Art Classes in the Roanoke Area!
New classes start July 8th 2025!
Artist & Art Teacher Matilda Wentzel. Learn more about her in this Vinton Newspaper Article or “About” Page
Everyone needs a creative outlet, it simply feels so good to express yourself!
Set aside time for yourself to get into the creative flow!
Making art requires us to slow down, one of the best gifts, to be present!
It’s a practice!
Adults Classes (Also welcoming teens and mature kids accompanied by an adult, i.e. quiet, respectful, artsy kids) Seniors get discounts!
All Supplies included
Each class stands on its own, so you can sign up for one or all of them.
All skill levels welcome
Upcoming Classes:
Papermaking and Bookbinding 2 Day Weekend Workshop, Sat. and Sun. Aug 2nd & 3rd. 10am to Noon, in Vinton. Click here to sign up, see all the info, and example pics. Seniors get $10 off (this class only).
Art Gatherings! Every 2nd and 4th Tue of the Month, 5/5:30-7pm, in Salem. Click here to sign up!
Mind, Body, Art Retreat, Oct 23rd-26th, in Salem. Click here to be notified when sign up is Live.
Further information:
Papermaking and Bookbinding 2 Day Weekend Workshop!
Sat. and Sun. Aug 2nd & 3rd. 10am to Noon.
Click here to sign up, see all the info, and example pics.
Hope you like to write and draw because that’s what books are for!
Your teacher Matilda has published a book of her poetry and art, so join her for some creative fun and learning, as we will be mixing a little poetry into this class too!
Supplies will be included and you should be able to make paper and a book without bringing any of your own supplies, but you are encouraged to bring extra. Click the sign up link to see more supply details.
Space in this class is limited.
Seniors get $10 off (this class only).
This class will be in Vinton at the Charles R. Hill Community Center.
Art Gatherings!
Every 2nd and 4th Tue of the Month, 5/5:30-7pm
First Class July 8th
-July 8th, Color Harmony in mixed media*
-July 22nd, Doodles and Designs in Pen and Marker*
-Aug 12th, Gouache Painting*
-Aug 26th, Drawing Mandalas*
*Unless another topic is requested. Please request what you want to learn.
Join these consistent Art Gatherings at the Salem Museum. Each class stands on its own, so you can sign up for one or join them all!
In order to encourage consistency, these classes are priced affordably at $25 a class, or $45 for the month, or $80 for 2 months making each class $20. (that’s with all supplies included! Of course, you are welcome to bring your own as well.)
Each class will have a demonstration in the art medium we will be working in that day, followed by help and instructions from your teacher.
Learn foundational creative skills as we dive into many different techniques and mediums, from drawing to painting and even sharing poetry. Think: Color-Schemes, Sketching, Watercolor and Wax, Gouache Painting, Drawing Mandalas, Value, Composition and more, art is endless!
Each class will begin with a 15 min Guided Mediative Walk in Longwood Park at 5pm, and then we will gather for class at 5:20pm. If you can’t make it to the walk that’s fine too.
Mind, Body, Art Retreat!
Oct 23rd-26th 2025, Option to join on the weekend only or participate in Thurs. and Fri. evening classes as well.
Click here to be notified when sign up is Live
Want to relax in the forest, make some art, and focus on taking care of your body? I certainly do! These, along with music, are my favorite parts of life! Eating good food, creating paintings, and getting to spend time in nature.
I’m Matilda, a professional Artist passionate about contributing to the health of nature and humanity. Join my friends and I for a pivotal weekend centered around creativity and mental health!
This multi-day “day-retreat” is only a few miles from Salem Mainstreet, and yet it’s tucked up in the holler of a mountain at a private residence. This is where Matilda grew up and was married.
Since this is a day retreat, you can arrive each day without having to sleep over. If you choose, there will be Free primitive camping available with access to a shared bathroom, shower, and kitchen. There will be 2 rooms available (with a shared bathroom and shared kitchen) for a few nights stay with a free healthy breakfast.
We will have full days of learning and relaxing on Sat. and Sun. Oct 25th & 26th, however we will also have some optional evening classes during the week on Thursday and Friday.
Make some friends in this tight knit gathering as space is limited to about 20 students and no more than 30.
In order to keep this retreat extra affordable, tipping your instructors is highly encouraged (bring some cash with you)
What can you expect to experience:
Painting classes
Vegan and gluten free cooking classes
Meditation
Yoga and Pilates classes
Professional Massages by a Licensed Massage Therapist!
Nature walks
Sketching classes
A Sound Bath!
A tiny bit of singer-songwriter live music
Music jamming if you have your own instrument
Meet a mini-community and make friends
We are welcoming all genders, however for our ladies there will also be the opportunity to get your nails done with gel. This is by a student manicurist.
Again, in order to keep this retreat extra affordable, tipping your instructors is highly encouraged (bring cash)
Who is Welcome?
Adults and Teens of Any Skill Level, as well as mature kids accompanied by an adult, i.e. quiet, respectful, artsy kids
All students will be working on their own unique subject matter (this is not a “copy what the teacher does” class). Therefore, whether you are a beginner or advanced student, you will have the opportunity to work on the lesson’s project at your own pace, receiving guidance, tips, and critique from your teacher Matilda to enhance your skills….or simply to get you started, even if you’ve never made art before!
Locations:
In Salem, Virginia (At the Salem Museum near Longwood Park, 801 E Main St, Salem)
In Vinton, Virginia (at the Charles R. Hill Community Center next to the War Memorial, 820 E Washington Ave, Vinton)
Also in Salem, Virginia an Art and Mindfulness Day-Retreat Oct 23rd-26th (Private Residence)
Students are loving these classes, absolutely delighted!
“Matilda is an excellent art teacher and I so enjoyed learning from her!
She shared so many wonderful techniques for creating beautiful and unique pieces of art.
I loved that she helped us to get into flow and connect to our creative heart centers through leading us in meditation.
I highly recommend Matilda to anyone looking to explore their creative side and would not hesitate to sign up for more classes with her. She’s the real deal and has such a warm and inviting spirit about her 💖” ~Jodi
“I like how open you leave it. When I asked for guidance, you didn’t tell me what to do, but rather left room for my own creativity to come forth.” ~Landon
