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Get Creative in Orange County, VA!

Feeling creative with the start of The New Year? Looking for some fresh perspectives and inspiration?  Look no further.  In Orange County inspiration abounds.  So, get comfortable, grab a cup of coffee or tea and find your muse in all of the amazing Orange County galleries and studios.

Whether you’re interested in mixed media exhibitions, traditional drawing, custom textiles or artisan crafts, Orange County is proudly art-centric. With a wide variety of classes available at the Arts Center in Orange, Paint it Orange, Art from the Bark Studio and Gallery, and Blue Ridge Studio of Fine Arts, you are guaranteed to find something to spark your inner artist – even during a short visit!!

Blue Ridge Studio of Fine Arts specializes in drawing and painting classes for all levels. Their classes are structured as private lessons in a group setting. Each student works on his or her assignment based on his or her level and interest. Students may choose any medium they like, pastels, acrylics, oils, or watercolors. In addition to classes, they also offer visitor experiences through artist retreats and landscape painting workshops – perfect opportunities to grab a friend and visit Central Virginia.  The program includes painting popular landscape locations in Orange County like the Orchards at The Market at Grelen, one of our award-winning vineyards, and James Madison’s Montpelier. Stay up to date on their classes and retreats by visiting their website or stopping in their new storefront located on Main Street in Orange!

Art from the Bark Studio and Gallery is a multidisciplinary creative space which includes a woodcarving studio, a gallery and a retail store. They offer woodcarving workshops, classes, seminars, open carving, model railroading and private lessons on a recurring basis. The woodcarving gallery is a place for artists to display and sell their works of art. They host different instructors who come to teach carving lessons and special event workshops.   Their store also carries various trains and accessories for railroad enthusiasts. Visit their website to see class schedules and store hours.

The Arts Center in Orange has been a staple in the heart of downtown Orange for over 25 years. They offer curated exhibitions, artist-led workshops, family art experiences, concerts, expert talks, and so much more. Specializing in fine art instruction for artists and art lovers of all skill levels and ages, as well as studio space when classes are not in session, there is something for everyone to get inspired by at the Arts Center. View their 2024 online calendar for trip planning or check out their store front when visiting for additional inspiration!

Paint it Orange is a paint your own pottery studio offering many different types of creative activities for all ages. Visitors can drop in and paint anytime by grabbing something off the shelf and getting creative whenever with the whole family. Their calendar provides a wide variety of paintable options including ceramics, canvases, wine glasses, collages, kids’ groups, and so much more. You can also stop by the studio and check out the locally curated gift shop with jewelry, custom pens and a variety of other art items from local artists.

If you are looking for one-of-kind artwork from Orange County, be sure to check out the amazing art galleries who sell locally sourced artisan and craft pieces. In downtown Gordonsville, you can check out Annie Gould Gallery, Cavallo Gallery & Custom Framing, and Raindrops in Virginia. In Barboursville, there is Sun Traces Gallery, Barboursville Fine Arts, and Nicholas Gallery and Gallery Annex.

Whether you’re into painting, sculpture, photography or other mediums, Orange County has got you covered with various must-see art exhibits, art classes for all skill types, and one-of-a-kind galleries. Plan your trip today!