Crafting Stories with Mixed Media Art

Service Description

Fridays, September 4, 11, 18 & 25 2:00 - 5:00 PM Cost: $65 Material Fee: $25 (payable to Melissa at first class) This course welcomes both new students and returning participants from Melissa's June course. New students will explore a wide range of mixed-media techniques, while returning students will dive deeper into the techniques of their choice with one-on-one coaching and feedback from Melissa. Mixed media is the art of weaving diverse materials, textures, and techniques into a single expressive work. It's an intuitive, playful, and personal process—paint, collage, ink, fabric, photographs, found objects, and treasured keepsakes come together to tell layered stories. In this workshop, you'll explore the transformative possibilities of mixed media, creating richly textured art that reflects your own imagination and voice. We will explore: - Freedom of Expression — Work intuitively, free of rigid rules, while experimenting with diverse materials and techniques. - Texture, Depth & Visual Storytelling — Layer color, imagery, and found materials to build dynamic, meaningful compositions. - Personal Symbolism & Emotional Resonance — Incorporate personal objects, photos, writings, and natural elements into meaningful visual narratives. - Creativity Through Transformation — Give new life to everyday and recycled materials. This workshop suits beginners and experienced artists alike who want to loosen up, expand their practice, and reconnect with the joy of experimentation. A beautiful assortment of mixed-media materials will be provided; feel free to bring meaningful items of your own to incorporate. Melissa is an architect, visual artist, designer, and arts educator whose multidisciplinary practice bridges fine art, public art, and community engagement. Her work—spanning mixed-media installations, up-cycled ephemeral pieces, and permanent public art—centers on storytelling. Drawing on mythology, folklore, and the natural world, she creates layered works exploring transformation, memory, resilience, and connection. You can pay $65 by credit card as part of your registration process, or you can put cash or a check made out to WIAC (Whidbey Island Arts Council) in the payment jar in our classroom. If the full fee is a stretch for you, please pay as you are able - this ensures the future of Create Space.