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 April Exhibit
The Art of Golf
Opening Reception, Friday, 4/5, 5:00-7:00 pm
Upcoming Classes 2024
Pricing: Full Member/Associate Member/Non-Member
Creating Altered Nat Geo Papers - Carol Gradwohl - April 11th and 12th
Thursday and Friday, April 11th and 12th, 10:30-3:00 $91/$102/$113
Students will learn how to alter National Geographic magazine pages using Citra Solv. One day one, students will practice using various techniques to create small art and different ways to embellish and create papers for future projects. On the second day, students will learn how to create a collage using their Citra Solv papers and the instructor will demonstrate the use of resin to enhance their work with brilliance and luminosity. All levels. (30 minute lunch break)
Sold OutUsing Light and Color in the Landscape - Courtney Herndon - April 15th and 16th
Monday and Tuesday, April 15th and 16th, 10:00 – 3:30,$86/$97/$108
We will be inspired by shapes in our photo references, then enhance them with color and light, using our paints and brushes to capture what the camera misses. Please join me for two days of COLOR in your painting. Lots of color mixing, a big brush, and thought. “A loose painting is not loosely done” (1 hour lunch break)
Sold OutFoundations of Colored Pencil - Laureen Kirk - April 17th and 18th
Wednesday & Thursday, April 17th & 18th – 10:00-3:00, $82/$92/$101
This class will explore the basic techniques of using colored pencil as a finished art medium. We will cover which colored pencils are considered quality art mediums, concerns about lightfastness, and choosing the best types of paper. We will learn the best practices in applying the medium and complete some small compositions using techniques to ultimately enliven your drawings. Beginner. (1 hour lunch)
Sold OutLandscape Tips in Oil - 4 week series -April 22nd, April 29th, May 6th, May 13th
Mondays, April 22, April 29. May 6, May 13 – 10:00-12:00, $82/$91/$101
This class will include 9 big tips from the Oil Painters of America National Convention last March. You will practice painting landscapes in morning and sunset. These are tips that can make your landscapes or any other painting a knockout and separate you from the crowd. Join us for four weeks of painting fun.
Workshops
Sold OutBringing 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 May Exhibit
As Large as Life
Featuring the art of Vanessa Grebe
Opening Reception Friday, May 3, 5:00-7:00
“As Large as Life” exhibits a series of large format works that have been created in the past two years. Working on a large scale allows her the freedom to add and subtract imagery to further tell a story. The works in this show vary in subject matter and style, but they are all indeed as large as life. Vanessa’s medium is oil, with the occasional addition of cold wax. She paints on canvas, linen, burlap and even once on a very old piece of cardboard box. Nothing is off limits in her creations. Vanessa’s work has been featured in public installations in Maryland, South Carolina and North Carolina and exhibited in The Columbia Museum of Art. She is honored to have her work in collections ranging from the esteemed Tavares Collection in Massachusetts to popular restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina as well as many homes throughout the country. Her exhibit will be on display through Friday, May 24.
Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, noon to 3:00.
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,
