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.
Artists League of the Sandhills
Gallery, Studios, Classes
Artist-Run Nonprofit Organization in Moore County
Our November Exhibit
Artists League of the Sandhills Annual Fall Exhibit and Sale Opening Reception and Weekend
Please join us on Friday, November 8, from 5:00-7:00 for the public opening reception of the Artists League’s 30th Annual Art Exhibit and Sale. This is our biggest event of the year!
The opening weekend continues on Saturday, November 9, from 11:00 to 3:00 p.m. Join us for cookies and punch and meet the artists as they paint in their studios throughout the weekend. The exhibit and sale will remain open through Friday, December 20th with gallery hours from noon to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Upcoming Classes 2024-2025
Pricing: Full Member/Associate Member/Non-Member
Using Light and Color in the Landscape - Courtney Herndon - Oct. 23rd & 24th
Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 23rd & 24th, 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)
Beginning Acrylic Pouring - Meredith Markfield - October 25th
Friday, October 25th, 11:00 – 2:00, $37/$40/$44
This class is an introduction to basic fluid acrylic pouring. Students will learn to mix the paints with flow medium to the proper consistency. They will observe demonstrations of both a “dirty pour flip cup” and a “bottle bottom” pour. Then students will each create their own two paintings. Most supplies included
Discovering Acrylics - Beth Ybarra - Sept. 16th & 17th
Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 16th & 17th, 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
Introduction to Soft Pastels - Kathy Petz - Sept. 24th
Thursday, Sept. 24th, 1:00 – 4:00, $39/$42/$46
Always wanted to try soft pastels but didn’t know where to start? This class will introduce you to the various brands and types of pastels and papers available and their specific qualities. We will also discuss how to start a pastel painting, and more! Students will complete some exercises and get to try out the different supplies. Beginner (supplies included)
Workshops
If a Workshop is "SOLD OUT", Call or Contact the Artists League office to be added to a waiting list.
CompletedBringing 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.
CompletedThe 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
CompletedThe 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
See How It's Done!
Learn How To Create Your Own Art!!!
Sunday, January 5, 2025
2:00 – 4:00
Instructors Class Demonstrations and Registration Event
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,
