In this 90-minute workshop, artist and educator Brian Counihan will guide a collaborative woodblock design project that can be printed as a giant banner-sized image using a steamroller as a press. In this workshop we’ll collectively develop the visual content, consider how the banner can have a positive effect on the neighborhood, and think about […]

In this 90-minute workshop, artist and educator Brian Counihan will introduce a storytelling art form rooted in Appalachian tradition. Crankies, or moving panoramas, are drawings or paintings that can be manually scrolled within a boxed “stage.” Participants will develop basic scripts, create imagery, and use their crafting skills to create a portrait of an important […]

Get the neighborhood singing! Through activities that involve movement, voice, body percussion, play, and improvisation, experienced song leaders Joy Truskowski and Katie Trozzo will create space for you to open your voice, spirit, heart, and body. Together, we’lll strengthen neighborhood bonds, build confidence, and express your creativity. You don’t have to be a “singer” to […]

In this 90-minute workshop, percussionist Linda Macchia will teach the basics of drumming to get your neighborhood working in rhythm together. Community drumming is fun, it’s inclusive, and it breaks down barriers. In a drum group, everyone is a winner, and everyone contributes to the complete sound.

Tap your creativity as a neighborhood when hosting this painting workshop with Roanoke’s original paint party instructor, Kaydee Pickle of The Heartworks Company. Participants will be guided to explore foundational painting techniques and color theory, each on their own canvas during the one-and-a-half to two-hour session. Attendees are guaranteed to gain a painting tip or […]

Is there a spot in your neighborhood that could use a footpath? Is there an elder who could use a path installed on a hill? Is there a garden space that calls for a pathway? In this 2-hour workshop, artist Jane Gabrielle will walk through the process of making stepping stones decorated with handprints and […]

In this 60- to 90-minute session, longtime social worker and artist Misty Dawn will teach a small lesson and engage neighbors in a collaborative activity. Participants will learn about the symbolism of shapes, mandalas, and how we process emotions. Together, the group will discuss the variety of seasonal materials used to make individual mandalas. We’ll […]

Our young people need to know we love them; they need encouragement. In this 90-minute engagement, artist Jane Gabrielle will guide parents, grandparents, and neighbor groups in painting small stones with encouraging words. Peacemaker, Believer, Resilience, Wisdom, Royalty, Love, Builder. Each session will begin with a mindfulness practice that centers on holding or carrying something […]

In this 90-minute workshop, Roanoke creative, mental-health professional, and candlemaker Danielle Austin-Johnson will teach the basics of natural soy candle making. Through this interactive course, participants will connect with neighbors, applying the symbolism of mindfulness techniques, cognitive reframing and the importance of positive self-talk. The focus will be on pouring into yourself, affirming and creating […]

Gather neighbors for a fun, three-hour event with hair artist Marlee Coles. Explore hair as a creative medium and celebrate the rich hair history of our community. Using hair extensions, braiding hair, and weave bundles in various textures and colors, participants will collaboratively create works of art. Whether experienced in braiding and styling or not, […]

The Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG) is a free miniature art gallery modeled after the Free Little Library. Visitors can bring artwork to leave on display, take artwork that inspires them, or just come enjoy what’s on display in the gallery. The FLAG is not only for the display of work, but also for the […]

This four-hour, all-ages spring workshop is presented by Jonathan Chandler, lead instructor at The Virginia School of Traditional Arts. Each participant will be provided with a tree, tools, wire, and instructions on how to make a bonsai tree. The trees will come straight from the nursery. Each person will root prune and repot the tree […]

Join artist Katherine Devine for a Pop-Up Art and Maker’s Market in your neighborhood! Katherine will get the party started with free face-painting. Neighbors are encouraged to bring their own tables and set up and show their artwork, crafts, hobbies and handiwork. Plan to meet and greet friends, family and new customers. Have a song […]

Host a four-hour workshop presented by Jonathan Chandler, lead instructor at The Virginia School of Traditional Arts. Each participant will be provided with precut wooden pieces, hardware, and instructions on how to make a wooden train engine and one car of their choice. Each person will use woodworking tools to create and decorate their train […]

Want to have some fun while learning new painting skills and connecting with your neighbors? In this 90-minute class, you will learn the steps in making a successful painting that you can hang in your home. Artist Leah Thompson will guide you through demonstration and step-by-step instructions. No prior art experience is needed, and it’s […]

Face-painting is the perfect addition to any event, from school festivals to birthday parties to church events! Book April Rose Art to come for a two-hour session and paint faces at your next event! The focus will always be on the children, but adults are more than welcome to have their faces painted, always! April […]