Eco Printing on Silk Scarves and Paper

Workshop led by Lori Loftus

June 11, 10am-4pm • $100 + $30 materials fee

The steam method of eco dyeing is an excellent way to make delicate prints on fabric and paper.  Botanicals have their own natural pigments, which will transfer by using simple ingredients -- water, vinegar and heat -- the results are organic, amazing and beautiful.  We will eco dye with 100% silk scarves and various papers.

Artists are asked to bring an apron and scissors.  The following items are optional (Plastic gloves, knife, fresh flowers/herbs/leaves).  All other supplies are provided.

Lori Loftus lives in Saluda, North Carolina, and is a mixed media artist who loves to collect and print flora and fauna.  She has been a Nature Printing Society member since 2006, their secretary since 2011 and an annual workshop instructor. 

Watercolor Toolbox: Traditional & Nontraditional Techniques for Beginners

Workshop led by Jane Voorhees

June 25, 10am-4pm • $100 + $25 materials fee

Are you interested in painting in watercolor for the first time or do you want to get back into the medium? In this one day class you will be introduced to watercolor basics while discovering the joy of this medium. Working small (3.5x4.5) to help overcome fear of the blank paper, you will have an opportunity to try numerous traditional and nontraditional watercolor techniques in a no pressure setting. Expand your watercolor vocabulary while sparking your creativity and having fun. No experience necessary. All supplies furnished.

Jane Voorhees is a full time watercolor & pastel artist, calling WNC home for over 35 years. Her original paintings along with cards and prints can be found at the gallery. She teaches watercolor and sketching regularly at John C Campbell Folk School.

Basics of Making Pysanky - Beautiful Ukrainian Eggs

Workshop led by Andrea Kulish Wilhelm

July 18, 1pm-4pm • $65

In this workshop, you will be making a couple of beautiful Ukranian Easter Eggs known as pysanky using the method of batik - also called wax-resist-dying.  You will also be introduced to a wide range of Ukrainian fold art traditional patterns, designs and symbols and their history.  The designs are made with beeswax whic is melted in the flame of the candle and applied to the egg using a tool called a kistka.  The eggs are dipped into successively darker dyes.  At the end of the process, the beeswax is melted off to reveal the beautiful and colorful design.  You may use the traditional patterns or work freestyle and create your own design.

No experience is needed for this class and all materials are included.