In this workshop, we will explore our deepest knowing by stilling the body through short meditations and guided visualization - gently nudging us to the places that hold a deep reservoir of imagery. We will begin from the ground up making handmade gesso then using dry pigments in combination with paint. Lauren will guide you through a series of idea-generating techniques and gestural exercises that lead to understanding the balance found between technique and intuition. Spontaneous mark-making, collage and painting techniques will all be employed to broaden our visual vocabulary and art making dexterity. Our materials will be quality paper, boards, handmade gesso, dry pigment, collage materials, glues, oil sticks, cold wax and oil paint.
 
Location: Canton, North Carolina
Instructor: Lauren Mantecon
Cost: $1675 USD
Sponsor: Cullowhee Arts
Website, email, 828-342-6913

This dynamic paper, paint and textiles-based workshop will feature painting, printing, marbling, heat transfer, collage and stitch techniques on various substrates to build texture and create strong visual impact. The session kicks off with methods of painting and printing on a variety of papers and fabrics to lay down a base of color and pattern from which to build. Use acrylic, fabric paints, and dyes, and apply with brushes, sponges, and rollers; take advantage of the stunning natural surroundings to print with solar (sun) dyes using resist processes; experiment with marbling and add in details with oil pastels and drawing tools. Inspiration for mark making will be all around us!
 
Location: Canton, North Carolina
Instructor: Leisa Rich
Cost: $1,675 USD
Sponsor: Cullowhee Arts
Website, email, 828-342-6913

Alter paper and metal to make a sweet chunky book using only watercolor paper, canvas, metal and embellishments. On day one, create surfaces for the pages of your book, experimenting with stencils, stamps and found objects to create yummy textures. Learn to use resists, glazes, gesso and ink to create depth, contrast and stunning color combinations. In the afternoon learn techniques for creating interesting surfaces on metal, including metal transfers and leaf printing. On day two, tie it all together in a 5x7 inch book. Learn to bind this book as well as how to work with metal – distressing, punching, altering, and cold connecting.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Leighanna Light
Cost: $315
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Joseph Cornell is known for his special brand of visual poetry, brought to life in what he called the Box Construction. Cornell created little stories inside “shadow boxes” - voyages of the imagination forged by assembling seemingly disparate and random objects into dreamlike miniature tableaus. This class builds on the idea of the Cornell box. Build your own poetic little “theatre box” that evokes memories contained within. Use found objects you have been collecting in a unique work of art that speaks from your heart and elevates them to a place of reverence – of redemption. Learn basic assemblage techniques – how to collect, arrange, edit and attach found objects – and collage techniques using transparencies and photo transfers.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Lorraine Reynolds
Cost: $135
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

If you like multiple wire and cold connection techniques, playing with Ice Resin and personalization then you will love this class! We will create a Wire Nest focal with wire, molding compound, Ice Resin, and my images or yours. Using ThermaClear sheeting we will “blow” the trinket dome, set our layers of metal-Ice Resin pages and our dome to create a trinket dome connector. Next we will make a nest connector component, set eyelets and create the rest of the necklace components with wire loops and beads. Finally, we will add Vintaj® Patinas to coordinate with our images and begin construction. It will be a jam-packed day of constant exploration, creativity and design concepts.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Pam Hawkins
Cost: $150
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Create a unique painted art piece rich in texture, with deep layers of color, and sophisticated design. Tom will share some great ideas and techniques for using acrylic paints along with unusual textured compounds, a variety of papers, and some offbeat found objects. As a design teacher, Tom will share his composition principles, design ideas, and new ways to use your art materials to add heightened impact to your mixed media creations. Bring your own acrylic and watercolor paints and brushes along with any special handmade papers, photos, plant materials, and odds and ends you might like to incorporate in your art piece.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Tom Cabezas
Cost: $120
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Learn how to integrate your own photography with the mixed media process. With our cameras we will visit the historical landmark of the Mission San Juan Capistrano capturing dramatic imagery. We will then spend the remaining time working on our mixed media pieces. During the weekend you will be working on two 12 x 12 in. wood panels. I will show you step-by-step how to combine collage, your own photography, acrylic painting, layering, texturizing, adhering found objects and more. Some acrylic painting or mixed media experience is helpful, but not required. Join me in this unique & creative workshop. With mixed media you have the freedom to explore your creativity. You’ll be surprised at what you can create.
 
Location: San Clemente, California
Instructor: Lisa Agaran
Cost: $375.00
Sponsor: San Clemente Art Supply
Website, email, 626-470-7278

Paper crafters, jewelry-makers, book arts aficionados and other creative tinkerers, will enjoy the unique properties of UV resin, epoxy modeling compound, and polymer. Prepare paper ephemera (think vintage cigar bands, postage stamps, match book covers, origami paper, etc.) for a crystal-clear coating of UV-curing resin, then mix 2-part epoxy compound and embed images under flat or glass domes to construct a bezel charm or pendant. Designs are embellished (or not!) with ball chain and beads. Learn a slick direct transfer technique (no decals!) with black-and-white photocopies and polymer clay. Utilize high contrast photocopies of your own, artwork, clip art, or photographs. Unlike traditional transfer methods, this process yields a crisp, smudge-free image. Optionally add color with pencils or alcohol inks.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Jill Erickson
Cost: $235
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

In this workshop we’ll have fun translating a photo into a beautiful collage to make your new favorite portrait. Please bring a head-and-shoulders photo of yourself or the subject of your choice printed out in black and white on standard letter-size (8 ½ “ x 11”) paper. Selfie? Famous person? Favorite pet? Any of these could work! Participants will go home with a collage approximately 17 x 13 inches in size. Tools and materials provided.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Richard Moninski
Cost: $118
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

This class will be full of play and mixed media exploration. We will transform an ordinary book into a fun, personal journal using collage, background painting, lettering and many more techniques. You will have access to a variety of supplies and ephemera. There is only a very small list of tools you will need to bring (see website).
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Kim Geiser
Cost: $105
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Make an eclectic free standing figurative assemblage, starting with only two pieces of wood and a few favorite treasures! Learn the nuts and bolts of assemblage, composition, and cold connecting, to unite found objects in a cohesive piece of art. Learn exciting new ways to distress wood and metal surfaces, how to make beautiful clay faces, and how to make a mold of just about anything. Make one paper clay face, (and use another, already dried) in class. We will drill, sand, carve, paint, sculpt, problem solve, punch and distress – but most importantly, we will have a blast! Breathe new life into your found treasures and join us for a fun day of constructing awesome, one-of-a-kind assemblages!
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Leighanna Light
Cost: $175
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Who doesn’t love anything Mermaid? This mixed media necklace is jam-packed with fun techniques to achieve a sea-weathered ancient look with Art Nouveau touches. Create an Ice Resin mermaid face and art nouveau components, then play with a patina color – a little alcohol ink and even some acrylic paint – to expose details. Working with copper sheeting you will create a shape you like for the back plate and then add some letter stamping, forging and patina work. The resin components will be wire riveted onto the back plate. Create a beaded simple looping chain for the necklace and wrapped loop dangles for the rest. This class is all about cold connection techniques, playing with Ice Resin and personalization.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Pam Hawkins
Cost: $150
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Have you wanted to art journal but don’t know where to start? Are you a seasoned journaler looking for more creative tools to expand your artistic journey? This class will focus on a method of journaling in which a photographic image is utilized as a starting point to spark an idea. You will learn skills to help you develop new ideas for your journaling. Students will be given the opportunity to explore different mixed media techniques to push their creativity.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Kim Rae Nugent
Cost: $150
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Not quite sure what to do with the mounds of junk (oops … I mean treasures) that have been accumulating in your studio? Have you been afraid to use that vintage tin, saving it for the "perfect" project? Well dig it all up and bring it to class, where we'll create the wackiest flock of birds you've ever seen! Add to your cold connecting, assemblage and composition skills, but most of all, learn how to let go of perfection, let loose and have a blast! You will leave with at least 3 totally unique, one-of-a-kind birds. (The birds you make can be any size, depending upon the metal you bring. Most of mine are 8" x 5".)
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Leighanna Light
Cost: $165
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

You will start with photographic images from the workbook "Journal Starters: Nature Backgrounds, Textures & Collaborations™" and use them to create a collage of your choice. Images from the book include clouds, water, rocks, bark, driftwood, flowers and other plant matter. These images will be the jump-start to creating an object using their textures and colors. Different collage techniques will be taught including making your own see-through placing and tearing templates. Students will have the choice of working from their imagination or with the use of reference photos.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Kim Rae Nugent
Cost: $150
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Enjoy the meditative process of creating a beautiful beaded tree from start to finish during this day-long workshop. We will journey together as we first paint the background, then the trunk and branches of our trees on hardboard. Then we will choose from a collection of vintage and contemporary beads to glue on the board to complete our one-of-a-kind mixed media art piece. No painting or art experience needed.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Kate Bausch
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Perfect for one or two women ~ Immerse yourself a world away at Dorothy Fagan’s breath-taking Art Cottage Studio by Chesapeake Bay. Customized Lessons in oils, pastels, watercolor, drawing, fabric painting, acrylics, or mixed media. Enjoy every season on the private pond. Paint in the studio or en plein air with Dorothy at her favorite gardens, coastal marsh sanctuary, riverfront, woodlands, farms and vineyard locations. Relax on the expansive adjoining deck, or visit artisan studios down the lane. Walk to the Chesapeake Bay, or sit on the dock on Queen’s Creek and meditate, sketch, or paint the sunset. Wade in the shallows on the beach at the mouth of the Piankatank River. Paint the sunrise over Hills Bay.
 
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Instructor: Dorothy Fagan
Cost: $300
Sponsor: The Painting Lesson
Website, email, 804-366-0990

Found object artist and former librarian Gary Niebuhr offers an in-depth exploration of altered books as you work on three projects. Learn niche-carving techniques, then alter each book using various mixed media practices. Along the way we will explore the history of assemblage and bookmaking as well as the study of visual literacy and its effect on creating a theme for each project. Complete three altered books to cherish that have strong emotional messages and/or thematic content. Optional extras: Friday evening, 7-8:30, "Nailing Crap Together and Calling It Art: The History of Assemblage", lecture and get-together; Saturday evening, Open Studio, 7:00, and overview of "The History of the Book and How It Has Been Altered Over Time."
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Gary Warren Niebuhr
Cost: $250
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Encaustic paints and medium are incredibly versatile as both a painting and binding material. In this workshop, you will look at a range of methods of using encaustic, various papers, and found materials to create works with dynamic surfaces. This workshop will start with creating some of your own altered papers, using wax, watercolors, rust printing, and mark making. These will be combined to create final works. Using encaustic medium as an adhesive for other materials and found objects will be discussed and demonstrated. You will be guided in ways to display works of this type, as well as shipping and packing tips for these surfaces. While experience with encaustic is not required, general art making experience is helpful.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Sarah Rehmer, www.Rehmer-Studio.com
Cost: Members: $450, Non-Members: $490, Plus materials fee
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Driven by exploration and materials, this workshop will present various methods for combining collage and painting. Discover how this approach can be applied to both abstract and representational work. This workshop will begin with a series of discussions, demonstrations, and exercises introducing basic collage techniques and how to combine media successfully. Learn how to work with your collection of images, including previously made drawings and paintings, found print material, and hand colored and textured papers, directly and quickly to develop new compositions. An informal group discussion will take place at the end of each day.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Sara Willadsen, SaraWilladsen.com
Cost: Members: $225, Non-Members: $250
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Expand your ability to translate and capture imagery on canvas as you strengthen your observation skills, build a reliable process for planning, and develop your unique voice. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced painter, this workshop will help you to identify a focus in your painting practice through positive approaches to art making and a new pattern for success. Each morning, Tom will demonstrate a variety of topics, including planning compositions, handling and selecting materials, and paint application. Working from provided photo references, you will paint for the remainder of each day with Tom available for individualized instruction and feedback. This workshop is open to painters working in oil, acrylic, and pastel.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Tom Nachreiner, www.TomNachreiner.com
Cost: Members: $450, Non-Members: $490
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

A table of contents is typically an abbreviated listing of chapters in a book, an overview of what can be found on the pages within. We will be visually documenting our own personal stories and creating one-of-a-kind Table of Contents that reflect the chapters of our lives. You will create a series of mixed media booklets that, when stacked together, express your story. The booklets can reflect different ages or stages in your life, people in your world, aspects of yourself, experiences you have had, etc. Or you can simply make an un-themed, kick-ass artist book! Techniques we will explore include painting in layers, surface design, book binding, creating patina on paper, free stitching, mark making, and more.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Seth Apter
Cost: $465
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

This workshop focuses on the creation of expressive personal surfaces and complex, multi-layered pieces utilizing and in combination with encaustic painting techniques. With an emphasis on mixed media, methods and materials covered in this workshop include the use of organic and geometric form, realistic and abstract imagery, patterned collage, stencils, candy molds, drawing with horse hair, pyrography (creating marks with heated metal and wood burning tools) as well as creating expressive personally designed fabrics and papers utilizing indigo, rust printing, and bleach discharge. The application of thin layers of encaustic for collage, covering a panel with fabric as well as the conceptual use of layers, pattern and repetition will also be discussed.
 
Location: La Pointe, Wisconsin
Instructor: Lorraine Glessner
Cost: $725 + Materials: $60
Sponsor: Madeline Island School of the Arts
Website, email, (715) 747-2054

Want to paint Abstracts but haven't a clue how to begin or know when an abstract is finished? Discover luscious quiet colors so your abstracts will stand out. This fabulous workshop will guide you through creating an Abstract painting from beginning to end. Come join me in Taos, New Mexico for this special retreat filled with information, growth and creativity. Watch the evening New Mexico light caress the adobe walls filling the air with a soft apricot glow...it is this light that inspires us to enter our soul. For more information email gwen@gwenfox.com or call 575-751-0183
 
Location: Taos, New Mexico
Instructor: Gwen Fox
Cost: $850
Sponsor: Gwen Fox
Website, email, 575-751-0183

Memories play such an important role in who we are. Do you have a memory of a place, person, pet, or time in your life you would like to honor and turn into a keepsake? Using liquid enamel, photography, and enamel decals and paints we will create a wearable work of art to honor your memories. Settings will be provided and there is no metalsmithing experience required. If you prefer to make our own setting, tools and materials will be provided for that, too! This workshop can be combined with day two and/or three to create one memory necklace with a sterling silver chain and charm accents.
 
Location: Denver, Colorado
Instructor: Kirsten Denbow
Cost: $240-$270
Sponsor: Art Makers Denver
Website, email, 303-263-6963

If you look at enough abstract art, you will begin to see a repetition of certain structures, or “strategies of arrangement”. Each morning of this three-day workshop, I will introduce two new structures. We will begin simply and get more complex as the workshop progresses, looking at Balance and Value, Shape and Size, Color and Line. Collage is a great medium to easily test new ideas, find delicious surprises, and rehearse combinations. Through critique and individual instruction, we will learn ways to address problems in your design. Things like: how to connect disparate areas to one another, how to add interest and energy, how to simplify, and how to clarify and unify your design.
 
Location: Denver, Colorado
Instructor: Melinda Tidwell
Cost: $580-$710
Sponsor: Art Makers Denver
Website, email, 303-263-6963

In this class we’ll be exploring and creating on provided papers in order to create works of art papers to use as is or in your art creations. We’ll be making full, large sheets as well as collage fodder. There will be lots of demos and then time to use all sorts of shared materials from stamps and stencils, paints, mark making tools, pens, gelli pads, inks etc. Learn how to make repeat patterns on paper, guided abstract pages, and monoprint techniques. You’ll leave with lots of one of a kind papers to use as gift wrap or book covers (great if you’ll be joining us in Art Journal Play class), collage fodder or anything else you dream up.
 
Location: Denver, Colorado
Instructor: Pam Garrison
Cost: $240-$270
Sponsor: Art Makers Denver
Website, email, 303-263-6963

Creating abstract art with oil paint and cold wax medium involves taking a journey into yourself and your world --without a map. The process is intuitive, bold and full of discovery. Your pieces will take on lives of their own through the many layers of oil and cold wax you apply, addition of mixed media elements, and the areas you choose to scrape away. There are many opportunities for happy accidents and unexpected joys. Each oil and cold wax piece is a result of a moment in time and space where elements converge in a one-time-only way.
 
Location: Denver, Colorado
Instructor: Serena Barton
Cost: $430-$500
Sponsor: Art Makers Denver
Website, email, 303-263-6963

Learn to make art journals by creating book covers and hand-binding them with a simple long stitch binding method. We’ll spend the rest of the time playing in our art journals! I’ll bring all my favorite supplies to share and demo the favorite techniques I use in my art journals. We’ll cover lettering, pen work, collage, colors, composition and more all on the pages of our art journals. We’ll use acrylic paints and inks, watercolors, markers, pencils, stamps and stencils etc. etc. Leave with your own handmade journal, endless ideas for working in it, and discover new tools and techniques that will inform and expand your creative expression in all your art pursuits!
 
Location: Denver, Colorado
Instructor: Pam Garrison
Cost: $435-$500
Sponsor: Art Makers Denver
Website, email, 303-263-6963

Discover the translucent beauty of painting with oil and cold wax medium! Experiment with free and bold abstract landscapes with this delicious medium and Arches oil paper. Unlike with hot wax, you need no appliances to achieve maximum cold wax goodness. You can add and scrape off layers as you want to, so no need to be concerned about mistakes! You’ll work on several pieces at once, using tools such as squeegees, bamboo skewers, rubber jar openers, combs, and more. In addition to painting, we’ll explore incising, using paint sticks, painting knives, oil pastels, and adding collage elements. Join me in exploring this unusual and interactive medium. You’ll leave with several gorgeous pieces!
 
Location: Denver, Colorado
Instructor: Serena Barton
Cost: $240-$270
Sponsor: Art Makers Denver
Website, email, 303-263-6963

This three-day watercolor workshop in beautiful downtown Bend, Oregon with instructor Mary Marquiss will focus on three design elements – value, shape and color - building blocks that create strong paintings. Marquiss will step students through the painting process from start to finish with an emphasis on following personal choices and individual style. Each day will begin by "warming up" on 140-pound cold press watercolor paper with an exercise specific to that day's painting before working on 300-pound cold press watercolor paper. After the morning sessions, Mary will circulate among the students to answer questions and offer suggestions on moving their work forward.
 
Location: Bend, Oregon
Instructor: Mary Marquiss, www.marymarquiss.com
Cost: $395 before June 1, $445 after June 1
Sponsor: Cascade Fine Art Workshops
Website, email, (541) 408-5524

From the political to the playful, artists have used collage to produce striking, whimsical and moving images through the juxtaposition of visual elements. Explore a variety of perceptual and tactile collage strategies using both traditional materials and digital methods. Demonstrations and lectures on artists that have used collage will supplement studio activity.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jacob Lunderby, jacoblunderby.com
Cost: $315
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Elevate your drawings with washes of tone and color in watercolor and ink in order to produce vibrant mixed media work in the tradition of Cézanne and Rodin. Learn graphite and pen-and-ink drawing techniques as well as watercolor and wash painting methods, referencing historical and contemporary examples. Basic drawing experience required.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Hiro Sakaguchi, hirosakaguchi.com
Cost: For Credit: $525, Non-Credit: $395
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Join me on a weekend experience designed towards nourishing and uncovering your inner artist. Through the art of mixed media, you not only spend 3 days creating your own mixed media pieces, the weekend will also include found objects gathering & photographing at Moonstone Beach, Creativity enhancing yoga breaks (optional), Lunches (Friday, Saturday & Sunday), Snacks & Drinks, All art materials, Henna Tattoos…and more.
 
Location: Cambria, California
Instructor: Lisa Agaran
Cost: Before May 10 - $495, After May 10 - $595
Sponsor: True Creativity Within
Website, email, 626-470-7278

Broaden your painting language by exploring new methods of working with oil and cold wax medium. In this workshop, you will be encouraged to experiment and add unique texture, mark-making, and layering to your process to create surfaces that are rich, complex, and engaging. While demonstrations will introduce a variety of techniques, the majority of class time will be reserved for hands-on experimentation through prompts and individually driven explorations. Mark will provide one-on-one critiques to help connect group exercises with each student’s unique goals and needs. Demonstrations and examples will be landscape-based, but artists with a focus on abstraction or other imagery are welcome.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Mark Russell, www.MarkRussellStudio.com
Cost: Members: $225, Non-Members: $250
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Working with variety of found and new collage papers, students will create a fresh palette to select from on the first day of this workshop. Altering the surfaces using acrylics, mediums and stamping materials, we will explore ways to self-express and loosen up. The sense of design threaded through the workshop creating a wonderful illusion of harmony within the layers. Small exercises will prepare students to assemble their collages onto the substrate of watercolor paper and mount them on mat board. Emphases on the outside edges of the papers as we build layers will create depth and dimension. Final touches with embellishments, beads, and threads expands possibilities and tactile experiences.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Laura Lein-Svencner
Cost: $350
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Established by artists Penny L. Arrowood and Michelle Davis Petelinz, Your Creative Connection, Haw River 2018 is an all inclusive, mixed media art experience set in the scenic foothills of North Carolina. Designed for women by women: a memorable event to inspire creative discoveries. Aside from travel to and from the venue, everything that students need is included: lodging, linens, studio space, instruction, supplies, chef-prepared meals, daily snacks, and engaging evening activities. Immersed in our art-venturing, we will explore surface design employing myriad mixed media techniques and a variety of mediums. Studio time is structured to inspire new-comers, seasoned artists, and creative writers alike. Our final day will feature a showcase of the work created during our time together.
 
Location: Browns Summit, North Carolina
Instructor: Penny Arrowood & Michelle Davis Petelinz
Cost: $1,500
Sponsor: Your Creative Connection
Website, email, 910-875-7416

Combine photography with encaustic painting techniques as an alternative way to present your photographically based works give them a more painterly look and tactile feel. Explore different paper printing options for photographs - from fine art papers, Asian paper and anything in between. We will embed our photographic prints in an encaustic wax medium, which will allow us to overpaint them, apply image transfers, color glazes and hand color. Basics of working with encaustic paint, studio set up, safety measures and more will be covered. No prior encaustic experience required, but general art making experience helpful. Instructor will supply paint, medium and all necessary equipment and brushes, as well as all printing equipment and paper.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Sarah Rehmer
Cost: $410
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

This workshop is for intermediate/advanced artists who have worked with oil and cold wax. Expand your personal vocabulary and vision through a series of exercises based on the various ways of learning, along with drawing and moving paint. We’ll revisit the language of art - composition, color, tension and space, and scale will be discussed. Demonstrations include using R&F Pigment sticks, pastels and other materials along with excavating, monoprinting, glazing, mark making and editing. We will focus on content, how to see, and on moving your work forward. Students will be encouraged to work in a series, while revisiting the painting process. Professional practices will be addressed and activities will include exercises, informal group discussion and individual support.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Lisa Pressman
Cost: $485
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Oil and cold wax is a versatile medium that creates rich luminosity and interesting surfaces. Using an intuitive approach, we will experiment with laying down paint, building texture, scraping away, and then doing it all over again. We will work on multiple pieces, exploring texture, layers, composition and design, the use of color through oil paint and pigment sticks. The layers dry quickly and clean up is done with Wet Ones and the blue Dawn soap and water. You will complete some pieces plus go home with several painting starts to complete later. This is just the beginning of an intriguing new medium! Materials list is on the Art Box website.
 
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Instructor: Gina Louthian-Stanley
Cost: $195.00
Sponsor: The Art Box, Lynchburg, VA
Website, email, 434-401-1620

Capture the fluidity and disciplined movement of dancers at the School of the Pennsylvania Ballet. After a morning session at the ballet, return to the PAFA studios to work from dancers in longer poses. Transform your studies into finished pieces in pencil, charcoal, pastel, watercolor and mixed media. Drawing experience required.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Douglas Martenson
Cost: $135
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

In this course students will reinterpret nature’s deep imagery and essence employing matter from nature itself, within a limited palette. Paint, ink and home-made gesso will be made from inorganic and organic sources including pine soot, shells and earth minerals. Natural metallics will be introduced for warmth and depth. These arcane processes have been employed for thousands of years on cave walls, screens and scrolls, and aboriginal works. A variety of drawing, painting and collage techniques will be covered to cultivate individualized expression. This meaningful, process-driven, ecological (non-toxic, water-based) work truly nurtures the heart and spirit.
 
Location: Snow Hill, Maryland
Instructor: Judith Kruger
Cost: $885 USD
Sponsor: Cullowhee Arts
Website, email, 828-342-6913

The basis of this 5-day workshop will be sketching and painting on location around Santa Fe. Basic drawing and quick, intuitive watercolor will be taught, and will become the heart of our Santa Fe journals. Using the city’s Mexican, Indian and Spanish influences, we’ll draw flowers, buildings, food, farmers market treasures, and anything that we find that gives us a sense of place. We’ll also carve original stamps, create mono-prints, and add collage to our journals. Our handmade sketchbooks will be filled to the brim with color, images and memories of our week in historic Santa Fe.
 
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: Jane LaFazio
Cost: $650 + Materials: $35
Sponsor: Madeline Island School of the Arts
Website, email, (715) 747-2054

If you have worked with a gel plate* you probably have loads of pretty papers and are wondering what to do with them. Or maybe you have tried monoprints with the gel plate, but are not sure how to get beyond the cool techniques. How do you make the leap from pretty papers to strong visual statements? We will begin with a technique refresher by layering colors, patterns, and texture, creating a spectrum of collage material. Then we will move on to combine our printed papers with painting, drawing, and overprinting to build images. This class is open to those with some experience with gel plate printing.
 
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: Jane Davies
Cost: $770
Sponsor: Madeline Island School of the Arts
Website, email, (715) 747-2054

The basis of this 5-day workshop will be sketching and painting on location around Santa Fe. Basic drawing and quick, intuitive watercolor will be taught, and will become the heart of our Santa Fe journals. Using the city’s Mexican, Indian and Spanish influences, we’ll draw flowers, buildings, food, farmers market treasures, and anything that we find that gives us a sense of place. We’ll also carve original stamps, create mono-prints, and add collage to our journals. Our handmade sketchbooks will be filled to the brim with color, images and memories of our week in historic Santa Fe.
 
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: Jane LaFazio
Cost: $650 + $35 materials
Sponsor: Madeline Island School of the Arts
Website, email, (715) 747-2054

This five day workshop will open a floodgate of exciting new methods for creating acrylic and mixed media artwork. Join Kellee Wynne Conrad as she shares all the secrets to her luminous layered method of acrylic painting while at the same time digging deep into the creative process to help you discover your personal artistic style. From abstract florals to modern landscapes, Kellee hopes to ignite your passion for color while using the most versatile medium ever created: fluid acrylic paints. Watch paint drip, run and flow with a spray bottle, rubbing alcohol and high flow mediums. Play with graphite, charcoal and soft pastel to make your mark. Scrape, scratch, scumble and spray wet paint for altered effects.
 
Location: La Pointe, Wisconsin
Instructor: Kellee Wynne Conrad
Cost: $770
Sponsor: Madeline Island School of the Arts
Website, email, (715) 747-2054

This class combines painting and quilting. Using acrylic paint, the students will create layers of imagery onto thin canvas, applying fused fabrics and many layers of thin, fluid acrylic paint. A color scheme is chosen and two to three canvases are painted within that color scheme. Then these canvases are cut apart and combined to create a complex composition. The reconstructed canvas is then layered with batting and backing and stitched. These stitched pieces can then be stretched on a frame ready to hang or inserted into a quilt of the same design to create a many textured creation.
 
Location: La Pointe, Wisconsin
Instructor: Katie Pasquini Masopust, www.katiepm.com
Cost: $670
Sponsor: Madeline Island School of the Arts
Website, email, (715) 747-2054

Many artists feel that their work is all over the map, they are pulled in too many different directions, and that their creative output lacks a cohesive voice. I believe that you can work in many styles, and still have a unique and recognizable voice as an artist. In this workshop we will explore the issue of style and voice in the context of the body of work. You will choose your own focus and work deeply into it for the whole five days. Learn how deep focus allows you more freedom to explore, not less. Leave the workshop with a body of work in progress, and a broader appreciation of your own creative capacity.
 
Location: La Pointe, Wisconsin
Instructor: Jane Davies, janedaviesstudios.com
Cost: $770
Sponsor: Madeline Island School of the Arts
Website, email, (715) 747-2054

Over our five days of creative instruction and guided play we will create a lovely, one-of-a-kind botanical sketchbook to document your days spent on Madeline Island. We will be using different papers, mediums and mark makers to create the pages of our book and then we’ll bind it together by hand. During the week we will cover: simple book making, signatures and binding, lettering, drawing, simple sketching, water coloring, expressive florals, mono printing, inks & nibs, flower pressing, color study and the difference tools and specific media make to your own creative style. Our subject focus will be the beauty surrounding us on Madeline Island, specifically the landscapes, flora and fauna that abounds.
 
Location: La Pointe, Wisconsin
Instructor: Pam Garrison, www.pamgarrison.com
Cost: $770
Sponsor: Madeline Island School of the Arts
Website, email, (715) 747-2054

Collaging exotic birds in mixed media. An impressionistic painted backdrop sets the stage for exotic birds in colorful collaged plumage with a variety of media. Learn to create collage papers exclusively with Gelli Plate mono printing techniques. In addition to collage we will experiment with adding (and subtracting) charcoal, watercolor pencil, metallic leaf, pigment pens, and found objects such as string, yarn, wrappers, feathers, and anything else a magpie might steal!
 
Location: La Pointe, Wisconsin
Instructor: Elizabeth St. Hilaire, www.paperpaintings.com
Cost: $770
Sponsor: Madeline Island School of the Arts
Website, email, (715) 747-2054

We have the luxury of time to explore and develop our most amazing art. Join me on this 5-day adventure for creating history and mystery. Make history using layers of acrylic mediums, collage and color. Learn how to veil imagery to elicit mystery. Colors evoke mood, texture creates a place where the eye can jump right in and gesture and movement keep you engaged. During this course you will learn how to use acrylic pastes, gels and mediums to create texture, learn how to use color to evoke a mood and incorporate alternative art materials to enhance your finished mixed media art. Every day will involve demonstrations and plenty of time to experiment, along with guided encouragement.
 
Location: La Pointe, Wisconsin
Instructor: Sandra Duran Wilson, sandraduranwilson.com
Cost: $770 + $30 materials
Sponsor: Madeline Island School of the Arts
Website, email, (715) 747-2054

Sherry Egger has a background in graphic art and has experience in a variety of mediums. Her work has been featured in The Colored Pencil Magazine and she was selected to do a technique demonstration article for this magazine in 2015. A popular instructor, she is comfortable with many different artistic mediums and her classes consist of not only pencilists but also those who paint in oil and acrylic. Her emphasis on fundamentals, values, and strong contrast bring both beginning artists as well as those who have been painting for years. Creativity is her strong suit and she is constantly experimenting with new techniques, new concepts and different mediums. Sherry instructs weekly classes at Anderson Gallery’s - Artist's Annex.
 
Location: St. Simons Island, Georgia
Instructor: Sherry Egger
Cost: $40.
Sponsor: Anderson Fine Art Gallery
Website, email, 912.506.2982

Make room for your creativity this winter. This is the time we open our light-filled, generously appointed studios to individuals and groups in search of a space for self-directed creativity. Some groups have even made it an annual tradition! You're free to utilize special equipment like potter's wheels, jewelry torches, an etching press, or substantial easels for large-scale work. If you have special equipment or studio needs, please let us know ahead of time. Shared studio space is available for rent Tuesday through Saturday. Enjoy the luxury of an expansive workspace without having to set up or take down your materials during the continuous length of your rental. Other amenities include unlimited complementary hot coffee in our Guenzel Gallery and full kitchen privileges.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor:
Cost: Members: $15 per day, $65 for 5 days, $120 for 10 days
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Get personal one-on-one painting lessons from artist & teacher Ann Bell in her Houston studio at mutually convenient time and day. Ann has taught hundreds of people how to paint in watercolor and acrylic. You can begin to paint for fun in as little as one 4 hour lesson. Even if you have never painted before. Even if you can't draw a straight line. Even if you "don't have talent." Of course, expertise takes longer, but once you understand the basics, books, videos and group classes will make more sense. Individual attention speeds your progress. All materials are provided for your first lesson. Online classes are available if you can't come to Houston. Near downtown, close to all freeways.
 
Location: Houston, Texas
Instructor: Ann Bell
Website, email, 281-330-3827