Classes + Workshops
Are you an art instructor?
Crossroads Art Center has openings for instructors to host classes.
1. 1. Workshops can be hosted on Friday, Saturday and Sunday or just Saturday and Sunday depending on schedule.
2. 2. Night class space - Available – Tuesday Night 6pm – 9pm, Wednesday Night 6pm – 9pm through April 2025, Thursday Night 6pm – 9pm (starting May 2025)
The Space:
- Large room measures 23ft8” wide by 31 ft long
- 15 6ft tables and 30 chairs if you want 2 people per table
- Some floor easels available
- 3 art sinks
Options:
1. 1. Rent the space from CAC for $30 an hour including set up and breakdown. You host the class, enroll the students, collect the fees from the students and teach the class. CAC is the house for the class and will advertise and promote the class with you.
2. 2. CAC Enrolls the students, collects the fees, advertises the class and pays you a negotiated agreed upon fee to teach the class
Click Here for Class Examples to See Earning Potential
Contact us for more information and chat about the possibilities:
Office: 804.278.8950 #1
Cell: 804.314.3900
Email: crossroadsartcenter@gmail.com
Ongoing 2025 Open Studio Hours
When we’re not hosting workshops or classes, we invite artists to join our Open Studio sessions for creative time in our inspiring space.
Schedule:
- Fridays & Saturdays: 10 AM – 4 PM (6 hours) | $20 per day
- Sundays: 12 PM – 3:30 PM (3.5 hours) | $15 per day
Details:
- Space is limited to 15 artists per day.
- Reserve your spot by emailing crossroadsartcenter@gmail.com.
- Payment is due upon arrival.
WORKSHOPS 2025-2026
The below, workshops hosted by CAC, will start registrations on Eventbrite on January 7, 2026.
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Click Here to Register or Learn More
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Adele Castillo
ACRYLIC MEDIUMS PAINTALONG
2026, January 30th and 31st, 10am-4pm and February 1st, 12-5pm.
Cost: $260.00
How do you use acrylic mediums in a painting? Let’s Paint Along together and explore the possibilities.
If you’ve taken Adele’s previous mediums workshops, this is an excellent followup.
A brief overview of the different types of mediums will be followed by preparing several canvas boards to create a landscape, an abstract and a subject to be determined.
Mediums and small canvas board will be provided. Students will bring all other supplies. A supply list will be sent to registrants.
Contact Adele to get on the roster and arrange payment. Cost is $260 per student. (This fee includes room rental and supplies + charge card fees. Students paying by check will receive an $8.50 discount)
There will be no refunds. Payment deadline will December 31.
Michael Brazao
2-Day Perspective Workshop
2026, February 6th and 13th, 10am - Noon
Cost: $85
Click Here to Register and Pay + Supply List
Discussion of theory encompasses definitions (both scientific and informal), the
horizon, points of sight, distance, and rules and conditions of perspective. Most of
the course examines the practice of perspective, featuring instruction on how to
reproduce shape, distance, and proportion that endows two-dimensional works with
lifelike qualities.
Materials List: Pencil and Newsprint pad.
Beyond the Photo: Expressive Pastel Landscapes with Melissa Walton
2-Day Workshop
Saturday, February 7 & Sunday, February 8, 2026, 12pm – 4pm
$250
Click Here to Register and Pay + Supply List
Dive into the vibrant world of soft pastels with this beginner-friendly workshop designed for all skill levels! If you've ever wanted to capture the beauty of nature and move beyond the reference photo, this class is for you. We’ll be painting water, skies, trees, grasses and more!
Soft pastels are a rich, versatile medium known for their intense pigment, velvety texture, and the ability to create both bold, dramatic marks and delicate, luminous effects. They offer a direct, immediate, and incredibly satisfying painting experience. You will leave each day with a completed masterpiece, ready to frame.
Each day will begin with a demonstration and focused exercise to warm up your artistic muscles. Afterward, students can either work from their own reference photos or choose one provided by the instructor.
What You'll Discover:
Whether you're picking up pastels for the first time or looking to refine your technique, you’ll receive step-by-step guidance as we cover the essentials:
- Understanding Pastel Materials and Techniques: We'll explore the difference between soft and hard pastels and how to select the best papers to achieve specific effects in your landscape paintings.
- Composing with Confidence & Color Manipulation: Learn how to interpret your landscape reference photo by breaking down the composition three values. We'll also explore techniques to manipulate color to achieve atmospheric perspective and a more expressive interpretation of your subject.
- Interpreting Reference Photos: Learn how to use technology to your advantage in editing and manipulating your reference photos!
Throughout the session, you'll be encouraged to develop your personal creative style and to interpret the landscape with a new perspective on color. You'll complete your own pastel painting by the end of each day, equipped with the fundamental skills to continue your pastel journey.
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Adele Castillo
Composition in Abstract Painting
2026, February 27th and 28st, 10am-4pm and March 1st, 12-5pm.
Cost: $260.00
The success of any painting rests on the strength of the composition. While current abstract painting classes emphasize being loose and intuitive, (Yes! encouraged!) unless it’s pulled together it can be a confusing mess. Let’s explore the use of the elements and principles of design with intuitive abstract painting to push that painting into a stronger, more cohesive work.
This is a hands-on painting class. Students will bring their own painting supplies. A supply list will be sent to all students after payment is received.
Cost is $260. (This includes room rental, additional supplies and charge card fees. Students paying by check will receive an $8 discount.) There will be no refunds. Contact Adele to register. Payment is due January 30.
Click Here for more information or to register
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“Surface Stories: Building Depth Through Layers & Texture in Oil/Cold Wax Medium” with Lisa Boardwine
A 3-Day Abstract Oil & Cold Wax Medium Workshop
March 27 and 28: 10 - 4:30pm 2026
March 29: 10 - 3pm
Cost: $445
($100 non-refundable deposit holds your space. Balance due by February 27, 2026. A $25 supply fee will be due on first day of workshop)
Uncover the language of surface, texture, and layered history in this dynamic 3-day workshop focused on abstract painting with oil and cold wax medium.
Working with an array of tools—traditional and unconventional—you’ll explore the powerful process of building up and breaking down surfaces. Through layering, veiling, mark making, adding and subtracting passages, and great color mixes-you’ll learn how to create rich, expressive paintings that hold depth, complexity, and a sense of discovery.
To enhance your creative experience, a variety of extra materials will be provided for group exercises and experimentation.
Whether you're new to cold wax or looking to deepen your abstract practice, this workshop offers a supportive, exploratory environment to push your work in exciting new directions.
Spaces are limited—register early to reserve your spot!
*For questions or to register, contact: Lisa Boardwine, 276-935-6163 or email at lisaboardwinefineart@gmail.com
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CLASSES ONGOING Held at CAC!
Michael Brazao
Drawing Fundamentals Class
2026, Thursdays from January 8th - February 26th, 10am - 12:30pm
Cost: $265
Click Here to Register and Pay + Supply List
Why do people find it difficult to draw well? This course is designed to remove the stumbling blocks you may be experiencing. The first step in this course is a series of exercised to help you develop an “an artist’s eye.” The course then focuses on the fundamental tools that make three-dimensional images look realistic in a two-dimensional environment.
Sizing, form, introduction to perspective, value, and rendering will be covered in detail. Students will practice these techniques in still life and cast drawings. This course is for beginners as well as more experienced artists.
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Curney Nuffer
Crossroads Art Center
Classroom B
Winter Classes 2026
Please respond by email to confirm that there is space in the class that you would like to take before sending your payment. Thanks!!
RSVP to Susan Dull @ susandull@icloud.com.Your check holds your place in class. Please make check payable to Susan Dull and mail to 304 St. Davids Lane, Richmond, VA, 23221. No cancellations after classes have started. Materials list will be sent via email.
Intermediate and advanced levels are welcome. Classes are primarily focused on oil painting, but Curney welcomes artists who work in acrylic and watercolor. The use of oil paint — from brushes and canvases to palette and technique — is the emphasis in these classes. Curney will demonstrate how the use of a limited palette emphasizes the importance of color, value, intensity, and placement of paint. Composition and the use of photos versus using still-life setups and plein air landscapes will be discussed. Demos and exercises are combined with painting time, or artists have the option to paint on their own with help from Curney throughout the class.
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8 Week Pastel Class- Pastel Tapestry with Melissa Walton
Thursday, March 5 – April 23, 2026 10am – 12:30pm Cost: $265
Click Here to Register and Pay + Supply List
Dive into the vibrant world of soft pastels with this 8-week course, open to all skill levels! If you’re ready to move beyond simply copying a reference photo, this class is for you. Soft pastels are a rich, versatile medium known for their intense pigment and ability to create both dramatic effects and delicate light.
Throughout the eight weeks, you'll receive step-by-step guidance, beginning each class with a short demo. You’ll gain a foundational understanding of pastel materials, and you’ll learn essential techniques. A major focus will be on manipulating color, creating texture, mark making, and teaching you how to interpret reference photos—your own or those provided—with a new, creative perspective.
About the instructor: Melissa Walton is a juried member of the Pastel Society of America and American Impressionist Society. More information can be found at www.pastelsbymelissa.com
Supplies- Melissa Walton Pastels
- Paper size: Working in a size of 9x12 is ideal for learning. It’s large enough to explore techniques but still manageable. I don’t recommend starting smaller than this size.
- Pastel paper: Using sanded pastel paper will yield the best results and marks and allows us to explore underpainting techniques. Ideally, it’s helpful to have a neutral-toned paper as you learn (more on this during class). The brands I recommend are Pastel Premier, UART 400, Sennelier La Carte, and PastelMat. All of these are widely available online.
- Pastels: Bring as many as you can carry! You’ll want a nice range of lights, darks, and neutrals which are missing from many beginner sets. When starting out, I recommend purchasing half-stick sets, as they provide more colors for less cost than full sticks. Sennelier brand is a wonderful value- it is both professional quality and they have beautiful half stick sets. My absolute favorite is the “Paris” set which I have purchased for myself at least 3 times. If you already have some pastels but need certain color ranges, this is a great way to add to your collection! Other brands I recommend getting started are Mt. Vision, Unison, and Richeson Hand Rolled. In addition, Hard Pastels are essential for layering and I recommend a small set of Nupastels.
- Backing support for your paper- I prefer foamcore, but you can also use gatorboard or a drawing board. Easels will be provided.
- Additional: You’ll need either charcoal or graphite to sketch in your painting. Bring a humble paper for studio exercises- nothing fancy! Suggestions are Canon Mi Teintes (NOT white) or Artagain. I recommend pads of tracing paper to store completed pastel paintings, make sure the pad is a little larger than your pastel paper. Feel free to bring reference photos of anything you’d like to paint.
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Crossroads Art Center - Class/Workshop Description
Title of Class/Workshop: Painting Classes with Doug Mock
Teacher: Doug Mock
Teacher Email: dmockfineart@comcast.net
Teacher Phone: 804-514-2676
Teacher Address: 215 McSwain Road
White Stone, VA 22578
Days/Dates/Times of Class: Schedule Ongoing Through April 29, 2026
Wednesday afternoon class 1:30 - 4:00 pm Wednesday evening class 6:30 - 9pm
Description: Classes are open to artists creating in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastel, graphite and color pencil and for artists that have more than beginner experience with their medium of choice. Classes will focus heavily on design, composition, technique, color and successful planning for maximum impact. Artists will work on subject matter of interest to them and Doug will assist each individually.
Artists will learn, when working from photographs, how to see a great painting and not simply replicate what the photograph tells you.
This class is fun, educational and intended to build a strong community of like-minded creatives.
Registration: Artists purchase a Pass Card for $330 which includes 10 classes. You will have 4 months of time to fulfill your 10 classes. This provides flexibility for schedule conflicts, vacations, illness, etc.
To register and/or check class availability please contact Doug at 804-514-2676 or via email at dmockfineart@comcast.net.
Website: www.dougmockfineart.com
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Acrylic and Color with Adele Castillo
Choose from Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday sessions
- Mondays | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Tuesdays | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Tuesdays | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
- Wednesdays |1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
- Thursdays | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Adele teaches acrylic painting along with color theory to adult students of all abilities. Students are encouraged to find their own style and paint subject matter that interests them as they develop their skills. Explore color, learn how to handle acrylic paint, and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded souls. Classes are small, allowing time for individual attention. Materials list provided on registration or request. Fee: $32 per class, paid monthly in advance or $40 drop-in if space is available.
To Register:
To register, email Adele at adele@adelecastilloart.com
More Info:
You also may contact Adele at 804.550.7201 or adele@adelecastilloart.com
Adele's Website:
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Painting Classes
Have you always wanted to learn oil painting? Want to take your painting to the next level?
Kathy Rivera can help you with that .Kathy has a BS in Art Education, is a member of Oil Painters of America, a charter member of Swimming in Paint and a member of Bon Air Artists.
She teaches every Tuesday in her home studio on the Swift Creek Reservoir in her home studio on the Swift Creel Reservoir in Midlothian. Everyone paints at their own level. Tuesday classes are from 10 am- 12:30 and afternoon class from 2 pm -4:30. Classes are $30 per session with a one month commitment.
You can call 804-240-1507 or email
Kathy@KathyRiveraFineArt.com to find out more information
and sign up for class beginning in January 2026.
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Susan Singer Classes
Susan Singer offers art classes at her home studio near Trader Joe’s Southside
Tuesday – Thursday each week. Her classes are full of great learning offered in an easy-going, fun, dynamic way. Susan is an encouraging, enthusiastic teacher who loves to teach and also loves to create her own artwork. Her studio is handicap accessible, thought the restroom is not. Parking is readily available in the cul de sac by her home.
To sign up, email SusanSingerArt@msn.com.
Susan Singer's teaching philosophy involves offering you, the student, a rich, engaging, fun, encouraging, resource-laden adventure as you begin or continue your creative journey. She recognizes it can feel intimidating to begin to learn a new skill as an adult, so, especially in the Beginning classes, she teaches discrete skills in a way that they can be learned then mastered. From there, you will learn other skills, and eventually, you'll be able to combine them to create drawings and paintings that will amaze you!
In the Continuing Education class, the philosophy is the same - build community as you build skills and confidence. Her goal is for you to gain both the skills and the confidence necessary for you to make creating art a part of your life even when you're not in class.
Here's more information about each so you can make the right decision for yourself:
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LISTING OF CLASSES AND DESCRIPTIONS
Watercolor Skill Building for Absolute Beginners
Intermediate Watercolor
Continuing Education in Watercolor
Drawing for the Absolute Beginner
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Patterns!
Private Lessons
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Robin Caspari
2025 - 2026 CLASS AND WORKSHOP DATES
Composing With The Elements of Design Series
Even the best technical painters can not escape the natural laws of good design. Without an education in composing, painters will struggle to achieve a successful painting. This is a three part series that focuses on Composition and Design as Unity. What is it and how does one achieve it?
This workshop is for intermediate to advanced painters. Artists must have decent control of Value and Color to be qualified. It’s a lot of information to cover in a short period of time. Be prepared for a lot of studying and note taking. The day will start with discussion and presentation, and end with painting. Each painter will design and paint one to two paintings. Please plan to be present throughout the entirety of the workshop as there is a lot of cumulative information and no time to catch up if you are late or miss class. Be ready to catapult your work to a new level!
Composing with the Elements of Design I
Date: December 8th, 9th, 10th
Time: 9am - 4pm (Lunch at noon)
Cost: $450
Place: Robin’s Studio
We focus on the following ideas: Unity on a large scale - What is it and how does one achieve it? Establishing an Artistic Hierarchy, Exaggeration, Subordination, The Painting Keys, Notans, 3 Value Compression, Shape and Variety.
Composing with the Elements of Design II
Date: January 7th, 8th and 9th(Full-Waitlist Accepted) OR February 9th, 10th and 11th
Time: 9am-4pm
Cost: $450
Place: Robin’s Studio
We continue with the exploration of Unity and establishing an Artistic Hierarchy. We will first focus on Color and it’s importance and place in Unity. Without Color Harmony, a good painting is rarely achieved. As we move further into the workshop, we will define and explore more of the Principles of Design. Students reference photos will be used as the center of discussion. Expect to design and paint one to two paintings from your reference photos.
DRILLS TO MAKE YOU A BETTER PAINTER
Date: March 2nd, 3rd and 4th
Time: 9am - 4pm (Lunch at noon)
Cost: $450
Place: Robin’s Studio
For Beginner and Intermediate Painters. Good bye overworked, tight, dead paintings. Hello confident, loose, and expressive paintings! These drills are designed to help you SEE like a painter and achieve large value and color relationships before allowing yourself to indulge in the details. You will be amazed with the immediate results this method gives the painter. There have been complete transformations in painters on a regular basis as a result of these drills. After this workshop, Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of Value and Color Compression, which is the very essence and foundation of painting. Designs and references will be provided for students. Expect to paint at 4 or 5 paintings in 3 days. Even the slowest painters CAN do this!
Open Studio Classes
Join Robin in creating confident and dynamic work in or out of the studio. Robin spotlights a clear method of painting while considering each students artistic goals. All levels of painters are invited; we all learn together.
Tuesday Afternoons
Date: March 31st-May 5th
Time: 1pm-4pm
Cost: $250
Place: Robin's Studio
Wednesday Afternoons
Date: April 1st - May 6th
Time 1pm-4pm
Cost $250
Place: Robin's Studio
Sign Up Here