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 May Exhibit
May Flowers
Opening Reception:
Friday, May 2, 5:00-7:00
Friday, May 2, 5:00-7:00
The exhibit is open through Thursday, May 29.
Upcoming Classes January - May 2025
Pricing: Full Member/Associate Member/Non-Member
The Ancient Art of Weaving – Connie Genuardi – May 9th
Friday, May 9, 10:30-3:30 $49/$55/$60
Create a small one-of-a-kind wall hanging by learning the ancient technique of weaving. Dimension, color mixing and patterns are all achieved through a simple weave on a simple loom. Students will first make their own loom and by using yarns, cords and fabric create their own unique weaving. Finished project will be hung from a branch and be approximately 10” wide by whatever length they choose. (30 minute lunch)
ART FOR KIDS - Ashleigh Corsino Class 4: Beginner Plein Air - Watercolor - May 10th
Saturday, May 10, 2:00-4:00 – $30 6th – 8th Grade
Come practice drawing and painting outside! Students will learn about outdoor painting, the best supplies, and will give plein air painting a try. (All supplies included)
Waitlist
Travel Sketching with Watercolor - Ashleigh Corsino – May 12th
Monday, May 12, 10:00-2:00 $44/$48/$52
Let’s go on an adventure! Students will be introduced to the magic of travel sketching. Best materials and examples will be shared, followed by a demonstration and a chance to try you own travel sketching. Please bring a travel sketchbook, pencil, and your own watercolors. Students will receive a micron pen to try out in class and keep. (30 minute lunch)
Waitlist
Intro to Encaustic Wax – Pam Griner – May 13th
Tuesday, May 13, 1:00-3:00 $29/$32/$34
This will be a very basic class to familiarize students with the medium. We will explore different techniques and tools for creating beautiful art using hot wax. The wax can be used alone, over other mediums, or on various substrates. Beginner (supplies included).
Workshops
Plein Aire Painting – Jeremy Sams April 8-10, 2025
Rejuvenate your artistic creativity by painting in the greatest studio of all…the great outdoors! Join award winning acrylic artist, Jeremy Sams in this landscape painting workshop held at the Artist League of the Sandhills. This workshop will focus on the fundamentals of plein air painting and the “how to’s” of capturing the essence of a live scene in your preferred medium.
“En plein air” is a French term for “in the open air”. The focus of plein air painting is painting on location, from life. This style of painting, which was made popular by the impressionists of the 19th century, brings many challenges to the artist. Some of these challenges include:
“How do I get set up for plein air painting?”
“With all the information the outdoors presents, how do you narrow down a subject matter to paint?”
“How do I compose a story through painting?”
“Once you’ve found your subject, how do you organize a pleasing composition?”
“What’s the big deal about ‘values’, and how do you capture them effectively?
“How do I use color temperature to give depth and vibrancy?”
“What do I do about that sunlight that keeps changing so fast?”
“How do you make soft edges and blends in acrylics?”
This workshop will address these challenges through demonstrations, group discussion and personal one on one training to help you face the great outdoors with confidence. All levels, from beginner to intermediate, are welcome.
Full members $400, Associate members $440, Non members $480.
Painting "Painterly" from a Photo Reference – Daniel Graziano September 29, 30, and October 1, 2025
This three-day workshop will focus on painting “alla prima” (all at once) as well as developing greater skills of observation, simplification and quickly painting “wet on wet” to create strong “painterly” paintings. The workshop will also discuss techniques to quickly transfer the important elements of a reference photo to the canvas, creating an artistic painting rather than simply rendering a photograph. This workshop is designed for beginning to advanced painters in both oil and acrylic mediums, however proficiency in basic drawing is required. Participants are encouraged to bring photos to paint from or may choose from photos brought by the instructor.
Our June Show:
Art to Appreciate
Opening Reception – Friday, June 6, 5:00-7:00
The Artists League’s June show is a Judged Exhibition and Sale
Winners for best in each category, as well as best overall, will be chosen and ribbons hung by each selected painting prior to the opening reception.
Please stop in and see the award-winning art. The exhibit hangs through Friday, June 27.
“After the Storm” by Nancy Berliner
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,
