Creative Classes

The Traditional Japanese Art of Bonseki: Seasons in Sand will introduce participants to the meditative practice of arranging white sand, stones, and small tools on black lacquer trays to create ephemeral miniature landscapes. Rooted in ancient Japanese and Chinese traditions and connected to the appreciation of suiseki (scholar’s stones), bonseki embodies themes of ephemerality, seasonal awareness, and poetic reflection. Through guided demonstrations, hands-on practice, and quiet viewing (haiken), students will learn both introductory and intermediate techniques for shaping landscapes such as winter skies, blossoms, and birds in flight. The workshop will incorporate seasonal poetry, a tea and sweets service, and group reflection. In addition, participants will have the rare opportunity to view selections from the instructor’s personal antique bonseki collection, including traditional trays and tools, offering a tangible connection to the art form’s history and refinement. The class resonates with Japanese aesthetic traditions within the Arts of Asia collections at the Denver Art Museum.

*Price includes a $60 Studio Fee for all materials provided.

This 4-week class will offer a well-rounded introduction to the art of crochet taught by Sadie Young, the creator of The Tangled Self, an installation at the Denver Art Museum. Class will begin with instruction on the basics of crocheting in 2D, using single crochet and double crochet, allowing students to work on a small project, such as a scarf or beanie. Later, students will expand their knowledge of 2D stitches and build a deeper understanding of different stitches with hands-on assistance. As the class progresses, students will learn more complex methods of crocheting and how to crochet in the round, perform color changes, and more! Students will also learn about the basic tools needed for crocheting as well as tips and tricks for specific tools. This class will cover the differences between yarn types and provide guidance on where to source various yarns. The instructor will introduce students to the basics of reading patterns and impart the necessary foundational knowledge and confidence to crochet simple items without a pattern. The goal of this class is for students to leave the course with the knowledge they need to continue crocheting on their own as well as leave classes with finished items to treasure forever! The class will spend time in the installation The Tangled Self, where students will learn how the instructor problem-solved specific sculptural and 2D elements inside of the installation.