This two-day studio workshop will focus on painting “alla prima” (all at once) as well as developing greater skills of observation, simplification and painting “wet on wet” to create strong “painterly” paintings. The workshop will also discuss techniques to quickly transfer the elements of your reference to the canvas with the goal of creating an artistic painting that accurately relates the important forms of a composition rather than simply copying everything in a photograph.

The first morning of the workshop begins with a discussion of painting basics (from materials to paint handling) and will also address the fundamentals of color, value, edges, perspective and other “practical” elements that make a successful painting. Each day participants will work on a series of timed painting exercises incorporating the techniques discussed while developing their skills of observation, simplification, bold brushwork and painting in a “decisive” and “intentional” manner.  

Each morning of the workshop will include a short painting demo by Dan with an explanation of his process.  Dan will provide plenty of one-on-one individual instruction throughout each day of the workshop.

This workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced painters in both oil and acrylic mediums, however proficiency in basic drawing is required.  Participants will be able to choose from a wide variety of reference photos supplied by the instructor for their painting exercises. 

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 beauty and sparkle of Zentangle-inspired gemstone art in this relaxing and creative workshop. Using simple, mindful drawing techniques, students will learn how to create dazzling “zen gems” filled with shading, and dimension. Perfect for beginners and experienced tanglers alike, this class combines the meditative process of Zentangle with the elegance of faceted jewels. Leave class with a collection of shimmering gem-inspired artwork and a renewed sense of calm and creativity.

Please bring to workshop your basic Zentangle kit*, a Colorless Blender Pencil, white gel pen or white acrylic pen. Optional- set of colored pencils.  The teacher will provide colored pencils to share for the class.

* If you do not have a basic Zentangle kit, you can purchase one from the teacher for $13.00.

• 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 kiln builder and ceramic artist Tyler Gulden for a rare hands-on opportunity to help construct a new soda kiln at Historic Yellow Springs. Participants will assist with the building process and will also have the opportunity to be included in the kiln’s inaugural firing.   The build will be physically demanding and on a tight schedule so while efforts will be made to instruct participants through hands on tasks, it may be necessary for participants to step back and observe certain aspects to ensure quality construction and completion within the given time frame.

Discussion will cover how soda kilns function, the introduction of soda ash into the kiln at high temperatures, and how vapor glazing interacts with clay surfaces to produce rich, atmospheric effects. This collaborative workshop offers valuable insight into both kiln construction, loading, and firing philosophy.

Includes build participation and one share in first firing.

Loading: Monday, August 24

Firing: Tuesday, August 25

Unloading: Friday, August 28

Bring a touch of handmade charm to your home with a ceramic textured dish crafted by you! In this beginner-friendly workshop, participants will explore handbuilding techniques to create a functional and decorative dish featuring rich surface detail.

You’ll begin by shaping a slab of clay and experimenting with a variety of textures using stamps, tools, and natural materials to create a one-of-a-kind surface design. Then, using simple handbuilding methods, you’ll form and refine your dish, focusing on shape, form, and tactile surface quality.

All tools and materials are provided. Finished dishes will be fired and ready for pickup at a later date.

• 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!

Master the SECRETS to mixing accurate colors and values that will take your paintings to the next level.

Presented in a power packed yet relaxed format, you will gain a new understanding of color logic and professional techniques rarely taught in traditional classes.  Experience the confidence shift as you transition from "guessing and checking" to mixing with intentional, effortless precision. Join us for a day of interactive demos and “light bulb moments" designed to break through your blocks and reignite your excitement for oil painting!

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 demonstration workshop focuses using layered mark making to create surface design for altered wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery.  Workshop participants will learn a variety of methods including underglaze decorating, sgraffito, and other mark making techniques.  During the workshop we will discuss aesthetic issues (i.e. proportions, color theory, etc.), making strong functional pots at low fire temperatures, and creative problem solving in the studio. Additional discussions of marketing, social media and the changing landscape of contemporary craft will leave the workshop attendees recharged, rejuvenated and ready to grow in their own studio practice.

Learn more about this artist: CarterPottery.com

• 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!

Working from live medicinal plant specimens, participants will draw roots, stems, leaves, and flowers through careful observation. Unlike historic botanical illustrations, living plants offer the delightful challenge of movement, variation, and imperfection—the leaf that curls, the flower that leans, the stem that refuses the composition you planned.

Drawing from direct observation, artists will strengthen their skills in proportion, line, texture, and form while developing a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of medicinal plants. Whether you are new to botanical art or an experienced artist, this workshop offers an opportunity to slow down, look closely, and connect with nature through drawing. Bring your curiosity and a willingness to really see.

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!

Create a one-of-a-kind ceramic circle vase in this hands-on handbuilding workshop. Participants will be guided step-by-step through the process of designing, texturing, and assembling a unique vase form. Explore a variety of tools and materials to imprint patterns and textures into the clay before constructing your piece. Perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike, this workshop offers a fun and creative introduction to ceramic surface design and handbuilding techniques. No prior experience required.

This class is held in a ADA accessable studio space

• 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!