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I have been teaching encaustic since 2002, and leading creative workshops for over 20 years.  I love teaching this medium because it lends itself to experimentation, which allows for a sense of freedom and play in the classroom. I offer on-going five-day, one or two day workshops, and recently added a half-day introduction.  No previous artistic experience is needed for any of my Encaustic 1 or Half-day Workshops.  Experience is needed for my Encaustic 2, 3, 4 or 5 workshops, and for Open Studios.  Most of my teaching takes place at our new encaustic school: 'the hive' in the Alton Mill, near Orangeville, ON,.  www.altonmill.ca

NOTE: PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL WORKSHOPS/CLASSES/OPEN STUDIOS! 

Dates listed may change, so please check first, via email or phone.

The Alton Mill Creative Centre is a wonderful place to come and visit, with over 30 artists, galleries, and a fresh food bakery and cafe on site.  Walking trails through the woods make this a fantastic getaway.

Pictured Above: the Southampton School of Art on Lake Huron, Summer 2009

Encaustic 1:  Introduction to the medium, brief history, safety concerns, the use of the heat gun, blow torch and iron as fusing tools, mixing colours, basic layering, creating smooth/textured surfaces, incorporating collage, photo transfer, gouging and filling gouges with medium and oil paint.

Encaustic 2:  working with glazes of colour to increase transparencies, ironing techniques explored, working on boards covered with encaustic gesso, transfer papers (carbon, graphite, etc), masking off areas, gold/silver/copper leaf, stencils, water on wax, and making your own medium.

Encaustic 3: intense vs. subtle colour layering, india ink on transparent papers, tips for difficult collage items, transferring colour photocopies, scraping at layers, metallic powders, ironing things in/out of wax, iron as a gouging tool, and pastel usage.

Encaustic 4:  exploring various surfaces: drywall compound on wood, plexi-glass, rusted metal, colour theory, advanced glazing methods, working with 3-D collage items, using oil sticks, water-soluble wax crayons and carving out straight lines.

Encaustic 5: a new addition to the list, this workshop is designed for those who have been working regularly in an encaustic practice, and are ready to take the step into 'what's next'.  There will be gently facilitated feedback sessions in a small group setting, some written exercises that help to develop our artistic voice and find the words to talk about our work in a clear, concise manner.  It will be necessary to bring a piece in process to share/work on.  There will still be lots of time for hand-on exploration with encaustic. 

Encaustic 2, 3. 4 & 5 workshops are intended for those who have a) taken encaustic workshops/classes with me/someone else in the past and/or b) those who have been experimenting with encaustic on their own.  The focus of each builds on the one before, with new techniques being added, increasing in difficulty. 

NEW! Half-day Introduction to Encaustic Workshops give students a chance to try it out over a three and a half hour period.  Basic layering, introduction to the fusing tools (iron, heat gun and blow torch) as well as photo transfer and collage will be demonstrated. Can be morning or afternoon.

NEW! Adult & Child Workshops provide an opportunity for a parent to attend and take part in the class with their child... overseeing their progress in the workshop.  Tools provided are heat gun and iron only.  We will be working on matt board, by the end of the one day or two days creating several beautiful greeting cards +/or small paintings to take home.   Minimum age for child: 7 years.

My workshops are self-directed, which means that I don't teach people to paint in a particular way, but rather support each student to explore their own creativity. There is some sharing within the class, as students inspire each other to try new things. Encaustic is a uniquely spontaneous medium, and working with wax helps one to let go of "attachment to outcome". Students are encouraged to take risks, let go of preconceived ideas, and most of all, to have fun exploring this versatile medium.

For workshops/classes, Andrea brings the supplies needed - exception: Open Studio (bring your own boards to work on)  Optional supplies to bring to workshops: collage items (paper/fabric/photocopies made with toner, etc.)

IF CLASSES ARE FULL BUT YOU ARE INTERESTED, ANDREA WILL ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAITING LIST... Call: 519-323-3437

SEE CANCELLATION POLICY BELOW.  

YOU ARE INVITED TO... 

Drop by 'the hive' in Alton, our wonderful Encaustic School!

On-going workshops, open studio times, chances to 'give it a whirl' and more...

See schedule below.  *NOTE: we are usually at the hive on weekends (noon til 5pm), and by chance through the week.   Please call to arrange an appointment or to find out if we will be there ... 519-323-3437.

www.altonmill.ca

A few words from students...

"...thank you for a wonderful learning weekend.  I had a great time and you are a terrific teacher.  I will be busy in my studio this week applying what I learned - can't wait to get started."  Elsie Campbell, after Encaustic 1 & 2 at 'the hive' in Alton June 2011

"Andrea is an excellent teacher.  She demonstrates each step and method slowly, in a logical fashion, and yet she's having fun with it.  It's clear that she loves what she's doing.  As you watch her, you just can't wait to try it yourself."  Leslie Newumann, Annual Encaustic Conference, Beverly, Mass. USA June 2010

"The most organized and giving instructor that I have ever had at the Art School."  Sandra, Southampton Art School, Sept. 09

"...very relaxed and fun class, Andrea's organization was great and very thought out..."   Wendy, St. Thomas Artists' Guild, April 08

"Students felt free to ask any questions, Andrea's style was precise and very comfortable... this was the most interesting workshop I've taken in a long time."   Beth, St. Thomas Artists' Guild, April 08

"You have introduced me to a new passion!  I love this medium and can't wait to do more.  Thanks for a great day!!"  Roberta, The Colour Jar, Durham, March 09

Prices for Workshops @ 'the hive'! 

Give it a whirl! The space will be set up and those interested can give it a try -  Andrea will be giving demonstrations and then you'll have a chance to try it for about 30 minutes.   Times listed with dates. Cost is $10 per person for supplies.

Open Studio: only for those who have taken an Encaustic 1 or Half-day Introduction workshop with me. Sign up for three and/or six hours of studio time.  No teaching/facilitation.  Bring your own substrates/collage. The hive will provide pots/brushes/griddles/blow torch/heat gun/iron/collage items/community!  Cost is $45 for three hours (half day), $70 for whole day. Times: 10:30am - 1:30pm +/or 1:30-4:30pm. (All day is 10:30am-4:30pm with time off for lunch.)

Workshops: these run all day from 10am til 4pm with a lunch break of 45 min.  Cost for one day workshop is $190 (incl. taxes/all supplies.) or $350 for two workshops/people.

NEW! Adult & Child Workshop: This takes place on two Sat. afternoons, from 1:30pm - 4pm. Cost for both days for adult/child: $180.

NEW! Half-Day Introduction to Encaustic: New! Now available for those who would like to try it out, but cannot make it to a full day workshop... from 9am - 12:30pm OR 1pm - 4:30pm. Check times carefully on schedule.  Cost:$125 or two for $230.

SCHEDULE 2012

Note: all workshops take place at the hive unless otherwise stated.

February

Saturday, February 4 - Encaustic 1 (full day)

Sunday, Feb. 5 - Encaustic 2 (full day)

Saturdays, Feb. 11 & 18 - Adult/Child Workshop (afternoons, 1:30- 4pm)

Wednesday, Feb. 22 - Open Studio (afternoon only)

Sat./Sun. Feb. 25 &26 - Open Studio (full or half day)

March

Saturday, March 3 - Encaustic 1 Workshop

Sunday, March 4 - Encaustic 2 Workshop

Sunday, March 11 - Half-day Introduction: 1 - 4:30pm

Saturday, March 17 - Encaustic 3 Workshop

Sunday, March 18 - Encaustic 4 Workshop

Wednesdays, March 7 & 21 - Open Studio (afternoon only)

Sat./Sunday, March 24 & 25 - Open Studio (full or half day)

April

Sunday, April 8 - Give it a Whirl! @ 11am, 1, 2 & 3pm

Sundays, April 15 &22 - Adult/Child Workshop 1:30 - 4pm

Saturday, April 21 - Encaustic 1 Workshop

Fridays, April 13 & 27 - Open Studio afternoon only (noon - 3pm)

Sat./Sun. April 28 & 29 - Open Studio (full or half day)

May

Saturday, May 5 - Encaustic 2

Sunday, May 6 - Encaustic 3

Sat/Sun. May 12 & 13 - Give it a Whirl! during Spring Awakenings 11am, 1, 2 & 3pm

Sunday, May 20 - Half-day Intro. from 1pm - 4:30

Fridays May 11 & 25 - Open Studio (noon - 3pm)

Sat/Sun. May 26 & 27 - Open Studios (full or half day)

June

Friday, June 1 - Andrea teaching in Provincetown at the Encaustic Conference!

Sunday, June 10 - Encaustic 4 Workshop

Fridays, June 8 & 22 - Open Studio (noon - 3pm)

Sat/Sun. June 23 & 24 - Open Studio (full or half day)

Saturday, June 30 - Encaustic 1 Workshop

To register: call Andrea at 519-323-3437 or email her at andreabird@sympatico.ca

To hold your spot you need to pay a deposit for half of the workshop fee.

Visa/MC available, or mail a cheque payable to: Andrea Bird, RR#1, Moorefield ON  NOG 2KO

.  All prices include taxes/supplies. 

(Note:prices have slightly increased as of January 2012 as supply prices have gone up.)

Cancellation Policy:  If you cancel 7 days or more before the beginning of the class/workshop, then a $25 administration fee will be charged, and the rest of your money refunded.  If cancelling within 10 days or less, there is no refund. 

 Upcoming Off-site Classes/Workshops

6th Annual Encaustic Conference: Provincetown, MA - first weekend in June

www.encausticconference.blogspot.com for details/to register.

I'm offering a demonstration during the conference, and also teaching a post-con workshop on the use of the three fusing tools, focusing on the iron.  Provincetown is an amazing place to visit... and there is so much to learn at the conference!

Wellington County Museum - July 16 - 20, 2012

Again, I'll be offering the five day encausitc workshop, which covers Encaustic 1, 2, and part of 3.  This is a beautiful place to teach, and the price is a great deal!  www.wcm.on.ca for details/to register.

Southampton School of Art - August 24 - 25 and 26 - 30, 2012

This lovely art school on Lake Huron is one of my favourite places to teach, this will be my fifth year!  I love it! 

www.southamptonart.com for details/to register.