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 into group creativity when hosting this painting workshop with Roanoke’s original paint party instructor, Kaydee Pickle of The Heartworks Company. Participants will explore foundational painting techniques and color theory, each on their own canvas, during the 90- to 120-minute session. Attendees are guaranteed to gain a painting tip or two in this pARTy! After […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Studies show that kindness from your neighbor is the best predictor of happiness and satisfaction with your neighborhood. Exercise your neighborhood’s kindness muscles with this 2-hour workshop with artist Jane Gabrielle. Participants will be guided in painting small stones with encouraging words. Each session starts with a mindfulness practice that focuses on holding or carrying […]

In this 90-minute workshop, Roanoke creative, licensed mental-health professional, and candle maker 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 […]

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 […]

Join award-winning neighborhood artist Jane Gabrielle in “chalking up” your neighborhood. This two-hour sidewalk chalk art activity engages all ages using storytelling and neighborhood pride. Participants are encouraged to envision “what gives you hope” and to amplify what is loved about their neighborhood.

Get your neighborhood together for a scavenger hunt to remember. Artist Megan Scott Scripps paints realistically on a small scale, hiding paintings on any flat paintable surface. Those who find all the paintings can win a prize, and Megan will donate a piece of art for the contest. This is a wonderful way to get […]

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 […]

In this 90-minute workshop, we’ll create small papier-mâché bird ornaments to paint and place around your neighborhood, like eggs in an Easter egg hunt. Each long-lasting bird will be inscribed with a word of positivity or a community-focused message. Your neighborhood can receive regional attention for years by promoting this art-based treasure hunt!

What are your favorite words to live by? What phrases inspire? Writer Christina Nifong will provide a wide range of famous quotes accessible to all ages, from Dr. Seuss to Maya Angelou, Mark Twain, and Glennon Doyle. Or participants can pen their own favorite quotes. After neighbors choose quotes, they can decorate them with markers […]

Artist Megan Scott Scripps will guide you through a creative paint class that just might be the spark for a larger neghborhood project. Perhaps you’ll want to create a chalk mural of one of the final paintings, or hold an auction of work to raise money for the neighborhood goals. Start by getting neighbors together […]

Connect neighbors along your street or in your building by creating unique art that can display unity and a sense of neighborhood pride. In this workshop by Lynn Donihe of Willow Pine Studio, up to 40 households can gather to create their own mosaic wall hangings. These could be house numbers, neighborhood logos, something the […]

In this 90-minute, hands-on crafting session, internationally touring magician Jefferson Rose will teach basics of magic, sleight of hand, misdirection, and more with simple, common household items! No expensive magic kit needed! Paper bags, coins, playing cards, rubber bands, etc., can be used to amaze and amuse you and yours for hours! Learn how to […]

Get ready to laugh, think fast, and say “yes, and…” in this highenergy improv class designed for kids or adults (maybe even both)! Whether you’re 8 or 80+, this class is all about creativity, connection, and comedy. No scripts, no pressure — just games, scenes, and spontaneous fun that builds confidence, sharpens minds, and brings […]

In just 90 minutes, connect to your creative self and neighbors, crafting a high-vibe chakra mobile. Take a fun, meditative journey through the chakras, exploring their unique energies through color, texture, and meaningful materials. As you assemble your mobile, you’ll set intentions and weave in positive energy, making it a personal symbol of balance and […]

Get ready to cut, glue, and decorate your way to party perfection! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the traditional (and not-so-traditional) art of mini piñata-making. From shaping your piñata base to adding colorful tissue paper and creative designs, we’ll guide you step by step. Whether you’re crafting a classic donkey, a funky unicorn, or […]

Want some swag for your neighborhood? You need Robyn on your team! Together, we’ll come up with a neighborhood identity and T-shirt concept…this could be an image, a logo, or just a slogan. Next, we’ll team up to print it together, creating up to 25 T-shirts.

Discover the art of storytelling through texture and color in this hands-on upcycled fabric collage workshop. Using reclaimed textiles, you’ll learn creative collage techniques to transform scraps into stunning, one-of-a-kind artwork. No sewing skills needed—just a love for creativity and sustainability! All materials provided, but feel free to bring your own fabric treasures to personalize […]

Join local artist Caroline Booth for a 90-minute community workshop where creativity knows no bounds! Dive into the world of art, and craft unique pieces to be showcased in local Free Little Art Galleries. This workshop is open to all ages, making it the perfect opportunity for families, friends, and individuals to connect with fellow […]

Transform a chain link fence into a work of art while connecting neighbors! Plan a series of days to weave and chat at a neighborhood fence. Polly will help you with the design, placement and weaving. Three hours is the minimum amount of time to get started. You will need to schedule additional time blocks […]