DRAIME FINE ART
STUDIO SCHOOL
Explore your creativity and develop the necessary skills to become the artist you’ve always wanted to be.
INTERNATIONAL MURAL PROJECT
Our Spring classes have ended and starting now and through the summer, there will be no classes offered at the STUDIO SCHOOL, as I will be occupied with painting the Unity in Diversity mural in downtown Harrisonburg. We will, however, be offering several workshops by area artists throughout the summer, so check out our WORKSHOPS page periodically. By midsummer, you will see our entire Fall schedule of classes listed here on our website.
Click the image for more information about the Unity in Diversity mural.
It is our hope that this public arts project, with its theme Unity in Diversity, will help to foster an abiding sense of unity and inclusion among all members of our community, regardless of our ethnicity, country of origin or faith tradition. The Arts Council of the Valley has been instrumental in guiding this effort along and is now accepting donations so that this meaningful project may become a reality (click the photo to open the Arts Council’s donation page). If this artistic expression of human solidarity and love speaks to your heart, we encourage you to make a donation, large or small, so that we may all help each other to build a more united and more vibrant community in Harrisonburg. - David
We offer classes and workshops designed to improve your skills so that you can create works of art with greater confidence and authority, no matter your chosen medium.
“David is an incredible teacher. He gave me new tools and ideas to show me how to grow and improve my own skills. If I had more time, I would take every class possible from David.”
- Aga E.
“Your help in class was really enlightening. I have never, ever painted so well. I can’t recommend the class enough. The atmosphere was great for learning & being vulnerable. I’m very grateful.”
- Di-Ann H.
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“What I enjoyed most about this class was the ambience of the studio and the artist-instructor. It feels like Europe and home for my heart!”
- Janina G.
Loved David’s class! The 3-hour session was the perfect amount of time. He provided feedback for improvements which was great. Will take another one of David’s classes!”
- Diane D.
“Honestly, you get all the information you need… the instructor is amazing! I’ve been waiting for a class like this in Harrisonburg. My plan is to take every class I can.”
- Arnita T.
Explore our 2025 classes and workshops below!
*** LIFE DRAWING OPEN SESSIONS ARE NOW ONGOING! …see below for more information.
Our weekend workshops are designed for those who cannot attend the 6-week class sessions or prefer the more immersive 2-3 day studio learning experience. We also offer 1-day workshops as well, usually on Saturdays.
WORKSHOPS
CLASSES
Explore our exciting class offerings designed to benefit everyone, from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals.
OPEN SESSION LIFE DRAWING
Life Drawing Open Session are now ongoing and they are held every Wednesday evening, from 6:30 - 9:30pm here at the Studio School. Because space is limited, we have decided that, for now, we will be operating on a first come, first served basis. If you want be assured of getting a spot, you may want to show up a few minutes early. For more information, click the link below.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
DAVID DRAIME
David Draime is an award-winning artist with over 20 years of teaching experience at the secondary and college levels in California, and is the owner of the Draime Fine Art Studio School in Harrisonburg, VA. Coming out of a classical realist tradition, he received his BFA and MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University. Currently, his work reflects his keen interest in the French impressionists and Boston School painters of the 19th century. David is quickly gaining a reputation as an exceptional art instructor and is known for his relaxed, encouraging demeanor and the passion that he has for drawing and painting, which comes through in every lesson.
MARY SHIRA
An outstanding artist and instructor, Mary Shira received her BFA and MS Ed from St. John’s University, New York, NY, and her MFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. A longtime member of the American Watercolor Society, she was a Founding Member of the Windham Gallery in Brattleboro, Vermont. Mary has exhibited at the Bowery Gallery, the Jeffery Leder Gallery and the Salmagundi Club in New York City, where she was awarded top honors for her watercolors. She is currently, and has been for over 25 years, an adjunct faculty member in the School of Art, Design and Art History at James Madison University.
PEG SHERIDAN
Peg Sheridan is one of the most popular watercolor instructors in the region. She has 40 years of experience in painting watercolors and has been teaching art classes for 30 years. She is a signature member of the Baltimore Watercolor Society and the Virginia Watercolor Society, and is active in several other arts organizations. She has won numerous awards for her paintings, including “Best Watercolor” in Plein Air Magazine’s August 2021 salon competition. Three of her paintings were also in the top 100 of the international Watercolour Magazine’s competition “Watercolor Sketches Done on Location”, Issue #50. In 2021, Peg was awarded the Louisa Arts Center Award of Artistic Merit. Draime Fine Art Studio School is excited to have her teaching again here in Harrisonburg.