(16-Adult) Discover the Korean cultural art of Hanji in this creative, hands-on workshop led by Sophia Han from The Hanji Korea Association. Using torn pieces of vibrantly colored Hanji paper, an awl and glue, you’ll learn how to craft distinguished, textured images. Made from mulberry bark, Hanji’s unique balance of toughness and fragility allows for limitless artistic possibilities. No prior experience is required. Please register for the $44 class and $17 supply fee.

(16-Adult) Join expert basket maker Sharon Shaeffer for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn the art of basket weaving from start to finish. Sharon will guide you through each step of the process to creating your own multicolored tote perfect for the upcoming farmers market season. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class offers inspiration, instruction and everything you need to get started. Class breaks for a half hour for lunch. Bring a lunch.

(12-Adult) Join award-winning author P. O’Connell Pearson for an engaging exploration of her acclaimed book Fighting for the Forest: How FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps Helped Save America. Discover the true stories of the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) who helped restore America’s landscapes into National Parks during the Great Depression. Then bring it to life by designing erosion-control structures in groups to explore the real-world impact of these young environmental pioneers. Wrap up the program by planting a tree together, honoring the legacy of the CCC and making a lasting contribution to the future of Fairfax County forests. This program links to the VA250 and Fairfax250 commemoration.

(16-Adult) Explore the beauty of butterflies and their dependence on plants for their life cycle. Use specimens or photographs to study and illustrate them. Artist and instructor Caroline Hottenstein shows you how to use the media of your choice - a micron pen, watercolor, graphite or colored pencils to capture and highlight details. Previous drawing experience encouraged. A supply list will be emailed before class. Bring a lunch.

(16-Adult) Capture the character and quiet grandeur of Virginia’s historic architecture in your artwork. Artist and instructor Caroline Hottenstein shows you how to use the media of your choice - a micron pen, watercolor, graphite or colored pencils to illustrate them. Bring photos of your favorite historic building or take a photo of Green Spring Garden’s Historic House to work from.  Previous drawing experience encouraged. A supply list will be emailed before class. Bring a lunch.

(16-Adult) Design and paint a set of three concrete stepping stones, using stencils or your own freehand designs, to add a decorative touch to your garden. After painting, set your stones outside to dry in the sun. Once dry, they will be sealed at the end of class with a weatherproof coating to ensure they last through the seasons. No experience necessary. Please register for both the $44 program fee and the $20 supply fee.

(8-Adult) Discover how to turn simple looking colorful paper strips into beautiful work of art. In this workshop you will create 3D colorful mushrooms and mount them on the wooden disc. This 3D mushroom garden will be perfect for home decor as well as gift giving. A $25 supply fee is payable to the instructor at the beginning of the class.

(Adults) Spend an evening in the Horticulture Center. Explore the glasshouse and art exhibit while sipping a refreshing mocktail made with herbs grown at Green Spring Gardens. Then learn about the calming and restorative properties of plants and how to blend them into a relaxing bath soak, using scents and dried flowers that mimic the colors and fragrances butterflies love. Leave with a custom blend of botanical bath salts. Includes entry, mocktail, garden tour and all supplies.

(Adults) Join us after-hours in the Horticulture Center. View the glasshouse tropicals in the light of the setting sun and peruse the art exhibit while enjoying a refreshing mocktail made with herbs grown at Green Spring Gardens. Then create a butterfly-friendly garden in this hands-on mini potting workshop. Learn about nectar and host plants that support local butterflies before planting your own mini butterfly garden to take home. Includes entry, mocktail, garden tour and all potting supplies.

(16-Adult) For the beginner or advanced student, artist and instructor Dawn Flores will share watercolor techniques through exercises that help you understand color, composition and improve brush control. Learn about the history and types of paper used in botanical art. Basic drawing skills are helpful for drawing the plant specimen from which to paint an elegant botanical portrait. A supply list will be emailed before class. Bring a lunch.

(16-Adult) Learn how to bring your landscapes to life by focusing on the natural elements. Artist and instructor Marni Maree guides you through techniques to paint rocks, trees, water and leaves with texture, depth and lively details to create your own landscapes. A supply list will be emailed before class. Bring a lunch.

(16-Adult) Some subjects just scream to be painted in watercolors and orchids are one of those subjects. Taught by botanical artist Dawn Flores, plan and execute an orchid-inspired painting. Information on orchid anatomy, lessons on color, and a variety of watercolor techniques and transfer practices are presented. Orchid owners may bring in their own specimen or work from photographs provided by the instructor. This class is appropriate for any skill level. A supply list will be emailed before class. Bring a lunch.

(16-Adult) Learn to use ink pens with your watercolor paintings. Artist Marni Maree will introduce you to a variety of pens and inking techniques. Draw with ink and then add watercolors. Try adding ink lines to finished paintings and watch your work transform. You will be surprised at how you can make an ok painting great by adding ink. A supply list will be emailed before class. Bring a lunch.

(16-Adult) Monet made a huge contribution to the world of art with his monumental waterlily paintings. Artist and instructor Dawn Flores will inspire you with Monet's use of color, horizon lines, reflections and water surface. Working directly from photographs, you will create your own expressions in watercolor while learning a variety of painting techniques, including special effects such as glazing, dry-brush, wet on wet, washes and more. A supply list will be emailed before class. Bring a lunch.

(16-Adult) Learn the basics of writing historical fiction—how to build setting, characters and stories inspired by the past. We’ll explore the life of the Straight family, who lived in the house during the 1900s, and use their history to spark creative ideas. Perfect for beginners and anyone who loves history and storytelling.

(16-Adult) Explore how to incorporate the beauty, power, and symbolism of nature into your storytelling. Learn techniques for using the natural world to enhance atmosphere, develop characters, and enrich plotlines across genres. Then, take a walk through the gardens for inspiration, followed by a guided writing session to practice weaving your surroundings into your work. Bring a pen, notebook or any tool that helps your words take root.