Weekend Workshops   

Discover the history, tradition, and craft of handmade brooms. This one-day workshop will focus on broom making materials, tools, and a variety of traditional tying and weaving techniques. Students will leave the class with at least one hand broom of their own making, and a strong foundational knowledge to continue practicing the craft at home. NOTE: Moderate hand and body strength is needed. Includes most materials, see link below or website for a list of supplies; please bring a bag lunch. 

Feltmaking is widely considered to be one of the oldest and simplest processes for creating fabric and textile forms. Applications can be functional or decorative, even conceptual with infinite creative possibilities from hangings, garments, jewelry, and more. It is a wondrously versatile fabric as it can be made as light and fragile as a piece of lace or strong and durable enough to make into a dwelling. The technique is quick and easy to grasp. Through the simple layering of wool fiber, a little soapy water and a generous amount of friction, magic happens! This class will cover all aspects of wet feltmaking techniques, including both flat felted fabrics and simple three-dimensional forms. Includes most materials; see link below or website for a list of supplies; please bring a bag lunch.

Discover the art of cyanotype and transform natural fibers into stunning photographs. In this class, you’ll blend art and science by harnessing the sun’s rays to create unique textile pieces and wearable art. You’ll explore the history and science of cyanotype, learn to mix and handle non-toxic chemicals, and experiment with various fibers. Embrace sustainability by turning gently used clothing into your own beautiful creations. Includes some materials: see website or link below for a list of materials and please bring lunch.

Twist, loop, and shape wire into body-inspired sculptures in this playful, hands-on workshop. Participants will begin by practicing looping techniques around a rock, then create a simple tape mold of a body part to serve as the foundation for a sculptural vessel. From there, students will build up wire forms through repetition, rhythm, and experimentation. This workshop is process-focused and encourages exploration over perfection. No prior experience is necessary. Basic wire will be provided. Students are welcome to bring colored or textured wire if they’d like to experiment with different visual effects; see link below or website for a list of supplies; please bring a bag lunch.

This class will focus on learning the fundamentals and basics of working with metal clay. Metal clay is a soft malleable material composed of metal particles in a bonding agent that can be rolled, shaped, and formed to create dimensional jewelry forms before firing and sintering the metal clay in the kiln. Students will learn how to roll and shape the clay, carve and add texture the clay prior to firing, as well as surface finishing once fired to create one-of-a-kind works. Discuss on kiln and firing schedules will be reviewed to provide full understanding of the firing of metal clay. Bilingual instruction is available. NOTE: Students will need to purchase some materials including ProjectX Bronze Metal clay prior to the first class; *see Metals Supplies Note and website for a materials list and links to sources.

*Metals Supplies Note: Tuition for metals classes covers basic studio supplies, chemicals, and access to tools and equipment.  Some classes include a limited supply kit unless otherwise noted.  Students should anticipate additional fees for other tools, metal, and findings for their samples or projects. Please see website for specific supply list.

*Jewelry/Metals Open Studio: Open studio time will be permitted prior to and immediately following class time; limited outside of class for open studio time will be discussed in class.

*SAFETY NOTE: All metals classes require a strong ability to comprehend and follow directions, with full understanding of all safety protocols, requirements, and restrictions due to the tools and equipment used in studio processes. Students should possess good upper body strength and strong hand-eye coordination. Individuals who cannot meet these requirements should not register for metals classes, as this is essential for both personal and class safety.

What does it take to make a ring? Construction of handmade rings will be the focus of this two-day course in metal. Students will be introduced to the basic techniques of working with non-ferrous metals (copper, brass, and silver), basic hand tools, forging, forming, silver-soldering using a torch, surface embellishment, and finishing techniques. In two days, students should expect to walk away with at least two finished projects. NOTE: Please bring a bag lunch. Bilingual instruction is available. Includes a materials kit for simple projects covered in class; see *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE.

*Metals Supplies Note: Tuition for metals classes covers basic studio supplies, chemicals, and access to tools and equipment.  Some classes include a limited supply kit unless otherwise noted.  Students should anticipate additional fees for other tools, metal, and findings for their samples or projects. Please see website for specific supply list.

*Jewelry/Metals Open Studio Open studio time will be permitted prior to and immediately following class time; limited outside of class for open studio time will be discussed in class.

*SAFETY NOTE: All metals classes require a strong ability to comprehend and follow directions, with full understanding of all safety protocols, requirements, and restrictions due to the tools and equipment used in studio processes. Students should possess good upper body strength and strong hand-eye coordination. Individuals who cannot meet these requirements should not register for metals classes, as this is essential for both personal and class safety.

Tried your hand at papermaking and ready to explore more? This one-day paper studio will provide the opportunity for the completion of a paper project with the aid of an instructor’s guidance; the studio time will for making paper sheet, pulp painting, or collage on wet pulp surfaces.  Some pulp and tools will be provided but students should bring their own collage items; see website or link below for a list of suggested supplies. Individuals interested in using the beater for making their own pulp should contact the instructor before the class.

Have you always wanted to draw? Get a step-by-step, hands-on guided tour of line drawing with charcoal and pencil—all supplies provided! Grasp an understanding of observational drawing, translating what the eye sees on to the page, as well as the design and composition principles that lie beneath all art: line, color, texture, and values. Let this non-judgmental introductory class be the stepping-stone to future art classes. Includes materials; please bring a bag lunch.

This workshop offers a non-traditional, fresh approach to an old traditional medium. Learn how to create vivid pastel paintings by exploring basic techniques and a variety of underpainting formulas. Students will learn the versatility of using soft pastels by pushing the medium using various art mediums, tools, and supports. Prerequisite: Some drawing experience is helpful. Includes some materials; see link below or website for a materials list.

Experiment and unlock your playful creative side through an exploration of mark making tools, materials from paints to markers, and various techniques to create unique papers. Explore papers, paints, ink, graphite, stencils, masking, layering, printing, and more. Once made, use these special painted and decorated papers, along with found images, can be used to create joyful mixed media collages on the second day.  Color and composition will also be discussed to aid in creating finishing works. Includes some materials, see  link below or website for a materials list.

Learn the tools and processes for working with flat glass to create a stained-glass panel. Cutting glass, soldering, and fabrication using the copper foil technique will be covered. NOTE: All tools including grinders, cutters, and soldering irons, as well as some foil, solder, and glass will be provided for small projects. You may provide colored glass of your choice, additional supplies will be available for purchase from the instructor during class. Please bring a bag lunch.