Workshops
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Botanical Painting for Beginners (8/6, 8/13, 8/20 & 8/27)
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Watercolor Basics (8/7, 8/14, 8/21 & 8/28) —FULL
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Mosaic Vintage Glass Window (8/9) —FULL
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Mosaic Pothead (8/22 & 8/23)
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Mixed Media Collage: Landscape (9/6) —FULL
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Ribbed Basket (9/13)
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Introduction to Eco Printing on Paper (9/26 & 9/27) —FULL
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Needle Felted Pumpkin with Optional Face (10/4) —NEW!
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Introduction to Gouache (10/11) —NEW!
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Introduction to Tapestry Weaving (10/17) —NEW!
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Encaustic Collage (10/24 & 10/25) —NEW!
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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.
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 (FULL)
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.
Note: This workshop is full. Please contact us to be added to waitlist.
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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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Ribbed Basket
Date: Saturday, 9/13
Time: 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $72 (Members), $80 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $60 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Carleigh Fairchild
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Round hoops, round reed, flat reed, hand pruners
Supplies Students Should Bring: All supplies provided; however, students are encouraged to bring their own hand pruners if they have them.
Have you always wanted to make your own woven basket? Or perhaps you’ve made some baskets but want to learn a new style? In this fun, half-day workshop, wilderness expert and accomplished basket maker Carleigh Fairchild will show you how to make an 8"x8"x10" ribbed basket that’s both beautiful and practical. You can make your entire basket out of all-natural reed, or you can incorporate a color or two into your design.
During the class, you’ll learn how to:
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Make and arrange hoops to create a frame for your basket using the “gods eye” lash to attach the hoops together
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Shape your basket by adding round reed “ribs” and then weaving in flat reed to form the basket
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Finish and trim your basket
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Use and care for your basket
This sturdy ribbed basket is great for harvesting herbs, garden greens, eggs, or displaying/holding household accessories, etc.—pretty much any smallish item your imagination can think of!
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Introduction to Eco Printing on Paper (FULL)
Date: Friday, 9/26, & Saturday, 9/27
Time: 1:00 PM–5:00 PM both days
Workshop Fee: $180 (Members), $200 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $20 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Joyce Tromba
Skill Level: Beginner
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Botanicals, mordant, paper, book-making materials
Supplies Students Should Bring: Waterproof gloves and an apron or clothes that can be stained. All other supplies will be provided; however, students are encouraged to bring additional botanicals if they’d like. (Instructor will provide a list of suitable botanicals prior to the workshop.)
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Note: This workshop is full. Please contact us to be added to waitlist.
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Eco printing is a process that uses botanicals—leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, or roots—to print directly onto fabric or paper. Time and heat transfer the pigments and tannins from the plant to leave a permanent image. Each print is unique, and the results are always a surprise!
On Day One of this two-part class, local book artist Joyce Tromba will teach you the best botanicals to use for eco printing and show you how to use mordants and modifiers to enhance your prints. Then, you’ll spend the bulk of the afternoon making a collection of papers.
On Day Two, Joyce will show you how to use your eco prints to make cards, a framed picture, and simple stitched books.
Whether you’re interested in making beautiful, standalone artworks, or want to create unique papers for bookmaking or collage, you’ll love this exciting, entry-level workshop!
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Needle Felted Pumpkin with Optional Face
Date: Saturday, 10/4
Time: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM (includes an hour break for lunch)
Workshop Fee: $90 (Members), $100 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $20 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Irene Heckel-Volpe
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Wool roving, felting needles, felting pad, pumpkin stems
Supplies Students Should Bring: All materials provided.
With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to make this gourd-gious needle felted pumpkin! You’ll have the option of creating a face on one side or leaving it smooth and more realistic on both sides.
Fiber artist Irene Heckel-Volpe will start by showing you how to make a ball approximately 5”-6” in diameter. Then, after you create your core, you’ll learn how to add color to it. Next, you’ll add ribs and a real pumpkin stem to bring your piece to life. Finally, you’ll either continue refining your second side or, for those who want to give their pumpkin some character, work on creating a face.
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Introduction to Gouache
Date: Saturday, 10/11
Time: 1:00-5:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $72 (Members), $80 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $15 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Camille Daunno
Skill Level: Beginner
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Gouache, brushes, paper, mixing palettes, water containers
Supplies Students Should Bring: An apron or clothes than can be stained. All other supplies provided.
Although most people know more about watercolor, gouache, another water-based paint, has been around for hundreds of years. What makes it so special is that it’s opaque, making it ideal for covering underlying color, layering light colors over dark, and correcting mistakes by painting over them. It also dries quickly and adds intense color to paintings. If it seems like just what you’ve been looking for, join us for this hands-on workshop where you’ll explore the wonderful qualities of this versatile medium.
In this half-day class, local artist Camille Daunno will explain and demonstrate gouache’s unique characteristics. Camille will show you how to mix and use gouache three different ways:
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Design and flat pattern technique: You’ll learn how to work in layered colors, creating an all over pattern or design without disturbing the color.
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Watercolor technique: You’ll learn how to create a loose painting that’s opaque, yet has the look of transparent watercolor.
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Acrylic technique: You’ll learn how to use gouache like acrylic paint by creating a small landscape.
You’ll leave the class with three small paintings which may be suitable for display, or may simply capture your learnings for the day.
No previous drawing or painting experience necessary!
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Introduction to Tapestry Weaving
Date: Friday, 10/17
Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (includes 1 hour break for lunch)
Workshop Fee: $108 (Members), $120 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $30 (To be collected day of workshop; cash, check, or Venmo only)
Instructor: Jeannie Thomma
Skill Level: Beginner
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Loom, pickup stick, shuttles, tapestry needle, comb, dowel, cotton yarn for warp, various weft materials (e.g., yarn, raffia, fabric strips, wool roving)
Supplies Students Should Bring: Scissors, a tape measure, and a pen or pencil. Students are also encouraged to bring favorite yarn, fabric, and/or other materials they’d like to incorporate into their piece, as well as inspirational images or color palettes that they’d like to use as a reference for their design.
Do you have a hard time throwing out scraps of yarn, fabric, paper, and other leftover crafting materials? If so, tapestry weaving might be the perfect solution! Not only does it produce beautiful 2D and 3D artworks, but pretty much anyone can do it, and the process is meditative and fun!
In this one-day workshop, local fiber artist Jeannie Thomma will teach you everything you need to get started with this enjoyable and practical artform. You’ll learn how to:
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Warp (set up) your loom
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Do basic tapestry stitches, such as plain weave, rya knots, and soumak
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Plan a simple design
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Shape, shade, and add textural effects to your piece
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Finish and display your work
This workshop is perfect for complete beginners, as well as those looking to refresh their skills.
By the end of the day, you’ll complete one or more small woven tapestries that will be ready to hang on your wall—or gifted to a friend! You’ll also have all the tools and know how you need to continue exploring this wondrous medium!
No prior weaving experience necessary; just a curious mind and a willingness to play!
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Encaustic Collage
Date: Fri, 10/24 & Sat, 10/25
Time: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Friday (includes hour break for lunch); 1:00-5:00 PM Saturday
Workshop Fee: $180.00 (Members), $200.00 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $60 (To be collected day of workshop; cash, check, or Venmo)
Instructor: Denby Dale
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Practice panels, 1, 8” x 8” and 1, 9" x 12” cradled wooden panel pre-coated with encaustic, water-soluble artist crayons, colored and graphite pencils, chalk pastel, graphite, India inks, collage papers, fibers, printed images, small heat gun, burnishing tool, X-acto knife, lightweight carving tools, stencils
Supplies Students Should Bring: An apron or clothes that can be stained. All other supplies provided, though students are encouraged to bring their own coloring and lightweight carving tools, collage papers, fibers, printed images (color or black-and-white, toner-based photocopies), pencil or charcoal drawings, and stencils.
Want to take your collage skills to another level, quite literally? In addition to having archival qualities, encaustic (a wax-based “paint”) acts as both an adhesive and a medium, enabling you to reposition or remove collage elements easily, as well as add depth, translucency, and unique textural elements to your work.
In this playful, two-day workshop, mixed media artist Denby Dale will introduce you to some of the basic properties of encaustic (and collage) without any intimidation or fussy studio set-up!
Through demos and experimentation, you’ll learn how to:
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Prep flat wood panels with clear encaustic wax
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Create encaustic collage by:
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Adding color to encaustic panels using water-soluble artist crayons, colored pencils, chalk pastel, graphite, and India inks
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Adding texture to encaustic panels using an X-acto knife, lightweight carving tools, and stencils
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Adding collage papers and fibers to encaustic panels
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Transferring toner-based images onto encaustic panels (we’ll explore two methods)
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Layer clear wax over your collage elements to produce “floating” and textured effects
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Fuse layers of wax to seal your marks and imagery into the wax and create cohesive layers
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Remove wax to reveal underlying elements
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Reposition or remove unwanted elements
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Play with color and composition to create visually pleasing collages
In addition to several small sample panels, students will leave the workshop with two original encaustic collages that incorporate various mark making techniques, collage papers, fibers, and/or transferred images.
This workshop is perfect for complete beginners, as well as those looking to refresh their skills.
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