The elegance and aesthetic harmony of ikebana—Japanese flower arranging—have inspired poets and artists since its founding. In this course for beginning and continuing students, participants learn basic styles of ikebana as taught by the Sogetsu School of Ikebana in Japan.

Wednesday, October 25 to December 6, 2017 – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (no class Nov. 22)

Learn to embellish a flat-weave basket with curling accents that offer plenty of color, dimension, and interest.

Saturday, October 28, 2017 - 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This two­-session workshop examines fundamental concepts of composition and their practical application in studio-art practice, offering participants tools to enrich their own work as well to analyze and appreciate visual art in general. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Saturday, October 28 and November 4, 2017 – 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A hollow dried gourd provides the foundation for a beautiful basket sure to accent your autumn décor. Learn to apply a coil-woven rim and long-leaf pine needles to complement the gourd’s natural beauty.

Saturday, November 4, 2017 - 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bring home the beauty of the Smithsonian’s inventive botanical holiday decorations when you create a wreath guided by a horticulturist from Smithsonian Gardens.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Learn the terminology, tools, and techniques of wirework as you create a colorful abacus-style beaded pendant.

Saturday, December 2, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Inspired by the rays of the sun, create a gorgeous pair of earrings that make a huge statement while being lightweight and easy on your earlobes.

Saturday, December 2, 2017 - 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Egyptian-inspired jewelry was all the rage in the 1920s. Learn the secrets to great-looking wire work and hammering and finishing techniques as you create a fluid coil chain any flapper would be proud to wear.

Sunday, December 3, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Learn to create unique bracelets, necklaces, and earrings as you cover the basics of bead stringing, wire-working, and pearl knotting, as well as other aspect of beadwork in this three-night workshop.

Monday to Wednesday, December 4 to 6, 2017 – 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Bring home the beauty of the Smithsonian’s inventive botanical holiday decorations when you create a wreath guided by a horticulturist from Smithsonian Gardens.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Learn to work with metal discs and wire to create two styles of tasseled adornments that can be used to make earrings or as pendants for necklaces.

Friday, December 8, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Add a bit of jingle to your holiday season with a set of beautiful, made-by-you, bangle bracelets. The class is perfect for beginners and those with previous wire or metalsmithing experience.

Saturday, December 9, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Learn to add a shimmering, mosaic-like quality to your artworks by adding a tempered-glass overlay. This workshop, packed with practical tips and techniques, is the ideal way to experiment with its possibilities.

Saturday, December 9, 2017 - 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Students learn how to design stone pendants that have tricky hole placement such as doughnuts and top-drilled and front-to-back-drilled pieces. With just wire and a few tools and beads, several stunning pendants may be finished during the class.

Saturday, December 9, 2017 - 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In this workshop, create one-of-a-kind necklaces and earring sets using wire. Students explore different designs and methods for headpins, clasps, ear wires, hoops, and charms.

Sunday, December 10, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Bring home the beauty of the Smithsonian’s inventive botanical holiday decorations when you create a centerpiece guided by a horticulturist from Smithsonian Gardens.

Monday, December 11, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.