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
New! Paper Repair
Gisela Noack
Oh no! A tear in my favorite cookbook! Paper mending to the rescue! Learn a variety of ways to mend paper and how to choose the appropriate one for the specific problem on hand. The paper being repaired can be a page of a book or an individual sheet of paper. We will use archival tape, heat-set tissue, Japanese tissue and paste. We will also talk about fiber mending and other possibilities.
Supplies: Books or papers with tears that they would like to repair.
Prerequisite: None
Saturday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, September 15 – September 15
1 session: $45 ; Early Bird price: $43 (Discount available until August 17)
New! The Chinese Thread Book
Cathy Reeve
Learn how to make a Chinese thread book (Zhen Xian Bao), a Chinese folk art structure made of a series of folded paper pockets and boxes. Traditionally, this has been used to hold embroidery and sewing supplies like needles, threads, and patterns. However, it can be adapted to hold many different types of flat items –ephemera, photographs, etc. The version we’ll be constructing will have 13 pockets, enclosed in a booklike cover. Time permitting, we’ll be able to decorate the pockets, using stamps, collage, or other techniques. All tools and materials provided; no bookbinding experience required.
Supplies: none
Prerequisite: None
Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, December 1 – December 1
1 session: $90 ; Early Bird price: $86 (Discount available until August 17)
Lecture
New! Opening the Book
Paulette Rosen
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about something new-, whether you make books or not! Join us for viewing and discussion of two presentations from the Guild of Bookworkers’ national conference. First up is “Gold Tooling in the 21st Century” by master binder Don Glaister. Watch demonstrations of the fundamentals that demystify this magical process. This will be followed by “In Search of Content: The Joys and Challenges of Creating in the Book Form” by book artist Nancy Ruth Leavitt. Learn about the practical considerations as well as the ideas and imagination that go into creating a book as art. Participants will also receive accompanying handouts. Refreshments provided.
Supplies: none
Prerequisite: None
Sunday, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, November 4 – November 4
1 session: $10 ; Early Bird price: $10 (Discount available until August 17)
Drawing + Painting
New! Drawing Trees
Eric March
Trees are a beautiful and compelling (yet challenging) subject for many artists. Get some focused time to learn about common patterns in tree shapes, how to start and finish a drawing a tree, and techniques for simplifying and rendering details. A must for any landscape artist. The class will meet at historic Edgerton Park, home to some of the largest and most beautiful tree specimens in New Haven, located at 75 Cliff Street at the Hamden–New Haven line. There is also an entrance from Edgehill Road. Rain date on October 27. Bring a pencil and eraser to the first meeting.
Supplies: Pencil : HB, 2B (1 of each: “HB” pencils are harder, “2B” pencils are softer.) I recommend using “lead holders” or “architect’s pencils” – 2mm mechanical pencils (made by Kohinoor and Staedtlerr, among other companies) that are easier to maintain than regular wood pencils. If using lead holders get two lead holders and HB and 2B lead sticks. Pencil sharpener: Try to get a sharpener that actually works. The 2mm “architect’s pencils” require a special rotary pencil sharpener. Paper: 3-6 sheets of mid-sized drawing paper. (11”x14” or 14” x 17”). This can be part of a pad or individual sheets. Bristol Plate SMOOTH finish or Strathmore drawing paper pad. You can also work in charcoal if you prefer. If you do, make sure to be working on charcoal paper like Canson Mi-Teintes. Drawing Board: Your drawing board should be larger than your paper size in both dimensions. You can use 1⁄2” foam core, “gatorboard” or masonite. Two Large 2″ Black Paper Clamps (for clipping paper to board) kneaded eraser and/or white “click” or retractable eraser. Recommended but optional: collapsible chair, portable easel, wide brimmed hat, sun glasses, water, clothes to keep you comfortable outside.
Prerequisite: None
Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, October 13 – October 20
2 sessions: $90 ; Early Bird price: $86 (Discount available until August 17)
“The Heat is On”: Learning Encaustics
Ruth Sack
Come learn the ancient art of encaustic, and discover contemporary applications for painting in hot wax! This weekend course will introduce students to the history, tools, methods, and safety measures related to the medium.
Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, December 8 – December 8
1 session: $90 ; Early Bird price: $86 (Discount available until August 17)
Drawing the Figure from the Inside Out
Eric March
Learn the basic structures of the figure in order to create solid forms and alignment in figures drawn from observation and imagination. The class will cover simplified concepts of the skeleton and the “core forms” of the head, ribcage, and pelvis. The class will be taught with illustrated lectures and by drawing from a live model.
Supplies: The demonstrations will be in charcoal on toned paper.
Charcoal: Medium or soft vine charcoal sticks (4 – 12 sticks)
General’s Charcoal Pencils: HB, 2B (1 or 2 of each General’s White Charcoal Pencil or White Pastel Pencil (not a white colored pencil which is too waxy to work with charcoal)
Paper: We will be doing both quick sketch drawings and a long-pose drawing
Sketch Drawing Paper: Quick sketches can be done on any sheet of drawing paper. Strathmore drawing paper is recommended. Newsprint is not recommended but can be used. Sketch drawing paper should be 11” x 14” or larger in a pad or individual sheets.
Long Pose Drawing Paper: Canson Mi-Teinte Pastel Paper (It comes in a variety of colors of 25.5″ x 19.5″ sheets. Get 2-3 sheets of light grey, tan or medium blue. Charcoal papers have a tooth to them that catches and holds the charcoal.)
Sanding pad (for sharpening charcoal pencils and vine charcoal)- I highly recommend the Nitram Sanding Block over the regular small “tear off” sandpaper block. Fine sandpaper can also be used. (http://www.dickblick.com/products/nitram-sharpening-bloc/)
Drawing board: CAW does provide drawing boards, however you might want to bring your own to ensure you have a smooth, clean drawing surface. Your drawing board needs to be larger than your paper size in both dimensions. I recommend a simple piece of masonite, gator board, or 1/2” foam core. Two Large 2″ Black Paper Clamps or bulldog clips (for clipping paper to board)
Straight Razor blade (for sharpening charcoal pencils-can be purchased at a hardware store. Sold in packs of 5 or more, usually used for paint scrapers. A box cutter can work as well but I recommend a straight razor blade.)
Straight, thin knitting needle or stick (for measuring) Kneaded eraser
Recommended: Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating or similar (for fixing charcoal drawings at home)
Glasseine (for covering drawings in storage, especially charcoal – Glasseine is like tracing paper and can be bought in rolls. You can also buy a pad of tracing paper and use that as long as it’s acid-free.)
Portfolio for storing and transporting paper and drawings (do not roll your drawings!)
Sketchbook – for your own sketches and for taking notes
Prerequisite: None
Saturdays, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, December 8 – December 15
2 sessions: $120 ; Early Bird price: $114 (Discount available until August 17)
Fiber
Sew a Lovely Tote
Tambira Armmand
Learn the basics of piecing together a tote bag in the first session and a zippered pouch in the second session.
Prerequisite: None
Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00AM – 1pm, November 10 – November 18
4 sessions: $240 ; Early Bird price: $228 (Discount available until August 17)
New! Fabric Manipulations
Tambira Armmand
Create a series of different fabric manipulations using various pleating, folding, and layering techniques.
Supplies: Thin, plain cotton fabric, muslin fabric shears, pins, sewing needles, one light and one dark thread (one spool can match the fabric), seam ripper, fabric marker, notebook, and pen. If you have a sewing machine you are encouraged to bring it.
Prerequisite: Previous sewing machine experience, comfortable with hand sewing and able to safely operate a clothes iron.
Saturdays, 9:00AM – 1pm, October 6 – October 20
3 sessions: $180 ; Early Bird price: $171 (Discount available until August 17)
Pottery
New! Simple Hand-Building Techniques for Beautiful Pots
Charles Jones
Make beautiful pots without a wheel, using simple tools and techniques. This one-day workshop will walk you through step-by-step instructions for making several different pottery forms. These techniques can then be leveraged to make a wide variety of shapes and forms. Come ready to work and have fun.
Supplies: None
Prerequisite: None
Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, August 25 – August 25
1 session: $100 ; Early Bird price: $95 (Discount available until August 17)
Glazing Techniques for Stoneware & Porcelain
Stephen Rodriguez
Enhance the glazed surface of your pots. Techniques including slips, incised decoration, layering glazes, and much more will be demonstrated in ways you’ll be immediately able to apply to your own work.
Supplies: None
Prerequisite: None
Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, October 13 – October 13
1 session: $100 ; Early Bird price: $95 (Discount available until August 17)
New! Pottery Tips and Techniques
Maishe Dickman
Enjoy a full day of learning from master potter Maishe Dickman. Demonstrations will cover tips and techniques from his years of experience as a production potter, as well as discussion on form and function. Come ready to join in, ask questions, and try out new ideas.
Supplies: None
Prerequisite: None
Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, October 27 – October 27
1 session: $100 ; Early Bird price: $95 (Discount available until August 17)
New! A Cup in a Day
Violet Harlow
Create a beautiful, functional hand-built vessels to drink from–all in a single session! Using slabs of clay, textures, and creativity, we will create unique drinking vessels that are food safe and fabulous.
Supplies: None
Prerequisite: None
Sunday, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, November 11 – November 11
1 session: $50 ; Early Bird price: $48 (Discount available until August 17)
Pottery Sampler
Michael Bradford
Check out our one-day sampler to find out what pottery is all about without committing to a whole term. You will 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: None
Prerequisite: None
Sunday, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM, December 2 – December 2
1 session: $30 ; Early Bird price: $29 (Discount available until August 17)
Printmaking
New! Introduction to Paper Lithography
Barbara Harder
Learn how to print from your favorite photographs, drawings, collages, or doodles. Using the principles of traditional lithography, we will copy the images and print directly from them using oil-based printmaking inks. Photographs, drawings, and cut and collaged artwork can all be used for this fascinating process. Materials are included with the course fee.
Prerequisite: None
Sunday, 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM, September 30 – September 30
1 session: $53 ; Early Bird price: $50 (Discount available until August 17)
New! Introduction to Relief Engraving
Allan Greenier
Introduction to relief engraving: Student will learn tools (burins) and techniques. Letterpress printing of the block will also be taught. Materials, including a Corian block, are included with the course fee.
Prerequisite: None
Sunday, 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM, October 21 – October 21
1 session: $53 ; Early Bird price: $50 (Discount available until August 17)
Introduction to Monotype
Maura Galante
Explore the magical process of monotype using a wide variety of techniques and materials: reductive and additive inking, Chine-collé, and layering imagery. Materials are included with the course fee.
Prerequisite: None
Sunday, 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM, November 4 – November 4
1 session: $53 ; Early Bird price: $50 (Discount available until August 17)
Introduction to Silkscreen
Jennifer Van Elswyk
Learn how to create a silkscreen for printmaking, then try your hand at screen printing and explore different techniques for unique silkscreen prints. Materials are included with the course fee.
Prerequisite: None
Sunday, 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM, December 9 – December 9
1 session: $53 ; Early Bird price: $50 (Discount available until August 17)
Sculpture
Japanese Lamp Making
Phillip Chambers
Learn how easy it is to make an elegant Japanese shoji lamp in this one-day workshop. Students will use wood and rice paper to create a floor or table lamp and will learn a simple technique for electrically wiring the lamp. Students will leave with a unique lamp of their own design. All materials supplied, but feel free to bring any special rice paper.
Supplies: None
Prerequisite: None
Sundays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, November 18 – November 18
1 session: $90 ; Early Bird price: $86 (Discount available until August 17)
Young People
Come Make Your Own Pumpkin Out of Clay
Young People Faculty
Make and decorate a clay pumpkin for the Halloween and Thanksgiving season. The first day will be 2.5 hours and the second day will be 1 hour.
Supplies: None
Prerequisite: None
Sunday, 1:30PM – 3:30pm, October 14 – October 21
2 sessions: $60 ; Early Bird price: $57 (Discount available until August 17)