Creative Arts
Our Creative Arts programs at the Arboretum give you and opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a number of fun and inspired classes. Using the garden for inspiration, these classes will let you expand your photography skills, bring out you imaginative side by building a birdbath or learn to watercolor in the great outdoors. Try one of these classes and you are sure to join us for more!
Glass With Class
This spring, as we celebrate the arrival of the ‘Chihuly in the Garden’ exhibition, we have a variety of classes that will whet your appetite for this versatile and magical medium. Let these incredible works of art inspire you and join us for one or all of these wonderful programs.
Garden Party
Imagine serving your guests on a versatile handmade glass serving dish you created! Participants will use shape and color to develop a pleasing palette as they design a one-of-a-kind serving piece. La Hoya Glass Artists will guide participants and bring examples for inspiration. All supplies and materials will be provided to create a 4”x12” finished piece. This project requires two kiln firings to create the distinctive concave shape of your platter. Your fired piece will be ready for pick up 10 days after class. Class fee includes admission to the “Chihuly Nights” exhibition after class. 5/9 OR 6/6 from 6pm–8pm; $95 or $86 for Members
Dichroic Glass Set in PMC
Imagine being able to capture a piece of the garden and preserve it forever in pure silver. Join Mindy Harmison, owner of Frosting and Sprinkles and Creative Arts Center instructor, as she shows you how to design your own beautiful dichroic glass piece. Then, using Precious Metal Clay (PMC) she will show you how to set your glass piece in silver and create a stunning pendant inspired by the garden. These beautiful pendants make great gifts. If you have ever wanted to try your hand at making jewelry, but didn’t know where to start, this is the class for you. No experience is necessary and all supplies will be provided. 5/19 from 9am–3pm, $199, or $179 for members (includes $90 supply fee)
Let the Sunshine In
Now you can have garden color year-round with this lovely sun catcher you create. With your choice of transparent glass, the sun flows through this lovely piece. Whether you want something abstract or botanical, geometric or unstructured, the possibilities are limitless. La Hoya Glass Artists will be there to guide and inspire you and provide examples of completed projects. All supplies and tools will be provided to create a finished piece that is a 10” round glass piece. Your fired piece will be ready for pick up the following week. Class fee includes admission to the “Chihuly Nights” exhibition after class. 5/23 from 6pm – 8pm; $110 or $99 for Members
Creative Arts Center of Dallas
An incredible resource for hands-on art programs for the budding and experienced artist, the Creative Arts Center of Dallas has partnered with the Dallas Arboretum to bring you a series of classes that will give you an opportunity to work with some of their wonderful artists and bring out the artist in you.
The Art of Flowers: Flowers as subjects for the Visual Arts
Flowers have been portrayed by artists for centuries. Perhaps the most lovely and revered in classical western art are those in sixteenth and seventeenth century Dutch and Flemish still-life paintings. Let Dr. S. Chuck McCarter take you through a brief tour of history to explore how the masters celebrated flowers as subject matter in their works. Flowers have been a source of inspiration for artists for centuries and they have also been prominent in art of other cultures and traditions. In April, explore artists who celebrated tulips and lilies; then in June, discuss artists who were inspired by roses and sunflowers. Join us for these wonderful programs to expand your love of nature and art. Please bring a sack lunch or pick something up to go at the dining terrace. 6/5 from 9am-3 pm; $38 or $34 for Members
Stroke of Genius! Painting Classes
Painting Flowers in Oil New Session added!
Join award winning Texas artist Nancy Medina as she introduces you to the world of flower painting in oils. In each of these one day workshops, Nancy will show beginning to advanced painters how to create impressionistic still life paintings of brightly colored flowers and plants in oils. She will also share a simple approach to flower shapes and composition, and building brilliant color by working from a transparent underpainting. Students may paint along with the instructor, or they may bring their own photos and flowers. Bring a sack lunch or pick up something to go at the dining terrace. A supply list will be emailed upon registration. Painting Spring Flowers, 5/12 OR 6/9 from 9am – 3pm; $110 or $99 for Members.
Painting with Pastels
Pastel painting is a great medium for beginning artists to explore and achieve wonderful results. Join Karen Vanderpool-Haerle, owner of Vanderpool Studios, as she helps you develop an understanding of color and composition using pastels. Enjoy the flexibility and tactile aspects of soft pastel while learning about materials, form and color blending. You will produce stunning results when you learn to translate the landscape, still life and photographs by layering the pastels to achieve different colors and light. Please consider bringing your own photos to inspire you. This class is suitable for all skill levels and all supplies will be provided. 5/19 from 9am–3pm; $110 or $99 for Members
Painting Flowers and Landscapes in Watercolor
Join Carol Vystrcil Scott, award winning artist, as she introduces you to the wonderful world of watercolor painting. During the workshop you will learn how to translate your vision from the real world to the canvas. By using photographs and still life, you will begin the process of planning and sketching your work of art. You will practice your newly learned techniques as you see your painting come to life. All levels of painters are welcome to participate and will work with a variety of techniques and subjects, including florals and landscapes. Space is limited so register early! 6/2 from 9am–3pm; $110 or $99 for Members
To Dye For: Shibori Fabric Dyeing
This ancient Japanese technique of dyeing fabric was once used to create beautiful designs on kimonos. In this full-day workshop, Linda Disosway, experienced fiber artist, will show you how to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using resist dyeing techniques you will learn how to stitch and fold your fabric to create beautiful handmade designs on silk. No special artistic skills are necessary and all supplies will be provided. 6/2 from 9am-3pm; $75 or $68 for Members
|