Children's Classes
Suggested ages listed in descriptions are guidelines. Contact us if you have a question about class levels.
Partial scholarships and customized courses are available! Please call or email to let us know how we can help you.
Remember, a Gift Certificate to the School of the Arts makes a perfect gift!
Partial scholarships and customized courses are available! Please call or email to let us know how we can help you.
Remember, a Gift Certificate to the School of the Arts makes a perfect gift!
Scroll down to see children's classes by categories: Art for Preschoolers, Blacksmithing, Fiber Arts, Glass, Jewelry, Music Lessons, and Woodworking.
ART FOR PRESCHOOLERS
**C-100: SIDE-BY-SIDE ART EXPLORATION
INSTRUCTOR: MAR JIMENEZ
Wednesdays, 11:00 - noon
January 8 & 22, February 12 & 26, April 8 & 22, May 13 & 27
TUITION: FREE!!
Fun and exploration for children aged 2-5 years with a parent or caregiver. Early childhood principles of color, shape, movement, and rhythm are emphasized through drawing, painting, collage, blocks, and music. Join us for one session or all! Pre-registration is requested via phone, email, or Facebook so instructor is prepared with materials. Clifton Forge offers great free programs for little ones on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. - noon:
1st Wed. : Toddler Time at CF Public Library
2nd Wed. : Side-by-Side at School of the Arts
3rd Wed. : Preschool Story Time at CF Library
4th Wed. : Side-by-Side at School of the Arts
Side-by-Side Art Exploration is offered from August through May and is sponsored by the Town of Clifton Forge.
INSTRUCTOR: MAR JIMENEZ
Wednesdays, 11:00 - noon
January 8 & 22, February 12 & 26, April 8 & 22, May 13 & 27
TUITION: FREE!!
Fun and exploration for children aged 2-5 years with a parent or caregiver. Early childhood principles of color, shape, movement, and rhythm are emphasized through drawing, painting, collage, blocks, and music. Join us for one session or all! Pre-registration is requested via phone, email, or Facebook so instructor is prepared with materials. Clifton Forge offers great free programs for little ones on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. - noon:
1st Wed. : Toddler Time at CF Public Library
2nd Wed. : Side-by-Side at School of the Arts
3rd Wed. : Preschool Story Time at CF Library
4th Wed. : Side-by-Side at School of the Arts
Side-by-Side Art Exploration is offered from August through May and is sponsored by the Town of Clifton Forge.
NEEDLE AND FIBER ARTS
HAND SEWING FOR CHILDREN
We believe that children should have essential skills with needle and thread that will allow them to create throughout their life. Brenda Martin is a talented quilter and seamstress who enjoys teaching children the basics of hand-sewing and building their skills and confidence to proceed to an endless array of creative and resourceful projects. We invite children aged 6-10 to join us for Brenda’s Hand-Sewing Club this winter! Take all four and receive a Certificate of Completion in Hand Sewing!
We believe that children should have essential skills with needle and thread that will allow them to create throughout their life. Brenda Martin is a talented quilter and seamstress who enjoys teaching children the basics of hand-sewing and building their skills and confidence to proceed to an endless array of creative and resourceful projects. We invite children aged 6-10 to join us for Brenda’s Hand-Sewing Club this winter! Take all four and receive a Certificate of Completion in Hand Sewing!
**CN-102: INTRODUCTION TO HAND SEWING
Saturday, Feb. 8, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
TUITION: $20.00 (includes materials)
Children will learn how to trace and cut out a pattern, thread and use a needle, and make a keepsake pillow. Bring a bag lunch.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS CLASS IS NOW CLOSED
Saturday, Feb. 8, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
TUITION: $20.00 (includes materials)
Children will learn how to trace and cut out a pattern, thread and use a needle, and make a keepsake pillow. Bring a bag lunch.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS CLASS IS NOW CLOSED
**CN-103: BUNNY FAMILY WORKSHOP
Saturday, March 21, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
TUITION: $20 (includes materials)
In the spring the bunnies are out and about, but Brenda will be working with to make (and dress) their own family of bunnies. Bring a bag lunch.
THIS CLASS IS NOW FULL
Saturday, March 21, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
TUITION: $20 (includes materials)
In the spring the bunnies are out and about, but Brenda will be working with to make (and dress) their own family of bunnies. Bring a bag lunch.
THIS CLASS IS NOW FULL
**CN-104: TEDDY BEARS FOR YOUR PICNIC WORKSHOP
Saturday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
TUITION: $20 (includes materials)
It’s getting warmer and will soon be picnic season. Come make and dress a teddy bear as your companion for cuddling or sharing. Bring a bag lunch.
Saturday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
TUITION: $20 (includes materials)
It’s getting warmer and will soon be picnic season. Come make and dress a teddy bear as your companion for cuddling or sharing. Bring a bag lunch.
**CN-105: PATCHWORK QUILT BLOCK PILLOW
Saturday, May 16, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
TUITION: $20 (includes materials)
Children will learn how to cut and hand-sew a Log Cabin block and then make it into a keepsake wall-hanging. Bring a bag lunch.
Saturday, May 16, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
TUITION: $20 (includes materials)
Children will learn how to cut and hand-sew a Log Cabin block and then make it into a keepsake wall-hanging. Bring a bag lunch.
GLASS
*G-201: FUSED GLASS SUN CATCHERS & NIGHT LIGHTS
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
G-201a: January 18
G-201b: February 8
G-201c: March 28
TUITION: $35 (includes materials)
Make a colorful, charming fused glass suncatcher in this easy, three-hour introduction to the basics of glass fusing! No previous glass cutting experience is required for this brief introduction to fused glass. Students will compose a design, approximately 4”x6”, using small scraps of fusible glass, and fusible glass frit. Each piece is fired to over 1200 degrees, melting the glass into a finished sun catcher, ready to hang in a sunny window. Youth aged 10 and up are welcome to register, if attending with a registered adult. Students may choose to make two fused glass night lights instead of a sun catcher for an additional fee of $9.00 to cover the cost of two fixtures, bulbs and clips, which are available in class. The night light panels are 2-½”x3” each. Finished projects can be picked up at the School office after firing or mailed for a small additional fee.
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
G-201a: January 18
G-201b: February 8
G-201c: March 28
TUITION: $35 (includes materials)
Make a colorful, charming fused glass suncatcher in this easy, three-hour introduction to the basics of glass fusing! No previous glass cutting experience is required for this brief introduction to fused glass. Students will compose a design, approximately 4”x6”, using small scraps of fusible glass, and fusible glass frit. Each piece is fired to over 1200 degrees, melting the glass into a finished sun catcher, ready to hang in a sunny window. Youth aged 10 and up are welcome to register, if attending with a registered adult. Students may choose to make two fused glass night lights instead of a sun catcher for an additional fee of $9.00 to cover the cost of two fixtures, bulbs and clips, which are available in class. The night light panels are 2-½”x3” each. Finished projects can be picked up at the School office after firing or mailed for a small additional fee.
*G-106: WEEKEND JEWELRY PENDANTS
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Special Two-Day Format!
Friday, Feb. 28, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. and
Saturday, Feb. 29, 10:00 a.m. - noon
TUITION: $50 (includes materials)
Create unique sparkling glass jewelry for yourself or for gifts, even if you’ve never cut glass before! It’s easy, and fun, using dramatic, dazzling dichroic glass. All supplies are included and tools are available in class. Demos include basic “small piece” cutting techniques, a brief intro to glass fusing, dichroic glass, and composition recommendations. Students will use scrap and cut simple shapes, then stack and glue 3-4 small pendants for fusing in the first session. In session two, students will assess the results of their first batch, in group review of all fused pieces, including before and after photos. Discussion will include changes from the fusing process, and surprise effects, both good and bad. With added insight, students will then create a second batch of pendants. Finally, students will select and attach jewelry bails or pin backs, to complete their fused glass fashion masterpieces!
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Special Two-Day Format!
Friday, Feb. 28, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. and
Saturday, Feb. 29, 10:00 a.m. - noon
TUITION: $50 (includes materials)
Create unique sparkling glass jewelry for yourself or for gifts, even if you’ve never cut glass before! It’s easy, and fun, using dramatic, dazzling dichroic glass. All supplies are included and tools are available in class. Demos include basic “small piece” cutting techniques, a brief intro to glass fusing, dichroic glass, and composition recommendations. Students will use scrap and cut simple shapes, then stack and glue 3-4 small pendants for fusing in the first session. In session two, students will assess the results of their first batch, in group review of all fused pieces, including before and after photos. Discussion will include changes from the fusing process, and surprise effects, both good and bad. With added insight, students will then create a second batch of pendants. Finally, students will select and attach jewelry bails or pin backs, to complete their fused glass fashion masterpieces!
*G-301 MOSAIC GARDEN STEPPING STONES
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
G-301a: April 25
G-301b: May 16
TUITION: $30 (includes all materials)
Simple to make, colorful and durable stepping stones set a path through crowded gardens and provide extra color when flowers aren’t in bloom. A fun class for both adults and kids, age 10 and up. Students create a concrete and glass, 8x8” square stone. Concrete needs 24 hours to harden before removal from molds. Completed stones can be picked up at the School after a few days. If you like, purchase the reusable mold for an extra $14 and take your project with you immediately. No previous glass-cutting experience is necessary. Bring a bag lunch.
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
G-301a: April 25
G-301b: May 16
TUITION: $30 (includes all materials)
Simple to make, colorful and durable stepping stones set a path through crowded gardens and provide extra color when flowers aren’t in bloom. A fun class for both adults and kids, age 10 and up. Students create a concrete and glass, 8x8” square stone. Concrete needs 24 hours to harden before removal from molds. Completed stones can be picked up at the School after a few days. If you like, purchase the reusable mold for an extra $14 and take your project with you immediately. No previous glass-cutting experience is necessary. Bring a bag lunch.
MUSIC
Call us at (540) 862-7275 to schedule Music Lessons! We offer instruction in piano and trumpet for children and adults, and we partner with Garth Newel Music Center's Allegheny Mountain String Project for children's lessons in violin, viola, and cello at our location.
Children's Classes Not Currently Offered (Let us know if you'd like to see them back in our schedule!)
**C-112: CHILDREN’S EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP
Students will learn embroidery techniques and have the opportunity to choose their own imagery, which they will then apply to colored burlap. Ages 7+
Students will learn embroidery techniques and have the opportunity to choose their own imagery, which they will then apply to colored burlap. Ages 7+
*B-100: DRAWING LESSONS
Learn about line and shape, light and mass, using pencil on paper, progressing gradually to other mediums (charcoal, ink, pastel). All ages.
Learn about line and shape, light and mass, using pencil on paper, progressing gradually to other mediums (charcoal, ink, pastel). All ages.
*CN-104: MAKE A PUFF QUILT (age 12 to adult)
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
In this class students will use hand-sewing skills to make a small quilt. Bring either scraps of fabric or two one-yard pieces of quilting fabric. We will supply the fiber to help you make a beautiful quilt puff.
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
In this class students will use hand-sewing skills to make a small quilt. Bring either scraps of fabric or two one-yard pieces of quilting fabric. We will supply the fiber to help you make a beautiful quilt puff.
*CN-106: PIONEER HAND QUILTING
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
Learn to hand quilt the way your ancestors did, before sewing machines and rotary cutters! Students will supply their own fabric but will be given patterns for each of the 14 blocks in this remarkable log cabin project. You will use your winter and spring as your ancestors did, meeting once each month to plan and sew with Brenda and will have sewing to complete between each class meeting. By springtime you will be ready to assemble your work of art. A materials list of yardage will be provided at the time of registration.
This class is an ambitious project for children, but we welcome students age 10 and up who have suitable experience in hand-sewing, hand-quilting, and assistance with the the measurement aspect of a log cabin quilt. A great project for old or new fabrics.
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
Learn to hand quilt the way your ancestors did, before sewing machines and rotary cutters! Students will supply their own fabric but will be given patterns for each of the 14 blocks in this remarkable log cabin project. You will use your winter and spring as your ancestors did, meeting once each month to plan and sew with Brenda and will have sewing to complete between each class meeting. By springtime you will be ready to assemble your work of art. A materials list of yardage will be provided at the time of registration.
This class is an ambitious project for children, but we welcome students age 10 and up who have suitable experience in hand-sewing, hand-quilting, and assistance with the the measurement aspect of a log cabin quilt. A great project for old or new fabrics.
**CN-107: HAND SEWING - MITTEN WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-10
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
It’s winter and nothing is better than a warm pair of mittens! Each student must bring in an old long-sleeved sweatshirt (one with cuffs on the sleeves). Brenda will teach you how to transform it into a very cozy and fun pair of mittens to keep you warm until spring! Hot chocolate provided to keep you warm while you’re sewing :)
