Crossing Arts Workshops

Make Art, Make Friends, and Learn New skills

merry studio saturdays

every saturday until christmas!

december 14th & 21st, 10am-4pm

cost: $5/person

all ages and abilities welcome

Escape the holiday rush and get creative at The Crossing Arts! Join us every Saturday until Christmas for festive make-and-take projects for just $5 per person. On December 14th, paint glass ornaments, and on December 21st, craft giant snowflakes from paper bags! All ages and abilities welcome.

millefiori magic with polymer clay

with instructor layl mcdill

saturday, january 11

10:00am - 12:00pm

crossing arts members: $40

Non-members: $45

ages 7+

Millefiori means "thousand flowers" in Italian. It originated as a glass blowing technique, now you can apply it in the form of polymer clay! Layl will walk you through the steps of creating your own millefiori designs.  When you slice up the clay you will be amazed at the tiny images you've created!  Then, choose an object like a frame, switch plate, vase, or pen to cover with your little slices.  Take your transformed object home to bake in your own oven! All materials are provided.

Layl McDill grew up in Gillette, Wyoming where she began creating at a very young age. Her early works were dollhouses, marionettes and even an entire “Smurf Village”.  Layl received her BFA in Illustration from the Columbus College of Art Design, but she found it more exciting to make sculptural work and sell it through galleries and art fairs.  She has exhibited her work around the country since 1994. Polymer clay has been her medium of choice using the millefiori technique and mixed media materials added. Her work can also be found in numerous books and publications.  She currently serves as the board chair of Art to Change the World. Sharing her skills as a full time artist with emerging artists has been her way of giving back. She encourages others to try art through polymer clay by teaching in person and virtually around the country.

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The Business of art

Making and selling what you love to make

lecture with layl mcdill

saturday, january 11

1:00 - 2:30pm

Free and open to the public

Learn all about the business of art with exhibiting artist, Layl McDill. From art fairs to galleries, online stores to pop-ups, discover diverse ways to monetize your creativity. With over thirty years of experience, Layl's philosophy is to have fun and success will follow. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a seasoned pro looking for new avenues, this lecture will be enlightening and a great networking opportunity. This event is free to attend-- just bring yourself and your questions! Please register below.

Layl McDill, originally from Gillette, Wyoming, began creating at a young age, starting with dollhouses and marionettes, even crafting an entire “Smurf Village.” She earned a BFA in Illustration from the Columbus College of Art & Design but found her passion in sculptural work, exhibiting since 1994. Using polymer clay and the millefiori technique, her work features mixed media and has been showcased in numerous publications. As the board chair of Art to Change the World, Layl shares her skills through teaching and inspiring others to explore art through polymer clay.

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Beginning Watercolor I

Blueberries with darcy brambrink

mastering watercolor series

saturday, january 18

12:00 - 3:00 PM

crossing arts members: $60

non-member pricing: $65

ages 16+

Unleash your creativity with Darcy Brambrink's beginner-friendly watercolor class! The first installment of a series of three watercolor classes to be taught by this instructor. Learn essential skills like gradients, color mixing, and techniques to highlight shapes. We'll also create a beautiful blueberry painting together! All supplies are provided – just bring your imagination! If you have a journal, bring it along; it's a great investment for practice. This class is perfect for absolute beginners or those looking to refresh their skills.

Register for this course individually, or bundle and save when you register for all three courses!

Learn more and register

beginning watercolor II

Blue flower reflections with darcy brambrink

mastering watercolor series

saturday, february 1

12:00 - 3:00 PM

crossing arts members: $75

non-member pricing: $80

ages 16+

Enhance your watercolor skills with expert tips on creating floral watercolors with reflections. The second installment in Darcy Brambrink’s “Mastering Watercolor” series. This follow-up class for beginners introduces advanced artist pigments, helping you develop a more painterly style. Complete a 9 x 12 painting ready for framing. All supplies are provided – bring a hair dryer to speed up drying time. Ideal for beginners looking to advance their technique with a qualified instructor.

Register for this course individually, or bundle and save when you register for all three courses!

Learn more and register

intermediate watercolor I

hay field landscape with darcy brambrink

mastering watercolor series

saturday, february 15

10:00 am - 2:00 PM

crossing arts members: $125

non-member pricing: $130

ages 16+

The third and final installment of Darcy Brambrink’s “Mastering Watercolor” series. Elevate your watercolor skills by learning to create the illusion of distance and foreground in landscapes. This class focuses on tonal values, shapes, and sky, using artist-quality pigments and supplies. Explore color mixing, wet-into-wet techniques, and layering to complete a 9 x 12 painting ready for framing! All paintings will be critiqued by the instructor. This class is ideal for those who have completed a few watercolor classes or have some experience on their own. All supplies are provided, but you are encouraged to bring a hair dryer to speed up drying.

You are welcome to bring a lunch, as there will be a 30-minute break. 

Register for this course individually, or bundle and save when you register for all three courses!

Learn more and register

whisk brooms 101

Workshop with Instructor Mark Smith

saturday, January 25

1:00 - 4:00 pm

crossing arts members: $25

non-member pricing: $30

ages 16+

Join instructor Mark Smith for a demonstration and hands-on lesson in constructing a traditional Appalachian style turkey-wing whisk broom. Each participant will complete their very own small, hand-held broom! All tools and materials will be provided. Materials will include multiple colors of nylon twine, leather strips for a hanging loop for each piece, and broom corn stalks for plaiting the handles. The instructor will bring several samples of whisk brooms (and some larger brooms) for the class to see!

Tools include a broom-tying footbrake, basketry scissors, ripcords, knives, and a poly-pipe cutter.  Sharp tools will be used in this class. Participants must be aged 16+.

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Virtual WORKSHOPS