Teaching Artist: Leigh Ferello

Discover the alchemy of transformation in this hands-on mixed media workshop where everyday materials become vessels of expression, resilience, and beauty. Grit & Grace: A Faux Paper Journey invites participants to create richly textured faux papers using humble household items like toilet paper, napkins, and paper towels—materials often overlooked or discarded, yet full of hidden potential.

Through the intuitive processes of layering, tearing, staining, and embellishing, we’ll manipulate these fragile fibers into one-of-a-kind art pieces that speak to both vulnerability and strength. By incorporating threads, gold leaf, tea, coffee, chalk pastels, watercolors, and other simple additives, you'll explore how contrast—soft and bold, delicate and rough—can yield unexpected depth and meaning.

This workshop isn’t just about technique—it’s an invitation to reflect. Each layer becomes a metaphor for life’s challenges and graces: what we discard or hide can, with attention and intention, become something strikingly beautiful. No art experience is necessary; just bring your curiosity and willingness to get a little messy. You'll leave with a series of handmade faux papers that can be used in collage, bookmaking, journaling, or simply cherished as art on their own.

A $10 materials fee is due the day of the workshop.

This one-day workshop is also offered Sunday, February 1, 9 am - 12 pm and Tuesday, March 3, 1 - 4 pm.

Here is a link for details regarding AOY Terms & Conditions. Online payment at time of registration is preferred. Please note, if you choose to use the "payment by check" option, that payment option expires two weeks prior to the start of the workshop. Checks must be received two weeks prior to the start date for completion of registration in order to be added to the class roster. Registrations will be cancelled if payments are not received prior to these deadlines.