Immersive Art Experience in Washington DC coming this summer, July 10-13, 2025

Enjoy two fun-filled days of creating art projects with art teachers from all over the country, and on the third we’ll all see some of DC’s most famous art galleries for ourselves.

Take time out to enjoy the process of making art with your own hands again, swap favorite art teacher stories, and then get a big dose of art history to fill your art soul too!

What you need to know about the Art Immersive Weekend

Spend two days making art projects in the Harrison at Reston Town Center in Reston, VA.

Enjoy morning and afternoon work sessions on both Friday and Saturday, working with art teachers from all over the country. You’ll have a chance to try out over 15 projects, which were designed by a teacher who knows how to engage students with fun and educational art lessons.

Choose your own lodging in the vicinity, to fit your own budget needs.

There are many hotels nearby, lots of Air BnB options too. The lovely Reston Town Center is also just across the street. A catered lunch will be provided for our work days on Friday and Saturday, as well Sunday transportation to the galleries from the Harrison, and back.

Expand your visual arts education with new art projects that include valuable Elements of Art lessons.

Watch the creativity and inspiration that happens when a group of teachers all work side by side. The energy and ideas can be contagious!

Complete 20 hours of professional development credits in one weekend!

Cost of the weekend is $750 and includes two lunches and all supplies (not lodging). Come early and enjoy a welcoming party on Thursday night.

A few of the fun art projects planned are:

Mexican Fish
Mamani Sun
Mosaic Beans
Coffee Filter Collages
Dried Glue and Chalk
Air Dry Clay fish

ABOUT KATHY BARBRO

Learn from someone who’s been making art with kids for over 20 years.

When you sideline your graphic art career for volunteering at your kid’s kindergarten class, it turns out all kinds of things are possible. It can lead to the PTA hiring you as a their school’s professional expert art teacher, and then taking on some afterschool classes as well. And when blogging comes along, and you get your ideas out on the internet, you might get a chance to publish your own book too! [See Sharpie Art Projects for Kids] When you learn new projects at an APFK weekend, you can rest assured you’re learning real lessons that work with real kids from someone who get her start on the ground, and in the classroom.


I loved the way the guests all bonded and were able to talk to each other. The projects were all so interesting and I will definitely use them at my school. I am so happy I came!
— Sheila V., Elementary art teacher

Creating 2D work one day and 3D the next is a great idea.
The use of burlap and sewing especially is one idea that I will definitely be bringing back to my classroom.
— Sherry M., Elementary teacher

Creating a portfolio of projects to take home is just what I needed, but having hours of time to make art also just soothed my soul.
— Penny T., Elementary teacher

Would support for requesting funds from your school help?
No problem, click below for a form letter you can use.

Click here to open a Reston Art Immersion Weekend Form Letter

Art Immersive Weekend

$750

• NEW SPOTS OPEN: 10 more available
• Try out 15 new elementary art projects
• Work with a small group of teachers
• Receive a certificate for 20 hours of PD
• All art supplies and materials included
• Four art sessions and lunch for two days
• Located minutes from Dulles airport
• Gallery day on Sunday, hosted by Kathy
• Driver to and from art galleries included

WHITNEY HILL ART RETREATS

Another option is the all-inclusive Whitney Hill Art Teacher Retreat.

Try out new art projects while being pampered with gourmet meals, and enjoying accommodations for your own private room.