How do artists create the illusion of distance? It’s a bit of a magic trick to alter viewers’ perceptions, making objects appear to recede. Join this Blick Art Materials Workshop to explore strategies like perspective, line, and value while illustrating these concepts in the pages of a simple tunnel book.
In my workshop, we will explore the ACEO (Artist Card, Editions, and Originals). While the artist trading card has been around for a while, the demand for human made, original artwork has risen in the face of AI and an increasingly digital world. Some artists are leaning into, and even making their entire livelihood of of ACEOs especially in a time of financial hardship. We will talk about the commonly accepted “rules” of ACEOs, how they are sold on the internet, talk about ways to implement this into an art class, and we will even make our own to trade with others at the end of the workshop.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore creativity, problem-solving, and artistic risk-taking through a simple yet engaging sketchbook activity called "Dot, Dot, Make A Lot." Using a paper filled with dots, participants will create original artwork by choosing to connect, transform, incorporate, or intentionally avoid the dots as part of their design. This open-ended activity encourages creative thinking, personal expression, and the discovery of how simple starting points can lead to limitless artistic possibilities.
Explore methods for manipulating charcoals to create a quick completed masterpiece. With a focus on textures and values, begin with drawing trees and landscapes, learning to manipulate the medium to a more advanced focal point assignment which mixes charcoal with watercolor.
Looking for meaningful ways to encourage creative thinking without adding hours of prep? In this hands-on workshop, participants will experience a collection of quick creativity challenges inspired by classroom practice and Crayola Creativity Week. These low-prep activities take only 1–5 minutes, encourage risk-taking and experimentation, and can easily be expanded into full lesson experiences.
Drawing and embroidery are combined in this Blick Art Materials workshop. Create a monochrome graphite portrait adorned with pops of color and imaginative embellishments. Embroidered elements can be as simple or elaborate as needed to match the artist's skill level and desired effect. A stitch guide will be provided.
In this Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) activity, participants will explore the history and symbolism of traditional family crests before designing their own personalized crest. Using symbols, images, colors, and mottos, participants will identify and represent important aspects of their family, values, traditions, strengths, and personal identity. This reflective art experience encourages self-awareness, family connection, and meaningful discussion while helping participants visually communicate the people and experiences that have shaped who they are.
This hands on workshop introduces teachers to drypoint etching, a direct and expressive printmaking technique where participants use sharp needles to create rich, velvety lines and burr driven marks on inexpensive plexiglass plates. Over the session, educators will learn plate preparation, inking, and printing methods. We will explore ways to combine drypoint with simple monoprinting techniques for unique artistic results. By the end , teachers will leave with practical low cost strategies and lesson ideas to bring high quality line making and authentic printmaking back into their art rooms.
In this engaging art workshop, participants create bold kaleidoscope designs using symmetry, repetition, balance, and color theory. Participants will learn how to transform their names or chosen word into intricate geometric compositions inspired by kaleidoscopes, mandalas, and patterned design. Through guided instruction, students explore warm and cool color schemes, complementary colors, radial balance, and visual movement while developing creativity and design skills.
Explore the art of surface design as you create original patterns inspired by personal narrative, contemporary practices, and design principles. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn to not only create their designs but also transform them into custom fabric prints while learning techniques used in contemporary textile design to make fiber-based art. Participants will leave with the practical skills to apply this process in their personal work their lesson plans.
