Workshops
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Playing with Color (6/3, 6/10, 6/17 & 6/24) —FULL
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Mosaic Pendant (7/12) —FULL
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Embroidered Clothing and Accessories (7/18) —NEW!
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Mixed Media Grab Bag (7/19)
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Alcohol Ink Flowers (8/2) —FULL
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Botanical Painting for Beginners (8/6, 8/13, 8/20 & 8/27) —NEW!
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Watercolor Basics (8/7, 8/14, 8/21 & 8/28) —NEW!
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Mosaic Vintage Glass Window (8/9) —FULL
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Mosaic Pothead (8/22 & 8/23) —NEW!
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Mixed Media Collage: Landscape (9/6) —FULL
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Notes: ​​​
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To give us enough time to try and fill cancelled seats, our cancellation policy will be updated beginning with our June 2025 workshops. When the new policy is in effect, you must cancel 14 or more days before your workshop to receive a full refund (less a $10 processing fee). If you cancel less than 14 days before your workshop, and we are able to fill your seat, we will refund 50% of your registration fee.
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When you successfully register for a workshop, a receipt for your purchase will be emailed to you. If you do not receive a receipt, your registration is NOT confirmed. Please contact us.
Playing with Color (FULL)
Date: Tuesdays, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17 & 6/24
Time: 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Workshop Fee: $144 (Members), $160 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $20 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Camille Daunno
Skill Level: Beginner
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Brushes, watercolor paper, practice paper, pencil, eraser, water container, gouache paint, color wheel, glue stick, small scissors, handouts
Supplies Students Should Bring: All supplies provided.
Note: This workshop is full. Please contact us to be added to waitlist.
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Color theory. All artists and crafters know it’s important, but it sounds soooo boring! At Purple Crayon, we don’t think it has to be—and we’re determined to change your mind, too!
For starters, we’ve got veteran artist Camille Daunno on the case, and, if there’s anyone who can make color theory fun, it’s her! She’s a notorious rule-breaker, so, instead of telling you about value, temperature, saturation, and other color fundamentals, she’s going to help you discover them for yourself. There won’t be any boring lectures in this class!
During your exciting four-week adventure, you’ll learn how to select colors that play well together and colors that don’t; avoid making “mud” when mixing colors; tone down colors that are too vibrant and intensify colors that aren’t vibrant enough; use color to create a particular mood; and so much more!
By the end of the course, in addition to creating several small projects, you’ll walk away with some tools that you can use for future reference, including a color wheel, a gray scale, and sets of monochromatic, analogous, and neutral colors. Most importantly, though, you’ll start noticing a big improvement in your art, no matter your medium!
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Mosaic Stepping Stone (FULL)
Date: Saturday, 6/7
Time: 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $72 (Members), $80 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $40 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Linda Pannullo
Skill Level: All
Supplies Provided by Instructor: 11" reusable form, concrete, sand, mesh for reinforcement, instruction sheet, pebbles, stone, special glass, foam board, gloves
Supplies Students Should Bring: An apron or clothes that can be stained, a face mask, and closed-toed shoes.
Note: This workshop is full. Please contact us to be added to waitlist.
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Zhuzh up your garden this summer by adding a beautiful, 11” mosaic stepping stone! Mosaic artist Linda Pannullo will teach you the basics for creating a one-of-a-kind piece.
First, Linda will explain the “direct” method of making a stepping stone. Then, you’ll select from a buffet of materials to create a design on a paper substrate. Finally, Linda will show you how to transfer your pattern to concrete and solidify your vision. Linda will also provide tips for working with concrete and cure times.
In addition to your new lawn sculpture, you’ll take home a reusable form, an instruction sheet, and the confidence to make more stepping stones on your own!
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Encaustic for Beginners: Mark Making
Date: Saturday, 6/28
Time: 10:00 PM-5:00 PM (includes an hour break for lunch)
Workshop Fee: $108.00 (Members), $120.00 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $50 (To be collected day of workshop; cash, check or Venmo)
Instructor: Denby Dale
Skill Level: Beginner
Supplies Provided by Instructor: 3, 6” x 6” or smaller practice panels, 1, 8” x 8” cradled wooden panel pre-coated with encaustic, water soluble artist crayons, pencils, graphite, India inks, collage papers, small heat gun, tacking iron, other small heated and non-heated encaustic tools
Supplies Students Should Bring: An apron or clothes that can be stained. All other supplies provided, though students are encouraged to bring their own collage papers and fibers, watercolor pencils, lightweight carving tools, X-acto or other sharp-edged items for scraping/incising, and stencils, if desired.
Have you admired artworks created with encaustic wax but thought the process seemed too complicated or overwhelming? In this playful, full-day workshop, mixed media artist Denby Dale will introduce you to some of the basic properties of this exciting medium without any intimidation or fussy studio set-up!
First, you’ll learn how to prep small flat panels with clear encaustic medium. Then, you’ll explore the many ways to safely draw on, add color to, and create surface texture with encaustic wax.
Through demos and experimentation, you’ll learn how to:
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Prep small flat panels with clear encaustic medium
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Add color to your panel with wax based, water soluble artist crayons, colored pencils, chalk pastel, graphite, and inks
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Alter and incise the surface of your panel using X-acto knives, lightweight carving tools, and stencils
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Use a mini heat gun to fuse layers of wax as you work to seal your marks into the wax and create cohesive layers
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Layer clear wax over your images to create “floating” and textured effects
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Experiment with removing wax to reveal layers
In addition to several small encaustic panels, you’ll leave with a unique, 8” x 8” abstract piece of encaustic art suitable for hanging.
Note: Class size limited to 10 students.
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Mosaic Pendant (FULL)
Date: Saturday, 7/12
Time: 1:00–5:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $72 (Members); $80 (Non-Members)
Supply Fee: $15 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Linda Girardi
Skill Level: All
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Pendant blanks, necklace chain, beads, charms, stained glass tiles, and other mosaic materials
Supplies Students Should Bring: An apron or clothes that can be stained
Note: This workshop is full. Please contact us to be added to waitlist.
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Learn how to apply the ancient art of mosaics to a piece of wearable art! In this fun and easy workshop, mosaic artist Linda Girardi will show how to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind pendant using a variety of beads, charms, stained glass tiles, and more!
Linda will demonstrate the process first, and then you’ll practice:
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Designing a mini mosaic pendant
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Choosing appropriate materials for your pendant
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Transferring materials and adhering them to a substrate
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Cleaning up and finishing your pendant
You’ll also learn tips and tricks for working with different types of mosaic materials.
You’ll walk away with two beautiful pendants that you can keep for yourself or give to a special friend or family member.
No prior glass experience needed!
Note: Moderate hand dexterity and good eyesight required.
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Embroidered Clothing and Accessories
Date: Friday, 7/18
Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (includes 1 hour break for lunch)
Workshop Fee: $108 (Members), $120 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $15 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Jeannie Thomma
Skill Level: Beginner
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Embroidery hoop, embroidery floss, yarn, bobbins, cloth, embroidery needles, stencils, transfer paper, marking pens and pencils
Supplies Students Should Bring: Embroidery scissors and a thimble if you’d like to use one. If you want to embroider a piece of clothing or an accessory (e.g., purse, bag, pillowcase), you’ll also need to bring the item to the workshop. Light-weight denim, cotton, canvas, or linen items work best. Alternately, you may create an embroidered wall hanging using cloth provided by the instructor.
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Embroidery is all the rage these days, and, after taking this fun, fiber-focused workshop, you’ll understand why. Not only is it an enjoyable hobby, it’s a great, economical way to zhuzh up ordinary or worn out clothes and accessories—or decorate your home!
In just a few hours, local artist, Jeannie Thomma, will teach you some basic embroidery stitches that you can use to embellish a favorite shirt, jacket, pair of jeans, purse, bag, pillow cover, or other light-weight denim, cotton, canvas, or linen item. You can also choose to make an embroidered wall hanging to add interest to your home instead.
You’ll begin by learning how to create a stencil for your design, or you can choose one of Jeannie’s pre-cut patterns. Then, you’ll select a palette of threads or yarns, and Jeannie will teach you a variety of stitches to practice. Finally, you’ll use your template and newly-acquired slow stitch skills to create a unique, hand-stitched work of art!
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Mixed Media Collage Grab Bag
Date: Saturday, 7/19
Time: 1:00-5:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $72 (Members), $80 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $25 (To be collected day of workshop; cash, check or Venmo)
Instructor: Denby Dale
Skill Level: All
Supplies Provided by Instructor: 9” x 12” cradled wooden panel, “grab bag” of collage materials, various glues and applicators, paper punches, cutters, x-acto knives, cutting mats, and drawing media (e.g., pencils, artist crayons, inks)
Supplies Students Should Bring: An apron or clothes that can be stained. All other supplies provided; however, students are encouraged to bring scissors, cutting tools, and a cutting mat, if they have them.
Is your work getting a little ho-hum? Could you use a little creativity boost? No matter what your medium is, your art will benefit from this stimulating workshop that explores the concept of creative limitation.
After arriving for this fun, exploratory workshop, you’ll receive a bag of carefully curated collaging materials that will include various papers, fibers, woods, metals, ephemera, and other mixed media. All of the bags will have mostly the same contents, with one unique element of surprise!
While you consider what to do with your materials, mixed media artist Denby Dale will teach you different ways to consider, layer, and incorporate the contents of your bag. Part of the fun of this workshop is seeing how each of us explores and interprets [mostly] the same art materials. Through the process of creative limitation and discovery, you’ll give and receive inspiration from your fellow students, while putting your own spin on your piece.
You’ll be surprised at how freeing—and fun—having a lack of freedom can be when you’re making art! Whether you’re building on existing collage skills or jumping into something new, you’ll walk away with a unique abstract collage, a renewed sense of wonder, and an appreciation of how less can truly be more!
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Alcohol Ink Flowers (FULL)
Date: Saturday, 8/2
Time: 1:30-4:30 PM
Workshop Fee: $54 (Members), $60 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $20 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Angie Bryant
Skill Level: All
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Ceramic tiles, alcohol inks, isopropyl alcohol, canned air, UV archival spray varnish, paper towels
Supplies Students Should Bring: Apron or clothes that can be stained
Note: This workshop is full. Please contact us to be added to waitlist.
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Preserve the beauty of summer by making your own alcohol ink flower art! Whether you’re brand new to alcohol inks or have been playing with them for years, you’re sure to learn some new techniques in this exciting, hands-on workshop.
Join veteran artist and teacher Angie Bryant as she shows you how to create a bouquet of gorgeous flower tiles. Angie will provide a brief lesson on the basics of alcohol inks, but the class will primarily focus on using an air source to create floral designs.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have two tiles ready to be displayed and the knowledge needed to seal your tiles to use as a coaster or trivet.
No drawing or painting experience necessary.
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Botanical Painting for Beginners
Date: Wednesdays, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20 & 8/27
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $144 (Members), $160 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $20 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Camille Daunno
Skill Level: Beginner
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Watercolors, brushes, heavy watercolor paper, mixing palette, board to work on, practice paper, water containers, pencils and erasers
Supplies Students Should Bring: All supplies provided.
Bring your botanical illustrations to life by learning how to paint them! Veteran artist and instructor Camille Daunno will teach you how to become proficient in this challenging, but rewarding, skill.
By the end of the course, you'll understand how to use different brushes and painting techniques, such as dry brush, pulling out the paint, and preserving the light of the paper, to build layers of color until your botanical painting reaches the desired tones and effects. You'll also learn how to use a liner brush to create vines, tendrils, and veins in your leaves.
Notes:
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Previous botanical illustration experience helpful but not required.
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Fine motor skills required for detail work.
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Watercolor Basics
Date: Thursdays, 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, & 8/28
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
Workshop Fee: $144 (Members); $160 (Non-Members)
Supply Fee: $25 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Susie Wallace
Skill Level: Beginner
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Watercolor paint, a palette, watercolor paper, support boards, water cups, 1 round and 1 flat watercolor brush, drawings to paint, smooth Viva paper towels, masking tape, a spray bottle, a pencil, a gray kneaded eraser (The paint, palette, and watercolor brushes are yours to keep!)
Supplies Students Should Bring: An apron or clothes that can be stained.
Do you love the look of transparent watercolor paintings and often wish you could create your own? Well, you CAN—with the help of local artist Susie Wallace! Susie has been painting with watercolors for over 35 years and has taught beginning watercolor to all kinds of students, from art guild members to assisted living residents. If they can be successful, so can YOU!
In this introductory, 4-week course, you’ll learn the basics of watercolor materials, brushwork, color mixing, value, and composition. In the final class you’ll learn how to paint from a photo of your choice.
No previous drawing or painting skills needed; just a fun spirit!
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Mosaic Vintage Glass Window (FULL)
Date: Saturday, 8/9
Time: 1:30-4:30 PM
Workshop Fee: $54 (Members), $60 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $60 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Michelle Bettencourt
Skill Level: All
Supplies Provided by Instructor: 28” x 19” vintage glass window, a variety of vintage glass items (e.g., crystalware, ashtrays), glass beads and other mosaic materials, adhesive, chains, and hooks
Supplies Students Should Bring: An apron or clothes that can be stained. All other supplies provided; however, students are encouraged to bring additional small vintage glass items (e.g., crystalware, ashtrays), glass beads, and other mosaic materials that they’d like to incorporate into their window, if they have them.
Note: This workshop is full. Please contact us to be added to waitlist.
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Add a touch of vintage charm to your outdoor space with this mosaic glass window! In just a few hours, mosaic artist Michelle Bettencourt will show you how to create a one-of-a-kind artwork using a vintage, wooden-framed glass window.
After explaining how to source and prep vintage materials, Michelle will offer tips for designing a mosaic and attaching items to a glass window. Then, you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon creating your piece. You’ll have access to an array of vintage glassware, from grandma’s crystalware to 1970s ashtrays, as well as mixed glass beads, scrabble letters, and other interesting trinkets.
You’ll leave the workshop with an incredible, ready-to-hang (chains and hooks included), 28” x 19” glass window that’s sure to enhance the beauty of your home.
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Mosaic Pothead
Date: Friday, 8/22, and Saturday, 8/23
Time: 10:00–5:00 on 8/22 (includes hour break for lunch); 1:00-5:00 PM on 8/23
Workshop Fee: $180 (Members); $200 (Non-Members)
Supply Fee: $45 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Linda Pannullo
Skill Level: All
Supplies Provided by Instructor: 8” terracotta planter, various tesserae (e.g., plates, cups, china, glass, and other found objects), grout, tools
Supplies Students Should Bring: An apron or clothes that can be stained, closed-toed shoes, black sharpie marker, rubber gloves, dust mask, eye protection (optional)
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as giving new life to old treasures—especially when the end result is a unique piece of FUNctional art! In this lively, two-day workshop, mosaic artist Linda Pannullo will show you how to tap into your whimsical side to make an adorable, 8” picassiette (broken plate) mosaic “pothead.”
On Day 1, Linda will show you how to use nippers to cut pottery, china, and glass safely, explain how to properly adhere tesserae to your pot, and suggest ideas for designing a one-of-a-kind piece. Then, you’ll spend the rest of the day creating your pothead.
On Day 2, Linda will demonstrate how to grout your piece and guide you through the process.
Although Linda will provide everything you need to make your pothead, you’re welcome to bring pottery, glass, and found objects from your personal stash to incorporate into your design. Whether you use Linda’s broken dishes or your own, your creation is sure to bring a smile to your face every time you see it!
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Note: Moderate hand strength required.
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Mixed Media Collage: Landscape (FULL)
Date: Saturday, 9/6
Time: 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $72 (Members), $80 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $15 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Kim Smith
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Paper, patterns, adhesive, 8”x10” canvas, mark-making tools
Supplies Students Should Bring: Small, sharp scissors and an apron or clothes that can be stained
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Note: This workshop is full. Please contact us to be added to waitlist.
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Fall has arrived in Western North Carolina! Capture the beauty of its vibrant blue skies, majestic mountains, and carpet of blooms in this fun, half-day workshop taught by veteran artist and instructor Kim Smith.
In just a few hours, Kim will teach you how to select, layer, and properly adhere multiple mediums (fabric, paint, pictures, music notes, messages, book pages, and more) to create a colorful mixed media “painting” that reflects the natural beauty of the season. You’ll also learn how to apply the principles of design and color theory to finish a complete, frameable piece following Kim’s step-by-step instruction.
This workshop will introduce beginners to basic mixed media collaging concepts and provide intermediate creators with some new techniques and best practices.
No previous drawing, painting, or collaging experience necessary!
Note: Fine motor skills required for “fussy cutting.”
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