AOY Art Center upcoming events

Painting with Earth Pigments - Carbon Blacks Workshop, Saturday, April 11, 9 am - 12 pm (April 11, 2026)

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Laura Miner

Painting with earth pigments is a hands-on course using forged and natural earth materials to make art pigments and paint. Learn to prepare carbon black pigments (lamp, bone and vine) and process them into paint. We will use the same techniques and materials used by artists hundreds and even thousands of years ago. From each pigment you make either watercolor paint or oil paint based on your preference and create a painting with them to take home. This workshop combines history, science, art and fun. Skill level - beginner to advanced.

This one-day workshop is also offered on Saturday, March 7, 9 am - 12 pm. Click on this link to register for that date instead.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of the workshop. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.

Learn to Make Watercolor Greeting Cards, Sunday, April 12, 9 am - 12 pm (April 12, 2026)

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Grace Clark

If you have ever needed a birthday card for a loved one, but store bought cards just don't seem to cut it, this is the perfect workshop for you! In this workshop taught by Grace Clark, artists of all ages are welcome to learn some watercolor basics and use their new skills to create whimsical and heartfelt greeting cards. Grace will demonstrate some watercolor techniques, hand lettering and adding mixed media to make their cards really stand out. This workshop will equip students with the skills required to create personal, unique cards for any occasion that their loved ones are sure to cherish. Recommended for ages 13 - adult.

This one-day workshop is also offered Saturday, May 9, 9 am - 12 pm. Click here to register for that workshop date.

Ekphrasis: Creative Writing from Visual Art, Tuesdays, April 14, 21 and 28, 1 - 3 pm (April 14, 2026)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Beverly Sce

Ekphrastic writing is the practice of creative writing from pieces of visual art. It expands our creativity and imagination while enhancing our love of putting words on the page. Each week we'll view a variety of pieces of art and engage in creative writing exercises with provided prompts as we explore nonfiction, fiction, poetry or words of your choice. Students are offered the opportunity to share their writing if desired with strength-based feedback provided.
No experience required, just a love of art and the written word. Once you try Ekphrasis, you'll be hooked.

Sample writing in response to the painting "Adieu !" Alfred Guillou,1892.
"For Love of Water"
Fred and James were panicky. It seemed they were losing control of everything. Their sailboat made eerie sounds as it bounced over the waves. The sail ripped apart and blew away into the unknown.

***
Morning had dawned bright and sunny. Their sailboat had stood ready in port, no sign of an impending storm.
A dream of navigating the ocean was something the dad and his son longed to achieve. They were drawn to the water like a child to a handful of candy.
Years of planning and preparation were behind them. Exercise to strengthen their bodies and increase their stamina along with positive thinking were practices they followed daily. They worked to build muscular arms and legs while they fueled their bodies with hearty proteins, vegetables, fruit and breads.

***

This 3-day workshop is for ages 18+. This workshop is also offered Saturdays, February 14, 21 and 28, 10 am - 12 pm. Click on this link to register for that workshop -- https://aoyartcenter.wildapricot.org/event-6443511.

Playful Prints: Gelli Plate Printing for Beginners, Sunday, April 19, 9 am - 12 pm (April 19, 2026)

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Leigh Ferello

Discover the joy of gelli plate printing in this hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop. Gelli printing is a playful, experimental form of printmaking that requires no prior experience and produces beautiful, one-of-a-kind prints.

Participants will explore layering, texture, and mark-making using stencils, stamps, and found objects. You’ll learn techniques such as sgraffito, stamping and impressions, masking, and building layered prints, all while embracing the unexpected and letting go of perfection.

This workshop is designed for beginners, and focuses on creative exploration rather than technical mastery. We will work on 5x3" plates to allow for better control of the medium, more experimentation, and more prints! Participants will leave with a collection of mini prints and the confidence to continue experimenting on their own.

A $10 material fee is due to instructor upon arrival, and please bring a package of baby wipes.

This one-day workshop is also offered Sunday, May 17, 9 am - 12 pm. Click here to register for that workshop date.

Ekphrasis: Creative Writing from Visual Art, Tuesdays, April 14, 21 and 28, 1 - 3 pm (April 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Beverly Sce

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Ekphrasis: Creative Writing from Visual Art, Tuesdays, April 14, 21 and 28, 1 - 3 pm (April 28, 2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Beverly Sce

***

Plein Air Painting in Historic Newtown Workshop (May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Ilya Lerner
Saturday, 5/9 & Sunday, 5/10, 9 am - noon
Rain dates: Saturday, 5/16 & Sunday, 5/17, same time

Learn to paint plein air cityscape the Impressionist way in the center of historic Newtown, Bucks County. We will start with a short walking tour to select an appropriate motif and go through all the stages of painting discussing composition, light, color, texture and other aspects of picture-making. Color mixing and painting techniques for oils will be demonstrated, but all drawing/painting media are welcome. Artists of all levels are welcome.
Rain dates for bad weather: Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17.

Learn to Make Watercolor Greeting Cards, Saturday, May 9, 9 am - 12 pm (May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Grace Clark

This one-day workshop is also offered Sunday, April 12, 9 am - 12 pm. Click here to register for that workshop date.

Plein Air Painting in Historic Newtown Workshop (May 10, 2026)

Sun, 10 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Ilya Lerner
Saturday, 5/9 & Sunday, 5/10, 9 am - noon
Rain dates: Saturday, 5/16 & Sunday, 5/17, same time

Playful Prints: Gelli Plate Printing for Beginners, Sunday, May 17, 9 am - 12 pm (May 17, 2026)

Sun, 17 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Teaching Artist: Leigh Ferello

This one-day workshop is also offered Sunday, April 19, 9 am - 12 pm. Click here to register for that workshop date.