TAG Annual Fundraising Campaign

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Tappahannock Artists Guild

The Tappahannock Artists Guild fosters creativity and community through art education, exhibitions, and workshops, empowering individuals to explore their artistic potential and connect with others in the local arts scene.

Weekly classes for students that value regular instruction, accountability and steady creative momentum. &nbsp; Students will work in their choice of medium, including paint, watercolor, pastels, pen and ink and pencil. &nbsp;Working on independent &nbsp;projects, there will be guidance and individual critiques from the instructor.<br style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> &nbsp;Wednesdays 10am - 12:30pm

Guided Open Studio June 3 - July 22

&nbsp;Sip &amp; Create at TAG&nbsp; Join us on Thursday, July 16, from 6:30&ndash;8:30 PM for our monthly Sip &amp; Create event at the Tappahannock Artists Guild! Instructor Joyce Crown-Wilkins will guide participants as we take inspiration from the beautiful and decorative works of Gustav Klimt to create unique paintings on 6&quot; x 6&quot; panels&mdash;perfect for donating to TAG&rsquo;s upcoming fundraiser. Using acrylic paints and paint pens, we&rsquo;ll explore abstracted forms, rich patterns, and decorative designs inspired by Klimt&rsquo;s signature style. Whether you are an experienced artist or simply looking for a creative evening out, this class offers a fun and welcoming opportunity to experiment and create. Enjoy an evening of art, creativity, and community while discovering your own artistic style. Gather your friends, bring your imagination, and join us for a memorable night at TAG! &nbsp;Thursday, July 16 &nbsp;6:30&ndash;8:30 PM &nbsp;Tappahannock Artists Guild Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! Your registration helps the Tappahannock Artists Guild support local artists and affordable art education for all ages. Come sip, create, and connect with neighbors who care about keeping the arts alive in our community. 🥂

Sip & Create 6" x 6" panels

Explore the basics of abstract art in a relaxed, hands-on session 🎨. In this introductory workshop, you&rsquo;ll experiment with color, shape, and texture to create your own abstract piece, with gentle guidance from VMFA instructor Leigh Anne Chambers. This course is an introduction to creating an abstract painting from loose sketches in paint on watercolor paper, then mounting the paper on panel. Students will create a variety of sketches in paint derived or influenced by at least one object from nature. The sketches will be in acrylic on watercolor paper incorporating different techniques that range from pouring paint to making prints to including their own personal style. There will be an informal critique where the student will consider which sketch to finish and then mount with gel medium on a 12&rdquo; x 12&rdquo; wood panel to create a finished painting.&nbsp; No prior experience needed&mdash;just curiosity. By joining, you support the Tappahannock Artists Guild&rsquo;s mission to keep art accessible in our community 🤝. As a VMFA Statewide Partner, TAG is able to offer free classes to our community taught by experts in their fields. We charge a small materials fee to cover our costs. Please consider making a donation to keep these workshops possible in our town! Attention teachers: with approval from your school system, this workshop can qualify for 5 recertification hours!

Introduction to Abstracting

Join us for an evening of creativity and community as you paint a patriotic design on natural slate, step by step, with guidance from Tappahannock Artists Guild member Anne Pritchett. 🎨🇺🇸 Your registration helps the Guild support local artists and keep arts education accessible in Tappahannock. No experience needed&mdash;just bring yourself, your beverage of choice, your curiosity, and enjoy a relaxed &ldquo;sip &amp; create&rdquo; night with neighbors who love the arts.

Sip & Create Patriotic Painting on Slate

Discover the basics of drawing with colored pencils in a relaxed, small-group class with instructor Donald Johnson. 3-week class. Sign up for one, two, or all three sessions. Learn how to choose materials, blend colors, build layers, and add simple shading to make your sketches come alive. Goal: Build foundational techniques for using colored pencils, graphite, and ink to acquire the skills needed to create a small drawing using a photographic reference. 1st Class: This class &nbsp;will start with an introduction to supplies and demonstration of basic handling of the material and techniques; such as shading, hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and blending. Participants will &nbsp;complete drawing exercises to experiment with the materials and create foundation drawings (sketches) from a reference photograph or object in preparation for their final drawing.&nbsp; 2nd Class: This class will focus on creating depth in their drawings through the use of perspective, tone, and value. &nbsp;Participants will complete black and white drawings in preparation for their final drawings. &nbsp;Students will be encouraged to bring in an object(s) or photograph for reference. 3rd Class: There will be a class demonstration of colored pencil techniques (blending, layering, and shading). &nbsp; Participants will combine skills from the previous classes to create a final drawing using colored pencils, graphite, and ink. The instructor will have materials to share, however here is a list of suggested materials:Good set of colored pencils (such as Prismacolor)Kneaded eraserPermanent extra fine tip marker or pen set (Pigma Micron)Set of graphite pencilsPencil sharpenerTransparent rulerSketchbook for dry media with smooth texture&nbsp; This workshop supports the Tappahannock Artists Guild&rsquo;s mission to make art accessible for everyone. Beginners and curious creatives are welcome&mdash;no experience needed, just an open mind and a willingness to try something new.

Intro to Drawing with Colored Pencils

Slow down, breathe deeply, and let your pen wander. Join us for a relaxing and creative class in meditative doodling using black-and-white ink on 6 x 6 watercolor paper. Through simple patterns, lines, and shapes, you&rsquo;ll discover how mindful drawing can quiet the mind, reduce stress, and spark creativity &mdash; no artistic experience required. All skill levels are welcome. Come enjoy an evening of calm focus, creativity, and the simple joy of making art one line at a time. BYOB to sip along while you create! Completed works will be appropriate for the Squares for the Cure charity show in August.

Sip & Create Meditative Doodling

Each fall, artists gather in the Northern Neck to capture the rivers, farms, forests, and waterfronts of our region during the Tidelands Plein Air Festival. The festival culminates in the Art on the Wall Collectors Party, a lively evening where guests meet the artists and have the first opportunity to purchase the freshly created paintings. Approximately 150 collectors, art lovers, and community leaders attend this celebration of art and place. Proceeds support the Tappahannock Artists Guild&rsquo;s programs for local artists, students, and community arts education.

Each fall, artists gather in the Northern Neck to capture the rivers, farms, forests, and waterfronts of our region during the Tidelands Plein Air Festival.The festival culminates in the Art on the Wall Collectors Party, a lively evening where guests meet the artists and have the first opportunity to purchase the freshly created paintings.Approximately 150 collectors, art lovers, and community leaders attend this celebration of art and place.Proceeds support the Tappahannock Artists Guild’s programs for local artists, students, and community arts education.

Sponsor Art on the Wall 2026

Community MembersThis brand new opportunity was just introduced in 2026, and we think it&rsquo;s a win/win for TAG and our community. &nbsp;An annual fee of $50 per person gives a 10% discount on classes and a 5% discount on artwork. &nbsp;That&rsquo;s all there is to it. Sign up below to support TAG and become one of the first TAG Community Members.Your membership Is only one click away. You&#39;re it. Artist MembersArtists can join TAG to display artwork at the gallery. Guild Artist members ($200 per year) have dedicated wall space in the main gallery and participate in the running of the gallery as docents and committee members. Exhibiting Artist Members ($100 per year) do not have dedicated wall space but can display work in member shows (2-3 times per year). Both levels of artist membership require a jury review before admission.&nbsp;

Community MembersThis brand new opportunity was just introduced in 2026, and we think it’s a win/win for TAG and our community. An annual fee of $50 per person gives a 10% discount on classes and a 5% discount on artwork. That’s all there is to it. Sign up below to support TAG and become one of the first TAG Community Members.Your membership Is only one click away. You're it.Artist MembersArtists can join TAG to display artwork at the gallery. Guild Artist members ($200 per year) have dedicated wall space in the main gallery and participate in the running of the gallery as docents and committee members. Exhibiting Artist Members ($100 per year) do not have dedicated wall space but can display work in member shows (2-3 times per year). Both levels of artist membership require a jury review before admission.

TAG Memberships

As we look back on another creative and meaningful year at Tappahannock Art Guild, TAG, we are filled with gratitude&mdash;for you, our friends, artists, and art lovers who make everything we do possible. This year, our gallery walls came alive with the work of local artists, from established professionals to first-time exhibitors. We hosted workshops that sparked new skills and friendships, youth art programs that nurtured the next generation of creators, and community plein air events that brought art out into the heart of Tappahannock. Your generosity sustains that spirit. When you give to TAG, you directly support art education, exhibitions, and the creative energy that helps our town thrive.As we plan for the year ahead, we are excited to further expand our educational outreach. We will have the return of TAG&rsquo;s Summer Art Camp, and free KidzArt activities during farmer&rsquo;s markets. We&rsquo;ve been working with area art teachers to offer recertification and teaching opportunities. One of our goals is to enlarge and upgrade our gallery with dedicated workshop and studio space, bringing in more people from Essex and surrounding counties to more programs throughout the year. With increased space we hope to offer more youth art classes. We will continue to host the Tidelands Plein Air event in October, which brings artists from around the country to celebrate our town on canvas. But we can only fulfill these visions with your help. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Tappahannock Artists&rsquo; Guild? Your contribution will help us continue to celebrate and share the arts that define our community.&nbsp; Thank you for believing in the power of art to inspire, connect, and enrich our lives. We aredeeply grateful for your continued support.

As we look back on another creative and meaningful year at Tappahannock Art Guild, TAG, we are filled with gratitude—for you, our friends, artists, and art lovers who make everything we do possible.This year, our gallery walls came alive with the work of local artists, from established professionals to first-time exhibitors. We hosted workshops that sparked new skills and friendships, youth art programs that nurtured the next generation of creators, and community plein air events that brought art out into the heart of Tappahannock.Your generosity sustains that spirit. When you give to TAG, you directly support art education, exhibitions, and the creative energy that helps our town thrive.As we plan for the year ahead, we are excited to further expand our educational outreach. We will have the return of TAG’s Summer Art Camp, and free KidzArt activities during farmer’s markets. We’ve been working with area art teachers to offer recertification and teaching opportunities.One of our goals is to enlarge and upgrade our gallery with dedicated workshop and studio space, bringing in more people from Essex and surrounding counties to more programs throughout the year. With increased space we hope to offer more youth art classes.We will continue to host the Tidelands Plein Air event in October, which brings artists from around the country to celebrate our town on canvas. But we can only fulfill these visions with your help.Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Tappahannock Artists’ Guild? Your contribution will help us continue to celebrate and share the arts that define our community. Thank you for believing in the power of art to inspire, connect, and enrich our lives. We aredeeply grateful for your continued support.

Explore colored pencils, markers, and more in this hands-on introduction to mixed media drawing. 🎨 You&rsquo;ll experiment with layering color, adding texture, and building simple compositions step by step. Goal: Build foundational techniques for using colored pencils, graphite, pastels and ink to acquire the skills needed to create a small drawing using a photographic reference. Class Schedule &amp; Curriculum 1st Class: Foundations &amp; Texture<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Learn basic supply handling.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Watch technique demonstrations.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Practice shading and blending.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Master hatching and cross-hatching.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Explore stippling for value changes.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Render objects to look 3-dimensional.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Complete experimental drawing exercises.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Create foundation sketches from references.&nbsp;</li></ul>2nd Class: Depth &amp; Perspective<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Focus on building drawing depth.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Apply perspective rules.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Utilize tone and value changes.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Complete advanced preparatory sketches.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Bring personal reference photos or objects.&nbsp;</li></ul>3rd Class: Color &amp; Final Project<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Watch colored media demonstrations.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Learn color blending and layering.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Practice advanced color shading.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Combine all learned skills.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Create a final multimedia drawing.&nbsp;</li></ul>Suggested Materials Checklist<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Colored pencils (Prismacolor recommended)</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Graphite pencil set (Various hardness levels)</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Chalk pastels or pastel pencils</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Fine tip marker (Sharpie or Pigma Micron)</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Kneaded eraser</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Pencil sharpener</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Transparent ruler</li></ul>Note: The instructor will provide shared materials, but having your own is recommended.&nbsp; This class supports the Tappahannock Artists Guild&rsquo;s mission to make art accessible to everyone. Whether you&rsquo;re picking up drawing tools for the first time or returning after a break, you&rsquo;ll leave with finished pieces, new skills, and fresh ideas for your own creative practice. 🤝

Introduction to Drawing with Colored Mixed Media

Make a thing! Support Be the Cure!&nbsp; Join us on Monday, August 17 from 1-3pm for a 6x6 creation event at the Tappahannock Artists Guild! Instructor Robert Placky will guide participants as we create a heart-centered collage perfect for donating to TAG&rsquo;s upcoming fundraiser. Enjoy an afternoon of art, creativity, and community while discovering your own artistic style. Gather your friends, bring your imagination, and join us for a memorable night at TAG! &nbsp;Monday, August 17 1:00 - 3:00 pm &nbsp;Tappahannock Artists Guild Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! Your registration helps the Tappahannock Artists Guild support local artists and affordable art education for all ages. Come sip, create, and connect with neighbors who care about keeping the arts alive in our community. 🥂

Make-it Monday 6" x 6" Heart Collage

&nbsp;Sip &amp; Create at TAG&nbsp; Join us on Thursday, August 20, from 6:30&ndash;8:00 PM for our monthly Sip &amp; Create event at the Tappahannock Artists Guild! Part journaling and part collaging, Soul Collage requires no art skills. Through this creative and simple process, you&rsquo;ll embark on a path of sacred self-discovery, unearthing whatever might be awaiting your attention beneath the surface. We&rsquo;ll work with magazines, photos, books and other media to gather and assemble visual imagery that speaks to us in a meaningful way. You&rsquo;ll leave with cards you&rsquo;ve created as totems of your inner work. The workshop is led by May-Lily Lee, who has created more than 500 Soul Collages. Six-time regional Emmy award-winner May-Lily Lee has been called &ldquo;Virginia&rsquo;s Storyteller&rdquo; for her more than two decades of distinctive work in Virginia Public Broadcasting. She began her path in journalism by graduating at age 19 from the University of Maryland, where she earned a scholarship as a Maryland Distinguished Scholar. She is a prominent figure in the fields of television and radio, particularly in the state of Virginia.&nbsp; Ms. Lee was Host/Senior Producer of Virginia Currents, Host of the academic quiz show Battle of the Brains, and Host/Producer of a number of other weekly series including Capitol Events, Virginia Legislature: The Week, and Women&rsquo;s Forum, in addition to documentary and live specials. She&rsquo;s also moderated and paneled a number of Virginia&rsquo;s gubernatorial and statewide debates. Following her work on Virginia Public Television, Ms. Lee moved to Virginia Public Radio in Roanoke where for two years she hosted the weekly statewide talk show Virginia Conversations. For her pursuit of excellence in broadcasting, she was inducted into the prestigious Silver Circle of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences (NATAS-Chesapeake Bay region) whose honorees represent hallmarks of broadcasting through their excellence and innovation. Participants may bring their own beverages to sip on during the workshop. Advance registration is required and the fee for participation is $15 per person, which will be donated to the Squares for the Cure fundraiser opening on August 28. Register on TAG&rsquo;s website, tapparts.org. &nbsp;Thursday, August 20 &nbsp;6:30&ndash;8:00 PM &nbsp;Tappahannock Artists Guild Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Sip & Create Soul Collage with May-Lily Lee

Why did Ukiyo-e prints resonate so profoundly with artists such as James Whistler, Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, and Toulouse-Lautrec? How did images of Edo&rsquo;s &ldquo;floating world&rdquo; inspire Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists to explore all aspects of European culture, including the Parisian demi-monde? Twyla Kitts leads this illustrated adventure exploring the connections between Japanese woodblock prints and the artistic transformations in Western art during the Belle &Eacute;poque. No prior experience needed&mdash;just curiosity. By joining, you support the Tappahannock Artists Guild&rsquo;s mission to keep art accessible in our community 🤝. As a VMFA Statewide Partner, TAG is able to offer free classes to our community taught by experts in their fields. We charge a small reservation fee to cover our costs and to ensure attendance. Please consider making a donation to keep these workshops possible in our town! Attention teachers: with approval from your school system, this workshop can qualify for 2 recertification hours!

Sunday Series: The Japanese Aesthetic: Floating World to Demi-monde

Weekly classes for students of all levels that value regular instruction, accountability &nbsp;and a steady creative momentum.&nbsp;<div dir="auto" fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div><div dir="auto" fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div>Mediums included, but not limited to: acrylic paint, watercolor, pastels, pen and ink, colored pencils. &nbsp;<div dir="auto" fr-original-style="" style="line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div>&nbsp; Wednesdays 10am - 12:30pm

Guided Open Studio September 2 - October 21

Art on the Wall is your ticket into an evening surrounded by local creativity 🎨. Each ticket helps the Tappahannock Artists Guild support exhibitions, workshops, and year‑round art experiences for our community. Reserve your spot, bring a friend, and spend time with original works by artists who call this region home. Your registration keeps art accessible to everyone in Tappahannock 🤝.

Art on the Wall tickets

Weekly classes for students that value regular instruction, accountability and steady creative momentum. &nbsp; Students will work in their choice of medium, including paint, watercolor, pastels, pen and ink and pencil. &nbsp;Working on independent &nbsp;projects, there will be guidance and individual critiques from the instructor. Wednesdays 10am - 12:30pm (no class November 25)

Tappahannock Artists Guild

Tappahannock Artists Guild

Events

Events

Introduction to Drawing with Colored Mixed Media

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Make-it Monday 6" x 6" Heart Collage

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Sip & Create Soul Collage with May-Lily Lee

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Sunday Series: The Japanese Aesthetic: Floating World to Demi-monde

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Guided Open Studio September 2 - October 21

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Art on the Wall tickets

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Guided Open Studio October 28 - December 2

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More ways to support us

Sponsor Art on the Wall 2026

$0 of $11,000 goal

Donate today

TAG Memberships

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TAG Annual Fundraising Campaign

$360 of $10,000 goal

Donate today

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