Artists League of the Sandhills
Gallery, Studios, Classes
Artist-Run Nonprofit Organization in Moore County
The Artists League of the Sandhills is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high quality art education to its members and community. Housed in a converted former train depot in historic downtown Aberdeen, NC, the League offers classes, workshops, studio spaces and a gallery in which its members may exhibit their art. Membership consists of artists working in various 2-dimensional media, who find in the League a supportive and enriching art community.
Our March Exhibit
Artists League of the Sandhills 30 Years in the Making Anniversary Exhibit
Opening Reception Friday, March 1, 5:00-7:00
Upcoming Classes 2024
Pricing: Full Member/Associate Member/Non-Member
Discovering Acrylics - Beth Ybarra - March 21st & 22nd 21st
Thursday and Friday, March 21st and 22nd, 10:00-2:00, $87/$96/$106
Working with a very limited palette, you will learn to mix an amazing range of colors, learn how to set up your palette, and the basics of working with acrylics. We will also have a short discussion about color theory. Paint, brushes, gesso and palette paper will be provided. Beginner
Watercolor on Rice Paper - Pat McMahon - March 26 & 27
Tuesday and Wednesday, March 26th & 27th, 10:00 – 12:00, $38/$43/$48
Come try an exciting new technique with watercolor? Since rice paper is transparent, you put the design under the rice paper and draw it with an indelible felt tip pen. Then you will be drawing with wax on the rice paper, then painting over the wax, crinkling it for texture, then finally ironing it between newspapers to melt out the wax. The effect is awesome and one that will truly enhance your painting! All levels
Introduction to Silk Painting - Kathy Leuck - April 8th & 9th
Monday and Tuesday April 8th and 9th, 9:30-12:30, $98/$105/$112
Each student will learn a basic understanding of how to use Dy-na-flow silk Dyes by Jacquard and a Sumi brush to paint two habotai silk scarves. Students will have written instructions on how to set their silk and care for it when it needs to be washed. A brief description of gutta and resists will be demonstrated a well as printing on silk with stamps and using Art Spectrum tissue paper to color the silk. We will stretch a piece of silk on a frame and learn to apply a gutta resist before we paint. Beginner. All supplies included.
Intro to Encaustic Wax - Pam Griner - April 10th
Wednesday, April 10th, 1:00 – 3:00 – $29/$32/$34
This will be a very basic class just to familiarize students with the medium. We will explore several different techniques and tools for creating beautiful art using hot wax. The wax can be used alone, over other mediums, or on various substrates. Space is limited – Supplies will be included. Beginner
Workshops
Bringing the Color and Light - Steven S. Walker - April 23rd - 25th, 2024
Take your paintings to the next level through this 3-day workshop with artist/instructor Steven S. Walker. Learn how to capture light and how to achieve captivating glows within your paintings while using photographs of your choice as reference. Many of the basic elements of design such as color, composition, and depth will be explored along with a discussion pertaining to observation and photographing for reference. A primary focus during the workshop will be to gain a fundamental understanding of painting materials, techniques, and studio practices to make your painting process easier and more successful. Each day will include a demonstration at the beginning of class. This workshop is open to all levels, although experience with the medium recommended. Each student will receive individual attention catered to his or her skill level. Oil or Acrylic – demo’s will be in oil. Full members $360, Assoc. Members $400, Non-Members $450.
The Simplicity of Watercolor Painting - Rural NC - JJ Jiang - Sept. 9 & 10, 2024
Clarity. Confidence. Common sense. These are what JJ Jiang brings to his instruction. But you will quickly realize that his artistic passion and creativity underlie all that he says and does. With sincerity and good humor, JJ will share his wisdom and insights stemming from his eastern cultural background and his deep knowledge of western art. He approaches painting with a unique and refreshing perspective that he truly enjoys sharing with workshop participants! His years of teaching experience in fine art enable him to support you as you grow in depth andconfidence as an artist. JJ’s teaching is based on his belief that basic fundamentals apply to all subject matter and even across mediums. JJ’s daily demos and talks will include clear instruction on these fundamentals such as drawing, value, color, and edges. JJ will also discuss and demonstrate various techniques in watercolor, but he emphasizes the need for all artists to go beyond technique toexplore their creative drive that has brought them to the easel.In this workshop JJ will do daily demos, give clear, brief talks, and provide individual guidance tailored to your level. To wrap up, if time allows, JJ will have a brief critique and a question &answer session each day.This workshop is geared towards “advanced beginners” to advanced painters. All participants should have some experience with the watercolor medium.This workshop will focus on landscape and/or waterscape (Rural NC scenes)Full Members $325/Assoc. Members $360/ Non-Members $390
The Dramatic Landscape in Pastel - Greg Stone - Oct. 8th & 9th, 2024
I want my paintings to capture a feeling or mood, something that is evocative and memorable. Often that means editing details, rearranging shapes, and venturing from the exact photo reference or actual subject in front of me. Sometimes these landscapes are vast and expansive, but at other times, I prefer to zoom into ascene. Just as poems can be vast and epic like Dante’s Inferno or Homer’s Odyssey, there also are smaller poems that capture certain feelings or certain ordinary moments, like those written by poets Emily Dickinson and Billy Collins. Whether we call them dramatic or poetic, these landscapes communicate feelings as much asthey do a topographical or historical record.In this workshop, we’ll explore ways to add drama to your landscape paintings, making even ordinary scenes look a bit more extraordinary. By focusing on principles of good design and color theory, you’ll sharpen your skills and achieve a new level of confidence as a landscape painter. Each morning will begin with a demo, followed by time at the easel for painting and individual instruction. Advanced Beginner to Advanced LevelFull Members $350, Associate Members $385, Non-Members $420
Our April Exhibit
The Art of Golf
Opening Reception, Friday, 4/5, 5:00-7:00 pm
Register for Classes and Workshops
Check out the art classes and workshops offered by the Artists League. Now is a great time to explore a new medium, brush up skills, and have a wonderful artistic time! Many classes are suitable for beginners.
Stop in and visit our 34 studios and enjoy the opportunity to talk with artists at work. While you are here, stroll through the studio area and view the hundreds of paintings in all mediums. The Artists League has the largest selection of artwork in the Sandhills!!!
Look at the amazing art, make a purchase, or get inspired to take a class!
What a great gift idea… give original art or classes!
Not comfortable choosing a class or a painting for someone else?
Purchase an ALS Gift Certificate!
Our art library is like nothing in the county! Hundreds of books with art information and instruction, which our members may check out.
This project is supported by the Arts Council of Moore County, and by the
North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources,