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

Join Mary Beth Shaw and Julie Snidle for a weekend of waxy wonder as we explore a variety of mixed media wax techniques.  No body hair involved.

Day 1 starts with the return of the ever popular Batik Paper and Mary Beth will share all the new methods she has developed. Papers that are so gorgeous they can be ‘stand alone’ artworks or also serve as an inclusion in our Encaustic pieces. 

Then let’s have some fun with Friday night Funk, a cocktail party including small bites that add up to big flavor – ok, let’s just call it dinner. We ask each attendee to bring a dish to share so we can experience new taste treats. Be prepared with copies of your recipes for fellow participants. Not a cook? No worries, just figure out something easy (fruit, cheese, chocolate, anyone?), cause we want no stress here!

On Saturday, Julie heats it up with a multitude of Encaustic painting approaches that utilize a range of techniques with encaustic paint, transfers and oil stick. She will show how to build up layers and then excavate back down. You will have a chance to transfer complex drawings to your wax and then carve detail into them. We will even venture out of doors and gather leaves to create stunning nature based pieces. You are sure to find something you love and you’ll also quickly gain confidence with this extraordinary forgiving medium.

Saturday night we’ll have a family style meal at Katherine’s house – be prepared for delectable food, sharing of stories, great tunes and lots of laughs. Bring your art journal if desired.

Sunday, Mary Beth will throw some Mixed Media into the mix and share ways to develop additional texture, build layers with collage and create color in a more economical way using pigments. Julie will share techniques using foil and stamping in addition to lending advice for setting up an encaustic studio in your home.

About the Instructors

Mary Beth Shaw works in Mixed Media because she loves to play with art supplies; she jokes that Mixed Media is for artists who can’t make up their mind. Her processes utilize pastel, ink, marker, acrylics, tar and wax layered with various collage and texture materials; she welcomes so-called “mistakes” because they lead to wonderful opportunities and discoveries.  She is author of  Flavor for Mixed Media published by North Light and is also a Columnist for Somerset Studios. Living in Wildwood, MO with her husband and 3 cats, Mary Beth is passionate about every moment of life.

• Visit Mary Beth’s blog
• Stencil Girl Products
• Latest Book: Flavor for Mixed Media

Once  a corporate training administrator, Julie Snidle works as a mixed-media artist specializing in encaustic work. With a degree in Elementary Education she has taught art professionally in the classroom, juried artwork for art fairs and also taught  workshops in the greater St. Louis area. Largely self taught in a variety of mixed media techniques, Julie has studied encaustics intensively for nearly 10 years, including specialized training with R+F Paints. Her art appears in  “Printmaking and Mixed Media” by Dorit Elisha and “Flavor for Mixed Media” by Mary Beth Shaw.    
Julie exhibits at the 4th Wall Gallery in Ste. Genevieve, MO and is also active in local charities.  A native of Minneapolis, Julie resides in Festus, MO, with her husband, Will.

• Visit Julie’s website

Studio and Material Fee

Material fee covers encaustic medium, paints, pigments, oil sticks, tools, brushes, palettes, heat sources. Batik wax, dyes & tools, and miscellaneous studio supplies.

Student Supplies

Students should bring the following supplies:

 Supply of paper for Batik and also wood substrates to paint (3 per day no larger than 10x10).

Optional Supplies

If you own any Batik or encaustic supplies and wish to bring them, feel free. You may also want to have a small selection of collage images on hand and a few B+W copies (from a toner machine) to use as transfers.. 

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.