Previous Classes Archive

Discover the captivating art of dynamic vase painting in our immersive workshop. Using a unique technique of paint pouring and resin application, you’ll transform ordinary vases and canvases into mesmerizing abstract works of art. Watch as vibrant paints cascade over the vase, creating intricate patterns, while the excess spills onto the canvas, forming abstract designs.

After allowing the paint to cure, return for the next Monday class (April 22nd) at the folk school to apply a protective finish, ensuring the longevity and vibrancy of your masterpiece. Then, delve into the final step of the process by encasing your artwork in clear epoxy resin, creating a glossy, professional-quality finish. Within days, witness the transformation of your creation into a stunning centerpiece that reflects your newfound skills and creativity.

Join us for this unique workshop and unleash your artistic potential as you explore the magic of paint pouring and resin mastery. Create lasting memories and breathtaking artworks that will leave a lasting impression.

Let’s learn printmaking and create with Grace! Woodblock carving and relief printmaking allows you to create an original work of art that can be reproduced over and over again, by hand. In this lesson, you will learn how to create, carve and print a woodblock.

*Please note that due to dry times, you will need to come back the next day to pick up your creation

Materials included:

• Woodblock
• Ink
• Paper
• Carving tools
• Printing station: brayer, barren, glass pallet, pallet knife

What you will learn:

• Sourcing materials
• Carving with small wood carving tools
• Printmaking without a printing press
• Woodblock printing steps

Is the class beginner friendly?
YES! All skill levels are welcome, we will find a design for everyone.

Is the class family friendly?
YES! Recommended for children 14 years and older due to risk of injury from carving tools, they are sharp!

Artist Bio: Grace has been working professionally as a woodblock printmaker for a decade and she is a mixed media fine artist, muralist, installation artist, and owner of Grace Noel Art, LLC. You can visit her studio at the Denver Art Society Underground in Denver’s Art District at 734 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO. We are all made of sunshine. Sunshine makes the plants grow, the water flow and the wind blow. Now it is time to go on a magical journey through the rainbow.

Experience the timeless art of woodturning at Rocky Mountain Folk School! Our woodturning class is a unique opportunity to explore this ancient craft in the inspiring mountain lake community of Grand Lake, Colorado. Led by our Master Teacher and Woodworker, Dennis Fanning, who brings over 30 years of expertise to the craft, you’ll discover the rich history of woodturning, dating back to 1300 BC in Egypt.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned woodworker, this all-inclusive program is designed for everyone, and no prior experience is necessary. You can choose to attend for just one day at a cost of $100, offering flexibility for those with busy schedules. However, we highly recommend the two-day option for a deeper dive into woodturning. This extended experience allows you to not only grasp the fundamentals but also practice and refine your skills under Dennis’s expert guidance.

Join us and immerse yourself in the captivating world of woodturning. It’s an opportunity to connect with tradition and craftsmanship, while creating something truly unique. Don’t miss out on this enriching journey!

Explore the timeless art of leatherworking with our custom leather key holder class at the Rocky Mountain Folk School in Grand Lake, CO. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll delve into the fundamentals of leathercraft, gaining essential skills to create a personalized and functional accessory. Learn the art of precision as you master techniques such as cutting, edge sealing, tooling, and stitching. Immerse yourself in the craft, crafting a unique leather key chain holder that reflects your style and creativity. Join us in the heart of the inspiring mountain lake community for a memorable learning experience that engages the hands, warms the heart, and stimulates the mind.

Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience in leathercraft, this class is designed to cater to all skill levels. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of leatherworking and leave with a one-of-a-kind key holder that tells a story and reflects the beauty of the craft.

Explore the world of craftsmanship with our engaging class in collaboration with Seaworthy Small Ships and 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 sailboat; there will be multiple choices available. You can stay and help them assemble the boat or you can drop them off.

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)

If you’d like to know more about the instructor or gel printing, please visit her YouTube channel at youtube.com/RobynMcClendon.

This is a fun class with hands-on instruction provided by the team at Colorado Ice Works. Attendees will receive a clear block of ice, some hand tools (sorry, no chainsaws!) and reference material. Each class is approximately 2 hours long. Each attendee will have around 1.5 hours of actual sculpting time. Clear ice is a fascinating medium to sculpt. It is surprisingly soft to sculpt. Chisels and hand tools cut through it like a hot knife through butter. Like a perfectly cut diamond, clear ice reflects and refracts light with each bend, detail line or contour that is made.

We will spend 15 minutes at the beginning of the class discussing safety and proper tool handling. An additional 15 minutes will be spent going over the available designs to be sculpted and how to transfer those designs to the ice. Team members from Colorado Ice Works will be available to assist throughout the class, to answer questions, or to help anybody who gets stuck with where they are at.

Upon conclusion of the class, we will incorporate some fire and use it to melt the sculptures to a pristine, crystal-clear final product. Attendees will be able to showcase their completed pieces at the Winter Carnival the following day. Subsequently, they can neatly pack their finished creations into a box, allowing them to take these unique works of art home. This lets them share their achievements with family and friends and serves as a tangible reminder of the wonderful experiences and skills gained during the event.

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.

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 class, 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.

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.

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.

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!

Discover the rich tradition of Native American flute-making with our engaging class at Rocky Mountain Folk School in Grand Lake, CO. Our experienced instructor, Stanley Loftness, a dedicated flute maker with 15 years of expertise, will guide you through this unique journey into the world of music and craftsmanship.

In this class, you’ll delve into the intricacies of flute construction, starting with a preformed blank. Stanley’s passion for Native American culture and music was ignited during a visit to the stunning Canyon de Chelly in Arizona, where the haunting melodies of a flute reverberated 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.

As a medical professional, Stanley Loftness recognizes the profound healing potential of music. His holistic approach combines his medical knowledge with the therapeutic power of the Native American flute. Join us for an unforgettable experience where you’ll not only craft a beautiful, correctly tuned, and playable flute but also explore 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. Explore our one-of-a-kind hand-crafted Native American Style Flutes and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing through music.

Explore the magic of the holiday season with our special acrylic painting class, perfect for celebrating Halloween. Join us at the Rocky Mountain Folk School, nestled in the heart of Grand Lake, CO, for a unique artistic experience. In this class, you’ll delve into the world of acrylics and learn to paint a hauntingly beautiful ghost amidst the eerie charm of a wooded forest.

Our expert instructor, Edie Dafoe will guide you through each step of the painting process, from creating the spooky ambiance to capturing the ethereal essence of your ghostly masterpiece. It’s a fantastic opportunity to unlock your creativity and embrace the spirit of the season in a warm and welcoming mountain lake community.

Have you ever wanted to delve into the fascinating world of entomology or create lifelike insect replicas? Or perhaps you’re interested in crafting aquatic or terrestrial fly imitations that look beautiful and fool fish? If you’ve had the pleasure of catching a fish with a fly you’ve tied yourself, you know how immensely satisfying it can be. If you have yet to try it, there’s no time like the present!

Luckily, you don’t have to go at it alone. The fishing guide instructors from Kirks Fly Shop in Grand Lake, CO, can teach you how to tie popular fly patterns. Even if you’re a complete beginner, don’t worry! The instructor will guide you through the basics and have you tying flies in no time.

Experience the timeless art of woodturning in 2023 at Rocky Mountain Folk School! Our Wood-turning class is a unique opportunity to explore this ancient craft in the inspiring mountain lake community of Grand Lake, Colorado. Led by our Master Teacher and Woodworker, Dennis Fanning, who brings over 30 years of expertise to the craft, you’ll discover the rich history of woodturning, dating back to 1300 BC in Egypt.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned woodworker, this all-inclusive program is designed for everyone, and no prior experience is necessary. You can choose to attend for just one day at a cost of $100, offering flexibility for those with busy schedules. However, we highly recommend the two-day option for a deeper dive into woodturning. This extended experience allows you to not only grasp the fundamentals but also practice and refine your skills under Dennis’s expert guidance.

Join us in 2023 and immerse yourself in the captivating world of woodturning at Rocky Mountain Folk School. It’s an opportunity to connect with tradition and craftsmanship while creating something truly unique. Don’t miss out on this enriching journey into the art of woodturning.

Explore the captivating world of gourd art with our Gourd Birdhouse class! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this workshop is your ticket to unleashing your creativity.

In this class, you’ll discover the magic of gourding, using acrylic paints, specialized dyes, wood-burning techniques, and carving to transform ordinary gourds into extraordinary art pieces. Our experienced instructors, Karen and Linda, are passionate about gourd art. Karen brings a whimsical and unconventional approach, highlighting the natural beauty of these unique canvases with seven years of gourd art practice. Linda, inspired by Karen, embraces the traditional style of gourd art, creating delightful and timeless pieces.

Join us at Rocky Mountain Folk School for a fun and educational experience that will leave you with a one-of-a-kind gourd birdhouse. Don’t miss out on this creative adventure!

Join us for an inspiring acrylic painting experience with the talented instructor Edie Dafoe, the creative force behind Upside Images. In this captivating class, you’ll embark on a journey of artistic expression, crafting unique masterpieces that mirror the beauty of each changing season. The canvas, a blank 11″x14″ space, becomes your personal window to the world as you delve into a new design with every session.

Edie Dafoe, the visionary artist behind Upside Images, has transformed her love for art into a fulfilling career and a passion for teaching. Following a life-altering event, Edie turned to art as a source of healing and rejuvenation, gradually evolving her artistic journey from personal solace to a vibrant business venture. Embracing the scenic surroundings of Grand Lake, Edie draws inspiration from her deep connection to nature’s wonders, channeling her experiences into her captivating art pieces. Edie’s self-curated and ongoing artistic education brings a unique blend of techniques and insights to her teaching approach, ensuring that her students not only discover their creative potential but also find joy and fulfillment in the process.

This acrylic painting class is designed for individuals at various skill levels, from beginners eager to explore their artistic capabilities to intermediate painters looking to refine their techniques. With Edie’s expert guidance, you’ll unlock the magic of acrylics, learning to capture the essence of each season through your brushstrokes. So, come dressed in your painting attire and let your imagination flow as you become part of the acrylic artistic community, where creativity knows no bounds, and every stroke tells a story.

Building a half hull model of a boat is a great way to learn how to read boat plans, get used to basic hand tools, and be introduced to basic boatbuilding skills, all at once! Julius Spradley of Denver Custom Boatworks will lead us through both sessions.

Day 1 will be focused on the plans and assembling the blank for a model, and day 2 will consist of shaping and finishing a beautiful half hull model for you to take home. Both days of this workshop will take place at the Pitkin Annex in downtown Grand Lake, CO.

Looking to learn the basics of Gourd Art? Rocky Mountain Folk School is offering classes this August and September. Please join us for (2) four-hour sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays per the above dates. During the course, you’ll learn how to create a gourd vase using your design and provided materials. You’ll also learn valuable skills such as painting with acrylic or specialized dyes, wood burning, and carving.

About the instructors: Karen, one of our instructors, has been practicing gourd art for seven years. Her unique style brings out the natural beauty of gourds in whimsical and unusual ways. She introduced Linda to gourd art over a year ago, and Linda has been creating delightful pieces in a traditional style ever since. Join us for a fun and educational experience in Gourd Art!

Are you interested in wooden boatbuilding but don’t really know how to start? This course/Q+A is a great place to get moving! Join Julius Spradley of Denver Custom Boatworks at the Pitkin Annex in downtown Grand Lake, CO, to learn how to replace planks, mark a waterline, sharpen your tools, and ask all the questions you’ve been wondering about.

Whether you’re hoping to start a project soon or already have a few boats under your belt and want to pick up a few more skills, join us for what is sure to be a fun and connecting afternoon.

This class is offered through the Rocky Mountain Wooden Boat School. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact them directly.