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Saturday, March 14th, 1-4pm Ready to learn a new skill in a relaxed and friendly setting? Join our beginner-friendly knitting workshop and discover the joy of creating something with your own two hands! Over three cozy hours, you'll learn the essential skills to start your knitting journey, including: Clear, step-by-step guidance on basic techniques like casting on and binding off. Helpful tips for holding your needles and yarn with ease and confidence. A fun, first-project pattern to practice your new craft. Emily is a long-time teacher and knitter who pulls inspiration from nature. She knits for her family which includes two young kids and enjoys teaching others how to knit for themselves and their loved ones. @Wildlingknits on Instagram and Facebook

Wednesday afternoons from 12:00 - 3:00 PM 4 Classes - March 11 - April 1 In this class, we’ll learn to “see” with paint. We will explore color, shape, volume, light, line, gesture, and pictorial space and composition by looking at still life, flowers, interiors, and the stunning early spring light. We’ll also look at some great paintings for inspiration and to understand what makes them great. Students will use acrylic paint and learn basic techniques and methodologies for painting in acrylics. Some drawing experience is helpful but not necessary. Jack Burbridge earned his MFA in painting at American University and lives and works in Silver Spring. He primarily draws and paints from nature - landscape, figure, still-life. You can see his work at the Waverly Street Gallery and online at JackBurbridge.weebly.com.

Friday April 3, 1-4pm Have you ever been curious about fusing glass? Come experience it first hand and make a small piece to hang in your window (or your wall) and one to give away to a child who attends Camp Erin, a weekend camp experience for grieving children that is sponsored by Caring Matters*. The class will provide clear instruction about cutting and chopping glass to construct your piece, show some of the varieties of fused glasses and show you. A few experienced glass cutters will be on hand to help! Both pieces will be available for view the following week after a kiln firing. You will pick which you want to keep and which you want to donate. If there is time, you may be able to do an additional donation. Because of the nature of the glass and limited tools, there will be an 8 person class limit. Ages 16+ are welcome to join! Bring your curiosity and your creativity and let’s have fun! *Caring Matters is a not-for-profit organization that serves children, adults and families facing serious illness and grieving the death of a loved one. Caring Matters also increases community awareness and advocacy about end-of-life concerns, advance care planning and grief. Susan Blumen (#blumensusan on instagram) has played with these sharp glass objects since 2009…a lot more now that she is fully retired from training, coaching and professing.

Friday, March 6th 1-4pm Gel printing is accessible and versatile and there are many ways to produce beautiful, distinctive art on paper! This relaxing but well-paced workshop includes an intro (or refresher for those who’ve printed before) to the basic steps of gel monotype printing, using layers of acrylic and the gelatin plate. Depending on the group’s interest, we will cover additional techniques such as: - Creating your own stencils - Oil pastel resist - Multilayered patina/grunge textured effect Students will take home a series of finished prints suitable for framing or incorporating into art projects. Class will be taught by Clare Winslow, an interdisciplinary artist known for her prints and paintings relating to time, our relationship to the earth, and current events. As a child and grandchild of Washington DC painters, Clare grew up enveloped in vibrant art and is a strong proponent of its power to promote unity and transformation, an idea she expresses through her teaching at Glen Echo, Riverworks, Washington Printmakers Gallery and her studio in Kensington. Clare’s training includes a degree in painting, a degree in teaching, and post-graduate study in printmaking at the Corcoran College of Art (GWU). Her work has been exhibited in the US and internationally. Artistic Influences include two years in Japan, contemporary abstraction, and memories of childhood. According to the artist, “Each project challenges me to maintain a delicate balance between process and feeling.”

Wednesdays from 5-6 PM 2026 Season: January 14th - June 10th $50 materials fee per semester (scholarships available, please select pay in person on registration page) The Riverworks Children's Choir is a vibrant and inclusive program designed to foster a multigenerational sense of community through the joy of music. Directed with care and expertise, our choir brings children together to explore their voices, build foundational musical skills, and experience the magic of group singing in a fun and supportive environment. Target Audience: While our primary focus is on children ages 8-12, we welcome singers of other ages who are eager to join in the fun and creativity of making music together. What We Offer: Musical Growth: Through engaging rehearsals, children develop vocal technique, rhythm, pitch, harmony, and confidence in performing. Collaborative Opportunities: We work closely with Yunique Music School, allowing choir members to benefit from a dynamic partnership with other talented musicians and ensembles. Performance Experiences: The choir participates in several performances throughout the year, giving children opportunities to share their hard work and talent with the community. A Sense of Belonging: Singing in a choir encourages teamwork, empathy, and connection, fostering bonds that reach across generations and strengthen our local community. Our Directors: The choir is directed by Christina Carr, a Juilliard-trained opera singer and an active member of the Poolesville community since 2018, and Sarah Paksima, a dedicated Poolesville Town Commissioner and active community leader. Christina and Sarah are both inaugural members of the Riverworks Reserve Wind Ensemble, bringing their deep love for music and their commitment to enriching the local arts scene into every rehearsal. Our Commitment: At the Riverworks Children's Choir, we believe in creating a welcoming, inclusive space where all children feel valued and inspired. Our goal is to spark a lifelong love of music while having fun and making cherished memories along the way. Whether your child is an experienced singer or simply loves to hum along to their favorite songs, the Riverworks Children's Choir invites them to join us in a journey of learning, growth, and joy. Let’s make music together!

Saturday, February 28, 1-4pm Riverworks Studio at Alden Farms (Price includes $25 supply fee) We are happily adding another round of this workshop, as there was so much interest in it! Join a fun and playful workshop where you will create paper artwork, inspired by trees in winter. You will use hundreds of kinds of paper gathered from all over the world, and with those papers, create a textured and unique work of art. You will rip, cut, manipulate, and glue layers of paper to an 8” x 10” canvas. Supplies will be provided. Minimum age 14; age 10 and up if accompanied by an adult. More info: RonniJolles.com; RonniJolles@gmail.com. Ronni Jolles is a professional paper artist in the Washington DC metropolitan area. She received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University, followed by many graduate school classes (Boston School of Fine Art, Corcoran, Art League, Pyramid Atlantic) in a variety of media, including photography, drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, papermaking, and wood carving. Jolles taught art for 20 years before she became a full-time professional artist 26 years ago. Jolles has created a new art form using hundreds of kinds of paper as her primary medium. It could be called collage or mixed media, but in fact, it is something quite different. Paper is gathered from all over the world, and then she cuts, crinkles, folds, and rips the papers to create impressionistic scenes. Jolles loves to teach her unique and innovative art form to beginners or more advanced students alike; her art form is accessible to everyone. You can see many examples of her work, learn more about her process and her papers, on her website, www. RonniJolles.com. Jolles is excited to be teaching a workshop for Riverworks! Her way of teaching is encouraging and fun. She loves to teach total beginners, so don’t let a lack of experience stop you from trying this truly fun art form.

Saturdays 9:30 - 10:15 am January 10th - June 6th, 2026 Class fee is collected at registration. Join any time with a prorated class fee! This class has it all! Students learn to count rhythm, explore percussion and other cool instruments, and create art while listening and learning about classical composers. Class is limited to six participants. Please email Yunique Music School Director, Michelle Palmer at Michelle@riverworksart.org with any questions.

Alcohol Ink – not a tattoo after a night out with friends. Have you ever wondered the buzz is all about? Find out, Friday February 2nd! Spend an afternoon with Dani Beaulieu creating striking ink art as we continue to explore fluid art techniques.  Alcohol inks allow one to combine colors and techniques that result in bold and colorful abstract art. We’ll discuss basic techniques for decorating all sorts of materials including paper, plastic, glass, and tiles as home accessories and handmade gifts.

A supplement to Beginning Drawing. These practice sessions are accompanied by brief lectures to bring intermediate drawing skills to the next level. Students will further develop skills covered in Beginning Drawing (taking Beginning Drawing is not required if the student has their own drawing experience), including making measurements in a drawing and creating depth and form with shading. Other topics include: 1) Contour & Cross contour 3) Negative space 4) Perspective 5) Light & Shadow 6) Color to greyscale Drawing Gear & SUPPLY LIST One of each 1. One of these sketchbooks: *Zetta Sketch WB 9X12 mixed media zeta series *Epsilon sketch WB 9X12 2.Alpha mixed media premium 3.5 X 5.5" sketchbook 3.Art Alternatives blend Stumps ASST 6pk 4.Art Alternatives tortillon Stumps ASST 6pk 5.General's Kimberly pencil set of 12 6.Generals Art Eraser Set (3) 7.Prismacolor kneaded rubber eraser large 8.Blackwing Two-step Long-point Sharpener 9.Art alternatives sanding pointer 10.Clear plastic 12” ruler (C-Thru B-65 Clear Plastic Beveled Edge 10th/Metric Graph Ruler 12in) 11.Pacific Arc Stainless Steel Solid Erasing Shield 12.Artists alternatives tote board 18 X 18 13.masking tape 1-1/2in X 60yd If you have questions regarding the supply list or need help, please contact James Vissari at: vissarij@yahoo.com

Thursdays from 10:30-1:00pm January 18, 2024 - February 23, 2024 (6 weeks) Join James Vissari for this 6 week intensive where you will be invited to explore color theory and learn about contrast and values. When you are first exploring color, it can be daunting when you don't trust yourself to choose the right color. This workshop will allow you to gain confidence in your knowledge of color theory and mixing so you create stronger and more aesthetically pleasing paintings. Beginning to intermediate skill levels - age 16+ Supplies needed for class... Quantity 1 each Strathmore 400 series Toned Tan Mixed Media Pad 11X14 Acrylic 60ml Cadmium Red Acrylic 60ml magenta (Optional) Acrylic 60ml Colblat Blue Acrylic 60ml Primary Cyan (Optional) Acrylic 60ml Cadmium Yellow Acrylic 60ml ivroy Black Acrylic 150ml Titanium White Palette Liquitex Small Painting Knife #13 maskingTape 1in wide Art Alternatives Artist Tote Board 18X24 Water Cup Synthetic Water Media Brush Flat 3/4in Synthetic Water Media Brush Flat 1/2in Water Media Brush Flat 1/4in Quantity 2 each 1. Click and go Water Cup Quantity 3 each 1. Grey Matters Synthetic Water Media Brush Flat 3/4in 2. Grey Matters Synthetic Water Media Brush Flat 1/2in 3. Grey Matters Synthetic Water Media Brush Flat 1/4in *Pre-registration is required for all classes - most class registrations close 1-2 days before class - for more information on education standards and class policies found under ABOUT > FAQ. ** Studio and general terrain can be uneven - if you are mobility challenged and have concerns please contact us and we will be happy to help. *** Two extremely friendly dogs are present at Alden Farms studios and often join us in the class space, if you have concerns please contact us.

Tuesdays from 5:15-6:15pm A great beginner instrument! Learn to play songs and read music notation, all while developing good practice habits. Fall session: September 12th - December 12th (no class Oct. 31)

Wednesdays from 4:00 - 5:00pm Explore playing a wide variety of wind instruments, such as saxophone, didgeridoo, harmonica and ocarina! Listen to, and learn about classical composers, practice counting rhythm, and create some awesome art along the way! Fall session: September 13 - December 13 (no class Nov. 22)