Our 1- and 2-day workshops offer a taste of something new and a little digging deep, while teaching artists from around the country provide in-depth exploration for the benefit of our instructors, advanced students, and curious learners during Visiting Artist Workshops.
Winter
VISITING ARTIST WORKSHOP SPRIGGING + SLIP TRAILING & JEWEL TONE COLOR LAYERING: CERAMICS WITH LISA ORR
Lisa Orr / Studios 3,5,7
Sat & Sun 1/25-1/26
9am-5pm / Two Days
$230 / Members: $210
Lisa Orr’s artwork references traditional porcelain and restaurant whitewares, but with softer forms inspired by the relaxed and playful qualities of earthenware. Vivid colors and strong forms set her work apart: it feels muscular and strong while being transparent and fluid. With two days of demonstrations, students will be introduced to soft forming techniques, colorful layered decoration, and low relief sprigging. Participants will create their own unique pieces start to finish utilizing a variety of simple clay molds, colored underglaze engobes, trailing slip, adding textured appliques, and nichrome wire. The techniques you will learn can carry over to your own practice, in low or high fire clay, whimsical or structured, handbuilt or thrown. Join internationally recognized ceramic artist Lisa Orr for this energetic two-day workshop, all levels of experience are welcome.
This Visiting Artist Workshop is generously supported by the Jim and Lois Richmond Workshop Fund.
SHEER SNOWFLAKE EMBROIDERY
Jessica Sundstrom / Studio 4
Sun 1/19
12-4pm / One Day
$85 / Members: $65
Challenge your embroidery skills by learning to stitch on sheer fabric. In this three hour workshop, you will learn how to embroider a beautiful snowflake that looks like it's floating through the air. Materials provided, but you are welcome to bring anything you would like to supplement your artwork with, such as seed beads or sequins. Due to the nature of stitching on sheer fabric, some experience with embroidery is required.
AMULET BAG WORKSHOP
Mary Baggerman / Studio 4
Sun 2/9
12-4pm / One Day
$85 / Members: $65
Embroidery has long been used as a form of self-expression. Works often incorporate symbols which are important to the creator. Come spend an afternoon exploring this craft and creating a personal amulet bag of your own design. You will make a small bag which can be worn or exhibited in your home. Materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own embellishments such as beads or threads. This class is appropriate to a wide variety of skill levels.
DESIGN BASICS FOR TEXTILE ARTISTS
Martha Rosenfeld / Studio 4
Sun 3/2
12-4pm / One Day
$85 / Members: $65
Calling all textile artists seeking to learn more about 2-dimensional composition and design. In this workshop we will explore design concepts like focal point, balance, repetition, and value using cut paper and collage to do hands-on learning exercises. Bring a pair of scissors suitable for cutting paper (not your good fabric scissors!), a small bag or folder, and a camera (smartphone cameras are fine).
VISITING ARTIST WORKSHOP THE PERFECT MARRIAGE: PAINT & COLLAGE
Holly Roberts / Multi-Purpose Classroom
Fri-Sun 6/13-6/15
10am-4pm / Three Days
$270 / Members: $250
In this workshop students will learn how to build a collage using their own abstract paintings as a foundation for the different materials they will build their images with. They will start by learning to paint expressively, creating a surface that they can then began to make their images on, combining found materials with their own photographs to build unique mixed media works. In the process students will learn not only different painting techniques, but how to do transfers and how to correctly adhere the different materials onto their substrates. They are encouraged to use their own drawings, photographs, and prints or just about any collage material they can come up with. Techniques taught will include polymer transfers, the use of water-based paints, correct gluing techniques, the use of contact paper transfers, building substrates, and composing and building an image.
This visiting artist workshop is generously supported by the Harold Hope Memorial Fund.
SIMPLE ACCORDION BOOKS / BOOK ARTS WORKSHOP
Sue Caulfield / Printmaking Studio
Tue 1/7-1/14
2-4:30pm / Two Days
$80 / Members: $60
Learn how to make a simple accordion book that can be used as a journal, photo album, or much more!
ACCORDION COLLAGE / BOOK ARTS WORKSHOP
Sue Caulfield / Printmaking Studio
Tue 1/28-2/4
2-4:30pm / Two Days
$80 / Members: $60
Use accordion books as a start to creating multi-page collages based on your own interests and imagery.
BLIZZARD FOLDER WITH ZINES / BOOK ARTS WORKSHOP
Deborah Mattson / Printmaking Studio
Tue 2/11-2/18
2-4:30pm / Two Days
$80 / Members: $60
Students will make and exchange a small collection of zines and make a simple blizzard folder to store the collection.
GYOTAKU PRINTS IN A FISHBONE BOOK / BOOK ARTS WORKSHOP
Deborah Mattson / Printmaking Studio
Tue 2/25- 3/4
2-4:30pm / Two Days
$80 / Members: $60
Traditional Japanese fish relief printing will be combined with a “Fishbone” book structure.
FOLDED PHOTO IMAGES / BOOK ARTS WORKSHOP
Deborah Mattson and Mary Whalen / Printmaking Studio
Tue 3/11-3/18
2-4:30pm / Two Days
$80 / Members: $60
Cut-and-fold books with printed photographs of your choice, and decorative paper covers.
HAIKU LETTERPRESS PRINTING
Katie Platte and Charles Coates / Kalamazoo Book Arts Center and Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Wed 1/22-2/5
6:30-9pm / 3 weeks
$285 / Members: $265
Create an edition of prints that combine the printed text of a favorite haiku or short poem with a block-print illustration. The class will begin at the Kirk Newman Art School where students will plan and print an image to correspond with their selected text using traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques. Completed prints will then be taken to the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center where students will learn the basics of setting metal type and will then apply these skills to hand-set their Haiku in a typeface of their choice. After setting and proofing your Haiku, students will make prints on a Vandercook press. At the end of the class, participants will put their type away while the prints dry. This collaborative workshop is an amazing way to learn the processes that go into combining text and illustration.
Note: Participants will be handling lead with protective gloves.
At the Kirk Newman Art School: 1/22 & 1/29
At the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center: 2/5
VALENTINES WITH GEL PLATES
Debbi Kreps / Printmaking Studio
Sat 2/8
12-3pm / One Day
$85 / Members: $65
Get ready for Valentine’s Day with a night out! Make beautiful monotype cards without a press using a remarkable product called “Gelli Plate.” By using a combination of paint, soft rubber rollers, color shapers, and stencils, you’ll create unique cards and gift tags perfect for giving to your friends and family.
INTRO TO TORCH FIRED ENAMELING
Deb Flook / Jewelry Studio
Sat 1/25
1-4pm / One Day
Prerequisite: Intermediate Jewelry or equivalent
$80 / Members: $60
Kilns aren’t the only way to enamel! This introductory workshop will begin with how to set up a torch enamel workstation and what tools are required and will quickly move into how to add enamel to your work. How to coat headpins, flat and curved surfaces, beads, and more will be covered. All materials are provided with additional available for purchase.
INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL DYEING
Lori Evesque / Studio 6
Sun 2/16-2/23
12-4pm / 2 weeks
$135 / Members: $115
Natural dyeing of fibers can seem complex and intimidating. Join us for a 2-day workshop introducing the techniques of natural dyeing for beginners. Learn some history, techniques of mordanting and dyeing, natural dye options- dye materials you can harvest or grow locally and others from afar. We'll make a sample book showing a color wheel you can create from natural dyes. Everyone will also be able to dye 250gm skeins of yarn colors of their choice at the end of the second class.
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Emily Walsh / Boardroom
Sun 3/2
1-3pm / One Day
$65 / Members: $45
Looking to satisfy your wanderlust by traveling, or just love learning languages? Join us for an afternoon of learning and practicing useful phrases to improve your German communication skills abroad. Whether you are new to the language, or ready to engage in some light conversation, all are welcome! Coffee and pastries will be provided.
EMBROIDERED COLLAGE
Jessica Sundstrom / Studio 4
Sun 3/8
12-4pm / One Day
$105 / Members: $85
Take your collage to a new level with needle and thread. Thread can embellish or secure your collage pieces together, adding additional depth or texture. Students can bring completed works they want to enhance or start from scratching during the class. Some materials will be provided such as embroidery thread and ephemera, but bring anything additional that you might want to work with.
SOUND BATH: THE FLOW OF CREATIVITY
Kara Markovich / Auditorium
Wed 2/5
6-7:30pm / One Day
$60 / Members: $40
Immerse yourself in an evening of sound that will take you to a place of peace, stillness, and connection. During the sound immersion various instruments will fill the space such as Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls, and gongs. These allow you to move into a state of deep relaxation. Rest, recover, and heal your physical, emotional, and energetic bodies while dislodging creative blocks. Students are encouraged to bring a yoga mat and blanket.
GREENHOUSE CREATIVITY
Taylor Scamehorn & Mary Jo Asmus / River Street Flowerland
Sat 2/22
1 - 4 pm / One Day
$70 / Members: $50
Spend a winter afternoon in the warm atmosphere of a greenhouse bursting with inspiring vegetation, flowering and potted plants, greens, ornamental garden sculptures, and the general ongoing and curious growth in one of Kalamazoo’s outstanding greenhouses. You’ll find inspiration for drawing, painting and/or photographing at River Street Flowerland! Individual instruction will be provided. Bring materials of your choice to work with.
HANDMADE PHOTO BOOK
Laurie Pruitt and Mary Whalen / Computer Lab
Fri 2/14-2/21
10am-3pm / Two Days
Prerequisite: A basic knowledge of Photoshop or Lightroom is helpful
$135 / Members: $115
Select, edit, print, and bind your photos into a handmade book while viewing and handling a selection of artist-made books to serve as inspiration for your own. The first day will be devoted to the editing, sequencing, and printing of images. The following session will be committed to folding, stitching, and binding into a hardcover book. Instructors will email instructions to enrollees for images to be used.
ENCAUSTIC EXPLORATION
Laurie Pruitt and Mary Whalen / Studio 6
Sat 1/25
1 – 4pm / One day
$95 / Members: $75
Open to all levels. Students will be introduced to the beauty of the encaustic medium and process. Learn to apply the encaustic wax medium by starting small and using trading card-sized panels. A variety of techniques will be demonstrated including photo transfers, selective coloring, and collage. All materials and equipment provided including panels, paint, medium, and brushes.
SIGN LANGUAGE
Tanya Timmerman / Studio 2
Sat 3/22
12-2pm / One Day
$55 / Members: $35
Elevate your communication skills and embrace language accessibility with American Sign Language (ASL). Get ready to dive into dynamic conversational ASL, practicing and mastering essential linguistic structures. Along the way, you'll explore the rich tapestry of U.S. Deaf culture and history. Open to all students, whether you're a beginner or have prior experience, this workshop promises an engaging and enlightening journey.
Spring
DRAWING MICHIGAN WILDLIFE WORKSHOP SERIES: BIRDS
Taylor Scamehorn / KNC Visitors Center, Lower Classroom
Sat 5/17
9am-4pm / One Day
$120 / Members: $100
Learn to draw wild birds at the beautiful Kalamazoo Nature Center. Drawing from both live and preserved specimens, acquire skills for field sketching to fully-rendered animal studies. Please bring drawing pads and graphite pencils as well as lunch and drinking water.
DESIGN SEMINAR
Taylor Scamehorn / Boardroom
Sat 4/26
10-12:30pm / One Day
$65 / Members: $45
Grab a notebook and join us for a comprehensive lecture on design psychology. Learn about trailblazers of design theory in Modernism; become familiar with the elements and principles of design, Gestalt, and composition, and take inspiration from the many ways these ideas have carried influence through history. The marriage of art and function is all around us, from architecture to furniture to advertising and user interface; design is always communicating! Learn the language and your art will speak for itself. Artists in all media are encouraged to attend. Coffee and snacks will be provided.
HANDSPUN BUBBLES
Emily Wohlscheid / Weaving Studio
Wed 5/21
6-9pm / One Day
$80 / Members: $60
Create an interesting visual texture with corespun yarn and silk hankies! Students will learn the basics of how to spin fibers around a commercial yarn as a core. The resulting corespun singles will then undergo experimental plying with silk hankies to yield a bubbly textured yarn.
PLANNING FOR SUMMER KNITTING
Joann Gadbaw / Weaving Studio
Sat 4/26
10am-1pm / One Day
$70 / Members: $50
The season is changing. It’s time to get something light and summery on your needles whether it's a shawl, sweater, socks, or other item of interest. Where do you start? Join us for this workshop to learn about the style that is right for you including the correct fit, type of material, how to use Ravelry effectively, how to read a pattern correctly, and so much more. Together we will knit a swatch to check our gauge and get started so you can wear your item as the weather warms up. Please bring your knitting supplies such as yarn and needles if you have them.
SHIFU
Gretchen Huggett / Studio 4
Sat & Sun 5/3-5/4
1-4pm / Two Days
$110 / Members: $90
Shifu is the term used for weaving with a spun paper weft. In this two day workshop, we will practice the art of spinning paper, from cutting the strips and preparing them for spinning, to the actual practice of spinning into thread. We will talk about historical and contemporary practice of shifu, the types of paper that can be used, and how it can be woven into cloth.
TEXTURAL COPPER EARRINGS
Emily Wohlscheid / Jewelry Studio
Tue 5/13
6:30-9pm / One Day
$95 / Members: $75
Create earrings from copper sheet metal! Students will be introduced to metalsmithing basics in this beginner-friendly, project-based workshop. Simple copper shapes cut out with a jeweler's saw will act as a base for textural experimentation to complete a unique pair of earrings.
WATERCOLOR MONOTYPE PRINTMAKING
Charles Coates / Print Studio
Sat 5/17
9am-4pm / One Day
$115 / Members: $95
In this one-day workshop, participants will create a cohesive series of one-of-a-kind prints by making stencils, drawing, and applying watercolors directly onto vellum plates, then print them onto Japanese and Western papers with the etching press. You'll learn how to build up layers of texture and visual interest by printing multiple plates at once, in addition to blending colors, overlapping stencils, and incorporating collage elements to achieve a range of dynamic effects.
INTRO TO TORCH FIRED ENAMELING
Deb Flook / Jewelry Studio
Sat 5/24
1-4pm / One Day
Prerequisite: Intermediate Jewelry or equivalent
$85 / Members: $65
Kilns aren’t the only way to enamel! This introductory workshop will begin with how to set up a torch enamel workstation and what tools are required and will quickly move into how to add enamel to your work. How to coat headpins, flat and curved surfaces, beads, and more will be covered. All materials are provided with additional available for purchase.
BUDGETING 101 FOR ARTISTS AND CREATIVES
Rachel Stickney / Boardroom
Sat 5/10
9am-12pm / One Day
$60 / Members: $40
Does the thought of managing money make you sweat? Toss out that starving artist trope and let’s have an open and honest discussion about managing money for artists! Learn different budgeting methods, as well as best practices for overall money management. Laptops or tablets with Word and Excel capabilities are encouraged. This workshop is for art students, emerging artists, makers, and those looking to brush up on their art business skills. All are welcome in this nonjudgmental and informative environment!
THE NATURAL LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT
Holly Trevan / Photo Studio
Sat 5/17
12-5pm / One Day
Prerequisite: A camera capable of manual exposure and familiarity with the camera controls
$85 / Members: $65
Use natural light and learn how to make the most of it when making a portrait! In this one day workshop, Holly will demonstrate various techniques to simplify a portrait session while utilizing the beauty of natural light. Students will experience photographing various subjects in this hands-on class.
INTRODUCTORY JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP
Charles Coates / Print Studio
Sat 4/12
9am-4pm / One Day
$115 / Members: $95
In this one-day workshop, students will learn the basics of how to create a simple black-and-white print edition using watercolors and traditional Japanese tools and techniques. Through demonstrations, individual guided support, group feedback, and studio time, students will learn about this timeless process and how it is perfect for making art at home. All materials are non-toxic, clean-up is fast and easy, and prints dry instantly.
SOUND BATH: THE FLOW OF CREATIVITY
Kara Markovich / Auditorium
Wed 4/30
6-7:30pm / One Day
$60 / Members: $40
Immerse yourself in an evening of sound that will take you to a place of peace, stillness, and connection. During the sound immersion various instruments will fill the space such as Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls, and gongs. These allow you to move into a state of deep relaxation. Rest, recover, and heal your physical, emotional, and energetic bodies while dislodging creative blocks. Students are encouraged to bring a yoga mat and blanket.
SIGN LANGUAGE WORKSHOP
Tanya Timmerman / Studio 2
Sat 5/10
12-2pm / One Day
$60 / Members: $40
Elevate your communication skills and embrace language accessibility with American Sign Language (ASL). Get ready to dive into dynamic conversational ASL, practicing and mastering essential linguistic structures. Along the way, you'll explore the rich tapestry of U.S. Deaf culture and history. Open to all students, whether you're a beginner or have prior experience, this workshop promises an engaging and enlightening journey.
DYE & STITCH: ABSTRACT FABRIC COLLAGE
Rita Petteys / Studio 4
Sat & Sun 4/26-4/27
Sat 1-5pm, Sun 12-4pm / Two Days
$135 / Members: $115
Create your own textile art supplies for an abstract fabric collage. In the first session, students will dye a palette of fabric and threads using fiber reactive dyes. In the second session, these personalized sets of colorful materials will inspire a layered, stitched collage.