hope amico
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classes

creative classes for folks who think they aren’t creative

currently open for registration:

click on images for more information about these classes


A circular image of an empty classroom, two wooden tables pushed against each other in a T shape. Each of the six chairs at them has a cutting mat, bone folder, and printed postcard. Close to the viewer, there is a clipboard with a class schedule.

who are you?

You think you can’t draw but want to try.

You realize that creativity isn’t limited to painting.

You suspect that the artsy weirdos are having more fun.

This isn’t just for beginners.

Professional artists get stuck in ruts too. We become so comfortable in one skillset, we don’t try anything new because it might not be as easy for us.

This is for you.


What do I mean by “creative practice?”

Make a habit of nurturing your creativity.

Reclaim the creative curiosity you were born with.

We do this as children.

We explore. We experiment. We find something that makes a mark and we draw.

You don’t have to be a master painter to try painting.

You don’t have to sell your work in a gallery for it to mean something to you.

There are many paths to making art.

Making mistakes leads to better problem solving.

Experimentation can lead to innovation.

There is no one way to draw a tree.

 

Why take a class with me?

A light skinned person is wearing a pink polo under a black apron. They have glasses and short green hair. They have one hand on a letterpress machine, and the wall behind them is made of grey/brown bricks.

teaching at blackbird letterpress, baton rouge photo by mark martin

First, I love teaching.

I want you to love what I am sharing with you and I want you to succeed—I want your first bound book to hold together, I want you to make something that makes you feel something, I want you to make a library of mini-zines and share your stories.

Second, I have experience.

With unfussy patience, I will tell you what I know.

I will make best guesses for what I do not or we will figure it out together.

In the past 20 years I’ve worked with children and adults teaching bike repair, art, drawing and movement. In all my classes, I maintain encouragement and support.

Third, I offer a low stakes supportive environment where you can develop the skills needed to bring a creative practice into your life.

Whether it’s an afternoon embroidering paper or four weeks learning about basic drawing materials, I encourage experimentation and exploration.

We will learn methods, tools and even a little theory. We look at art, talk about art and then try a bunch of different ways of making art. We use materials that are easy to find and I provide everything you need in class so you don’t end up with materials you won’t use again if you decide never to draw, embroider or print again.

This is the kind of artist I am. I do not paint masterpieces in my sleep. I do try to make something every day . I want to share this with you.

are you ready?

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