Workshops allow you to kick-start your creativity or learn a specialized skill in a convenient, shorter format. Taught by professional artists, workshops are available for students at all levels of experience and are kept small to ensure that individual attention can be given to everyone. Students learn in a supportive environment and are encouraged to fully explore their creativity and strive for excellence.
Book Arts
Learn to Use the KwikPrint Press
with Gisela Noack
Level: All Levels (see prerequisite)
The KwikPrint press is a small letterpress used in the CAW Bindery for printing book titles and short phrases in foil on paper or leather. The words are set in lead type one letter at a time, backwards. This workshop will cover basic instruction for the Kwikprint press for those students who have had experience using the Bindery. We will make samples of stamping on various materials.
Prerequisite: A bookbinding class.
Note: There will be substantial waiting time as each student uses the press. Current students may use this as open bench time.
Saturday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, July 7
1 session: $68
Drawing + Painting
Drawing the Band
with Matthew Stevens
Level: All Levels
Creative Arts Workshop and the Jazzphoria jazz band will be holding a one day only, free concert and drawing workshop in conjunction with the International Make Music New Haven Festival. Make Music New Haven is a live, free musical celebration on June 21, the longest day of the year, with concerts on streets, sidewalks, and parks across the city. CAW’s unique concert/workshop experience will take place outdoors on the front steps of the Hilles Gallery, and will combine the observation of movement, body language, and rhythm in a figure drawing setting. Challenge yourself and experience the joy of dynamic drawing set to music. Free, but registration is required.
Supplies: Bring paper and the drawing materials of your choice.
Thursday, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, June 21
1 session: FREE
Plein Aire Cityscape Painting
with Eric March
Level: Intermediate + Advanced
Enjoy painting the beautiful architecture of downtown New Haven in this class designed to teach methods of painting outdoors and capturing the light, color, and spirit of urban scenes. Compositional considerations and how to quickly “lay in” a painting will be addressed, as well as color mixing techniques that respond to the observed colors in the motif. This class is a good follow-up to “Perspective Drawing of Buildings and Architecture.”
Supplies: Click here to download a materials list.
Saturdays, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, June 30 – July 7
2 sessions: $91; Early Bird price: $86.45 (Discount available until 2/9)
Museum Drawing
with Tina Re
Level: All Levels
A guided discovery through drawing of the some of the many magnificent collections of art and artifacts at the Yale museums. We will expand our knowledge and appreciation of the arts while learning and reinforcing basic drawing skills. Beginning and continuing students are welcome.
Supplies: Please bring an 11″ x 14″ (or similar size) sketchbook, a soft pencil, and a kneaded eraser to the first class.
Notes: For the first class, we will meet in the lobby of the Yale University Art Gallery (at the large sofas) at 2:00 pm. Students will pay any museum entry fees.
Sundays, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, July 15 – July 29
3 sessions: $126; Early Bird price: $119.70 (Discount available until June 1)
Figure Painting Intensive
with Lisa Hess Hesselgrave
Level: All Levels
In this class, we will cover the basics of figure painting in the studio. We’ll focus on composition, color, and structure, with an emphasis on developing good painterly habits.
Prerequisite: Some basic painting and figure drawing recommended.
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, July 25 – August 15
4 sessions: $156; Early Bird price: $148.20 (Discount available until June 1)
Beginning Drawing: Essential Elements
with Lisa Hess Hesselgrave
Level: All Levels
This workshop is like yoga for artists… a unique, organic approach to exploring drawing basics. Breaking down the fundamental aspects of drawing to their most essential components, students will follow instructor-led exercises in line, shape, value, and mark making. This step-by-step approach encourages a meditative aspect to the act of drawing. We will work primarily with charcoal on paper. Additional materials may be purchased on the second day. All levels of experience can benefit from this study.
Supplies: Bring charcoal and an 18″ x 24″ pad to the first class.
Saturdays, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, August 11 – August 18
2 sessions: $140; Early Bird price: $133 (Discount available until June 1)
Fiber
Beginning Sewing: Sew Lovely Tote
with Tambira Armmand
Department: Fiber
Level: All Levels
New to sewing or a bit rusty? This workshop will introduce you to machine sewing with a simple, skills-building project. Choose between two patterns–a rectangular tote or a round tote bag–then learn how to prepare fabric for sewing, place and cut out a pattern, markyour fabric for sewing, sew and set seams, and install a zipper. Build your confidence to tackle other sewing projects!
Notes: This class will meet on two weekends: June 30 – July 31 and July 14 – 15.
Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, June 30 – July 15
No class July 7 or July 8
4 sessions: $208; Early Bird price: $197.60 (Discount available until June 1)
Innovation Lab
Across-the-Arts Sampler
Level: All Levels
Sample a few of the disciplines taught at Creative Arts Workshop: Expressive Painting with Judy Atlas, Monotype Printmaking with Liz Pagano, Pottery Sampler with Michael Bradford, and Metalsmithing with Connie Pfeiffer.
Supplies: All materials provided.
Thursdays, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, July 12 – August 2
4 sessions: $168; Early Bird price: $159.60 (Discount available until June 1)
Art as Protest
with Lucy McClure
Level: All Levels
Learn about the critical role that art has played in the history of protest around the world, building community strength and solidarity among different groups of people. On the second day, we will create our very own piece of protest art. Students should be prepared to engage in dialogue and roundtable discussion. Teens welcome.
Supplies: Please bring scissors, glue, and two-dimensional items that hold personal meaning, such as fabric, paper, and photos.
Saturday & Sunday, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, July 14 – July 15
2 sessions: $84; Early Bird price: $79.80 (Discount available until June 1)
Photography
Photographing Fireworks
with Jonathan Weekes
Level: All Levels
The Fourth of July is a great time to explore night photography with some exciting results. From children with sparklers to fireworks displays, there are many opportunities to explore long exposures. In the first class, we will cover examples and techniques for capturing long exposures of sparklers, drawing with light, and fireworks. In the second class, we will review the photos captured during Fourth of July celebrations.
Supplies: Digital camera with full manual control (usually a digital single-lens reflex camera or mirrorless interchangeable lens camera) and a tripod. Smartphone cameras are not suitable for this workshop.
Wednesdays, 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm, June 27 – July 11
2 sessions: $68; Early Bird price: $64.60 (Discount available until June 1)
Blue Photography
with Lucy McClure
Level: All Levels
Discover the expressive possibilities of cyanotype — an alternative photography process that creates beautiful, blue-toned prints. Students will learn how to make a UV photosensitive paper and create their own print — an abstract composition or using a photo negative.
Supplies: Heavy card stock or heavy weight watercolor paper.
Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, June 30 – July 1
2 sessions: $68; Early Bird price: $64.60 (Discount available until June 1)
Pottery
Pottery Sampler
with Michael Bradford
Level: All Levels
Check out our one-day sampler to find out what pottery is all about without committing to a whole term. You’ll be introduced to the studio and briefed on how to use our equipment. Then, dive in for some hands-on time with the potter’s wheel and a lump of clay. We provide the tools — just show up with an open mind and be ready to play!
Supplies: Come dressed for action.
Section A
Sunday, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm, July 15
1 session: $45; Early Bird price: $42.75 (Discount available until June 1)
Section B
Sunday, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm, August 5
1 session: $45; Early Bird price: $42.75 (Discount available until June 1)
Printmaking
Open Print Staycation
with Liz Pagano
Level: Intermediate + Advanced
Take your vacation in a monitored print studio — no passport or sunscreen required! Working all week long will allow you to gather momentum; your creative juices will flow.
Prerequisite: The knowledge to work independently and safely in a print shop. Preapproval required.
Supplies: Please bring your own rollers, plates, and paper to print on.
Monday – Friday, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, June 11 – June 15
5 sessions: $275; Early Bird price: $261.25 (Discount available until June 1)
The History & Technique of Wood Engraving
with Allan Grennier
Level: All Levels
Discover the beauty of engraving on the end grain of hard boxwood. Invented by Thomas Bewick at the end of the 18th century, it was used in newspapers and magazines until the invention of photography and halftone imagery a century later. In the 20th century, wood engravings experienced a resurgence as an artistic medium. View a selection of prints and the tools used to create wood engravings from instructor Allan Grennier’s personal collection, and watch him demonstrate printing a block on his 85-year-old Challenge proof press.
Saturday, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, June 23
1 session: $38; Early Bird price: $36.10 (Discount available until June 1)
Introduction to Silkscreen
with Jennifer Van Elswyk
Level: All Levels
There are so many ways to use a silkscreen to make art; this workshop will focus on monoprint silkscreen. First, learn the process of creating a screen for printmaking. We’ll demonstrate how to use photo emulsion to “burn” an image onto a screen and how to print it. Then you can try your hand at screen printing, exploring a few techniques for silkscreen monotype. We will also provide a variety of premade screens with which you can print, allowing you to practice pulling a print while experimenting with compositions. Demonstration and individualized instruction will be ongoing throughout.
Saturday, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm, June 30
1 session: $45; Early Bird price: $42.75 (Discount available until June 1)
Printmaking Sampler Workshop
with Barbara Harder
Level: All Levels
Have a taste of the traditional and experimental printmaking processes while concentrating in one area or exploring many. Etch like Rembrandt, Goya, and Kentridge; monotype like Degas and Olivera; woodcut like Durer and Frankenthaler; lithograph like Kollwitz and Rauschenberg. Be surprised and inspired while working in a supportive, creative environment.
Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, July 14 – July 15
2 sessions: $150; Early Bird price: $142.50 (Discount available until June 1)
Advanced Serigraph Workshop
with Allan Grennier
Level: Intermediate + Advanced
Extend your knowledge of serigraph (silkscreen) printing. Students will work with the instructor in advance of the workshop to create photo screens that are burned and ready to print when the workshop begins. During the two-day workshop, learn a system to register multicolor works perfectly and print them to your ultimate satisfaction.
Prerequisite: This workshop will be most effective for students with a working knowledge of making serigraph prints.
Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, July 21 – July 22
2 sessions: $90; Early Bird price: $85.50 (Discount available until June 1)
Introduction to Monotype Printmaking
with Maura Galante
Level: All Levels
Explore the magical process of monotype printmaking using a wide variety of techniques and materials: reductive and additive inking, Chine-colle, stencils, and layering imagery. Individual style and experimental approaches to the medium are encouraged. The workshop will include both demonstrations and individualized instruction.
Supplies: Bring any printmaking supplies that you own. Rives BFK printmaking paper (22″ x 30″) will be available for purchase from the instructor for $4 per sheet.
Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, July 28
1 session: $105; Early Bird price: $99.75 (Discount available until June 1)
Open Print Staycation
with Liz Pagano
Level: Intermediate + Advanced
Take your vacation in a monitored print studio — no passport or sunscreen required! Working all week long will allow you to gather momentum; your creative juices will flow.
Prerequisite: The knowledge to work independently and safely in a print shop. Preapproval required.
Supplies: Please bring your own rollers, plates, and paper to print on.
Monday – Friday, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, August 13 – August 17
5 sessions: $275; Early Bird price: $261.25 (Discount available until June 1)
Sculpture
Blacksmithing for Beginners: Hand-Forged Bottle Opener
with Erich Davis
Department: Sculpture
Level: All Levels
Learn the basics of hand forging while you create a simple, decorative bottle opener on the anvil and vise.
Friday, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 22
1 session: $54; Early Bird price: $51.30 (Discount available until June 1)
Playing with Fire: Using Heat to Create Sculptural Forms
with Erich Davis
Level: All Levels
Learn various techniques of metal cutting, bending, and welding using the torch, hammer, and vise.
Friday, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, July 6
1 session: $54; Early Bird price: $51.30 (Discount available until June 1)
The Wonderful World of Epoxy Clay
with David Millen
Level: All Levels
Two-part epoxy clay is easy to use, safe, nontoxic, self-hardening, nonshrinking, and permanent. In this hands-on workshop, we will explore the many uses of this remarkable product. The workshop will be held at the instructor’s home studio. Address available upon registration.
Saturday, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, July 14
1 session: $35; Early Bird price: $33.25 (Discount available until June 1)
Welding for Beginners: Sticking Metal to Metal
with Erich Davis
Level: All Levels
Learn the basic techniques of metal arc welding (MIG and Stick), as well as fabrication fundamentals. Students will work toward correctly joining metal to make a frame, box, or sculpture.
Friday, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, July 20
1 session: $54; Early Bird price: $51.30 (Discount available until June 1)
Integrating LED Light into Your Artwork
with David Flynn
Level: All Levels
In this one-day workshop, we will discuss and apply the principles of LED lighting. Topics including Kelvin scale, lumens, voltage, wattage, ohms (resistance), and amperage in regard to LED will be discussed with specific examples. Students will wire their own light and are encouraged to bring in artwork to explore adding LED lights.
Saturday, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, July 21
1 session: $35; Early Bird price: $33.25 (Discount available until June 1)
Young People
New! Mini-Class Pillow Pocket Bud Vases
with Heather Sancomb
Level: Ages 7-12
Create a clever slab construction flower vase. Inspired by tulip vases, each stem will have its own holder to highlight each flower’s unique features. We will work with terracotta clay with the option of adding white slip for contrast. Bring favorite stamps or objects that will create an interesting texture.
Supplies: Students may bring their own stamps or objects to create interesting textures.
Notes: Please dress for mess.
Monday, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm, June 25
1 session: $40; Early Bird price: $38 (Discount available until June 1)
New! Mini-Class Breakfast Set
with Heather Sancomb
Level: Ages 12-17
Create a slab construction breakfast (or anytime!) bowl and cup set. We will work with terracotta clay with the option of adding white slip for contrast. Bring favorite stamps or objects that will create an interesting texture.
Supplies: Students may bring their own stamps or objects to create interesting textures.
Notes: Please dress for mess.
Tuesday, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm, June 26
1 session: $40; Early Bird price: $38 (Discount available until June 1)
New! Mini-Class Storyteller Figure
with Heather Sancomb
Level: Ages 7-12
Storytelling is part of all cultures. It can help us remember history and traditions or create a world of mystery. In this workshop, we’ll create a central clay figure who is telling the story, then surround him or her with little ones listening to the tale. Will your storyteller be human, animal, or something else? Figures will be fired at CAW, and students will take them home to finish with their own acrylic or watercolor paints.
Notes: Please dress for mess.
Thursday, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm, June 28
1 session: $40; Early Bird price: $38 (Discount available until June 1)
New! Mini-Class Pinch Pot Flower Bowls
with Heather Sancomb
Level: Ages 7-12
Learn to make pinch pots and alter them into fun flower shapes, adding details with coils, dots, and other mark making techniques. At the first class, we will work with wet clay and make our blossoms. At the second class, we will add colorful glazes to liven them up.
Notes: Please dress for mess.
Mondays, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm, July 2 – July 9
2 sessions: $48; Early Bird price: $45.60 (Discount available until June 1)
New! Mini-Class Travel Journals
with Heather Sancomb
Level: Ages 7-12
Do you have places in the world you would like to visit? Or have visited? Or maybe you love your home town! We will make a journal using a map of any place you choose for the cover and other detailing. It will have pages for pictures and pockets for mementos.
Supplies: Students should bring a map of their chosen location.
Tuesday, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm, July 3
1 session: $32; Early Bird price: $30.40 (Discount available until June 1)
New! Mini-Class Quirky Baskets
with Heather Sancomb
Level: Ages 12-17
Using a variety of hand building techniques, students will create unique basket forms with handles and feet! We will work with terracotta clay with the option of adding white slip for contrast. Bring favorite stamps or objects that will create an interesting texture.
Supplies: Students may bring their own stamps or objects to create interesting textures.
Notes: Please dress for mess.
Tuesday, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm, July 10
1 session: $40; Early Bird price: $38 (Discount available until June 1)
Watercolor-Resist Animals
with Eva Scopino
Level: Ages 7-12
Learn to work with oil pastels and watercolors, explore how wet and dry media interact, and create colorful artwork about animals — real or imaginary.
Notes: Please dress for mess.
Wednesday, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm, July 11
1 session: $25; Early Bird price: $23.75 (Discount available until June 1)
Make a Pillow Pal Softie!
with Eva Scopino
Level: Ages 7-12
Embellish and stuff a pillow form to create a soft, cuddly pillow pal! Materials include fabric, pom-poms, googly eyes, feathers, buttons, fabric markers, and more.
Notes: Sewing skills not required; students who know how to sew can handstitch on pillows if they wish.
Monday, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, July 16
1 session: $30; Early Bird price: $28.50 (Discount available until June 1)
Pastel Fruits & Veggies
with Eva Scopino
Level: Ages 7-12
Learn techniques for drawing with soft pastels, including how to blend colors and create shading. Inspired by nature’s bounty, we will observe and draw colorful fruits and veggies.
Notes: Please dress for mess.