The Week Ahead
December 4, 2023
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Step into the heart of Bainbridge Island's winter enchantment as three spectacular events unfold, promising to saturate the season with magic, unleash boundless creativity, and ignite the warm glow of community spirit. First on the list is the Winslow Art Center's "Holiday Art and Cards Extravaganza" spanning five days from December 4th to 8th, 2023. This artistic celebration invites you to immerse yourself in the magic of creative expression, exploring various mediums to craft unique holiday cards. The flexible structure accommodates diverse schedules, allowing participants to join for the entire extravaganza or select specific days based on their interests. Guided by experienced instructors, you will delve into watercolor painting, mixed-media collage, linocut printmaking, expressive brushwork and calligraphy, and illuminated lettering, creating a festive and personalized touch to their holiday greetings.
Following this creative odyssey, dance enthusiasts and holiday revelers alike are invited to experience the timeless magic of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet at the Bainbridge Dance Center's "Nutcracker 2023." The Nutcracker by Bainbridge Dance Center boasts a cast of accomplished dancers, blending the expertise of seasoned performers with the emerging talents of the center's own students. Beyond being a visual spectacle, the ballet serves as a cultural cornerstone, uniting the community in a shared appreciation for the arts and marking the beginning of the holiday season with a cherished tradition.
Concluding this trifecta of winter wonder is IslandWood's "Holly Days Wreath-Making" event on December 10th, offering a unique blend of festive crafting and environmental appreciation. Nestled on Bainbridge Island, IslandWood provides the idyllic setting for you to connect with nature while creating your own personalized wreaths.
Featured Events:
Holiday Art and Cards Extravaganza: Five Days of Work-Alongs, Dec 4
BDC Nutcracker 2023, Dec 7
Hollydays Wreath Making & Plant Walk, Dec 10
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Holiday Art and Cards Extravaganza: Five Days of Work-Alongs
Step into a world of artistic enchantment with the Holiday Art and Cards Extravaganza at Winslow Art Center, a five-day creative journey set to unfold from December 4th to 8th, 2023. This unique event isn't just an art class; it's a spirited celebration of the holiday season, blending artistic expression with the joy of crafting personalized holiday cards. Hosted by Winslow Art Center, known for its dynamic and inclusive approach to art education, this extravaganza invites participants of all skill levels to immerse themselves in the magic of making art during this festive time of the year.
Spread across five days, the Holiday Art and Cards Extravaganza offers a comprehensive and delightful experience. Each day is crafted to be a standalone creative adventure, allowing you to join for the entire extravaganza or select specific days that pique your artistic interest. The flexible structure caters to diverse schedules and preferences, ensuring that everyone can find their creative rhythm.
The event kicks off on December 4th with a captivating exploration of watercolor painting. You will be guided through the techniques and nuances of this versatile medium, laying the foundation for creating vibrant and expressive holiday-themed artworks. From snowy landscapes to festive still life, the watercolor workshop sets the tone for a week filled with artistic discovery.
As the extravaganza progresses, each subsequent day unfolds a new facet of artistic expression. December 5th introduces the fascinating world of mixed-media collage, where participants will learn to combine various materials to craft visually stunning and personally meaningful holiday cards. The tactile and experimental nature of collage allows for a wide range of artistic styles and interpretations, making it a perfect medium for creating unique and heartfelt greetings.
Moving forward, the event takes a joyful turn into the realm of linocut printmaking on December 6th. This hands-on session explores the art of carving intricate designs onto linoleum blocks, which are then inked and printed to produce charming and distinctive holiday cards. The linocut workshop adds a touch of traditional craftsmanship to the extravaganza, inviting participants to embrace the meditative process of printmaking.
December 7th invites you to delve into the world of expressive brushwork and calligraphy. This session focuses on incorporating lettering and personalized messages into holiday cards, adding a thoughtful and artistic dimension to the act of spreading festive cheer. Whether you are seasoned calligraphers or are a complete beginner, the workshop provides a supportive environment for honing lettering skills and exploring creative approaches to card design.
The extravaganza concludes on December 8th with a day dedicated to the art of illumination. Participants will explore the enchanting world of illuminated lettering and illustration, learning techniques to add a radiant glow to their holiday cards. This final day encapsulates the festive spirit, allowing participants to infuse their creations with a warm and luminous touch.
Throughout the Holiday Art and Cards Extravaganza, participants benefit from the expertise of Winslow Art Center's experienced instructors. These skilled guides not only provide step-by-step demonstrations but also foster a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere. The emphasis is on the joy of the creative process, ensuring that participants not only produce beautiful artworks but also experience the fulfillment that comes with expressing themselves through art.
In addition to the daily workshops, the extravaganza offers a supportive online community where participants can share their progress, seek advice, and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. This communal aspect adds a social dimension to the event, transforming it into a shared journey of artistic exploration.
Winslow Art Center's commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the materials list for the extravaganza. The suggested supplies are carefully curated to be accessible and adaptable, encouraging you to use what you have on hand and making the event approachable for artists of all backgrounds.
The Holiday Art and Cards Extravaganza at Winslow Art Center is more than just a series of workshops; it's an invitation to infuse the holiday season with creativity and personal expression. Whether you're a seasoned artist or someone eager to explore your artistic side, this event promises five days of joy, discovery, and the satisfaction of crafting handmade holiday cards that reflect your unique style. Join the extravaganza, and let the magic of art make your holidays even more special.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Monday, December 4 - Friday, December 8
Online classes via Zoom
Cost: Free
Full Details here
Know Before You Go:
Get into the holiday spirit with Winslow Art Center! Each day we will feature a different artist who will walk you through a variety of techniques for creating holiday themed art cards. Mediums will include gel prints, watercolor, mixed media and sketching with ink.
Holiday Gingerbread Postcards in Mixed Media with Susan Wiersema
Monday, December 4 – 10-11:30AM Pacific/1-2:30PM Eastern/6-7:30PM UK Time
Supply List
The Holidays are here, and the smell of gingerbread is everywhere. We all have memories of rich ginger-flavored cookies with brightly colored frosting. Susan Wiersema will take you step by step through the process of using mixed dry and water media to create beautiful and colorful postcards worthy of sharing with all your family and friends. When we finish, we’ll take a moment to enjoy the incredible artwork we have created, grab a cup of tea, and eat our gingerbread subjects.
Holiday Watercolor Cards with Cynthia Armstrong
Tuesday, December 5 – 10-11:30AM Pacific/1-2:30PM Eastern/6-7:30PM UK Time
Supply List
Get your jingle on during this holiday card making event; using a variety of watercolor techniques, explore a number of winter themes to create notes to warm the hearts of family and friends this holiday season.
BYOEN (Bring Your Own Egg Nog)!
Card Tricks with Chris Rapa
Wednesday, December 6 – 10-11:30AM Pacific/1-2:30PM Eastern/6-7:30PM UK Time
Supply List
Chris Rapa will share 3 designs plus her best tips for stress free holiday cardmaking. Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor and Gouache are all suitable mediums for this project. Chris’ demo will include a resource list, and simple instructions for lining the envelopes.
’tis the Season: Gel Plate Cards, Tags and Bags with Ann Rosenthal
Thursday, December 7 – 10-11:30AM Pacific/1-2:30PM Eastern/6-7:30PM UK Time
Supply List
This demo will feature fall-themed holiday cards, gift tags and bags. Ann will combine leaves, grasses, handmade stencils, and found objects to create unique gel print designs that can be used for cards, tags and bags. She will also make some quick and easy stamps to enhance her gel prints or use as visual accents. This will be a fun and lively session to get in the holiday spirit!
Winter Cards: Contour Drawing, Ink and Watercolor with Stacy Kamin
Friday, December 8 – 1-2:30 PM Pacific/4-5:30PM Eastern/9-10:30 PM UK Time
Supply List
Join Stacy Kamin as she demonstrates how she uses pen and ink sketches to create beautiful handmade greeting cards . Stacy will sketch and paint from her photographic references and will cut and paste from her sketchbooks.
Festival Artwork by Cynthia Armstrong
About Their Free Online Classes, Presentations, Demos and Work-Alongs:
Presentations will be taught live via Zoom. To participate, you will need a computer OR an iPad /smart tablet OR a smart phone (android or IOS) and a strong internet connection.
The session will be recorded and available to registered participants. After 30 days this recording will become part of our Past Free Recording Archive.
Participants will receive an email with the Zoom links and recording access (don’t forget to check your junk folder). Zoom link will also be posted on the recording page.
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BDC Nutcracker 2023
I got the opportunity to teach the Nutcracker to a group of very talented young ladies. I can’t wait to cheer them on alongside friends and family from December 7 through December 9. See you there!
Dive into the enchanting world of dance with the Bainbridge Dance Center's Nutcracker 2023, a spectacular production set to captivate audiences with the timeless magic of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet. As one of the most anticipated events in Bainbridge Island's cultural calendar, the Nutcracker by Bainbridge Dance Center is a testament to the dedication and artistry of the dancers, instructors, and the entire production team. The ballet unfolds against a backdrop of elaborate sets that transport audiences to a magical realm where toy soldiers come to life, sugar plum fairies dance, and Clara's journey takes center stage.
The Nutcracker is a ballet that transcends generations, and Bainbridge Dance Center's rendition pays homage to this tradition while infusing its own unique flair. From the iconic Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the lively Russian Dance, each segment is meticulously choreographed to showcase the technical prowess of the dancers and evoke the whimsy and charm of the original narrative.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Thursday, December 7 to Saturday, December 9
Grace Episcopal Church 8595 NE Day Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Full details here
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Hollydays Wreath Making & Plant Walk
Celebrate the festive season surrounded by the natural beauty of IslandWood at the Holly Days Wreath-Making event on December 10th.
IslandWood, known for its commitment to environmental education and sustainability, provides the perfect backdrop for a creative and immersive wreath-making workshop. The event is not just about crafting decorations; it's an opportunity to connect with nature and infuse your holiday décor with a touch of the outdoors.
Led by experienced instructors, you will embark on a hands-on journey through the art of wreath making. The workshop begins with a foray into the lush surroundings of IslandWood, where seasonal greenery, branches, and other natural elements become the palette for your creations. This nature-inspired approach adds a personal and eco-friendly touch to the festive decorations.
Guided by the instructors' expertise, you will learn the techniques of wreath assembly, from selecting the right materials to arranging them in a visually appealing and balanced manner. The process is not only educational but also a therapeutic and enjoyable way to spend a winter day.
As the wreaths take shape, you will witness their individual expressions of holiday spirit come to life. The personalized touch of each wreath reflects not only the creativity of its maker but also the natural charm of the Pacific Northwest. The end result is more than a festive decoration; it's a unique piece of art that embodies the essence of the season.
IslandWood's Holly Days Wreath-Making event aligns with the broader ethos of the organization, emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature, fostering sustainable practices, and promoting community engagement. Beyond the workshop, you leave with more than just a wreath; they take with them a sense of accomplishment, new skills, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
This family-friendly event welcomes participants of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or someone looking to explore your creative side, the Holly Days Wreath-Making event provides a welcoming and inclusive space to celebrate the season in a meaningful way.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Sunday, December 10, 1-3pm
IslandWood Bainbridge Campus, 4450 Blakely Ave NE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 United States
Get your tickets here
Full details here
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Looking Ahead:
December 13: Bainbridge Holiday Music Fire Truck
December 15: Gingerbread House Parties
December 16: Santa at the Manor House
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