Touchstone
CENTER FOR CRAFTS

Nature Week at Touchstone – AUG 3-7

This week of programming focuses on the beauty of the Touchstone landscape with workshops in Blacksmithing, Ceramics, Drawing/Painting, Glass, or Metals/Jewelry.


During Nature Week, Environmental Educators from Powdermill Nature Reserve will be on hand to deepen your understanding and exploration of the natural habitat surrounding Touchstone. Be inspired by nature and use natural materials in these programmed workshops. This is a special opportunity to tune in to the nature that surrounds you!




Blacksmithing


AUG 3-7 | NATURE WEEK | 5-DAY (MON-FRI)
Organic Designs in Metal
Instructor: Glenn Horr


All Levels
$585 Member | $615 Non-Member
$55-$85 Materials and Studio Fees
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Glenn will guide you through forging leaves, flowers, vines, and even some small critters. Techniques such as drawing out, twisting, scrolling, and working with chisels will be covered. In addition, tool making will be demonstrated and discussed as a means to develop your designs. You will have fun transforming bars of steel into lifelike organic forms inspired by the week’s natural setting.




Ceramics


AUG 3-7 | NATURE WEEK | 5-DAY (MON-FRI)
From The Source:
Working with Native Materials
Instructor: Nate Willever


All Levels
$585 Member | $615 Non-Member
$90-$130 Materials and Studio Fees
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Take your work to the next level by using materials that could be right in your back yard! Utilizing local rocks, shales, clays and ashes, we will create surfaces that are rich from simple glaze and clay recipes. Spend time working on the wheel to make better pitchers, mugs, jars and bowls, and expose the charter of wild clays by cutting, faceting, and slipping your pots. At the end of the workshop, work will be glazed and fired in a cone 8 reduction firing.




Drawing/Painting


AUG 3-7 | NATURE WEEK | 5-DAY (MON-FRI) 
A Closer Look at Nature:
Botanical Illustration
Instructor: Robin Menard


All Levels
$585 Member | $615 Non-Member 
$25-$55 Materials and Studio Fees
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Surround yourself in art and nature as we take a closer look at the common things all around us – leaves, branches, tree bark – whatever inspires you! Botanical illustration differs from all other forms of illustration in that it involves very close observation and scientifically accurate drawing to capture the habits, details, and color of a plant. You will work in graphite and colored pencil on paper in a step-by-step, guided approach beginning with the basics of form and tone, and moving onto color. No experience needed! Ample one-on-one instruction will be provided so both the beginner and experienced student will have the opportunity to develop their own unique style and skills.




Glass


AUG 3-7 | NATURE WEEK | 5-DAY (MON-FRI) 
Reflecting Nature in Stained Glass
Instructor: Neile Cooper


Experienced Beginner – Intermediate
$585 Member | $615 Non-Member
$100-$140 Materials and Studio Fees
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Interpret the inspiration you find in nature in stained glass. Explore the array of colors in a sunset or the natural geometry of a pinecone, as you learn the specific rules of designing for stained glass and create your own pattern for a nature themed panel. Learn every step of creating a small panel including special techniques for incorporating natural materials like crystals, pressed flowers, or butterfly wings. Only a basic understanding of the tools and techniques of copper foil technique is required. Those early in their stained glass adventures are welcome to attend this class.




Metals/Jewelry


AUG 3-7 | NATURE WEEK | 5-DAY (MON-FRI) 
Introduction to Casting:
Organic Forms
Instructor: Drew LaVercombe


All Levels
$585 Member | $615 Non-Member 
$55-$85 Materials and Studio Fees
Download Materials List


Register Now


Learn the basics of spruing, investing, burnouts, and casting organic materials. Utilizing the vacuum casing machine, you will be able to capture incredible detail while learning this versatile and exciting technique. Trials and tribulations of casting as well as tricks to make your casting experience flow smoothly will be discussed.




Mission Statement: Touchstone Center for Crafts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance excellence in the arts and crafts by educating and encouraging individuals to develop technical skills, good design, and innovative expression.

Touchstone Center for Crafts condemns all acts of racism, discrimination, and senseless violence. We firmly believe that everyone has a right to dignity, respect, and equality without fear.  As an organization, we commit to listen and learn and to grow. We will continue to work to empower people to use art as a means of expression, a way to build community, and a powerful voice for change.

Touchstone Center for Crafts · 1049 Wharton Furnace Rd. · Farmington · PA 15437

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