This is an opportunity to develop focused observation and access a step-by-step method to accomplish a drawing. It’s a foundation for beginning students and a refresher for those interested in sharpening their skills. You will be drawing from life, using a variety of still life subjects ranging from basic geometric shapes to organic subjects. Learning to translate 3D to 2D is absolutely essential to all visual prob­lem solving in drawing. There will be many demonstrations using a variety of media and surfaces, including graphite, charcoal, ink pens, brushed washes and white pencils to achieve heightened effects.

Drawing is central to all artistic endeavors. It represents thinking, planning and communicating ideas, as well as experimentation and expres­siveness. Learning to draw increases our ability to closely and critically observe the world around us. It’s an integral part of the human experience. Your initiative to learn this skill can result in an enjoyment that could last the rest of your life! Drawing is a learnable skill like any other, not something exclusive to a lucky few. Learning to draw an object or build an entire composition can be incredibly rewarding.

John is passionate about drawing and is looking forward to working with you both individually and as a part of the group! John will contact students prior to class.

John Ribble has been drawing since his earliest memory, and it has contributed to virtually every artistic endeavor in his life. Upon earning a bachelor’s degree in fine art, he embarked on a 12-year career as a graphic designer, art director and illustrator. In 1982, he joined the staff of the Graphic Design and Illustration Department at Madison College and taught there for 32 years, retiring in 2014. Approximately 30 years ago, he became a plein air landscape artist and is currently represented by the Abel Contemporary Gallery in Stoughton, Wisconsin, participating in multiple group and one-person shows. His years of teaching were the most rewarding of his life. They gave him the opportunity to daily engage in interactions with students and faculty and learn to employ skills using a great variety of materials, techniques, conceptualizations, compositions and critiques. He learned more about being an artist as a teacher than from all of his previous educational and professional experiences combined! He is grateful and excited for the chance to teach in such an exquisite environment and historic institution as The Clearing.

Level: All Levels

That the “Paperless Society” hasn’t (yet) become reality is a godsend for artists. If you can cut paper, you can weave it into art.  When valued as a principal art medium, paper – recycled or refined – shines. Before cutting and weaving your first paper strip, Carol will introduce you to masterful “paper-weaving paintings” from ancient China to impressive works by contemporary paper weavers. She will then instruct in the safe use of tools, help you select papers of suitable weight, texture, and flexibility, and teach methods of weaving paper-on-paper, paper interlaced with yarn, and paper woven with natural objects. Old photographs, greeting cards and practice paintings from home can be woven into art.  Pencils, inks or paints can add color and depth to your work. Bring your imagination, paper stash, ruler, and cutting tools. (A supply list will be sent.) Specialty art papers and paper yarn can be purchased from Carol in class.

Carol Heil teaches fiber arts in summer and winter programs at The Clearing. She is a former Board Secretary, docent and bookstore volunteer. In 2024, Carol moved from Ellison Bay to Accokeek, MD, where she lives with her husband in Piscataway Park, a nationally-protected area with trails, a colonial farm and amazing views of George Washington’s Mt. Vernon. “Leaving Door wasn’t easy,” Carol says, “but we’re blessed to live near family, on land with towering poplars, a winding creek and abundant wildlife. Nature is often the subject of Carol’s art; when not, she accepts that simply being in nature frees her to be creative. Carol is a member of the Accokeek Arts Alliance and the Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Level: All Levels

Do you need a creative recharge of your watercolor batteries? This fun 2-day workshop will get your artistic juices flowing again. We’ll revisit classic watercolor techniques to loosen up your brushwork, mix clean strong color, and give your painting freshness and pizzazz. Bigger brushes, and boldness will be encouraged!  In this hands-on class, your instructor will demo several techniques and show you how to apply them to your own “toolbox” of skills. You’ll also have some quiet painting time to work on your own. Jane gives individual guidance and support tailored to your specific personal art goals. For an extra dose of artistic inspiration, we’ll watch an art video at the end of the day. 

Optional: bring works in progress or an image you’d like to paint. Skill level: Some watercolor experience required. Not for absolute beginners.   

Jane Barnard is a highly skilled and supportive teacher, a member of the Wisconsin Watercolor Society, Wisconsin Visual Artists and Wisconsin Plein Air Painters. She has a master’s degree from Marquette University. Her studies have included the University of Paris (Sorbonne), the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and workshops from master watercolorists. Jane is a passionate painter and teacher, especially gentle and helpful in encouraging those wanting to stretch their artistic vision and skills. She has taught at The Clearing in Door County, Dillman’s Creative Art Center, the Monroe Street Arts Center, and many others. She has led two Art Workshops to Provence, France and was selected for a 2-week artists residency in Tuscany, Italy. She was the 2022 juror for the Wisconsin Regional Arts Program, Madison.

Painting the Figure can be easy & fun. Learn a variety of ways to draw, paint and suggest figures, even crowds! Figure it out! Paint people in action: at the beach, in the street or dining out. If you like painting everything else, then why not people. Enhance your skills and confidence. It can be easier than you think! Add the figure into a variety of backgrounds like he belongs there. Get comfortable with the shapes it takes…Easy and Fun! There will be lots of exercises on approaches, techniques and impressions from loose to tight.
This is for Oils Painters. Frankie will contact students prior to class.

Frankie Johnson is an accomplished artist with over 40 years of teaching experience in oils and pastels. Her years of teaching have given her a reputation for being able to help students move forward in their painting. She has owned the Mainstreet Art Center and Art School in Lake Zurich, Illinois for the past 32 years. Her paintings hang throughout the country, and she is currently represented by Fine Line Designs Gallery in Sister Bay, Wisconsin. See her website for more details on her accomplishments, works, and upcoming workshops.

Level: Intermediate & Advanced

Is there a story you want to tell? Is it stuck inside your head itching to get out? Whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, long or short, you need time to get it written. And you need quiet, privacy, encouragement, and support in beautiful surroundings with delicious meals provided.

This class offers a week of hours to call your own. Most mornings are uninterrupted writing time. After lunch, you are free to take a nap, walk, read or to continue writing. In late afternoons, the group gathers for feedback sessions aimed to encourage and to make the work shine. There are optional sessions in the mornings for writing prompts and in the evenings for creative arts exploration. You will also have an opportunity to sign up for a private meeting with Sharon.

Whether you are writing a short story, crafting a memoir or working on your book, you are bound to make progress as you join a community of women who love writing. The Women Writers’ Retreat was created by author/teacher Judy (Redbird) Bridges, who led the class for many years. 

Bring your favorite writing tools and devices: pens, pencils, notebook, computer, etc. If you have Judy Bridges’ book Shut Up & Write!, please bring it. Sharon will contact students prior to class.

Sharon Nesbit-Davis is an author, artist, and storyteller. She began her arts career by escaping from college and joining a mime troupe. She worked as a solo mime artist performing for festivals, theaters, and schools. In 1996, Sharon joined the staff of the Rockford Area Arts Council as a community arts coordinator and retired as the Executive Director in 2020. Sharon’s connection to The Clearing began in 2010 when she discovered Judy Bridges’ Women Writers Retreat, which resulted in Sharon’s published memoir, Intended, a Marriage in Black & White. Sharon conducts memoir writing and creative recharge retreats which include storytelling, writing and painting. Sharon and her husband currently reside in Evanston, Illinois, where she writes and teaches online, and her husband, George, serves as the Director of the Baha’i Temple.

Level: Intermediate

Enjoy a week photographing the beautiful Fall colors in Door County. Put away your DSLR camera and pull out your iPhone to create wonderful images. Learn to make the most of your phone’s camera and photo editing apps while capturing the amazing beauty Fall in Door County.  Karen will start with photography basics such as composition, exposure and focus. We will review the capabilities of the built-in camera and editing tools. She will show you some of the best apps and low-cost tools for taking and editing photos on the iPhone. Several creative apps will be explored to allow for more artistic expression with your images.

Most days we will spend part of the day exploring nearby locations, taking photos with our phones, and learning tips and techniques to capture beautiful images of Door County landscapes, architecture and iconic sites. The other part of the day, we will be in the classroom editing our photos on the phone or tablet and playing with the creative apps. Karen will introduce you to the apps she uses and work with you to use these apps to enhance your images and take them in new creative directions. Optional evening sessions will be available for requested additional topics.

For this class, you will need an iPhone or iPad, or both. Students should have basic photography skills and be familiar with the use of their iPhone. Karen will contact students prior to class with the list of free or low-cost apps to download and install prior to class.

There may be fees, not to exceed $20 per student, for state park entry and/or a ferry ride. Karen will contact students prior to class. Carpooling is needed for this class.

Karen Alesch is an avid photographer, specializing in nature, bird, and landscape photography. She has been using an iPhone and camera apps as part of her photography workflow for the last eight years and enjoys the creativity it can provide. She has exhibited her work in Door County and around the state. Karen spent 25 years in the training industry, was a co-founder of an online training company, and consulted with large corporate clients on their learning programs. She recently retired and now spends more time at her second home in Door County, photographing its beauty in all seasons.

Level: Intermediate

Forging class for beginners only. Learn the basics of blacksmithing! We will be making “S” hooks, bottle opener and steak turner for the grill.  Bring safety glasses, leather gloves, and hearing protection. Wear cotton and leather boots or shoes.

Kayla is a fourth-generation metal worker out of the southeastern WI area. You may have seen her demonstrating at the different historical parks in that area. She is on the board of UMBA (Upper Midwest Blacksmith Association). She also has a blacksmithing business: Kayla’s Blacksmithing.  She loves what she does, sharing her knowledge, and continues to work on creating new things.

This all-levels class is a deep dive into your yoga. Through movement, breath, and reflection, you’ll explore how the full practice of yoga enriches daily life by building strength, balance, learning techniques to reduce stress, and deepening your relationship with you. Open to all levels, The Yoga of You will focus on practical tools that transfer from the mat to help create ease in your life.

Please bring a yoga mat, a firm bolster, a blanket, a yoga block, and a yoga strap.

Don Wenig has practiced energy healing and taught yoga/meditation for over 45 years. He is the owner of Dancing Feet Yoga Center in New Buffalo, Michigan and co-founder of YogaKids International as well as GoGiveYoga, a philanthropic organization that provides yoga to at-risk children. His intimate, heart-centered yoga teacher training programs have graduated an exceptional group of highly skilled teachers over the past 20 years. His style of teaching is lighthearted, fun, honors the individual and shares an understanding of how yoga brings ease and joy into day-to-day living. In private practice as a yoga therapist, he facilitates powerful change for clients, integrating yoga with Psych-K, Access Conscious Bars, Reiki and other energy modalities. His depth of compassion is informed by years of men’s-work and caregiving for his wife Marsha, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2010. Don is a woodworker, artist, drummer, musician, devoted husband and grandfather. 

Level: All Levels

Each year, carvers gather for the Carving Kris Kringle class to carve their own unique St. Nick, Father Christmas, or Santa. It’s a great time of year to get started on carving gifts for family, friends, or yourself! Using a basswood roughout, Erik will lead you through each step. Using the Scandinavian flat-plane carving style, you will study caricature carving and facial details along with painting and finishing techniques. Bring your own carving tools, including a knife, u-gouges, and v-tools.

NOTE: This is a fast-paced class. Wood carving experience is recommended to get the most out of this workshop.

Erik Rinkleff learned to carve at The Clearing in 1998.  He now enjoys carving a variety of subjects, including Santas, snowmen, country characters, gnomes, and wood spirits.  Erik is the Creative Director of The Clearing and runs his own woodworking business, Rustic Road Studio.  He has been teaching wood carving and rustic furniture classes for over 20 years.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, this week of open studio will allow you the freedom to work on any quilting or sewing project(s) you choose and to work independently at your own pace.

This is a great opportunity to join with other quilters for a fun, relaxing and encouraging week of sharing and sewing together. Individual instruction and guidance will be provided by Kathy, as needed, and students are encouraged to bring information and tips to share that they find useful or interesting for their quilting.

Bring your favorite patterns, fabric, tools and projects to spend a week sewing and creating in the beautiful Schoolhouse at The Clearing. If you are a beginner, you will learn and practice the fundamentals of quilting and can complete your first quilt all in this one, wonderful week! Kathy will contact students prior to class. 

Kathy Swanson took her first quilting class in 1981 as part of The Clearing’s Winter Program, and she has taught quilting at The Clearing for over 15 years. She enjoys designing and teaching fun classes to share her love of color and the art of traditional quilting techniques. Kathy lives in Ellison Bay and is The Clearing’s Registrar. 

Level: All Levels 

Here’s a great opportunity to improve your wood turning skills while working on your holiday gift list! Ornaments are just the start of what you can make this week. You can also make pepper grinders, bottle stoppers, pens, garden tools and much, much more. By the end of the week, you’ll have beautiful, one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts for your family and friends. (Or for yourself!)

Although all levels are welcome, this class is ideally for turners who know the basics and want to advance their turning skills to a point where the technical part of turning becomes second nature.

The Clearing has a very well-equipped shop for wood turning. You’ll have your own lathe, tools and supplies. If you have any of your own tools and safety equipment, please feel free to bring them along, since learning something new is usually easier with familiar tools. As always, safety will be discussed and stressed throughout the week. A safe turner is one who will enjoy turning for a long time! Rob will contact students prior to class.

Robert Nelson grew up on his family’s dairy farm in the town of Winchester, Wisconsin, and owned and operated the farm for 30 years. He began turning wood in the 1970s. Since then, his passion for taking what would otherwise be firewood and turning it into something beautiful that can last for generations has become a second career. He has logged over 7,000 hours of learning and teaching wood turning. Being a member of three wood turning groups gives him the opportunity to demonstrate different types of turning to many fellow turners. Robert turns pieces for sale, teaches at The Clearing and in his studio, and is an adjunct instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay.

Level: All Levels

In this class, you’ll learn the basic techniques used to forge metal with a hammer and anvil, while making several small projects. Topics covered will include hammering techniques, the use of tongs, anvils and vises, and coal forge maintenance. James’ demonstrations will cover the major introductory forging processes, including variations of tapering, upsetting, shouldering and twists to produce single piece objects—hooks, handles, etc.

Once you’ve learned the basics, some advanced techniques will be introduced, including hot cutting, punching, drifting and forge welding, a technique that allows multiple pieces of metal to be joined.

Expect to leave with some items of your own making, along with basic skills for and an understanding of forging hot steel. If you have prior experience, this class will help you refresh and refine your skills.

Please bring the following items to class: cotton clothing, some form of hair restraint (if needed), leather-palm gloves, safety glasses, ear protection and closed-toe shoes or boots. James will contact students prior to class.

James Viste was raised on a farm in Door County. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a master of fine art degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He is a nationally known blacksmithing demonstrator and exhibitor and has participated in several national Ironwork Restoration Projects, including at Cranbrook Educational Community, The Charles Lang Freer House and The Detroit Institute of Arts. He has worked for studios in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Mexico and Michigan. He is currently the Manager of Edgewise Forge LLC in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Level: Beginner

Turned pens make beautiful gifts for someone or even yourself. Each student will choose their pen styles, pen blanks and we will go step-by-step through the pen making process. Special attention will be given to the types of finishes used to give your pen that mirror finish. Both wood and resin pen blanks will be discussed and available. Expect to go home with a couple of finished pens. You may bring your own turning tools, but all tools will be provided. Students should supply their own face shield and dust mask. Class is open to all skill levels. Dave will be in contact with students prior to the first-class session to help them select their pen kit styles.

David has been involved in woodworking his entire life and it continues as one of his main pastimes.   His woodworking experience includes turning (bowls, finials, hollow ornaments), cabinetry, chip-carving, intarsia, furniture, carving, box making and more.  David grew up in DePere, WI. on a family dairy farm.  After earning his degree in Instrumentation and Controls, he worked for 40+ years in engineering before recently retiring with his wife to Ellison Bay. He is excited to teach again in the Workshop program at The Clearing!