2025 WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS

with SHAWN SHEEHY

Is there any better way to bring book illustrations to life than to integrate them with pop-ups? There is! You can integrate them with pop-ups that simultaneously demonstrate a sense of life-like animation when they are popping. In this paper engineering workshop, you will assemble and examine a variety of applied foundational structures based on both pop-ups (the action is dimensional and happens when you turn the page) and movables (the action is flat and happens when you pull a tab or turn a wheel). Participants will explore the dimensional and mechanical potential of 80 lb card stock and white craft glue. Using just a handful of simple tools, participants will become well-versed with the fundamentals and vocabulary of paper engineering. This workshop will culminate by binding collected structures into a simple, satisfying case made partially with recycled materials.

All skill levels welcome.

Studio fee: $30

with MARWIN BEGAYE

In this workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of relief cutting and tool care, while exploring ways to create stronger compositions. Through hands-on instruction, participants will work with line, texture, and pattern-making using graphic shapes, focusing on both the inverted and quadrilateral methods. The course also covers single-color printing techniques, setting up multi-color matrix compositions, and establishing proper registration and print setups for monoprints using cut images.

Welcome to beginners and intermediates. 

Studio fee: $50

with NICOLE EMMONS

Natural Animation is a four-day stop motion animation workshop that explores the use of natural materials and found objects to create movement in video. Each day includes exercises focused on animation techniques and practices. Participants may work in groups or individually. The workshop will culminate in a short, non-narrative video that can serve as a meditation on the Quartz Mountain experience or a personal reflection on the changing seasons. Participants are welcome to expand on this theme if inspired. Materials may include sand, rice, dried beans and other dried plants, rocks, pebbles, pine cones, and other unique found objects. While participants are encouraged to bring materials from home, there will also be opportunities to explore the surrounding area for inspiration. Sand, selected dried goods, background paper, and technology will be provided.

All skill levels welcome. Beginners will feel at ease, and advanced students are encouraged to grow their skills!

Studio fee: $30

with KATHERINE LIONTAS-WARREN

This watercolor workshop will delve into color exploration, emphasizing the emotional aspects of colors, the creation of abstract and representation compositions, and the use of patterns to convey emotions and ideas. Participants will be encouraged to choose subjects that inspire them, allowing for the development of their personal artistic vision. Participants are encouraged to consider incorporating a journal for reflecting and experimenting with colors aligning with your personal vision.

All skill levels welcome.

Studio fee: $40

with LAURA MCPHEE

In this workshop, participants investigate the idea of place and what it means by exploring the landscapes of southwestern Oklahoma. Through close observation, thoughtful reflection, and a bit of research, they are encouraged to see new or familiar landscapes in fresh ways. As they look, participants engage in discussions about quality of light and time of day, depth of field, exposure time, and plane of focus, along with fundamentals of Lightroom. They are also invited to consider key questions: How did the landscape come into being? How has it been altered by nature or humans? How can its story be told through images? Together, participants explore two or three locations in the vicinity of Quartz Mountain and reflect on what “nature,” “natural,” and “landscape” might mean. As Eudora Welty once wrote, “Place above all else.”

Some experience preferred.

Studio fee: $30

with HEINRICH TOH

Balance technique, content and expression. This workshop focuses on building multiple layers with color, composition and images from a collage approach, using an etching press. You will discover applications for monotypes and paper lithography, exploring a variety of ways to create backgrounds and foregrounds using texture, mark making and brushstrokes. Work with pattern, shape and personal imagery (from your own photographs or/and drawings) to create depth and dialog in your one-of-a-kind work.

All skill levels welcome but a penchant for puzzle solving and dry sense of humor highly recommended.

Studio fee: $50

with JANE OSTI

Cherokee Pottery invites participants to explore traditional methods of working with clay, creating earthenware vessels, slabs, and sculptural forms inspired by Cherokee ancestral practices. Through hands-on instruction, participants will learn techniques rooted in cultural heritage while connecting with the history and spirit of Cherokee pottery-making.

All skill levels welcome.

Studio fee: $50

with JULIETTE ARISTIDES

Immerse yourself in the art of figure drawing with renowned artist and author Juliette Aristides in this intensive workshop. Aristides, founder and director of the Aristides Atelier and author of several best-selling art instruction books, including Lessons in Classical Drawing and Lessons in Classical Painting, will guide you through a sequential approach to confidently capture the human form and express its vitality through design. Explore time-honored techniques, from initial blocking to nuanced rendering on toned paper, using charcoal, graphite, and optional colored pencils for a modern twist. Working with poses ranging from gesture sketches to extended three-hour studies, you'll benefit from Aristides' expert demonstrations, discussions of artistic technique and philosophy, and a deep dive into the world of life drawing. 

Students will work from professional live models who will be posing nude in a traditional figure drawing setting.

All skill levels welcome.

Studio fee: $40