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!
No password is required to view the workshops, scroll to see workshop offerings & register!
May Workshops
Sip and Paint Watercolor: Roses
May 24th
10:30 - 11:30am
Let's explore the beauty of roses and watercolor together. In this sip & paint style workshop, we'll paint different styles of roses - you decide what your bouquet will look like.
Facilitated by Ashley McEneny
Supplies:
-Watercolor paint
-Watercolor brushes
-Water in container
-Paper towels
-Watercolor paper
-Pencil and eraser
Mixed Media Landscapes
May 31st
10:30 - 11:30am
Why choose one when you can use them all?! In this workshop participants will create a unique and innovative landscape image using four different materials. This playful landscape will come to life with a wide range of textures, colors, and utensils!
Facilitated by Cooper Perry
Supplies:
-A thick piece of paper
-Watercolor materials (paint, brushes, water, a towel)
-Oil pastels
-Markers
-Colored pencils
-A pencil
-A black permanent marker
June Workshops
Retro Bottle Cap Style Logo Design
June 2nd
1:30 - 2:30pm
With motifs and symbols in mind, design your own retro bottle cap style logo of your name or initials with lettering, lines, shapes, banners and borders.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver
Supplies:
-Graphite pencil (HB is recommended)
-6” white scalloped cake board rounds (Or paper to trace a 6” circle on, in this case find a circular item to trace)
-Water-based Crayola markers
A Midsummer's Collage
June 14th
10:30 - 11:30am
Let’s come together to celebrate the season of summer and the upcoming summer solstice with collage. Please come prepared with magazine, art book or photo clippings that you’d like to use in your collage that remind you of summer. Consider gathering a variety of textures and a unified color story when selecting your clippings. Select a hero image that will be the primary focal point of your collage. Don’t be afraid to pull unique textures and materials from the recycling bin for your collage.
Facilitated by Ashley McEneny
Supplies:
-Magazine clippings (backgrounds with texture and a primary hero image)
-Magazines, books or photos to pull if you need more materials to fill space in your collage
-Background paper
-Tape or glue stick
-Scissors
Sip and Paint Watercolor: Summer Solstice Sun
June 21st
10:30 - 11:30am
Enjoy the longest day of the year with watercolor painting. In this sip & paint style workshop we will focus on joy and cheerfulness with our painting of a summer day.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver
Supplies:
-Watercolor paint
-Watercolor paper
-Watercolor brushes
-Water in a container
-Paper towels
-Masking tape
Garden Inspired Oil Pastels
June 30th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Explore the vibrant world of oil pastels as you learn to create colorful, garden inspired art! This beginner-friendly workshop will guide you through techniques for blending colors, building texture, and capturing some of the lively qualities of a summer garden, all while experimenting with the rich, painterly potential of oil pastels.
Facilitated by Valencia Carroll
Supplies:
-Oil pastels (a basic set with a variety of colors)
-At least 2 sheets of mixed media or pastel paper (9x12 inches or similar size)
-Blending tools (i.e., soft cloth/paper towel/cotton swabs/blending stump)
-Pencil and eraser
Sip and Paint Acrylics: Peonies
June 7th
10:30 - 11:30am
What a wonderful time to paint peonies! In this hour long session, we’ll get creative with acrylic paints, learning basic techniques to paint beautiful peonies. Grab your favorite drink, sit down in your favorite crafting spot, and make sure to wear something that can get a little messy!
Facilitated by AshaAung Helmstetter
Supplies:
-Acrylic paints (red, yellow, blue, purple, pink, green, orange)
-Two acrylic paint brushes
-Pencil
-Canvas/canvas board (8x11 and similar sizes should work)
-Paint water cup and water -Paint rag
Optional:
-Easel
-Apron
Meditative Line Drawing
June 16th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Let's create a mindful, meditative and present state of awareness while we actualize our colorful freeform lines and shapes, helping us gain access to our inner self and emotions through art.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver
Supplies:
-Mixed media paper
-Water in a container
-Paper Towels
-Watercolor brush
-Watercolor paint and/or Markers
-Ultra thin black permanent marker
-Any other media desired
Visual Journaling: Summer Dreams
June 23rd
1:30 - 2:30pm
In this visual journaling workshop we’ll focus on exploring themes of summer through whatever visual tools we have access to. Drawing, mark-making, writing, painting, and collage are often components. We will explore themes and prompts of summer - but you are free to use your own prompts as well if you prefer!
Facilitated by Ashley McEneny
Supplies:
-Journal
-Black Pen/Pencil
-Acrylic or Watercolor Paints
-Paint Brushes (a variety of sizes)
-Paper Towel
-Magazine Scraps: with summer themed visual inspiration
-Glue Stick
-Any other supplies that inspire you
Optional:
-Markers if preferred
-Water in dish if using watercolor
Writing About Travel
June 9th
1:30 - 2:30pm
When we travel, we take in experience through ALL our senses, yet often we only capture images. We begin to forget other sensations of being in another space: breathing different air, eating new flavors, smelling new smells and hearing new sounds. In this workshop, we’ll shift our attention away from the purely visual and work on how to bring all our senses onto the page.
Facilitated by Pearl Klein
Supplies:
-Paper
-Something to write with
Juneteenth Celebration
June 17th
1:00 - 2:30pm
Juneteenth is a Federal holiday that commemorates the full emancipation of African-American enslaved people (June 19, 1865), 2 years and 6 months after the Emancipation Proclamation (Jan. 1, 1863).
Multi-genre guest artists will share the history of Juneteenth and its lasting impact through storytelling, music, movement and reflection.
This is an interactive workshop which encourages community building and thoughtfulness in celebration of this special holiday.
Facilitated by Merri Ann Osborne and the Mahogany Project
Supplies:
-Pencil/Pen and paper
-Percussive instruments such as tambourines, shakers, rhythm eggs, drums, bells, or clap your hands and stomp your feet
-Water and snacks
More Than a Drip Painting
June 28th
10:30 - 11:30am
This workshop is an introduction to the Jackson Pollack abstract expressionist painting style. We'll explore compositional space, emphasis, and aim to have fun!
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver
Supplies:
-Acrylic craft paints
-8” x 10” canvas
-#6 or #8 round acrylic brush
-Water in a container
-Paint palette (or coated paper or foam plate)
-Paper towels
-A shallow cardboard box (think four 6-pack soda from Costco) will contain most of the mess.
July Workshops
Coffee Coasters
July 5th
10:30 - 11:30am
Make your own handmade coffee coaster or two! In this fun class, you'll be able to create a coffee coaster with air dry clay and give it a beautiful modge podge finish. You can make a plant inspired coaster, fruit inspired coasters, the possibilities are endless! Learn how to make your very own clay coffee coaster.
Facilitated by Ileyana Taylor Mabone
Supplies:
-Grey air dry clay
-Acrylic paints of varying colors
-Paint Brush for paint
-Modge Podge
-Wide Paint Brush for modge podge
-Wax paper (for coffee coasters to sit on)
Let's Dance and Rise Together
July 14th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Let's connect and play as we explore the art of dance. Using the framework of Anne Green Gilbert's brain-compatible dance education and inspired by the science of fun, this dance workshop will have you grow and rise with joy.
Facilitated by Sally Anvari
Self Portrait in Mixed Media
July 26th
10:30 - 11:30am
Self portraiture is an amazing way to explore how we view ourselves. In this workshop, we will be using a multitude of supplies to create a self portrait that encapsulates who we are, how we see ourselves and how others see us.
Facilitated by Franky Hawk
Supplies:
-Mixed media paper
-Paint pens
-Stickers
-Oil pastels
-Pencil
-Eraser
-Markers
-Glue stick
-Magazines for collage
any preferred paper for collage
Travel Writing for Beginners
July 7th
1:30 - 2:30pm
In this workshop we’ll discuss the variety of ways you can embark on the adventure of travel writing. We’ll invite each writer’s unique perspective to reflect on journeys both big and small.
Facilitated by Pearl Klein
Supplies:
-Paper
-Something to write with
Sip and Paint Watercolor: Saturday Bakery
July 19th
10:30 - 11:30am
Join me for a journey to the bakery on a Saturday morning - sip your tea/coffee while we paint pastries.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver
Supplies:
-Watercolor paint
-Flat and round brushes
-Watercolor or mixed media paper
-Water, paper towels and palette
-Masking tape
-Pencil
-Black permanent markers (thin and/or ultra thin)
Optional:
-Hair dryer
3D Collage
July 28th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Looking to further your art abilities or wondering where to start? Come and enjoy this 3D collage class where you will push your personalized collage to the next level! In this class you’ll make a collage with some guidance on themes and take your collage from being 2-Dimensional to 3!
Facilitated by Ileyana Taylor Mabone
Supplies:
-Magazines
-Newspaper
-Glue stick
-Construction paper
-Tape
-Decorative paper
-3D foam adhesive dots
Sip and Paint Acrylics: Fruit
July 12th
10:30 - 11:30am
Come sip, paint and relax. In this workshop, participants will paint with acrylics and use a still life scene, the classic fruit in a bowl. Get ready to learn about different paint techniques, instruction on how to pursue your next painting step and of course, sip on your favorite drink!
Facilitated by Ileyana Taylor Mabone
Supplies:
-Acrylic Paints
-Paintbrushes of different sizes (at least one small brush and one medium sized brush)
-Cup of water
-Paper towel
-Paint palette or small paper plate
-Acrylic friendly paper or canvas
-Fruit Scenery; orange, banana, and apple in a bowl
Visual Journaling: Summer Dreams
July 21st
1:30 - 2:30pm
In this workshop we will explore visual journaling by slowing down and celebrating the season that we are in! We will explore how our life changes during the summer and the impact on our lives as well as what we hope to achieve this season.
Facilitated by Ashley McEneny
Supplies:
-Multiple thick pieces of art paper (or journal)
-Watercolor or paint set (brushes, cup for water, paint and paper towel)
-Photos, Book or Magazine clippings to collage with that explore summer themes (we recommend pre-selecting these to maximize your time in class)
-Scissors
-Glue
-Pen (Black and any other colors you have available to you)
Optional:
-Markers, Sharpies or Highlighters if you want to color in larger spaces more quickly
-Hairdryer if you want to speed up the drying process of your watercolor.
August Workshops
Intro to Charcoal Drawing
August 2nd
10:30 - 11:30am
We will go over the basic techniques of using charcoal by creating a moody forest scene as the backdrop.
Facilitated by Sarai Osborne
Supplies:
-Paper
-Paper Towel
-Vine Charcoal Stick
-Compressed Charcoal Stick
-Kneaded Eraser
-Round Paintbrush (for blending)
Poetry: Making Sense(s) of the World
August 11th
1:30 - 2:30pm
The world comes to us through our five basic senses (site, sound, touch, taste, smell), as well as proprioception (the sense of where you are in space), time, balance, memory. As poets, we use words to recreate these senses on the page and in the bodies of our readers. Using your sense of the world, visualizing exercises, and writing exercises, you'll walk away with tools that you can use any time--even when you have no idea what to say.
Facilitated by Pearl Klein
Supplies:
-Paper
-Something to write with
Figurine Making with Air Dry Clay
August 23rd
10:30 - 11:30am
In this beginner friendly workshop participants will learn how to bring an animal inspired figurine to life using air-dry clay. The facilitator will also give suggestions on how to paint and/or adorn this figurine after it has dried.
Facilitated by Cooper Perry
Supplies:
-Air dry clay (1 ounce recommended)
-Clay sculpting tools (a plastic knife, spoon, and fork will also work)
-One cup of water
-One washcloth or paper towels (recommended)
Let’s Dance: Playful Creativity
August 4th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Let's connect and play as we explore the art of dance. Using the framework of Anne Green Gilbert's brain-compatible dance education and inspired by the science of fun, this playful workshop will have you dancing with creativity.
Facilitated by Sally Anvari
Sip and Paint Watercolor: All in the Family
August 16th
10:30 - 11:30am
Join me for an abstract family portrait using watercolor paints.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver
Supplies:
-Watercolor paint
flat and round brushes
-Watercolor or mixed media paper
-Water, paper towels and palette
-Masking tape
-Pencil
-Black permanent markers (ultra thin)
Optional:
-Watercolor pencils
-Colored pencils
-Markers
Collaging with Watercolor Doodles
August 25th
1:30 - 2:30pm
This workshop explores doodling as a practice of self care and meditation, we will release our emotions of the day onto the paper through watercolor and then utilize those expressions to doodle on top of. Some folks find doodling floral images easier, so you can do that or you can create something unique to you. We can then cut out those doodles and put them together on a lovely background to create a textured dimensional art piece.
Facilitated by Ashley McEneny
Supplies:
-Watercolor Paper (a few pieces)
-Watercolor paints (brushes, cup for water, and paper towel)
-Scissors
-Glue
-Black Pen or Black Permanent Marker
-Colored Craft Paper (this will be your background, you can also watercolor a background)
Optional:
-Hairdryer if you want to speed up the drying process
Sip and Paint Acrylics: Sun and Moon
August 9th
10:30 - 11:30am
Join us for a step by step "paint and sip" style acrylics workshop inspired by the sun and the moon. Bring your favorite morning beverage if you like.
Facilitated by Sarai Osborne
Supplies:
-Acrylic Paint
-Flat and Round Paint Brushes
-11x14 Canvas
-Cups
-Water
-Paper Towels
Exploring Surrealism with Markers
August 18th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Let's dive into the strange and wonderful world of surrealism! We will be discussing the 20th century avant-garde movement and utilizing the common marker to apply what we learn.
Facilitated by Franky Hawk
Supplies:
-Mixed media paper
-A variety of markers
-Pencils
-Eraser
Intro to Character Design
August 30th
10:30 - 11:30am
Create your own fantasy character! Pick random attributes out of the suggestion box or go with the flow.
Facilitated by Sarai Osborne
Supplies:
-Paper
-Pencil
-Eraser
-Markers
-Colored Pencils
-Small Container
September Workshops
Sip and Paint Acrylics: Wishes
September 6th
10:30 - 11:30am
As dandelions start to fade away with summer, let's make some wishes!
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver
Supplies:
-Acrylic paint (white, black, blue, green, yellow, orange, pink)
-1" flat brush and #6 or #8 round or flat brush, fine round brush
-Canvas or mixed media paper (any substrate available to you)
-Water, paper towels and palette
-Pencil
Still Life with Charcoal
September 15th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Get a little messy! In this fun class, participants will learn the fundamentals of how to draw with charcoal and learn how to further your charcoal drawing. Subjects for still life will be vases and bowls, this class will be usings multiple types of charcoal so plan to get your hands dirty!
Facilitated by Ileyana Taylor Mabone
Supplies:
-Newsprint paper or Charcoal paper
-Charcoal pencils
-Charcoal sticks (vine charcoal, thick compressed charcoal)
-Charcoal erasure
-Paper towel
-Still life scenery; 1 tall vase, 2 shorts bowls/vases
Optional:
-Things to put in the vase or bowls like flowers, sticks, leaves etc.
Mixed Media Storytelling
September 27th
10:30 - 11:30am
In this workshop participants will create art utilizing mixed media materials that inspires an imaginative story, shaped by its imagery, composition, textures, and emotion. The facilitator of this workshop will walk participants through how to approach this creative process, step by step.
Facilitated by Cooper Perry
Supplies:
-Collage materials of your choosing: magazines, newspapers, photos, coloring book pages, construction paper, etc.
-1 sheet multi media paper
-1 sheet of lined or printer paper
-Glue stick
-Scissors
-Markers or sharpies
-A pencil or pen
Optional:
-Paint
-Pastels
-Stickers
-Ribbon
Food Writing for Beginners
September 8th
1:30 - 2:30pm
In this workshop we’ll discuss ways to evoke favorite foods, recipes, and the power of specificity and senses to describe culinary experiences.
Facilitated by Pearl Klein
Supplies:
-A piece of fruit or a beverage that we can write about
-Paper
-Pencil/Pen
Sip and Paint Watercolor: Landscape on Canvas
September 20th
10:30 - 11:30am
Join me for a watercolor landscape on canvas.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver
Supplies:
-Thick piece of muslin fabric or light canvas fabric
-Pencil
-Masking tape
-Watercolor paint
-Flat and round watercolor brushes
-Water, paper towels and palette
-Needle and embroidery thread (brown and green)
-Scissors
Optional:
-Embroidery hoop
-If sewing not desired or able: substitution of sequins, tiny beads or some other media or embellishments to make small trees on painting.
Visual Journaling: Self Discovery
September 29th
1:30 - 2:30pm
This workshop will explore the practice of journaling and discovery of who you are as a person. The focus of the journal will be to reflect ourselves onto the page, this can be done in a variety of ways - who we were, who we are now or who we want to be in the future. Any of these can be your jumping off point - we want you to include a drawing, a small collage and a quote in the final piece we create in this workshop.
Facilitated by Ashley McEneny
Supplies:
-Multiple thick pieces of art paper (or journal)
-Watercolor or paint set (brushes, cup for water, paint and paper towel)
-Photos, Book or Magazine clippings to collage with that explore summer themes (we recommend pre-selecting these to maximize your time in class)
-Scissors
-Glue
-Pen (Black and any other colors you have available to you)
Optional:
-Markers, Sharpies or Highlighters if you want to color in larger spaces more quickly
-Hairdryer if you want to speed up the drying process of your watercolor.
Intro to Colored Pencils
September 13th
10:30 - 11:30am
Explore the vibrant world of colored pencils as you learn to blend colors! This
beginner-friendly workshop will guide you through techniques for blending colors, building texture, layering and experimenting with the rich, painterly qualities of colored pencils.
Facilitated by Valencia Carroll
Supplies:
-Colored Pencils (a basic set with a variety of colors)
-Drawing or Mixed media paper (9x12 inches or similar size)
-Blending tools (blending stump, soft cloth such as a paper towel or Q-Tip)
-Pencil and eraser
-Pencil Sharpener
Optional:
-Reference photo for inspiration
Color Blending with Pastels
September 22nd
1:30 - 2:30pm
Explore the vibrant world of pastels as you learn to blend colors! This
beginner-friendly workshop will guide you through techniques for blending colors, building
texture, and experimenting with the rich, painterly qualities of oil pastels.
Facilitated by Valencia Carroll
Supplies:
-Oil pastels (a basic set with a variety of colors)
-Mixed media or pastel paper (9x12 inches or similar size)
-Blending tools (blending stump, soft cloth such as a paper towel or Q-Tip)
-Pencil and eraser
Optional:
-Fixative spray for preservation
-Reference photo for inspiration
Workshop Recordings
Merrill Gardens
Merrill Gardens
Bollywood Dancing (May 19)
Color Blending with Pastels (May 17)
