For photographers and painters, this extremely interactive workshop will explore how to compose pictures that draw the viewer in and that conjure a story in the mind.

Storytelling is a popular genre in the visual arts but Ray will help participants do more than just tell stories with photographs. In addition to reviewing the core tenets of composition he will explore how composing pictures that are relatable, that evoke emotions and contain archetypes, dramatically increases the likelihood that the picture will take the viewer on a trip through their consciousness, past, present and future. The stronger this connection can be the more interesting and memorable the photograph will be.

During this presentation Ray will share pictures from his portfolio and will look at participant images as well. Ray will share ideas which come from the world of composition, perception, and behavioral psychology, for creating more impactful pictures.

This class is scheduled to be held on the upper level of the Fraley Studio, which is only accessable by stairs.

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Rich Holck will oversee and guide you through the hands-on process of loading, firing, unloading, cleaning, and maintaining a wood kiln. Learn how to build the fire and operate the kiln at each stage, read the atmosphere of the kiln to time your stokes, and how to place wood across the width of the firebox to maintain even heat. Gain understanding of how kiln oxygen levels may fluctuate and ways of controlling oxygen levels by adjusting dampers and air openings. Consider factors like the quantity of wood per stoke, stoking frequency, and the size and type of wood to use. When introducing salt into the chamber, discuss its effects on the pottery, kiln, and kiln furniture. During unloading, observe the results of your collective efforts on the finished works, and how the process details come together to shape the end result.

A winter painting class unlike any you've done before! Practice painting winter watercolor scenery in the comfort of the studio, before heading outside into freezing temperatures to paint Historic Yellow Springs from life! We will amend our water to prevent freezing (and blanket our seats to stay warm), then head back inside to develop these sketches into more refined paintings.

Click HERE for a materials list for this workshop

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Discover the transformative power of underpainting in this hands-on pastel workshop. Explore a variety of techniques to create unique textures and tones as a foundation for your pastel work. You’ll learn how to incorporate watercolor, charcoal, inks, and alcohol, applied with a brayer, to craft dynamic underlayers that add depth and character to your paintings. These techniques will prepare the pastel surface, providing an inspiring start before adding pastel color. Perfect for artists looking to expand their skill set, this workshop offers an exciting approach to elevating your pastel art. Join us and bring your creativity to life!

Click HERE for a materials list for this workshop

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Learn to accurately portray light and shadow! We will learn to identify, name, and diagram the distinct parts of light and shadow on basic forms (boxes, balls, cylinders); after a quick lunch break we will test out our new skills on a large-scale still life setup using charcoal, pencils, and erasers on paper. See you there!

Click HERE for a materials list for this course!

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Botanical art is a genre that combines art plus science. Accuracy and observation are the keys to a successful drawing or painting. Using basic drawing techniques, we will seek to understand the structure, texture, and details of seed pods, branches, leaves, moss, lichens, and other winter specimens. Begin a botanical sketchbook winter observations using graphite, Micron pen, and watercolors.

Click HERE for a materials list for this workshop.

This workshop is scheduled to be held on the upper level of the Fraley Studio, which is only accessable by stairs.

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Join us for a one-day demonstration and discussion workshop focused on essential but often overlooked aspects of working with clay. Learn practical techniques like recycling clay to reduce waste, understanding water’s role in shaping, and mastering shrinkage rates. You’ll also explore making shrink rules, retrofitting lids, and conducting efficient, space-saving kiln tests. This workshop includes helpful handouts and discussions to guide you in creating pots that reflect your unique style.

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Explore the art of Encaustic Painting: and ancient art technique developed by early Egyptians and Greeks. Contemporary artists use the encaustic process of layering pigmented molten beeswax and resin medium to create depth, contrast, texture and luminous color.  The workshop will encompass foundational aspects of set-up, safety, materials, surface preparation, wax properties, applications, and manipulation of encaustic media. A $45 materials fee payable to the instructor the day of the workshop will cover all of the materials needed.

This workshop is scheduled to be held on the upper level of the Fraley Studio, which is only accessable by stairs.

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!