Discover new techniques and expand your creativity with Studio Arts at 577. Whether you’re exploring drawing, painting, printmaking, paper crafts, fused glass, photography, metals and jewelry making, or woodcrafts, our classes welcome artists of all experience levels.
Led by dedicated 577 staff and talented community artists, each class offers a hands-on opportunity to learn in a supportive and inspiring environment. With topics changing each month, classes take place in the Cottage, Virginia’s House, and even outdoors, where the beauty of 577’s gardens and grounds provides endless inspiration.
Join us to create, experiment, and grow within a vibrant community of makers.
Upcoming Classes
July classes open for registration on Wednesday, May 26, at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Drawing Nature: Herons
Friday, May 30 ~ 2pm to 3:30pm
Enjoy exploring the fundamentals of graphite drawing as we work to bring a beautiful image of a heron to life. Long admired as graceful river dwellers, herons make a fun and rewarding subject to recreate—and no drawing experience is needed!
Using a pre-drawn outline as your guide, you’ll learn how to add shading and texture to create a realistic effect. Plenty of support will be provided throughout, along with all necessary materials, including 9″ x 10″ drawing paper.
577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker
Simple Watercolor Floral Bouquets
Tuesday, June 3 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Explore creative ways to reuse materials in this beginner-friendly watercolor class. Create a bright floral bouquet using watercolor paints, ink pen, and recycled newspaper, dictionary pages, and wrapping paper. In this class, we’ll focus on simple watercolor techniques to paint flowers and leaves, then cut and paste them into a cheerful summertime floral bouquet.
Each participant will create one (1) to three (3) mini bouquets on a mix of paper types. No experience is necessary, and all supplies are included. These sweet handmade bouquets make charming gifts for birthdays, special occasions, or just to brighten someone’s day.
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Partner Painting! A Creative Date Night Experience
Thursday, June 5 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Create art AND memories in this fun couples class. You and your favorite plus-one will be guided step by step to make coordinated acrylic landscape paintings, while connecting through light-hearted questions sprinkled throughout class.
This relaxed experience is perfect for partners looking to spark conversation and share a playful artistic activity. No painting experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and enjoy a night of creativity and connection! All supplies included. Each completed painting will be approximately 8″ x 8″.
Community Instructor: Sammi Dougherty
Watercolor: Exploring Landscapes
Friday, June 6 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring watercolor as we learn how to paint simple landscapes. Class will begin inside the Dining Room of Virginia’s House with guided watercolor exercises for capturing the beauty of the outdoors on paper. During the second half of class, we’ll move outside (weather permitting) to practice “plein air painting,” which is the act of painting in the open air. Each participant will receive practice papers and a 9″ x 12″ piece of watercolor paper for painting one or more landscapes.
Important Class Notes: For your comfort during our time outdoors, we recommend you bring your own favorite camp folding chair or blanket to class. If you prefer, standard folding chairs will be available, as well as a limited amount of bench seating throughout the grounds. Please dress for the weather, including sunscreen or bug spray.
577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose
Watercolor 101
Friday, June 6 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Discover the joys of watercolor painting through a series of fun and easy exercises designed to explore a variety of basic techniques. Enjoy creating a personalized 5″ x 7″ watercolor sketchbook filled with your exercises, notes, color samples, and charts. This sketchbook will serve as the perfect resource for beginners and a valuable reference tool for expanding and deepening existing skills.
With individual attention provided in a supportive environment, you’ll gain the confidence to continue your artistic journey.
Class Note: Exciting update! This class is now a prerequisite for advanced watercolor courses available at 577 in 2025.
577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose
Painted Dot Mandala: Blaze
Saturday, June 7 ~ 10am to 1pm
Learn the basic techniques of dot painting while focusing on compass work to create a traditional sacred geometry design, “The Seed of Life.” Participants will receive step-by-step guidance on creating common mandala elements and techniques, including microdots and swoops. This class is open to both beginners and intermediate dot painters.
All materials will be provided along with step-by-step patterns, allowing participants to work at their own pace with instructor support. Paintings will be completed on 6-inch canvas boards.
Class Note: To help us honor 577’s commitment to sustainability, please bring your tools if you are a returning participant. New participants will receive a new set of tools to keep.
Community Instructor: Shalene Germani
Jewelry: Industrial Chic Earrings
Saturday, June 7 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Wednesday, July 2 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Learn how to turn scrap metal into unique wearable art with just a few tools! Each participant will receive lots of support and guidance to create, customize, and assemble two items using copper, brass, or German silver metals. The first pair will be copper on copper, and you will choose from various styles of earrings or necklaces for your second project.
All experience levels are welcome. Each participant will receive a polishing cloth and a gift box. The size of completed earrings will vary but will be approximately one to two inches.
Class Note: Please bring reading or safety glasses. All other supplies included.
Community Instructor: Snookie Viviano
The Art of Alcohol Inks
Wednesday, June 11 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Explore the beauty and unpredictability of alcohol inks while creating three (3) unique 4.25″ x 4.25″ tiles. You’ll learn the basic techniques of this low-stress/high-reward medium that allows you to “go with the flow.”
No experience is necessary. All supplies are included.
Community Instructor: Melissa Thomas
Creative Card Making
Thursday, June 12 ~ 5pm to 8pm
Enjoy an evening creating and join us in sending a little love into the world. Learn some fun fold techniques in the first part of class that we’ll use to create two (2) cards. We’ ll use the rest of class to create another three (3) beautiful seasonal cards for friends and loved ones. Learn the best stamping techniques, how to apply card-based adhesives, and fun ways to use various card-making tools.
Hand-making and sending greeting cards is a way of spreading love, appreciation, and connection to those people we care about. It’s a way to bring us together and let someone know we value them. No experience is required, and all are welcome.
Class Note: We recommend you dress in older clothes or wear an apron to protect from ink and glue.
Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Patricia Piper
Acrylic Painting: Wilderness Waterfall
Monday, June 16 ~ 10am to 2:30pm
Discover your inner artist and learn to create your own work of art in this fun and friendly class. Learn step-by-step how to paint a wilderness waterfall. We’ll use acrylic paint and a variety of painting tools and techniques as you explore color mixing, blending, and texture. No experience is necessary, and all supplies are included for you to create an 11” x 14” painting in a relaxing atmosphere.
Class Note: You are welcome to bring snacks to enjoy throughout class and we encourage you to bring a lunch for our midday break. (Refrigerator and microwave available).
Community Instructors: Mary Claire Roe
Creating an Illustrated Field Journal
Friday, June 20 ~ 11am to 1pm
Friday, July 11 ~ 11am to 1pm
The seasonal changes in the natural world can often be overlooked when we don’t take the time to look closely at what is around us. By keeping an illustrated field journal, we can record not only our thoughts, but sketch and draw what we see, creating meaningful pages through the use of word and image.
Using the beautiful 577 grounds for inspiration, new participants in this session will be introduced to the concept of keeping this type of journal and will create their first entry, hopefully inspired to carry on and fill the remaining pages over time. Experienced students are also welcome–learn new tips, gain fresh inspiration in the ever-changing seasons, and build upon past lessons. No writing or drawing experience is necessary, only the desire to have some fun while exploring the natural world around us.
Community Instructor: David Lymanstall
Drawing Nature: Pollinators!
Friday, June 20 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Celebrate Pollinator Week with a fun and buzzing art experience! In this beginner-friendly class, we’ll explore how to draw a variety of pollinators — from fuzzy bumblebees to delicate monarch butterflies.
Using pastel pencils, you’ll learn techniques for blending colors, creating texture, and capturing the unique features of these important creatures. With plenty of guided instruction, one-on-one support, and time to practice, you’ll create and take home one (1) to three (3) vibrant drawings of our winged friends. All supplies provided.
No experience necessary — just bring your curiosity and love for nature!
577 Staff Instructors: Isabelle Tucker
Printmaking: Summer Block Prints
Friday, June 20 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Dive into summer by creating your very own custom block print! In this hands-on workshop, each participant will receive a 4″ x 6″ rubber block and learn how to carve intricate designs inspired by stunning summer flowers and nature.
Bring your own shirts, tote bags, or fabric to print on, or use the provided paper to create unique prints. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this class offers a fun and creative way to celebrate the season and take home a personalized piece of art.
577 Staff Instructors: Isabelle Tucker
Artist Trading Cards: Mini Abstracts & Collages
Saturday, June 21 ~ 10am to 12pm
Explore the wonders of this collaborative art form, a way to create and share art with others. Artist trading cards (ATCs) were started in the 90s to make art accessible to all and to build community between fellow artists and crafters. They are meant to be traded and not sold.
In this class, we will focus on abstracts and collages through bright colors, patterns, and more. Experiment with mixed media using acrylics, drawing utensils, paper scraps, and more, to create standard 2.5″ x 3.5″ artist trading cards. Paper types will vary, but most will be crafted on repurposed playing cards.
Each participant will create at least three (3) to four (4) cards to keep, and one (1) to two (2) to trade with another person in class! Start an ATC collection, continue to trade with others, frame or hang up, or incorporate these fun little cards into future art projects. Inspire others, share ideas, and have fun!
Community Instructor: Avery Bohman
Makers Circle: Drawing in Nature
Saturday, June 21 ~ 10am to 12pm
Embark on a brand-new creative adventure with the new 577 Makers Circle Workshops! This choose-your-own art-making experience lets you explore your creativity in a way that’s uniquely yours. Each workshop will have a theme, but what you draw or paint is entirely up to you!
The theme for June’s Makers Circle is Nature, with a focus on plein air (outdoor) drawing. To kick things off, staff artists will share creative ideas, techniques, and tips for creating artwork inspired by the outdoors. Participants are encouraged to explore the beautiful 577 grounds for inspiration.
You’ll have the option to work with graphite, colored pencils, chalk pastels, or a mix of these mediums. A selection of student-grade drawing papers and all necessary tools will be provided to help bring your ideas to life.
Most of the workshop will be dedicated to hands-on creating, experimenting, gathering inspiration, and connecting with fellow art enthusiasts—all with plenty of instructor support. You’ll also learn ways to overcome the fear of the blank page and let your creativity bloom!
All supplies are included, but participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook or preferred drawing paper if they’d like.
577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker
Makers Circle: Exploring Art Through Sun Printing
Saturday, June 21 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Embark on a brand-new creative adventure with the new 577 Makers Circle Workshops! This choose-your-own art-making experience lets you explore your creativity in a way that’s uniquely yours. Each workshop will have a theme, but what you draw or paint is entirely up to you!
The theme for June’s Makers Circle is Nature! To kick things off, a staff artist will share creative ideas, techniques, and tips, including how to create with cyanotype—also known as sun printing. You’ll have the option to work with cyanotype, colored pencils, chalk pastels, watercolor paints, watercolor pencils, or a mix of these mediums. A variety of student-grade watercolor papers and all necessary tools will be provided to help bring your ideas to life.
Most of the workshop will be dedicated to hands-on creating, experimenting, gathering inspiration, and connecting with fellow art enthusiasts—all with plenty of instructor support. You’ll also learn ways to overcome the fear of the blank page and let your creativity bloom! All supplies are included, but participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook or preferred watercolor paper if they’d like.
577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker
Soft Pastels: Peony Field
Tuesday, June 24 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm
Learn how to paint a beautiful impressionistic landscape using soft pastel! You’ll explore color, expressive mark-making, perspective, and the basics of pastels. No experience with drawing or pastels is necessary and beginners are welcome!
All supplies are included and everyone will receive an instructional handout. Projects will be completed on 9″ x 12″ paper.
Community Instructor: Molly Carroll
Fused Glass: Flower Garden Stake
Thursday, June 26 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Receive step-by-step guidance as you explore the art of creating fused glass and learn to create a whimsical flower that will add a touch of color to your garden all year long. No experience is necessary and all supplies are included. Completed flowers will be approximately 8 inches in diameter and will be returned attached to a garden stake.
Projects will be left with the instructor who will “fuse” the glass together by firing the projects in a home kiln before returning them to 577 for pick-up.
Community Instructor: Geneen Wise
Watercolor II: Exploring Color
Friday, June 27 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm
Designed for watercolor enthusiasts and artists of any media looking to expand their beginner skills, this class will explore the basics of color theory through several fun, hands-on painting exercises. Participants will learn how to see color “temperature” as we mix colors and create a series of color charts for future reference. We’ll even test our new knowledge by venturing out onto the 577 grounds to collect bits of nature to use while we practice mixing and matching colors.
Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have taken a watercolor class at 577.
577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose
Explore Gelli Plate Printmaking: Bird’s Nest
Friday, June 27 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Unleash your creativity and dive into the world of monoprinting with the fun and versatile Gelli Plate–the perfect entry point for anyone interested in trying out printmaking. In the first part of class, you’ll learn basic printmaking techniques through instructor demonstrations and hands-on practice.
In the second half, choose your own path: follow along step-by-step to create a charming bird nest print, or continue experimenting with the Gelli Plate to develop prints of your own design. Participants will receive plenty of support while working independently and at their own pace. The number of completed projects will vary by person, but everyone can expect to take home at least three (3) 8″ x 10″ prints.
577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose
The Art of Alcohol Inks: Christmas in July
Tuesday, July 8 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Get into the spirit of Christmas in July as you explore the beauty and spontaneity of alcohol inks. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn the basics of this low-stress, high-reward medium while creating abstract tree designs on ceramic tiles. Each participant will receive three (3) 4.25″ x 4.25″ tiles to work with. No experience is necessary. All supplies are included.
Class Note: Alcohol Inks can be messy. Please wear old clothes or bring an apron.
Community Instructor: Melissa Thomas
Paper Flowers: Whimsical Daisy Bouquet
Wednesday, July 9 ~ 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Create a whimsical bouquet of paper daisies with just a few folds, a couple of snips, and a touch of glue. Participants will learn all the skills needed, and everyone will take home a charming vase ready to brighten the perfect spot in their home or office. All materials provided. Completed projects are approximately 8″ x 5″.
Community Instructor: Mary Willets
Creative Card Making: Birthday Card Palooza
Wednesday, July 9 ~ 4pm to 8pm
Celebrate your loved ones in style with a dozen handmade birthday cards—each one crafted by you. In this creative, hands-on class, you’ll learn a variety of cardmaking techniques while building new skills and designing a collection of unique, heartfelt greetings.
Making and sending cards is a timeless way to show appreciation and stay connected. Whether you’re celebrating a friend, family member, or coworker, a handmade card adds a personal touch that truly stands out.
No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm! Each participant will leave with 12 completed birthday cards, approximately 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ in size. All supplies are provided.
Class Note: We recommend you dress in older clothes or wear an apron to protect from ink and glue.
Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Patricia Piper
Fused Glass: Set of Four Coasters
Thursday, July 10 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Discover the colorful, creative world of fused glass in this fun and beginner-friendly class. With step-by-step guidance from your instructor, you’ll design and create a unique set of four coasters—each one a vibrant work of art.
No experience is necessary, and all materials are included. Each finished coaster will measure approximately 4 inches by 4 inches, perfect for brightening up your coffee table or gifting to someone special.
After class, your pieces will be carefully fired in a home kiln to fuse the glass together. Once complete, they’ll be returned to 577 for pickup. Come explore the beauty of glass and leave with functional art you’ll be proud to use!
Class Note: Participants will receive an email with pick-up information from 577 once the instructor returns completed projects, generally within 7 business days after the class.
Community Instructor: Geneen Wise
Watercolor: Abstract Bubbles
Friday, July 11 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm
Enjoy a relaxing class painting a fun and colorful abstract watercolor image in this soothing Create Calm experience, a perfect way to learn or improve your watercolor skills.
Begin class creating your color scheme and learning how to paint your “bubbles.” The second part of the class will be reserved for quiet time as we add dark lines with markers to define organic shapes while you relax and focus. Completed projects will be approximately 9″ x 11″. No experience is necessary and all supplies included.
Create Calm classes are designed to allow anyone to experience simple, creative projects in a soothing environment. The calming nature of watercolors, quiet work time, and gentle music, will encourage participants of all levels to tap into their innate ability to create a state of calm.
577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose
Watercolor: Monarch Butterfly
Friday, July 11 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm
Learn to capture the beauty of the monarch butterfly with watercolor paint in a relaxed and supportive environment–no drawing experience needed. We’ll use simple practice exercises to get familiar with our paints, learn how to mix the right colors, and use a template to transfer our butterfly image onto watercolor paper. Participants are also welcome to draw their own Monarch.
Using your new skills and transferred image of your choice, we’ll spend the second part of class working to complete our own beautiful butterfly paintings. Finished paintings will be approximately 4.5 inches by 6 inches. All experience levels welcome and all supplies included.
577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose
A Relaxing Paint Night: Step by Step Landscape
Friday, July 18 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
Enjoy a relaxing evening getting creative as we paint a beautiful landscape in a calm, encouraging setting—no experience needed.
Using acrylics, we will paint a peaceful landscape featuring vividly colored rolling hills, golden highlights, and soft shadows. We’ll learn basic techniques like layering, blending, and color mixing. Bring your curiosity and spend the evening enjoying the creative process at your own pace. All supplies included. Each completed painting will be approximately 9″ x 12″.
Community Instructor: Sammi Dougherty
Painted Dot Mandala: Joyful Journal
Saturday, July 19 ~ 10am to 1pm
Learn the basic techniques of dot painting as we decorate the cover of a journal. In the first part of class, participants will receive step-by-step guidance before practicing how to create common mandala elements such as petals, teardrops, walking-the-dots, swooshes, and top dots. In the second part of class, participants will work independently to create their own beautiful journals with instructor support as needed. All materials will be provided, including a 5 1/2″ x 8″ journal for each person. Participants are also welcome to bring their own journal of a similar size.
Class Note: This class is open to both beginners and intermediate dot painters. To help us honor 577’s commitment to sustainability, please bring your tools if you are a returning participant. New participants will receive a new set of tools to keep.
Community Instructor: Shalene Germani
Acrylic Painting: Quiet Country Road
Monday, July 21 ~ 10am to 2:30pm
Discover your inner artist and create your own work of art in this fun and friendly class. Learn the stages of building an acrylic painting from start to finish. A great project for any level of experience, we will explore easy techniques to make a monochromatic painting, using just one color plus black and white. No experience is necessary, and all supplies are included for you to create an 11” x 14” painting in a relaxing atmosphere.
Class Note: You are welcome to bring snacks to enjoy throughout class and we encourage you to bring a lunch for our midday break. (Refrigerator and microwave available).
Community Instructor: Mary Claire Roe
Drawing Nature: Tropical Plants
Thursday, July 24 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Enjoy exploring the fundamentals of drawing with pastel pencils as we work to create a vibrant, full-color image of tropical plants inspired by those in our Geodesic Biodome.
We’ll begin with a quick visit to the Biodome for inspiration, followed by step-by-step instruction on how to sketch a variety of tropical plants. No drawing experience is necessary—participants will be guided through techniques to add color and texture that capture the look and feel of these lush specimens.
Lots of support and all materials are provided, including 9″ x 12″ drawing paper.
577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker
Fused Glass: Create Your Pet ~ Dog or Cat
Thursday, July 24 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Bring your favorite furry friend to life in glass! In this playful fused glass class, you’ll receive step-by-step guidance as you design and create a colorful dog or cat—your choice. Whether you’re inspired by a real-life pet or dreaming up a whimsical new companion, this project is a fun way to explore the art of fused glass.
No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided. Each finished piece will stand approximately 7 to 10 inches tall. After class, your project will be kiln-fired to fuse the glass together and then returned to 577 for pickup. A great opportunity to create a heartfelt keepsake or a one-of-a-kind gift!
Class Note: Participants will receive an email with pick up information from 577 once the instructor returns completed projects, generally within 7 business after the class.
Community Instructor: Geneen Wise
Watercolor: Simple Misty Landscape
Friday, July 25 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm
Learn how to paint a misty, moody landscape in watercolor. A perfect project for anyone new to this watery medium, AND for watercolor enthusiasts looking to stretch their skills. Participants will enjoy guided exercises and practice paintings leading up to their final 6″ x 9″ painting in the color scheme of their choice.
All supplies are provided. Come as you are and enjoy a relaxed, encouraging space to create.
577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose
Watercolor: Painting Zinnia Flowers
Friday, July 25 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm
Explore the art of painting zinnia flowers in watercolor, a simple and inviting subject perfect for beginners or anyone looking to unwind with color and creativity. Participants of all levels will enjoy guided exercises and practice paintings with plenty of support.
In the second half of class, you’ll receive a sheet of 9″ x 12″ watercolor paper along with a notecard and envelope. You can choose to use the paper to create four 4.5″ x 6″ cards, one full 9″ x 12″ painting, or two 9″ x 6″ paintings—whatever inspires you most.
All supplies are provided. Come as you are and enjoy a relaxed, encouraging space to create.
577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose
Sun Printing: Cyanotype Napkins
Saturday, July 26 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Bring a touch of artistry to your everyday table and special occasions with a set of custom dinner napkins crafted using the fascinating cyanotype process. In this class, you’ll learn how to design and print a stunning botanical composition on four (4) cotton napkins, provided by 577.
Your instructor will guide you through each step of the cyanotype printing method. By the end of the class, you’ll leave with four (4) freshly printed 15″ x 15″ cotton napkins. Your family and friends will be impressed by the unique touch and personal flair these napkins bring to your meals and gatherings.
577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker
Jewelry: Industrial Chic Necklace & Earrings
Tuesday, July 29 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Learn how to turn scrap metal into unique wearable art with just a few tools. Each participant will receive lots of support and guidance to create, customize, and assemble a pair of earrings and a necklace to match using copper, brass, or German silver metals. All experience levels are welcome. Each participant will receive a polishing cloth and a gift box.
Class Note: Please bring reading or safety glasses. All other supplies included.
Community Instructor: Snookie Viviano
Class Locations & Parking Map
Signed up for a class and need help finding your classroom location and parking? Each class description lists its location. Click the button below to view a full map of the grounds and buildings with two lots available for easy and convenient parking.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Because space is limited, we rely on you to register for classes thoughtfully. Please help us continue to offer these wonderful classes as affordably as possible by adhering to the following registration, cancellation, and refund policies.
Photo & Video Release
Photos and videos may be taken during 577 classes and events for use on our website and other relevant media outlets and your attendance constitutes consent. View the full policy below including how you can opt-out of this release.