Workshops for Merrill Communities
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Join SilverKite for live, intergenerational arts workshops!
All of these opportunities are FREE for patrons of Merrill Communities!
Scroll to see workshop offerings & register!
November Workshops
Paper Patchwork
November 2nd
10:30 - 11:30am
Create a paper collage inspired by the beautiful season of autumn. We’ll craft landscapes of colorful trees, piece together a pumpkin patch, or assemble abstract designs using fall colors.
Facilitated by Samara Higgins.
Supplies:
Gluesticks
Construction or other paper (red, orange, brown, yellow, dark green)
Scissors
Sip and Paint Watercolor: Autumn Leaves
November 16th
10:30 - 11:30am
Paint fallen leaves and practice color-mixing your favorite autumn colors.
Facilitated by Gloria Garcia.
Supplies Needed: Watercolor Paper - cut down to 6” x 9”
Watercolor paints (Prang, Crayola or other)
#2 Pencil
Soap eraser or any eraser (pink eraser tends to stain)
#6 or #8 round brush (approx 1/4" in diameter)
Water container
Paper towel
The Writing Workout!
November 25th
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 and something to write with.
Explore Charcoal Drawing Techniques
November 4th
1:30 - 2:30pm
This workshop is a beginner-friendly art making session designed to introduce participants to the art of charcoal drawing. Participants will learn basic techniques, concepts, and tips to create their own charcoal masterpieces.
Facilitated by Valencia Carroll.
Supplies:
Compressed Charcoal or Charcoal Sticks Drawing Paper
Kneaded Eraser
Paper Towel
Optional:
Watercolor Paintbrush Small Dish of Water
Blue Artist Tape
Bringing DIY Style to Your Holiday Table
November 18th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Follow me on a walk to your Woodland Holiday Table. We'll use natural and recycled supplies and sundry items you may have around your home. We'll design a table you'll want to share all season long.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver.
Supplies:
-an orange (dried if possible; if not I will demonstrate how)
-eucalyptus sprigs
-cloth dinner napkin
-twine
-scissors
-glue gun and glue sticks -fairy lights and/or battery operated tea lights
-assorted glass jars (pickle, canning, etc)
-Mod Podge or school glue
-epsom salt
-pinecones
-evergreen sprigs
-small evergreen tree or sprig found outdoors (or table-sized artificial tree) in a jar with dirt
-fabric wine bottle bag or sleeve cut from old sweater
-burlap
-cinnamon sticks
-fresh cranberries
Optional:
- plate sized thin tree slices
- ribbon
*if certain items are not available, do not fret, we work with what we have
Visual Journaling
November 30th
10:30 - 11:30am
Come learn about using comics and cartoons in visual journaling! Participants will learn different ways people have combined image and text to create journals and get the chance to work on their own journal entries, starting their visual journaling journey. This workshop will have a special focus on comics as diary entries and journaling and the ways that comics and cartoons overlap with visual journaling.
Supply list coming soon!
Veteran's Day Sip & Paint Acrylics
November 9th
10:30 - 11:30am
Join us to honor and remember our veterans with a field of red poppies. Grab a beverage and your supplies to paint with me in an unique style.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver.
Supplies Needed:
- black, white, red, green yellow acrylic paint
- palette knife, old gift card or scraper
- 8 or 9" balloon (not blown up)
- approximately a 1" pom pom
- small rubberband
- small round paintbrush
- palette paper or palette (with large flat area)
- bristol or mixed media paper (thicker paper better)
- additional pom pom or small round sponge
- qtip
- water and container to rinse brush
- paper towels
Exploring Autumn Colors with Pastels
November 23rd
10:30 - 11:30am
In this workshop, participants are invited to play with pastels using autumn inspired colors! This is a process-oriented workshop that offers an opportunity to explore mark making and color theory with soft pastels.
Facilitated by Cooper Perry.
Supplies:
- Drawing or multimedia paper (any thick paper will do)
- Chalk or "soft" pastels
- Pencil (optional)
- Damp hand towel or paper towels (recommended)
December Workshops
Ornamental Lettering
December 2nd
1:30 - 2:30pm
Draw your first or last name, initials, or selected word using an ornamental style.
Facilitated by Gloria Garcia.
Supplies:
Black Ultra-Fine Sharpie White smooth heavyweight paper (cardstock, bristol, mixed-media) cut down to 5” x 7,” or 4” x 6”
#2 pencil
Soap eraser or any eraser (pink eraser tends to stain)
The Sweetest Story: Treats, Poetry and Paint
December 14th
10:30 - 11:30am
In this reminiscent writing and visual art workshop you’ll be guided to write a poem about your favorite sweet treat. Then we’ll use watercolor and gesture to express the imagery from the poem.
Facilitated by Samara.
Supplies:
Copy paper for writing
Pen
Watercolor paper Watercolor paints
Brush
Water cup
The Gift of Poetry
December 23rd
1:30 - 2:30pm
In this workshop we'll read a selection of poems, listen to poetic soundscapes and create new poetry based on lived experience.
Facilitated by Dez'Mon Omega Fair.
Supplies:
pens, pencils, markers, paper or notebooks.
Sip and Paint Watercolor: Pink Poinsettias
December 7th
10:30 - 11:30am
Let’s invite the splendor of the season with a watercolor parade of poinsettias.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver.
Supplies Needed: Watercolors and brush Mixed media or watercolor paper
Water container
Optional:
Black ultra fine permanent marker
Brush on glitter paint
Winter Wonderland in Charcoal
December 16th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Engage in creating a winter wonderland landscape drawing with charcoal.
Facilitated by Valencia Carroll.
Supplies:
Compressed Charcoal or Charcoal Sticks
Drawing Paper
Kneaded Eraser
Paper Towel
Optional:
Watercolor Paintbrush Small Dish of Water
Blue Artist Tape
Collage Using Found Objects
December 28th
10:30 - 11:30am
In this workshop we will focus on mostly supplies that we have in our homes. You could collect from your recycling, items you need to throw away, anything that may be in a drawer serving no purpose, that button you lost off a shirt that you haven't seen in years, that spindle of red thread you got in the sewing kit but won't likely use etc. We will let our materials do that talking and challenge ourselves as artists to let go of perfectionism and embrace the challenge and fun puzzle of sustainable art making!
Facilitated by Ashley McEneny
Supplies:
- Paper (You will work from this piece as your background. A piece of scrap paper is fine for this, you may want a clean piece, or you may prefer a piece of thin cardboard or cardstock. Use what you have available to you.)
- Scissors/X-Acto Knife
- An adhesive: Glue Stick, Rubber Cement or Clear Tape
- Thin black marker (like a Sharpie fine point marker) - Thicker black marker (think standard Sharpie thick)
- Pencil with Eraser
- Any Found Objects You Would Like to Use, such as:
-
Check the recycling bin for cool materials - you may have a really cool pattern on a bubble mailer, or a fun bit of graphic text on a dog food bag etc. Let creativity take over and explore what you could repurpose.
-
You may also want to explore with natural elements - like flowers, twigs, leaves or pieces or a piece of rainbow tinsel you find in a puddle on a walk.
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For something tactile - you could include a piece of string, dental floss, a scrap of fabric etc.
Holiday Cards and Gift Tags using Watercolor and Ink
December 9th
1:30 - 2:30pm
In this workshop we’ll explore some watercolor techniques as well as winter themed designs fit for making art on cards and gift tags.
Facilitated by Alisha.
Supplies needed:
Ink pen (watercolor friendly - fine sharpie suggested) Watercolors Container for water
Thin and thick brush
3 cards
3 tags
Visual Journaling on the Winter Solstice
December 21st
10:30 - 11:30am
The winter solstice is a good time for creative reflection and visual journaling. In this workshop we’ll make art with lines, doodles, collage, and any optional art supplies you’d like (like painting)! We’ll add words that resonate with our drawings 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
- Scrap paper, color paper, or any collaging paper in a variety of colors
- Glue
- Your favorite pen for writing/drawing, a fineliner also works
- Assorted writing / drawing utensils in a variety of colors
Optional Supplies: Watercolor paints + paintbrush, water for dipping brush, paper towels, glitter glue, scissors
Self Reflection with Art
December 30th
1:30 - 2:30pm
In this playful and exploratory workshop we’ll reflect on who we are, what we like, and how we feel - with art!
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver.
Supplies:
Black oil pastel
Markers
Colored pencils
Ultra fine black Sharpie Large white (or light colored) paper
January Workshops
Collage:
New Beginnings
January 4th
10:30 - 11:30am
Let’s celebrate beginnings. We’ll take a journey into this new year with color, hope, and trusting the magic.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver.
Supplies Needed:
- Mixed media paper
- Watercolor and brushes
- Masking tape
- Colored paper to tear into pieces (any 2-3 colors, but suggest blueish greens and pinkish purples)
- Black permanent marker
- Acrylic paint markers or oil pastels
- Markers
- Small piece of cardboard or old credit card to use with paint
The Writing Workout!
January 13th
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 and something to write with.
Mountainscapes in Oil Pastels
January 27th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Explore the vibrant world of oil pastels as you learn to create dynamic mountainscapes! This beginner-friendly workshop will guide you through techniques for blending colors, building texture, and capturing the majesty of mountain scenes, all while experimenting with the rich, painterly qualities of oil pastels.
Facilitated by Valencia Carroll.
Materials:
- Oil pastels (a basic set with a variety of colors)
- Mixed media or pastel paper (9x12 inches or similar size)
- Blending tools (soft cloth or cotton swabs)
- Pencil and eraser
Optional:
- Fixative spray for preservation
Bollywood Dance
January 6th
10:30 - 11:30am
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.
What you'll need:
a water bottle
a towel
Facilitated by Sandy Mathews.
Sip and Paint Acrylics: Bird on a Branch
January 18th
10:30 - 11:30am
One of winter’s delights is the opportunity to witness birds. In this workshop, we’ll do a small painting of a bird on a branch using introductory techniques such as mixing and blending.
Facilitated by Gloria Garcia.
Supplies:
- Acrylic paints (bottle or tube) Small canvas - 6” x 8”, 5” x7” or 4” x 6”
- Graphite pencil
- Eraser (soap eraser is ideal)
- Round Brush size #6 or #8 or what you have
- Water container
- Paint palette (or coated paper or foam plate)
- Paper towel
Winter in Colored Pencils
January 11th
10:30 - 11:30am
In this beginner-friendly workshop participants are invited to draw-along to create a winter inspired image using colored pencils.
Facilitated by Cooper Perry.
Supplies:
Mixed media paper (any thick-ish paper will do) Colored pencils
A pencil
Drawing Your Own Mandala
January 25th
10:30 - 11:30am
Join us to create a traditional Mandala with your very own twist. We all have items lying around that we don’t know what to do with. Grab them and the rest of the supplies for a journey of meditation and art.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver.
Supplies Needed:
- Multimedia paper, watercolor paper or cardboard (substrate)
- Sharpie marker
- Pencil
- Protractor
- Ruler
- Compass
- 3-5 trinket items
Optional:
- Paintbrush
- Water container
- Paper towels
- Watercolor Masking tape
- Colored pencils
- Markers
- Glue
February Workshops
Sip and Paint Watercolor: Winter Crocuses
February 1st
10:30 - 11:30am
Celebrate the winter blooming crocus flower and practice color mixing in this sip and paint style watercolor workshop.
Facilitated by Gloria Garcia.
Supplies:
- Watercolor paper cut to
6” x 9”
- Pencil
- Eraser (soap eraser ideal but not necessary)
- Paintbrush (#6 and #8 round brush recommended)
- Water container
- Paper Towel
Illustrate Your Favorite Love Song
February 10th
1:30 - 2:30pm
Bring a copy of your favorite love song or love inspired poem and illustrate the lines that most inspire you.
Facilitated by Gloria Garcia.
Supplies:
- Poem or Song
- Highlighter
- Watercolor pencils
- Watercolor paper cut down to 6” x 9,” 3” x 9,” 4.5” x 6” and 3” x 4”
- #2 Pencil
- Eraser
- #6 or #8 round
- Watercolor brush
- Water container
- Paper towel
Explore Charcoal Drawing Techniques
February 24th
1:30 - 2:30pm
This workshop is a beginner-friendly art making session designed to introduce participants to the art of charcoal drawing. Participants will learn basic techniques, concepts, and tips to create their own charcoal masterpieces.
Facilitated by Valencia Carroll.
Supplies:
- Compressed Charcoal or Charcoal Sticks
- Drawing Paper
- Kneaded Eraser
- Paper Towel
Optional:
- Watercolor Paintbrush
- Small Dish of Water
- Blue Artist Tape
Unique Perspectives in Personal Essay
February 3rd
1:30 - 2:30pm
When we want to connect with others, we often tell stories about our life experiences and how they've shaped us. A personal essay, like a good conversation, offers the chance to share our unique perspective on the world. In this workshop, we'll explore ways to draw out these ideas and put them on the page.
Facilitated by Pearl Klein.
Supplies:
- Paper
- Something to write with
Cosmic Pastels
February 15th
10:30 - 11:30am
Create an awe-inspiring cosmic drawing with oil pastels in this playful and spacey workshop.
Facilitated by Cooper Perry.
Supplies:
- Oil pastels
- Mixed media or drawing paper
- One kneaded rubber eraser for smudging (your fingers work great too)
- One damp washcloth or paper towels (recommended)
- A pencil (optional)
Figure Making with Air Dry Clay
February 8th
10:30 - 11:30am
In this beginner friendly workshop participants will learn how to bring an animal inspired figurine to life using air-dry clay. The facilitator will also give suggestions on how to paint and/or adorn this figurine after it has dried.
Facilitated by Cooper Perry.
Supplies:
- Air dry clay (1 ounce recommended)
- Clay sculpting tools (a plastic knife, spoon, and fork will also work)
- One cup of water
- One washcloth or paper towels (recommended)
Playing with Texture in Watercolor
February 22nd
10:30 - 11:30am
Enjoy a winter stroll through the snow covered landscape using watercolor and salt.
Facilitated by Tammy Leaver.
Supplies:
- Watercolor paper
- Masking tape
- Board to tape watercolor paper onto
- Large round brush
- Small round brush
- Fine round brush
- Table salt
- Paper towels
- Palette
- Water
Workshop Recordings
Merrill Gardens
Merrill Gardens
Veteran's Day Sip and Paint Acrylics (Nov 10) - SD 480p
Visual Journaling (Oct 14th)
