Workshops
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Image Transfer Using a Gelli Plate (1/18) —FULL
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Mixed Media Collage: Snowman (1/25)
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Alcohol Ink Flowers (2/1) —FULL
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Watercolor for Beginners & Beyond (2/5, 2/12, 2/19 & 2/26) —FULL
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Watercolor for Beginners & Beyond (2/7, 2/14, 2/21 & 2/28) —NEW!
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Mosaic Pendant (2/8) —FULL
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Mixed Media Collage Grab Bag: Exploring Balance (2/11) —FULL
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Paste Paper Book (2/22 & 2/23)
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Mosaic Vintage Glass Window (3/1) —FULL
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Introduction to Handbuilding: Leaf Bowl (3/11 & 3/18)
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Tissue Paper Luminarias (3/14) —NEW!
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Notes: ​​​
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Beginning February 2025, Supply Fees will NOT be included in Workshop Fees. Instead, they will be collected on the day of your workshop and paid directly to the workshop instructor, cash or check only.
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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.
Image Transfer Using a Gelli Plate (FULL)
Date: Saturday, 1/18
Time: 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $82 (Members); $90 (Non-Members)
Instructor: Kristen Grady
Skill Level: Confident Beginner to Intermediate*
Materials & Tools Needed: CLEAN 5”x7” or 8”x10” gelli plate. We would not recommend using a gelli plate smaller than 5”x7”; please bring both sizes if you have them. You will also need to bring a brayer, scissors, and an apron. If you don’t have a brayer that you use at home, we can loan you one for class, but it’s better to practice your technique using your own tool. You are also encouraged to bring a few of your favorite acrylic paints, as well as magazines, especially if you have magazines that you want to test to see if they work for transfer. All other materials will be supplied.
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Note: This workshop is full. Please contact us to be added to waitlist.
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If you’re familiar with gelli printing, you know how easy and fun creating vibrant, one-of-a-kind monoprints can be! But did you know you can also use your gelli plate to do image transfers? The process may look easy on YouTube, but it actually requires quite a bit of technique and practice. You’ll get plenty of both in this fun, half-day workshop!
After lots of trial and error, gelli printing expert Kristen Grady has found a reliable way to get an image from the plate to the page [almost] every time! She’ll teach you the secrets to consistent success, including:
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The best type of images to use
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Where to find appropriate images
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The proper amount of paint to use
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The proper drying time between steps
Kristen will also offer opportunities to learn additional skills and techniques at the end of class, such as how to add texture and multiple colors and layers to your work.
You’ll leave the workshop with lots of samples and the confidence to do image transfers on your own.
*Although beginners are welcome to attend the workshop, limited time will be spent reviewing the basics of gelli printing. If you’ve never gelli printed before, please contact us before the workshop so Kristen can give you some tips and pointers.
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Mixed Media Collage: Snowman
Date: Saturday, 1/25
Time: 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $82 (Members), $90 (Non-Members)
Instructor: Kim Smith
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Materials & Tools Needed: Small, sharp scissors and an apron or clothes that can be stained. All other materials supplied.
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It may be cold outside, but this adorable snowman is sure to warm your home and your heart! Join veteran artist and instructor Kim Smith as she teaches you how to create a layered, mixed-media winter painting. You’ll also learn how to use:
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Various collage and mixed media techniques to bring your piece to life
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Composition basics to create a pleasing design
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Techniques to keep round objects from looking flat
You’ll walk away with a completed, detailed mixed media painting which is sure to impress. Your friends will marvel at the complexity of your work, and only you will know how easy it was to make using Kim’s simplified collaging process.
This workshop will introduce beginners to basic mixed media collaging concepts and provide intermediate creators some new techniques and best practices. Students of all levels have found success working with Kim—and they’ve had a ton of fun doing it!
No previous drawing, painting, or collaging experience necessary!
Note: Fine motor skills required for “fussy cutting.”
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Alcohol Ink Flowers (FULL)
Date: Saturday, 2/1
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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Chase away the winter blues by making beautiful alcohol ink flowers! 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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Watercolor for Beginners & Beyond (FULL)
Date: Wednesdays, 2/5-2/26
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $144 (Members); $160 (Non-Members)
Supply Fee: N/A
Instructor: Terrilynn Dubreuil
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Supplies Provided by Instructor: None
Supplies Students Should Bring: Watercolor Painting Supplies and an apron or clothes that can be stained
Notes:
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This class is appropriate for beginners and women who have already taken a beginning watercolor classes. If you already have some experience with this medium, Terrilynn will help you build your skills to the next level.
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This workshop is full. Please contact us to be added to waitlist.
Whether you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, or are looking to refresh your watercolor skills, veteran artist and instructor Terrilynn Dubreuil will teach you everything you need to jump into, or expand your skills using, this relaxing medium!
In this explorative, four-week course, you’ll learn basic watercolor concepts, including paintbrush usage, color theory, color mixing, color application, composition, and other watercolor approaches and techniques. You’ll reference simple photos to practice your new skills and, over time, begin to develop or hone your unique painting style. The class will include informal critiques for greater learning and understanding.
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Watercolor for Beginners & Beyond
Date: Fridays, 2/7-2/28
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $144 (Members); $160 (Non-Members)
Supply Fee: N/A
Instructor: Terrilynn Dubreuil
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Supplies Provided by Instructor: None
Supplies Students Should Bring: Watercolor Painting Supplies and an apron or clothes that can be stained
Note: This class is appropriate for beginners and women who have already taken a beginning watercolor classes. If you already have some experience with this medium, Terrilynn will help you build your skills to the next level.
Whether you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, or are looking to refresh your watercolor skills, veteran artist and instructor Terrilynn Dubreuil will teach you everything you need to jump into, or expand your skills using, this relaxing medium!
In this explorative, four-week course, you’ll learn basic watercolor concepts, including paintbrush usage, color theory, color mixing, color application, composition, and other watercolor approaches and techniques. You’ll reference simple photos to practice your new skills and, over time, begin to develop or hone your unique painting style. The class will include informal critiques for greater learning and understanding.
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Mosaic Pendant (FULL)
Date: Saturday, 2/8
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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Mixed Media Collage Grab Bag: Explore Balance (FULL)
Date: Tuesday, 2/11
Time: 1:00-5:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $72 (Members), $80 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $25 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Denby Dale
Skill Level: All
Supplies Provided by Instructor: 9” x 12” cradled wood 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: All materials will be provided; however, students are welcome to bring their own collage making tools as well (cutting tools/blades, cutting mats, etc.). Students should also bring an apron or wear clothes that can be stained.
Note: This workshop is full. Please contact us to be added to waitlist.
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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.
You’ll start by choosing a closed paper bag containing a selection of curated materials with coordinated color schemes/themes. Each bag will have different contents—with the exception of one common item just for fun!—and will feature a collection of papers, fibers, woods, metals, ephemera, and other mixed media.
While you consider what to do with your treasures, mixed media artist Denby Dale will teach you different ways to layer and incorporate collage materials, while keeping the design principle of balance in mind.
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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Paste Paper Book
Date: Sat, 2/22, & Sun, 2/23
Time: 1:00–5:00 PM both days
Workshop Fee: $144 (Members), $160 (Non-Members)
Supply Fee: $20 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Joyce Tromba
Skill Level: Beginner
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Paint, paste, brushes, paper for pages and covers, book board, linen thread, glue, and bookmaking kit with all equipment needed for bookbinding
Supplies Students Should Bring: One large sponge, an old kitchen towel, and an apron or clothes that can be stained
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Do you love the look of marbled paper but dislike how complicated and expensive it can be to make? If so, you'll love paste paper! This traditional surface design technique, which dates back to the 16th century, uses simple tools and materials to create endless, stunning patterns on paper.
Your beautiful designs can be used to decorate books (as we’ll be doing in this workshop), make collages, add interest to objects, or just displayed on their own.
On Day One of this two-part class, local book artist Joyce Tromba will take you through the paste paper making process. You’ll learn how to make paste, pigment it, and apply it to paper. Then, you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon creating patterns and textures with your paste using a variety of tools, such as combs, plastic forks, and even your fingers!
On Day Two, Joyce will show you how to make a multi-signature book which opens flat and has exposed “Coptic stitches” on the spine. You’ll also discuss other ways to use your one-of-a-kind papers.
You’ll leave the workshop with a sweet, Coptic bound book suitable for journaling or displaying, as well as multiple pieces of paste paper for future projects.
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Mosaic Vintage Glass Window (FULL)
Date: Saturday, 3/1
Time: 1:30-4:30 PM
Workshop Fee: $54 (Members), $60 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $40 (To be collected day of workshop; cash, check, or Venmo 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: All materials will be 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. Students should also bring an apron or wear clothes that can be stained.
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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Slow Stitch Fabric Memory Booklet
Date: Saturday, 3/8
Time: 1:00-5:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $72 (Members), $80 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $10 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Christy Ammerman
Skill Level: All
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Fabric scraps, trim, embellishments, thread, and needles
Supplies Students Should Bring: Small, sharp scissors suitable for fussy cutting. All other materials will be provided, though students are welcome to bring additional fabric scraps, trim, and embellishments for their booklet.
Note: Students are encouraged to email a digital photo of a special person, pet, place, or experience at least one week prior to the workshop. This will be used as their booklet’s focal piece. More specific instructions will be provided after registration.
Are you looking for a unique way to capture a special person, pet, place, or experience? Have you wanted to try your hand at slow-stitching but aren’t sure where to begin? In this relaxing, half-day workshop, textile artist Christy Ammerman will show you how to turn bits of discarded material, trim, and thread into a sweet fabric memory booklet that you’re sure to cherish!
Your creative adventure will begin before the workshop, when you’ll select (using criteria that we’ll send after registration) and send us a favorite photo as your booklet’s focal piece. We’ll transfer it onto special paper and bring it with us to class.
Then, during the workshop, Christy will explain how the transfers were created and teach you how to weave a story around them by carefully selecting, cutting, positioning, and layering fabric scraps, trim, and other embellishments.
After you create your design, Christy will give you options for assembling your piece and teach basic slow-stitching techniques. Finally, you’ll learn how to finish your one-of-a-kind memento.
This workshop includes lots of time to experiment, play, and build your creation—and, of course, get suggestions from Christy and your classmates if desired.
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Introduction to Handbuilding: Leaf Bowl
Date/Time: Tue, 3/11, 1:00-4:00 PM & Tue, 3/18, 2:00-4:00 PM
Workshop Fee: $90 (Members), $100 (Non-Members)
Supplies Fee: $15 (To be collected day of workshop; cash or check only)
Instructor: Maria Granatosky
Skill Level: All
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Clay, rolling pins, X-ACTO knives, cookie cutters, leaf templates, texturizing tools, glaze
Supplies Students Should Bring: All materials supplied, though students are welcome to bring their own leaves to use as templates. Students should also bring an apron or wear clothes that can be stained.
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Handbuilding is the foundation of working with clay. In this messy—but fun!—two-day introductory class, you’ll learn the basics using “slabs,” pieces of clay rolled or slammed out flat, to make a beautiful leaf bowl.
On Day 1, potter Maria Granatosky will teach you how to wedge, form, and shape clay. Then, you’ll roll out your clay and cut leaves out of your slab using either cookie cutters or leaf templates. Finally, you’ll add texture to your leaves and assemble them to create a bowl. Maria will collect your projects at the end of class and take them home to fire.
On Day 2, you’ll glaze and finish your pieces, and Maria will take them home one more time to fire and set the glaze.
You’ll return to Purple Crayon a few days later to pick up your work.
Whether you’re primarily interested in handbuilding itself, or you’re considering doing wheel throwing in the future, this class is a great place to start!
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Tissue Paper Luminerias
Date: Friday, 3/14
Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (includes an 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: Cheri Epstein
Skill Level: All
Supplies Provided by Instructor: Plastic form, oil, plastic wrap, brushes, tissue paper, glue, embellishments, lights
Supplies Students Should Bring: All materials supplied. Students should also bring an apron or wear clothes that can be stained.
Did you know that tissue paper can be formed into three dimensional vessels? In this messy, but fun, full-day workshop, you’ll learn how to turn this surprisingly versatile material into two beautiful luminarias!
Local art therapist, artist, and teacher Cheri Epstein will give you a 6” plastic form (which is yours to keep!), a rainbow of tissue paper colors and patterns to play with, and a variety of embellishments, like gold leaf and colored gems, to make your pieces sparkle. Then, she’ll take you through the process.
Although the technique is relatively simple, you’ll be amazed at the results. Each of your pieces will reflect your unique color preferences and personality. The luminarias can light a dark walkway, dinner table, or meditative space and will make lovely additions to your home or delightful gifts.
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