Classes

Enjoy the satisfaction of working with clay – whether you’re a beginner, experienced or need a refresher from years ago. In this class you can hand-build using the extruder, slab roller and make pinch pots. You can also learn to use the wheel. It’s an open-ended class where you can make whatever you like – sculpture, functional pottery, jewelry, wall pieces and wherever else your imagination takes you. Clay and tools provided.

Join artist Heather Ferrera in the captivating realm of fluid acrylic pouring! Immerse yourself in the art of mixing acrylic paints with mediums, and learn diverse pouring techniques that transform every canvas into a masterpiece. With each class, discover new methods of layering, pouring, and tilting, allowing you to create a variety of mesmerizing designs.

Heather Ferrera, a visionary artist celebrated for her abstract fluid pouring expertise, will guide you through the delicate balance between chance and intentionality. Embrace the science behind the art, experiment with a spectrum of techniques, acrylic mediums, and a vibrant color palette to achieve captivating visual effects. As you tilt and manipulate the canvas, watch as each class unveils a new pouring technique, enriching your artistic repertoire.

Elevate your creative journey with sustainability in mind, as Heather introduces an eco-friendly element. Explore the innovative practice of fashioning colorful jewelry from residual paint drippings, merging art with responsible craftsmanship.

As a heads up, your exquisite art piece will need to dry overnight. Please plan a convenient time to coordinate pickup with either the instructor or the program coordinator. Join ‘Fluid Mastery’ now, and embark on a transformative adventure where each class unravels fresh pouring techniques, enabling you to express your artistry with fluid elegance.

Discover the art of crafting polymer clay owl ornaments perfect for Christmas decorations in this upcoming class at Rocky Mountain Folk School. Our experienced instructor, Tammi Williams, with over 13 years of polymer clay expertise, will guide you through the creative process.

Tammi’s passion for polymer clay artistry shines through as she shares her techniques for crafting critter-themed ornaments that are both decorative and functional. With her pieces regularly featured in local art shows and her teaching experience through the local library system and active adult center, you’ll learn from a true expert.

This class offers a unique opportunity to create personalized Christmas decorations while exploring the versatile world of polymer clay. Sign up now to add a touch of handmade charm to your holiday season!

Join us for an engaging and creative journey in our “Holiday Ornament Wood Burning Workshop.” In this hands-on class, you’ll unlock the art of wood burning while crafting your very own holiday ornaments. Whether you’re looking to create heartfelt gifts or add a unique touch to your home décor, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to explore your artistic side.

Our talented instructor, Elisabeth Strunk, brings her expertise in watercolors and wood burning to guide you through the process. She’s not just about the end result but cherishes the joy of creating art. By the end of the workshop, you’ll proudly take home two custom wood-burned pieces of art ready to adorn your holiday tree, be given as gifts, or grace your walls as beautiful miniature hangings.

Don’t miss out on this chance to learn, create, and infuse your holiday season with a touch of handmade artistry. Sign up now and let your creativity flourish amidst the inspiring Rocky Mountain Folk School community.

In this workshop, you’ll not only leave with a beautiful set of watercolor cards but also the skills to make your own artwork at home!

The class will begin with the practice of watercolors and trying your hand at various techniques, such as mastering different types of washes, dry brushing, gradients, and more. You’ll then apply those techniques to create your own paintings.

Think of this class as a way to add tools to your artistic toolbox! Everyone will leave with the watercolor palette they used in class.

In this class at the Rocky Mountain Folk School, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills for blending acrylic paint. Led by the talented local painter and passionate instructor, Edie Dafoe, this course is designed to enhance your artistic skills and unleash your creativity. Throughout the class, you’ll receive three 5×7 inch canvases to practice the art of blending acrylic paint, allowing you to experiment and perfect your technique.

With guidance from Edie Dafoe, you’ll explore various methods and secrets to achieve beautiful gradients and seamless transitions in your acrylic paintings. This class offers an excellent opportunity to gain confidence in your painting abilities and create stunning artworks. Students will be able to take home completed paintings, thanks to adding easy silhouettes with stencils. While the class is beginner friendly, experienced artists can practice or learn some new blending techniques with these enjoyable projects.

This class is sure to warm your heart and stimulate your mind while fostering your artistic growth in the inspiring and inclusive mountain lake community of Grand Lake, CO.

Explore the world of craftsmanship with our engaging class in collaboration with Seaworthy Small Ships and the esteemed Rocky Mountain Wooden Boat School! Nurture your child’s love for working with wood and building by enrolling them in our exciting class. In this hands-on experience, your child will have the opportunity to assemble their very own 8″ Scorpion boat kit, carefully designed to be semi-to-scale.

Under the guidance of Alice, the passionate owner of Seaworthy Small Ships, your child will not only build a boat but also embark on a creative journey of varnishing and painting. With meticulous attention to detail, the class aims to instill a sense of pride as each participant crafts their unique and timeless masterpiece. Join us in fostering a love for traditional arts and crafts in the picturesque mountain lake community of Grand Lake, CO. Enroll your child today for an unforgettable and skill-enhancing experience that they will cherish for years to come!

In this 3-day workshop we will explore an age-old art technique of mono printing to capture the amazing details of flora on paper. Using many of the techniques that I share in my newly released book “Gel Plate Printing for Mixed Media Art” you will learn how to create beautiful images with acrylic paints and inks. Printing with wild abandon there is a freedom in learning the basics and best practices for printing some amazing images using inspired color palettes and plant material to create your own very unique images.

We will then in the second half of this workshop bind these images in a book structure that I have designed that uses #postconsumerwaste, cardboard boxes, to create a beautiful highly functional book structure. This easy to learn and create book does not require sewing. We will actually be tying and knotting string to create a lay flat structure whose pages turn with ease of a traditional book.

What is a #PostConsumerWaste Art Project?
As an Artist and Creative that receives a large amount of inspiration for my work from nature, I have reused found objects and antique age ephemera and fabrics in my artwork for many years. As a content creator I’ve created hundreds of videos teaching many of my techniques to creatives. As I look out into the world and gathering inspiration from the many found objects it became increasingly harder for me not to notice the number of papers, junk mail and cardboards boxes, to name just a few of the categories the consumer waste falls into. It really hit home during the lockdown years of 2021 and 2022, I, like many others, was forced to order my supplies online and the amount of plastics and papers that come across my threshold was disturbing, I felt obligated to do something with this consumer waste. Thus, was born #postconsumerart in homage to artists using consumer waste in their creations. Inspired by Marcel Duchamps readymade art of the 50’s, a new direction was formed to capture some of the similar culturally inspired concepts that his art reflected. I try to discover creative, inspiring and yet effective ways to re-use these waste products in my work.

Supply List

• Gel Plate, 8×10 – (here’s a 10% off coupon for students who don’t have a plate; just go to gelliarts.com and use the coupon code ROBYNM at checkout)
• Brayer
• Acrylic paints an assortment (any that you already have or standard beginner grade paints)
• Copier paper
• Ink pads preferably a dark blue (and any that you may already have 2-3 will be plenty)
• Scissors
• Metal ruler
• Glue stick and or PVA white glue
• Glue brush (an old paint brush is perfect)
• Hand held single hole punch
• Ball of twine or yarn (anything you may already have)

In this workshop, you will learn various skills and techniques pertaining to the art of wood burning and use those skills on your own creation! The perfect workshop for those wanting to make a gift or something special for their home.

A cutting board will be provided but don’t forget to bring a design in mind! You’ll leave with a custom wood burned piece of art that will look great on your kitchen walls and as a dinner party centerpiece.

In this workshop, you’ll not only leave with a beautiful watercolor painting but also the skills to make your own artwork at home!

The class will begin with the practice of watercolors and trying your hand at various techniques, such as mastering different types of washes, dry brushing, gradients, and more. You’ll then apply those techniques to create your own painting. Think of this class as a way to add tools to your artistic toolbox! Everyone will leave with the watercolor palette they used in class.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of wet felting and needle felting during this engaging workshop, where creativity meets craftsmanship. Participants will discover the art of transforming raw wool fibers into vibrant masterpieces by first learning the rhythmic process of wet felting. With warm water, soap, and their skilled hands, they will layer and mesh the wool fibers to create a sturdy fabric, which will serve as the canvas for their envisioned aspen picture.

As the wet felting concludes, participants will transition to the captivating art of needle felting. Armed with barbed needles, they will delicately shape and add intricate details to their aspen picture, bringing it to life with realistic textures and gradients. This immersive experience not only teaches the technical aspects of felting but also provides a meditative and therapeutic journey, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry of nature-inspired creations. Each attendee will leave with a stunning masterpiece, a testament to their newfound felting skills and the creative expression that bloomed during the workshop.

Discover the secrets of creating awe-inspiring classical mosaics with a modern twist! Led by the renowned artist and educator Renee Walkup, this program offers a rare chance to make beautiful pieces of art using repurposed materials and found objects. From June 6th to June 8th, each day’s activities will occur from 8:30am to 12:30pm, with a substrate and all necessary materials provided. However, students are encouraged to bring items from their homes to incorporate into their artwork. 

Moreover, after the morning program each day, there will be an open studio from 2pm to 5pm, where participants can work independently and apply what they’ve learned to create unique and fascinating mosaics. On the final day, June 8th, a grouting and finishing class will be held, and students will be given instructions and a demo. They will then have until 12:30pm to work on their pieces, and the class will conclude with photos and a “graduation” ceremony. 

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from a true artist and create something exceptional! Take this fantastic chance to get creative and learn new skills.

Embark on a fascinating journey into the world of Native American flute-making with our engaging class at Rocky Mountain Folk School in Grand Lake, CO. Led by our experienced instructor, Stanley Loftness, a dedicated flute maker with 15 years of expertise, you’ll delve deep into the art of crafting these beautiful instruments.

In this hands-on class, you’ll start with a preformed blank and learn the intricacies of flute construction. Stanley’s own passion for Native American culture and music was ignited during a transformative visit to the breathtaking Canyon de Chelly in Arizona, where the haunting melodies of a flute echoed off the canyon walls. Inspired by this experience and after acquiring a flute crafted by a Navajo artist, he embarked on a mission to create his own Native American-style flute.

Stanley Loftness is not only a skilled flute maker but also a medical professional who recognizes the profound healing potential of music. He combines his medical knowledge with the therapeutic power of the Native American flute, offering a holistic approach. Join us for an unforgettable experience where you’ll craft a beautiful, correctly tuned, and playable flute while also exploring the spiritual and healing aspects of this ancient instrument. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Grand Lake and let the music guide you on a path to inner peace and wellness. Discover the profound art of Native American flute-making and the healing power of music under Stanley’s expert guidance.

In this class you will learn how to create a woven wall hanging start to finish. At the end of the class you will be able to take home your weaving to display in your home!

We will begin by learning how to warp a loom. We will then move on to mastering the different types of woven stitches and weaving techniques. I will do demonstrations for the class and then allow you to work on your piece independently while I observe and answer questions. After you have finished your piece we will learn how to tie off loose ends and take the piece off of the loom. Once complete you will be able to take your piece home!

Join us for a one-of-a-kind rug hooking workshop in Grand Lake, nestled in the stunning Rocky Mountains. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this unique location. This is the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your creativity and unwind from the stresses of everyday life.

With her vast knowledge and expertise, Theresa will teach you how to create beautiful, vintage-style rugs using a variety of wools and primitive cuts. You’ll also learn her non-traditional hooking style and 10 tips for making rugs look old and vintage. Bring your own wool or purchase from Theresa’s stash, and enjoy the delicious lunches provided during the workshop. Take advantage of this chance to learn from one of the best and create stunning rugs that look like they’ve been around for decades!

Workshop details will be emailed to you before the class begins.