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102 W. Washington Street
Mail: PO Box 426
Middleburg, VA 20118
A 501c3 nonprofit
540-687-6600
Our Mission
To champion creativity in the arts
for people of all ages and abilities
in our community, especially the youth,
through educational programs and exhibitions.
Classes & Events 2026
Scroll to find a class or event of interest.
Please check back as we update the schedule throughout the year.
Art Critique
WITH Virgil Elliott
AiM Gallery
102 W. Washington Street, Middleburg
Friday, May 1
5:00 - 8:00 pm
$50 for Critique
$30 to Audit
**Limited Space - 20 Attendees Maximum**
Acclaimed artist Virgil Elliott will conduct a constructive art critique session for up to 20 artists.
Virgil has led many critique sessions for art groups over the last forty-plus years, making important points that artists need to know as they relate to aspects of their paintings. He does this with a positive and helpful analysis.
These sessions are always constructive and educational for the paintersand also for those who are there to audit: listen, learn, and observe.
Virgil has much information to impart, as he has worked with all mediums. He has been involved in the writing of ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) standards for most of them. These include: oils, pastels, acrylics, charcoal, pen-and-ink, egg tempera,
casein, and watercolor.
It is important to note that the same aesthetic principles apply across the board.
A little about Virgil:
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He is a highly sought-after American realist portrait and fine art painter with a career spanning over five decades. He has spent it at the forefront of the revival of representational art.
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Virgil is the author of this classic and comprehensive source, Traditional Oil Painting: Advanced Techniques and Concepts from the Renaissance to the Present, a 21-year project. Copies are available at AiM.
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At the ARC (Art Renewal Center), he is called a "Living Master."
For more about Virgil Elliott’s work and career, visit: virgilelliott.com
This is a unique opportunity to meet Virgil and engage in thoughtful, educational, and art-filled conversation.
Art Tribe
WITH J Douglas
Art Tribe will meet off site in May. Address given upon registration.
Thursday, May 7
6:00 - 8:00 pm
$10 ('Cheaper than therapy, and way more colorful' -J.)
Calling all painters, sketchers, sculptors, scribblers, dabblers, pros, and passionate creatives—Art Tribe is your people.
We meet one Thursday a month to talk art, life, and everything in between. Whether you’re deep in your career or just getting your feet wet, this is your space to:
• Get inspired
• Share ideas
• Connect with fellow creatives who get it
• Bring your work for honest, kind, insightful feedback (or just bring yourself—we love that too)
It’s not a class. It’s not a critique group. It’s a creative hangout for grownups who live and breathe this art life.
Come for the art talk. Stay for the tribe.
Spring Landscapes
Painting Workshop
WITH Kim T. Richards
AiM Gallery
102 W. Washington Street, Middleburg
Tuesday, April 21 - Spring Landscapes
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Saturday, April 18 - Spring Landscapes
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
$110
Each month, instructor Kim T. Richards will lead a workshop on various painting subjects and topics using oil or acrylic paint in beautiful Middleburg, VA. Utilizing the themes of landscape and still life painting, students will learn the skills needed to improve their paintings. Small class sizes allow for individual instruction alongside demonstration. You may bring your own inspiration photos or use the photos or still life objects provided by the instructor. Whether you're new to painting in acrylics and oils or are an intermediate artist seeking to try something new, these monthly workshops were created just for you.
Individual Class Descriptions:
April 18 & 21 - Spring Landscapes - Spring brings new energy to the landscape—lush greens, blooming trees, and shifting light. In this workshop, students will learn how to capture the essence of the season through thoughtful composition, color choices, and expressive brushwork.
May 26 & 30 - Peonies & Irises - Peonies may be short-lived in the garden, but they can bloom forever on your canvas. Learn approachable methods for painting these complex flowers with confidence and capturing their beauty to enjoy throughout the year.
Drawing with Jim
A DRAWING CLASS
AiM Gallery
102 W. Washington Street, Middleburg
Wednesday, May 20
6:00 - 8:00 pm
$10 payment reserves your spot
Include your phone number with your payment to ensure that you receive updates in case the class is cancelled.
Deepen your understanding of line as the foundation of drawing. In this class, Jim will introduce exercises and thought processes designed to sharpen your ability to see, interpret, and apply line in your work. Group discussion will allow for constructive feedback on strengths, challenges, visual impact, and opportunities for refinement.
Materials to bring:
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Drawing paper, pads, butcher paper, newsprint (your choice)
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A variety of pencils and pens suggested H and B pencils
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Erasers
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Tortillions (stumps for blending)
Watercolor Workshop
WITH Patty Craighill
102 W. Washington Street, Middleburg
Tuesday, May 12 - Spring Flowers
1:00 - 4:00 pm
$80 per class
Celebrate the beauty of spring flowers in this one-time watercolor workshop focused on capturing seasonal blooms with paint.
This special session will include drawing, composition, and guided exercises designed to help participants create expressive floral paintings. Patty will demonstrate watercolor techniques, share inspiration from other artists, and provide individual guidance as students work toward completed pieces. A spring flower still life setup will be available for reference, and participants are also welcome to bring their own photos for inspiration.
Patty believes watercolor can be therapeutic, calming, challenging, and exciting—and that everyone can benefit from time spent simply “playing” with paint.
Expressive Cloud Painting: Mastering the Art of Loose Brushwork
WITH Heather Connole
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
105 E. Washington Street, Middleburg
Tuesday, April 28
10:00 am - 2:00 am
$140, registration required 2 days before event
Join Our Cloud Painting Class for All Skill Levels!
Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, Heather Connole will lead you through the enchanting realm of cloud painting, focusing on a free-flowing style. Explore a variety of techniques, from basic to advanced. With tailored guidance, this class offers the perfect chance to enhance your skills or embark on a creative journey. Come and create your own masterpiece!
During this class, you will be able to craft your own curriculum. This is an oil painting workshop, but acrylic paint is
welcomed. If you are a beginner in oil, you will be given more structured guidance through an exploration of color, medium.
In this class you will learn:
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Painting loose
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Composition
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Value
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Wet on wet technique
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Color wheel
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Types of brushes and materials used and why
Both oil and acrylic paint is welcomed.
Supplies to bring:
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Reference photo of clouds or one will be supplied for you.
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Paper towels
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A container to rinse your brushes
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Palette paper
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Various size brushes
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Canvas, size between 9 x 12 up to 16 x 20
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Linseed oil
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Brush soap*Please be aware, paint and rinse water cannot be disposed of at the church.
*Please be aware, paint and rinse water cannot be disposed of at the church.
Seascapes in the Classic Alla Prima Tradition
WITH Fritz Treyz
Emmanuel Church
105 E.Washington Street, Middleburg
Tuesday, May 19
10:00 am - 2:30 pm, half hour for lunch break
$135 payment reserves your spot
As painters, we strive to capture the world as we see it—the clouds, the atmosphere, the color, and the light. However, we often get caught up in formulas, technical mastery, or trends. This four-hour class aims to demystify the oil painting process, providing a simple and straightforward approach to using color to achieve realistic results. Fritz will demonstrate a short seascape painting, and students will then paint a seascape. Together, you will learn how to build mastery in techniques, composition, and problem-solving, which are critical to “art thinking.”
The class is designed for painters of all levels. Fritz will cover the fundamental areas of oil painting and the essential “rules” to be aware of, along with tips on how to simplify your paintings. This class will also include the following subjects of seascape paintings:
• Dramatization of the surf with light
• Painting the angry sea and calm sea
• Reflections and how to paint them
• Painting rocks and cliffs
• Painting the open sea
• High breaker waves
• Working with unusual compositions
• Painting clouds and sunsets
The class will include interactive sessions where students can ask questions and receive personalized feedback on their work. Fritz will also share insights on how to overcome common challenges in oil painting and provide guidance on developing your unique artistic style. By the end of the class, you will have a deeper understanding of the oil painting process and the confidence to create stunning seascapes with magnificent skies.
Purposeful Wandering: A Middleburg Photo Walk
WITH Ed Higgins
AiM Gallery
102 W. Washington Street, Middleburg
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Join Ed Higgins for a relaxed Saturday morning photo walk through historic Middleburg.
We’ll begin at AIM with a brief introduction to a simple but powerful photographic philosophy: compose first… then wait. From there, we’ll explore the streets together to see how slowing down changes what we see and create. We will then return to AIM to share our photos and learn from each other’s experiences.
Whether you use a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or your phone, all are welcome. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to look a little longer.
This is a rain-or-shine event. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Responsible adults with children ages 12+ are welcome.
Come discover the joy of seeing differently and making photographs with intention.
Classes & Events 2025
Kids Mixed Media Art Camp
WITH Adele Buytenhuys
This event is closed
Are you ready for a creative adventure this summer? All young artists aged 7 to 12 are invited to our exciting Mixed Media Art Camp! Think: beyond construction paper collages. Think: street art meets storybook illustration, think fine art meets found objects, think watercolor whimsy meets bold graphic design.
Over the course of a week, you’ll explore your imagination and express yourself using a wide selection of materials, including colorful papers, vibrant acrylics, flowing watercolors, bold pens, and soft pastels.
Camp Highlights:
-Hands-On Workshop: Learn new techniques and unleash your creativity with guided sessions.
-Artistic Exploration: Discover how to combine different mediums to create stunning works of art.
-Friendly Environment: Make new friends, share ideas, and inspire each other in a supportive atmosphere.
Painting in the Classic Alla Prima Traditions
WITH Fritz Treyz
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As painters, we aim to capture the world around us—clouds, atmosphere, color, and light—but can often get lost in technique, trends, or rigid formulas. This four-hour class simplifies the oil painting process, focusing on color to achieve realistic results. Prior to the class, registrants will receive a handout with 35 slides covering oil painting fundamentals and tips for simplifying your work. The session also includes interactive Q&A and personalized feedback to help you overcome common challenges and grow your unique artistic style.
Plein Air Painting Classes & Demonstrtaion
WITH Lee Newman
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*Address will be provided to registrants
The class will be held outdoors in Fauquier County.
Whether you have just picked up a brush or pencil or have been creating art your whole life, this workshop with renowned artist Lee Newman is certain to inspire and inform your artistic efforts! Join us at an idyllic, pastoral Virginia farm to paint and/or draw cows and landscape en plein air.
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Raku Firing
WITH David Newquist
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Join us for a hands-on experience where fire meets artistry. Witness the unpredictable beauty of molten glazes, crackling textures, and smoky patterns as they emerge right before your eyes! Now is your chance to glaze, fire, and take home your own raku art.
$75 bring your own pot (limit 2)
Additional $10 per pot if purchased at the event
Classes & Events 2024
Raku Firing
WITH David Newquist
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Pet Portraits
WITH Barbara Sharp
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$110, bring your own supplies
$25 supply fee, payable to Barbara
Join artist Barbara Sharp in our painting workshop that celebrates the beloved family pet. This class is perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to more advanced artists, and offers individual instruction tailored to each student. You'll explore everything from composition and color theory to brush techniques and more. Enhance your painting skills in this immersive and educational workshop.
This workshop is perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to more advanced artists.
Individual instruction will be given and tailored for each student.
*Don't forget to bring a picture of your pet!*
Lunch will be served, prepared by Barbara.
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Artists Book Club & Pastel Class
WITH Ali Wiese
AiM Gallery, 102 W. Washington Street, Middleburg
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Kids Art Camp
with Adele Buytenhuys
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Join us for a creative journey through the world of famous artists at our Kids Art Camp! This camp is designed for young art enthusiasts who want to learn about and create masterpieces inspired by renowned artists such as Gustav Klimt, Claude Monet, and Georges Seurat. Throughout the week, campers will dive into the unique styles and methodologies of these artists, exploring their techniques and creating their own interpretations. The last day will include a pizza lunch and a group Jackson Pollock project..
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Paws & Brushes, Pet Portraiture
with Heather Connole
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Paint Your Own Watercolor Valentine
with Adele Buytenhuys
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Art from the Heart
Family Fun Fest
With AiM and Cana Vineyards & Winery
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Art of the Flag, Discussion
WITH MATT PAVONE
Free Event
July 4th, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Aim Gallery, 102 W. Washington St.
Come and join artist and speaker, Matthew Pavone, at The Artists in Middleburg gallery for a special summer program and pop-up exhibit on July 4th. During this special offering, Matthew will discuss with attendees the various insights from his personal study of the American flag and share how artists like Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, and Shepard Fairey influence his own work. Matthew will be around the gallery and available for questions throughout the day. He will have several original pieces from his flag series available for purchase during the pop-up exhibit.
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Christmas in Middleburg
December 1 - 31
The Showing of the Hounds & Middleburg Christmas Parade
December 3rd
Join us in welcoming the Holidays! We have holiday gifts and our 'GASP: Great Art, Small Prices' Exhibit specially curated for your gift giving needs. Our Holiday Shoppe will be open on parade day until the end of the month.
AiM's Holiday Open House and Fundraiser
December 4th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
The gallery will be open from 12:00 - 5:00 pm
You are invited to AiM's Holiday Open House & Fundraiser. This special event includes our current exhibit, our holiday shoppe and small paintings donated by our artists. Each painting is $75 and the proceeds will go towards helping AiM in their efforts to support local art education for all ages.
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