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You are invited to visit the last surviving 1700's structure of its kind in Virginia's Northern Neck!

The story of this tavern and its relationship to the development of Northumberland County and Virginia's Northern Neck reflects what happened in countless court house villages throughout Virginia and the nation.

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Fall 2024

Coffeetime Sip and Paint: Botanical Arts and Illustration, Friday, September 13 and 20, 9 am to 12:30 pm

In this 2-day class, students will learn history, technique and procedures for creating a true botanical work of art. The two sessions will be held on successive Fridays. The first class will cover background information, making sketches and developing values. You will then pick your plant or flower, make thumbnail sketches, learn it's anatomy and begin drawings. In the second class, you will critique and tweak your drawing, transfer it to watercolor paper and paint. Finally, we will share your beautiful botanical work of art with classmates.

- Instructor: Celeste Johnston; Class will be held in the "Tavern Meeting Building", which is located directly behind the Tavern.
- Maximum of 10 students.
- $125. All supplies and materials will be provided.
Stroll over to the Tavern after class for a bite to eat.

Click Here to Register for this class and more information.

 

 

Blacksmithing 101 (Beginner), One-day workshop - Saturday, September 14,  9 am - 4 pm

Learn the basic skills of blacksmithing to create your own metal projects from the Tavern's Heathsville Forge Blacksmith's Guild. You will learn tapering, tempering and hardening of mild steel, and make a punch or chisel to use in another project you will complete. All supplies included in the price of $120 per student. Eight slots available. The Forge is located behind the Tavern.

Click Here for more information and to register.


 

 

The Art of Pressing Flowers, Herbs & Foliage, Thursday, September 19, 1 - 3 pm

This unique program teaches participants the art of pressing plant material.  Sheila Weisensale starts her program by discussing the mechanics of pressing flowers- harvesting, pressing and storing plant material.  She then demonstrates the ABCs of how to make a design using actual pressed flower material.  Once you know all the tips and tricks, Sheila will facilitate a hands-on workshop.  

Each student will make their own one-of-a-kind pressed flower bookmarks to take home - two per person.   Sheila will provide all the workshop materials including a wide variety of locally grown pressed flower material from her own garden. Enjoy lunch at the Tavern Café prior to the class! 

- Instructor: Sheila Weisensale; Class will be held in the "Tavern Meeting Building", located behind the Tavern.
- Maximum of 12 students.
- $35. All supplies are provided.

Click here to register for this class and more information.

 

 

Sourdough for Beginners, Saturday, September 28, 10 am - 4 pm

Learn how to make a beautiful and delicious loaf of sourdough bread. Along with a foundational understanding of sourdough, you will go home with your own batch of sourdough starter to begin your sourdough journey.   

- Instructor: Barbara Hoxsie; Class will be held in the "Tavern Meeting Building".
- Maximum of 12 students.
- $65. All equipment and supplies are included.
Time will be provided for you to stroll over to the Tavern Café for lunch.

This Class is Now FULL. Click here to be put on the waitlist.


 

 

Beginning Woodturning, One-day workshop - Friday, October 4, 9 am - 4 pm

In this introductory class, students will gain an understanding of the skills necessary to safely use spindle gouges and embellishing tools while operating a woodturning lathe. Partipants will turn a handle for one of several kitchen tools, such as an antique pepper grinder, honey dipper, ice cream scoop, bottle opener or wine bottle stopper.

- Instructor: Tavern Woodworkers Guild; Classes will be held in the "Tavern Meeting Building."
- Maximum of 5 students.
- $80. An additional material fee ($5 to $25, depending on selected kitchen tool) is payable to the instructor at the class.

This Class is Now FULL. Click here to be put on the waitlist.

 

 

Beginning Sewing Machine, Friday, October 11, 9 am - 12 noon

This introductory class is for students who have never mastered sewing machine basics or need a refresher after not having sewn in a long time.  Students will learn the basics of using their own sewing machine such as: how to thread the machine, how to wind a bobbin and insert it correctly, how to produce basic stitches. Enjoy lunch at the Tavern after the class!

- Instructor: Susie Stough; Class will be held in the "Tavern Meeting Building", located behind the Tavern.
- Maximum of 6 students.
- $35. Plus an additional materials fee of $10 payable to the instructor on the day of the class.

Click here to register for this class and more information

 

 

Coffeetime Sip and Paint: What Color Is Your Pumpkin?, Friday, October 18, 9 am to 12:30 pm

Pumpkins are not all orange; some are blue, white and mint green! In this class, you'll draw and paint pumpkins. The instructor will bring some pumpkins to serve as models, but students are encouraged to bring a pumpkin of their choice or other pumpkin images. Paintings may be in either watercolor or acrylic.

- Instructor: Celeste Johnston; Class will be held in the "Tavern Meeting Building", which is located directly behind the Tavern.
- Maximum of 10 students.
- $35. All supplies will be provided, but there is a material fee of $5 which is payable directly to the instructor on the day of the class.
Stroll over to the Tavern Café after class for a bite to eat.

Click Here to Register for this class and more information.

 

 

Blacksmithing 101 (Beginner), One-day workshop - Saturday, November 2,  9 am - 4 pm

Learn the basic skills of blacksmithing to create your own metal projects from the Tavern's Heathsville Forge Blacksmith's Guild. You will learn tapering, tempering and hardening of mild steel, and make a punch or chisel to use in another project you will complete. All supplies included in the price of $120 per student. Eight slots available. The Forge is located behind the Tavern.

Click Here for more information and to register.

 

 

Decorative Woodburning, Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Learn the decorative art of woodburning with Penny Mace.  Woodburning can be the source of decorative items for the home as well as thoughtful gifts for family and friends.  During this class, you will spend the day learning tips and techniques, then experimenting so that you can complete two works of art, suitable for framing. Open to all levels of experience. Those who wish to can go to lunch at the Tavern Café! 

- Instructor: Penny Mace; Class will be held in the "Tavern Meeting Building", located behind the Tavern.
- Maximum of 8 students.
- $60. An additional $10 material fee is payable to instructor at the class.

Click here to register for this class and more information.

 

 

Beginning Coiled Pine Needle Baskets, Friday, November 22, 9 am -  1 pm

Learn the ancient craft of turning pine needles into beautiful and functional coiled baskets. You'll be taught how to gather, prepare and start a small basket or woven mat, using pine needles gathered locally on the Northern Neck. No experience is necessary. Whether for yourself or as a gift, these handmade beauties will hold pride of place in any room.

- Instructor: Vicki Cornish; Class will be held in the "Tavern Meeting Building".
- Maximum of 8 students.
- $35, the majority of which the instructor is donating back to the Tavern Foundation. All equipment will be provided but a small material fee of $10 will be payable directly to the instructor. 
Stroll over to the Tavern after class for a bite to eat.

Click here to register for this class and more information.

 

 

Della Robbia Wreath, Saturday, November 23, 9 am - 12 noon

Participants will learn the art of crafting a traditional Williamsburg-style Della Robbia wreath.  According to information found on the Colonial Williamsburg site, "In a 1926 House Beautiful article about the Colonial Williamsburg wreaths, the writer stated “This idea was undoubtedly suggested by the gorgeous Italian carvings and terra cottas of the Renaissance.” When decorators added fruit a few years later, it was declared the “Della Robbia” style."

- Instructor: Liz Walker; Class will be held in the "Tavern Meeting Building", which is located directly behind the Tavern.
- Maximum of 8 students.
- $35. Plus a $45 material fee which will be payable directly to the instructor on the day of the class. Check registration form for additional requirements.
Stroll over to the Tavern after class for a bite to eat.

Click Here to Register for this class and more information.

 

 

 

 


 

 



 

 


 

 

 



 

 

 



 



The Heritage Arts Classes are sponsored and supported by the Rices Hotel/Hughlett's Tavern Foundation, Inc.

Heritage Art Classes

Check out our Heritage Art Classes!

Contact Information

RH/HT Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 579
73 Monument Place
Heathsville, VA 22473

Phone: 804-580-3377

Located on Route 360 behind the old courthouse.


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