2026 Art on the Meadow Workshop Registration Form

Tuition: $75 Materials Fee: N/A Enhance your watercolor paintings by integrating colored pencil to add depth, texture, and vibrant detail. Demonstrations will guide students through using wax-based colored pencils (not water-soluble) to establish under drawings, adjust light and dark values, and add rich textures and detail. These are excellent techniques for photorealists, illustrators, beginners, and established artists, and will give your watercolor paintings a dynamic pop. Plan to bring: Watercolor supplies, including watercolor paper, paints, brushes, and a set of Prismacolor Premier colored pencils.

Tuition: $100 Materials Fee: $20 Explore the unfolding of spring on Ox-Bow’s campus through a series of observational gouache (opaque watercolor) paintings. Demonstrations will introduce techniques for working with gouache, including color mixing, layering, and accurately matching hues found in nature. Each day will begin with a short demo followed by guided sketching sessions around the meadow and surrounding landscape, emphasizing close observation and intuitive mark-making. Plan to bring: A sketchbook, pencil, and preferred gouache or watercolor supplies. Paper surfaces, brushes, and a small Beam Gouache Paint set is provided.

Tuition: $100 Materials Fee: N/A Learn to paint a floral still life in oils from a local master. Turn your focus to painting from observation, using a demo floral arrangement made that morning as the subject. Let paint and color be the focus, inspired by the beauty that flowers and light can provide. For a full-day art making experience, during which you will make your own floral arrangement, also sign up for the first part of this workshop, Flowering: History and Arrangement, led by Maddie Reyna. Plan to bring: Gessoed canvases, flat bristle brushes, oil paints, 1 pint of odorless paint thinner, drawing supplies (vine charcoal, pencil, white eraser, sketchbook), 3 empty tin cans, empty glass jar with lid, blue paper shop towels, 18” x 24” plexi glass palette, vinyl gloves, sunscreen, bug spray.

Tuition: $200 Materials Fee: N/A In this outdoor workshop, participants will explore Ox-Bow’s rich landscape and quirky architecture through on-site watercolor painting. Guided by instructor David Baker, we’ll visit some of his favorite spots around campus — from the lagoon and Tallmadge Woods to the dunes and historic buildings — pausing to create quick studies and longer impressions along the way. Participants will learn simple observational techniques, watercolor fundamentals, and strategies for capturing light, color, and atmosphere in a changing environment. Whether you’re new to watercolor or looking to expand your plein-air practice, this workshop offers a relaxed, engaging way to experience Ox-Bow’s beauty through paint. All levels welcome; gentle guidance provided throughout. Plan to bring: Watercolor supplies including watercolor paper and a set of Prismacolor pencils.

Tuition: $100 Materials Fee: $20 Participants will forage for natural materials — sticks, stones, leaves, pinecones, and more — and transform them into expressive drawing tools for creating abstract or plein-air works. The instructor will demonstrate how to use ink and thinned charcoal with these unconventional tools to explore texture, gesture, and mark-making inspired by the surrounding landscape. We’ll begin with a short nature walk to gather materials, followed by a guided demonstration and an open period of outdoor experimentation and creation. Plan to bring: a sketchbook or loose drawing paper, a small container for water or solvent, and dress comfortably for time spent outside.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: $30 Inspired by Ox-Bow's natural landscape, students in this workshop will explore where the technical aspects of drawing meets painting with attention to line, value, structure, and mark making in charcoal, conte crayon, and watercolor. To further experiment with mark-making, demonstrations will guide students through the project of designing and building their own brushes and tools using organic materials including beeswax, horsehair, and jute. Plan to bring: drawing board no smaller than 18”x24”, apron and/or old clothes, masking tape, sharpie, watercolor brushes (at least 2 sizes), paper towels or soft cotton rags, small watercolor palette, scissors, jar with wide base for water, bugspray, hat, water bottle.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: N/A In this workshop participants will explore slow, meditative drawing practices that cultivate calm, presence, and a deeper connection to Ox-Bow’s landscape. Techniques demonstrated will include sensory-based observation, intuitive mark-making, and the use of tone and color to create serene moods with water-soluble materials. The workshop will begin with grounding and sensory-awareness exercises outdoors, followed by guided observational and imaginative drawing. Participants will alternate between short meditative prompts and longer periods of focused art-making to develop peaceful, expressive works on paper. Plan to bring: a sketchbook, drawing paper, graphite pencils, and water-soluble oil pastels.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: $10 In this workshop participants will explore playful, layered image-making through Gelli Plate monotypes, discovering how this press-free process can expand and energize their painting or printmaking practice. Techniques demonstrated will include mark-making, stencil use, masking, tool-making with everyday materials, and strategies for choosing papers to achieve different visual effects. The workshop will begin with an introduction to Gelli Plates and basic monotype layering, followed by guided demos and a series of hands-on experiments. Participants will work through several short exercises and have open studio time to explore their own compositions. Plan to bring: a Speedball Water-Based Block Printing Ink Set (link will be provided after registration), plus any additional papers or small household items you’d like to try as texture tools.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: N/A In this welcoming workshop, participants will learn the core techniques of transparent watercolor and gain confidence in a medium often described as challenging or unforgiving. We’ll explore how to work from light to dark, manage water-to-pigment ratios, and approach “mistakes” as opportunities for creative problem-solving. The workshop will begin with a brief demonstration of essential methods—washes, gradients, lifting, layering, and glazing—followed by guided practice to build control and fluency. Participants will create a series of small studies designed to support a grounded understanding of how watercolor behaves on the page. This session is ideal for beginners or artists in other mediums who are curious to try watercolor with gentle structure and supportive instruction. Plan to bring: Watercolor supplies including watercolor paper, and a set of Prismacolor pencils.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: N/A In this workshop, participants will build a foundation in practical color theory using the double primary palette—an accessible system that expands mixing possibilities and strengthens any painting practice. Working with acrylics, we’ll explore hue, value, saturation, color temperature, simultaneous contrast, and complementary color relationships. We will begin with a brief overview of color’s physical properties, followed by guided mixing exercises that reveal how different primaries interact. Participants will create a series of small color studies to investigate spatial effects, contrast, and temperature shifts—tools they can apply to future painting projects. Plan to bring: Basic acrylic set and painting surfaces of various sizes and textures, and a color wheel.

Tuition: $75 Materials Fee: N/A In this process-based workshop, students will use drawing and collage to explore play, experimentation, and discovery, creating layered works through chance and collaboration. We will demonstrate energetic mark-making prompts, partner-based exchanges, and simple collage techniques for cutting, recombining, and reconfiguring drawings. The workshop will flow from quick drawing warm-ups into collaborative interventions and conclude with constructing experimental collages from accumulated fragments. Plan to bring: a sketchbook or drawing pad, any preferred drawing tools, and small paper scraps or printed materials to incorporate; all other supplies will be provided.

Tuition: $100 Materials Fee: $10 In this outdoor expressive arts workshop, participants will explore how movement, drawing, and writing can deepen their connection to the natural world. Through guided practices in contemplative movement, sensory awareness, and creative response, the class will investigate how the environment can serve as collaborator, mirror, and source of inspiration. Beginning with brief orientation, followed by warm-up drawing and reflective writing, participants will then move into guided mindful movement and sensory practices before engaging in solo explorations of the meadow and its more-than-human inhabitants. These experiences will be brought back into drawing and writing as tools for further discovery, play, and personal insight. The session will close with small-group reflection and a collective sharing circle. This session is accessible to all levels—no dance or art-making experience required. The emphasis is process-oriented, welcoming all abilities and encouraging a playful, exploratory mindset. Set entirely outdoors, participants are invited to wander, sit, lie down, and move freely on the ground.  Plan to bring: anything you need for comfort outside; layered clothing; a water bottle; snacks; personal writing tools; and drawing or simple painting supplies of your choice, including paper. Oil pastels, newsprint, and yoga mats will be provided.

Free with RSVP Participants will learn the fundamentals of hand and rod puppetry while designing and constructing their own simple puppet character using found and recycled materials. Demonstrated techniques include basic foam carving, mixed-media joining methods (glues and simple fasteners), light wood handling and sanding, and introductory sewing and textile attachment techniques. The workshop will begin with a short introduction to hand and rod puppetry with examples, followed by step-by-step demonstrations of carving and construction, hands-on puppet building, and conclude with an exploratory movement session and a low-stakes, collaborative puppet performance. Plan to bring: Half yard of any special fabric they’d like to use for their puppet’s body (optional); all other materials will be provided.

Tuition: $75 Materials Fee: $30 Participants will explore the art of flower arranging through the lens of early spring, working with seasonal blooms, budding branches, and fresh greens that reflect the textures and rhythms of the moment. Demonstrations will cover basic floral design principles, conditioning stems, and composing balanced, expressive arrangements that highlight the natural character of spring flowers. Local flowers from White Barn Flower Company in Holland, Michigan, will be provided to each participant, and after demonstration, arranging, and group discussion, they will take their arrangement home. Participants should plan to bring their own vessel, garden gloves, and a sturdy box to safely transport their finished arrangement.

Tuition: $100 Materials Fee: $30 Create a living sculpture with florals while considering foundational historical floral styles including Dutch Baroque, Ikebana, and contemporary movements. Participants will experiment with vessel armature techniques such as wire mesh, pin frog, and tape grid. Local flowers from White Barn Flower Farm in Holland, Michigan, will be provided to each participant, and after demonstration, arranging, and group discussion, they will take their ephemeral arrangement home. For a full-day making experience, during which you will make a painting of your floral arrangement, sign up for the second part of this workshop, Still Life Painting led by James Brandess! Plan to bring: A vessel, garden gloves, and a box to transport your arrangement.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: $30 Learn the basics of steel welding and other metal fabrication processes in Ox-Bow's metals studio in order to design and create a stunning outdoor sculpture. We will talk aesthetics, structure, and consider the function and longevity of your designs. Fabricate your sculpture using the studio's scrap bin, or bring your own steel.  No previous metals experience is required. Plan to bring: Wear cotton long sleeves and pants, closed toed shoes or boots, and tie back long hair. Safety gear will be provided.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: $30 Participants will design and create their own custom polymer clay beads, experimenting with color, pattern, shape, and texture to produce unique wearable or sculptural pieces. Demonstrations will cover basic conditioning of polymer clay, color blending, simple canes, surface embellishment techniques, and proper baking/finishing methods. The class will begin with inspiration and technique demos, move into guided hands-on exploration, and conclude with time for refining, curing, and sharing finished work. Plan to bring: any small tools, found objects for texture, or jewelry findings they’d like to use, though all essential materials will be provided.

Tuition: $75 Materials Fee: $20 In this workshop, participants will create a one-of-a-kind divination card holder infused with personal symbolism and intuitive design. Demonstrations will cover polymer clay techniques—including texturing, marbling, blending, sculpting, and curing—along with mixed-media approaches that combine beads, crystals, metal findings, and collage. The class will flow from guided exploration of materials and colorways to intuitive composition and personal adornment. Plan to bring: Small personal objects, trinkets, charms, or collage materials to incorporate into your piece.

Tuition: $250 Materials Fee: $30 Learn the basics of welding, bending, and cutting metal in Ox-Bow’s metals studio. We will translate a simple drawing of your own design into steel. Technical demonstrations will include hot and cold bending, modular construction, welding, and surface finishing strategies. You will quickly gain the know-how to safely use equipment in the Metals Studio! This course is suitable for all levels of experience. Leave with a great sculpture and heightened confidence after one day in the shop.  Plan to bring: Wear cotton long sleeves and pants, closed toed shoes or boots, and tie back long hair. Safety gear, steel, and other metals will be provided.

Tuition: $250 Materials Fee: $30 Celebrate color, light, and queer joy in this beginner-friendly fused-glass workshop held in honor of Pride Month. Participants will design and create their own radiant rainbow sun catcher using a vibrant selection of transparent and opaque glass. You’ll learn the basics of cutting, shaping, and arranging glass, as well as an introduction to glass properties and kiln firing. This workshop welcomes participants of all identities and skill levels—no previous glass experience needed. Come explore a playful, affirming space where creativity and community shine. Plan to bring: Water bottle, closed-toe shoes, and comfortable natural-fiber clothing suitable for a hotshop environment. All glassblowing tools and materials will be provided.

Tuition: $250 Materials Fee: $30 In this hands-on hotshop workshop, participants will learn the foundational techniques of glassblowing while gaining confidence working with molten material. Through guided demonstrations and plenty of practice, you’ll explore how to gather, shape, and sculpt hot glass using traditional tools and mindful attention to heat, breath, and timing. We’ll begin with an overview of the studio, safety practices, and a brief history of glassblowing as a craft and contemporary art form. Participants will start by making a solid paperweight, then build skills toward creating small sculptural forms, and ultimately craft their own hand-blown cup. Along the way, you’ll experiment with applying color, adding small decorative bits, and understanding how form shifts during each stage of the process. This workshop is open to all levels—no prior experience required. Plan to bring: Water bottle, closed-toe shoes, and comfortable natural-fiber clothing suitable for a hotshop environment. All glassblowing tools and materials will be provided.

Tuition: $250 Materials Fee: $30 Participants will learn basic metal fabrication processes while designing and creating a small steel work intended for an outdoor setting. Techniques demonstrated will include simple design planning, cutting, joining, and finishing methods, with discussion of materials, structure, utility, and aesthetics throughout. The workshop will begin with an overview of the metal studio and safety, followed by hands-on making using either personal steel or studio scrap. Plan to bring: A cotton long-sleeved shirt, long pants, closed-toed shoes, hair ties for long hair, a sketchbook and drawing utensil.

Tuition: $100 Materials Fee: $20 Celebrate the longest day of the year through a hands-on exploration of cyanotype, one of the oldest photographic printing processes. In this workshop, participants will learn to create deep-blue botanical prints on both paper and cloth using sunlight, found forms, and the natural environment as collaborators. We will work with techniques for arranging compositions, preparing surfaces, and exposing prints using UV light—embracing the way time, weather, and the intensity of the solstice sun shape each image. Plan to bring: Small natural or flat objects that hold personal meaning and wear clothing that can get messy. Additional botanicals and textural materials will be gathered from across the Ox-Bow grounds. The workshop will conclude with a group review of finished prints on provided high-quality watercolor paper and 100% cotton rag fabric.

Tuition: $100 Materials Fee: $10 Create original paintings, book marks, and cards with freshly foraged, handmade inks – and gain some inspiration for future inky experiments! We'll begin the day outside foraging for plants and other natural materials. You are also encouraged to bring plants or other materials from home; anything can be used to create ink! Next, we will learn the ink-making process using your new found materials. Wrap up the day by experimenting with your fresh inks on different substrates. Plan to bring: Ink making materials are provided but students should bring a notebook and anything natural from their home/garden they'd like to try to make ink with. It is recommended that students dress for the weather and foraging including wearing tall socks, long sleeves, and a hat.

Tuition: $75 Materials Fee: $20 Participants will design and create original images using hand-carved and found-object stamps, producing a series of layered prints on paper to take home. Demonstrations will cover basic stamp carving, inking techniques, pattern building, registration, and creative mark-making without the use of a printing press. The class will flow from experimental warm-ups to guided projects and open exploration, allowing time for iteration, collaboration, and individual image development. Plan to bring: Any personal imagery, sketches, or objects they’d like to incorporate into their printing.

Tuition: $75 Materials Fees: $20 Celebrate the abundance of summer with this vibrant nature-printing workshop that transforms fresh flowers and leaves into colorful printed wreaths. Participants will learn how to compose botanical arrangements and hand-print them onto fine papers to create frame-worthy works. Techniques demonstrated will include selecting and preparing plant materials, applying paints for optimal transfers, and hand-rubbing prints to capture delicate natural textures. The workshop will begin with an introduction to botanical printing, followed by guided experimentation with composition and printing methods. Participants will create one large print along with several smaller botanical impressions. Plan to bring: fresh leaves or small botanical materials of personal interest (optional). All papers, paints, and additional plant materials will be provided. Please ensure any collected plant materials are fresh; if gathered the day prior, store them in a sealed bag in the refrigerator.

Tuition: $75 Materials Fee: $30 Students will learn how to construct and personalize a hand-bound journal. Techniques demonstrated include covering cardboard with decorative papers, installing simple closures, adding bookmarks, collage and surface decoration, and creating paper pulp sheets or shapes using stencils. The class will flow from guided journal assembly to open-ended decorating, followed by a playful introduction to papermaking processes. Plan to bring: A spirit of curiosity and creativity, while all essential supplies are provided with optional materials available for continued exploration at home.

Tuition: $75 Materials Fee: $10 Learn to create three-dimensional soft sculptures using recycled fabrics and repurposed stuffing while making your own unique pillow form. Demonstrations will cover basic patterning methods, sewing machine and hand-stitching techniques, and examples of artists working in contemporary soft sculpture. Each session will include guided instruction, open studio time, and opportunities to experiment with form and texture. Plan to bring: Fabric, old clothing, and retired pillows to harvest for stuffing—plus any personal materials you’d like to incorporate.Materials Fee: $10.00

Tuition: $100 Materials Fee: $30 In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how raw, freshly shorn wool is transformed into usable fiber for knitting, weaving, and other textile practices. Working with bespoke, ethically sourced wool from Jacobian and Icelandic sheep raised in Southwest Michigan, we’ll explore the early stages of fiber preparation while building an appreciation for place-based materials and slow craft. The instructor will demonstrate brushing, hard carding, and introductory spinning techniques, guiding participants through the tactile process of cleaning, aligning, and drafting wool. Time will be structured between demonstration and open making, allowing participants to experiment, ask questions, and develop a feel for the fiber as it changes form. By the end of the workshop, participants can expect to leave with a small length of prepared natural fiber and a foundational understanding of how raw wool becomes knittable or weaveable material. No prior fiber experience is required—curiosity and a willingness to work with your hands are all that’s needed. Plan to bring: Comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting a little fuzzy, and a tote or bag to carry your finished fiber home. All wool and core materials will be provided.

Tuition: $100 Materials Fee: $20 In this workshop, students will create at least one one-of-a-kind hand-dyed textile using ice and powdered pigments. Working with folding methods, color placement, and melt-based dye reactions, we’ll explore how ice dyeing differs from traditional immersion techniques and how unpredictability can lead to extraordinary results. Beginning with a short introduction to the ice-dye process, participants will look at examples and explore design possibilities. Participants will then practice folds and color layouts on paper before moving to fabric dyeing. We’ll end with a wash-out session and a small group showcase of the work created. Plan to bring: A notebook and colored pencils. One flag-sized piece of cotton will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring anything that is 100% cotton that they'd like to dye as well (t-shirts, pillow cases, etc.)

Free with RSVP (for up to 16 participants) In this hands-on weaving workshop, participants will explore the creative possibilities of crafting their own simple looms and making collaborative woven works inspired by the textures, colors, and rhythms of the meadow. We will experiment with approachable weaving techniques using yarn, fabric scraps, natural materials, and found fibers to create both individual pieces and a collective weaving that celebrates community making. The workshop will begin with a demonstration on building small DIY looms from everyday materials, followed by guided instruction on basic weaving structures, texture-building, and playful approaches to pattern. Participants will then move between solo experimentation and a shared weaving station, where everyone can contribute to a communal artwork that will evolve throughout the session. This workshop is designed for exploration, curiosity, and connection—no prior weaving experience needed, and all ages and skill levels are invited to participate. Plan to bring: Any yarn, ribbons, fabric scraps, or natural fibers you’d enjoy incorporating (optional). All other materials will be provided.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: $30 In this hands-on workshop, students will learn foundational and contemporary hand-embroidery techniques to create their own stitched artwork. We’ll explore a range of stitches, strategies for building texture and pattern, and simple design approaches that translate personal ideas into thread. We’ll look at examples of contemporary embroidery artists and discuss how stitching can function as both a daily practice and a portable creative tool. Students will experiment with a variety of materials while developing a small embroidered piece to take home. All levels are welcome—no prior experience needed. Plan to bring: Embroidery materials will be provided but students are encouraged to bring any fabrics, thread, or small items they’d like to personalize with stitch.

Tuition: $150 Materials Fee: $30 In this workshop, students will learn the foundational techniques of coiled basketry while creating a small basket from longleaf pine needles. Beginning with a prepared wooden or stone center, we’ll explore how to start a coil, build walls using the spiral stitch, and incorporate beads with the Mariposa stitch to add texture and detail. Through demonstration and individualized guidance, students will practice shaping, binding, and tapering their final coil to create a smooth, finished edge. Along the way, we’ll discuss the history and traditions of natural-fiber basketry and how contemporary makers continue to evolve the form. Materials including pine needles, waxed thread, a prepared center, beads, and sewing needles—will be provided. Plan to bring: a small pair of sharp scissors, a hand towel, and needle-nose pliers if available.

Tuition: $75 Materials Fee: $20 Sashiko is a type of hand stitching that originated in Japan. Used for mending and embellishment, it has a rich history of tradition and design. Today many people are discovering it as part of the visible mending movement. Come and learn the basics of stitching, pattern transfer, tools and techniques. We will be making several small pieces suitable to be made into coasters, pin cushions or used as a patch on clothing. Plan to bring: While all materials are provided, sketchbooks and bits of fabric or thread from home are welcome.

Tuition: $150 Materials Fees: $30 Punch needle embroidery is an ancient textile art, dating back to early Egyptian and Medieval traditions, now enjoying a modern revival through the resurgence of slow stitching and handwork. In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of this satisfying technique—threading the punch needle, creating smooth lines and curves, and building texture with colorful embroidery floss. Working from a small pattern mounted in a lap frame, participants will explore design, rhythm, and the tactile pleasure of textile making. A finishing technique will be demonstrated, and a detailed handout with resources will be provided for those eager to continue at home. Plan to bring: Punch needle and other materials will be provided for use during the workshop; optional frames and tools will be available for purchase from Ox-Bow.

Tuition: $250 Materials Fee: $20 In this hands-on fiber workshop, participants will explore quilting as a form of personal expression, collective care, and social activism. Drawing from the long history of quilts as carriers of memory, resistance, and community storytelling, we will create small protest and LGBTQIA+–themed quilts that honor identity, celebrate Pride, and speak to the causes that matter most to each maker. We’ll begin with a brief introduction to historical and contemporary examples of activist textiles, followed by demonstrations on simple piecing, appliqué, lettering, and incorporating symbolic color palettes (such as Pride flag variations). Participants will then design and stitch their own small quilt—sized for wall display, gifting, or carrying to a march—experimenting with pattern, text, and imagery that reflect their values and voice. This workshop centers process, play, and exploration; no sewing or quilting experience is required. All identities and skill levels are welcome. Plan to bring: Any personal fabric scraps or meaningful materials you may want to incorporate (optional). All other tools and supplies will be provided.

Tuition: $250 Materials Fee: $30 Participants will learn to make their own richly textured handmade paper using abaca, cotton, and hemp fibers. The instructor will demonstrate sheet pulling and a range of surface-decoration techniques including stenciling, dry-brush applications, and squeeze-bottle mark-making. The workshop will begin with foundational papermaking methods, followed by hands-on exploration at the vats as participants create multiple sheets to air-dry at home. Finished papers can be used for drawing, collage, craft projects, or enjoyed as artworks on their own. Plan to bring: A notebook or sketchbook, waterproof shoes (such as rain boots), and any botanical or collage materials you’d like to incorporate.

Tuition: $150 Materials Fee: N/A Participants will spend the day exploring, through their preferred form of writing, the things that have profoundly impacted their own lives—whether they are funny, traumatic, serious, sorrowful, or joyous– and turn these stories into the beginnings of a memoir. Using Jack’s suggestions, writers will first talk with one another about what subject they have chosen then, they will have time to explore that choice in writing, after which the group will engage in a delightful debriefing about what showed up as they wrote, culminating in a deeply memorable day. Plan to bring: Writing utensils and paper or notebook and memorable tokens from your life that may inspire writing.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: $30 Learn the basics of steel welding and other metal fabrication processes in Ox-Bow's metals studio in order to design and create a stunning outdoor sculpture. We will talk aesthetics, structure, and consider the function and longevity of your designs. Fabricate your sculpture using the studio's scrap bin, or bring your own steel.  No previous metals experience is required. Plan to bring: Wear cotton long sleeves and pants, closed toed shoes or boots, and tie back long hair. Safety gear will be provided.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: $30 Participants will design and create their own custom polymer clay beads, experimenting with color, pattern, shape, and texture to produce unique wearable or sculptural pieces. Demonstrations will cover basic conditioning of polymer clay, color blending, simple canes, surface embellishment techniques, and proper baking/finishing methods. The class will begin with inspiration and technique demos, move into guided hands-on exploration, and conclude with time for refining, curing, and sharing finished work. Plan to bring: any small tools, found objects for texture, or jewelry findings they’d like to use, though all essential materials will be provided.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: $30 In this hands-on workshop, students will learn foundational and contemporary hand-embroidery techniques to create their own stitched artwork. We’ll explore a range of stitches, strategies for building texture and pattern, and simple design approaches that translate personal ideas into thread. We’ll look at examples of contemporary embroidery artists and discuss how stitching can function as both a daily practice and a portable creative tool. Students will experiment with a variety of materials while developing a small embroidered piece to take home. All levels are welcome—no prior experience needed. Plan to bring: Embroidery materials will be provided but students are encouraged to bring any fabrics, thread, or small items they’d like to personalize with stitch.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: $30 Inspired by Ox-Bow's natural landscape, students in this workshop will explore where the technical aspects of drawing meets painting with attention to line, value, structure, and mark making in charcoal, conte crayon, and watercolor. To further experiment with mark-making, demonstrations will guide students through the project of designing and building their own brushes and tools using organic materials including beeswax, horsehair, and jute. Plan to bring: drawing board no smaller than 18”x24”, apron and/or old clothes, masking tape, sharpie, watercolor brushes (at least 2 sizes), paper towels or soft cotton rags, small watercolor palette, scissors, jar with wide base for water, bugspray, hat, water bottle.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: N/A In this workshop participants will explore slow, meditative drawing practices that cultivate calm, presence, and a deeper connection to Ox-Bow’s landscape. Techniques demonstrated will include sensory-based observation, intuitive mark-making, and the use of tone and color to create serene moods with water-soluble materials. The workshop will begin with grounding and sensory-awareness exercises outdoors, followed by guided observational and imaginative drawing. Participants will alternate between short meditative prompts and longer periods of focused art-making to develop peaceful, expressive works on paper. Plan to bring: a sketchbook, drawing paper, graphite pencils, and water-soluble oil pastels.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: $10 In this workshop participants will explore playful, layered image-making through Gelli Plate monotypes, discovering how this press-free process can expand and energize their painting or printmaking practice. Techniques demonstrated will include mark-making, stencil use, masking, tool-making with everyday materials, and strategies for choosing papers to achieve different visual effects. The workshop will begin with an introduction to Gelli Plates and basic monotype layering, followed by guided demos and a series of hands-on experiments. Participants will work through several short exercises and have open studio time to explore their own compositions. Plan to bring: a Speedball Water-Based Block Printing Ink Set (link will be provided after registration), plus any additional papers or small household items you’d like to try as texture tools.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: N/A In this welcoming workshop, participants will learn the core techniques of transparent watercolor and gain confidence in a medium often described as challenging or unforgiving. We’ll explore how to work from light to dark, manage water-to-pigment ratios, and approach “mistakes” as opportunities for creative problem-solving. The workshop will begin with a brief demonstration of essential methods—washes, gradients, lifting, layering, and glazing—followed by guided practice to build control and fluency. Participants will create a series of small studies designed to support a grounded understanding of how watercolor behaves on the page. This session is ideal for beginners or artists in other mediums who are curious to try watercolor with gentle structure and supportive instruction. Plan to bring: Watercolor supplies including watercolor paper, and a set of Prismacolor pencils.

Tuition: $300 Materials Fee: N/A In this workshop, participants will build a foundation in practical color theory using the double primary palette—an accessible system that expands mixing possibilities and strengthens any painting practice. Working with acrylics, we’ll explore hue, value, saturation, color temperature, simultaneous contrast, and complementary color relationships. We will begin with a brief overview of color’s physical properties, followed by guided mixing exercises that reveal how different primaries interact. Participants will create a series of small color studies to investigate spatial effects, contrast, and temperature shifts—tools they can apply to future painting projects. Plan to bring: Basic acrylic set and painting surfaces of various sizes and textures, and a color wheel.

Tuition: $250 Materials Fee: $10 In this hands-on workshop, students will create clay relief tiles inspired by natural forms, learning how to translate a two-dimensional image into a sculptural composition. Working with a square or rectangular tile format, we’ll explore both low- and high-relief modeling to bring depth, texture, and movement to the surface. Students will learn key ceramic techniques including slab rolling, image layout and composition, building forms in relief, and applying texture to enrich their design. We’ll begin with a brief introduction to historical and contemporary relief tile makers before moving into guided demonstrations and individual work time. The session will conclude with finishing steps and recommendations for drying and firing. Fired tiles can be picked up at Ox-Bow at a later date. Plan to bring: Reference images from nature—such as plants, animals, or landscapes—as well as any clay or modeling tools they enjoy using. All other materials will be provided.

Tuition: $250 Materials Fee: $30 In this workshop, students will design and create their own terracotta planters using red earthenware clay. We’ll explore hand-building techniques including slab construction with cut patterns, as well as pinching, coiling, and appliqué to add form, texture, and personal character. The class will begin with constructing the basic planter shape in the morning, followed by refining, detailing, and completing each vessel after lunch. Fired planters can be picked up at Ox-Bow at a later date. Plan to bring: An apron or wear clothes suitable for getting messy.

WAITLISTED: THIS CLASS IS FULL BUT YOU CAN BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST. Class fee: $105 Punch needle embroidery is an ancient textile art, dating back to early Egyptian and Medieval traditions, now enjoying a modern revival through the resurgence of slow stitching and handwork. In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of this satisfying technique—threading the punch needle, creating smooth lines and curves, and building texture with colorful embroidery floss. Working from a small pattern mounted in a lap frame, participants will explore design, rhythm, and the tactile pleasure of textile making. A finishing technique will be demonstrated, and a detailed handout with resources will be provided for those eager to continue at home. Plan to bring: Punch needle and other materials will be provided for use during the workshop; optional frames and tools will be available for purchase at Ox-Bow House. Materials Fee: $30.00

Jack believes that making art and writing brings about realizations and valuable experiences that can happen no other way. With decades of experience in “de-threatening” the art-making process this workshop offers that for participants. He hopes that you will leave at home any notions of departing Ox-Bow with something completed; instead, he will encourage you to start many things – written pieces, creative notions, seeds of ideas. He strives to create an instant community where conversation throughout the day is stimulating, a joy, and worthwhile.

Tuition: $75 Materials Fee: N/A Enhance your watercolor paintings by integrating colored pencil to add depth, texture, and vibrant detail. Demonstrations will guide students through using wax-based colored pencils (not water-soluble) to establish under drawings, adjust light and dark values, and add rich textures and detail. These are excellent techniques for photorealists, illustrators, beginners, and established artists, and will give your watercolor paintings a dynamic pop. Plan to bring: Watercolor supplies, including watercolor paper, paints, brushes, and a set of Prismacolor Premier colored pencils.

Tuition: $75 Materials Fee: $10 Learn to create three-dimensional soft sculptures using recycled fabrics and repurposed stuffing while making your own unique pillow form. Demonstrations will cover basic patterning methods, sewing machine and hand-stitching techniques, and examples of artists working in contemporary soft sculpture. Each session will include guided instruction, open studio time, and opportunities to experiment with form and texture. Plan to bring: Fabric, old clothing, and retired pillows to harvest for stuffing—plus any personal materials you’d like to incorporate.Materials Fee: $10.00

Free with RSVP In this outdoor workshop, participants will explore the relationship between motion and stillness by blending gentle vinyasa flow with restorative yin poses to create a balanced, accessible practice. Demonstrations will guide students through breathwork, foundational postures, and approaches to seated and walking meditation. The workshop will open with warm-up movement, flow into an all-levels vinyasa sequence, settle into extended yin holds, and conclude with guided journaling and gentle hike to reflect on the experience. Plan to bring: A yoga mat, water bottle, and journal or notebook.

Tuition: $100 Materials Fee: $10 In this outdoor expressive arts workshop, participants will explore how movement, drawing, and writing can deepen their connection to the natural world. Through guided practices in contemplative movement, sensory awareness, and creative response, the class will investigate how the environment can serve as collaborator, mirror, and source of inspiration. Beginning with brief orientation, followed by warm-up drawing and reflective writing, participants will then move into guided mindful movement and sensory practices before engaging in solo explorations of the meadow and its more-than-human inhabitants. These experiences will be brought back into drawing and writing as tools for further discovery, play, and personal insight. The session will close with small-group reflection and a collective sharing circle. This session is accessible to all levels—no dance or art-making experience required. The emphasis is process-oriented, welcoming all abilities and encouraging a playful, exploratory mindset. Set entirely outdoors, participants are invited to wander, sit, lie down, and move freely on the ground.  Plan to bring: anything you need for comfort outside; layered clothing; a water bottle; snacks; personal writing tools; and drawing or simple painting supplies of your choice, including paper. Oil pastels, newsprint, and yoga mats will be provided.