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Classes & Workshops
Greetings, artists, and best wishes for a creative and inspiring New Year!
Classical Figure Drawing for Everyone with Jonathan Hodge
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Learn the basics of classical figure drawing from a live model. In this course, we will focus on gesture, comparative measurement and how to create block-ins, which are the foundation of all representational drawings. There will be demos, Q&A sessions as well as in-depth, personalized critiques of student work. We will start with short gestures and work our way up to longer poses.
We are no longer accepting registration for this event
Head Games: Building Bold Sculpted Heads
This workshop explores the creation of expressive, slightly larger-than-life ceramic heads that prioritize gesture, exaggeration, and surface over literal realism. Participants will work solid and with armatures while developing an understanding of structure, proportion, and intentional distortion. The course begins with a low-fire soda kiln experience, allowing participants to explore atmospheric surface effects that will inform their sculptural work. Designed for artists ready to push beyond safe forms, this workshop emphasizes focused making, problem-solving, and guided experimentation.
We are no longer accepting registration for this event
Learn to Turn I: An Intro to Woodturning with John Tagliarini
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Students will make beautiful and useful turnings using the three basic cuts of woodturning with gouges. We will begin in “spindle orientation” by turning a mallet, a tool handle, a goblet, and a twig pot. Then we hope to make at least two bowls, one with a round top and one with a natural edge. We will practice safe technique at the lathe as we also learn to sharpen the gouges using various jigs and tables. |
Sorry, the event is now full and we could not accept more registration
Paint and Sip: Late Summer Mountain Scene
Encaustics with Sue Fazio
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Encaustics will fire up your creative soul! Just imagine being able to play with melting colors—- layer after layer until you finally recognize your masterpiece! This workshop is designed to help you loosen up and take chances… every day you will finish at least 3 paintings.. imagine that!?!? Some of you have taken all 12 years of this workshop and I welcome you back with a happy heart! New artists— be not afraid— this medium will allow you to create freely!
Floral Application
In this class you will learn to craft a variety of flowers with clay to adorn hand built and thrown vases. Each participant will be given one thrown vase to decorate and make one hand-built vase to decorate. Class meets September 1 and glazing will take place on September 9th. No experience necessary.
Saturday Sojourn with Paint - Big Bloom Energy
Celebrate Dahlias with a playful, beginner-friendly painting workshop inspired by the color and energy of dahlias. Using abstraction and expressive mark-making, participants will create a vibrant floral-inspired painting—no experience required. A fun, creative way to engage with the festival and explore painting in a relaxed, supportive setting.
This class is for anyone passionate about Dahlias and wants to capture this passion in a painting!
All materials are provided. You will go home with a painting!
Arranging with Showpiece Flowers: Locally Grown Mountain Dahlias with Christy Curcuru
Learn how to use locally farmed flowers and foraged greens to create a large, lush dahlia-focused arrangement in a ceramic footed compote.
Artist and floral stylist, Christy Curcuru, will demonstrate how to arrange a large centerpiece while talking you through her design philosophy (structural principles, color theory, texture, shape and scale). Each attendee will receive hands-on guidance throughout the entire process, ending with help photographing finished work to cherish forever. If time allows, Christy will demonstrate how to work with other vessels you might have at home. Please bring a vessel you have questions about! All other supplies included.
Beginner Collage: Everything's Dahlias!
Learn to Turn II: Woodturning Skill Building with John Tagliarini
Take your woodturning skills to the next level in this intermediate-level workshop. Participants will expand their repertoire by learning pull and shear cuts while focusing on projects such as bowls, Christmas ornaments, and small vases. The class will also explore surface enhancements to add depth and character to turned pieces. Additional projects and diagnostic turning may include making a mallet or a tool handle.
This workshop is designed for students with prior turning experience who are ready to refine their technique and broaden their creative possibilities.
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Visit: 323 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC 28741 (Map It)
Call: 828-526-4949 (Main)
828-787-2892 (Ceramics Studio)

This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Learn more at NCArts.org

Funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Learn more at SouthArts.org.

Funding is due in part to a Tourism Grant with Visit Highlands, NC. Learn more HighlandsChamber.org