Ages 16 and older
Instructor: Barbara Loomis
Wednesdays, February 26th, March 5th and 12th (3 weeks)
1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $80 per person

In this three-week oil painting class, participants will have the opportunity to explore and create a floral subject in depth, drawing inspiration from Georgia O’Keeffe’s large, abstract flower paintings. Prior experience with oil painting is highly recommended. Participants may bring their own floral references, either live or photographic, or they can work from those provided by the instructor. A 20” x 24” canvas is included, but students are welcome to bring larger canvases if they prefer.

Ages 16 and older
Instructor: Eloise Shelton-Mayo
Saturday, March 8th
12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $60 per person

Are you curious about the process of making lovely and strong collages? In this workshop, Eloise will teach you steps and strategies to create a series of collages. She will provide vintage book pages, maps, handmade papers, stamps, altered Nat Geo papers, and so much more. It will be informative and fun!

You will need to bring matte gel medium, such as Golden’s or TCW matte gel medium, and a glue stick. You can bring any papers, bits of fiber, or other materials you’d like to include.  The instructor provides support paper, a sponge brush, mark-making tools, and some paint, along with loads of collage materials. 

Ages 18 and older
Instructor: Debbie Garvey
Saturday, March 8th
1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $100 per person

Join our Lumpia and Wonton cooking class for a delicious culinary adventure! Enjoy a hands-on experience as you mix fresh ingredients, wrap rolls, and cook delicious creations. Come hungry and ready for fun!

Ages 18 and older
Instructor: Barbara Loomis
Wednesdays, March 26th - April 16th (4 weeks)
1:00 - 3:15 p.m.
Cost: $110 per person

Ready to enhance your drawing abilities? Join our focused course on realistic rendering of the human figure, tackling the most challenging aspects—heads, hands, and feet. This hands-on experience in graphite and charcoal will boost your confidence and precision. Previous drawing experience is recommended, and a drawing board is essential. All materials will be provided by the instructor. Don't miss this chance to refine your craft and unleash your artistic potential!

Ages 16 and older
Instructor: Sarah Morgan
Saturday, March 29th
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $65 per person

Join us for an immersive Ukrainian egg workshop where you'll discover the art of crafting pysanky—beautiful Ukrainian Easter eggs adorned with intricate folk designs. Using a traditional wax-resist method, you'll learn to write stunning patterns with beeswax instead of painting. During the workshop, participants will receive comprehensive handouts featuring detailed, step-by-step instructions, along with captivating traditional images and an exploration of their meanings. Supplies included.

Ages 13 and older
Instructor: Eloise Shelton-Mayo
Saturday, April 5th
12:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $70 per person

With hands-on demos and expert tips, you’ll learn to design collages that truly stand out. Materials: Bring one tube of white & black acrylic paint, a black felt-tipped marker and a jar of soft gel medium such as Golden or Liquitex, but any brand will do. The instructor will provide watercolor paper, various paints, inks, markers, shape cutters, unique papers, old letter stamps, fibers, and more.

Speaker: Dr. Christopher Hein
Friday, April 11th
11:00 a.m.
Cost: FREE

Coastal Virginia experiences the second fastest rate of sea-level rise in the country and, like almost everywhere else in the world, the rate of rise is increasing. This talk will seek to place modern sea-level rise in the context of past changes in sea level locally and globally, relying on the geologic and historical records, and shed light on whether what we are facing today is truly “unprecedented.” It will explore global processes acting over millions of years to explain why sea level has once been hundreds of feet higher, and just as far lower, than today. Finally, it will end with a discussion of the future: how much faster will sea level rise, and what changes can we expect to the Eastern Shore as a result.

Dr. Hein is an Associate professor in Coastal Geology at The College of William and Mary/VIMS Hein’s research focuses on coastal populations, infrastructure, and ecological communities currently threatened by atmospheric warming, accelerated sea-level rise, changes in the frequency and intensity of coastal storms, and variability in sediment supply rates. His primary research focuses on the mainland and barrier islands of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Chris was awarded the Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award at William & Mary in 2022.

Ages 13 and older
Instructor: Eden Ertle
Saturday, April 12th
10:00 a.m. - Noon
Cost: $50 per person

Create a one-of-a-kind felted bunny! Your cute rabbit can decorate your home this spring or grace the Easter basket of a loved one! Choose from a variety of colors of Eastern Shore Hog Island wool! Learn to create the most basic shapes and build using the needle felting method! All experience levels are welcome!

Ages 13 and older
Instructor: Heather Apgar
Saturday, April 12th
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person

Transform your spring decor by joining us for an inspiring wreath-making workshop just ahead of the Easter holiday! Create a stunning and personalized wreath that will breathe life into your space. All the supplies you'll need are provided, but don’t forget to bring your garden shears and scissors.

Speakers: Greg Kimball and Cluny Brown
Friday, April 18th
10:30 a.m.
Cost: FREE

Public music-making was a common feature of American life until the 1950s and still is in some cities. In urban centers, small towns, and courthouse squares, passersby listened to jackleg preachers, itinerant songsters, and aspiring local players. Musicians who delivered compelling performances were sure to hear the jangle of coins being dropped in their cup. But who were these songsters? Why were many of them blind? What challenges did they face? Join Dr. Gregg D. Kimball and singer Cluny Brown for a presentation in song and images as they explore the world of the street musician. This presentation is inspired by Dr. Kimball’s new book, Searching for Jimmie Strother: A Tale of Music, Murder, and Memory published by the University of Virginia Press.

Ages 16 and older
Instructor: Matt Ertle
Saturday, April 26th
12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person

Learn how to make pasta dough by hand and process it into pasta with a simple pasta machine. Each student will make their own dough and process it. We will also learn how to make some simple pasta sauces, cook the pasta, and taste it! This class will require a pasta machine, which is not included in the class cost. Please contact BIC with purchase information.

Ages 18 and older
Instructor: Barbara Loomis
Wednesdays, April 30th - May 28th (4 weeks, skipping May 21st)
1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $110 per person

This course builds on the foundational skills from Part I, diving into advanced tools, materials, and techniques. Experienced participants can create two instructor-selected paintings or explore their own vision with personalized support. With provided canvases and materials, you’ll elevate your artistic practice and unleash your creativity.

Ages 18 and older
Instructor: Amy Felske
Saturdays, May 3rd and May 10th
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $175 per person

Join us for a magical 2-day class to create your own stunning Circle Dragon! Suitable for all skill levels, this workshop provides everything you need—no sewing machine required. Hand sewing skills are helpful but not necessary. Extra kits and supplies will be available for purchase. Let your creativity shine and bring your dragon to life!

Speaker: DeeDee Dalrymple
Thursday, May 8th
4:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE

How many times have you said “We should have people over,” only to sigh and decide it’s too much work? DeeDee Dalrymple hears you and wants to help turn your best intentions into real-life invitations to welcome others into your home. Her presentation, based on her book, Effortless Entertaining, is a step-by-step guide to show everyone — from the most reluctant to the most seasoned host — that entertaining graciously can be easy and should be fun! Join us at the Barrier Islands Center for a lively presentation where DeeDee will share creative ideas and practical strategies to inspire and equip you with everything you need to host your next party. Reserve your spot today!

Ages 13 and older
Instructor: Eden Ertle
Saturday, May 17th
10:00 a.m. - Noon
Cost: $45 per person

If you would love a personal way to capture the beauty of the Eastern Shore, you will love this class. Create a mini acrylic painting (3x3 inches) with an easel to go with it! Bring a photo of a sunset, colorful field, or serene picture of the bay. Eden will talk you through ways to show depth, mix colors and apply brush techniques to enhance your painting.

Ages 13 and older
Instructor: Heather Apgar
Saturday, May 17th
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person

Join us for a delightful workshop where you can create a stunning floral arrangement to share with someone special! We’ll be working with a beautiful selection of fresh, seasonal greenery and blooms that reflect the best of our local landscape. All the supplies needed for your masterpiece will be provided, but please remember to bring your garden shears and scissors.

Ages 13 and older
Instructor: Eloise Shelton-May
Saturday, June 7th
12:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $70 per person

Let’s dive into the world of creativity and craft a stunning accordion book filled with beautiful ink compositions! Eloise will demonstrate various techniques and provide large watercolor paper along with a selection of vibrant colored inks, variety of beautiful papers, skewers, jute, buttons or metal for closures, a bone folder, and an assortment of vibrant inks to enhance your creations.  This workshop promises to be as fun and gratifying as it looks. Please bring one black (or indigo blue) acrylic ink, along with a metallic acrylic ink in copper or gold, and a glue stick.

Ages 10 and older
Instructor: Virginia Custis
Thursday, August 14th
9:00 a.m. - Noon
Cost: $25 per person

Explore the beauty of nature while creating delightful miniature “fairy” houses and furniture! We’ll provide glue guns, glue sticks, and decorative items for your imaginative projects. Feel free to bring any extra materials to enhance your creations. Please ensure you're comfortable using a hot glue gun independently. Join us for a fun and creative experience!