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Workshops for Merrill Communities

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Recorded workshops in case you missed one of our live workshop experiences.

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Recordings
Visual Arts

April Workshops

Georgia O'Keeffe Flowers in Watercolor Pencils
April 5th
10:30 - 11:30am

Prompted by Georgia O’Keeffe’s flower watercolors, draw a close-up image of a flower of your choice. We’ll learn several watercolor pencil dry and wet blending techniques.

 

Facilitated by Tammy Leaver


Supplies:
-Watercolor pencils
-Watercolor paper cut down to 6” x 9”
-HB or #2 graphite pencil
-Soap or regular eraser

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Exploring Charcoal Techniques
April 14th
1:30 - 2:30pm

Explore the art of expressive charcoal. This workshop is for beginners, experienced, messy medium lovers, and those who want to relax and create. Charcoal is tactile, bold and playful. 

 

Facilitated by Tammy Leaver

Supplies:

-Willow charcoal

-Compressed charcoal 

-Kneaded eraser

-Masking paper

-Charcoal paper/white acrylic paper

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Sip and Paint Watercolor: Tulips
April 26th
10:30 - 11:30am

Join us to create a watercolor painting celebrating tulips! We will explore a variety of techniques to understand the basics of watercolor, including color mixing and washes. Grab a beverage of your choice and spend an hour with us painting and making art together! 

Facilitated by Tammy Leaver

 

Supplies:

-Watercolor paints

-Mixed media or watercolor paper

-Water cup

-Paint brushes (flat brush and pointed round brush)

-Painters tape

-Pencil

-Ink pen

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The Writing Workout!
April 7th
1:30 - 2:30pm

Body builders develop muscle through repetition and increased weights. Creative writers build their writing muscles through exercises that push them out of their comfort zone, exercises they can use at any time. Let's get together and sweat! 

 

Facilitated by Pearl Klein

Supplies:

-Paper

-Something to write with

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Collage With Found Materials for Earth Day
April 19th
10:30 - 11:30am

Reduce, reuse, and upcycle for this collage workshop! Create a new and innovative image using entirely upcycled materials around your house, neighborhood, and/or community spaces. Please note that we will likely have different materials, so the supply list is merely inspiration for things to collect and upcycle. Challenge yourself not to use anything "new" or "fresh."

 

Facilitated by Cooper Perry


Supplies: 

-Scrap paper or junk mail that would otherwise be recycled

-Tissue paper leftover from holiday gifts

-Old coloring book pages or drawings

-Old magazines or newspapers

-Saved cards from loved ones

-Toilet paper rolls

-Scissors

-Glue stick

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Creating Autobiographical Self Reflection
April 28th
1:30 - 2:30pm

Create a mixed media autobiography with images and text. Your invited to use a black & white printout copy or scan of a photographic portrait of yourself (school photo for example) and words that reflect your positive characteristics, life experiences and milestones. 

Facilitated by Ashley McEneny

 

Supplies:

-Printout of or a photo sized between 3” x 5” or 2” x 3” (wallet-sized)

 -8” x 10” white mat board or watercolor paper

 -HB graphite pencil

 -Ultra-fine black Sharpie

 -Assorted markers, paint pens or colored pencils

 -Scissors

 -Glue stick

Optional:

-Bio of another

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Visual Journaling: Sensing Spring
April 12th
10:30 - 11:30am

Spring is in the air! In this workshop we’ll make art with lines, doodles, collage, and any optional art supplies you’d like (like painting)! We’ll use simple techniques to practice intuitive creation to get in touch with our minds and hearts as we welcome the new season, adding words that resonate with our creation along the way. The point of this workshop is to practice building creative trains of thought without judgment. Let’s make space for some reflective -journaling!

Facilitated by AshaAung Helmstetter


Supplies:
-Journal or drawing paper

-Your favorite pen for writing/drawing. A fineline pen/marker also works

-Colored markers/assorted writing/drawing utensils in a variety of colors

-Assorted collaging paper

-Scissors

-Glue

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bollywood Dancing
April 21st
1:30 - 2:30pm

Come learn the dances that are a part of the largest movie making capital in the world – INDIA. India makes 3x as many films than Hollywood. Bollywood is the Hindi-language sector of the Indian movie making industry. Traditionally, Bollywood dancing has been heavily influenced by Asian cultures, Hindu art, music and culture.

 

Today Bollywood music and dancing is also influenced by other cultures and forms of dance including salsa and hip hop. Contemporary Bollywood music is known for collaborations with musicians from around the world. Come join us for a fun class where we will dance to songs from Bollywood movies.

 

Each class you will learn choreography for a different Bollywood song. There will be a standing version and a seated version of the routine taught for each song. No prior dance experience is required.

 

Facilitated by Sandy Mathews

Supplies:

-Water bottle

-Towel
 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

May Workshops

Sip and Paint Acrylics: Botanicals
May 3rd
10:30 - 11:30am

Join me for a garden full of your favorite botanical leaves using acrylic paints in this sip and paint style workshop.

Facilitated by Tammy Leaver

Supplies:
-Mixed media paper or canvas
-Large flat brush
-Medium flat brush
-Small round brush and/or detail brush
-Hair dryer/heat tool
-Paper towels
-Water
-Palette for paint
-Scrap paper 
-Masking tape
-Fresh Leaf or leaves with good veins 
-Antique gold and white acrylic paint
-Assortment of blues and purples acrylic paint ( or colors of your choice)


Optional:

-Iridescent topcoat acrylic paint

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Writing About Food
May 12th
1:30 - 2:30pm

In this workshop we’ll discuss ways to evoke favorite foods, recipes, and the power of senses and specificity to describe culinary experiences. Bring a piece of fruit or a beverage that we can write about.

 

Facilitated by Pearl Klein

Supplies:

-Paper

-Pen

-Or computer if you prefer

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Sip and Paint Watercolor: Roses
May 24th
10:30 - 11:30am

Let's explore the beauty of roses and watercolor together.  In this sip & paint style workshop, we'll paint different styles of roses - you decide what your bouquet will look like. 

Facilitated by Tammy Leaver

 

Supplies:

-Watercolor paint
-Watercolor brushes
-Water in container  

-Paper towels
-Watercolor paper
-Masking tape
-Pencil and eraser

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Intro to Pastels
May 5th
1:30 - 2:30pm

Explore the vibrant world of pastel landscapes in this beginner's workshop. Participants will learn basic techniques, color blending, and composition to create their own stunning pastel landscapes on paper. 

 

Facilitated by Valencia Carroll

Supplies:

-Drawing paper

-Box of chalk pastels

-Blue masking tape if available

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Color Blending with Pastels
May 17th
10:30 - 11:30am

In this session, participants will practice color blending with chalk pastels while we draw beautiful floral abstracts. Let’s have some fun with blending!

 

Facilitated by AshaAung Helmstetter


Supplies: 

-Chalk pastels in a wide range of colors, including: blue, red, yellow, violet, green, black, and white
-Construction Paper
-A Napkin or Tissue
-Artist or Masking Tape
-Pencil

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Mixed Media Landscapes
May 31st
10:30 - 11:30am

Why choose one when you can use them all?! In this workshop participants will create a unique and innovative landscape image using four different materials. This playful landscape will come to life with a wide range of textures, colors, and utensils! 

Facilitated by Cooper Perry

 

Supplies:

-A thick piece of paper
-Watercolor materials (paint, brushes, water, a towel)
-Oil pastels
-Markers 
-Colored pencils
-A pencil
-A black permanent marker

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Visual Journaling: Dynamic Doodles
May 10th
10:30 - 11:30am

Visual journaling is a personal practice that anyone can do, and it doesn't require artistic training or many art supplies. Visual journals can include drawings, sketches, hand lettering, doodles, photographs, and magazine cutouts. Today we will be focused on doodling in your visual journal. Journalers can get hung up on what to write and we will explore how do you overcome that. We will doodle anything from memories from the day, tasks to be completed tomorrow, mindmap that project, scribble the incomplete fragments of an idea you had, track a habit you want to add into your life… It doesn’t matter if it feels disjointed. Our thoughts are disjointed. Put your thoughts on paper so you can engage your eyes in processing them. Together we focus on whatever thoughts come to mind and allow our creativity to show up without judgement.

Facilitated by Ashley McEneny


Supplies:

-Notebook

-Plain paper preferred (if you would like to create a doodling practice, I recommend carrying a notebook that is small enough to have with you all the time)
-2 Different Colored Pens (any color you prefer - I suggest 1 black and 1 any other color)

Optional:
- Multiple colored pens (I prefer working with pens over markers because markers often bleed through the pages, making it harder to use the same notebook)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bollywood Dancing
May 19th
1:30 - 2:30pm

Come learn the dances that are a part of the largest movie making capital in the world – INDIA. India makes 3x as many films than Hollywood. Bollywood is the Hindi-language sector of the Indian movie making industry. Traditionally, Bollywood dancing has been heavily influenced by Asian cultures, Hindu art, music and culture.

 

Today Bollywood music and dancing is also influenced by other cultures and forms of dance including salsa and hip hop. Contemporary Bollywood music is known for collaborations with musicians from around the world. Come join us for a fun class where we will dance to songs from Bollywood movies.

 

Each class you will learn choreography for a different Bollywood song. There will be a standing version and a seated version of the routine taught for each song. No prior dance experience is required.

 

Facilitated by Sandy Mathews

Supplies:

-Water bottle

-Towel
 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

June Workshops

Retro Bottle Cap Style Logo Design
June 2nd
1:30 - 2:30pm

With motifs and symbols in mind, design your own retro bottle cap style logo of your name or initials with lettering, lines, shapes, banners and borders.
 

Facilitated by Tammy Leaver


Supplies:
-Graphite pencil (HB is recommended)

-6” white scalloped cake board rounds (Or paper to trace a 6” circle on, in this case find a circular item to trace)

-Water-based Crayola markers

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

A Midsummer's Collage
June 14th
10:30 - 11:30am

Let’s come together to celebrate the season of summer and the upcoming summer solstice with collage. Please come prepared with magazine, art book or photo clippings that you’d like to use in your collage that remind you of summer. Consider gathering a variety of textures and a unified color story when selecting your clippings. Select a hero image that will be the primary focal point of your collage. Don’t be afraid to pull unique textures and materials from the recycling bin for your collage.

 

Facilitated by Ashley McEneny

Supplies:
-Magazine clippings (backgrounds with texture and a primary hero image)
-Magazines, books or photos to pull if you need more materials to fill space in your collage
-Background paper
-Tape or glue stick
-Scissors

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Sip and Paint Watercolor: Summer Solstice Sun
June 21st
10:30 - 11:30am

Enjoy the longest day of the year with watercolor painting. In this sip & paint style workshop we will focus on joy and cheerfulness with our painting of a summer day.

 

Facilitated by Tammy Leaver


Supplies:
-Watercolor paint
-Watercolor paper
-Watercolor brushes
-Water in a container

-Paper towels
-Masking tape

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Garden Inspired Oil Pastels
June 30th
1:30 - 2:30pm

Explore the vibrant world of oil pastels as you learn to create colorful, garden inspired art! This beginner-friendly workshop will guide you through techniques for blending colors, building texture, and capturing some of the lively qualities of a summer garden, all while experimenting with the rich, painterly potential of oil pastels.

 

Facilitated by Valencia Carroll

 

Supplies:

-Oil pastels (a basic set with a variety of colors)

-At least 2 sheets of mixed media or pastel paper (9x12 inches or similar size)

-Blending tools (i.e., soft cloth/paper towel/cotton swabs/blending stump)

-Pencil and eraser

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Sip and Paint Acrylics: Peonies
June 7th
10:30 - 11:30am

What a wonderful time to paint peonies! In this hour long session, we’ll get creative with acrylic paints, learning basic techniques to paint beautiful peonies. Grab your favorite drink, sit down in your favorite crafting spot, and make sure to wear something that can get a little messy!

 

Facilitated by AshaAung Helmstetter

 

Supplies:

-Acrylic paints (red, yellow, blue, purple, pink, green, orange)

-Two acrylic paint brushes

-Pencil

-Canvas/canvas board (8x11 and similar sizes should work)

-Paint water cup and water -Paint rag

 

Optional:

-Easel

-Apron

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Meditative Line Drawing
June 16th
1:30 - 2:30pm

Let's create a mindful, meditative and present state of awareness while we actualize our colorful freeform lines and shapes, helping us gain access to our inner self and emotions through art.

 

Facilitated by Tammy Leaver

 

Supplies:

-Mixed media paper

-Water in a container

-Paper Towels

-Watercolor brush

-Watercolor paint and/or Markers

-Ultra thin black permanent marker

-Any other media desired

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Visual Journaling: Summer Dreams
June 23rd
1:30 - 2:30pm

In this visual journaling workshop we’ll focus on exploring themes of summer through whatever visual tools we have access to. Drawing, mark-making, writing, painting, and collage are often components. We will explore themes and prompts of summer - but you are free to use your own prompts as well if you prefer!

Facilitated by Ashley McEneny


Supplies:
-Journal
-Black Pen/Pencil
-Acrylic or Watercolor Paints
-Paint Brushes (a variety of sizes)
-Paper Towel
-Magazine Scraps: with summer themed visual inspiration
-Glue Stick
-Any other supplies that inspire you

 

Optional:
-Markers if preferred 

-Water in dish if using watercolor

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Writing About Travel
June 9th
1:30 - 2:30pm

When we travel, we take in experience through ALL our senses, yet often we only capture images. We begin to forget other sensations of being in another space: breathing different air, eating new flavors, smelling new smells and hearing new sounds. In this workshop, we’ll shift our attention away from the purely visual and work on how to bring all our senses onto the page. 

 

Facilitated by Pearl Klein

 

Supplies:

-Paper 

-Something to write with

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Juneteenth Celebration
June 17th
1:00 - 2:30pm

Juneteenth is a Federal holiday that commemorates the full emancipation of African-American enslaved people (June 19, 1865), 2 years and 6 months after the Emancipation Proclamation (Jan. 1, 1863).


Multi-genre guest artists will share the history of Juneteenth and its lasting impact through storytelling, music, movement and reflection.
This is an interactive workshop which encourages community building and thoughtfulness in celebration of this special holiday.

 

Facilitated by Merri Ann Osborne and the Mahogany Project
 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

More Than a Drip Painting
June 28th
10:30 - 11:30am

This workshop is an introduction to the Jackson Pollack abstract expressionist painting style. We'll explore compositional space, emphasis, and aim to have fun!

 

Facilitated by Tammy Leaver

 

Supplies:

-Acrylic craft paints 

-8” x 10” canvas

-#6 or #8 round acrylic brush

-Water in a container

-Paint palette (or coated paper or foam plate)

-Paper towels

-A shallow cardboard box (think four 6-pack soda from Costco) will contain most of the mess.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Workshop Recordings

Merrill Gardens

Merrill Gardens

Merrill Gardens
Search video...
The Writing Workout! (April 7)

The Writing Workout! (April 7)

59:06
Play Video
Georgia O'Keeffe Flowers in Watercolor Pencils (April 7)

Georgia O'Keeffe Flowers in Watercolor Pencils (April 7)

56:18
Play Video
Sip and Paint Acrylics: Dashing Daffodils (March 31)

Sip and Paint Acrylics: Dashing Daffodils (March 31)

57:54
Play Video
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© SilverKite Community Arts®, LLC, 2024

5508 35th Ave NE, Suite 100

Seattle, WA 98105

(360) 218-4884

info@silverkite.us

We recognize SilverKite Community Arts® operates on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Duwamish, Suquamish, Stillaguamish, Muckleshoot, Puyallup, Snoqualmie, and Tulalip tribes - past, present, and future - as well as those whose names we do not know. We honor, with gratitude, the tribal Elders of the Pacific Northwest and their descendants for their stewardship of the water, the land, and its inhabitants. 

 

SilverKite stands in solidarity with the First Peoples of this land by paying Real Rent.

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