Workshops
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​Nature Journaling Using Botanical Illustration (5/7, 5/14, 5/21 & 5/28) —FULL
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Cold Wax for Beginners: Line & Tape Techniques (5/16 & 5/17)
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Embroidered Clothing and Accessories (5/30) —FULL
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Playing with Color (6/3, 6/10, 6/17 & 6/24)
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Mosaic Stepping Stone (6/7) —FULL
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Mixed Media Collage: Landscape (6/14) —FULL
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Watercolor: Beyond the Basics (6/25, 7/2, 7/9 & 7/16)
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Mosaic Pendant (7/12)
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Mixed Media Grab Bag (7/19)
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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.
Nature Journaling Using Botanical Illustration (FULL)
Date: Wednesdays, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21 & 5/28
Time: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $144 (Members), $160 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $15 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Camille Daunno
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Sketch journal, pencils (H, HB, 2B, mechanical), marker, erasers (plastic, kneaded, pink), paper (heavy vellum, practice, Bristol drawing), charcoal (white, black, earth tones, reeds)
Supplies Students Should Bring: All materials provided.
Note: This workshop is full. Please contact us to be added to waitlist.
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Nature journaling calms your mind, increases your attention to detail, helps you appreciate beauty, improves your ability to recognize different flora and fauna, allows you to capture and remember a moment, and gives you inspiration for other creative projects. Natural objects also provide wonderful subjects to learn how to do botanical illustration!
While the term may sound intimidating, “botanical illustration” simply means drawing with botanical accuracy—and anyone can do it if they can draw basic shapes (circles, squares, and triangles) and lines.
In this fun, four-week class, botanical illustrator and painter, Camille Daunno, will teach you how to identify geometric shapes in natural objects and, then, turn those shapes into realistic forms by adding linework, shading, and blending. Initially, you’ll reference other botanical artists’ illustrations, but, eventually, you’ll try your hand at capturing your own interpretation of what you see.
To bring your journal pages to life, you’ll also learn how to embellish a written page and create unique layouts of the subjects you’re drawing.
Notes:
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Previous drawing experience helpful but not required.
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Fine motor skills required for detail work.
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Class size limited to 7 students.
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Cold Wax for Beginners: Line & Tape Techniques
Date: 5/16 & 5/17
Time: 1:00-5:00 PM both days
Workshop Fee: $144 (Members), $160 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $35 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Denby Dale
Skill Level: Beginner
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Art papers, 8”x10” cradled panel, cold wax medium, oil paints, various width masking tapes, mark-making tools, stencils, applicators
Supplies Students Should Bring: An apron. All other supplies will be provided; however, students are encouraged to bring rigid “tools,” such as old credit cards, favorite plastic stencils, etc., if they have them.
Cold wax—which is related to, but also very different from, encaustic (heated wax paint)—is an incredibly versatile medium. In this exploratory, two-day workshop, mixed media artist Denby Dale will teach you how to build a line-driven, layered, cold wax composition that emphasizes pattern, color, and movement.
Day One will be all about hands-on learning! First, Denby will show you how to make colored wax by adding small amounts of oil paint to clear cold wax medium. Then, you’ll play with creating levels of transparency and opacity by applying clear and colored wax to different surfaces. Finally, you’ll experiment with using additive and subtractive techniques to add line and mark making to your pieces.
On Day Two, after your initial wax layers have had time to dry, you’ll leverage your learnings from Day One and continue to build and refine your compositions. You’ll use special masking tapes, stencils, and other tools to add hard lines and color shifts to your work and create several dynamic, geometric, abstract pieces.
You’ll leave the class with an assortment of small cold wax painting studies on various art papers and a finished 8”x10” cold wax painting on a 3/4" cradled panel.
If you've never worked with cold wax, this class will introduce you to one of the many ways the medium can be used. If you’ve had some experience with cold wax, this workshop is a great way to add to your knowledge base and explore new techniques.
Notes:
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No previous drawing or painting experience necessary.
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Class size limited to 10 students.
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Embroidered Clothing and Accessories (FULL)
Date: Friday, 5/30
Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (includes 1 hour break for lunch)
Workshop Fee: $90 (Members), $100 (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.
Note: This workshop is full. Please contact us to be added to waitlist.
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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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Watercolor Snacks: Rustic Barn Landscape
Date: Saturday, 5/31
Time: 1:30-4:30 PM
Workshop Fee: $54 (Members); $60 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $15 (To be collected day of workshop; Venmo, cash, or check only)
Instructor: Kelly Reese
Skill Level: Beginner
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Watercolor pan set, size 6 round watercolor brush, 140 lb cold press watercolor paper, masking fluid
Supplies Students Should Bring: An apron or clothes that can be stained. All other materials supplied.
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Have you been wondering if watercolor is for you, but you don’t want to spend weeks trying to find out? Or perhaps it’s been a while since you pulled out your watercolor paints, and you need a little “taste” of the medium before jumping back in. Either way, this half-day workshop is for you!
Local artist Kelly Reese is passionate about demystifying watercolor supplies and techniques and helping students unlock the creative potential of this popular medium.
In this fun, introductory workshop, Kelly will teach you how to break down the process of painting a rustic barn in a field of dandelions. You’ll begin by learning how to sketch the composition and value of a reference photo. Then, you’ll practice some basic watercolor techniques, including how to use masking fluid to delineate white areas. Finally, you’ll use your new understanding of composition, value, and techniques to complete a beautiful, frame-worthy picture.
No previous drawing or painting experience necessary!
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Playing with Color
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 materials supplied.
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. All other materials supplied.
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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Mixed Media Collage: Landscape (FULL)
Date: Saturday, 6/14
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
Note: This workshop is full. Please contact us to be added to waitlist.
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Summer 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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Watercolor: Beyond the Basics
Date: Wednesdays, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9 & 7/16
Time: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $216 (Members), $240 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: None
Instructor: Terrilynn Dubreuil
Skill Level: Intermediate
Supplies Provided by Instructor: None
Supplies Students Should Bring: Watercolor Supplies (.pdf) and an apron or clothes that can be stained.
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If you have some basic watercolor skills but would like to take them to the next level, this course is for you! Veteran artist and instructor Terrilynn Dubreuil will teach you everything you need to hone your skills.
In this intensive, four-week course, you’ll:
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Learn expanded approaches to color theory and mixing paint
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Learn additional application techniques and brushstrokes
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Play with layering colors and combining techniques to create more professional-looking paintings
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Find solutions to problems that may arise when you paint
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Continue developing your unique painting style
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Create multiple finished paintings of group and individual images
The course will include plenty of time for practice, as well as informal critiques for greater learning and understanding.
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Class size limited to 10 students.
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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 materials supplied, 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
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
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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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 materials 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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