"Mark making" in mixed media is, just as it sounds, the practice of making abstract marks on your chosen substrate to add interest to your art pieces. They could be lines, squiggles, or splats. They might be haphazard or precise, They might follow straight paths or curve into swirls. Artists use a wide range of tools to create these marks, from traditional paintbrushes and pens, to recycled and found objects, to bits of nature.

In this reflective and experimental workshop, suitable for all experience levels, we'll explore the idea of making marks with intentionality. We'll start by examining patterns and marks from the natural world. Which ones call to you? Which ones draw you in?

From there, we'll create a personal and meaningful set of brushes, designed to help us achieve the types of marks that speak closely to our sense of aesthetics.

Finally, we'll do a playful monochromatic study of the types of marks we can achieve from our new brushes, as well as other available materials.

If time permits, we'll bind our notes, thoughts, inspirations, and new marks into a simple reference from the day.

All supplies are included, with a heavy focus on natural and reclaimed materials. Participants will receive additional information on items they might like to bring from home to allow for a more personal and meaningful experience.

We will be working with acrylic paint, ink, glue, and other potentially messy materials Participants should dress accordingly or bring an apron.

This class is geared toward adults, but is open to enthusiastic participants aged 14 and above. Participants under 16 years of age must have a registered adult present at all times. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE A WAIVER ON FILE. We will have hard copies available on site. Please also refer to our parking and accessibility information.

Instructor Bio

Christy Matte is a lifelong learner, artist, crafter, and maker with a diverse background that includes youth work, non-profits, consumer technology, public speaking, and freelance writing. She holds an M.Ed. in Technology in Education from Lesley University and has shared her joy for creative and technological pursuits with kids and adults from Manhattan to Manila. She launched Indigo Whimsy as a means to foster a creative community, expand access to lesser-known forms of art, and share her interests with others.