YEP – ART

Whether you have dabbled in mosaics or you are starting from square one, this workshop is for you. Mosaic artist and instructor, Debra Mager, will provide an overview of the art form, various styles of mosaics, the types of substrates and their preparation, types of tesserae, tools, adhesives, how to cut glass and grout. Her beautiful spacious home studio has room for 10 students. You can choose to make a 10×10 mirror or a wall panel using stained glass and various other materials.  She will assist you every step of the way and you will go home with a beautiful work of art.

Go with area native and local arts insider, Sherry Masters, to explore the best of the western NC art community through private studio visits. The Asheville & western NC region is known nationally as a top art destination – you’ll see why when you experience the professional and emerging arts scene on this private tour. After learning your interests (glass, paintings, wood sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, etc.) Sherry will coordinate with local artists, plan the itinerary, then pick you up for your day of being immersed in the arts!   This experience is great fun to see the variety of studios and interesting expressions of creativity.
½ day art tour $75/person
Full day art tour $135/person
Number of participants: 2-12

Leo Monahan – Design, Color and Collage

It’s no wonder Leo Monahan is nicknamed “The Colorman”, his paper sculpture studio explodes with color! In his 50+ years as an artist and graphic designer Leo has a wealth of life experiences to share: growing up beside Mt Rushmore and learning about life from Sioux Indians; being a combat artist in the Korean and Vietnam wars; receiving the first Disney scholarship and later working as a ‘idea’ man for Disney theme parks; having a successful graphic design company in Los Angeles; and much, much more! Leo will teach fundamental design principles and we’ll put his lessons into practice making individual collage masterpieces. No previous experience required. You’ll leave having discovered a new way of looking at the world!

Time frame: noon – 4:30pm
Lunch included!
Cost: $155/person
Supplies: provided by Leo
Number of participants: 5-10

Norma Bradley – Ikebana

Flowers can add beauty and cheer to any room. Join Asheville artist Norma Bradley and learn the Japanese art of Ikebana, and you will come away with the skills to create beautiful floral arrangements for a lifetime!  Bradley, a Master Ikebana Instructor of the Ichiyo School of Ikebana, has taught art for 30 years, and she has practiced Ikebana for 15 years!  Her lifelong career as an artist has included many forms of fiber art, as well as community earth quilts of plant and natural materials.

Participants in the Ikebana workshop will learn the history and principles of this ancient art form now practiced throughout the world, observe a demonstration and choose floral materials and create one arrangement. In order to reinforce what you have learned each person will be invited to explain their choices, create a simple drawing and/or write a poem if you feel so inspired. You will take home your arrangement to continue your pleasure. Refreshments will be available.

Terri Sigler – Glass Blowing

Visit Chaotic Joy Glassworks, Terri Sigler’s private home studio, for an intriguing studio tour and glass making experience. Enjoy making your own glass ornament with the guidance of one of our experienced glass artists.

Terri shares her passion for glass by teaching students some glass blowing essentials while sharing stories of the mysteries of glass and its history. You’ll also learn the origins of glass and glass color, as well as the equipment used to make blown glass.

Each person will rotate through the approximate 20 minute process in teams of 2 or 3; each participant will complete one project. Work may be picked up after 3pm the following day or mailed for fee. Appropriate safety equipment required and provided for participation. A guardian or parent must be present while children are making their glass. Appropriate for ages 9-99. 

Heather Hietala – Collage Greeting Cards

Heather Hietala is a mixed media artist, and her Asheville studio consumes almost her whole house.  She devotes rooms to book arts, textiles, and ceramics.  Her living room is a fascinating display space for her art and her collections. And there’s a lovely garden!

One of Heather’s many talents is creating handmade cards and books that stem from her passion of journaling. Her work is inspired by a desire to process and express life’s experiences. Heather invites guests in for workshops in which participants can complete a project in the timeframe, and use their newly learned skills for future enjoyment. You can choose between one of these great classes:

Chuck Young & Deana Blanchard: Sandblasted Goblet & Stained Glass Suncatcher

Join glass artists Chuck & Deana in their colorful, light-filled studio and learn about their journey and careers creating stained glass windows, wall panels and mixed media outdoor sculpture.

When you go visit their studio, you might wonder why they’d ever leave it: the mountain views are stunning and the well-equipped studio is an inspiring place to create the glass and metal work Deana and Chuck are widely known for.

Their artist statement explains their outlook perfectly: “Our goal is to make art which conveys the happiness we feel about the world and its processes. We have so much fun together, and hope our work reflects the lightness, playfulness, and exuberance of life through the interplay of line, color, and light.”

Group chooses one of these options:
Create your own design and have that design etched onto a wine goblet. Perfect for a keepsake of a special occasion: birthday, anniversary, wedding – or any day that you want to celebrate! Chuck and Deana will provide the assistance and then Chuck will etch the wine glass while you observe. At the end of the time together the group will toast their achievements, getting a chance to use their newly designed goblets, and enjoy hor’dourves together.

Learn the fundamentals of stained glass and create a suncatcher for your window! You’ll have the opportunity to design your own original piece using glass in Chuck and Deana’s studio. With the guidance of these professionals fun and successful creating are guaranteed!

2 hour workshop: Sandblasted Goblet
Cost: 4 people – $160; 5-6 people $215 (includes materials fee)
Location: Burnsville home studio
Minimum # of participants – 4
Maximum # of participants – 6

3.5 hour workshop: Stained Glass Suncatcher
Cost: $50 each participant (includes materials fee)
Location: Burnsville home studio
Minimum # of participants – 3
Maximum # of participants – 6

Kimberly Masters: Soap Making Workshop

Learn how to make Soap with Kimberly at Essential Journeys
This activity is a chance for a fun hands-on experience for a small group – perfect for a girlfriends getaway or anyone looking to be creative and try something new!  Make a personalized loaf of glycerin soap* with the soap makers at Essential Journeys.  Great for gifts! Design options include choosing from 100+ scents, any color in the rainbow and iconic images made of soap in the shape of dragonflies, flowers, stars and a variety of other designs. Kimberly’s samples will help you decide! Arrangements will be made to either pick the soap up later in the day, or ship it back to your home.

*This soap is made from Vegetable glycerin, Aloe Vera, vitamin E and essential and vegetable oils; a loaf equals 12 – one-inch thick slices.

2.5 hour workshop
Cost: $80 ea (all supplies included)
Location: Asheville home studio
Minimum # of participants – 3
Maximum # of participants – 5