ArtReach GW
ArtReach GW is dedicated to the idea that visual arts can help both individuals and the community discover creativity and open opportunities to diverse education and career pathways. As a part of George Washington University (GW)’s Honey W. Nashman Center of Civic Engagement and Public Service, ArtReach GW serves over 300 children and families a year by offering free, high-quality visual arts education through classes, exhibitions, and events to students and families. Through ArtReach GW, Wards 7 and 8 and surrounding areas and GW come together to create a community committed to learning through art.
Mission: Making connections between people and their communities through art.
Vision: ArtReach GW aspires to be a cornerstone for community engagement through visual art-based work.
FALL 2026 Programs
REGISTRATION LINK: https://forms.gle/FPPsKsQareetUbxd8https://forms.gle/
Advanced Projects For College Portfolios | In-person | 12th Grade (SENIORS ONLY)- NEW CLASS
Sept 11th - October 30th | Fridays | 6:30-8:30 PM
Step outside the traditional 2D canvas and explore the cutting edge of contemporary studio practice! Designed as an advanced portfolio-building experience, this 8-week intensive introduces students to kinetic art, multi-layered spatial installation. Students will transform classical concepts of light, form, depth, and anatomy into four gallery-ready senior capstone projects, just in time for November 1 college application deadlines..
Beginner Sewing |In-person | 8th - 12th Grade- NEW CLASS
Sep 14th - Nov 16th | Mondays | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
This hands-on course introduces students to the fundamentals of sewing using a sewing machine and basic hand-sewing techniques. Students will learn how to safely operate a sewing machine, understand fabrics and sewing tools, read and use simple patterns, construct seams, install basic closures, and learn basic deconstruction and reconstruction of garments. By the end of the course, students should feel more comfortable using a sewing machine independently and have the foundational skills needed to begin more advanced sewing projects and become knowledgeable of application of minor alterations into their own wardrobes. All sewing levels are welcome and will be accommodated.
Developing Young Artists: Art Essentials | In-person | 3rd - 8th Grade
Sep 16th - Nov 18| Thursdays | 5 - 6:30 PM
This class is for new and returning young artists who are eager to enhance their fine arts skills. Through these sessions, students will engage in hand-on activities, including drawing, painting, and mixed media to strengthen their foundational techniques. They will explore how to create lifelike drawings as well as abstract works of art, gaining versatility in their artistic expression. In addition to developing practical skills, students will learn about significant movements in art history and discover the work of contemporary artists. This class also offers guidance on developing an arts portfolio. No prior experience required.
Digital Illustration: Character Design | Virtual | High School Students
Sept 14th - Nov 23rd | Mondays | 6 - 7:30 PM
Characters are one of the most vital points to the creation of a story. In this class we will focus on the basics of digital illustration, storytelling, and character design. We will learn how a character is made from initial concepts all the way up to a finished character sheet you would find in an Art Book from your favorite movie. Students will learn about anatomy, posing, shape language, expressions and more and how to combine it all into a complete character. Procreate or Clip Studio Paint(free) are the programs needed for this course. Laptops and tablets are preferred devices for this class.
Portfolio Development: Figure Drawing and Painting | In-person at GW Corcoran | High School Students
Sept 19th - Nov 21st | Saturdays | 10 am - 1 pm
The ArtReach GW Portfolio Development classes provide advanced arts training and portfolio development. Students learn to develop portfolio pieces that express their own creative voice while strengthening their figure drawing and painting skills Students will enhance observational drawing skills, understanding of anatomy and proportions, and develop a full understanding of medium and techniques. This class introduces conceptual thinking, problem solving, and elements of composition to create artwork that better represent each student’s individual creativity and drawing skill.
Beyond the Lens: DIgital Photography| In-person | 8th - 12th Grade- NEW CLASS
Sept 14th - November 17th | Tuesdays | 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Beyond the Lens is an exciting, hands-on digital media program where students become both the photographer and the storyteller. Over 10 weeks, students will pair up with a peer to master high-quality camera gear, learn professional portrait techniques, and conduct guided interviews. Students will use these skills to capture a stunning portrait of their partner and write their mini-biography, culminating in a professional, high-definition digital gallery showcase.
All Programs
Questions?
Contact us at artreach
gwu [dot] edu (artreach[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-819-5490