Upper School Intersession 2025

Chinese Brush Painting is considered as one of the oldest living arts in the world. It has existed for more than 6,000 years and is quite a fascinating and unusual art form. Each brush stroke is a defining move that is very hard to correct. The simplicity of a Chinese painting belies the complex and demanding process that the artist went through to produce it. This workshop is designed for course is designed to provide students with an awareness of Chinese Brush Painting and what makes it unique. Students will learn how to hold a Chinese brush, use it to execute basic strokes, and create artworks.

Design and sketch a custom blockprint. Using a clever transfer technique and linocutting tools, learn how to carve a rubber slab.
Print a set of cards, a drawstring bag, and a cloth napkin. Time-allowing use your blockprint to make a mini animated flip-book. You will complete the class with knowledge and skills to create more designs of your own!
No previous experience needed. All levels welcome.

Create your own hot glass experience in this hands-on hot glass class. Blow, shape, and color your project. Explore the technical and the artistic basics of glass working in this fast-paced beginner's class.

Cables are fun to knit and can add texture and detail to any project. Learn how to work cables and traveling stitches both with and without a cable needle, as well as how to read cable stitch patterns and charts. If you’re ready to move beyond simple knit/purl patterns in your knitting, this is the class for you!

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to turn your favorite image into a Polaroid print, then carefully transfer the delicate, tissue-like emulsion onto watercolor paper. I'll teach you how to "lift" the emulsion layer, creating an image that flows, wrinkles, and even looks like it's floating—a cool, dreamy effect that actually looks the way a memory feels. No experience is necessary; just bring your favorite digital photos and get ready to dive into the world of handmade, experimental image making.

You'll work with paintbrushes and warm water to stretch, wrinkle, and blend your images. By the end of the class, you’ll leave with your own handmade emulsion lifts and all the know-how to keep experimenting at home. So, grab your favorite photos and join us for a workshop filled with creativity, experimentation, and the magic of Polaroids!

Examples: https://kathrynian.com/polaroid-emulsion-lifts

Students are introduced to the principles of architectural drawing through studio and on-location sessions as we focus on buildings as subjects and their relationship to environmental features. Our emphasis is technical drawing, including floor plans, elevations, sections, site plans, and details. We will also cover 3D Renderings, such as paraline and traditional perspective drawings as we set up in the park and draw subjects from life.
 
Upon completion, students will be able to represent buildings through drawing in a variety of ways. No prior drawing experience is required. All materials will be provided.

In this 5 hour intensive, you'll walk away with a solid grasp of the knowledge you need to make jewelry! You'll get lots of practice soldering, shaping, and polishing metal to create little pieces of wearable art!

No experience whatsoever is necessary, but come with some idea of what you want to make, closed-toed shoes, and no flowy sleeves! Or, if you DO have experience from a past Jewelry Intersession or a WoW Workshop, you'll have the freedom to explore techniques you already know, get instruction on anything more advanced, or ask for advice on anything you're working on!

Interested in a shorter, less in-depth course where we'll just cover some basics? Check out the 2.5 hour Intro version of this class!

Dive into the vibrant world of mixed-media printmaking in this immersive full-day workshop. Students will explore the techniques of monoprinting and relief printing, releasing their creativity through hands-on art making.

The class begins with an introduction to monoprinting with gel plates, where students will create unique, one-of-a-kind prints. They'll experiment with layering, texturing, and incorporating natural elements like botanicals, discovering how to develop their own artistic styles.

Next, students will delve into block printing, learning how to carve designs into rubber blocks and produce multiple prints. From carving techniques to ink application and printing methods, students will bring their designs to life on both paper and fabric.

Throughout the day, we'll also explore historical and contemporary examples of printmaking, deepening students’ understanding of the art form’s cultural significance. With demonstrations, creative discussions, and a supportive learning environment, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity for students to explore their creativity and express their unique artistic voices.

Chinese Brush Painting is considered as one of the oldest living arts in the world. It has existed for more than 6,000 years and is quite a fascinating and unusual art form. Each brush stroke is a defining move that is very hard to correct. The simplicity of a Chinese painting belies the complex and demanding process that the artist went through to produce it. This workshop is designed for course is designed to provide students with an awareness of Chinese Brush Painting and what makes it unique. Students will learn how to hold a Chinese brush, use it to execute basic strokes, and create artworks.

Create your own hot glass experience in this hands-on hot glass class. Blow, shape, and color your project. Explore the technical and the artistic basics of glass working in this fast-paced beginner's class.

Learn how to knit or work on your stitches! This class is designed for both beginners, who want to be able to knit basic stitches to create projects of all types, and experienced knitters who want support as they work through a project. Students will learn how to cast on, knit, purl and cast off as well as important techniques of how to back out of your work to fix mistakes. In addition, knitting has a language all its own and some of this will be taught so the students can confidently buy their own yarn and read simple patterns. Useful handouts will be provided. Time will be given to practice and students will be able to take their work home for the evening and when the class is done. No experience necessary to take this class. Supplies will be included.

This class is offered twice; students are welcome to attend both if they want more knitting time.

Needle felting is a fun way to create fuzzy soft sculptures using wool and special felting tools. We'll start with flat images that can be turned into pins or patches, then move into 3-D projects. You can felt your favorite food, animals, or abstract art - the sky's the limit!