The Art League Classes, Washington DC

This monitored open studio is for participants of all levels who want to work from the model using their own media. Sessions require a minimum enrollment, thus registrations is encouraged over drop-in. Drop-in is for currently enrolled students and Art League members only. two consecutive sessions run each term. Students may bring their own supplies/media...

With a hand spindle, one can create the same great yarns that a spinning wheel produces with the luxury of taking it anywhere. The easy portable nature of hand spindles makes them a must for anyone with an interest in spinning. Students learn the fundamentals and applications of this tool as well as spinning, drafting, and finishing single and 2-ply...

Basic enameling techniques for beginners are taught every term. Advanced students may work on their own projects with teacherï ½s instruction in specialized techniques including cloisonnï ½ and the etching techniques of bassetaille and champlevï ½.  The Art League Jewelry and Metal program covers various aspects of designing and creating...

This class is designed for those who are beyond scarves and are ready to knit that project that she/he has been afraid to undertake alone. Participants are guided through intermediate knitter growing pains while learning to read a pattern, fix mistakes, and figure out gauge and sizing.

This class is for the beginning jewelry student who wants a fast and economical way to create jewelry. It is also for the experienced student and jewelry maker who wants to produce work to market at a competitive price. Wax modeling partners perfectly with basic metal jewelry classes and is particularly useful to the beginner in ring making. The ability...

Students learn to make custom settings with emphasis on building various styles of bezels, prong settings, and settings for unusual shaped stones. Techniques such as channel setting and fancy tube settings are introduced. There is also discussion of stone characteristics as they relate to design and fabrication of jewelry/wearable art.

Students design and create a fine art mosaic piece using a variety of materials such as glass, ceramic, stone, shell, metal, and polymer. Planning and design, including selection of materials, methods and tools will be covered. Several projects will be offered, or students may bring in a project of their choice with instructor guidance.  A materials...

This outdoor class focuses on composition, value, and color relationships. Students examine the property of light and hoe it reveals form and color. Instruction includes demonstrations for newcomers to plein air (outdoor) painting. Class is held indoors during inclement weather.  Locations may not be metro accessible and students are responsible...

Students take their stitching to the next level...and the third dimension! Participants focus on manipulating basic hand stitches to build rich surfaces and structures, creating a number of dimensional stitch samplers and a finished piece, inspired by nature.  A supply list is available in the school store. A $20 materials fee is payable to the...

This class focuses on simplifying the complex elements found in nature and building a solid composition. Students explore their personal reactions to landscape while learning design, value, color, light patterns, atmospheric perspective, and paint application. Demonstrations, critiques, and discussion of materials and techniques are included. ...

Participants learn about long and short wools, fine and coarse wools, fine and coarse wools, dual-coated sheep, and more. Students leave able to identify the best type of wool for any project. Wool washing, sorting and preparation techniques are included. No experience necessary.  A $10 materials fee is payable to the instructor.  

This class unifies textiles with unfettered artistry. Students become liberated from traditional patterns and structure by weaving in a stream of conscious manner. Previous weaving experience is not necessary-- just and open mind and a willingness to experiment! Those unsure of a color scheme or design concept for their project are welcome to draw...

This class provides an introduction to the basic principles of figure structure and anatomy as well as detailed lectures and instruction to more advanced students. Progressing sequentially, students learn to see anatomical form and render it effectively.  Students work from a live model and lectures; advanced students may develop individual projects....

Students make small jewelry making tools such as stamps, chisels and repousse tools suitable for use on metal, polymer, regular ceramic bodies, and metal clays in addition to leather and wood. This course focuses on steel tools, but also provides information about making wood tools. Tool steel stock is available for purchase in the classroom.

The Art League Ceramics Studio is located at our Madison Annex in Old Town, Alexandria. The studios are large, bright, and well equipped, easily stimulating creativity. Open studio time allows students to practice and expand their skills outside of class. Students interested in a complete clay experience may participate in our assistant work-study...