Special Initiatives

COVID-19 Update
All special initiatives have been temporarily suspended.
Throughout the year, we offer special programs in addition to our ongoing classes, workshops, and camps. These programs vary depending on the current exhibitions and time of year. They include art history lectures, artist talks, Lunch & Learns, demonstrations, community art trips, and other events such as Plein Air Painting & Drawing sessions in partnership with regional venues including Valley Forge National Historic Park.
 ▪  Lunch & Learns, Artist Talks & Demos​
  • Lectures: Join artists for lectures on a variety of topics including the business aspects of being an artist and insight into an individual artist’s approach for curated exhibitions. Click here to view videos of the virtual Business of Art lectures in April, May and June.
  • Lunch & Learns: Join us for a 1-hour mid-day lecture on topics tied to the current exhibitions and/or classes, followed by a boxed lunch.
  • Demos: See demonstrations of artistic processes and special techniques.​
▪  Community Art Trips 
A few times a year, we hold group art trips to exhibitions at different museums. This is a great way to see museums and galleries. With a group, you can meet new people, discuss the art with others and expand your art world. Each participant pays a fee that covers the museum admission and the cost of transportation. Past trips included the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, Picasso at MOMA, and Gustav Klimt at the Neue Galerie.
▪  Free Plein Air Sessions at Valley Forge National Historic Park (seasonal) 
 This is a great chance for beginners and well-seasoned painters alike. Enjoy nature's glory at Valley Forge National Park with supportive (and optional) guidance by award-winning CCAA artist instructor Randall Graham. Participants are free to paint, draw or photograph whatever is inspiring to them. At the start of each session, National Park Rangers give a brief description of the history of that day's location. Once participants are settled, the instructor walks around, assists with questions and offers guidance. He gives tips on Plein Air concepts, advice on good locations, composition, how light will change and color-mixing guidance. Please feel free to email Randall directly with any questions at randy@grahamartanddesign.com.
 
Meet at the following locations inside the park, unless otherwise noted:  
March 21st @Washington Memorial Chapel (2000 Valley Forge Park Rd): 8 - 10am
April 18th @River Trail River Trail- Betzwood Picnic Area (220 Sullivan Lane Norristown, PA): 10 - 12noon
April 25th @Dogwood Grove (Artillery Park, E Inner Line Dr, Stop #7): 10am - 12noon
May 16th @Hopewell Furnace Historical Site (2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520): 9 - 11am
June 6th @ Valley Creek Trail (1709 Wilson Rd., Malvern, PA, Yellow Springs parking lot): 10 - 12noon
 
Any time the weather is questionable, participants can move to the Train Station. Please follow the Landscapes and Structures of Valley Forge National Historical Park Facebook page for updates.
 
If you are not on our list already, sign up for our weekly eblast to hear about upcoming community art trips and events. Send your information to assistant@chestercountyarts.org