Art and Craft Workshops at Wiawaka 2026
Learn Pastel over Watercolor
July 7th, 2026
10:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Joann Quinlivan
Cost of the workshop is $50, this includes material fees.
Joann is an artist who has concentrated on pastel for the last 20 years. She’s a self taught artist who has spent many years honing her craft, through workshops with internationally known pastel artists. Through these workshops, she has learned a variety of techniques in painting with pastel.
Joann began teaching at The Hedges, an Adirondack resort, eight years ago and now teaches at area art groups and libraries in and around Glens Falls, NY. She is also teaching a non-credit course at SUNY Adirondack. She exhibits in galleries as far west as Southern California and at home in Warren and Hamilton Counties. Her clients include collectors in the UK and Australia. She has won awards for her pastels in major pastel competitions in the US.
This year, Joann will be concentrating on teaching pastel with a watercolor underpainting.
Botanical Drawing with Colored Pencils Black Eyed Susans
July 8th, 2026
1:00pm-3:30pm
Instructor: Nancy Lyons
Cost of the workshop is $45, this includes material fees.
In this 2 1/2 hour class participants will learn the basics of Botanical Drawing. The process of Botanical Drawing begins with gradual toning with simple geometric shapes that turn into all the forms in nature. We will begin our forms by layering neutral tones and putting on top color with colored pencils. This process will make your piece three dimensional and pop off the page. By the end of class participants will have created a Black-Eyed Susan! Beginner-Intermediate Materials provided but feel free to bring your own Colored Pencils
Nancy Lyons is a retired educator and a lifelong artist who loves to teach and share her art with others. Her preferred mediums are soft pastels, colored pencils, graphite and watercolor. She has studied with local professional artists and continues to attend workshops by accredited artists in various mediums . Nancy specializes in Botanical Drawing- a scientific and artistic form, which depicts plants/flowers and their parts that is both creative and accurate . Nancy presently teaches classes throughout the Capital District. In addition, she is a member of Colonie Art League and Adirondack Pastel Society , and has received various awards for her artwork in juried shows.
Multiple Tea Bag Painting
July 9th, 2026
2:00pm-4:00pm
Instructor: Ruby Silvious
Cost of the workshop is $65, this includes material fees.
Participants will create miniature paintings on emptied used tea bags, using watercolor and gouache. All levels welcome. Supplies are included. Bring your imagination and impress yourself!
Ruby Silvious transforms everyday materials into captivating works of art. She rose to prominence with 363 Days of Tea, a yearlong project turning used tea bags into miniature paintings. Her innovative use of unconventional canvases—including used tea bags, eggshells, leaves, wine corks, paper bags, and receipts—challenges traditional notions of art.
Silvious is the author of 363 Days of Tea (2016) and Reclaimed Canvas (2019), both chronicling her creative journey. Her work, often inspired by global travels, has been featured in CNN Travel, Vogue Italia, Disney Malaysia,The Guardian, Der Spiegel, and the internationally syndicated Ripley's Believe it or Not, among others. Her art is exhibited and collected worldwide.
Mini-Weaving Workshop
July 13th, 2026
10:00am-4:00pm (12-1pm break for lunch)
Instructor: Linda Schultz
Cost of the workshop is $55, this includes material fees, day pass and lunch.
Weaving with Linda Schultz. Want to learn how to weave on a small scale? Learn how to create a small weaving on a 3” X 5” cardboard loom. Learn the weaving language and different weaving stitches. Go home with a small weaving. All supplies are included. Feel free to bring your own yarn if you would like.
Linda is a retired art educator. She holds an MS in art education from the State University of New York, a Certificate of Completion from the Art Farm Gallery for studies in Chinese Brush painting and a Certificate of Completion as an Expressive Arts Education Facilitator from Salve Regina University.
Watercolor Workshop with Diane Swanson: Architecture in the Landscape
July 14th, 2026
10:00am-12:00pm
Cost of the workshop is $55
Striking a balance between controlling the medium of watercolor while allowing the paint to do what it wants to do is key to having a satisfying watercolor painting experience. Watercolor artist Diane Swanson will offer a few ways and techniques to help participants work towards that balance in a relaxed easy setting.
Participants will practice watercolor technique demonstrated by the instructor to learn some of the magic of the medium, then will apply these techniques in creating their own watercolor painting inspired by Wiawaka’s varied architectural elements harmoniously set in nature. Diane will work with each artist through the process, with tips on how to handle composition, color and brushwork.
All abilities welcome, all materials supplied, but participants are welcome to bring their favorite brushes if they have them.
Painting with Patrice
“Calla Lily” by Georgia O'Keeffe
July 16th, 2026
2:00pm-4:00pm
Instructor: Patrice Jarvis-Weber
Cost of the workshop is $50, this includes material fees.
"Calla Lily Turned Away" was created by Georgia O'Keeffe in 1923. The ethereal setting of this lily has smooth flowing lines of white and green with subtle shading and highlighting. Come paint this O'Keeffe flower with me and bring home your own version of this piece.
Patrice has been part of the Adirondack art community for over 25 years. She studied art and art history and has worked as a photographer, calligrapher, sign painter, and a teaching artist. She was part of the staff at Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council, later organized community art events, and was a board member of the Lake George Arts Project. Throughout her career she has taught art to all ages. Presently Patrice is the teaching artist at the World Awareness Children’s Museum in Glens Falls. Many of her 2-hour classes are inspired by the art of the masters.
Pressed Clay Suncatchers
July 22nd, 2026
9:30am-11:30am
Instructor: Pam Golden
Cost of the workshop is $30
Clay is a fun and flexible material to work with!
In this workshop, we will press leaves, stamps, gems and beads into small pieces of clay and create beautiful designs !
These clay suncatchers will hang on ribbons & sparkle in the light… and bring you joyful memories of Wiawaka!
Pam Golden is a professional artist/educator. She works with clay and mixed media. Her sculptures have been exhibited nationally including First Night/Boston, Artsplosure/Raleigh, the Burchfield-Penney Art Gallery, the Fuller Museum of Art, and South Shore Art Center. Pam’s artwork is included in two books: ART.RAGE.US - The Art and Writing of Women with Breast Cancer and ART and HEALING - Using Expressive Therapies to Heal Your Mind, Body and Spirit by Barbara Ganim.
Her three BIRCH WOMEN sculptures are permanently installed at Wiawaka Center for Women [www.wiawaka.org] in Lake George, NY. Pam teaches art residencies at schools through Young Audiences of Massachusetts [www.yamass.org] creating community clay murals and Friendship Tree sculptures.
Watercolor Workshop with Diane Swanson: Painting the Lake
July 23rd, 2026
10:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Diane Swanson
Cost of the workshop is $55
Striking a balance between controlling the medium of watercolor while allowing the paint to do what it wants to do is key to having a satisfying watercolor painting experience. Watercolor artist Diane Swanson will offer a few ways and techniques to help participants work towards that balance in a relaxed easy setting.
Participants will practice watercolor technique demonstrated by the instructor to learn some of the magic of the medium, then will apply these techniques in creating their own watercolor paintings inspired by the stunning beauty of Lake George. Diane will work with each artist through the process, with tips on how to handle composition, color and brushwork.
All abilities welcome, all materials supplied, but participants are welcome to bring their favorite brushes if they have them.
Painting with Patrice
“Summer Birch” by Patrice
August 4th, 2026
2:00pm-4:00pm
Instructor: Patrice Jarvis-Weber
Cost of the workshop is $50, this includes material fees.
You will find birch trees reaching for the sky throughout the Adirondacks. Enjoy painting this ornamental tree in full summer bloom to take home as a keepsake.
Patrice has been part of the Adirondack art community for over 25 years. She studied art and art history and has worked as a photographer, calligrapher, sign painter, and a teaching artist. She was part of the staff at Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council, later organized community art events, and was a board member of the Lake George Arts Project. Throughout her career she has taught art to all ages. Presently Patrice is the teaching artist at the World Awareness Children’s Museum in Glens Falls. Many of her 2-hour classes are inspired by the art of the masters.
Accordion Collage Book
August 10th, 2026
2:00pm-4:00pm
Instructor: Ruby Silvious
Cost of the workshop is $65, this includes material fees.
Participants will learn to create accordion books, exploring the unique structure and its creative possibilities for storytelling, collage, and other artistic expressions. Suitable for all skill levels. Cardstock and assorted printed papers, glue and scissors will be supplied.
Ruby Silvious transforms everyday materials into captivating works of art. She rose to prominence with 363 Days of Tea, a yearlong project turning used tea bags into miniature paintings. Her innovative use of unconventional canvases—including used tea bags, eggshells, leaves, wine corks, paper bags, and receipts—challenges traditional notions of art.
Silvious is the author of 363 Days of Tea (2016) and Reclaimed Canvas (2019), both chronicling her creative journey. Her work, often inspired by global travels, has been featured in CNN Travel, Vogue Italia, Disney Malaysia,The Guardian, Der Spiegel, and the internationally syndicated Ripley's Believe it or Not among others. Her art is exhibited and collected worldwide.
The Pink Lotus represents inner beauty. The golden yellow behind shades of pink will make this flower glow. Under Patrice's instruction you will add layers of stronger pink shades to transition from one shade to the next. The ruby red tips of each petal will define the details of this delicate floral painting.
Patrice has been part of the Adirondack art community for over 25 years. She studied art and art history and has worked as a photographer, calligrapher, sign painter, and a teaching artist. She was part of the staff at Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council, later organized community art events, and was a board member of the Lake George Arts Project. Throughout her career she has taught art to all ages. Presently Patrice is the teaching artist at the World Awareness Children’s Museum in Glens Falls. Many of her 2-hour classes are inspired by the art of the masters.
August 13th, 2026
2:00pm-4:00pm
Instructor: Patrice Jarvis-Weber
Painting with Patrice
“Pink Lotus”
Cost of the workshop is $50, this includes material fees.
Learn to make an original Quilted Ornament Design
August 17th, 2026
9:00am-3:00pm lunch break 12-1
Instructor: Nan Wohlfahrt
Cost of the workshop is $60 this includes lunch
Join us for a delightful crafting experience where you’ll learn to create a stunning quilted ornament on a foam ball using many pins. In this workshop, students will learn the art of folding fabric and placing it precisely on the foam ball to create beautiful ornaments. You’ll also discover how to add the perfect finishing touches with bows and other embellishments. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, this class offers a fun and creative way to make unique ornaments for any occasion!
All materials for completing an ornament will be provided.
With over six years of experience in creating intricate quilted ornaments, Nan Wohlfahrt has honed a deep understanding and passion for this unique craft. Known for meticulous attention to detail and a creative flair, Nan transforms simple materials into stunning decorative pieces. Although new to teaching, Nan is confident in her ability to guide others through the process, offering clear and patient instruction. Join Nan in a hands-on workshop to learn the art of quilted ornaments, where you’ll gain valuable skills and create beautiful keepsakes.
Watercolor Workshop with Diane Swanson: Late Summer Flowers
August 18th, 2026
2:00pm-4:00pm
Cost of the workshop is $55
Striking a balance between controlling the medium of watercolor while allowing the paint to do what it wants to do is key to having a satisfying watercolor painting experience. Watercolor artist Diane Swanson will offer a few ways and techniques to help participants work towards that balance in a relaxed easy setting.
Participants will practice watercolor technique demonstrated by the instructor to learn some of the magic of the medium, then will apply these techniques in creating their own watercolor paintings inspired by some of the late summer's garden blooms. Diane will work with each artist through the process, with tips on how to handle composition, color and brushwork.
All abilities welcome, all materials supplied, but participants are welcome to bring their favorite brushes if they have them.
Victorian Women Journaling: Making Commonplace Books
August 19th, 2026
3:30pm-5:30pm
Instructors: Catherine & Pam Golden
Catherine J. Golden is professor of English and Tisch Chair in Arts and Letters at Skidmore College (2017-22), Saratoga Springs, NY. She has written and/or edited eight academic books including Serials to Graphic Novels: The Evolution of the Victorian Illustrated Book and Posting It: The Victorian Revolution in Letter Writing. A regular contributor to Illustration Magazine, a British arts journal, Golden has lectured widely on Victorian literature and culture at national and international and local venues, such as the Hyde, Ventfort Hall, the Fort Orange Club, Academy for Lifelong Learning, Northshire Bookstore, the Round Lake Lecture Series, the Brookside Museum, and Wiawaka.
Pam Golden is a professional artist/educator. She works with clay and mixed media. Her sculptures have been exhibited nationally including First Night/Boston, Artsplosure/Raleigh, the Burchfield- Penney Art Gallery, the Fuller Museum of Art, and South Shore Art Center. Pam’s artwork is included in two books: ART.RAGE.US - The Art and Writing of Women with Breast Cancer and ART and HEALING - Using Expressive Therapies to Heal Your Mind, Body and Spirit by Barbara Ganim. Her three BIRCH WOMEN sculptures are permanently installed at Wiawaka Center for Women [www.wiawaka.org] in Lake George, NY. Pam teaches art residencies at schools through Young Audiences of Massachusetts [www.yamass.org] creating community clay murals and Friendship Tree sculptures.
Cost of the workshop is $30, this includes material fees.