Workshops for Merrill Communities
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Join SilverKite for live, intergenerational arts workshops!
All of these opportunities are FREE for patrons of Merrill Communities!
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Visual Arts
Sip and Paint
Join us to create a watercolor painting inspired by spring! We will explore a variety of techniques to understand the basics of watercolor, including color mixing and washes. Grab a beverage of your choice and spend an hour with us painting and making art together!
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver.
Supplies:
- watercolor paints
- mixed media or watercolor paper
- water cup
- paint brushes (flat brush and pointed round brush)
- painters tape
- pencil
- ink pen
Sip and Paint
SATURDAY, MARCH 9
10:30 - 11:30 am PDT
WATERCOLOR
Interior Design & Your Dream Space
We all need a place where we can feel good! Creating an inspiring space — such as a bedroom or office can make a huge difference in empowering ourselves. We’ll explore various interior design styles and techniques from classic to contemporary while learning tips to infuse any space with comfort and creativity!
Facilited by Mckenzie Wilson.
What You’ll Need:
- Paper
- Pen (colored markers or pencils if you’d like)
- design magazine or any magazine for inspiration
Interior Design & Your Dream Space
MONDAY, MARCH 11
1:30 - 2:30 pm PDT
Illustrate your Favorite Song or Poem
Bring a copy of your favorite song or poem and illustrate the lines that most inspire you.
Facilitated by Gloria Garcia.
Supplies:
Poem or Song
Highlighter
Watercolor pencils
Watercolor paper cut down to 6” x 9,” 3” x 9,” 4.5” x 6” and 3” x 4”
#2 Pencil
Eraser
#6 or #8 round watercolor brush
Water container
Paper towel
Illustrate your Favorite Song or Poem
SATURDAY, MARCH 16
10:30 - 11:30 am PDT
Drawing Botanicals
Explore gestural drawing with nature as your subject matter. Learn the basic concepts to approach botanical drawing in this beginner friendly workshop, and create a beautiful illustration of flowers and leaves.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver.
Supplies:
- mixed media or drawing paper
- pencil and eraser
- ink pens (fine point 0.1mm or smaller and bold point 0.5mm or larger)
- black marker (like a sharpie)
Drawing Botanicals
MONDAY, MARCH 18
1:30 - 2:30 pm PDT
Mindfulness, Gratitude and Art
In this workshop we will create a mindful watercolor drawing of a mandala showing our gratitude and appreciation for the things we are most grateful to have in our life.
Supplies Needed:
1.) Colored pencils, Water color sets, Markers, Black sharpies
2.) pencils, eraser
3.) Extra paint brushes, a flat bush (8 or 10), and a round brush (4 or 5)
4.) Baby wipes and/or paper towels
5.) 9x12 watercolor paper or mixed media paper
6.) Small cup for water and some water
7.) Something for drawing a circle
Facilitated by Bertha Marselis.
Mindfulness, Gratitude and Art
MONDAY, MARCH 25
1:30 - 2:30 pm PDT
Abstract Acrylics
In this workshop participants will explore the depths of their creativity with acrylic paint. Participants are invited to lean into the freeing and playful nature of abstract art. The goal of this workshop is to let go of "product" expectations and engage with the unique process of abstract painting.
Facilitated by Cooper Perry.
Supplies:
• 1 canvas of any kind & size (or thick multimedia paper)
• Acrylic paints: whatever you have on hand
• 1 palette knife (or plastic knife)
• 1 palette (a plate will also work)
• 2 flat brushes (around 1" and 1/2" in size)
• 2 round brushes (ranging anywhere from 3 - 8)
• 1 or 2 cups of water
• Paper towels (or a designated "for painting" washcloth)
• A pencil (may or may not use)
• A small spray bottle filled with water (3 oz is perfect) (recommended)
Abstract Acrylics
SATURDAY, MARCH 30
10:30 - 11:30 am PDT
Intro to Pastels
Explore the vibrant world of pastel landscape painting in this beginner's workshop. Participants will learn basic techniques, color blending, and composition to create their own stunning pastel landscapes on paper.
Facilitated by Valencia Carroll.
Materials Needed:
Drawing paper
Box of chalk pastels
Blue masking tape (optional)
Intro to Pastels
MONDAY, APRIL 1
1:30 - 2:30 pm PDT
Mandalas
Join us to create a traditional Mandala with a twist. We all have items lying around that we don’t know what to do with. Grab them and the rest of the supplies for a journey of meditation and art.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver.
Supplies Needed:
Multimedia paper, watercolor paper or cardboard
Sharpie marker
Pencil
Ruler
Compass
3-5 trinket items
Optional:
Paintbrush
Water container
Paper towels
Watercolor
Masking tape
Colored pencils
Markers
Glue (Optional - protractor)
Mandalas
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
10:30 - 11:30 am PDT
Meditative Line Drawing
For this workshop we will create intuitive abstract line art using meditative line drawing. We will draw dots, lines, and shapes, experimenting with different styles along the way.
Facilitated by AshaAung Helmstetter.
Supplies Needed:
Paper for line drawing (loose paper or in a sketch book/journal is okay)
Fineliner pen in your thickness and color choice (can use other types of pens, but this is my preferred)
Meditative Line Drawing
MONDAY, APRIL 8
1:30 - 2:30 pm PDT
Expressive Acrylics
In this workshop, participants will bring images to life on canvas using an expressive or painterly approach. Participants will learn expressive techniques and are encouraged to lean into playful creativity.
Facilitated by Cooper Perry.
Supplies Needed:
- acrylic paint (anything you have on hand works)
- canvas (multimedia paper is fine too)
- paint brushes, both small and medium (whatever you have onhand works)
- water cups
- paint palette or plastic plate
- palette knife or plastic knife
- washcloth or paper towels
- small spray bottle (optional)
Expressive Acrylics
SATURDAY, APRIL 13
10:30 - 11:30 am PDT
Mindful Collage
Sanctuary – a sacred place to retreat for nurturing, healing, and peace. In this workshop we will create a collage of a go to place or space you can visit whenever you need to refresh, renew, or reenergize. This can be a place you already have or someplace you would like to have.
Facilitated by Bertha Marselis.
Supplies Needed:
1.) Colored pencils, pencils, colorful markers, Black sharpie
2.) Scissors and or a ruler
3.) Old magazines, used greeting cards, colorful pieces of paper
4.) Glue or glue sticks
5.) Any personal photos, trinkets or collage materials or ephemera of your
choice you may want to add to your creation.
6.) 9 x 12 media paper, poster board or anything to collage on
Mindful Collage
MONDAY, APRIL 15
1:30 - 2:30 pm PDT
Spring Cherry Blossoms in Watercolor
Paint springtime cherry blossoms using watercolor and practice mixing colors in various values.
Facilitated by Gloria Garcia.
Supplies Needed:
Watercolor paper—cut down to 6” x 9"
HB graphite pencil
Soap eraser
#6 or #8 round watercolor brush
Water container
Paper towel(s)
Spring Cherry Blossoms in Watercolor
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
10:30 - 11:30 am PDT
Painting, Drawing, and Writing Affirmations
Join us to let your heart and soul speak positive affirmations using art. Through varied media, including paint and different processes, we will create a board that can be gazed at everyday to remind ourselves of the positive vibes we wish to share with the universe.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver.
Supply List:
11x14” piece of corrugated cardboard or any other sturdy substrate
Printed paper, newspaper, discarded book pages, etc
Acrylic paint
Piece of scrap paper to cut a heart out
Paintbrushes, pens and markers
Various items to use for design (something to make different size round shapes, open and solid; old gift card, toothpicks, bubblewrap, fabric pieces, plastic wrap, etc)
Modge Podge
Tissue paper, vellum paper, additional printed paper
Paper with affirmation quotes printed or written
Glue stick
Painting, Drawing, and Writing Affirmations
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
10:30 - 11:30 am PDT
Visual Journaling
Many people recognize journaling as a useful tool for processing life events. Journaling doesn’t have to involve writing pages and pages about a person’s most intimate thoughts, though – it can also be captured visually, through colors, shapes, and images. In this workshop, participants will use guided visualization to jumpstart a creative journaling process, reflecting on the immediate “now” of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Facilitated by Véro Lecocq.
Supplies Needed:
Paper (one or more individual sheets, preferably 8.5”x11” or larger)
Pen or pencil
Coloring utensils (choose from colored pens or pencils, markers, crayons, oil pastels, etc.)
OPTIONAL:
Stickers, stamps and ink pad, or similar decorations
Visual Journaling
MONDAY, APRIL 29
1:30 - 2:30 pm PDT
Sweet Life: Illustrate your Favorite Childhood Candies
Draw colorful candies - lollipops, bubble gums, hard candies, caramels and taffys. Bring your favorites to draw and snack on if you have them!
Facilitated by Gloria Garcia.
Supplies:
Oil pastels
Watercolor paper cut down to 6” x 9”
HB or #2 graphite pencil
Soap eraser
Sweet Life: Illustrate your Favorite Childhood Candies
SATURDAY, MAY 4
10:30 - 11:30 am PDT
Sip and Paint
Join us to create a watercolor painting inspired by doughnuts! We will explore a variety of techniques to understand the basics of watercolor, including color mixing and washes. Grab a beverage of your choice (and a doughnut if you like) and spend an hour with us painting and making art together!
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver.
Supplies:
- watercolor paints
- mixed media or watercolor paper
- water cup
- paint brushes (flat brush and pointed round brush)
- painters tape
- pencil
- ink pen
Sip and Paint
SATURDAY, MAY 11
10:30 - 11:30 am PDT
WATERCOLOR:
HALF DOZEN DOUGHNUTS
Meditative Line Drawing
For this workshop we will create intuitive abstract line art using meditative line drawing. We will draw dots, lines, and shapes while enjoying an hour of free-flow creation.
Facilitated by AshaAung Helmstetter.
Supplies:
-Paper for line drawing (loose paper or in a sketch book/journal is okay)
-Fineliner pen in your thickness and color choice (can use other types of pens, but this is my preferred)
Meditative Line Drawing
SATURDAY, MAY 18
10:30 - 11:30 am PDT
Intro to Pastels
Unlock your creativity with the vibrant and versatile medium of water-soluble oil pastels! In this beginner-friendly workshop, participants will explore the fundamentals of using water-soluble oil pastels to create stunning artworks. Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to experiment with a new medium or a complete novice eager to dive into the world of art, this workshop is perfect for you.
Facilitated by Valencia Carroll.
Materials:
Drawing paper
Box of water-soluble oil pastels
Watercolor paintbrush
Small cup of water for wetting and rinsing paintbrush
Paper towels
Blue masking tape
Intro to Pastels
MONDAY, MAY 20
1:30 - 2:30 pm PDT
Expressive Acrylics
In this workshop, participants will bring images to life on canvas using an expressive or painterly approach. Participants will learn expressive techniques and are encouraged to lean into playful creativity.
Facilitated by Cooper Perry.
Supplies Needed:
- acrylic paint (anything you have onhand works)
- canvas (multimedia paper is fine too)
- paint brushes, both small and medium (whatever you have onhand works)
- water cups
- paint palette or plastic plate
- palette knife or plastic knife
- washcloth or paper towels
- small spray bottle (optional)
Expressive Acrylics
SATURDAY, MAY 25
10:30 - 11:30 am PDT
Writing & Movement
Writing Poetry About Art
Many wonderful poems have been inspired by paintings and sculpture, and there are plenty of those to come around and inspire your writing. We will look at some different approaches poets have taken, then look at some inspirations for us to write about. Be prepared to share any art that inspires you!
Facilitated by Pearl Klein.
Writing Poetry About Art
MONDAY, MARCH 4
1:30 - 2:30 pm PDT
Creative Writing Jump Start
In this creative writing session, we will discuss examples of famous books and stories inspired by works of art, then practice two simple techniques for jump starting our creative writing. Our process begins with an image (photo or work of art) that moves or excites us. Participants are welcome to choose an image in advance to work with, and we will also have some images for you to choose from.
Facilitated by Meredith Berlin.
Supplies:
Paper and writing implements or a device for typing
An image (photo, drawing, painting, map, etc.) that moves or inspires you
Creative Writing Jump Start
SATURDAY, MARCH 23
10:30 - 11:30 am PDT
Writing the Personal Essay
When we want to connect with others, we often tell stories about our life experiences and how they've shaped us. A personal essay, like a good conversation, offers the chance to share our unique perspective on the world. In this workshop, we'll explore ways to draw out these ideas and put them on the page.
Facilitated by Pearl Klein.
Supplies Needed: Paper & Writing Utensil
Writing the Personal Essay
MONDAY, APRIL 22
1:30 - 2:30 pm PDT
Intro to Hawaiian Dance
Hula is a visual dance form of storytelling from Polynesia, which was developed in Hawai’i and has more recently become a popular form of exercise. Together we will walk through some basic hula steps and use our bodies to develop a hula “vocabulary”. At the end of class, you will have a story to tell, using these beautiful movements!
Facilitated by Rachel Rene.
What You’ll Need:
* Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move your whole body.
* Have water and a towel nearby.
* Socks or bare feet are preferred over wearing shoes, if possible.
Intro to Hawaiian Dance
MONDAY, MAY 6
1:30 - 2:30 pm PDT
The Writing Workout!
Body builders develop muscle through repetition and increased weights. Creative writers build their writing muscles through exercises that push them out of their comfort zone, exercises they can use at any time. Let's get together and sweat!
Facilitated by Pearl Klein.
Supplies:
Paper and something to write with
The Writing Workout!
MONDAY, MAY 13
1:30 - 2:30 pm PDT
Workshop Recordings
Merrill Gardens
Merrill Gardens
Painting, Drawing, and Writing Affirmations (Apr 27)
Writing the Personal Essay (Apr 22)
