Selected Past Workshops & Seminars
So many workshops, so many ways to make! Tap into our creative archives by selecting a workshop type below to see past workshops and seminars led by talented artists, makers, and instructors from our community.
See a workshop you’d love to take—or dreaming up one of your own? Fill out our form to request a returning workshop or pitch an idea you’d love one of our instructors to teach!
Drawing, Illustration, & Painting
Quick Halloween Masks
by James Thurman
Need a quick and fun Halloween mask?!? Using large brown paper masks, we will have a spook-tacular time drawing, cutting, and painting our masks. Basic drawing and painting materials will be provided along with three bags per student.
If there is anything you would like to add to your mask beyond basic drawing/painting materials, please bring those! This could include collage materials, colored tissue paper, found objects, etc.
Block Printed Halloween Bandana
by Umut Demirgüç Thurman
In this quick, fun, and spooky workshop, you will print bandanas using pre-carved Halloween design blocks. You will be given 2 bandanas to print on, but you are welcome to bring other fabrics to print on (tshirt, bag, etc).
Exploring Gelli Printing with Botanicals and Stencils
by Crystal Nelson
What is Gelli printing, you may ask? It is a form of mono printing that uses flexible printing plates to create textures and layers of color. These prints can be used in collage, as backgrounds for other artworks, or as a stand alone artwork.
In this workshop, Crystal Nelson will help you make sense of the versatile art of Gelli printing. You will learn the difference between stencils and masks and when to use each. You will explore limited palettes and layering paint. You will use live plant material that can be gathered anywhere. And use ready made stencils as well as cut your own. You will leave with a collection of ready to frame prints and skills to create more on your own!
Watercolor Bookmarks
by Linda Hilterbrandt
In this workshop we will explore the property of watercolors with a variety of techniques and other materials. Explorations will including wet on dry, wet on wet wash, frisket, salt, plastic wrap, additive and subtractive stencil techniques. Our watercolor papers will then be turned into beautiful bookmarks that can be further embellished with thread, beads, quotes and other collage items. Each participant will have the opportunity to make 3-5 bookmarks. All materials included.
Painting Sola Wood Flowers
by Emma Roberts
Students will learn how to paint sola wood flowers by using the dip method for single or double-colored flowers. Sola wood flowers are a great way to add vibrant colors to a space without the flowers wilting quickly.
I will walk you through the right ratio of distilled water, vegetable glycerin, and paint before showing a technique to dip the flower for maximum coverage. Each student will get 5 larger flowers and 10 smaller flowers to practice with and be able to make their own colors.
Intro to Gansai Tambi Japanese Watercolors ft. Artist Trading Cards
by Orion Fern
Explore watercolors from Japan with an intro to Gansai Tambi watercolor paints led by Orion Fern! Learn the basics and how Orion used this brand of watercolors to paint the vibrantly beautiful fantasy art featured in
THE FOX WHO BECAME A GIRL, a two time award-winning queer fairy tale comic centering trans joy. Class cost covers your own Gansai Tambi watercolor travel set with a water-brush, Kuretake Mangaka pen, and 6 colors that you get to take home!
Students can bring their favorite watercolor paints if preferred. All other materials will be provided.
Life Drawing
by E. Kalish
Bring your favorite supplies, model provided!
Botanical Cyanotypes with Watercolor
by Lora O’Shaughnessy and Linda Hilterbrandt
Explore how one of the oldest photographic processes, cyanotype aka sun prints, plays so seamlessly with the joys of watercolor. Using some simple chemistry, watercolor paper, the sun (or a UV lamp), and pressed botanicals students will create a one-of-a-kind cyanotype. Once completed Linda will introduce basic watercolor techniques to hand color your cyanotypes. This workshop would be a great Mother’s Day gift! If you have specific plants/flowers in mind to use you are more than welcome to bring them but plenty of materials and inspiration will be provided.
Art + Science
Tollen’s Reagent and Silver Depositing
by Teran Nickells
Students will learn about the chemistry behind Tollen’s reagent, the history of its usage, how to make the solutions, and how to properly apply it to glass to make mirrored surfaces. Students will be given hands -on experience, getting to both make and use the solutions that are made in class to create unique pieces of silver-coated glass that can be turned into jewelry such as earrings or pendants.
Students should bring an open mind and an eagerness to learn things outside of their expertise.
Chemistry of Art: Lake Pigments
by Teran Nickells
Make paint from vegetables!
Students will learn about the chemistry behind lake pigments, the history of its usage, how to make the solutions, and how to properly extract and bind the dye.
This class is a mix of a lecture and demonstration as the process for making pigments takes at minimum 3 days.
Ceramics
Glazing Clay Sculptures
by Ariel Bowman
This workshop will share a variety of techniques for glazing clay sculptures. Discussion will cover how to use commercial glazes to create naturalistic fired surfaces for animals or figures. Demonstrations will include mixing and altering glazes, layering, blending, and creating animal markings.
All materials and one glaze firing is included. Students will need to bring fired bisque ware (cone 06-04) to this workshop, and clay should be rated for cone 5-6. Glazes and underglazes sponsored by Laguna Clay.
Creature Characters
by Ariel Bowman
Students will learn to create a portrait of an animal character out of clay with Ariel Bowman. Demonstrations will include solid building and hollowing methods, animal textures and expressions. Discussions will include options for how to dress up your unique animal character with additions like clothes and hats.
Finished sculptures will be around 6-8’’ in the largest dimension; students may choose to create a bust or wall hanging piece.
Materials will be provided including clay (cinco blanco, cone 5-6), and pipe armatures, and basic wood modeling tools. One bisque firing will also be included for each participant.
Enameling & Glass
Holiday Stained Glass Ornaments
by Robin Huttash
In this 3 hour workshop, the students will learn basic steps to completing stained glass ornaments. No previous experience is required because students will learn to cut glass, copper foil the cut pieces and solder the parts of ornaments together.
Each student will be able to complete 2-3 ornaments during the workshop depending on how many pieces of glass are required for each piece.
All tools and supplies are provided as well as several patterns to choose from.
Fused Glass Underwater Scene
by Robin Huttash
Create a 5x7 underwater scene using Bullseye fused glass pieces. You will use a clear background piece of glass in which you will add colored glass, powders, and some premade objects and fish that you cut from glass Did I mention that you will leave the class knowing how to cut simple shapes of glass?
Once your piece is complete, it will be fired by the instructor at 1300-1400 degrees and will be ready for pick up from the maker center the following week. Date of pick up will be given at time of class.
Enameled Ghosts & Spooky Cats
by Sarah Loch-Test
Students will learn basic enameling techniques to decorate copper ghosts and cats to create fun and spooky Halloween decorations. We will fire the pieces in a kiln. Students can expect to complete one or two small, enameled ornaments. Pre-cut shapes and enamels will be provided for students to choose from. Students should bring a dust mask and apron.
Enameling using the Cricut
by Harlan Butt
In this 2 days workshop we will be using the CRICUT Explore/Air 2 CNC machine to cut out stencils for use over an enameled surface. Symbols, animals, patterns can be cut precisely in paper or other materials. One can also cut out shapes in silver foil for use in enameling. Just like any pieces of foil these can be used on top of an enameled surface and transparent colors can be fired over them. Multiple layers of foil and enamel can result in unlimited design possibilities. This process is especially useful for cutting repeated shapes for small scale production work.
Enameled Ornaments
by Sarah Loch-Test
Students will learn basic enameling techniques on copper to create fun and festive holiday ornaments. We will fire the pieces in a kiln, applying color to each side and patterns/decoration to one. Students can expect to complete one or two small, enameled ornaments. Pre-cut shapes will be provided for students to choose from.
Students should bring: Dust mask and an apron if desired.
Glitter on Glass
by Sarah Loch-Test
In this beginner friendly workshop, students will learn how to apply mica powders to enameled copper for a shimmery look. We will use basic sifting and drawing techniques for decoration and fire our pieces in a kiln.
Students can expect to make an enameled pendant or pair of earrings.
Students should bring their dust masks. All other materials are provided.
Fused Glass Pendants
by Linda Hilterbrandt
Come join us for an hour of fun with hot glass! No experience is necessary. At the end of the hour with a little guidance you will have a beautiful, ready to wear pendant to show off to your friends. You will get a brief over view of fusing glass then set free to play with a box full of glittery glass pieces to design a pendant of your own. I will fire your glass pendant for you and add a bail and black satin cord. Pendants will be available within a week from class time. All materials are provided!
Enameling on 3D Forms
by Umut Demirgüç Thurman
Come join us for an hour of fun with hot glass! No experience is necessary. At the end of the hour with a little guidance you will have a beautiful, ready to wear pendant to show off to your friends. You will get a brief over view of fusing glass then set free to play with a box full of glittery glass pieces to design a pendant of your own. I will fire your glass pendant for you and add a bail and black satin cord. Pendants will be available within a week from class time. All materials are provided!
Fibers
Mini Needle Felted Cactus
by Umut Demirgüç Thurman
Needle felting is a process of condensing wool fibers using small barbed needles. It can be used to create a wide variety of small colorful objects. In this workshop, students will learn the basics of needle felting to create their own mini cactus that they never have to water :)
All tools and materials are included. Just come with your playful enthusiasm! Open to all age groups, but children under 12 need a parent with them.
Spooky Stitched Baskets
by Umut Demirgüç Thurman
Learn how to make machine stitched baskets using 3/16 inches thick rope in this spooky workshop!
Students should bring their sewing machines and variety of threads.
The instructor will provide rope, however, students are welcome to bring any rope to use, but the thickness of the rope should be 3/16 inches.
Fanciful Landscape Quilt
by Emanda Johnson
This textile class give students an opportunity to create a simplified / abstracted Landscape in a fun and whimsical way using fabric, scissors, a few templets as guidelines. Students will learn to quilt 2 layers of fabric with batting in between. The finished works make fun wall hangings.
Students should bring:
Sharp small fabric scissors, paper scissors, sewing machine.
Fabrics will be provided.
Beaded Square Stitch Bezel
by Emma Roberts
Interested in learning something fun to do while watching TV or listening to your favorite audio book? Why not try creating your own wearable piece of art? In this workshop, students will learn how to use the square stitch technique with beads to create a bezel for cabochons by creating a pendant or a set of earrings. To learn, we will use a large/medium glass cabochon along with size 11/0 and 12/0 seed beads. This is a beginning level course, however we will be using small pieces and needles so please be aware of that. We will start with a brief introduction to the differences between types of beads, threads, and other things you can put this malleable bezel around before starting the demo.
Hand Dyed Silk Scarf
by Ally Hardick
We will be hand dyeing an 11 x 60 silk scarf with a palette of powdered acid dyes. Using the traditional Japanese technique of Shibori, the art of dyeing fabric using intricate folding and binding techniques, you will create a one of a kind wearable work of Art!
Needle Felted Holiday Ornaments
by Umut Demirgüç Thurman
In this super fun workshop you will make Christmas tree ornaments. Needle felting is a technique used to create felted objects. Wool is felted together by stabbing a barbed needle in and out of it, until it matts and felts.
All materials are provided.
Needle Felted Jewelry
by Umut Demirgüç Thurman
Needle felting is a technique used to create felted objects. Wool is felted together by stabbing a barbed needle in and out of it, until it matts and felts. In this workshop, you will make colorful and fun winter jewelry!
Leather
Personalized Leather Keychains
by Audon Archibald
While traditionally seen as a difficult medium to begin working with, leather doesn’t have to be! Choosing from one of four different designs, students will learn the basics of leather crafting not only through hands-on time designing their own, custom key-chain, but also through discussions of how to choose, process, and finish leather pieces to a more professional standard.
This will include opportunities to practice punching, sanding, and edge finishing on raw vegetable tan leather.
Hand Stitched Leather Christmas Ornaments
by Audon Archibald
Just in time for the holidays, in this workshop, attendees will walk through the ins and outs of basic leather-working for beginners in the hand-assembly of leather Christmas ornaments. This includes walking through pattern work, cutting, stamping, stitching, and even painting on leather while becoming familiar with some specific tools and techniques common to leather craft.
Attendees can expect to leave with a completely hand-assembled Christmas ornament cut and painted by them from a leather of their choosing supplied by the instructor.
Leather Feather Earrings
by Dii Dii Crossett
In this class we will be making earrings by cutting leather into the shape of feathers. You have the option to add authentic turquoise beads, bone beads, and/or ethically sourced turkey feathers (from turkey’s killed by my father to provide for our family.) I plan to share about my Indigenous heritage while we work on this project!
Metalsmithing & Jewelry-Making
Chain Bracelet: Idiot’s Delight
by Sarah Loch-Test
In this workshop students will learn the process of constructing a classic style of chain called ‘Idiot’s Delight.’ Students can choose one or two colors of metal jump rings to make a bracelet using pliers and basic jewelry making skills. Bracelets will be finished with lobster claw clasps.
Stamped Metal Resolutions
by James Thurman
It’s a New Year and time for a New You! Hammer your resolutions into metal to make them last all year long. Metal stamping is a quick and lasting way to design and create your own small metal works. A wide variety of metal stamps will be available to use. Time permitting, students will be able to finish up to five resolutions.
Bangles, Cuffs & Bracelets
by Kaki Crowell-Hilde
(4 day long course)
Students will learn how to shape flat stock into wonderful bracelets. We will explore a variety of hammers and stakes that make it possible to form concave and convex bangles and slightly rounded cuffs. Using brass and copper sheet and seamless brass tubing, we will produce several bracelets all of which can be worn together. These are really fun to make. Processes explored will be riveting, soldering, hammering, sawing, filing and polishing. If you want to use silver, blanks can be purchased from the instructor at market value.
Braided Wire Ring
by Umut Demirgüç Thurman
In this workshop students will learn: How to braid a ring using a vise, how to measure their ring size, and how to solder it.
We will use copper wire, but students are welcome to bring their silver wire if they want.
All materials are included.
Spooky Stamped Charms
by James Thurman
Get into the spirit of Halloween by making your own Spooky Charms! Metal stamping is a quick and lasting way to design and create your own small metal works. A variety of spooky (and other) metal stamps will be available to use. Time permitting, students will be able to finish up to ten charms!
All materials included!
Copper Fold-Formed Earrings
by James Thurman
Fold-forming is a quick but surprising way of shaping and texturing metal. By hammering on folded metal in particular ways, a wide range of shapes can be easily created. For this workshop, each student will have a chance to create their own pair of copper fold-formed earrings with silver ear wires.
All tools and materials are included. No experience is necessary!
Stamped Metal Lockets
by James Thurman
Metal stamping is an easy and quick approach to enhancing metal designs. In this workshop, participants will make a two-part stamped metal “locket”. By riveting the two pieces together, a private message can be hidden or revealed by its owner. No experience is necessary—just an interest in exploring basic metalsmithing and jewelry-making techniques!
Turkish Filigree Pendant
by Umut Demirgüç Thurman
Silver filigree is a beautiful and intricate ancient metalwork technique that involves twisting and shaping thin silver wire into delicate patterns and designs.
In this workshop, you will learn traditional Turkish filigree making techniques to create a beautiful pendant in delicate silver wire.
All materials included.
Knitted Wire Objects
by Umut Demirgüç Thurman
In this fun class, students will learn to knit with wire using circular knitting looms. They will create objects or jewelry using copper and brass wire. All materials included.
Festive Holiday Stamped Charms
by James Thurman
Tis the Season to make your own jewelry! Metal stamping is a quick and lasting way to design and create your own small metal works. A variety of season holiday (and other) metal stamps will be available to use. Time permitting, students will be able to finish up to ten charms!
All materials are provided.
Intro to Metalsmithing/Jewelry
by Sarah Loch-Test
Learn fundamental metalsmithing stills in this two-part class, including sawing, soldering and texturing metal. Students can expect to create a ring and either a pendant or pair of earrings in copper and brass.
Mixed Media
Nerdy Terrarium
by David Bayon
In this beginner-friendly Nerdy Terrarium Workshop, students will learn how to design and build a small, self-contained terrarium while incorporating miniature figures inspired by pop culture, fantasy, sci-fi, and gaming. Participants will be guided through the full terrarium process, including layering drainage, soil, and moss, selecting and placing plants, and composing a visually balanced miniature scene. All core materials will be provided, including a glass vessel, substrate layers, plants, and decorative elements, with optional add-on miniatures available to customize each build. By the end of the class, students will leave with a completed terrarium and the foundational skills to continue creating their own miniature worlds at home.
Students are encouraged to bring a small figurine or miniature (approximately 1–3 inches tall) to incorporate into their terrarium, such as a Gundam, D&D character, Pokémon, or other favorite collectible. If preferred, a selection of optional miniatures and add-on pieces will be available for purchase at the workshop. No prior experience is necessary, and all core materials and tools will be provided.
Mixed Media Sugar Skull Painting
by Crystal Nelson
Mixed Media Sugar Skull Painting Inspired by Dia de los Muertos
In this workshop you will create a 12x12 original sugar skull painting using a variety of materials and techniques. We will start with collage and add paint, ink, stencils and a bunch of mark-making tools. We will be making lots of patterns and creating yummy textures while using fun colors! This workshop is great for beginners as well as more experienced artists.
All materials are included.
Zine 101: Zines Are for Everyone!
by Orion Fern
Learn about the magic of making YOUR unique voice heard through little DIY mini magazines, otherwise known as ZINES! Write or draw about anything, self-publishing your first zine with Orion’s help over the course of this 3-hour workshop for all ages, kids especially welcome!
All supplies are provided, including simple printer paper, scissors, markers, stickers, scraps and more. Bring yourself and a friend to join the zine revolution!
Seeded Journal (Mixed Media Flexagon Book)
by Crystal Nelson
In this fun workshop we will be starting with a 22x30 piece of mixed media paper and transforming it into a 5.5x7.5 mixed media art journal. We will begin with intuitive collage work then move into wet and dry medium using acrylic inks and water soluble graphite. Finally, we will magically transform this large paper into a 16 page journal ready for more of your creativity. These books are great for drawing, painting and writing.
There is usually time in the workshop to make a second smaller book as well!
All Materials are supplied for this workshop.
Build-A-Scary-Story Zine Night
by Orion Fern
Join Orion Fern for a fun night of crafting your very own scary story using a brainstorming worksheet and plenty of spooky-themed zine-making supplies available all evening!
Composition in Collage
by Crystal Nelson
In this workshop, we will begin with 2.5 inch collage practice in a grid formation. We will learn many ways to arrange collage elements into cohesive compositions. We will work with intuitive collage, limited palette and scaling up collage designs into larger work.
This workshop is for both beginning and experienced artists alike, as well as artists just curious about improving their compositions in any medium. These activities can be worked into your daily practice as an artist or be the jumping off point for a larger body of work.
Witchy Miniature Scene
by Donna Vaux
Students will create a miniature witchy/Halloween themed scene. They will get to choose from a variety of available miniature decorations to include in their scene such as tiny pumpkins, skeleton pieces, moss, and flowers.
Students will also learn how to make their own miniature books, crystal balls, Ouija Boards, and planchettes for their scene. We will utilize lots of different mediums and materials including: air foam clay, acrylic paint, printed paper, leather scraps, poster board, balsa wood, beads, metal, plastic, etc.
Miniature Christmas Cookie Cutter Ornaments
by Donna Vaux
Make your own miniature Christmas scene ornament!
We will be creating little holiday scenes inside Christmas cookie cutters and attaching ribbon so they can hang on your tree! Let your imagination run wild as you fill teeny tiny shelves with teeny tiny things such as mini figurines, trees, ornaments, presents, candy canes, and more! All supplies included.
Students can bring any tiny items they may want to include in their scene that may not be provided by instructor, such as memorabilia, small family photos, etc..
Mixed Media Weaving
by Crystal Nelson
In this workshop students will create a weaving using non-traditional materials such as vintage paper, book covers, natural and rusted items. We will also create hand printed/painted items to use in our weavings.
All materials will be provided.
Hand Stitched Hardback Journal
by Crystal Nelson
In this workshop we will create a journal for writing, drawing, painting, documenting travel or anything you like! We will use vintage book covers and various papers to construct the book and learn about the structure of a book. (Signatures, spine, binding, end papers)
Students will learn to stitch the binding together with waxed twine and decorate using beads and charms. We will also create a clasp to hold in all your treasures.
All materials included- book covers, papers, twine, canvas, beads/charms, glue, awl, bone folder.
Natural Suncatchers
by Dii Dii Crossett
In this class we will be making natural suncatchers with sticks, glass beads and mirror beads. Create beautiful rainbow light displays on your walls with these one of a kind organic suncatchers!
Personal Shrines
by Crystal Nelson
Join Crystal for a fun workshop inspired by Day of the Dead altars. In this workshop, you can build two small shrines or one large shrine centered around your own theme using 2D and 3D elements.
Some examples of themes: honoring a loved one’s memory or honoring someone living. Sugar skulls and Frida Kahlo are popular themes. The shrine can be built as a muse or you can come up with your own idea!
All Materials will be provided. You may also bring any personal objects or ephemera that is meaningful to you. If you are using photos of a loved one, please be sure to make several colored copies of them (even if they are black and white).
Photography/Darkroom
Pinhole Camera Workshop
by Lora O’Shaughnessy
Get back to basics with one of the oldest styles of photography! Students will construct their own pinhole cameras, use those cameras to take a photo on photographic paper, and learn the basic paper development process. Through this process they will learn some photography history, the fundamentals of photography, and that anything can be a camera under the right circumstances. Students will leave with a pinhole camera, a developed print, and the skills to go forth and create more analog art!
All materials provided. If there is something specific they would like to photograph they are welcome to bring it along.
B&W Film Development
by Lora O’Shaughnessy
Always wanted to get into analog photography but don’t know where to start? A long time connoisseur of the medium, but longing to get into the nitty gritty of developing your own film? Look no further! Students will be guided through photography basics, and lead for the first hour to shoot a roll of 35mm black and white film. After the roll is complete, students will be guided through the finer points of black and white film development, from unloading, rolling the film, and development chemistry. Students will leave with a roll of developed film and the resources to develop their own film going forward. All materials provided. If you have your own camera that you know how to operate, you are more than welcome to bring it.
Cyanotype Basics
by Lora O’Shaughnessy
Discover the joys of “the blue print!” The Prussian Blue print to be exact. Students will learn best practices for creating Cyanotype prints with just some simple chemistry, watercolor paper, and everyday objects. They will explore the history of this early photographic process, and experiment with a variety of objects and both digital and analog negatives. They will leave with a completed Cyanotype print and a variety of experiments to inspire them to continue their alternative process journey.All materials provided. If there is something specific students would like to use to make a print with be sure to bring that along.
Botanical Cyanotypes with Watercolor
by Lora O’Shaughnessy and Linda Hilterbrandt
Explore how one of the oldest photographic processes, cyanotype aka sun prints, plays so seamlessly with the joys of watercolor. Using some simple chemistry, watercolor paper, the sun (or a UV lamp), and pressed botanicals students will create a one-of-a-kind cyanotype. Once completed Linda will introduce basic watercolor techniques to hand color your cyanotypes. This workshop would be a great Mother’s Day gift! If you have specific plants/flowers in mind to use you are more than welcome to bring them but plenty of materials and inspiration will be provided.
Printmaking
LEGO Printmaking
by Cheyenne Soto
LEGO printmaking is a creative, DIY relief printing technique where LEGO bricks, plates, or tiles are arranged on a baseplate to create a raised design. Ink is applied to the surface using a roller (brayer) or ink pad, then again used over the paper to create textured images. This class will specifically teach how to create a representation of the Denton Courthouse, an easter egg or flower.
Letterpress 101
by Christine Adame
Bookplates are small paper inserts that label books in one’s personal library. The workshop will begin with a small presentation about the history of letterpress and bookplates. Students will learn the basics of letterpress printing by operating a small tabletop letterpress. The layout of the bookplate will be pre-set except for a small portion. Participants will get to customize their bookplate by choosing from a collection of symbols. They will then print the bookplate design in black ink on white paper. Workshop participants will take home up to 10 copies of their bookplates.
Block Printed Bandana
by Umut Demirgüç Thurman
In this quick and fun workshop, you will print bandanas using pre-carved Turkish motif blocks. You will be given 2 bandanas to print on, but you are welcome to bring other fabrics to print on (tshirt, bag, etc).
Seminars
The History of the Vampire in Folklore, Literature, and Film
by Dr. Megan Bryan
In this session, students will learn all about the long history of the vampire, from its roots in 18th century Eastern European folklore through the literary tradition of the 19th century, and into the visual arts of the 20th and 21st centuries. From Dracula to Twilight and beyond, this session will explore the myth and the metaphor of the vampire.
All That Glitters: A History of Sparkle in Fashion
by Dr. Annette Becker
Join historian Annette Becker for an illustrated talk about the history and development of sparkle in fashion design.
Together we’ll learn about sequins and spangles, embroidery with precious metals and plastic threads, dress of the elite and the everyman.
The talk will be accompanied by hands-on examples of materials and techniques.
Artisans of Iron and Ink: Exploring the Tools and Makers in Islamic Art
by Dr. Aslihan Erkmen
From hammers and saws to compasses and anvils, the world of Islamic manuscripts preserves not only images of faith and beauty but also the traces of craft and invention. This talk invites you to discover how manuscript artists depicted metal tools and artisans—blacksmiths, builders, and makers—turning everyday labor into art.
From prophetic figures like Idris to Ottoman guild parades, these images reveal how art recorded both the sacred and material dimensions of creativity. The lecture highlights the intersection of craft, knowledge, and visual culture in the Islamic world. A journey through painted pages where iron meets imagination.
A Turning Point: The Founding of Constantinople
by Dr. Ufuk Demirgüç
Constantinople, declared the new capital by Roman Emperor Constantine in 330 CE, holds a unique place in history as the capital that carried the political and cultural heritage of Ancient Rome to the East. Thanks to its strategic geographical location, it has been the intersection point of both Eastern and Western civilizations for centuries.
This presentation will examine the city's founding process, imperial vision, and early urban structure. We invite you to join us as we explore this turning point in the history of civilization.
How to Workshop
by James Thurman
Teaching short workshops is a very special type of art instruction. This two-part workshop will focus on successful strategies for giving these workshops.
The first part will cover a variety of approaches and brainstorm types of workshops participants might be interested in conducting. In the second part, participants will lead their own self- generated activities and receive feedback on their implementation.
For the first session, students should just bring note-taking materials. For the second session, students will need to bring whatever materials they need to conduct their activity.
Wood
Basic Spindle Turning
by Neal Brand
This is an off-site workshop.
Students will learn the basics of spindle woodturning. The class will emphasize the safe use of traditional woodturning tools to make interesting and fun turned objects. By the end of the class, students will have completed at least one each of a simple top, a tippe top (it magically flips over when given a good spin), a mouse, a Kururin (or fidget) stick and if time allows, a turned box. In the process, students will learn how to use a roughing gouge, a spindle gouge, and a parting tool.
Students should bring a sack lunch as the class is an all day class. Everything needed for the class is provided, but if students have their own turning tools, they are welcome to bring them. Class fee includes a membership to Golden Triangle Woodturners.
Crafting an Otsu-e Omamori (Oni Protection Charm)
by Crystal Garrett
In this workshop we will create a small Otsu-e Omamori charm to hang near the entry of your home. We will first wood burn and paint the wood and then use cord to create a traditional Japanese omamori knot to hang the charm. This workshop will cover basic wood burning techniques and how to make smooth lines as well as how to correct mistakes when they occur.
The students will not need to bring anything with them, however, if they would like to bring their own wood burning tool or paints that is perfectly fine.
Workshop & Seminar Requests
Have a class you’d love to take—or an idea you’re itching to explore? Let us know!
Your responses help us decide which workshops to bring back and what new ideas to build next…
