Time: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
This program is suited for attendees at All levels of experience.

…should I draw you the picture of my heart it would be what I hope you would still love though it contained nothing new.  The early possession you obtained there, and the absolute power you have obtained over it, leaves not the smallest space unoccupied.  
Abigail Adams to her husband, President John Adams. December 23, 1782

The love of letters, by all definitions, is the heart of this class. In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, passionate letters of love were exchanged between artists, writers, poets and socialites. Some of them were done in fine calligraphic hands, some illustrated, and others collaged.

So, we will write letters, using one particular pen for both the drawing and writing (I will bring this, for each of you). We will experiment with letterforms and styles, words of love, and composing an artful page.

No experience in calligraphy or illustration is necessary, just a willingness to be where you are, and let it all in. There are lots of tricks up my sleeve to make you look and feel good about your work!

We will practice some calligraphic techniques, illustration, mapmaking and storytelling to develop a passionate correspondence. You can write to a lover, mythical or real, a friend, a child or partner, or yourself. Prompts will be given so you do not have to be a poet. You do need to be a dreamer of dreams, and a lover of love.

A scholarship for this program has been generously donated by Jill Berry.   

 

About the Instructor

Jill is a mixed-media artist, teacher, and mom in the Rocky Mountains who makes story-telling structures. Her work involves social issues, maps, symbols, houses, housewives, and the mystique of charisma. Her artwork can be seen in Letter Arts Review, Somerset Studio, Cloth, Paper Scissors, numerous books and publications. Her handmade books are in the collections of the Newberry Library in Chicago and the Denver Public Library, and private collections. She has taught at three universities and retreats both nationally and in Italy. She feels that art is essential and accessible to everybody!

Her first book, “Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed-Media Map Making” was published in November 2011.

• Visit Jill’s website,  Design Blog and Personal Geographies Blog

Studio and Material Fee

Material fee covers Pens, inks, papers, ribbons, coloring agents, reference booklets, some surprises and miscellaneous studio supplies.

 

Student Supplies

Students should bring the following supplies:

• Collage elements, lightweight papers only. They will be folded.
• Matte medium gel or whatever light adhesive you like
• Brush for medium
• Water container
• Apron
• Pencil and paper
• Scissors
• Colored pencils, markers, pastels, whatever you like to color with.
• I will bring colors for everyone to try.

Optional Supplies

Bone folder, Washi tapes, Steel rule, Cutting mat, Exacto

Additional Program Information

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Meals

Lunch is served in our community building at 12:30 p.m. and will be provided at an additional $15.00 per day.  You must make your lunch reservation in advance.  We pride ourselves in offering a healthy and organic lunch which will exceed your expectations. If you do not wish to make a reservation, please bring a sack lunch. Beverages will be provided. Some workshops have optional evening meal events, which must also be reserved in advance. Evening meal event prices vary, ranging from $15.00-$30.00 per meal.

Networking

A social hour is provided from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. following the first day of each program. Wine, cheese and a non-alcolohic beverage will be served in the community room for you to enjoy.

Policies

CANCELLATIONS: While we understand that circumstances can arise causing a change in your plans, we must adhere to a business policy. Because it is impossible for Valley Ridge to favor one individual situation or circumstance over another, we must adhere to our policy in all situations and can make no exceptions to our cancellation policy.

• 45 Days or More prior to a workshop: Full refund of tuition, less a $75.00 cancellation fee.
• 44 Days or Less prior to a workshop: No refunds or credits for any reason.

Registration Fees: The entire registration fee is due in full at time of registration. Valley Ridge Art Studio provides an advance deposit option to make it easier for those with financial constraints to participate in our programs. The advance deposit fee secures your workshop space, and is applied to your entire workshop registration fee. Payment for your fee/materials balance and any other optional meals will be charged to your credit card 45 days prior to workshop. Non-credit card payments will receive an invoice, which is due upon receipt.

Transfer Policy: You may transfer out of a workshop to another program in the same season. Transfer request must be received at least 45 days prior to a program. There will be a $50.00 transfer fee assessed on each transfer.

Credit Card Transaction Reversal: You intended to reserve a workshop and registered for one instead. You noticed your credit card was charged for the entire balance and only wanted to apply $75.00. You would like your credit card credited for the difference. We at Valley Ridge Art Studio are willing to reverse your transaction. There will be a $25.00 administrative fee per reversal request. Your balance will be due 45 days prior to the workshop.

Program schedule is subject to change.

Release/Waiver

I understand the risks associated with my attendance at the Studio and the use of various tools, equipment and products found in the Studio.  I voluntarily agree to assume the risk of injury or illness or property damage that may arise out of my attendance at the Studio and use of tools, equipment and products found in the Studio and hereby waive and release the Studio and its members, affiliates, employees, and agents and assigns from any and all claims, actions or losses which I may suffer as a result of my attendance at and use of the Studio.  I further agree to  hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Studio and its members, affiliates, employees, and agents and assigns from any and all claims, actions or losses arising out of my attendance at and use of the Studio or use of the tools, equipment and products found in the Studio regardless of the cause, including but not limited to the negligence of the Studio or its members, affiliates, employees, and agents and assigns.