Classes Fall 2010

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Going to the Elephant Workshop

Someone once said writing is the easiest job in the world: "all you have to do is stare at a blank piece of paper until blood comes out of your forehead." In this workshop, we will dispell the myth of writer's block. We will silence the critic within, and write in a safe and comfortable environment.

Sept. 18, 10am – 4 pm
Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
Enrollment limit: 10

Writing the Shadow

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross said that before we can find the Mother Teresa within us, we must first acknowledge the Hitler who is there as well. Each of us has a dark self, what Carl Jung called the "shadow" part of our psyche. Sometimes we glimpse it in dreams; sometimes it appears in dark imaginings. In this class we'll experiment with timed writing, dream journals, guided imagery, and Active Imagination. Our goal will be to draw the shadow out, recognize it for what it is, and see what we can learn from it--and what it can bring to our creative writing. This class is not therapy, but it can be very therapeutic.

12 sessions, Sept. 13-Nov. 29

Mondays 7:00-10:00pm

Studio School 2nd floor conference room

Enrollment limit: 10

Memoir Writing Workshop

In My Antonia, Willa Cather wrote: "Some memories are realities, and are better than anything that can ever happen to one again." In A Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway wrote: "Memory is hunger." This workshop puts these two notions together-that some memories are heightened experiences, and that we hunger for more. Participants will try simple strategies for writing about their own lives. The instructor will offer encouraging feedback as well as specific writing prompts to help students develop ideas.

1 session, Oct. 30, 10 am-4 pm

Studio School, 2nd fl. Conference Room

Enrollment limit: 10

To sign up or for more information, call Mary Holland at 367-0816 or go to http://www.vmfa.org/.

The Visual Arts Center (formerly The Hand Workshop)

The Creative Spark

Clarissa Pinkola Estes writes about el duende–“the goblin wind” within us which can breathe our creative spark into creative fire. The ember may be a poem, a story, a confession, a play. It may not even know what it is, or wants to be–but it’s there. So we’ll experiment. The goal of this creative writing class is to fan your ideas and inspirations into flame. We’ll use timed writing, dream journals, guided imagery, Active Imagination, and anything else we can think of to get in touch with the stories you want or need to tell–and those needing or wanting you to tell them. Come with an open mind. Be honest and brave. You will come away from this class not only a better writer, but also a clearer thinker.

8 sessions

Tuesdays, 6:30-9:00pm

November 2-December 21

Enrollment limit: 10

Writing Scenes and Monologues

In this one-day intensive workshop we’ll look at and work on the nuts and bolts of playwriting: scenes and monologues. We’ll talk about dramatic structure, conflict, character development, setting, and plot. We’ll talk about the differences between writing for the stage and writing for film or television. We’ll look at some scenes and monologues written by the instructor to see how they work, and then we’ll write several of our own. No previous experience in playwriting is required.

1 session

Saturday, October 16, 10:00am to 4:00pm

Enrollment limit: 10

To sign up or find out more, call Aimee Joyaux at 353-0094 or go to www.visarts.org.

Classes Winter/Spring 2010

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Writing the Shadow

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross said that before we can find the Mother Teresa within us, we must first acknowledge the Hitler who is there as well. Each of us has a dark self, what Carl Jung called the "shadow" part of our psyche. Sometimes we glimpse it in dreams; sometimes it appears in dark imaginings. In this class we'll experiment with timed writing, dream journals, guided imagery, and Active Imagination. Our goal will be to draw the shadow out, recognize it for what it is, and see what we can learn from it--and what it can bring to our creative writing. This class is not therapy, but it can be very therapeutic.
8 sessions, Feb. 1-March 29 (no class March 15)
Mondays 7:00-10:00pm
Studio School 2nd floor conference room
Enrollment limit: 10

Memoir Writing Workshop

In My Antonia, Willa Cather wrote: "Some memories are realities, and are better than anything that can ever happen to one again." In A Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway wrote: "Memory is hunger." This workshop puts these two notions together-that some memories are heightened experiences, and that we hunger for more. Participants will try simple strategies for writing about their own lives. The instructor will offer encouraging feedback as well as specific writing prompts to help students develop ideas.
1 session, Feb 20
Sat, 10 am-4 pm
Studio School, 2nd fl. Conference Room
Enrollment limit: 10

Nuts and Bolts of Playwriting

If a playwright writes plays, why isn't the word "playwrite"? "Wright" comes from Old English via Middle English, and means worker or maker. A playwright drafts, crafts, and builds a play; the nuts and bolts that hold it together are scenes and monologues. This class explores structure, treatment, conflict, character development, setting, and plot. Examine samples of scenes and monologues and then write several of your own. No previous experience in playwriting is required.
6 sessions, Mar 23-Apr 27
Tues, 7-10 pm
Studio School, 2nd fl. Conference Room
Enrollment limit: 10

Contact Mary Holland at 367-0817, or go to http://www.vmfa.org/.



The Visual Arts Center (formerly The Hand Workshop)

The Creative Spark

Clarissa Pinkola Estes writes about el duende–“the goblin wind” within us which can breathe our creative spark into creative fire. The ember may be a poem, a story, a confession, a play. It may not even know what it is, or wants to be–but it’s there. So we’ll experiment. The goal of this creative writing class is to fan your ideas and inspirations into flame. We’ll use timed writing, dream journals, guided imagery, Active Imagination, and anything else we can think of to get in touch with the stories you want or need to tell–and those needing or wanting you to tell them. Come with an open mind. Be honest and brave. You will come away from this class not only a better writer, but also a clearer thinker.
8 sessions
Tuesdays, 6:30-9:00pm
January 19 – March 9

Writing Scenes and Monologues

In this one-day intensive workshop we’ll look at and work on the nuts and bolts of playwriting: scenes and monologues. We’ll talk about dramatic structure, conflict, character development, setting, and plot. We’ll talk about the differences between writing for the stage and writing for film or television. We’ll look at some scenes and monologues written by the instructor to see how they work, and then we’ll write several of our own. No previous experience in playwriting is required.
1 session
Saturday, April 17
10:00am to 4:00pm

Flying Off the Page: Adapt a Story to a Moving Picture

What’s involved in adapting a short story into a film? What do you keep, and what do you leave out? Does adding a love interest raise the stakes, or muddy the plot? In this class we’ll watch movies based on short fiction, and explore the craft of adaptation. Stories and films may include Ambrose Bierce’s “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Pit and the Pendulum,” D. H. Lawrence’s “The Rocking Horse Winner,” Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game,” William Faulkner’s “A Rose For Emily,” “Ernest Hemingway’s “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” and “The Killers,” and Daphne du Maurier’s “Don’t Look Now” and “The Birds.” No special knowledge of film is necessary: we will read as readers, and watch as an audience. You’ll come away from this class with a fresh appreciation for both fiction and films.
5 sessions
Thursdays, May 4 – June 6
6:30-9:00 PM

Contact Aimee Joyaux at 353-0094, or go to http://www.visarts.org/.

Fall 2009 Classes

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Studio School

Writing the Shadow

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross said that before we can find the Mother Teresa within us, we must first acknowledge the Hitler who is there as well. Each of us has a dark self, what Carl Jung called the "shadow" part of our psyche. Sometimes we glimpse it in dreams; sometimes it appears in dark imaginings. In this class we'll experiment with timed writing, dream journals, guided imagery, and Active Imagination. Our goal will be to draw the shadow out, recognize it for what it is, and see what we can learn from it--and what it can bring to our creative writing. This class is not therapy, but it can be very therapeutic.

8 sessions, Sept. 14-November 2
Mondays 7:00-10:00pm
Studio School 2nd floor conference room
Enrollment limit: 10


Going to the Elephant: A Creative Writing Workshop

Someone once said writing is the easiest job in the world: "all you have to do is stare at a blank piece of paper until blood comes out of your forehead." Dispell the myth of writer's block. We will silence the critic within, and write in a safe and comfortable environment. This class is for those who have always wanted to write, but lacked the courage--or who used to write, but have stopped making time to do so. Give me your best, and you will come away a better writer. You'll also find out what the title means.

1 session, October 3
Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm
Studio School 2nd floor conference room
Enrollment limit: 10

The Nuts and Bolts of Playwriting

If a playwright writes plays, why isn't the word spelled "playwrite”? “Wright” comes from Old (via Middle) English, meaning “worker” or “maker.” A playwright doesn't simply write a play: he or she drafts it, crafts it, builds it--and the nuts and bolts that hold it together are scenes and monologues. In this class we'll explore structure, treatment, conflict, character development, setting, and plot. We'll talk about differences between writing for the stage and writing for film or television. We'll look at some scenes and monologues to see how they work, and then we'll write several of our own. No previous experience in playwriting is required.

4 sessions, Sept. 15-October 6

Tuesdays, 7:00-10:00pm

Studio School 2nd floor conference room

Enrollment limit: 10

The Studio School is located at 2911-15 Grove Avenue (across the street from VMFA) at the corner of Shepard Street. For information or to register, call Mary Holland or Frank Saunders at 367-0816--or go to http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/.

The Visual Arts Center (formerly The Hand Workshop)

The Creative Spark

Clarissa Pinkola Estes writes about el duende--“the goblin wind” within us which can breathe our creative spark into creative fire. The ember may be a poem, a story, a confession, a play. It may not even know what it is, or wants to be--but it's there. So we'll experiment. The goal of this creative writing class is to fan your ideas and inspirations into flame. We'll use timed writing, dream journals, guided imagery, Active Imagination, and anything else we can think of to get in touch with the stories you want or need to tell--and those needing or wanting you to tell them. Come with an open mind. Be honest and brave. You will come away from this class not only a better writer, but also a clearer thinker.

Tuition: $175 (members $160)
8 Tuesdays October 20 – December 8
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

The Visual Arts Center is located at 1812 Grove Avenue. For more information or to register for classes, call Aimee Joyaux at 353-0094 or go to http://www.visarts.com/.

Summer 2009 Classes

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Studio School

Going to the Elephant: A Creative Writing Workshop

Someone once said, "Writing is the easiest job in the world: all you have to do is stare at a blank piece of paper until blood comes out of your forehead." This class breaks through the myth of writer's block. Silence your inner critic in a safe, encouraging environment designed for those who have always wanted to write, but never followed through--or who used to write, but have stopped making time to do so. Give your best, and you will come away a better writer. You'll also find out what the title means.

1 session, June 6
Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm
Studio School 2nd floor conference room
Enrollment limit: 10

The Studio School is located at 2911-15 Grove Avenue (across the street from VMFA) at the corner of Shepard Street. For information or to register, call Mary Holland or Frank Saunders at 367-0816--or go to http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/.


The Visual Arts Center (formerly The Hand Workshop)

The Creative Spark

Clarissa Pinkola Estes writes about el duende, the "goblin wind" which can breathe our creative spark into creative fire. The ember may be a story, a poem, a confession, a play. It may not even know what it is, or wants to be--but it is there. So we'll experiment. We'll use timed writing, dream journals, guided imagery, Active Imagination, and anything else we can think of to get you in touch with the stories you want or need to tell--and those wanting or needing to be told. Come with an open mind. Be honest and brave. You'll come away not only a better writer, but with a better understanding of your Self.

6 sessions, June 16-July 21
Tuesdays 6:30-9:00pm
Enrollment limit: 10

The Visual Arts Center is located at 1812 Grove Avenue. For information or to register, call Aimee Joyaux at 353-0094--or go to http://www.visarts.org/.

Winter and Spring 2009 Classes

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Studio School

Going to the Elephant: A Creative Writing Workshop

Someone once said, "Writing is the easiest job in the world: all you have to do is stare at a blank piece of paper until blood comes out of your forehead." This class breaks through the myth of writer's block. Silence your inner critic in a safe, encouraging environment designed for those who have always wanted to write but never followed through--or who used to write, but have stopped making time to do so. Give your best, and you will come away a better writer. You'll also find out what the title means.

1 session, March 7

Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm

Studio School, 2nd floor conference roomEnrollment limit: 10


Writing the Shadow

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross said that before we can find the Mother Teresa within us, we must first acknowledge the Hitler who is there as well. Each of us has a dark self, what Carl Jung called the "shadow" part of our psyche. Sometimes we glimpse it in dreams; sometimes it appears in dark imaginings. In this class we'll experiment with timed writing, dream journals, guided imagery, and Active Imagination. Our goal will be to draw the shadow out, recognize it for what it is, and see what we can learn from it--and what it can bring to our creative writing. This class is not therapy, but it can be very therapeutic.

12 sessions, Feb. 2-April 27
Mondays 7:00-10:00pm
Studio School, 2nd floor conference room
Enrollment limit: 10

The Studio School is located at 2911-15 Grove Avenue (across the street from VMFA) at the corner of Shepard Street. For information call Mary Holland or Frank Saunders at 367-0816, or go to http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/.



The Visual Arts Center (Formerly The Hand Workshop)

The Creative Spark

Clarissa Pinkola Estes writes about "el duende," the "goblin wind" within us which can breathe our creative spark into creative fire. The ember may be a story, a poem, a confession, a play. It may not even know what it is, or wants to be--but it's there. So we'll experiment. We'll use timed writings, dream journals, guided imagery, Active Imagination, and anything else we can think of to get you in touch with the stories you want or need to tell--and those wanting or needing to be told. Come with an open mind. Be open and brave. You'll come away not only a better writer, but with a better understanding of your self.

6 sessions, Feb. 3-March 24
Tuesdays 6:30-9:00pm
Enrollment limit: 10


Dysfunctional Families in American Theatre

Why do America's greatest playwrights--Eugene O'Neill, Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Edward Albee, Sam Shepard, August Wilson, Lillian Hellman, etc.--write about dysfunctional families? As Steppenwolf's Ed Sobel says, "When people write about families that tend to be just functional, there's not much drama in it." In this workshop, we'll look at dysfunctional families in specific plays--talk about the roles and coping mechanisms adopted by the members of such families--and write scenes and monologues based on this understanding of your own (real or invented) characters' backgrounds. No particular knowledge of theatre (or dysfunction) is required.

1 session
Saturday, Feb. 28
Enrollment limit: 10

1 session

Saturday, March 28

Enrollment limit: 10



Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen

Going to the Elephant: A Creative Writing Workshop

Someone once said, "Writing is the easiest job in the world: all you have to do is stare at a blank piece of paper until blood comes out of your forehead." This one-day workshop is designed to break through the myth of writer's block by using timed writings. Silence your inner critic in a safe, encouraging environment for those who have always wanted to write but never followed through - or who used to write, but have stopped making time to do so. Give your best, and you will come away a better writer. You'll also find out what the title means.

Winter Session
Saturday, February 21 10am-4pm
Cost: $85 plus a $10 processing fee for online registration. (Phone in and mailed registration received one week prior to the class beginning, does not incur online registration fee.)


Going to the Elephant: A Creative Writing Workshop

Someone once said, "Writing is the easiest job in the world: all you have to do is stare at a blank piece of paper until blood comes out of your forehead." This one-day workshop is designed to break through the myth of writer's block by using timed writings. Silence your inner critic in a safe, encouraging environment for those who have always wanted to write but never followed through - or who used to write, but have stopped making time to do so. Give your best, and you will come away a better writer. You'll also find out what the title means.

Spring Session
Saturday, May 16 10am-4pm
Cost: $85plus a $10 processing fee for online registration. (Phone in and mailed registration received one week prior to the class beginning, does not incur online registration fee.)


Going to the Elephant: A Creative Writing Class

Someone once said, "Writing is the easiest job in the world: all you have to do is stare at a blank piece of paper until blood comes out of your forehead." This class breaks through the myth of writer's block by using timed writings. Silence your inner critic in a safe, encouraging environment designed for those who have always wanted to write but never followed through - or who used to write, but have stopped making time to do so. We will experiment with timed writings, dreams, and guided imagery. Give your best, and you will come away a better writer. You'll also find out what the title means.

Winter Session
Thursdays, January 15-February 19 6:30-9pm
Cost: $130plus a $10 processing fee for online registration. (Phone in and mailed registration received one week prior to the class beginning, does not incur online registration fee.)



Flying Off the Page

What's involved in adapting a short story into a film? What do you keep, and what do you leave out? Does adding a love interest raise the stakes, or muddy the plot? In this class we'll watch movies based on short fiction, and explore the craft of adaptation. Stories and films may include An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Rocking Horse Winner, The Most Dangerous Game, A Rose For Emily, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, Don't Look Now, The Curse of the Demon, The Killers, and The Birds. You'll come away from this class with a fresh appreciation for writing fiction and films.

Spring Session
Thursdays, April 9-June 11 6:30-9pm
Cost: $175plus a $10 processing fee for online registration. (Phone in and mailed registration received one week prior to the class beginning, does not incur online registration fee.)

Fall 2008 Classes

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Going to the Elephant: A Creative Writing Class

Someone once said, "Writing is the easiest job in the world: all you have to do is stare at a blank piece of paper until blood comes out of your forehead." This class breaks through the myth of writer's block. Silence your inner critic in a safe, encouraging environment designed for those who have always wanted to write but never followed through--or who used to write, but have stopped making time to do so. We will experiment with timed writings, monologues, and dream journals. Give me your best, and you will come away a better writer. You'll also find out what the title means.

6 sessions, Sept. 15-Oct. 20
Mondays 7:00-10:00
Studio School, 2nd floor conference room
Enrollment limit: 10

Going to the Elephant: A Creative Writing Workshop

1 session, Oct. 4
Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm
Studio School, 2nd floor conference room
Enrollment limit: 10

Writing the Shadow

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross said that before we can find the Mother Teresa within us, we must first acknowledge the Hitler who is there as well. Each of us has a dark self, what Carl Jung called the "shadow" part of our psyche. Sometimes we glimpse it in dreams; sometimes it appears in dark imaginings. In this class we'll experiment with timed writing, dream journals, guided imagery, and Active Imagination. Our goal will be to draw the shadow out, recognize it for what it is, and see what we can learn from it--and what it can bring to our creative writing. This class is not therapy, but it can be very therapeutic.

6 sessions, Oct. 27-Dec. 1
Mondays 7:00-10:00pm
Studio School, 2nd floor conference room
Enrollment limit: 10

The Studio School is located at 2911-15 Grove Avenue (across the street from VMFA) at the corner of Shepard Street. For information call Mary Holland or Frank Saunders at 367-0816, or go to http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/.



The Visual Arts Center (Formerly The Hand Workshop)

The Creative Spark

Clarissa Pinkola Estes writes about "el duende," the "goblin wind" within us which can breathe our creative spark into creative fire. The ember may be a story, a poem, a confession, a play. It may not even know what it is, or wants to be--but it's there. So we'll experiment. We'll use timed writings, dream journals, guided imagery, Active Imagination, and anything else we can think of to get you in touch with the stories you want or need to tell--and those wanting or needing to be told. Come with an open mind. Be open and brave. You'll come away not only a better writer, but with a better understanding of your self.

6 sessions, Sept. 16-Oct. 21
Tuesdays 6:00-9:00pm
Enrollment limit: 10

Flying Off the Page: Part 1

What's involved in adapting a short story into a film? What do you keep, and what do you leave out? Does adding a love interest raise the stakes, or muddy the plot? In this mini-film festival we'll watch movies based on short fiction, and explore the craft of adaptation. Stories and films may include An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Rocking Horse Winner, The Most Dangerous Game, and The Killers. You'll come away from this class with a fresh appreciation for writing fiction and films.

3 sessions

Tuesday Oct. 29 6:30-9:00pm, and Saturday Nov. 1 9:30am-12:00pm, 1:00-3:30pm

Enrollment limit: 10

Flying Off the Page: Part 2

Stories and films may include A Rose For Emily, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, Don't Look Now, The Curse of the Demon, and The Birds. You'll come away from this class with a fresh appreciation for writing fiction and films.

3 sessions

Tuesday Nov. 4 6:30-9:30pm, and Saturday Nov. 8 9:30am-12:00pm, 1:00-3:30pm

Enrollment limit: 10

Dysfunctional Families in American Theatre

Why do America's greatest playwrights--Eugene O'Neill, Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Edward Albee, Sam Shepard, August Wilson, Lillian Hellman, etc.--write about dysfunctional families? As Steppenwolf's Ed Sobel says, "When people write about families that tend to be just functional, there's not much drama in it." In this workshop, we'll look at dysfunctional families in specific plays--talk about the roles and coping mechanisms adopted by the members of such families--and write scenes and monologues based on this understanding of your own (real or invented) characters' backgrounds. No particular knowledge of theatre (or dysfunction) is required.

1 session

Saturday, November 15

Enrollment limit: 10

Writing Monologues

A monologue is one person talking: to himself or herself, to another character, or directly to the audience. Like a play, a monologue can startle us with emotional truth and can have its own arc. In this creative writing workshop, we'll start with the personal--because that's where the energy is. We'll read a couple of the instructor's monologues (and perhaps one or two others), to learn how to move from what is personal towards the creation of other characters. And then we will begin to create characters. They might be based on people we know, or they might be entirely fictional. What is of the utmost importance is that they ring emotionally true. Some interest in life on the planet is required.

1 session

Saturday, Nov. 22

Enrollment limit: 10

The Visual Arts Center is located at 1812 Grove Avenue. For information call Malinda Collier at 353-0094, or go to http://www.visarts.org/.

Summer 2008 Classes

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Going to the Elephant: A Creative Writing Class

Someone once said, “Writing is the easiest job in the world; all you have to do is stare at a piece of paper until blood comes out of your forehead.” This class breaks through the myth of writer's block. Silence your inner critic in a safe, encouraging environment designed for those who have always wanted to write but have never followed through. We will experiment with timed writing, monologues, and dream journals.

4 sessions, July 7-28
Mondays 7:00-10:00pm
Studio School, 2nd floor conference room
$125 (VMFA Members $110)
Enrollment limit: 10

Going to the Elephant: A Creative Writing Workshop

1 session, July 19
Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm
Studio School, 2nd floor conference room
$85 (VMFA Members $70)
Enrollment limit: 10

The Studio School is located at 2911-15 Grove Avenue (across the street from VMFA) at the corner of Sheppard Street. For information call Mary Holland or Frank Saunders at (804) 367-0816, or go to www.vmfa.museum/summerclass2008.html.


The Visual Arts Center

The Creative Spark

Clarissa Pinkola Estes writes about el duende, the “goblin wind”within us which can breathe our creative spark into creative fire. The ember may be a story, a poem, a confession, a play. It may not even what it is or wants to be--but it's there. So we'll experiment. We'll use timed writing, dream journals, guided imagery, Active Imagination and anything else we can think of to get in touch with the stories you want or need to tell--and those wanting or needing to be told. Come with an open mind. Be honest and brave. You'll come away not only a better writer, but with a beter understanding of self.

5 sessions, July 1-29
Tuesdays 6:00-9:00pm
$150 (Members $135)
Enrollment limit: 10


Writing Scenes and Monologues

The reality of playwriting is largely nuts and bolts. Can a play consist of a single scene? Read Edward Albee's Zoo Story. Can a play consist of a single monologue? Read Spalding Gray or Anna Deveare Smith. But when it comes right down to it, most plays combine scenes and monologues. Anne Lamott's father told his son to write his last-minute report on birds one at a time--”bird by bird.” This one-week intensive class will approach the craft of playwriting similarly: one scene or monologue at a time.
5 sessions, June 2-6
9:00am-12:00pm
$150 ($135 Members)

The Visual Arts Center is located at 1812 West Main Street. For information call Malinda Collier at 353-0094, or go to www.visarts.org.