Celebrate Historic Yellow Springs’ role in marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with botanical artist Margaret Saylor in this unique two-part Making History workshop series.

Inspired by a remarkable composite volume from the archives, featuring 37 hand-colored engravings originally illustrated by naturalist James Sowerby, this historic text once guided physicians and apothecaries in the identification and use of medicinal plants during the Revolutionary era. In the winter session, participants will work from high-resolution scans of these plates to begin their own botanical sketchbook or art journal—a personal reference to the medicinal plants documented by William Woodville in Medical Botany. 

Guided by Margaret Saylor, artists will develop observation and illustration techniques, record notes, and build lasting skills for documenting nature through art. The summer session, part two of the series, invites participants to draw live medicinal plant specimens inspired by the historic plates, expanding their journals with direct field observation. This immersive series offers a rich blend of art, science, history, and hands-on practice to deepen your botanical art practice and connection to historic herbal knowledge.

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!

This is a fun and deeply relaxing way to enter the meditative and expressive world of weaving. In this beginner frame loom weaving workshop, you will learn various weaving techniques as you work intentionally with cotton yarn to create a handwoven bookmark for your favorite book! From setting up your loom to finishing your piece you will be guided through the weaving process. During our time together you will be encouraged to play and explore, creating a handwoven bookmark uniquely created by you! Materials Fee: $12

• 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 the mission of HYS.

Over four, two-hour classes you will build on the information learned in the Zentangle Basics class. Tangle Time expands your knowledge of “tangles” while exploring techniques that allow you to push your creativity to new heights. In each class you will expand your tangling techniques and add to your knowledge of tangles (patterns) Take your Zentangle journey ahead of basics to a level where you can create your own patterns in a fun and enjoyable way.Supplies: There will be a one-time supply fee of $12 payable to the instructor at time of first class if you do not have the basic Zentangle kit.

*It is recommended but not necessary that you take a basic Zentangle class first.

• 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!

Paint a layered, imaginative forest scene using techniques pioneered by Eyvind Earle for his work on Disney's 1959 animated film Sleeping Beauty. Using opaque gouache paint, we will learn to layer colors into an intricate, woven texture resembling Medieval tapestries and Persian miniature paintings. 

Clcik 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 the mission of HYS.

Learn the wonderful art of needle felting with natural fibers as you create your own adorable penquin. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll follow step-by-step guidance to shape, layer, and build your sculpture using wool sourced locally from Locust Hollow Sheep Farm in nearby Coatesville. No experience needed, just bring your creativity.

Materials fee: $15

• 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!