Creative Arts

Come and join Northern Virginia porcelain artists. We will provide all the paints and materials needed. Just bring your smile and creativity. We paint from 10:00 am - 2:00pm every Tuesday & Wednesday. Please RSVP in advance if you like to join oir group. Text: 703-906-9150 We are located few minutes from Tyson’s corner in McLean.

Covid Alert: We will start having classes again at Canal Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, and mask are a must! We'll practice from a safe distance from each other; and progress from there. "DC Kali" is an official training group for FCS Kali. Our curriculum includes knifes, swords, stick-fighting, striking, and grappling; but we place a special emphasis on edged weapons. Please come out and learn some Kali. Our aim is to train hard, learn some sound defense strategies, and make friends along the way. Although FCS Kali is a combat-oriented systems that involves edged weapons, we provide a safe environment for learning w/o sacrificing realism in our training. We teach in small semi-private groups, allowing each individual student to progress as quickly as he or she can absorb the info being taught. Hope to see you all there. Mosi K. Jack, Esq. Training Group Instructor · FCS Manong (under Tuhon Ray Dionaldo) http://www.fcskali.com/ ) FCS Kali: Founded by Tuhon Ray Dionaldo,Filipino Combat Systems is an organization dedicated the preservation and promotion of all Filipino Martial Arts. Filipino Combat Systems(FCS) is an organization/system with members from around the world. FCS is based onTuhon Ray Dionaldo's over 35 years of practicing various FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) styles. He's combine elements of each, into one system that's efficient, fast, concise, and logical. FCS members have extremely diverse backgrounds, and Martial Arts systems. We’ve all come together because of our love of the Filipino Martial Arts, and our unwillingness to become involved in the politics that has so often stifled our growth. Please pick one of the following class and fee combos: Drop-In Fee: $25/per class (after 1st free Saturday class) Monthly fees: $80/month (Wednesday park classes included for free), or Quarterly fees: $210/every 3 months (which comes to $70/month; includes the Wednesday park classes), or Wednesday Park only: $50/month • Credit cards and Paypal are preferred method of payment (online payments via Square are available at: https://squareup.com/market/dc-kali ) • One free trial class is permitted (but must rsvp ahead of class) • Equipment: if you have training knives, rattan sticks, training swords, and/or mma gloves bring them. If not, we may have a few extra. Training Videos http://www.fcskaliphilippines.com/fcs-curriculum-videos.html http://www.bloodnbonesgear.com/id5.html

The [One Spirit Martial Arts](https://www.virginiabjj.com/programs/kidsbjj) (OSMA) Youth [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) program is designed to help children build **confidence**, **coordination**, and **practical [self-defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defense) skills** in a **safe**, **structured**, and **positive environment**. This class is for students **six** to **thirteen** years of age and runs from **5:15 PM** to **6:00 PM**, providing a **focused**, **age-appropriate training session** that fits well into an after-school routine. Located in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia), OSMA is easily commutable from Oakton, Reston, Sterling, and [Great Falls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Falls,_Virginia), as well as other nearby [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) communities. Parents are welcome to **stay and watch** \-\- OSMA has a **dedicated seating area** where you can comfortably **observe your child’s progress** during class; parents may also take advantage of the OSMA **guest WIFI** if they need an Internet connection. From a parent’s perspective, this class is about more than martial arts: children learn how to **move their bodies with purpose**, **stay calm under pressure**, **follow instructions**, **work with others**, and **build resilience**. Students are taught to apply [Gracie Jiu-Jitsu-based](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) self-defense concepts **responsibly**, with an emphasis on **control**, **safety**, and **respect**. What children will learn in this after-school program: * **Movement** and **coordination** drills * Practical **self-defense techniques** * Standing **takedowns** * **Ground techniques** and **positional awareness** * Position-specific **drilling** * Controlled **sparring** matches (age-appropriate and supervised) * **Games** and **fun activities** to keep kids engaged and motivated Whether your child is new to [martial arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martial_arts) or already active, this program offers a balanced mix of **skill development**, **physical activity**, and **confidence-building** \-\- all in a **supportive environment**. A **free seven-day trial** is available for non-members.

**PLEASE NOTE: Free Online Event - You Must Register for Zoom at: [https://shorturl.at/4hZjq](https://shorturl.at/4hZjq)** Breath is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal for self-regulation. As the breath opens meridians and channels and aligns your body with its inherent and universal energy, healing happens. From this elevated state of awareness, we are able to heal, grow, and expand. Join us for our monthly session as we practice yogic breathing and stretching exercises as a tool for rejuvenation. BK Shila Sanghani is a Chicago area yoga instructor focused on holistic well-being. She teaches the transformative power of breath (pranayama) and cultivates a positive mindset to connect to higher consciousness for mental, emotional and physical well-being. Wednesday, March 4th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. **PLEASE NOTE: Free Online Event - You Must Register for Zoom at: [https://shorturl.at/4hZjq](https://shorturl.at/4hZjq)**

Meet us on Wednesday, March 4th from 6-8 PM at the East Columbia Branch Library. We'll be set up in the Marvin Thomas Room. You can also speak to a front desk representative when you arrive for a guide to our private space in Marvin Thomas if you're unable to find it. Can't wait to see you all soon!

Join us for a calm and cozy afternoon of creating together at Oakton Library. This is a relaxed social art meetup, not a class. No instruction, no pressure. Just time to focus, draw, paint, and connect. We’re keeping this one intentionally small: **Maximum 10 seats** for a more intimate creative space. 🗓 First Saturday of every month 🕐 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM 📍 Oakton Library *** ✨ **What to Expect** This is quiet, focused art time with light conversation. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, you’re welcome. You’re free to come late or leave early. *** 🖌 **What to Bring** Bring any materials you enjoy working with. Keep setups clean and easy for a shared public space. Suggested items: * Sketchbook or loose paper * Pencils, pens, markers, crayons * Small watercolor or gouache setup * iPad or tablet * Crochet, journaling, calligraphy — any quiet creative work is welcome Please avoid messy materials or anything with strong odors. *** 📌 **Important** Seats are limited to 10. Please RSVP to reserve your spot. If you RSVP and can’t make it, let us know so someone else can join.

**3, 2, 1: Get Started on Video Content Creation** **Fairfax Public Access** **Wednesday\, March\. 4th\, 2026 \| 7:00pm \(2hr est\.\)** Are you a video creator, filmmaker, YouTuber, or digital storyteller? Join us for a special meetup at our Community Media Station and discover the creative resources available right here in your community. This event is designed to help you connect with fellow creators, explore new opportunities, and learn how our station can support your projects—from concept to production. **What you’ll experience:** • Meet and network with local video content creators • Introductory tour of our studios, editing suites, and production spaces • Overview of our professional equipment, training programs, and membership benefits • Learn how to access cameras, lighting, podcasting, and video production resources • Opportunities to collaborate on community and original content • Q&A with our team about how we can help bring your ideas to life **Location:** 2929 Eskridge Rd., Suite S, Fairfax, VA 22031 **RSVP or for Questions Contact us at**: FPAtraining@fcac.org / 571-749-1132 / www.fcac.org/orienation

**TURN UP THE VOLUME: Do You Want To Learn How To Create a Podcast** **Fairfax Public Access** **Wednesday\, March\. 4th\, 2026 \| 7:00pm \(2hr est\.\)** Got a voice? A story? A podcast idea you’ve been sitting on? Pull up and join us at our Community Media Station for a vibe-filled meetup made for podcasters, radio hosts, voice artists, and audio creatives. Whether you’re already dropping episodes or just thinking about starting, this is your chance to connect, learn, and tap into real resources that can take your content to the next level. **What’s going down:** • Meet and connect with local creators • Tour our radio studios and creative spaces • Learn how to launch, grow, and level up your podcast or show • Discover training, membership perks, and collaboration opportunities • Open convo + Q&A with our team **Location:** 2929 Eskridge Rd., Suite S, Fairfax, VA 22031 **RSVP or for Questions Contact us at**: FPAtraining@fcac.org / 571-749-1132 / www.fcac.org/orienation

## 🌸 Sacred Bloom: Meditative Watercolor + Soundscape Experience **Sunday\, March 8th \| 5:00–7:00 PM** **Walker Nature Center – Reston, VA** Hosted by Mind Body Paloma & She’s Artsy Studio Step away from the noise and into a space of softness, creativity, and connection. **Sacred Bloom** is a 2-hour immersive experience designed to help you slow down, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect with your inner creative flow. We’ll begin with a **45-minute restorative soundscape**, using layered sound and vibration to gently calm the body and quiet the mind. This portion of the evening invites deep relaxation and grounding, creating space to release tension and settle into stillness. From there, we’ll transition into a **45-minute meditative watercolor practice**. This is an intuitive, process-led approach to painting that focuses on presence rather than perfection. Through guided prompts incorporating breath, movement, and emotion, you’ll allow water and color to move freely across the page. ✨ No prior art experience needed ✨ All materials provided ✨ A welcoming, supportive environment This workshop is not about technique or creating a masterpiece. It’s about expression, reflection, and giving yourself permission to rest and explore creatively. You’ll leave feeling grounded, calm, and gently reconnected to yourself. Spots are limited to keep the experience intimate. We look forward to blooming together. 🌿🌸 Self Investment: $80 Link to register **[HERE](https://www.shesartsy.com/shop/sip-sfx25)**

**Vest of Many Colors - the Artistic Artifact Design (2 day class)** Friday, March 6 & Saturday, March 7, 2026 10:30 am – 4:30 pm, ½ hour lunch break each session Artistic Artifacts will host Fit for Art Patterns three times this year: you can end 2026 with amazing custom, perfectly fit garments! In this first class, create an artistic vest using their Tabula Rasa jacket pattern. Vests are a great way to use a special fabric in a terrific way, so let’s get started. Fit for Art’s Rae and Carrie designed a vest using the **[Tabula Rasa Jacket pattern](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/tabula-rasa-jacket-pattern-by-fit-for-art)**, using some of the beautiful Cotton Ikat Artistic Artifacts imports from India, Judy and her team loved it, and now it’s your turn to make your own version! As always, this class will begin with fit, bring a TRJ Mockup and pattern pieces, or have a sizing and stitch up a sample on day one to assure your vest will be just your size! Visit our website for complete details, to view your student supply list and to register for this exciting class: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/products/vest-of-many-colors-with-fit-for-art](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/vest-of-many-colors-with-fit-for-art)**

Artistic Artifacts hosts **Open Stitch sessions EVERY Thursday evenings** from 5:30 - 7:30 pm — join us! This is a drop-in, bring your own hand stitching project and the necessary supplies (or you can knit, crochet... whatever needle arts you like). There’s no fee to attend, no instruction nor agenda — just a time to spend with other creatives! Visit our website for all our class & event information: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk)**

**AI-Supported Creative Exploration** *For Unassuming Intuitives & Practicing Creatives* (Please note that this event has not been organized or endorsed by The Writer's Center.) This meetup is part of AI as Creative Partner — A Practice Group, a set of open, non-sequential creative labs you can join at any point. We use AI as a thinking partner—not to replace your ideas, but to help surface and shape them without overthinking or pressure. You bring fragments—ideas, impulses, unfinished concepts. With AI as a supportive collaborator, we explore how those fragments can become clearer, more coherent, and ready to share if and when you want to. No technical background is required. If you can talk or type, that's enough to work with AI here. This session is intentionally low-commitment and flexible: * Arrive late or leave early * Work quietly or observe * Ask questions, or simply watch the process unfold There's no presentation and no expectation to finish anything. Showing up as you are is enough. **QUIET AI STUDIO - WORKING WITHOUT PRESSURE** This is a quiet, non-performative creative working session. There's no sharing requirement and no group activity. You can work privately, sit with your thoughts, or observe how others collaborate with AI. Especially welcoming if you're tired of hustle-style creativity and want a calmer way to move ideas forward. **HOW TO FIND US** Look for the room with the door open on the lower level. Look for the guy with the screen projector and ambient light and sound. Feel free to just walk in and settle. **(*This is an independent meetup using rental space at The Writer's Center. The Writer's Center has not organized or endorsed this event.*)**

Welcome to the Art School - 20's & 30's artists Meetup group! This is a community for young artists who are passionate about exploring different mediums and techniques in the world of art. Whether you're a painter, sculptor, photographer, or mixed media artist, this group is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals, have a space to work on your craft, and showcase your work. Let's inspire and support each other on our artistic journeys! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned artist, all skill levels are welcome. Join us and unleash your creativity! This month we will be discussing Andrew Thompson, an artist known for vibrant colors and a unique style. Whose, worked on pieces for **Bioware**, **Lucasfilm**, **Bethesda Games**,, **Sony**, **Variety Magazine**, **Bojack Horseman**, **Marvel**, and **Wizards of the Coast.** [https://schmandrewart.com/hello](https://schmandrewart.com/hello) Afterwards, we will have time to work on our individual art projects, hang out and if anyone is interested in feedback on their work there will be time for that as well.

**Confidence in Bloom: How Creativity Builds Confidence** What happens when creativity becomes an intentional practice? In this month’s Confidence Lab, we’ll gather at **Petals That Inspire: The Flourish Studio** for an evening exploring the connection between creativity and confidence. How making with our hands, engaging our senses, and allowing space for expression can shift how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. Our featured speaker, **Amanda Lorenzetti**, owner of Petals That Inspire, will share how creativity has shaped her own confidence journey and why creative environments play such a powerful role in well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Drawing from her work leading an experience-driven floral studio and a community-centered workforce development program, Amanda will reflect on creativity as both a personal and collective catalyst. Amanda will also guide us through a **hands-on floral design experience**, creating a fresh arrangement in a wide mouth mason jar. No prior floral experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to engage the process. This evening is an invitation to slow down, create, and reconnect with the part of yourself that grows through care, attention, and imagination. You’ll leave with a floral arrangement to take home, and a deeper understanding of how confidence can be cultivated through creative practices. **Featured Speaker: Amanda Lorenzetti** Amanda Lorenzetti is the owner and founder of [Petals That Inspire](https://www.petalsthatinspire.com/) and The Flourish Studio, a social enterprise florist based in Columbus, Ohio. She brings more than a decade of experience in wedding and event sales, paired with hands-on expertise in floral and event design. Amanda’s connection to the floral industry began early, spending time alongside her godmother, a professional florist on the East Coast. After earning her business degree, she returned to her hometown in Connecticut to work as a floral and event designer, blending creative artistry with strong operational and client-focused skills. In 2020, Amanda returned to the floral industry with a renewed purpose, driven by a desire to build a business rooted in creativity, community impact, and sustainability. During this pivotal time, she founded Petals That Inspire—an innovative floral concept that reimagines the traditional florist model by combining event florals, workshops, and experiential offerings with a mission-centered approach to workforce development. Today, Petals That Inspire is a thriving social enterprise known for its thoughtful design, educational experiences, and commitment to empowering young adults facing barriers to entry in the workforce. Amanda is deeply passionate about building businesses that are both profitable and purpose-driven, and she leverages her strong business acumen to create a scalable & sustainable model that inspires creativity while giving back to the community. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

This month, we are in-person at GameArena!!! We will also be joined by students and their games from [Shawnee State](https://www.shawnee.edu/game-design-programs)! \-\-\- Join us for our our monthly COGG Prototype and Play event @GameArena! Come to play and showcase your games. We're back in the upper levels of the catwalk mezzanine area. It'll be packed with lots of camaraderie playing your game(s) and other's games on the 2nd floor as well as the 1st floor in the gaming room below the mezzanine. Light snacks and water provided but you can buy food and drinks at the bar (alcoholic drink ID required). [https://www.game-arena.co/menu](https://www.game-arena.co/menu) **Attendees:** Don't have a game to show? Not a problem! All are welcomed and invited from all ages and backgrounds. The more we can have to play test our games the better! **Developers:** Do you have a game that you would like to get critical feedback on? Would you like an excuse to work on a game with other talented artists, programmers, musicians, designers, and writers? Digital, table-top, non-experienced developers, and the like are welcomed! We'll provide signage for your game to help others learn more about your work. Wifi, outlets, tables, and seats (though standing tables also) are available. Come to the Prototype and Play workshop to collaborate and meet local game developers for an evening of epic and raw game play fun! Play works-in-progress, show off your own game, work with others to add polish to a game, or even lend your talents to other fellow developers. Can use South Garage at the Gateway with a $5 voucher on your way out. 75 E 11th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9) If you have any questions or comments, as always, feel free to reach out to us at [info@thecogg.com!](http://info@thecogg.com!/)