ONLINE WORKSHOPS
Join SilverKite for live, intergenerational arts workshops - including visual arts, dance, music, writing, theatre, and much more! Registration is open for individual participants of all ages.
Scroll to view our offerings!
All artwork created by virtual workshop attendees.
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SilverKite partners with library systems across the US to provide FREE online arts programming to their patrons.
Scroll through this page to view our class offerings, and learn which libraries are participating in each workshop.
See a workshop you are interested in? Visit your specific library webpage to register!
September Workshops
Visual Journaling
September 7th
10:30 - 11:30am
In this workshop we’ll go back and forth between doodles and words to get our feelings and creative thoughts out on the page. Let’s have some artsy-journaling fun!
Facilitated by AshaAung Helmstetter.
Supplies:
Journal or drawing paper Your favorite pen for writing/drawing (fineliner also works)
Assorted writing/drawing utensils
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG
Writing the Personal Essay
September 16th
1:30 - 2:30pm
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:
Paper
Something to write with
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG
Sip and Paint:
Acrylics - Brush and Breathe
September 23rd
1:30 - 2:30pm
Immerse yourself in a tranquil atmosphere as you sip on your favorite beverage and let your paintbrush flow. Explore mindfulness through each brushstroke and color, allowing the act of painting to become a meditative journey of self-expression.
Facilitated by Nani Trias.
Supplies:
- Black permanent marker thick or thin
- Blank canvas or heavyweight mixed media paper
- Painters tape (optional if using mixed media paper)
- Paintbrushes: flat, round, and pointed
- Acrylic paints: primary colors, black, white, or colors of choice
- Cup of water
- Sponge, rag, or paper towels
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG, PVPL
Printmaking with Recycled Materials
September 9th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Join us and explore the endless possibilities of this versatile printmaking process! We'll be incorporating recycled materials and found objects into our prints, adding an eco-friendly and sustainable element to our artistic process. Discover how everyday items can be transformed into printing plates, adding depth and character to your compositions.
Facilitated by Nani Trias.
Supplies:
- Mixed media paper or cardstock
- Adhesives of choice: liquid glue (craft or Elmers), glue stick, double-sided tape, hot glue gun
- Scissors (good for cutting cardboard)
- Recyclable Materials: cardboard from boxes, corrugated cardboard, bottle caps, bubble wrap, scrap paper, sheets of foam - Optional found objects: fabric scraps, legos, string, leaves, sticks, flowers, etc.
- Printing plate: Rectangle or square piece of cardboard that is smaller or the same size of printing paper of choice
- Your choice of printing medium: water-based block-printing ink, acrylic or tempera paint, stamp pad
- Baren or substitutes: rice paddle, wooden spoon, 2 glass sheets from old picture frames,
- Brayer or substitutes: paintbrush, rolling pin wrapped with plastic, firm paper towel roll wrapped with plastic + straw/pencil, - Inking plate(flat surface for printing medium) or substitutes: sheet of glass or clear plastic from old picture frames, 8x8/9x13 glass or tin baking pan/tray, plastic cutting board or wooden wrapped with plastic.
- 3-4 sheets of blank papers: Printmaking paper, Plain cardstock, mixed media paper, or copy paper color of choice
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG, Sno-Isle
Intro to Drawing with Ultra Fine Sharpies
September 28th
10:30 - 11:30am
Draw small natural and found objects—leaves, rocks, shells, knickknacks, keys, etc using various techniques.
Facilitated by Gloria Garcia.
Supplies:
Drawing paper—cut down to 6” x 9"
Black Ultra-Fine Sharpie
Graphite pencil
Kneaded eraser.
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG, PVPL, Sno-Isle
Exploring Pastels
September 14th
10:30 - 11:30am
In this workshop, participants are invited to play with pastels! This process-oriented workshop offers an opportunity to explore the unique textures and mark making of oil pastels.
Facilitated by Cooper Perry.
Supplies:
- Drawing or multimedia paper
- Oil pastels
- Pencil (optional)
- Damp hand towel or paper towels (recommended)
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG
Sip and Paint:
Watercolor - Intuitive Botanicals
September 21st
10:30 - 11:30am
Enjoy your favorite beverage and immerse yourself in an intuitive approach to painting with watercolors inspired by botanicals. Join us in discovering the joy of blending colors and capturing the intricate details of nature through a painting process rooted in mindfulness and self-expression.
Facilitated by Nani Trias.
Supplies:
- Watercolor paints with a palette
- Mixed media or watercolor paper (size of choice from 4x5 to 9x12 inches)
- Cup of water
- Paint brushes (flat brush and pointed round brush)
- Painters tape
- Sponge, rag, or paper towels
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG, PVPL
October Workshops
Sip and Paint:
Watercolor - Autumn Flowers
October 5th
10:30 - 11:30am
Join us to create a watercolor painting inspired by autumn's flowers. 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 Valencia Carroll.
Supplies:
- watercolor paints
- mixed media or watercolor paper
- water cup
- paint brushes (flat brush and pointed round brush)
- painters tape
- pencil
- ink pen
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG
Visual Journaling
October 14th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Come learn about visual journaling! Participants will learn different ways people have combined image and text to create journals and get the chance to work on their own journal entries, starting their visual journaling journey.
Facilitated by Teddie Bernard.
Supplies:
-A journal (or paper if you don't have that). Lined or blank is fine, but be prepared to draw in it!
-Pens, pencils, and whatever other writing utensils work best for you
-Colored pencils or markers (optional)
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG
Transforming a Used Book into a Creative Journal
October 26th
10:30 - 11:30am
In this workshop we will transform a used book into a creative journal. We'll have time to explore a couple of ways of filling your new journals then send you off with more ideas to try on your own.
Facilitated by Meredith Berlin.
Supplies:
- An old book you don't need anymore (hard or paperback, textbook, mystery, book of poems, cookbook-- anything goes. If you don't have a book, you can use a magazine, section of newspaper or even a foldable map.)
- Your preferred writing and drawing supplies (indelible markers are nice for the cover but any markers, pens, or colored pencils will work)
- Scissors
Optional:
glue and colorful scraps of paper, watercolor painting supplies
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG, PVPL, Sno-Isle
Art Inspired by the Poetry of Mary Oliver
October 7th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Reflect on personal experiences of this year's summer season in this watercolor and line-drawing workshop inspired by Mary Oliver's poem "The Summer Day."
Supplies:
Watercolor paper Watercolor paints
Water and container Brushes - one large, one fine tip
Black ball point pen
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG, PVPL
Pumpkins in Pastels
October 19th
10:30 - 11:30am
In this workshop, participants are invited to draw their own pumpkin patch. This will be demonstrated using a semi-realism approach but participants are encouraged to engage with this directive in whatever approach feels right for them. Come join us and get in the fall/Halloween spirit!
Facilitated by Cooper Perry.
Supplies:
- Drawing or multimedia paper (any thick paper will do)
- Oil pastels
- Pencil (optional)
- Damp hand towel or paper towels (recommended)
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG , PVPL
Bollywood Dance
October 28th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Come learn the dances that are a part of the largest movie making capital in the world – INDIA. India makes 3x as many films than Hollywood. Bollywood is the Hindi-language sector of the Indian movie making industry. Traditionally, Bollywood dancing has been heavily influenced by Asian cultures, Hindu art, music and culture.
Today Bollywood music and dancing is also influenced by other cultures and forms of dance including salsa and hip hop. Contemporary Bollywood music is known for collaborations with musicians from around the world.
Come join us for a fun class where we will dance to songs from Bollywood movies. Each class you will learn choreography for a different Bollywood song. There will be a standing version and a seated version of the routine taught for each song. No prior dance experience is required.
Facilitated by Sandy Mathews.
What you'll need:
a water bottle
a towel
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG
Sip and Paint: Acrylics - Frida Kahlo Inspired Fruits
October 12th
10:30 - 11:30am
Mix and blend colors in this introductory acrylic workshop influenced by native Mexican culture and inspired by a Friday Kahlo fruit still-life.
Facilitated by Gloria Garcia.
Supplies:
Acrylic paints (bottle or tube)
Small canvas 6” x 8”, 5” x7” or 4” x 6”
#2 pencil
Soap eraser or any eraser (preferably not pink - they tend to stain)
#6 or #8 round brush
Water container
Paint palette - 6-10 foam, plastic or coated paper plates
Paper towel
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG, Sno-Isle
The Writing Workout!
October 21st
1:30 - 2:30pm
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.
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG
November Workshops
Paper Patchwork
November 2nd
10:30 - 11:30am
Create a paper collage inspired by the beautiful season of autumn. We’ll craft landscapes of colorful trees, piece together a pumpkin patch, or assemble abstract designs using fall colors.
Facilitated by Samara Higgins.
Supplies:
Gluesticks
Construction or other paper (red, orange, brown, yellow, dark green)
Scissors
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG, PVPL
Sip and Paint Watercolor: Autumn Leaves
November 16th
10:30 - 11:30am
Paint fallen leaves and practice color-mixing your favorite autumn colors.
Facilitated by Gloria Garcia.
Supplies Needed: Watercolor Paper - cut down to 6” x 9”
Watercolor paints (Prang, Crayola or other)
#2 Pencil
Soap eraser or any eraser (pink eraser tends to stain)
#6 or #8 round brush (approx 1/4" in diameter)
Water container
Paper towel
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, PVPL, Sno-Isle, NOLS
The Writing Workout!
November 25th
1:30 - 2:30pm
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.
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG
Explore Charcoal Drawing Techniques
November 4th
1:30 - 2:30pm
This workshop is a beginner-friendly art making session designed to introduce participants to the art of charcoal drawing. Participants will learn basic techniques, concepts, and tips to create their own charcoal masterpieces.
Facilitated by Valencia Carroll.
Supplies:
Compressed Charcoal or Charcoal Sticks Drawing Paper
Kneaded Eraser
Paper Towel
Optional:
Watercolor Paintbrush Small Dish of Water
Blue Artist Tape
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG
Bringing DIY Style to Your Holiday Table
November 18th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Follow me on a walk to your Woodland Holiday Table. We'll use natural and recycled supplies and sundry items you may have around your home. We'll design a table you'll want to share all season long.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver.
Supplies:
-an orange (dried if possible; if not I will demonstrate how)
-eucalyptus sprigs
-cloth dinner napkin
-twine
-scissors
-glue gun and glue sticks -fairy lights and/or battery operated tea lights
-assorted glass jars (pickle, canning, etc)
-Mod Podge or school glue
-epsom salt
-pinecones
-evergreen sprigs
-small evergreen tree or sprig found outdoors (or table-sized artificial tree) in a jar with dirt
-fabric wine bottle bag or sleeve cut from old sweater
-burlap
-cinnamon sticks
-fresh cranberries
Optional:
- plate sized thin tree slices
- ribbon
*if certain items are not available, do not fret, we work with what we have
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG, PVPL, Sno-Isle
Visual Journaling
November 30th
10:30 - 11:30am
Come learn about using comics and cartoons in visual journaling! Participants will learn different ways people have combined image and text to create journals and get the chance to work on their own journal entries, starting their visual journaling journey. This workshop will have a special focus on comics as diary entries and journaling and the ways that comics and cartoons overlap with visual journaling.
Supply list coming soon!
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG
Veteran's Day Sip & Paint Acrylics
November 9th
10:30 - 11:30am
Join us to honor and remember our veterans with a field of red poppies. Grab a beverage and your supplies to paint with me in an unique style.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver.
Supplies Needed:
- black, white, red, green yellow acrylic paint
- palette knife, old gift card or scraper
- 8 or 9" balloon (not blown up)
- approximately a 1" pom pom
- small rubberband
- small round paintbrush
- palette paper or palette (with large flat area)
- bristol or mixed media paper (thicker paper better)
- additional pom pom or small round sponge
- qtip
- water and container to rinse brush
- paper towels
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG
Exploring Autumn Colors with Pastels
November 23rd
10:30 - 11:30am
In this workshop, participants are invited to play with pastels using autumn inspired colors! This is a process-oriented workshop that offers an opportunity to explore mark making and color theory with soft pastels.
Facilitated by Cooper Perry.
Supplies:
- Drawing or multimedia paper (any thick paper will do)
- Chalk or "soft" pastels
- Pencil (optional)
- Damp hand towel or paper towels (recommended)
COMMUNITIES:
KCLS, MG