Whether you are brand new to the arts or have been at it a while, CHAW has something for everyone. We meet you where you are. Sign up for a class to experience the magic of CHAW today!
Next Semester Classes Open for Registration
Tuesday, November 18
New 1-Day Music Workshop!
Intro to Garage Band
Teaching Artist – Jeff Hale
12/06/2025
Saturday, 10:00am-12:00pm
Tuition – $50.00
Whether you are an accomplished musician or someone who can’t even carry a tune in a bucket, Apple’s GarageBand offers a user-friendly digital audio workstation (DAW) software platform that can help unleash your muse and open a world of musical creativity and possibility.In this two-hour workshop intended for beginners, instructor Jeff Hale (aka Mob of One) will lead participants through an overview of GarageBand for Mac OS, demonstrate some of the ways it can be used to compose music, and assist participants with the creation of their own project, which can be continued after the workshop.
REQUIREMENTS: GarageBand for Mac OS – the instructor uses GarageBand v10.4.11 for Mac OS, but this workshop should be able to be enjoyed with any version of GarageBand for Mac OS. Please do NOT bring any MIDI-capable instruments with you to the workshop. We do not have space and will be using the musical keyboard functionality within GarageBand that allows the user to treat their computer keyboard like a piano keyboard.
Music
New Class!
Essential Tools for the Improvising Musician
Teaching Artists – Amy Bormet, Matt Dievendorf
01/08/2026-02/26/2026
Thursday, 6:30-8:00pm
Tuition – $250.00
Do you struggle to create music spontaneously, improvise over songs, or connect with fellow musicians? During this course we will develop together using technique exercises, games, discussions, performances, and deep listening to put you on the path to creative music making in any genre. Learn the tools you need to play with anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Prerequisites: Must have intermediate technical proficiency with your voice or a musical instrument in any style of music; Basic ear training, theory, and notation (TAB included) skills are helpful, but not required; No experience with improvisation is required.
Visual Arts
*All visual arts registrations include an annual membership for the Capitol Hill Art League.
Friday Art Challenge: Fallen Leaves Art Tiles
Teaching Artist – Nancy Arbuthnot
11/14/2025
Friday, 10:00am-12:00pm
Tuition – $35.00
In this workshop with poet and artist Nancy Arbuthnot, you will create colorful autumn collages on wooden or ceramic tiles. Sort through magazines, decorative papers, fabrics, ribbons and glass beads to find (or write and draw!) words and images evoking autumnal themes.
Leave with tiles suitable for display or use as coasters!
All materials provided.
Friday Art Challenge: Needle Felting
Teaching Artist – Bridget Westrum
11/21/2025
Friday, 10:00am-12:00pm
Tuition – $35.00
Join us for a needle felting class, perfect for beginners and craft enthusiasts alike! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of needle felting — transforming soft, colorful wool into a charming 3D sculpture using only a barbed needle and your imagination.
For this class, we will focus on festive felting. You can expect to be taught how to make felted ornaments, gnomes or Christmas trees.
All materials are included, and you’ll leave with your own handmade felted figure or two —whether it’s an animal, plant, or whimsical design of your choice.
No prior experience is needed— just bring your curiosity and creativity!
Acrylic Painting
Teaching Artist – Will Fleishell
10/27/2025 – 12/08/2025
Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition – $290.00
This class is a thorough introduction to acrylic painting. Over the course of the session students will learn the basic techniques of acrylic painting and practice their new skills. This class is great for developing foundational painting skills like materials handling and color mixing.
All materials provided.
Exploring Light and Shade
Teaching Artist – Carolina Mayorga
11/18/2025 – 12/09/2025
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition – $125.00
In this workshop, students will learn shading techniques and their importance in composition through observation-based assignments. Projects will include still-life setups, architectural spaces, and other exercises inspired by artists such as J.M.W. Turner, Caravaggio, and William Kentridge, among others.
Spanish speakers welcome!
Materials: White paper drawing pad size 18 x 124 inches. Drawing materials will be provided.
No class November 25.
Acrylic Painting
Teaching Artist – Will Fleishell
01/05/2026 – 02/23/2026
Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition – $250.00
This class is a thorough introduction to acrylic painting. Over the course of the session students will learn the basic techniques of acrylic painting and practice their new skills. This class is great for developing foundational painting skills like materials handling and color mixing.
All materials provided.
No class January 19 and February 16.
This class will open for registration at 10:00am Tuesday, November 18.
Foundational Drawing Techniques
Teaching Artist – Caesar McGann
03/02/2026 – 04/13/2026
Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition – $250.00
This class is designed to introduce students to various concepts and techniques associated with the craft of drawing. No experience necessary, these lessons are meant to encourage and inspire students to explore this fundamental artistic discipline.
Materials: Spiral bound sketchbook, roughly 14×17″ size (any kind of white drawing paper is fine); Spiral notebook with lined paper (college ruled or regular is fine); A few pencils and a pencil sharpener (basic #2 pencils are fine, any kind of pencil sharpener); Eraser (any kind of eraser is fine); A few pens (basic ink pens used for writing, no felt-tip markers please); Plastic right angle (to be used as a straight edge)
No class April 6.
This class will open for registration at 10:00am Tuesday, November 18.
Exploring the Human Figure
Teaching Artist – Carolina Mayorga
01/13/2026 – 01/27/2026
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition – $125.00
This workshop explores the fundamentals of figure drawing through assignments that incorporate collage techniques into concepts of shape, perspective, and composition. Get ready to have fun with a creative approach inspired by artists like Picasso, Matisse, and others.
Spanish speakers welcome!
All materials provided.
This class will open for registration at 10:00am Tuesday, November 18.
CrafterDARK
Teaching Artist – Khadija Jahmila
02/03/2026 – 03/10/2026
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition – $250.00
Step into the creative unknown with Crafterdark, an art adventure where the only rule is to let your imagination run wild. Led by mixed media artist Khadija Jahmila, this class is all about exploring new materials, techniques, and the magic of making something unique. Each week you will dive into different projects, from upcycled masterpieces to collage and resistance art.
Whether you are looking to get your hands dirty, try something new, or just have fun making art, Crafterdark is a space for creative freedom and artistic discovery. Come as you are and leave with a collection of unexpected, one of a kind artwork. Ready to create outside the lines? Let’s get crafting!
All materials provided.
This class will open for registration at 10:00am Tuesday, November 18.
Open Studio: Contemporary Colored Pencils
Teaching Artist – Sarah Jamison
12/03/2025 – 12/17/2024
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition – $40.00
Looking for time and space to work on creative projects during the holiday season? Join us for open studio, where you can work independently on your in-progress artwork. Snacks provided!
Register for as many days as you would like to attend Open Studio.
Contemporary Colored Pencils – Winter Session
Teaching Artist – Sarah Jamison
01/07/2026 – 02/11/2026
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition – $250.00
Students will learn drawing techniques emphasizing the joy of creation. Everyone will create a piece (or pieces) of artwork based around Sarah’s specific artist practice and area of expertise – drawing from a collaged photo reference.
All materials are provided.
This class will open for registration at 10:00am Tuesday, November 18.
Saturday Figure Drawing
Teaching Artist – Will Fleishell
10/18/2025 – 11/22/2025
Saturdays, 1:00-3:00pm
Tuition – $250.00
Each class will include a nude model who will pose for warm ups, short exercises and one or more longer drawing session for a variety of practice.
Materials: Students will need an 18×24 newsprint drawing pad, an 18×24 Strathmore 300 or 400 series Cold Press drawing pad, a kneaded eraser and soft vine charcoal. CHAW can supply the easel and storage if needed
Saturday Figure Drawing – Winter Session
Teaching Artist – Will Fleishell
01/10/2026 – 03/14/2026
Saturdays, 1:00-3:00pm
Tuition – $250.00
Each class will include a nude model who will pose for warm ups, short exercises and one or more longer drawing session for a variety of practice.
Materials: Students will need an 18×24″ newsprint drawing pad, an 18×24″ Strathmore 300 or 400 series Cold Press drawing pad, a kneaded eraser and soft vine charcoal. CHAW can supply the easel and storage if needed.
This class will open for registration at 10:00am Tuesday, November 18.
Intro to Screenprinting
Teaching Artist – Adi Segal
09/13/2025 – 11/08/2025
Saturdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
Tuition – $380.00
Come learn how to screenprint! In this class you will learn the basics of stencil screenprinting on paper. We will go over some color theory, layering, and editioning. By the end of the course, you will have made your own edition of a 3-color print! Tuition includes a silkscreen and squeegee that you can keep and reuse.
All materials are provided.
No class October 11.
Intro to Screenprinting – Winter Session
Teaching Artist – Adi Segal
01/10/2026 – 02/28/2026
Saturdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
Tuition – $380.00
Come learn how to screenprint! In this class you will learn the basics of stencil screenprinting on paper. We will go over some color theory, layering, and editioning. By the end of the course, you will have made your own edition of a 3-color print! Tuition includes a silkscreen and squeegee that you can keep and reuse.
All materials are provided.
This class will open for registration at 10:00am Tuesday, November 18.
Ceramics
Monday Wheel & Handbuilding – Beginner to Intermediate
Late Fall Session
Teaching Artist – Nick Wittkofski
11/03/2025 – 12/08/2025
Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition – $270.00
This class is designed for students who know the basic techniques. We will still go over fundamentals but will focus more on how to transform your lump of clay into your next work of art. Basic materials will be provided with the class.
Winter 2026 Ceramics Classes Open for Registration 12:00pm (noon) Tuesday November 18
Monday Wheel & Handbuilding – Beginner to Intermediate
Teaching Artist – Nick Wittkofski
01/05/2026 – 03/16/2026
Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition – $360.00
This class is designed for students who know the basic techniques. We will still go over fundamentals but will focus more on how to transform your lump of clay into your next work of art. Basic materials will be provided with the class.
No class January 19 and February 16.
This class will open for registration at 12:00pm (noon) on Tuesday, November 18.
Tuesday Wheel & Handbuilding – Beginner
Teaching Artist – Xibei Song
01/06/2026 – 02/24/2026
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition – $360.00
Handbuilding and wheel throwing will be covered in this course with plenty of time and space for you to find your own niche and create something beautiful to take home. All materials are provided.
This class will open for registration at 12:00pm (noon) on Tuesday, November 18.
Wednesday Wheel & Handbuilding – Intermediate
Teaching Artist – Sarah Winston
01/07/2026 – 03/11/2026
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition – $450.00
Students will gain practice and time on the wheels creating functional pieces that will be finished and ready to use by the end of this session.
Ability to center clay on your own and experience in wheel throwing is required; please register ONLY if you feel comfortable centering, pulling, and shaping the piece on the wheel.
We recommend this class only for people who have already completed an intermediate or advanced class at CHAW or another pottery studio. All materials provided.
This class will open for registration at 12:00pm (noon) on Tuesday, November 18.
Thursday Wheel & Handbuilding – Beginner
Teaching Artist – Bridget Westrum
01/08/2026 – 02/26/2026
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition – $360.00
Handbuilding and wheel throwing will be covered in this course with plenty of time and space for you to find your own niche and create something beautiful to take home. All materials are provided.
This class will open for registration at 12:00pm (noon) on Tuesday, November 18.
Photography
Intro The Original Photoshop:
Analog Interventions for Exposure & Contrast Control
Teaching Artist – Tyler Roberts
11/19/2025 – 11/19/2025
Wedesday, 6:00-9:00pm
Tuition – $90.00
Basic darkroom printing experience is required for this class. Students will learn how to utilize classic analog techniques to gain precise control over editing their images in the darkroom. In this workshop students will learn two of the most fundamental techniques, the use of filters to finely control image contrast and dodging & burning to finely control exposure over specific image regions.
NEEDED: 1-2 rolls of developed film (there will not be time to process film in class) and contact sheets for each roll of film. Optional: A few prints previously made the student would like to edit.
NOTE: For anyone 18 yrs+. Contact photography@chaw.org if you have any specific questions regarding this class.
In the Darkroom: Black & White Printing
Teaching Artist – Russell Barajas
11/08/2025 – 12/20/2025
Saturday, 9:00-1:00pm
Tuition – $550.00
The six week long class is designed for all levels (novice to advanced). Students will learn (or expand upon) the basics of printing from negatives, and the proper workflow of a darkroom, as well as learn to critique their work with colleagues. During critique, we will discuss the technical qualities of the finished prints, as well as the aesthetic choices made. This can be adapted to fit each student’s level of experience. Students will be encouraged to photograph what excites them, but Russell can offer optional guidance (or challenges) if desired.
NEEDED: A working film camera. Students should have a basic familiarity with the working of the camera and know how to load the film, take a roll of images, and safely unload the roll. Film should be processed outside of class time. Recommended: for beginners: 1 box of at least 50 sheets of RC black and white photographic printing paper. For students with some experience, you have the option of printing on fiber paper.
No class on November 29.
NOTE: For anyone 18 yrs+. Contact photography@chaw.org if you have any specific questions regarding this class.
November Intro to Film Development
Teaching Artist – Carol Antezana
11/17/2025 – 11/17/2025
Monday, 6:00-9:00pm
Tuition – $90.00
This class is designed for folks who shoot film but have no prior experience (or need a refresher) developing their own film by hand. Please bring one fully exposed, but undeveloped, roll of 35mm OR 120mm black and white film (sorry, we cannot process color film in our darkroom). At the end of the class, you will have one developed roll of negatives which can be digitally scanned or printed traditionally in a darkroom.
Making prints from film negatives in the darkroom is a separate process which can be learned in one of our printing-specific group classes, or in a private lesson with a darkroom instructor.
Please contact photography@chaw.org with any questions!
November Intro to Printing from Film Negatives
Teaching Artist – Carol Antezana
11/18/2025 – 11/18/2025
Tuesday, 6:00-9:00pm
Tuition – $90.00
This class is designed for folks who shoot film but have no prior experience (or need a refresher) making their own prints in a darkroom. Please bring one developed, cut and sleeved roll of 35mm OR 120mm black and white film (sorry, we cannot make color prints in our darkroom). We will begin with a short discussion on analyzing a negative for printing and the benefits of making a contact sheet to evaluate your exposures. At the end of class, you will have one contact sheet and one print from a selected negative. Developing film will not be covered in this class, so please come prepared with fully developed negatives.
Film development can be learned in a separate group class or in a private lesson with a darkroom instructor.
Please contact photography@chaw.org with any questions!
Dance and Theater
Tap — Late Fall Session
Teaching Artist – Heather Whyte
11/03/2025 – 12/15/2025
Mondays, 6:00-6:55pm
Tuition – $150.00
Learn to shuffle, flap, and all the basics to get you moving. Students should have tap shoes and wear comfortable clothes. No prior dance experience required. Returning students will build on prior knowledge.
No class November 24.
Jazz — Late Fall Session
Teaching Artist – Heather Whyte
11/03/2025 – 12/15/2025
Mondays, 7:00-7:55pm
Tuition – $150.00
This jazz class will include floor exercises based on centering, isolation, strength building, and balance. A new combination of steps will be introduced each class to work on coordination.
Please come to class in ballet shoes or bare feet.
No class November 24.
Ballet — Late Fall Session
Teaching Artist – Heather Whyte
11/03/2025 – 12/15/2025
Mondays, 8:00-8:55pm
Tuition – $150.00
This class emphasizes the fundamentals of ballet and encourages ballet as a means of improved body awareness, poise, grace, musicality, flexibility, and self-expression. Classes are structured to include warm-up exercises, barre technique and center floor work. Ballet shoes and comfortable clothes are recommended. No prior dance experience required. Returning students will build on prior knowledge.
No class November 24.
SPECIAL EVENT!
Holiday Heels Dance Workshop
Teaching Artist – Brynn Bodair
12/09/2025 – 12/09/2025
Tuesday, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition – $40.00
Join Brynn’s Heels & Hip Hop dancers for a special 1-day holiday party workshop! This workshop will feature a warmup, across the floor work and then a holiday heels combination.
Please wear clothes you can move in, heels or sneakers, and feel free to jazz it up with a festive touch!
NEW! Adult Hip Hop
Teaching Artist – Brynn Bodair
09/02/2025 – 11/18/2025
Tuesdays, 6:05-6:55pm
Tuition – $230.00
This beginner adult hip-hop class provides a creative and expressive environment for students to learn and practice the fundamentals of hip hop dance. Each week, students will learn and practice hip hop movements and grooves. The movement will culminate in a variety of combinations, changing throughout the class session. This class will enhance students’ confidence, coordination, self-esteem, body awareness, and individuality. All experience levels and bodies are welcome as modifications and adjustments will be offered as necessary.
Recommended – comfortable clothing and sneakers.
No class September 30, November 4 and November 11.
Register for all 9 classes, or for one class at a time!
Adult Heels
Teaching Artist – Brynn Bodair
09/02/2025 – 11/18/2025
Tuesdays, 7:00-7:50pm
Tuition – $230.00
Explore the technicality and fluidity of jazz-based movement, hard-hitting hip hop influence, as well as sensual floorwork and movement as you experience heels dancing. All experience levels and bodies are welcome as modifications and adjustments will be offered as necessary. A pair of heels that you feel comfortable moving in or sneakers are recommended.
No class September 30, November 4 and November 11.
Register for all 9 classes, or for one class at a time!
NEW! Yin Yoga / Restorative Yoga
Teaching Artist – Brynn Bodair
09/02/2025 – 11/18/2025
Tuesdays, 8:00-8:50pm
Tuition – $230.00
Relax and find rest in Yin Yoga. Yin Yoga, at its core, is a meditative approach to yoga, emphasizing passive stretching and aiming to cultivate a deeper internal awareness. Yin Yoga targets the deep connective tissues of the body such as the ligaments, joints, bones, and fascial networks. By holding poses for extended periods, typically between three to five minutes or even longer, practitioners are encouraged to tune into their bodies and minds, fostering a state of mindful stillness.
Recommended – Comfortable, stretchy clothing layers. Bare feet.
No class September 30, November 4 and November 11.
Register for all 9 classes, or for one class at a time!
Adult Contemporary Dance
Teaching Artist – Brynn Bodair
09/03/2025 – 11/19/2025
Wednesdays, 6:45-7:45pm
Tuition – $300.00
An athletic warm up with an emphasis on proprioception, awareness of body and mind, and movement quality will prepare dances for contemporary phrase work that incorporates elements of ballet, modern, and hip-hop dance techniques. All are welcome, but recommended for movers who have 1-2 years of dance training. Please wear clothing suitable for movement and you may dance in socks or bare feet.
Register for all 12 classes, or for one class at a time!
Strength & Mobility
Teaching Artist – Brynn Bodair
09/03/2025 – 11/19/2025
Wednesdays, 7:50-8:40pm
Tuition – $300.00
An athletic warm up with an emphasis on proprioception, awareness of body and mind, and movement quality will prepare dances for contemporary phrase work that incorporates elements of ballet, modern, and hip-hop dance techniques. All are welcome, but recommended for movers who have 1-2 years of dance training. Please wear clothing suitable for movement and you may dance in socks or bare feet.
Register for all 12 classes, or for one class at a time!