Arlington Community Education

Design intricate 3D objects using BlocksCAD, a software program that combines 3D modeling with block-based coding. You’ll learn computer coding, graphing skills, and 3-dimensional design. By dragging and dropping blocks of editable code that create and modify 3D shapes, you’ll use problem-solving to build models that can then be exported to a 3D printer.

Come journey around the world as we explore animals from many habitats—from the deep sea to the Arctic to the African savanna. Each week, we’ll learn about a different creature, from clever octopi to waddling penguins, mighty polar bears, tall giraffes, and trumpeting elephants at the watering hole. Get wild with your creativity as you experiment with drawing, painting, oil pastels, and sculpture to capture each animal’s unique features.

Experiment with clay to create a variety of imaginative and useful objects. We will discuss form and function and practice hand-building techniques (pinching, coiling, and slab building) as well as surface decoration as we sculpt functional and abstract pieces of art.

Flex your art-making muscle while working with a sophisticated computer art program. You’ll practice creating awesome images, and then we’ll show you how to modify them so that they can be turned from 2D art into 3D sculptures. Modern "making" is so much more than just working with your hands.

Get an introduction to the vibrant world of fiber arts, where you’ll use many different mediums and age-old techniques to create cute, squishy, and fun friends to take home. Some projects will be inspired by video games, cartoons, and pop culture, while others will be driven by your own creativity. We’ll cover as many fiber arts as time allows, including hand sewing, felting, embroidery, weaving, and pom-pom making.

Unleash your creativity by making bracelets, necklaces, or other wearable items using both typical and unusual materials. To show you what jewelry can be, we’ll turn to history to see what people from different ages and places like to wear. Whether you decide that your look is bright and bold or simple and straightforward, you’ll assemble a collection of fantastic fashion items.

Incorporate personal design touches as you learn or refine fundamental metalsmithing skills in this all-level jewelry-making workshop. Beginning makers will fabricate a textured sterling silver band ring and a sterling silver pendant with a bezel-set stone. Students with prior experience in metalsmithing/jewelry can further develop their skills with sterling silver while fabricating earrings and making a chain link bracelet. Multiple soldering and finishing techniques will be covered, and individual design is encouraged.

Preserve flowers in one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. Learn how to work with resin and plant materials to create a unique pair of earrings and a necklace. Choose from various jewelry styles and florals that you will preserve in resin. You will arrange the flowers into two beautiful jewelry designs to take home at the end of the class. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring any dried flowers that are meaningful to you.

Personalize your style with the art of screen printing. Learn how to create custom t-shirts, tote bags, and more. Try a variety of screen printing methods, including cutting stencils, creating DIY screens, and using photo emulsion. All screen printing supplies are included—just bring your own apparel to transform into your own unique, wearable art. Best of all, you’ll gain the skills to continue making personalized creations at home.

Create adorable stuffed animals and embroidered wall hangings using basic hand sewing and embroidery stitches and techniques. Learn essential skills such as threading needles, tying knots, and making basic stitches. Bring your ideas to life using fabric and thread.

Enjoy learning the fundamentals of playing and painting with watercolors, including proper brush and palette selection and application techniques. We will use various surfaces and styles to create unique works of art.