For Ages: 8-10

Class Description: This drama class is designed to boost students self-esteem and explore their creativity without the pressure of learning lines. The young actors-to-be will learn basic theatre skills, public speaking skills, short & long term improvisation, and spontaneity through games and exercises. All in a fun, fast-paced, and supportive environment.

Members receive 10% off with promo code MEMBER

For Ages: 11 - 13

Class Description: This drama class is designed to boost students self-esteem and explore their creativity without the pressure of learning lines. The young actors-to-be will learn basic theatre skills, public speaking skills, short & long term improvisation, and spontaneity through games and exercises. All in a fun, fast-paced, and supportive environment.

Members receive 10% off with promo code MEMBER

Business Fundamentals for Artists

Description:

This 60-minute presentation is designed to demystify the business planning process for artists. Many creatives shy away from business planning, feeling it doesn’t align with their vision or values, but a well-structured plan is the foundation for a sustainable creative career. This session will guide artists through understanding and structuring essential components of a business plan tailored to their unique goals, values, and artistic style.

Agenda:

- 0:00 - 5:00 | Welcome and Introductions: Overview of the session and participant introductions.

- 5:00 - 20:00 | Why Business Planning Matters for Artists: Discussing unique challenges artists face, the importance of a structured plan, and common misconceptions.

- 20:00 - 40:00 | Core Elements of an Artist’s Business Plan: Breakdown of key sections, including mission, target audience, income streams, and resource planning.

- 40:00 - 50:00 | Practical Tips for Business Plan Development: Writing, revising, and maintaining a dynamic business plan.

- 50:00 - 55:00 | Q&A: Audience questions and tailored advice.

- 55:00 - 60:00 | Business Basics Course Overview: Introduction to free Business Basics courses that further support artists in applying these skills.

Takeaways:

Participants will gain clarity on why and how a business plan can support their unique goals, empowering them to create a roadmap for a sustainable artistic career.

Description:

Marketing doesn’t have to feel like a chore. In this 60-minute session, artists will learn essential strategies to market their work effectively and authentically. This presentation will cover marketing strategy basics, audience targeting, and choosing platforms. Artists will also learn how to craft a personal brand that reflects their unique voice and message.

Agenda Highlights:

- Introduction to marketing for artists and its role in business growth.

- Redefining marketing as storytelling and audience connection.

- Exploring key marketing channels (social media, websites, email lists, and networking).

- Personal branding strategies for artists.

- Q&A session and Business Basics Course overview.

Takeaways:

Attendees will learn how to approach marketing authentically, using strategies that showcase their work while maintaining their artistic integrity.

Description:

For artists, sales can feel intimidating, but learning how to sell confidently is vital for career sustainability. This session will provide actionable strategies for selling art, setting prices, and developing relationships with potential buyers. The focus will be on shifting the mindset around sales, making it a natural and empowering part of the creative process.

Agenda Highlights:

- Shifting the perception of sales from “selling out” to “sharing your vision.”

- Developing a sales plan, including pricing and sales channels.

- Tips for engaging buyers and closing sales.

- Q&A session and Business Basics Course overview.

Takeaways:

Participants will leave with an understanding of how to approach sales confidently and sustainably, recognizing it as a skill that supports long-term artistic success.

DATES/TIMES: Saturday, January 17th, 2026 | 10:00am-4:00pm

Snow date: Saturday, January 24th, 2026 | 10:00am-4:00pm

AGES: 18+ (unless accompanied by a participating adult) 

Workshop Description:   

After introductions, and a look at various winter inspired examples,  students will be introduced to or review  a substantial # of watercolor techniques  through instructor  demonstration. They will attempt and practice each of the techniques on small papers. Comparing these to their selected photos, they may want to note where techniques will be used in a sketch of their painting and number the order in which they will be applied. The instructor will assist each studentsin this process. Paint!  During several breaks the instructor will address problems  found in common as the composition progresses. Towards the end, students will display their work and discuss the techniques, problems executing them, successful areas and photo graph the works. 

Instructor bio (1 paragraph): 

Barb Steele majored in painting at The Maryland Institute College of Art and taught art in high school for 15 years. She left teaching to found Alloway Creek Gardens where she continued teaching many workshops on plants, companion planting,  dyes and tinctures from plants, and painting plants. She continues to publish articles about plants and is active in teaching in courses like Plants Speak! In it s third year during Week 1  of Common Ground on the Hill June 23-28, 4-5:30 each afternoon.  Students are encouraged to consider registering for that classcommongroundonthehill.org! Barb is teaching acrylic or watercolor  water based painting techniques in “Plants and Their Polinators” Week 3 July 14-18 in the mornings. 

Materials Student Should Bring from home  

Please bring a bag lunch and beverage in a cooler. 

A work apron, cup for water and any watercolor supplies  you already have, including tube paints, brushes, plastic palette or   a ceramic plate to use as a watercolor palette. Pencil, sketchbook.  Bring photos of your favorite winter scenes preferably with snow and sky! 

Description:

For artists, sales can feel intimidating, but learning how to sell confidently is vital for career sustainability. This session will provide actionable strategies for selling art, setting prices, and developing relationships with potential buyers. The focus will be on shifting the mindset around sales, making it a natural and empowering part of the creative process.

Agenda Highlights:

- Shifting the perception of sales from “selling out” to “sharing your vision.”

- Developing a sales plan, including pricing and sales channels.

- Tips for engaging buyers and closing sales.

- Q&A session and Business Basics Course overview.

Takeaways:

Participants will leave with an understanding of how to approach sales confidently and sustainably, recognizing it as a skill that supports long-term artistic success.

Our Pre-K Make It, Take It class is a hands-on, creative learning experience designed for curious little minds! Each session invites preschoolers to explore art, crafts, and simple projects they can proudly take home. Activities are tailored to strengthen fine motor skills, spark imagination, and reinforce early learning concepts such as colors, shapes, numbers, and letters.

Children will:

Create fun, age-appropriate crafts using safe, easy-to-handle materials.

Learn through themed projects that connect to stories, seasons, or special events.