Learn a new skill and relax with a fun class!
At Scrappy Elephant, you’ll find a range of art classes for all ages. From weekly toddler art and story time to adult only classes, there’s something for everyone. Learn watercolor techniques, try your hand at mosaics, improve your crochet skills, and so much more. There’s never been a better time to learn a new skill at an affordable cost.
Interested in teaching a class at Scrappy Elephant? Email us at info@scrappyelephant.com for the class form.
Gift Cards
Want to give the gift of a new skill? Purchase a gift card below for the creatives in your life to put toward a Scrappy Elephant class!
Scholarships
Available for ALL classes. Please fill out the form below with all the required information and our team will be in touch.
Scroll past the calendar for a list of all upcoming classes.

East Asian Brush Painting
East Asian Brush painting consists of many styles of painting that originated in China centuries ago and spread throughout Japan and Korea. In this class, you will learn how to use the Four Treasures- the brush, the ink, the inkstone and paper. East Asian Brush paintings evoke the poetry of nature using beautiful lines and forms to bring life to the subject. You will learn how to use ink freely with a controlled brush stroke in order to capture the essence of the subject.
About the teacher: Nga Bui Katz (pronounced Na) was born in Vietnam. She has spent the last sixty years in the United States, now calling Charlottesville home. Nga spent seven years learning Japanese art in Tokyo, then studied Chinese Art at the Honolulu Acadamy of Art, and studied for a decade with Master Henry Wo Yue Kee. Nga says, “Being an artist is to be in a dream world. I can build bridges, create mountains, make waterfalls or just a garden full of colorful flowers with beautiful birds and creatures who share our planet. They make us happy whether in life or in my paintings. About all else, I am Nature’s painter.”
Ages 18 and up
$200 for four classes that meet every Friday in August starting at 10am. Supplies included in cost.
Sign up here!

Watercolor Foundations: Materials, Techniques, and Confidence
Ready to dive into the vibrant world of watercolor? Whether you’re completely new or looking to build a stronger foundation, this comprehensive, hands-on workshop will set you up for success. We’ll explore the essential materials—paints (pan vs. tube), brushes, and paper—and how different combinations can completely change your results. You’ll leave knowing exactly what tools work best for your creative goals.
Next, we’ll unlock the core watercolor techniques that every artist needs: *wet-on-wet*, *wet-on-dry*, *dry brush*, *layering*, *glazing*, *charging*, and *lifting*. You’ll learn how to control water and pigment ratios to create everything from dreamy blends to crisp lines. Through guided exercises, you’ll practice washes, gradients, and simple shapes to reinforce your technique and boost your confidence.
All materials are provided—including plenty of paper for notes and practice. Bring your curiosity, your creativity, and your questions!
📩 Questions? Reach out to Blake at ArtByBBlossoms@gmail.com
🎨 Let’s paint something amazing together!
Ages 15 and up
$40
Sign up here!

Gilded Seashells in Watercolor and Ink
Celebrate summer by learning how to create stunning paintings of seashells in loose watercolor and ink!
In this class, we’ll explore techniques for expressive watercolor, emphasizing freedom and intuition over strict realism in combining watercolor with ink elements. Easy-to-follow instructions and useful tips will help make the process of watercolor painting fun and approachable, and you’ll learn how to use color, value, ink line, and even metallic touches to create gorgeous seashell paintings.
Beginning with some warm up exercises to become more comfortable with our tools and the behavior of water, pigments, and ink, we’ll then create a vibrant seashell painting that combines loose watercolor with the structure of ink. Finally, Heather will demonstrate how to use metallic acrylic ink as a unique finishing touch. All materials will be provided, and you’ll leave with a completed painting as well as principles that will enable you to create future mixed media paintings in this expressive style.
This class builds on the techniques practiced in Heather’s previous Expressive Watercolor and Ink classes by exploring a different subject matter as well as the possibilities of using metallics as enhancement. It is also suitable as a standalone course, however: no prior experience is necessary.
Whether you are completely new to watercolor or are seeking to add a new way of working to your skill set, you’ll be able to enjoy this relaxed time of painting together as we exercise creative intuition and explore the exciting ways that watercolor and ink can interact.
ages 15 and up
$35
Sign up here!

Watercolor Sunflowers
In this three-hour workshop, we’ll explore the bold, expressive beauty of sunflowers through watercolor. Designed for beginners and experienced painters alike, this session offers structured instruction with room for individual exploration.
We’ll start by reviewing essential watercolor techniques—such as wet-on-wet, glazing, and dry brush—then move into building the structure of a sunflower through simple shapes and layered color. Whether you're learning the basics or refining your technique, Blake will offer guidance and feedback tailored to your skill level.
By the end, you'll walk away with a finished sunflower painting and new strategies to strengthen your watercolor practice. All materials are provided—just bring your creativity and a readiness to dive in!
Ages 15 and up
$35
Sign up here!

Summer Drinks in Watercolor and Ink
Is there anything more refreshing on a hot day than an icy glass of lemonade or a mojito? Come cool off as we explore the process of creating a loose, expressive watercolor and ink painting of a summer drink!
We’ll begin with practicing techniques for depicting form and texture in watercolor, emphasizing intuitive brushwork and spontaneity over strict realism. Depicting a drink in a glass may seem intimidating, but Heather will show how approachable the process can be by breaking it down into a series of steps. After gaining some confidence with creating depth through these simple exercises, we’ll then paint a lively and vibrant glass of a cold drink, finishing with ink details that add structure and character.
You’ll learn how to capture bold colors, textures, and reflections in glass as well as how to use ink to enhance the dynamic vibrancy of watercolor. All materials will be provided, and you’ll leave with a completed painting as well as principles that will enable you to create future paintings in this expressive style.
Some experience in watercolor is helpful but not required. Whether you are completely new to watercolor or are seeking to add a new way of working to your skillset, come prepared to experiment, learn a new technique, and have fun bringing to life a piece of art that truly stands out!
ages 15 and up
$35
Sign up here!

Expressive Watercolor and Ink: Delicate Florals
Come explore the versatility of loose watercolor combined with ink by learning ways to depict the beauty of delicate florals!
In this class, Heather will share techniques for capturing the essence of a floral like lily of the valley by emphasizing movement and spontaneity over realism. We’ll focus on ways to simplify these dainty flowers in ink and be inspired by the intermingling of the watercolor pigments on the page, letting go of the need to depict every detail and yet still conveying the exquisite nature of our subjects.
Starting with some exercises to become better acquainted with our tools, we’ll then create an ink drawing that conveys the defining qualities of our chosen subject, finishing with evocative touches of watercolor that enhance the effects of the ink. Techniques for depicting white flowers, enhancing contrast, and using background watercolor washes to add texture and interest will help create a gorgeous final painting that fuses the delicacy of ink with the energy of watercolor.
Ages 15 and up
$35
Sign up here!

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!
Sign up here!

Spring Blooms Watercolor Workshop-Botanical Painting Fundamentals -
Discover the art of botanical watercolor painting in this three-hour, beginner-friendly workshop! Perfect for those looking to build a strong foundation in watercolor, this class will focus on essential techniques used to paint leaves, stems, and delicate floral details with confidence.
Through guided exercises, you’ll learn color mixing, layering, and brush control to achieve realistic textures and natural forms. We’ll explore how to capture the subtle variations in petals and foliage, helping you create vibrant and lifelike botanical illustrations.
This workshop is open to ages 15+, and all materials will be provided.
$35
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, come enjoy a relaxing and educational session dedicated to the beauty of botanical art!
Sign up here!

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!
Sign up here!

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!
Sign up here!

Expressive Watercolor and Ink Florals: Tulips
Do you love the fluid beauty of loose watercolor florals but aren’t sure how to begin? Or are you looking for a way to relax your approach to watercolor and achieve a fresher, more intuitive style? If so, this class is for you!
In this class, Heather will share techniques for capturing the essence of a floral subject by emphasizing movement and spontaneity over realism. We’ll focus on ways to simplify the subject and be inspired by the intermingling of the watercolor pigments on the page, letting go of the need to depict every detail.
Beginning with some warm up exercises to become more comfortable with our tools and the behavior of water, pigments, and ink, we’ll then create a vibrant floral painting that combines loose watercolor with the structure of ink. All materials will be provided, and you’ll leave with a completed painting as well as principles that will enable you to create future paintings in this expressive style.
This class builds on the techniques practiced in Heather’s Spring Daffodils class by exploring ways to approach a different flower. It is also suitable as a standalone course, however: no prior experience is necessary.
Whether you are completely new to watercolor or are seeking to add a new way of working to your skillset, you’ll be able to enjoy this relaxed time of painting together as we exercise creative intuition and explore the exciting ways that watercolor and ink can interact.
Ages 15 and up
$35
Sign up here!

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!
Sign up here!

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!
Sign up here!

Spring Blooms Watercolor Workshop: Peony and Shadows
Join us for the first of the Spring Blooms Watercolor Workshop Series. This beginner-friendly watercolor workshop, we’ll explore the beauty of peonies through painting with a special focus on capturing light and shadow. Whether you’re new to watercolor or looking to refine your skills, this class will guide you step by step in creating a soft, delicate floral composition.
We’ll cover fundamental methods, including color blending, layering, and shading, to bring your peony to life. You’ll also learn essential techniques like wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, dragging, and glazing to create soft petals, rich details, and dynamic shadows that add dimension and realism.
This workshop is open to ages 15+, and all materials will be provided. Come enjoy a creative and supportive atmosphere while painting your own stunning peony masterpiece!
$35
Sign up here!

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!
Sign up here!

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!
Sign up here!

Watercolor Workshop Series: Color Mixing and Application
Objective: Understand color mixing techniques and their application in watercolor painting.
Content:
In-depth exploration of the color wheel and color relationships.
Techniques for mixing colors to achieve desired hues and shades.
Discussion on the importance of undertones and how to use them effectively in watercolor.
Activity: students will practice mixing a range of colors and creating their own color charts. They will also engage in exercises focusing on applying mixed colors in simple compositions.
Description:
Ah, the peaceful, relaxing art of mixing the exact right color. Totally chill, right? Not if you’re not a seasoned mixologist. Which you will become in part 3 of the Watercolor Workshop Series. In this session, we’ll dive deep into the color wheel and its representation of color theory. We’ll explore color relationships, complementary tones, secondary colors, and the essential paints every watercolorist should have in their toolbox. You’ll learn how to wield undertones, how to mix various shades, and how to find perfect color combinations. We’ll wrap everything together by matching colors to a reference photo so you can revel in your own mastery.
Join us for part 3 of the Watercolor Workshop Series and leave feeling a newfound confidence in your artistry. Whether you're painting landscapes, portraits, or cute, little, fuzzy bunnies, you’ll have all of the knowledge necessary to mix the colors you see.
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to Blake at ArtByBBlossoms@gmail.com. Let’s paint something amazing together!
Ages 15 and up
$35
Sign up here!

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!
Sign up here!

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!
Sign up here!

Watercolor Workshop Series: Mastering Basic Techniques
Objective: Build confidence in using fundamental watercolor techniques.
Content:
Review of techniques covered in Workshop 1, with a focus on application.
Introduction to layering and glazing techniques for depth and texture.
Discussion on controlling water and pigment ratios.
Activity: students will complete guided exercises, such as painting simple shapes and gradients, to reinforce their understanding of the techniques.
Description:
Take your watercolor skills to the next level! Building on the previous week’s workshop, in this session, we’ll dive deeper into mastering the magic of watercolor by exploring the art application. You’ll learn layering through glazing. You’ll unlock the secrets of water control — knowing exactly how much is just right — and fine-tune your paint-to-water ratios for maximum impact. You will determine which techniques to use when — and how to properly perform them.
Get ready to conquer those tricky techniques and bring your artistic vision to life with bold, beautiful washes and precise, controlled strokes. Whether you’re looking to create soft, ethereal layers or vivid pops of color, this session is packed with tips and tricks to elevate your painting game. Let’s level up and paint like pros!
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to Blake at ArtByBBlossoms@gmail.com. Let’s paint something amazing together!
Ages 15 and up
$35
Sign up here!

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!
Sign up here!

Watercolor Workshop Series: Fundamentals
Objective: Introduce students to the basic materials and techniques of watercolor painting.
Content:
Overview of watercolor supplies: types of paints (tube vs. pan), brushes, and paper.
Discussion of the effects of various supply combinations
Introduction to essential techniques: washes, wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and dry brush.
Activity: students will practice creating color swatches and simple washes on paper to become familiar with their supplies.
Description:
Ready to dive into the magical world of watercolor? Join us for an engaging kickoff session where we’ll unravel the mysteries of paint, paper, and the techniques that make watercolor so mesmerizing. From exploring the perfect brushes to discovering how paper choice transforms your art, you’ll leave feeling empowered to create with confidence.
We’ll also get hands-on with the essential moves that every watercolorist needs in their toolbox: *wet-on-wet* for those dreamy blends, *wet-on-dry* for crisp edges, and fun techniques like *charging,* *glazing,* and *lifting* that add depth and drama to your work. All materials (and good vibes) are provided—including paper for your notes and sketches!
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to Blake at ArtByBBlossoms@gmail.com. Let’s paint something amazing together!
Ages 15 and up
$35
Sign up here!

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!
Sign up here!

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Lunch Hour
Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!
Sign up here!

Acrylic Painting for Beginners
Learn the basics of color mixing, blending, brustrokes and more in this introduction to acrylic painting for adults.
Ages 16 and up
$150 for six weeks, meets every Thursday at 2
Sign up here!

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Lunch Hour
Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!
$5
Sign up here!

Watercolor Workshop Series: Mastering Basic Techniques
Objective: Build confidence in using fundamental watercolor techniques.
Content:
Review of techniques covered in Workshop 1, with a focus on application.
Introduction to layering and glazing techniques for depth and texture.
Discussion on controlling water and pigment ratios.
Activity: students will complete guided exercises, such as painting simple shapes and gradients, to reinforce their understanding of the techniques.
Description:
Take your watercolor skills to the next level! Building on the previous week’s workshop, in this session, we’ll dive deeper into mastering the magic of watercolor by exploring the art application. You’ll learn layering through glazing. You’ll unlock the secrets of water control — knowing exactly how much is just right — and fine-tune your paint-to-water ratios for maximum impact. You will determine which techniques to use when — and how to properly perform them.
Get ready to conquer those tricky techniques and bring your artistic vision to life with bold, beautiful washes and precise, controlled strokes. Whether you’re looking to create soft, ethereal layers or vivid pops of color, this session is packed with tips and tricks to elevate your painting game. Let’s level up and paint like pros!
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to Blake at ArtByBBlossoms@gmail.com. Let’s paint something amazing together!
Ages 15 and up
$35
Sign up here!

Paint and Sip, Holiday Ornaments
Follow step-by-step instructions for creating 3 customizable wooden ornaments. You can enjoy a warm beverage and a cozy holiday painting session!
Ages 21 and up
$25
Sign up here!

Beginning Watercolor Workshop: Autumn Leaves
Discover the beauty of watercolor in this beginner watercolor workshop, where we’ll focus on painting vibrant, autumnal maple leaves. Led by Blake Bottoms (they/them), a Charlottesville-based watercolor artist, this workshop is perfect for beginners looking to explore the fundamentals of watercolor painting in a relaxed, supportive environment.
In this class, you’ll learn:
Basic watercolor techniques like wet-on-wet and layering washes
How to mix colors to capture the rich hues of autumn leaves
Simple brushstrokes to create natural textures and shapes
Tips on composition and adding finishing details
Blake will guide you step-by-step as you create your own stunning maple leaf painting, with plenty of room for creativity and personal expression. Whether you’re brand new to watercolor or looking to refresh your skills, this class is a great way to dive into the art of watercolor painting. All materials are provided, so just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!
Ages 14 and up
$40
Sign up here!

Paint the Northern Lights in Watercolor
Luminescent sparkles of magnetic light can easily be rendered in watercolor. Join local artist, Donna Whitman, with Joyfully Rendered, as she shares with you from her visual journal of her excursion to Alaska while taking you on a journey to explore your own interpretation of the Northern Lights by creating this marvelous sight in watercolor. You’ll leave with a 5x7 of your very own. No previous art experience required and all supplies will be provided. Dress for play!
ages 15 and up
$35
Sign up here!

Watercolor Workshop: Succulents
Join us for a peaceful and engaging watercolor session where we'll paint the beautiful echeveria, a popular type of succulent known for its rosette shape and vibrant hues. This workshop is beginner to intermediate friendly. Blake Bottoms will offer step-by-step guidance on watercolor techniques such as blending, shading, and creating depth to capture the unique textures and colors of this striking plant.
No prior watercolor experience is required, and all supplies will be provided. Come immerse yourself in a creative atmosphere and leave with your own stunning artwork of this resilient and fascinating plant!
Ages 15 and up
$35
Sign up here!

Autumn Birches in Watercolor
Join, Donna Whitman, local artist at Joyfully Rendered, as she leads you on an exciting watercolor adventure deep into a forest of warm autumn birches. You’ll be learning and practicing the wet on wet technique and employing a unique tool to help you paint realistic trees! No prior art experience necessary.
ages 16 and up
$35
Sign up here!