Upcoming Classes and events
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.
August 2026 First Friday: On the Farm
August 2026 First Friday
“On the Farm”
featuring
Christianne Allison, Carol Bartram, Elizabeth Blanchard, Alicia Daily, Marcie Evans, Barbara Anne Harris, Darlene Keyt, Mike Kravchak, Cathy Minga, Brenda Sylvia, Karen Thuermer
Celebrate the beauty and heritage of country life in our “On the Farm” August show, featuring artwork inspired by the landscapes, animals, and traditions that define our rural community. From rolling fields to vintage tractors and beloved farm animals, this collection captures the charm and character of life on the farm. Through a variety of styles and mediums, these 11 artists pay tribute to the animals, places, and seasons that keep our agricultural roots alive. Whether you grew up on a farm or simply appreciate the peaceful beauty of the countryside, this show offers something familiar, nostalgic, and inspiring for everyone.
As a special treat, adoptable dogs from the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society will be attending the opening of this show!
The opening of this show will take place at Arts on Main on Friday, August 7th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Light bites will be served. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Live music will be performed by Micah Foxx. The show will be on display at Arts on Main until Saturday, August 29th. The gallery is open Wednesday - Saturday from 12-5pm.
Live music will be performed by Micah Foxx at First Friday. Thank you to our First Friday Music Sponsors, Susan & George Nottingham!
Micah Foxx is a singer/songwriter and instrumentalist from Coastal Virginia. Micah's current project, Crimson Fox, was founded in early 2017 with his long-time friend and musical compatriot, Matt Crim. Crimson Fox features guest artists and performers regularly. The duo can be found performing in Asheville, Greensboro and the Outer Banks of North Carolina as well as in Washington D.C., Danville, the Eastern Shore, Richmond and their hometowns of Newport News and Gloucester, Virginia.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Christianne Allison
Christianne Allison is a landscape artist, best known for depicting rural Virginia. She often paints barns, farms and the rivers feeding the Virginia Peninsula. She works mostly in oils and acrylics. Christianne also began painting en plein air during the Covid era, with a group of artists out of the VMFA in Richmond. She has an impressionist style that aims to capture the quiet moments in nature.
Christianne was educated at University of Virginia as an Engineer and worked professionally for many years in semiconductor manufacturing. After leaving her career to raise her children, she began developing her art skills with glass painting. Christianne has participated in many local vendor shows, sold in retail markets and has sold thousands of her pieces on Etsy since 2012.
Christianne is a self-taught artist, although has studied privately with many local artists including Matt Lively of Richmond. She has taken studio classes through VMFA in Richmond, and continues to paint with a plein air group from VMFA. She is a memb Williamsburg Artists Group and Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center (WCAC), as well as the Tuesday Painters group of Williamsburg. She has shown and sold her pieces at WCAC, the Williamsburg Winery, the Williamsburg regional library, the Styker Center, Bruton parish, and Indian fields.
Carol Bartram
“I am a retired school-based occupational therapist and founder of the Peninsula Chicken Keepers (PeCK) group, a local organization to help people learn to care for backyard chickens. I have been creating art on and off since childhood, but returned to it in a more focused way after retirement, learning through other local artists and studying most recently with graphite artist and teacher extraordinaire Mary Lee Ruff.
I work primarily in watercolor and graphite from my original photographs. I am fascinated by line and find beauty in the details of the natural world. Many of my paintings and drawings are of my own pet chickens, and while I work I become lost in the patterns that form their feathers, facial features, scales on legs. My intent is to move the viewer beyond the chicken-as-folk-art or chicken-as-farm-animal representations by expressing a deeper sense of the personalities of the individual birds.”
Elizabeth Blanchard
Elizabeth Blanchard has been a realistic oil painter since 2011. She enjoys just about any subject including people, landscapes, animals, seascapes, and still life. Lately she has focused on plein air painting in the summer and still life painting in the colder months. Elizabeth lives in Suffolk with her husband of 25 years and four children. She is a 1995 graduate from Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and a 1999 graduate from Campbell University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She credits her high school art teacher, Mrs. Cleta Norcross and oil painting teacher, Robert LeMasters, for where she is today. Elizabeth has won painting awards in the Suffolk Plein Air Festival, Dare Arts Plein Air Event, as well as the Wakefield Flower and Art Show. Currently she teaches oil painting at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
Alicia Daily
“I’ve been making pottery and doing art since I was a kid - my mom would bring a wheel home from summer camp and we would use it. So in case any High Rocks people read this - yep- Camp High Rocks- home away from home. In my art training, I graduated from Duke in Design in= Whoa! 1978. Then Univ. of N.Florida, and graduate work at Radford Univ, and VCU.
Ok, can we just move along?
I’ve resettled in Charleston SC fresh off a 20-year farm experiment. Horses. Corgis. Goats. Chickens. Cats. Pottery. And now I’ve got half a garage and 2 home-bred Connemara ponies at a not so nearby farm. 2 Corgis and one granddaughter. Gonna give this low country thing a try.”
Marcie Evans
Based in Poquoson, Virginia, Marcie Evans is a sculptor and potter whose work balances practicality with a playful, irreverent spirit. A native of the Hampton Roads area, her artistic journey is rooted in a diverse background of visual communication and organic design.
Working primarily in stoneware and porcelain, Marcie Evans creates pieces that are inherently utilitarian but distinguished by a sense of whimsy and humor. This distinctive "functional fun" is born of years working as an artist and sculptor, an Associate's degree in Graphic Design, and a prolific career as a floral designer and flower shop manager. Years of arranging botanicals have instilled a deep understanding of form, balance, and the relationship between a vessel and its contents.
Today, Marcie blends these disciplines into ceramic works that invite touch and evoke smiles, ensuring that even the most everyday object carries a spark of personality.
Barbara Anne Harris
" Painting became a part of me when I was very young"
A Virginia native, Barbara Anne Harris is an accomplished artist who developed a passion for painting at the early age of 8, when she began weekly art lessons which she continued through high school. Taking classes and workshops through the years, she developed her skills in painting using oils, acrylics and pastels. Oil painting and soft pastels are her medium of choice, produced in studio and plein air.
Her artistic interest ranges from rural landscape, coastal life and cityscapes to still life and figurative. She has studied with renowned artist around Virginia, the US and in Europe.
In 2021, Barbara co-founded the Suffolk Plein Air Society, and co-chaired the first Suffolk Plein Air Festival in partnership with the Suffolk Cultural Arts Center for juried artists across the Mid-Atlantic.
She teaches classes and workshops in the US and Europe. She is a member of the Suffolk Cultural Arts Center, the Isle of Wight Art League and Oil Painters of America. In 2018, she was the featured artist in the Nansemond Suffolk Acaemy's long running Art Show. Her work is represented in galleries around Virginia including Beach Gallery in Virginia Beach, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts in Suffolk, and Art @ 319 and The Nelm House in Smithfield, Virginia.
Darlene Keyt
Call Darlene a late bloomer. She didn’t pick up a paint brush seriously until she was an empty nester in 2018. At the time, she was the Event Manager at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. She knew she loved original art and she had been collecting art for nearly twenty-five years.
“Keep it simple and enjoy the journey” is her motto. Her goal is to limit her palette with the primary colors with most of her paintings. Doing this, creates harmony and her paintings complement one another. Capturing the light and color of a great building, landscape or waterway always inspire her. She is also fortunate to have a large art tribe to paint and travel with in and around Virginia. Darlene has studied with Beth Blanchard, Doug Clarke, Catherine Hillis, the Suffolk Plein Air Society, Julie Riker and Barbara Harris.
Working with oils is her favorite. She also dabbles with watercolors and has recently started to document her travels with a watercolor journal. Darlene would consider herself an impressionist. She primarily paints from her photographs in a studio but, she also really enjoys being outside and painting En Plein Air style.
Born and raised in Suffolk, Virginia, Darlene now splits her time between the shores of Lake Burnt Mills, the Pagan River and, the Atlantic Ocean.
Mike Kravchak
“I majored in architecture in college, with a minor in art history. I studied under Professor Amy Fell, Professor John Gardner, and Sculpture Professor, J. Cherry. I have always enjoyed the Arts, and I have experimented in many mediums, i.e., pencil, oils, acrylics, pen and ink, and clay sculpture.
For many years, I painted and sketched for relaxation; however, I always wanted to learn to work in watercolor. Upon my retirement as a District Manager from UGI, an energy company, I took my first course in watercolor with Robert Burnell at Portsmouth Fine Arts Institute. I have also taken a semester course with Betty Anglin at Christopher Newport University.
I have found my greatest challenge and satisfaction working in watercolor. I enjoy painting local and historical scenes from the Tidewater area and along the Chesapeake Bay. I also enjoy painting scenes from the Outer Banks of North Carolina and many other beautiful places I have been fortunate enough to visit.”
Cathy Minga
“My love of art began during childhood and has continued for well over 40 years. I find inspiration in the everyday moments that surround me — the expressions, personalities, and connections that make life special. I especially enjoy painting animals and children, capturing the spirit and emotion that make each subject unique. Working in oils and acrylics, I love exploring new techniques and styles that help bring my subjects to life. For me, painting is a lifelong journey of curiosity, learning, and finding beauty in the world around me.”
Brenda Sylvia
Artist Brenda Sylvia’s enthusiasm for the beauty of the natural world is captured in her expressive landscape paintings. Brenda loves vibrant color, and her obsession was intensified by the nine years she lived in the bright light of the Caribbean. She’s fascinated by the rural scenes and barns and farmhouses around the Chesapeake Bay. She also travels to the mountains of Western Virginia for inspiration. She is an award winning professional artist from Richmond, Virginia who now lives in Reedville near the Chesapeake Bay. Brenda paints in acrylics, often starting a painting on location and finishing it in her studio. When she is not painting, you might find her outside hiking or kayaking with her dog while taking reference photos for future inspiration. Brenda has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from James Madison University. Years later she earned her Master of Fine Arts from The George Washington University.
Karen Thuermer
“An international journalist for 45+ years, my art mirrors my search for interesting people and places both locally and globally.
I am an accomplished plein air landscape painter who is equally skilled at still life and figurative compositions. My work is often described as impressionist.
My primary medium is oil. I also work in watercolor, graphite, pastel, and engraving. I also am an award-winning photographer.
Many of my works are accepted into juried shows, including those at the Art League Gallery in Alexandria, VA; Bay School Community Arts Center, Mathews, VA; Torpedo Factory Artists Association’s Art in City Hall in Alexandria, VA; the National Arts Program at the National Press Club in Washington, DC; Oxon Hill Manor in Oxon Hill, MD; Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax City, VA; Upper Marion Cultural Center in King of Prussia, PA; Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Del Ray, VA; Great Falls Art Center in Great Falls, VA; Strathmore Art Center in Bethesda, MD; Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center (WCAC) in Williamsburg, VA, Links Bridge Vineyards in Thurmont, VA, and other venues in Ohio and the Mid Atlantic.”
Wire Wrapping Pendant Workshop
Wire Wrapping Pendant Workshop
Instructor: Suzanne Elliot
Saturday, August 8
1:00 PM - 3:30PM
Join Suzanne for an intermediate wire wrapping and shaping workshop to create a pendant/keychain chain/purse charm, etc. You can decide how the finished piece will be used. Some knowledge of wire shaping and tool use will be useful, but not mandatory. All supplies will be provided. Photos is an example.
FOR ADULTS AND TEENS AGES 16+
Check out a few of Suzanne’s unique wire wrappings!
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Hi! My name is Suzanne and I am a local artist from Hampton Virginia. I have been an artist for over 12 years. My journey began with shaping wire into rings and earrings. Over the last 6 years I have mastered the art of wire woven jewelry such as pendants, rings, and bracelets. My favorite project is to shape a creature into a wire woven pendant or ring. My favorites are my dragon pendant and dragon head rings. Join me in a class to learn to make your own unique jewelry!
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.
Oil Painting Workshop: Floral Still Life
Oil Painting Workshop: Floral Still Life
Instructor: Kim Hall
Saturday, August 15
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Learn the art of painting florals in oil! Using floral still life as inspiration, students will explore color mixing, composition, light and shadow, and expressive brushwork. Create a beautiful floral painting while building confidence with oil painting techniques.
This workshop is open to ALL LEVELS!
FOR AGES 15+
Students are required to purchase their own supplies. Click the button below to view the supply list. Please do not purchase supplies until the workshop has been confirmed - you should be notified by August 13th.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Kim Hall is a nationally recognized contemporary impressionist painter, working mostly in oils and gouache. She currently lives in Richmond Virginia and maintains studios in both Richmond and Montross. Her work is a joyful reaction to those everyday scenes such as the light coming through the window or any path she comes across. Her intent is for the work to be as much about the paint as it is the subject and for the viewer to enjoy their own interpretation. Kim has been selected for many national and international plein air competitions and shows. She has a BA in Fine Art from George Mason University and continued studies from The Corcoran School of Art.
Paper Flower Workshop
Paper Flower Workshop
Instructor: Ronda Bowden
Wednesday, August 19
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Learn techniques to make colorful paper flowers that will last years. Leave with a mini bouquet of three blossoms. Cutting and gluing are the skills you need, but techniques to turn flat paper into curving petals will transform your creations into stunning flowers.
FOR AGES 12+
All supplies will be provided by the instructor.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Ronda is a paper flower sculptor. She explores themes of dramatic whimsy, botanical realism, and decay. Natural flowers provide inspiration for her floral arrangements and teaching instruction.
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 Workshop
Linocut Printmaking Workshop
Instructor: Lauren Sowder
Two Day Workshop:
Saturday, August 22 & Sunday, August 23
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ready, set, carve! In this two-day workshop, you will learn techniques of linocut relief printmaking, and the fascinating history of this traditional medium. You'll design, carve, and print a 6"x8" linoleum block, and you'll leave with three to five original handmade prints of your own design on 8”x10” paper. We will cover various techniques of carving and printing, such as using oil-based printmaking inks and printing with a hand press. This workshop is beginner-friendly and will expand on techniques explored in Lauren's previous Stamp Making Workshops. No experience is necessary and all supplies will provided by the instructor. All you need to bring is an apron, or clothes you don’t mind getting ink on! Be prepared to handle sharp tools.
FOR AGES 16+
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Lauren Sowder is a linocut printmaker based in Newport News, Virginia. She is a lifelong Virginian and is largely inspired by the local wildlife of Virginia, especially here in the Tidewater region. Lauren finds inspiration for her artwork by immersing herself in nature. She enjoys walking on local trails, incorporating photography into her practice by taking photos to use as references for her linocut printmaking and paintings.
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.
Paint Night: Shells & Starfish
Paint Night: Shells & Starfish
Instructor: Jody Ball
Friday, August 28
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join Jody Ball for a fun summer-themed paint night at Arts on Main! You will be guided step by step as we paint on an 11” x 14” canvas. All supplies are included in the class!
For ages 10+
All supplies will be provided by the instructor.
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.
Wire Wrapping Rings Workshop
Wire Wrapping Rings Workshop
Instructor: Suzanne Elliot
Saturday, August 29
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Discover the art of wearable design! In this hands-on workshop, students will learn how to shape and manipulate wire to create one-of-a-kind rings using wire and beads. Guided step-by-step, you’ll explore essential wire-wrapping techniques while designing one or two custom pieces to take home. This is a beginner workshop but we can learn some weaving skills as well. Good hand dexterity is required for this workshop.
FOR ADULTS AND TEENS AGES 16+
All supplies will be provided by the instructor.
Check out a few of Suzanne’s unique wire wrappings!
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
“Hi! My name is Suzanne and I am a local artist from Hampton Virginia. I have been an artist for over 12 years. My journey began with shaping wire into rings and earrings. Over the last 6 years I have mastered the art of wire woven jewelry such as pendants, rings, and bracelets. My favorite project is to shape a creature into a wire woven pendant or ring. My favorites are my dragon pendant and dragon head rings. Join me in a class to learn to make your own unique jewelry!”
Watercolor Workshop: Cow
Watercolor Workshop: Cow
Instructor: Jan Finn-Duffy
Wednesday, September 2
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Relax and learn how to paint a cow using watercolors! Mix different shades to make it look dimensional.
Step by step guidance will help you enjoy the beauty of the watercolor medium. All skill levels can do this! 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.
Paper Flower Workshop
Paper Flower Workshop
Instructor: Ronda Bowden
Wednesday, September 9
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Learn techniques to make colorful paper flowers that will last years. Leave with a mini bouquet of three blossoms. Cutting and gluing are the skills you need, but techniques to turn flat paper into curving petals will transform your creations into stunning flowers.
FOR AGES 12+
All supplies will be provided by the instructor.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Ronda is a paper flower sculptor. She explores themes of dramatic whimsy, botanical realism, and decay. Natural flowers provide inspiration for her floral arrangements and teaching instruction.
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 2026
Don’t miss RiverJam 2026!
Get ready! RiverJam 2026 is approaching!
Come join us from 3-7 pm on September 12, 2026 for our TENTH Annual RiverJam Music Festival!
This year, enjoy great music from the Ballast Band, Edison & Company, and RaJazz! Try delicious food from local vendors and plan for lots of fun and dancing!
RiverJam 2026 will be hosted by Flat Iron Crossroads (7709 Flat Iron Rd, Gloucester, VA).
We can’t wait to see you there!
Music by…
BALLAST BAND
EDISON & COMPANY
RAJAZZ
FOOD BY…
special thanks to our sponsors
event sponsor
Mr. and Mrs. E. Claiborne Robins, Jr.
Executive Producer Sponsors
Theresa and Troy Stavens
René Haeger Wenleder
composers spotlight sponsors
Anonymous
Cook Foundation
Linda Wahlman
Phillips Energy, Inc
songwriters circle sponsors
In Memory of Ken Wahlman
Volunteers of Arts on Main
BackStage sponsors
Fogarty Family
Gail and Rick Griffin
Mobjack Bay Marina
Peninsula Heating and Air
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.
Frida, Pastels, & Portraits
Frida, Pastels, & Portraits
vmfa special workshop!
Instructor: Dawn Flores
Saturday, September 19
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Arts on Main by learning about the work of Frida Kahlo!
Study the art of portraiture through the work and photographs of Frida Kahlo. Students will work in pastels as they hone their understanding of drawing portraits by working from photographs of the Mexican artist and/or her work. A slide presentation on the VMFA’s 2025 exhibition Frida: Beyond the Myth will be presented as part of the workshop.
For adults and teens ages 14+
All supplies will be provided by the instructor/VMFA. Just come have fun!
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
Dawn Flores is a professional artist and instructor who teaches art courses nationally. She double majored in art and theater at the Edgewood College, the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and Loyola University in New Orleans, and earned a Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration from the New York Botanical Garden.
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.
Miyuki Bead Stringing Workshop
Miyuki Bead Stringing Class
Instructor: Suzanne Elliott
Saturday, September 26
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Join us to learn how to use miyuki beads size 11/0 tubes to create a piece of jewelry art. We will learn the peyote pattern to create ring or tube earrings. This class requires good eye hand coordination to create the peyote pattern.
All supplies will be provided by the instructor.
FOR AGES 16+
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
“Hi! My name is Suzanne and I am a local artist from Hampton Virginia. I have been an artist for over 12 years. My journey began with shaping wire into rings and earrings. Over the last 6 years I have mastered the art of wire woven jewelry such as pendants, rings, and bracelets. My favorite project is to shape a creature into a wire woven pendant or ring. My favorites are my dragon pendant and dragon head rings. Join me in a class to learn to make your own unique jewelry!”
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.
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.
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.
Plein Air Workshop
Plein Air Workshop
Instructor: Marjorie Perrin
Saturday, November 7
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Capture the beauty of Gloucester’s coastal landscape in this inspiring plein air painting workshop set on a stunning private waterfront property. Working outdoors, participants will learn techniques for observing and painting natural light, color, atmosphere, and reflections on the water. Whether you’re new to plein air painting or looking to strengthen your outdoor painting skills, the instructor will provide guidance on composition, brushwork, and creating a sense of place in your artwork. Enjoy a relaxing fall day immersed in nature while translating the char, of Gloucester’s shoreline onto canvas!
All skill levels are welcome.
FOR AGES 14+
*All students are required to bring their own supplies. Click the button below to view the supply list.*
Please DO NOT purchase supplies until it has been confirmed that the workshop has reached it’s minimum number of signups. You should be notified by November 5th at the latest.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Marjorie Perrin paints the world around her using the richness of paint to convey mood and sense of place. Her style is influenced by Impressionism and Classical Realism. She taught Studio Art in multiple mediums 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.
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.
WE’RE CLOSED!
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.
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.
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.
WE’RE CLOSED!
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.
Wood Carving Workshop
Wood Carving Workshop
Instructor: Christopher Wagner
Saturday, August 1 & Sunday, August 2
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Discover the art of wood carving in this two-day workshop focused on creating functional, handcrafted pieces from wood. Students will learn the essential tools, techniques, and materials used in carving while shaping their own wooden spoon and bowl from start to finish. Through guided instruction and demonstration, students will explore the satisfying process of whittling, refining, and finishing objects that are both beautiful and useful. Perfect for beginners and curious makers alike, this workshop celebrates the timeless craft of functional art — transforming raw wood into everyday pieces made by hand.
At the end of the class, students will get to enjoy ice cream using their handmade bowl and spoon!
For ages 8+ (students under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
All supplies will be provided by the instructor.
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.
Summer Art Camp: Elementary (ages 6-10) *CLASS FULL!
Summer Art Camp ☀️🎨
Elementary (ages 6-10)
*CLASS FULL!
Instructor: Elizabeth Flint
Monday, July 27th - Friday, July 31st
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Arts on Main’s Elementary Summer Art Camp invites young artists to spend their afternoons immersed in creativity inside a vibrant art gallery setting. Campers explore global art traditions, various art techniques and mediums, and major movements in art history. Past projects have included creating Brancusi-style sculptures, paper cut outs like Matisse’s later works, self portraits, recreating cave paintings, and more. Each day is filled with hands-on projects designed to spark imagination and build confidence. Guided by an experience instructor, students are encouraged to express their unique ideas while developing foundational art skills in a fun, supportive environment. All of this takes place in a functioning art gallery, which means students can take time to explore the art on display and sometimes talk with professional artists!
Perfect for the curious and creative minds, this camp offers an inspiring blend of art history, cultural exploration, and studio practice — giving every child the chance to create, learn, and grow as an artist.
All supplies are provided.
Cost is $25/per student for the WHOLE WEEEK!
*CLASS FULL!
If you would like to join the waitlist, please email Hanah Hailey at programs@gloucesterarts.org
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
“My name is Elizabeth Flint; I was born in raised in Gloucester. I am a math paraprofessional at Petsworth Elementary School and a lifelong artist. Before working in education, I spent several years running my own art business. Once my children started school, I chose to focus on working with students.
In addition to helping children learn math, I have volunteered with the art teacher at Petsworth for the past three years, helping with Pallet Pals. I enjoy supporting students and being part of their learning, and I look forward to bringing together my passion for art and education while teaching summer art camps!”
Summer Art Camp: PRE-K (ages 4 & 5) *CLASS FULL!
Summer Art Camp ☀️🎨
PRE-K (ages 4 & 5)
*CLASS FULL!
Instructor: Elizabeth Flint
Monday, July 27th - Friday, July 31st
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Arts on Main’s Pre-K Summer Art Camp is a joyful introduction to creativity, designed specifically for our youngest artists. Through hands-on art activities, children are introduced to colors, shapes, textures, and simple art techniques using a variety of engaging materials. Campers will begin to explore art history and global traditions through playful discussions — learning about artists, cultures, and styles in a way that is fun, accessible, and easy to understand. With plenty of guidance, encouragement, and room to explore, this camp focuses on building confidence, fine motor skills, and a love for art — all while having fun and making new friends. Its’s the perfect first step into the world of art!
All supplies are provided.
Cost is $25/per student for the WHOLE WEEEK!
*CLASS FULL!
If you would like to join the waitlist, please email Hanah Hailey at programs@gloucesterarts.org
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
“My name is Elizabeth Flint; I was born in raised in Gloucester. I am a math paraprofessional at Petsworth Elementary School and a lifelong artist. Before working in education, I spent several years running my own art business. Once my children started school, I chose to focus on working with students.
In addition to helping children learn math, I have volunteered with the art teacher at Petsworth for the past three years, helping with Pallet Pals. I enjoy supporting students and being part of their learning, and I look forward to bringing together my passion for art and education while teaching summer art camps!”
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.
Fast & Fun Paper Flowers
Fast & Fun Paper Flowers
Instructor: Ronda Bowden
Wednesday, July 22
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Learn techniques to make colorful paper flowers that will last years. Leave with a mini bouquet of three blossoms. Cutting and gluing are the skills you need, but techniques to turn flat paper into curving petals will transform your creations into stunning flowers.
FOR AGES 12+
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Ronda is a paper flower sculptor. She explores themes of dramatic whimsy, botanical realism, and decay. Natural flowers provide inspiration for her floral arrangements and teaching instruction.
Stamp Making Workshop
Stamp making workshop
Basics of Linocut Relief Printmaking
Instructor: Lauren Sowder
Saturday, July 18th and Sunday, July 19th
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ready, set, carve! In this two-day workshop, you will learn the basic techniques of linocut relief printmaking. We will use simplified materials and processes so you can easily continue your printmaking practice at home. You'll carve and print a series of small rubber blocks and you'll leave with handmade stamps of your own creation. Use your imagination to create your own designs and then bring them to life! This workshop is beginner friendly: no experience is necessary and all supplies will provided. Be prepared to handle sharp tools and get a little messy!
For ages 16+
Take a look at some of Lauren’s phenomenal work!
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Lauren Sowder is a linocut printmaker based in Newport News, Virginia. She is a lifelong Virginian and is largely inspired by the local wildlife of Virginia, especially here in the Tidewater region. Lauren finds inspiration for her artwork by immersing herself in nature. She enjoys walking on local trails, incorporating photography into her practice by taking photos to use as references for her linocut printmaking and paintings.
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.
Summer Art Workshops: Middle School (ages 11-14)*CLASS FULL!
Summer Art Teen Workshops ☀️🎨
Middle School (ages 11-14)
*CLASS FULL!
Instructor: Sharon Fowler
Monday, July 13th - Friday, July 17th
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Arts on Main’s Middle School Summer Art Workshops are designed for artists ready to build skills, explore new ideas, and grow their creativity in a supportive environment. Students will dive into hands-on projects that encourage both experimentation and artistic development. Lessons are enriched by thoughtful discussions of art history, global art traditions, and major art movements encouraging students to connect their own work to artists and cultures from around the worlds. These workshops are held in a professional gallery setting, which means students can take time to explore the art on display and sometimes talk with professional artists.
With guidance from an experience instructor, students are challenged to experiment, take creative risks, and develop a portfolio of works that reflect their individuality. These workshops strike the perfect balance between fun and skill-building, offering an inspiring space for middle schoolers to create, learn, and express themselves.
All supplies are provided.
Cost is $25/per student for the WHOLE WEEEK!
CLASS FULL!
If you would like to join the waitlist, please email Hanah Hailey at programs@gloucesterartsonmain.org
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Sharon Fowler obtained her BFA from VCU in Art Education. She continues to further her education by taking workshops in different types of media. She retired from teaching elementary art after 33 years.
Sharon encourages confidence in children to create their artworks through exploration and self expression. Along with nature, she believes children are an inspiration for her own art making. She works with all kinds of media especially painting and journaling.
Intro to Amigurumi Crochet Workshop
Intro to Amigurumi Crochet Workshop
Instructor: Annie Diaz
Saturday, July 11
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Learn the basics of amigurumi by creating your very own crochet tulip! In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of crocheting in the round, including how to make a magic circle and increase stitches to build up the tulip. You’ll be guided step-by-step as you create a cute, handmade tulip from start to finish. This class is perfect for anyone looking to try crochet or learn a new technique. You’ll leave with a finished tulip and the skills to continue exploring amigurumi! All materials are provided.
For ages 8+
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
“I'm Annie, lover of crocheting! I first learned when I was 6 years old. I started crocheting gifts for family and friends, and with a lot of encouragement, I decided to turn my loved hobby into my own business. I sell my crochet at markets around Virginia and have enjoyed sharing my passion through crochet classes!”
Color Your Canvas Kids: Crabby Beach Day
Color Your Canvas Kids: Crabby Beach Day
Instructor: Christina Mickett
Saturday, July 11th
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Join us for a crabby, beachy good time! In this class, the young artists will be painting a playful crab on the beach. The canvas will be pre-sketched to help with the composition, but individual creativity is encouraged in each painting! Aprons are provided, but be sure to wear some paint friendly clothing. This class is for ages 4-13 (ages 4-6, parents please be present).
All supplies will be provided by the instructor. Please fill out the form linked through the button below, and bring it with you to the class.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
I believe art is for everyone. It can bring people together, and has the ability to put the artist in touch with themselves. When we learn to let go of perfection, painting can be both healing and very meditative. I began drawing and creating from a young age, and enjoy sharing the joy of creating with others. I’m excited to resume art instruction, focusing on making creative expression accessible and enjoyable for young artists. Building on my experience leading "Color Your Canvas Kidz" at Arts On Main from 2014-2021, and many various community workshops for adults, I'm prepared to help inspire participants of my classes. My approach prioritizes fun, exploration and self expression. Each class has a concept painting, and I empower students to create from their heart. I look forward to sharing a fun, creative, relaxed space with the young artists in our community!
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.
Fast & Fun Paper Flowers
Fast & Fun Paper Flowers
Instructor: Ronda Bowden
Wednesday, July 8
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Learn techniques to make colorful paper flowers that will last years. Leave with a mini bouquet of three blossoms. Cutting and gluing are the skills you need, but techniques to turn flat paper into curving petals will transform your creations into stunning flowers.
FOR AGES 12+
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Ronda is a paper flower sculptor. She explores themes of dramatic whimsy, botanical realism, and decay. Natural flowers provide inspiration for her floral arrangements and teaching instruction.
WE’RE CLOSED!
We’re closed!
The gallery will be closed for Independence Day on Saturday, July 4th.
We hope everyone has an amazing holiday!
July 2026 First Friday: "Artistic Heritage"
JULY FIRST FRIDAY
July 2026 Group Show: "Artistic Heritage"
featuring
The Bead Society from Southeastern Virginia, Becky Butler, Don Dransfield, Jan Finn-Duffy, Toy Fowler, William Hoffman, Mary Ellen Huennekens, John Mattie, Harriet McGee, Lauren Sowder, David Stifel, Kate Swanson, Christopher Wagner.
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an exhibition honoring the traditional crafts that have shaped our nation’s history. This exhibit showcases the timeless skills that have been passed down through generations, featuring works inspired by and created using historic techniques such as wood carving, weaving, metalsmithing, basketry, pottery, glassblowing, printmaking, and painting. These enduring art forms tell the story of the hands that built communities, preserved culture, and transformed everyday materials into objects of beauty and purpose. Join us this month in celebrating the artistry and creative heritage that continues to inspire makers today.
The opening of this show will take place at Arts on Main on Friday, July 3rd from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Light bites will be served. Beer and wine will be available for purchase (cash or credit). Live music will be performed by Chris Smith. This event is free and open to the public. The show will be on display at Arts on Main until Saturday, August 1st. The gallery is open Wednesday - Saturday from 12-5PM.
Thank You to Arts on Main’s July Exhibit Sponsor, Riverwood Designs!
Live music will be provided by Chris Smith during the opening reception.
Many thanks to our First Friday Music Sponsor, Shari Jordan!
Chris Smith is a singer-songwriter and one-man-band. His writing is personal, occasionally humorous, and always authentic. His performances include folksy-songwriter ballads, driving finger style guitar, as well as a “live looping” full-band sound for an eclectic and entertaining musical experience. In addition to performing solo, he is a member local bluegrass band “The Tidewinders,” and can also be found playing steel guitar as a sideman all over the tidewater region.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
The Bead Society from Southeastern Virginia
The Bead Society of Southeastern Virginia is a local creative community dedicated to sharing the appreciation, knowledge, and enjoyment of beads and creative beading techniques . It serves as a network for regional jewelry makers and mixed-media artists to connect, learn, and showcase their craft.
Becky Butler
Becky Butler is a self-taught coiled basketry artisan. She has enjoyed various forms of needlework since childhood, but her creative energies have been dedicated to coiled basketry since 2009. She began teaching in 2017. During the pandemic she decided to turn her classes into kits. In 2020 she started her ETSY shop: BeckysBasketsShop. Through her kits, she has had the privilege of teaching coiling to people in every state in the US as well as Canada, Great Britain, the EU and Australia. This year, she began creating YouTube videos to teach coiling skills. Her videos can be found by searching @BeckyBasketmaker on YouTube. One of the things she loves about coiling is the feeling of working with natural materials. Each piece has its own voice. She may start with a plan, but the materials have their own ideas, and the final product feels like a collaboration. She finds joy in turning other people’s yard waste into something beautiful!
Don Dransfield
Don Dransfield is a multi-media artist from Gloucester who specialized in jewelry making, glass art, painting, and sculpture. Don taught jewelry making workshops for over 30 years at the Visual Arts Center in Richmond, VA. Don graduated from the State University of New York with his BFA in Metal Smithing.
Jan Finn-Duffy
“I have been making art instinctively and passionately since I was a child. Every artistic endeavor has been a learning experience, each building upon the next to bring me to the point where I am today. I have learned how to paint from university classes, from extensive independent study, from workshops, but mostly from trial and error … and trial and triumph. It is one of the biggest joys in my life. In the words of Albert Einstein, which I have borrowed to apply to my view of art, each painting is a way of “opening up yet another fragment of the frontier of beauty.” I paint in my studio and en plein air. For the past 15 years, I have had the honor of teaching watercolor skills to beginners and those wishing to develop their artistic skills. A few of my paintings have been accepted to the National Watercolor Society show, the Northlight publication “Splash” which features watercolor artists from around the world, and the international watercolor magazine “The Art of Watercolor”. God has given me the gift of being able to paint, and it is a privilege to share what I have been given with others who also love art.
Toy Fowler
Toy is a Virginia artist that began his studies with local tidewater artist Jack Clifton at age 10. He pursued his degree at Virginia Commonwealth University art program where he received a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts. He later studied at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, Virginian where he attended numerous classes and workshops with Robert Liberace, a selected Living Master at the Art Renewal Center and board member of the Portrait Society of America. He also attended workshops with Patricia McMahon Rice and Tina Garrett, a Living Master at the Art Renewal Center. His work has been selected multiple times as finalist in the Portrait Society annual Members Only competition and as a semi-finalist in the Art Renewal Center’s annual salon.
William Hoffman
Will Hoffman in a sculptor based in Williamsburg, Virginia. Having received his training in fine art and sculpture from Buffalo State University, he works in cast, fabricated, and found metals in bronze, aluminum, steel, and iron. Using the variation in these materials he creates sculptures that aim to provide an experience with balance.
Will’s sculptures have been shown internationally in Tallinn, Estonia and Liepāja, Latvia with work on permanent exhibition at Pedvāle Open-Air Museum and Sculpture Park in Sabile, Latvia. Nationally, he has exhibited at the Puffin Foundation in Teaneck, New Jersey and has permanent installations at Buffalo State University in Buffalo, New York, Griffis Sculpture Park in East Otto, New York and in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Mary Ellen Huennekens
Mary Ellen Huennekens lives in Saluda with her husband. She has three children and five glorious grandchildren. She is retired from Virginia Commonwealth University where she was an assistant professor in the School of Education. She enjoys community volunteer opportunities, reading, and making quilts. She began sewing at age 12 and made her first quilt many years later. Upon retirement she started Seahorse Quilts, a small cottage business creating and selling fiber art. Mary Ellen shows her work in galleries in Richmond, Kilmarnock, Urbanna, and surrounding counties. Her quilted wall hangings have won awards at Arts in the Middle Fine Arts Festival (Urbanna) and the RAL Gallery in Kilmarnock.
John Mattie
“I am a ceramic artist working in high-fire stoneware, exploring both functional pottery and wall-based mixed media. The objects we live with each day should carry both integrity and quiet beauty. A well-balanced mug, a thoughtfully proportioned bowl, or a sturdy planter is more than an object—it becomes a companion in daily ritual.”
Harriet McGee
Harriet McGee says “Inspiration is everywhere and it ends up as an expression of what I experience.” She currently lives in the Tidewater area and travels extensively. Her works reflect her interest in different cultures, their art, and folklore. She has worked in multiple mediums: watercolors, papier-mache, acrylics, and polymer clay. Currently, she creates designs using a repoussé technique using lightweight metal. The design is made by pushing the metal from the back, giving it depth. Color or texture is then added to the front. One of her works hangs in the permanent collection of The Hurn Museum of Contemporary Folk Art.
Lauren Sowder
Lauren Sowder is a multi-media artist based in Newport News, Virginia. She works primarily in watercolor, printmaking, and film photography. Her work delves into themes of personal growth and resilience while celebrating the connection between humanity and the natural world, fostering connections with others, the past, and ourselves.
Lauren is largely inspired by the local ecology in the southeastern United States, predominantly the Tidewater region of Virginia and North Carolina. She finds inspiration by immersing herself in nature, incorporating photography into her practice by taking photos to use as references for her linocut printmaking and paintings. Lauren’s most recent art practice is also partially shaped by the limited studio space in her home, which has driven her to create smaller pieces that experiment more with technique and color.
David Stifel
David Stifel is a glass artist who owns and operates York River Glassworks in Gloucester, Virginia. He is professionally trained and continues to expand his artistic pratice and class portfolio. Arts on Main is delighted to have David as one of its long standing Gallery Artists and teachers.
Kate Swanson
Kathryn “Kate” Swanson’s love of art began at an early age with art classes starting when she was about five years old. Since then, she has explored a wide variety of media including painting, drawing, pastel, pottery, glass, and fiber. Today, she primarily works in fiber, embracing a medium and technique that she has loved since elementary school. She sees her weaving as a meditative practice that is both calming and exhilarating, and she loves creating works of art that are aesthetically pleasing and often functional. Taking the cloth off the loom and realizing that she’s transformed yarn into handwoven art is one of her favorite parts of being an artist. When she is not weaving, Kate is the Executive Director of Gloucester Arts on Main
Christopher Wagner
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.
Summer Art Workshops: High School (ages 15-18)
Summer Art Teen Workshops ☀️🎨
High School (ages 15-18)
Instructor: Elizabeth Flint
Monday, June 29th - Friday, July 3rd
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Arts on Main’s High School Summer Art Workshops offer a dynamic, studio-based experience for teens looking to deepen their skills and expand their creative voice. These workshops are held in a professional gallery setting, which means students can take time to explore the art on display and sometimes talk with professional artists.
Throughout the session, students will explore a range of techniques and mediums while building a stronger understanding of composition, process, and personal style. Lessons are enriched by thoughtful discussions of art history, global art traditions, and major art movements encouraging students to make connections between historical context and contemporary practice.
With guidance from an experience instructor, students are challenged to experiment, take creative risks, and develop a portfolio of works that reflect their individuality. Whether students are preparing for advanced study or simply looking to grow as artists, these workshops provide an inspiring and supportive environment to create, learn, and refine their craft.
All supplies are provided.
Cost is $25/per student for the WHOLE WEEEK!
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
“My name is Elizabeth Flint; I was born in raised in Gloucester. I am a math paraprofessional at Petsworth Elementary School and a lifelong artist. Before working in education, I spent several years running my own art business. Once my children started school, I chose to focus on working with students.
In addition to helping children learn math, I have volunteered with the art teacher at Petsworth for the past three years, helping with Palette Pals. I enjoy supporting students and being part of their learning, and I look forward to bringing together my passion for art and education while teaching summer art camps!”
Summer Art Camp: PRE-K (ages 4 & 5) *CLASS FULL!
Summer Art Camp ☀️🎨
PRE-K (ages 4 & 5)
*CLASS FULL!
Instructor: Elizabeth Flint
Monday, June 29th - Friday, July 3rd
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Arts on Main’s Pre-K Summer Art Camp is a joyful introduction to creativity, designed specifically for our youngest artists. Through hands-on art activities, children are introduced to colors, shapes, textures, and simple art techniques using a variety of engaging materials. Campers will begin to explore art history and global traditions through playful discussions — learning about artists, cultures, and styles in a way that is fun, accessible, and easy to understand. With plenty of guidance, encouragement, and room to explore, this camp focuses on building confidence, fine motor skills, and a love for art — all while having fun and making new friends. Its’s the perfect first step into the world of art!
All supplies are provided.
Cost is $25/per student for the WHOLE WEEEK!
*CLASS FULL!
If you would like to join the waitlist, please email Hanah Hailey at programs@gloucesterartsonmain.org
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
“My name is Elizabeth Flint; I was born in raised in Gloucester. I am a math paraprofessional at Petsworth Elementary School and a lifelong artist. Before working in education, I spent several years running my own art business. Once my children started school, I chose to focus on working with students.
In addition to helping children learn math, I have volunteered with the art teacher at Petsworth for the past three years, helping with Pallet Pals. I enjoy supporting students and being part of their learning, and I look forward to bringing together my passion for art and education while teaching summer art camps!”
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: Pollinator Watering Station
Mosaic Workshop:
Pollinator Watering Station
Instructor: Sue Hill with Shill Creations Studio
Saturday, June 20
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
In this workshop, design and craft a beautiful, safe watering station for bees, butterflies, and other tiny, but mighty pollinators. Create a colorful and unique place to provide our pollinators a safe place to hydrate. Learn the basic techniques of cutting, assembling, attaching, grouting, and sealing under the guidance of an experienced teaching artist.
FOR AGES 16+
All supplies will be provided.
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.
Summer Art Camp: Elementary (ages 6-10) *CLASS FULL!
Summer Art Camp ☀️🎨
Elementary (ages 6-10)
*CLASS FULL!
Instructor: Sharon Fowler
Monday, June 15th - Friday, June 19th
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Arts on Main’s Elementary Summer Art Camp invites young artists to spend their afternoons immersed in creativity inside a vibrant art gallery setting. Campers explore global art traditions, various art techniques and mediums, and major movements in art history. Past projects have included creating Brancusi-style sculptures, paper cut outs like Matisse’s later works, self portraits, recreating cave paintings, and more. Each day is filled with hands-on projects designed to spark imagination and build confidence. Guided by an experience instructor, students are encouraged to express their unique ideas while developing foundational art skills in a fun, supportive environment. All of this takes place in a functioning art gallery, which means students can take time to explore the art on display and sometimes talk with professional artists!
Perfect for the curious and creative minds, this camp offers an inspiring blend of art history, cultural exploration, and studio practice — giving every child the chance to create, learn, and grow as an artist.
All supplies are provided.
Cost is $25/per student for the WHOLE WEEEK!
*CLASS FULL!
If you would like to join the waitlist, please email Hanah Hailey at programs@gloucesterartsonmain.org
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Sharon Fowler obtained her BFA from VCU in Art Education. She continues to further her education by taking workshops in different types of media. She retired from teaching elementary art after 33 years.
Sharon encourages confidence in children to create their artworks through exploration and self expression. Along with nature, she believes children are an inspiration for her own art making. She works with all kinds of media especially painting and journaling.
June 2026 Second Friday: Gloucester Artists
June 2026 Second Friday:
“Gloucester artists”
featuring
Deborah Butler, Don Dransfield, Carolyn Thompson Dudley, Averelle Dylan, James Dylan, Janet Griffin, Rick Griffin, Patrice Hobbs, kathy klein, Sharon Mason, Harriet McGee, Gayle Merrill, Stacey Posner, Juli Schuszler
In celebration of the annual Gloucester Arts Festival, this special show highlights the incredible talent of artists who call Gloucester home. Featuring a diverse collection of works across painting, pottery, fiber arts, and more, the show captures the creativity, character, and artistic spirit of our local community. Each piece offers a unique perspective rooted in Gloucester’s culture, landscapes, and people. Join us in celebrating the artists who make our creative community so vibrant and inspiring.
We will be skipping the first Friday of the month to encourage everyone to attend the opening event for the Gloucester Arts Festival: Brews, Brine & Wine. The opening of Arts on Main’s June show will take place at Arts on Main on the SECOND FRIDAY of the month, June 12th from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. This event is free and open to the public. Live music will be performed by Ami Baker. Light bites will be provided while beer and wine will be available for purchase. The show will be on display until Saturday, June 27. The gallery is open Wednesday - Saturday from 12-5PM.
Many thanks to Arts on Main’s June Show Sponsor, Cook Foundation!
Live music will be performed by Ami Baker during the opening reception. Many thanks to Arts on Main’s Music Sponsor, Cook Foundation!
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
Deborah Butler
“Born in Hampton Virginia, I have lived in many other places in the South and Midwest, but have returned home to my native state to enjoy its peace and beauty in my retirement.
I have been painting and drawing in many different media since 2009 when I began painting rural Indiana scenes in watercolor. Upon arriving back in Virginia in 2013, I have taken many classes in drawing, including graphite and colored pencil, my favorite of which is graphitint. Watercolor pen and ink is closely linked to these and I work in this medium often. In 2017 I began painting in acrylic and now find myself exploring compositions with acrylic and cold wax, a vibrant medium for many visual subjects.
As a visual artist, I am drawn to render natural objects (still life, vistas, animals). Nature captivates my imagination most, and I often move from realistic to impressionist styles, or from realism to fanciful or symbolic representations.”
Don Dransfield
Don Dransfield is a multi-media artist from Gloucester who specialized in jewelry making, glass art, painting, and sculpture. Don taught jewelry making workshops for over 30 years at the Visual Arts Center in Richmond, VA. Don graduated from the State University of New York with his BFA in Metal Smithing.
Carolyn Dudley
“My artwork comes from my perception of the landscape and the people around me. Whether it be through realistic or abstract representation, the goal of my work is to not only document my experience in a setting but to create an experience for the viewer as well.”
Averelle Dylan
“Born and raised amid the tidal marshes of Gloucester County, Virginia, I approach my creative process as a continuous dialogue with the natural world. My art is a love letter to the river realm I deeply love. I begin in the field, using photography to capture the fleeting moods, textures, and rhythms of these magical coastal landscapes. These images serve as the foundational inspiration for my vivid acrylic paintings. The resulting works are vibrant translations of the sensory memories in these environments, the light, the heavy air, and the rhythmic tides. Moving fluidly between reality and intuition, I am balancing observation and interpretation, creating works that blur the lines between abstract and representational art. Ultimately, my work is an invitation; by leaving the composition open to interpretation, I hope to empower viewers to bring their own histories to the canvas and decide for themselves what truths and memories the abstract forms reveal.”
James Dylan
“My paintings explore the poetic interplay between light and shadow and quietly tell pieces of the Dylan family story. When I’m not in the studio, I am performing as the vocalist for a world-touring rock band. My artwork moves with the duality of my life, reflecting intimate portraits of family life in Virginia and in the Canadian wilderness, contrasted with visions of rock stardom.”
Janet Griffin
“Hi there, my name is Janet Griffin and I am a fiber artist. Specifically, I’d like to say I am a tapestry Weaver. I use a cotton warp background on my loom, and I inlay wool yarn to create an image. My Tapestry weavings are based on the techniques developed by Theo Moorman , based in England. Additionally, I find felted wool extremely creative. Felted paintings, felted bowls, felted flowers, felted purses work extremely well together. My favorite kind of fiber is Corriedale, Romney, and Merino wool or yarn, cotton yarns, Silk, Leicester locks , and Mohair. Feathers are kind of fun too. As you can tell I’m very much drawn into texture. I do love how wool can be soft and fluffy; and yet transformed into wet, thick fabric.”
Rick Griffin
“I am a Forensic Psychologist in private practice and I live in Gloucester on the Ware River with my wife Gail. About ten years ago I enrolled in art classes at Gloucester Arts on Main and received instruction in various mediums such as oil, watercolor, acrylics and began exploring various subject matter. As an avid sailor, boater and oyster grower I have a natural interest in anything that happens on or in the Chesapeake Bay. My subjects have ranged from catamarans to crabs. I love nature and enjoy immersing myself in the outdoors as often as possible. As I psychologist I have an innate interest in people and, consequently, portrait painting has had a strong pull for me as well.”
Patrice Hobbs
Patrice retired after 40 years working as an electron microscopist at William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science, with a focus on fish pathology and harmful algal bloom species. She has been a life-long artist, studying art in high school and as an undergrad at Virginia Tech where she earned a B.S. in Biology. She has done scientific illustrations for the Virginia Sea Grant, The Beach Book, Science of the Shore written by her husband, Dr. Carl Hobbs, and illustrated multiple children’s historical fiction books written by Emilee Mason. An intense interest in the diversity in plant structure led to enrollment in the Certification in Botanical Illustration program at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, which she completed in November of 2021. She is currently an instructor with Rogue Flora Salon in Henrico, Virginia, where she tutors in watercolor and works to promote an appreciation of the natural world through the discipline of botanical illustration.
“After a career in Marine Science, I decided to return my focus to art by enrolling in the Botanical Illustration program at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, which I completed in 2021. I am currently an instructor with Rogue Flora Salon in Henrico, Virginia, where I tutor in watercolor and work to promote an appreciation of the natural world through the discipline of botanical illustration. I continue to enjoy observing, drawing, and painting the diversity of plant structure and beauty.”
Kathy Klein
“Visually, my mixed-media paintings are evocative rather than naturalistic. Layers of color predominate whether paint or collage elements, challenging or lyrical. Hard and soft edges play off each other in the same piece. Although the works suggest a literal meaning, they can also be read metaphorically. The work leaves “gaps” to be filled in by the viewer using hints and suggestions found in the abstract forms. Although I frequently work in a series, each of the works has individual and specific resonance. And, when shown together, they play off each other for a cumulative effect.”
Sharon Mason
“My interest in any art medium rests on the tactile nature of the creating: the mixing of paint, the manipulation of yarn and other fiber, the bending and hammering of metal wire into jewelry. I truly believe that any person can create and whatever is created houses a piece of the creator.
My goal is to create beautiful reflections of nature or to give tangible representation of abstract ideas. I find that whether I work in metal, wool, ceramic, or paint, the techniques inform each other and there is a sort of transference of expression among my various projects. This is what keeps me coming back into my studio day after day - exploring new relationships and ways of reproducing what I see in my mind’s eye. And, of course, the pure pleasure of touching all of the materials!”
Harriet McGee
Harriet McGee says “Inspiration is everywhere and it ends up as an expression of what I experience.” She currently lives in the Tidewater area and travels extensively. Her works reflect her interest in different cultures, their art, and folklore. She has worked in multiple mediums: watercolors, papier-mache, acrylics, and polymer clay. Currently, she creates designs using a repoussé technique using lightweight metal. The design is made by pushing the metal from the back, giving it depth. Color or texture is then added to the front. One of her works hangs in the permanent collection of The Hurn Museum of Contemporary Folk Art.
Gayle Merrill
“I graduated from Va. Tech in 1973 with a major in Fine Art and a minor in Education. I taught Art and Art History on the high school level in Chesapeake, Virginia for ten years, while painting in watercolors and showing in various art shows. Won several Best in Show Awards as well as was commissioned to paint six paintings for the City of Roanoke, while we lived on Smith Mountain Lake outside of Roanoke, Virginia. We also lived in Raleigh, N.C. for ten years where I owned a ladies fashion boutique in a large mall. We had huge twenty foot windows where I used my interest in art and design and love of fashion in decorating them and the store.
I currently paint in oils, after moving to Gloucester, Virginia, full-time. My emphasis is on strong light and color. We live on the water, so enjoy painting all kinds of boats on the Mobjack and Chesapeake Bay. Besides the water, I love my garden and especially love to paint my flowers when the light dances across their petals. I want all of my paintings to express happiness and beauty and hopefully I can portray that to the viewer. I currently work in my studio with an abundance of natural light in my home in Gloucester, Virginia, on the North River.”
Stacey Posner
“I love the feel of the clay, the creativity of it, the ability to reproduce the natural beauty that surrounds us, particularly in Virginia. I like to focus on nature; beautiful plants, birds, animals that I can incorporate into pottery with carving, painting, or texture. I also like to make pottery that is strong and functional. It’s meant to be used and enjoyed every day.”
Juli Schuszler
Schuszler inherited her artistic talent form her Hungarian father. She began painting with oils at age 10. She received her BFA with a concentration in studio art from Old Dominion University, and her MAT from the Citadel in Charleston, SC, where she began a teaching career. Her career and travels have taken her to many beautiful places in both Europe and the Tropics. She especially loves the tropical climate for its vibrant palette and has traveled to Jamaica, St. Lucia, and throughout Florida for inspiration.
Schuszler resided in Miami for over 10 years, teaching and sharing her passion for art. While residing in Miami, she continued her advanced studies in studio art and art education at Florida International University, studying oil painting and pastels with David Y Chang. In 2003, she moved to Gloucester, VA to both teach and exhibit. After teaching in both public school and at regional community colleges, she retired in 2019 to focus fully on her art. Schuszler exhibits in regional shows and art centers and maintains a studio in her Gloucester home.
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.
Watercolor Workshop: Pink Lily CLASS FULL!
Watercolor Workshop: Pink Lily
CLASS FULL!
Instructor: Jan Finn-Duffy
Wednesday, June 3
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Relax and learn how to paint a lovely pink lily using watercolors! Mix different shades to make it look dimensional.
Step by step guidance will help you enjoy the beauty of the watercolor medium. All skill levels can do this! 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+
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.
Reduction Linocut Printmaking Class Series
Reduction Linocut
Printmaking CLASs Series
Instructor: Lauren Sowder
Tuesday Evenings
June 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th & July 7th
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
In reduction printmaking, the artist creates a multi-color image from a single block, as layers are continuously printed and carved away, destroying the block in the process. The result is a beautiful edition of hand-pulled prints which can't be reproduced. Students should already have some experience with either linocut or woodcut printmaking, as this will be a fun but fast-paced class. An understanding of the basic concepts of relief carving and using oil-based printmaking inks is preferred. Feel free to reach out with questions if you'd like clarification! You will design, carve, and print a 6x8 inch linoleum block and leave with a small edition of unique prints. All supplies will be provided by the instructor. Students are encouraged to come with an idea or two for designs. We'll work together to modify them for the reduction process!
FOR AGES 16+
All supplies will be provided by the instructor
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Lauren Sowder is a linocut printmaker based in Newport News, Virginia. She is a lifelong Virginian and is largely inspired by the local wildlife of Virginia, especially here in the Tidewater region. Lauren finds inspiration for her artwork by immersing herself in nature. She enjoys walking on local trails, incorporating photography into her practice by taking photos to use as references for her linocut printmaking and paintings.
Secrets of Classical Drawing: The Still Life *CLASS FULL!
Secrets of Classical Drawing:
The Still Life *CLASS FULL!
Instructor: Salis Dembling
Saturday, May 30
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Learn skills taught in ateliers and academies in centuries past and put them to use to create your own fresh artwork. You’ll learn tricks of the trade—classical drawing techniques to arrive at correct proportions and to create the illusion of form in two dimensions. These skills can be utilized when drawing traditional subjects like figures and landscapes, or they can be incorporated into your own contemporary practices. Still life drawing is an excellent way to learn important Realist techniques before attempting realistic portrait or figure drawing or painting, and it is a beautiful artform in and of itself! Suitable for beginners and artists at all levels.
For ages 11+
All supplies will be provided by the instructor.
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.
*CLASS FULL!
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Salis Dembling is a portrait and comics artist who was raised in New York City and Massachusetts and spent her formative years in L.A. and South America. She is mixed/Black and the daughter of Black historian Sterling Stuckey and the granddaughter of poet Elma Stuckey. She studied drawing and sculpture at Columbia University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree. She also studied painting and illustration at The School of Visual Arts and in the studio of portrait painter John Murray. She completed the professional four-year atelier painting program and teacher training program at Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia. She has exhibited art in Peru, Colombia, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Richmond. Salis’ approach to teaching is based on a proven method - largely drawn from her studies at a traditional atelier, specifically with her teacher Jon deMartin, a master draughtsman, painter, and educator. She has co-taught portrait workshops at Studio Incamminati and currently teaches traditional figure drawing, portrait drawing, cast drawing, still life, and master copy drawing at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond. In addition, she is a musician, composer, and the founder of the band Cast Shadows.
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.