongside other artists in the community, create new friendships, and get great advice on your next masterpiece. There is no cost to attend and no need to make reservations.