Creative Classes

This one-day workshop will explore the Indigenous design practice of parfleche. The name parfleche was initially used by French fur traders and derives from the French language parer meaning "to parry" or "to defend", and flèche meaning "arrow". Parfleche was used to describe tough rawhide shields carried by Plains Indian warriors but was later used primarily for decorated rawhide containers. Plains Indian tribes often had an abundant source of hides in the buffalo they hunted, but, as they were nomadic, they had little opportunity to tan the skins. Parfleche, or rawhide, was prepared by cleaning and dehairing the skin and then by stretching it and allowing it to dry in the sun. This process created a stiff but durable leather that was used for many items, including bags, boxes, envelopes, and war shields. Designs historically consisted of geometric shapes and symbols in primary colors. Today, many contemporary Plains Indian artists evolved the idea of parfleche by making earrings, bracelets, wallets, etc. Students will explore parfleche techniques and create their own keychain or earrings using their newfound knowledge.

The Traditional Japanese Art of Bonseki: Seasons in Sand will introduce participants to the meditative practice of arranging white sand, stones, and small tools on black lacquer trays to create ephemeral miniature landscapes. Rooted in ancient Japanese and Chinese traditions and connected to the appreciation of suiseki (scholar’s stones), bonseki embodies themes of ephemerality, seasonal awareness, and poetic reflection. Through guided demonstrations, hands-on practice, and quiet viewing (haiken), students will learn both introductory and intermediate techniques for shaping landscapes such as winter skies, blossoms, and birds in flight. The workshop will incorporate seasonal poetry, a tea and sweets service, and group reflection. In addition, participants will have the rare opportunity to view selections from the instructor’s personal antique bonseki collection, including traditional trays and tools, offering a tangible connection to the art form’s history and refinement. The class resonates with Japanese aesthetic traditions within the Arts of Asia collections at the Denver Art Museum.

*Price includes a $60 Studio Fee for all materials provided.

Flow State is a 4-week abstract painting class that explores the connections between intuitive painting, mindfulness meditation, and community. Students will learn how to combine abstract painting and drawing skills with mindfulness meditation techniques. Each class will present different ways this hybrid practice can be used to hold space for ourselves and each other. Students will work individually and as a group using acrylic paint, pastels, paper and canvas. This class will connect to abstract works in the Denver Art Museum collection, including pieces by artists like Mark Bradford, Elaine de Kooning, Joan Mitchell, Sam Gilliam, Shinique Smith, and Sonia Gechtoff.

In this six-week class, students will abandon the idea of working on just one painting at a time and dive into creating many at once! Students will explore the dynamic process of making multiple abstract paintings in tandem, developing a cohesive set of works while experimenting with style, texture, and color. Instruction will begin with essential acrylic painting techniques and a bite-sized introduction to color theory, followed by guided exploration of the medium. Students will learn to balance spontaneity and intention while keeping their paintings connected yet distinct. By the end of the course, students will have completed their own miniature body of work with four abstract acrylic paintings and will have gained the skills and confidence to keep creating beyond class. All skill levels are welcome; this class is perfect for curious beginners to seasoned artists looking to shake up their process.