Alcohol inks are a relatively new fascination of painters and crafters. A vibrant, fast drying medium, they are used to paint on non-porous surfaces such as glass, tile, or metal. The possibilities for experimentation are limitless. Experience the almost instant magic of these inks on tile. Using florals and landscapes as inspiration, participants will create […]

At a basic level, drawing is merely making marks on paper. This class builds on previous knowledge gained from intermediate graphite drawing for botanical illustration. Learn how to render form and value through the simplicity of a mere black line. Focus is given to exercises that promote thinking three-dimensionally (e.g. contour drawing), creative process and […]

Join Chef Joe Rocchi as he discusses how his passion to discover a buried history of native culinary traditions brought him to a life changing journey of learning, understanding, and sharing the immense beauty, contributions, and sometimes dark history of the cuisines native to the Americas. A cuisine whose indigenous ingredients have literally changed the […]

Create an original textured and glazed ceramic vase just right for bouquets from your garden. Come ready with a few ideas for design, color, patterns and we’ll add to those plans with a variety of options. Our Garden continues to follow CDC recommendations and state guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Properly worn masks […]

This course builds and expands on the knowledge learned in Introduction to Drawing for Botanical Illustration. Practice toning the key shapes found in Nature using graphite. Learn how to set up your light source in order to achieve the full range of values needed to create three-dimensional form for your subject. Learn to translate colors […]

Join local Mixologist Beth Dixon, proprietor of Salt and Acid Beverage Consulting for a taste of the tropics in Virginia. Beth perfected her tropical cocktail skills as the Bar Manager at Perch, Mike Ledesma's now shuttered Pacific Rim inspired restaurant. Learn how to create your own Hawaiian-inspired drinks with Beth as she demonstrates how to […]

David Pippin looks to the winter garden for a surprising selection of color, line, and texture with which to design, highlighted with a thoughtful selection of floral materials. Use a variety of winter-hardy materials found in Central Virginia and your own container to create a design bridging winter and spring. Our Garden continues to follow […]

Learn about the life under your feet in this three-part series. In this class, instructor Karin Stretchko discusses organic matter in soil, including the process of decay, factors that affect organic matter content, managing it, and amendments to the soil. Parts 1 and 3 cover the physical properties of soil, life in the soil, and […]

Conservatories enable exotic plants to be grown, showcase treasures of the plant world, and provide a peaceful reflective setting. Hear how the physical environment is designed and controlled. Discover how plants are obtained and curated to develop a significant botanical collection of ever-changing displays. Explore favorite plant groups – ferns, orchids, and desert plants. See […]