This year’s challenge will be choosing a quilt from any of Judy’s patterns and “making it your own”. This could entail using a different size block, creating a medallion, adding a secondary block, doing a pieced/applique border, changing the layout or whatever your creative mind can come up with.

Judy’s commercial patterns are on her website, but there will also be several options from her personal handout collection. Judy will contact students prior to class and will send a supply list and designs will be sent to students via email.

Judy Hasheider has been teaching quilting for nearly 40 years, focusing on traditional designs and methods for making quilt-making fun and approachable. She hosts retreats throughout the year and does lectures for guilds in the Midwest.

Level: Intermediate

Whether you have used an inkle loom before or you’ve never ever tried weaving, this class is for you. We will explore making bands of several kinds as skill levels and time permits. Each weaver will work independently and create bands using plain weave, Baltic-style, turned krokbragd or tablet weaving. Bands have been used for thousands of years to contain things, close bags, keep hair neat, as a button band to match sweaters, to secure musical instruments, to hold your socks up or your blouse to your body. Infinitely useful, bands are fun to weave and quite meditative to make. We will spend time learning how to finish bands, make belts and keychains and see other uses for their use. Joan will contact students prior to class.

Students should bring an inkle loom (standard size is preferred), belt shuttle, scissors, erasable colored pencils, and note-taking material. Some inkle looms are available for rent through The Clearing. If you would like to do tablet/card weaving, bring a set of at least 25 cards. If you have yarn you’d like to use, please bring it. 

Joan Sheridan is a fiber explorer who is passionate about keeping traditional handwork alive. In addition to teaching knitting and weaving, she founded Heritage Spinning and Weaving, a retail fiber store, in 2000. Follow her adventures on Facebook at joansheridan2000 and on her webpage heritagespinning.com.

Level: All Levels

Are you ready to “clear” your mind or dive into a week of self-discovery at The Clearing? Our personal retreats are the perfect opportunity to embrace your creative side—whether that’s working on your latest art project, organizing those cherished memories, penning your thoughts, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature with a refreshing walk. Just imagine what you could accomplish in one uninterrupted week!

With flexible options available every week, you can tailor your retreat to fit your unique interests. We have limited shared workspace available, so please give The Clearing a call in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Enjoy a week photographing the beauty of Door County in Spring. 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 of 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. 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

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 Vistewas 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

Are you ready to “clear” your mind or dive into a week of self-discovery at The Clearing? Our personal retreats are the perfect opportunity to embrace your creative side—whether that’s working on your latest art project, organizing those cherished memories, penning your thoughts, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature with a refreshing walk. Just imagine what you could accomplish in one uninterrupted week!

With flexible options available every week, you can tailor your retreat to fit your unique interests. We have limited shared workspace available, so please give The Clearing a call in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Whether you’re using a mirrorless or DSLR camera, this hands-on class will teach you how to take better, more intentional photos. You’ll learn the fundamentals of photography—like composition, lighting, exposure, and storytelling—and how to apply them in real-world situations. Through guided practice and personalized feedback, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to capture moments with clarity, creativity, and style.

This class is well suited for the beginner or someone who has only recently purchased a DSLR or mirrorless. We’ll move beyond ‘auto’ mode and dive into the creative controls of your camera, exploring the fundamental principles of exposure, composition, and light. Through a mix of hands-on practice, constructive feedback sessions, and daily shooting assignments, you’ll learn to see the world with a photographer’s eye, translating your unique perspective into stunning images. From mastering shutter speed for dynamic motion shots to understanding aperture for beautiful depth of field, you’ll gain technical confidence to unleash your creative potential in any situation.

This workshop is a combination of practical field-based experience and classroom lecture. Bring your camera lenses and tripod if you have one, photos and a laptop with digital editing software on it. Bill and Gary will contact students prior to class.

Bill Brown has owned his own photography business for over 40 years, is a past president of the Chicago Area Camera Clubs Association and teaches Photoshop and Photoshop Elements throughout Chicagoland. Bill is also the founder and a past president of the Elgin Area Camera Club.

In 2014, Gary Taylor decided to get a little more serious about photography and purchased his first DSLR camera. Shortly after that he joined the Des Plaines Camera Club. He has served on the board of the camera club since 2015 initially as Secretary, Vice President and since August of 2018, the club President. Gary started taking classes at the Richard Stromberg School of Photography in 2016. In 2018 he became a lab instructor for the photo students and taught Lightroom. He was the webmaster for the Chicago Chapter PSA and am currently the Vice Chair. He has been a volunteer photographer for various organizations including Des Plaines Park District, Park Ridge Historical Society, Colonial Dames (NSCDA) and Habitat for Humanity Chicago. His photos have been used on various organizations’ websites, marketing materials, magazines, and annual reports.

Level: All Levels

Explore the ancient and fascinating arts of vitreous enamels, copper and fire. The focus of this class will be on liquid enamels, sgraffito, vitreous enameling, copper form folding and copper etching. Each day, you’ll make a new project, with plenty of supplies and tools to use. All projects are instructor-led with demos, instructions and plenty of guidance to help you bring your artistic vision to life! Unleash your creativity, try something new or bring forth your next level of creative designs.

The class will include torch-fired copper enameling, copper etching, and copper fold forming. At the end of the week, you’ll have time to assemble your projects into art jewelry, giftable items, art for your windows or wall hangings. Julie will have extra items at class for purchase.  Please bring safety glasses plus an optional apron. Julie will contact students prior to class.

Torch fired glass has been with Julie Lukosaitis for over 24 years. It has taught her focus, given her happiness and failures, challenges and successes. Meticulously constructed, Julie uses the torch to melt the glass layer upon layer, reading the heat and applying ancient techniques and skills. She strives to capture beauty with-in her glass art. Glass art has unlocked a door for her. In 2014, Beadazzled By Julz, LLC was born out of the desire to teach the ancient art of glass bead making skills and art jewelry. She has since expanded to include glass blowing and enameling. What sets her apart as a creator and teacher is her 29 years of experience working in public education. Julie is grateful for the opportunities to foster creativity, make friends, and share my skills. Her charitable donations include “Beads Of Courage” for children going through medical treatments.

Level: All levels

This is a relaxing stitching class for all levels where you will learn how to create engaging images using a few basic embroidery stitches. Through layering, embroidering, and combining old and new textiles, the class will experiment with new and old techniques in a relaxed atmosphere.
There is something very powerful about working with old quilts, linens, or clothing and giving them new life. We will discuss the most effective ways to take advantage of older textiles and combine them with new hand-dyed and printed fabrics.

This class will explore the use of color in textile art through choices of fabric, thread, and fabric paint. We will introduce color by adding layers of opaque and translucent fabric with different applique techniques. Color play will continue through using an assortment of stitches and by mixing threads to develop a fuller pallet in each layered textile piece. As we stitch, we will embrace the meditative aspect of embroidery and how it can be a vehicle to connect us with nature and community.

Please bring needles, a variety of sizes with larger eye holes, scissors, and a washable blue fabric marker. Laurel will contact students prior to class.

Laurel Izard’s constant refrain is, “Gotta make stuff.” She is an award-winning artist known throughout the United States for her embroidery and art quilts. She currently lives and makes art full time near the shore of Lake Michigan in Michigan City, Indiana with her artist husband Edwin Shelton and three cats. As soon as she could hold a needle, she started sewing but didn’t get serious about textiles as an art form until 2010. She received a BA from Northern Illinois University, with majors in art and anthropology, and an MFA in ceramics from the UW-Madison. After college, Izard and her husband started a ceramic business called Izwin, and they produced and wholesaled colorful whimsical tabletop wares to galleries, boutiques and department stores throughout the country. After twenty-three years of self-employment, she taught art in numerous after-school and summer programs. Her art-teaching career culminated in nine years as an art instructor at Marquette High School. Her philosophy as an artist and teacher is that an integral part of being human is to be creative, and she continues to teach others how to discover their inner artistic resources.

Level: All Levels

Are you ready to “clear” your mind or dive into a week of self-discovery at The Clearing? Our personal retreats are the perfect opportunity to embrace your creative side—whether that’s working on your latest art project, organizing those cherished memories, penning your thoughts, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature with a refreshing walk. Just imagine what you could accomplish in one uninterrupted week!

With flexible options available every week, you can tailor your retreat to fit your unique interests. We have limited shared workspace available, so please give The Clearing a call in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Expand your creative abilities and allow your inner artistic self to grow in this exciting class. You’ll explore traditional watercolor as well as adding ink to your work. In addition, you’ll spend a day using Japanese masa paper. (Japanese masa paper is collaged to the watercolor paper after crushing the fibers, creating a wonderful abstract result.)

Push your color sense, challenge your design and composition skills, and allow yourself to expand and explore. The key word is SIMPLIFY; to allow yourself to say what you want easily and with inner creative expression.  You will leave the class renewed, refreshed, and energized. Emphasis is always on individual attention. Each day will begin with a short lecture, followed by a demonstration. Join Ed and other artists for a week of excitement and creativity!

Ed Fenendael is a Wisconsin native and continues to be inspired by the pastoral scenes of the world. He began his art career over 35 years ago and works in several media, but his main focuses are watercolor, watercolor/ink and watercolor with Japanese masa paper. He has studied at the Kansas City Art Institute and the University of Wisconsin and graduated from Marquette University. Ed has also studied with numerous national and international instructors. He is on the visiting faculty of the Kansas City Art Institute and conducts classes and workshops in his studio and throughout the United States, Europe and Mexico. His paintings are in many private and corporate collections. They can also be found at the Watergate Gallery in Washington D.C. and in Door County at Morning Mist Studio at Windmill Farm, his gallery/studio near Baileys Harbor.

Level: All Levels

Moku-hanga, meaning “wood print”, is a centuries old woodblock printmaking technique requiring a few simple hand tools, fine-grained wood, water-based pigments and lovely Japanese paper. All materials are non-toxic and no bulky printing press is needed. Only a small table space is required to make beautiful, hand-made wood prints.

In this class, you will learn to design, carve, and print your own drawings from shina plywood onto Japanese paper. Alfred’s goal will be for you to acquire the skills to make mokuhanga prints long after the class has ended. No previous experience is necessary to take this class.

Please bring photos or drawings that you’d like to use to create your own prints. Also bring an apron or smock. All students must bring a Japanese Woodblock Printmaking Kit from Mcclains Printmaking Supplies, http://www.imcclains.com, item number E5900, or the equivatools. This kit costs around $85. The kit includes gouges, ink, a brush, paste, oil, woodblocks, postcards and instructions. If you have questions about anything please contact Alfred at, alfred.stark.artist@gmail.com.  Alfred will contact students prior to class.

Alfred Stark lives in northern Illinois and loves to draw, paint and print the natural world, especially that of the great lakes region. He has a B.F.A in drawing from Northern Illinois University. In addition to teaching at The Clearing, Alfred teaches at Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point Wisconsin and the Hyde Park Art Center in Chicago Illinois. His work can be found at Longbranch Gallery in Mineral Point and online.

Level: All Levels

Are you ready to “clear” your mind or dive into a week of self-discovery at The Clearing? Our personal retreats are the perfect opportunity to embrace your creative side—whether that’s working on your latest art project, organizing those cherished memories, penning your thoughts, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature with a refreshing walk. Just imagine what you could accomplish in one uninterrupted week!

With flexible options available every week, you can tailor your retreat to fit your unique interests. We have limited shared workspace available, so please give The Clearing a call in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Let’s make magic happen as we transform fibers and “bits and bobs” into spectacular yarns! We’ll blend both technical and creative fiber preparation and spinning skills to bring texture, color, unique ply structures, and inclusions to create a stunning palette of your own custom designer yarns. Whether you love fine, elegant yarns; wild and wooly “art yarns”; or something in between; you’ll learn to adapt each technique to achieve the yarns you love. Let’s think WAY outside of the handspinning box! Deb will contact students prior to class.

Deb Jones is from Black River Falls, Wisconsin and is an enthusiastic hand spinner, weaver and dyer who has taught workshops throughout the Midwest, including at Sievers School of Fiber Arts on Washington Island, Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, as well as at her studio, The Fiber Garden. For 30 years, the Fiber Garden has offered year-round fiber arts workshops and a mercantile that has been featured in American Small Farm, Impressions and Positive Thinking magazines. Since retiring in 2013 from a career with the University of Wisconsin-Extension, her newest fiber venture is as a travel consultant, sponsoring land and sea fiber arts travel tours. For Deb, it’s all a means to promote fiber arts and combine her love of fiber arts, teaching and country living!

Level: Intermediate

This class meets in the mornings and is intended for more advanced poets with some history of publication. Instructor approval is required for admission. For approval, contact Albert at al.degenova@yahoo.com.

Before class, you will submit four to six poems (maximum six pages) – work with which you have struggled or for which you desire peer feedback. Fellow students and Albert will read the submitted work prior to class. Poems must be emailed to Albert one month before class in .pdf or .doc format. He will then share your work with fellow students. Each day will also include in-class writing prompts and a “homework” prompt. Students in The Poetry Workshop may also sit in on “Poetry in Prose” afternoon sessions. The Poetry Workshop is limited to five (5) students. Submit workshop pieces directly to Albert at al.degenova@yahoo.com.

Choose one of two class sections: The Poetry in Prose (afternoons) or The Poetry Workshop (mornings).

Note: Albert is teaching two writing classes this week in the tradition of how Norbert Blei, who taught the class for over 40 years, structured the week. Albert will contact students prior to class.

Albert DeGenova began his studies with Norbert Blei at The Clearing in 1996. A prize-winning poet, writer, editor and publisher, Albert is the author of five books of poetry and two chapbooks. He also worked as a journalist and marketing communications professional. In June of 2000, he launched the literary/arts journal After Hours, for which he continues as publisher and editor. In 2014, After Hours Press published The Professor’s Quarters, student perspectives on Norbert Blei and his long-running class at The Clearing. Albert holds a Master of Fine Art degree in writing from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also a blues saxophonist and one-time contributing editor to Down Beat magazine. Albert is now the Executive Director of Write On, Door County.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

At the heart of all fine writing is a sense of the poetic. Poetry makes the reader experience your writing with all five senses, six when you consider kinetics and rhythm. This class will explore the poet’s tools (metaphor, personification, rhythm, etc.) as they are used in prose/narrative writing, as well as how prose writing can become poetry. Core reading, handouts and discussion will be enhanced by in-class writing prompts and assignments.

Core (required) reading for The Poetry in Prose is Road Atlas: Prose and other Poems by Campbell McGrath and The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje. Students are encouraged to bring samples of their favorite poetic prose pieces or favorite poems to class. All that is required for this class is a desire to write!

Choose one of two class sections: The Poetry in Prose (afternoons) or The Poetry Workshop (mornings).

Note: Albert is teaching two writing classes this week in the tradition of how Norbert Blei, who taught the class for over 40 years, structured the week. Albert will contact students prior to class.

Albert DeGenova began his studies with Norbert Blei at The Clearing in 1996 and began teaching at The Clearing in 2013. A prize-winning poet, writer, editor and publisher, Albert is the author of five books of poetry and two poetry chapbooks. He also worked as a journalist and marketing communications professional. In June of 2000, he launched the literary/arts journal After Hours, for which he continues as publisher and editor. In 2014, After Hours Press published The Professor’s Quarters, student perspectives on Norbert Blei and his class at The Clearing. Albert holds a Master of Fine Art degree in writing from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also a blues saxophonist and one-time contributing editor to Down Beat magazine. Albert is now the Executive Director of Write On, Door County.

Level: All Levels

Spring is prime time for exploring Door County’s extraordinary natural beauty. Join Naturalist guide Paul Regnier as you experience well-known and not so well-known natural areas throughout the County.

Enjoy the rich diversity and variety of Door County’s habitats, including sugar maple/beech woodlands, remnant boreal forests, a variety of wetlands, rocky and sandy beaches, and the Niagara Escarpment. Learn identification and natural history of flowering and non-flowering plants, migrating and local birds, and terrestrial animals in these habitats. You’ll gain a new appreciation for the unique geology and natural history that makes Door County so fascinating. Easy to moderate level hiking is scheduled each day. Some hikes include areas of uneven or difficult terrain, (off the beaten path…) so good footwear is a must. Rain gear is also helpful. Most of the class time is spent outdoors, rain or shine. A daypack, binoculars, camera, refillable water bottle, walking stick, field guides and sense of adventure are also useful. As a group, we will coordinate carpooling to our daily destinations. Paul will contact students prior to class.

Paul Regnier is a professional naturalist and travel planner who lives and breathes Door County. His love for travel, birding, natural history, and cultural history takes him to natural areas around the world and is the foundation of his livelihood. He owns and is lead naturalist for Door County Nature and Travel and Door County Tours, businesses that specialize in customized, small group travel, environmental education, and natural areas consulting and management. Paul earned his Master and Bachelor of Science degrees in natural resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He is past Chairperson of the Door County Visitor Bureau (Destination Door County) and was, for 15 years, the Director/Naturalist of the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin.

Level: All Levels with the ability to walk up to a few miles a day

Are you ready to “clear” your mind or dive into a week of self-discovery at The Clearing? Our personal retreats are the perfect opportunity to embrace your creative side—whether that’s working on your latest art project, organizing those cherished memories, penning your thoughts, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature with a refreshing walk. Just imagine what you could accomplish in one uninterrupted week!

With flexible options available every week, you can tailor your retreat to fit your unique interests. We have limited shared workspace available, so please give The Clearing a call in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Let’s make magic happen as we transform fibers and “bits and bobs” into spectacular yarns! We’ll blend both technical and creative fiber preparation and spinning skills to bring texture, color, unique ply structures, and inclusions to create a stunning palette of your own custom designer yarns. Whether you love fine, elegant yarns; wild and wooly “art yarns”; or something in between; you’ll learn to adapt each technique to achieve the yarns you love. Let’s think WAY outside of the handspinning box! Deb will contact students prior to class.

Deb Jones is from Black River Falls, Wisconsin and is an enthusiastic hand spinner, weaver and dyer who has taught workshops throughout the Midwest, including at Sievers School of Fiber Arts on Washington Island, Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, as well as at her studio, The Fiber Garden. For 30 years, the Fiber Garden has offered year-round fiber arts workshops and a mercantile that has been featured in American Small Farm, Impressions and Positive Thinking magazines. Since retiring in 2013 from a career with the University of Wisconsin-Extension, her newest fiber venture is as a travel consultant, sponsoring land and sea fiber arts travel tours. For Deb, it’s all a means to promote fiber arts and combine her love of fiber arts, teaching and country living!

Level: Intermediate

This class meets in the mornings and is intended for more advanced poets with some history of publication. Instructor approval is required for admission. For approval, contact Albert at al.degenova@yahoo.com.

Before class, you will submit four to six poems (maximum six pages) – work with which you have struggled or for which you desire peer feedback. Fellow students and Albert will read the submitted work prior to class. Poems must be emailed to Albert one month before class in .pdf or .doc format. He will then share your work with fellow students. Each day will also include in-class writing prompts and a “homework” prompt. Students in The Poetry Workshop may also sit in on “Poetry in Prose” afternoon sessions. The Poetry Workshop is limited to five (5) students. Submit workshop pieces directly to Albert at al.degenova@yahoo.com.

Choose one of two class sections: The Poetry in Prose (afternoons) or The Poetry Workshop (mornings).

Note: Albert is teaching two writing classes this week in the tradition of how Norbert Blei, who taught the class for over 40 years, structured the week. Albert will contact students prior to class.

Albert DeGenova began his studies with Norbert Blei at The Clearing in 1996. A prize-winning poet, writer, editor and publisher, Albert is the author of five books of poetry and two chapbooks. He also worked as a journalist and marketing communications professional. In June of 2000, he launched the literary/arts journal After Hours, for which he continues as publisher and editor. In 2014, After Hours Press published The Professor’s Quarters, student perspectives on Norbert Blei and his long-running class at The Clearing. Albert holds a Master of Fine Art degree in writing from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also a blues saxophonist and one-time contributing editor to Down Beat magazine. Albert is now the Executive Director of Write On, Door County.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

At the heart of all fine writing is a sense of the poetic. Poetry makes the reader experience your writing with all five senses, six when you consider kinetics and rhythm. This class will explore the poet’s tools (metaphor, personification, rhythm, etc.) as they are used in prose/narrative writing, as well as how prose writing can become poetry. Core reading, handouts and discussion will be enhanced by in-class writing prompts and assignments.

Core (required) reading for The Poetry in Prose is Road Atlas: Prose and other Poems by Campbell McGrath and The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje. Students are encouraged to bring samples of their favorite poetic prose pieces or favorite poems to class. All that is required for this class is a desire to write!

Choose one of two class sections: The Poetry in Prose (afternoons) or The Poetry Workshop (mornings).

Note: Albert is teaching two writing classes this week in the tradition of how Norbert Blei, who taught the class for over 40 years, structured the week. Albert will contact students prior to class.

Albert DeGenova began his studies with Norbert Blei at The Clearing in 1996 and began teaching at The Clearing in 2013. A prize-winning poet, writer, editor and publisher, Albert is the author of five books of poetry and two poetry chapbooks. He also worked as a journalist and marketing communications professional. In June of 2000, he launched the literary/arts journal After Hours, for which he continues as publisher and editor. In 2014, After Hours Press published The Professor’s Quarters, student perspectives on Norbert Blei and his class at The Clearing. Albert holds a Master of Fine Art degree in writing from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also a blues saxophonist and one-time contributing editor to Down Beat magazine. Albert is now the Executive Director of Write On, Door County.

Level: All Levels

Spring is prime time for exploring Door County’s extraordinary natural beauty. Join Naturalist guide Paul Regnier as you experience well-known and not so well-known natural areas throughout the County.

Enjoy the rich diversity and variety of Door County’s habitats, including sugar maple/beech woodlands, remnant boreal forests, a variety of wetlands, rocky and sandy beaches, and the Niagara Escarpment. Learn identification and natural history of flowering and non-flowering plants, migrating and local birds, and terrestrial animals in these habitats. You’ll gain a new appreciation for the unique geology and natural history that makes Door County so fascinating. Easy to moderate level hiking is scheduled each day. Some hikes include areas of uneven or difficult terrain, (off the beaten path…) so good footwear is a must. Rain gear is also helpful. Most of the class time is spent outdoors, rain or shine. A daypack, binoculars, camera, refillable water bottle, walking stick, field guides and sense of adventure are also useful. As a group, we will coordinate carpooling to our daily destinations. Paul will contact students prior to class.

Paul Regnier is a professional naturalist and travel planner who lives and breathes Door County. His love for travel, birding, natural history, and cultural history takes him to natural areas around the world and is the foundation of his livelihood. He owns and is lead naturalist for Door County Nature and Travel and Door County Tours, businesses that specialize in customized, small group travel, environmental education, and natural areas consulting and management. Paul earned his Master and Bachelor of Science degrees in natural resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He is past Chairperson of the Door County Visitor Bureau (Destination Door County) and was, for 15 years, the Director/Naturalist of the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin.

Level: All Levels with the ability to walk up to a few miles a day

Are you ready to “clear” your mind or dive into a week of self-discovery at The Clearing? Our personal retreats are the perfect opportunity to embrace your creative side—whether that’s working on your latest art project, organizing those cherished memories, penning your thoughts, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature with a refreshing walk. Just imagine what you could accomplish in one uninterrupted week!

With flexible options available every week, you can tailor your retreat to fit your unique interests. We have limited shared workspace available, so please give The Clearing a call in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Our class will focus on flash form, compressed prose writing between 250-1500 words.  Flash form emphasizes brevity while maintaining complexity and depth, a combination that presents a challenge to both readers and writers.  Students will have the chance to write fiction or nonfiction or try both. Flash form is an excellent way for students to master important prose writing techniques -precision in language, focus on narrative arc, and attention to significant/necessary detail among them. We will work on specific techniques while also discussing the fundamental questions of all prose writing – How is a compelling story made? How do we make meaning from our lives and our experiences and observations of the world around us? How can we best learn from feedback and critique? How do we shape our writing so that it engages other people? There is an increasing readership of flash forms, and growing opportunities to submit and publish. In our class, we will examine flash form technique, using examples of published writing to illustrate concepts. Each session will include guided writing prompts and time in class to generate material.

Deborah (Professor Emerita at College of DuPage) has a PhD in English from New York University.  She has published her fiction, essays, book reviews, memoirs, flash fiction, poetry and academic work in a variety of magazines, journals and anthologies. She has taught a variety of writing classes in fiction and creative nonfiction, composition, professional writing, and various literature and film studies classes. She has taught at New York University, Loyola University, Oakton College and College of DuPage.  Deborah loves teaching writing and literature classes and is excited to return to teaching at The Clearing this year!

Students are invited to take repurposing to a new artistic level by weaving purses with scrap fabrics and recycled t­shirts. During the class we will concentrate on learning methods for preparing and joining rag strips; designing various styles of purses; exploring weaving techniques such as twisted weft, clasped weft, loopers, and more; as well as discovering ways to finish the purses. Beginning students will learn how to set up a loom but will also have the option of working on pre-warped 4-harness looms and Intermediate students will enjoy exploring techniques such as Log Cabin Weave and Twill variations. Looms will be available for rent from The Clearing. JoEl will contact students prior to class.

JoEl Levy LoGiudice loves to share her passion for weaving with her students. She has taught weaving at Florida Community College, the Appalachian Center for Craft, Tennessee Technological University, Vanderbilt University, Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, the John C. Campbell Folk School and The Clearing. JoEl enjoys exploring new ideas and techniques for weaving.

Level: All Levels

Are you ready to “clear” your mind or dive into a week of self-discovery at The Clearing? Our personal retreats are the perfect opportunity to embrace your creative side—whether that’s working on your latest art project, organizing those cherished memories, penning your thoughts, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature with a refreshing walk. Just imagine what you could accomplish in one uninterrupted week!

With flexible options available every week, you can tailor your retreat to fit your unique interests. We have limited shared workspace available, so please give The Clearing a call in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Deepen your connection to the natural world and push the boundaries of your painting practice in this immersive two-day workshop. Using acrylic painting as a foundation, we will explore how to translate the complexity and wonder of nature into compelling abstract compositions. This workshop explores alternative ways to paint nature, encouraging you to look closely at the textures, patterns, and rhythms of the environment. While we will use the visual references of nature as inspiration, we will also consider sounds, scents, and tactile experiences as subject matter for our painting. Through the intentional use of color, shape, value, rhythm, and repetition, you will learn to translate sensory experiences into a distinct visual language.

Day one begins with a sensory immersion on the beautiful grounds of The Clearing gathering sketches and observations, followed by a day and a half of studio time focused on experimental techniques, refinement, and articulating your visual voice. Through this workshop you will learn abstract composition, acrylic versatility, visual language, and studio integration. Students are welcome to bring personal favorites to supplement provided materials. Students should bring a sketchbook and several pencils.

Shan Bryan-Hanson is an artist, curator, and educator. She received her M.F.A. from the University of Montana and spent nearly two decades working in academia, as a professor and curator. She now divides her time between making art, curatorial projects, and teaching workshops. Shan’s art is made with a unique process, developed by the artist, that combines painting with intricate drawing and embroidery to create works of art layered with imagery, material, and medium. She lives in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

Colored pencil is the perfect medium to capture the intricacies, texture and color of plants and landscapes. If you are a beginner, this class will give you a strong introduction to colored pencil as a fine art medium. If you have experience, you will be able to enhance your technique and compositional skills under Kimberly’s guidance.

Several approaches to layering (including grisaille) will be taught, along with color theory and volume, and focusing on building a strong composition. Demonstrations and exercises will be done each day with time for each student to pursue their own subject matter and focus with help from Kimberly. In addition to work in the studio, there will be opportunities to draw plein air on The Clearing’s grounds. Friendly constructive critiques will be part of the class.

Kimberly Mullarkey has a bachelor’s degree in fine art from the University of California-Santa Cruz and a master of fine arts degree from Northern Illinois University. She lived in France for six months, where she studied early Northern Renaissance painting. She teaches botanical art at The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Botanic Garden. She also teaches Drawing and Design at the College of DuPage. Her work is included in the Best of Colored Pencil series. She has spoken at many local art leagues about creativity, botanical art and her own work. To fulfill her wanderlust, she leads trips.

Level: Beginner

Enjoy a week of weaving in a beautiful natural setting. Be inspired by the rich color combinations in nature and the sunsets over the water. Looms will be set up ahead of class, allowing you more time for weaving. See the magic of creating your own fabric for a project of your choice—a scarf, a runner, placemats…

This open studio class is set up for newer weavers—beginners, refreshers and those ready to explore a new weave structure or work on their own project.

During the week, you will learn and practice basic weaving skills and vocabulary. Discussions will include planning a project, reading a pattern draft, finishing techniques and how colors interact in weaving. This will be a small class with a maximum of six students. You will be weaving on a four-shaft table or floor loom. Bring your own loom or rent one from The Clearing. Geke will contact students prior to class. Weavers in the Madison, WI area can meet with Geke at her home studio if they would like assistance with planning their project and setting up their loom. Upon request, Geke will prepare a loom for beginning weavers.

Geke de Vries (pronounced Gayka de Frees)

Working with yarn and fabrics was part of Geke’s everyday life while growing up in the Netherlands. After moving to Madison, WI, Geke enrolled in several weaving classes, bought a loom and realized how much she enjoyed creating my own fabric. It is intriguing to see how color, texture, and pattern interact. Workshops and conferences have offered the opportunity to experiment with more complex patterns encouraging her to buy a 32 shaft compu-dobby loom with software to operate it. It has been a challenging and amazing adventure to weave more intricate patterns, especially on hand painted warps.

Geke is fascinated by weaving traditions in other countries where weaving is still part of local culture and everyday life. There is much to learn and enjoy about the beautifully patterned cloth woven on traditional looms. This love of textiles has taken me on tours to Central Asia, India, Mexico, Peru, Bhutan, Thailand, Laos and Morocco.

For many years Geke has been teaching weaving classes in my home studio, at Oakwood Village Retirement Community on Mineral Point Road in Madison and at The Clearing Folk School in Door County. It is gratifying to see how new weavers can learn a new skill and enjoy seeing something of beauty created by their own hands.

Level: Beginner

Are you ready to “clear” your mind or dive into a week of self-discovery at The Clearing? Our personal retreats are the perfect opportunity to embrace your creative side—whether that’s working on your latest art project, organizing those cherished memories, penning your thoughts, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature with a refreshing walk. Just imagine what you could accomplish in one uninterrupted week!

With flexible options available every week, you can tailor your retreat to fit your unique interests. We have limited shared workspace available, so please give The Clearing a call in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

In this workshop, we will use eco-printing to create a variety of beautiful, naturally printed pieces. We will print on silk, wool, and cotton. Eco-printing uses the natural pigments in the leaves and flowers of plants to dye and print on our prepared fabrics. This is a many-layered process, and we will work step by step to create unique pieces. We will cover techniques, plants that print well, and how to continue experimenting once you get home. Each participant will take home their own handmade eco-printed cotton market bag, organic cotton tea towel, wool wall hanging/table runner, silk and wool scarf and more as time allows. All pieces will be scoured and mordanted (if necessary) prior to the workshop. Let’s have some fun with plants!

Mary and Nancy Burns are part of Hazel Eyes Textiles located in northern Wisconsin. They create natural dyed and eco-printed apparel and homeware. In addition to textile collaborations, the sisters have teamed up to teach eco-printing and other textile classes. Mary is an award-winning fiber artist and master weaver. Her work has been exhibited internationally. Mary’s latest exhibit Women and Water: Woven Portraits from Around the World, features women who work with and for water across the globe. The exhibit is composed of 29 woven portraits of 39 women from over 20 countries, plus the Arctic and Antarctic. Mary’s Ancestral Women Exhibit features woven portraits of an elder from each of Wisconsin’s 12 Native tribes along with 12 complementary weavings. She weaves custom-designed jacquard weavings and wall pieces in addition to felting, natural dyeing and eco-printing.

Are you ready to “clear” your mind or dive into a week of self-discovery at The Clearing? Our personal retreats are the perfect opportunity to embrace your creative side—whether that’s working on your latest art project, organizing those cherished memories, penning your thoughts, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature with a refreshing walk. Just imagine what you could accomplish in one uninterrupted week!

With flexible options available every week, you can tailor your retreat to fit your unique interests. We have limited shared workspace available, so please give The Clearing a call in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Pouring watercolor paint is a specific method that produces beautiful color combinations as well as creating unique qualities in a painting. Similar to batiking fabric, we will use masking fluid to save the white of the paper and consecutive color pours to establish our paintings. You will finish with traditional painting methods to complete the painting. 

Leave your preconceived ideas of how to paint at home but do bring along an open mind and the willingness to experiment and have fun!

Joye will demonstrate every aspect of the pouring project, breaking it down into segments so everyone can understand. She prides herself on giving personal attention to each student and helping them grow as an artist. There will be an informative yet gentle critique at the end of each day so we can all learn from one another. You are sure to leave this workshop with newly found techniques as well as a renewed creative enthusiasm for painting. This workshop is appropriate for painters at an intermediate level to those who have been painting for years.

Joye Moon is a Fine Arts Graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh graduating Magna Cum Laude. She was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award as well as the Chancellor’s Medallion from UW-Oshkosh.  

She has earned her signature membership into the National Watercolor Society and the International Watercolor Society, as well as multiple state and regional Watercolor Societies. A lifelong artist, Joye maintains her studio and Moonwalk Gallery in Wisconsin and has taught over 200 watercolor workshops throughout the United States. She has conducted 38 international tours!  

She has been invited to feature her work through one woman exhibits and group shows at art galleries, museums throughout the country as well as exhibiting in over 160 National and International Juried Exhibits. She is sought after as a judge in many regional, national, and international competitions.    

 Joye’s book, “Exploring Textures in Watercolor” was published by North Light Books in 2009 and has been a best seller around the world. Her work has been featured in “Splash 8” by North Light Books and “How did you paint that? 100 Ways to Paint Flowers and Gardens,” by International Artist. She has also been published in many articles in art magazines such as American Artist, Watercolor and the Artist Magazine. 

Your best camera is the one you have with you—and your iPhone is far more powerful than you might think. In this two-day workshop, we’ll explore the full potential of your iPhone camera and learn how to move beyond simple snapshots to create compelling, expressive images. You’ll discover hidden camera features, practical composition techniques, and how to use light to your advantage. We’ll head outdoors to photograph the natural beauty of The Clearing, putting new skills into practice right away. Back in the classroom, we’ll dive into the iPhone’s built-in editing tools to quickly and effectively enhance your images. You’ll be introduced to creative third-party apps that allow for greater flexibility and artistic expression—opening exciting new possibilities for your photography. By the end of the workshop, you’ll understand not only how to take better photos, but how to transform them into finished images you’re proud to print, share, or display. This class is suitable for all skill levels. Karen will contact students prior to class.

Karen Alesch is an avid photographer, specializing in nature, birds, and landscape photography. She has exhibited her work in Door County and around the state.  She is honored to have many of her pieces hanging in homes and offices around the country.  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 can spend much more time in Door County photographing its beauty in all seasons.

Are you sew curious and have always wanted to try quilting? This intro to quilting class will take you through the basics from picking out colors, reading patterns to sewing and quilting several projects. We will discuss thread, needles, batting, rulers, and other elements of the quilting process as we work through multiple hands-on quilting demonstrations. Students will leave with the basic skills to feel more confident working on their own future projects. This is an entry level quilting class meant for those with little to no experience quilting. A sewing machine is required for class; if traveling, machine rental is available. Kate will contact students prior to class.

Kate LeRoy has been quilting for as long as she can remember, learning the craft from her great grandmother. After years of honing her skills, she fulfilled a dream by purchasing her own quilt shop in Sturgeon Bay, WI, creating a welcoming space for creativity and community. Today, she teaches and lectures across the state, sharing her knowledge, passion, and inspiration with quilters of all levels.

Level: Beginner

Are you ready to “clear” your mind or dive into a week of self-discovery at The Clearing? Our personal retreats are the perfect opportunity to embrace your creative side—whether that’s working on your latest art project, organizing those cherished memories, penning your thoughts, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature with a refreshing walk. Just imagine what you could accomplish in one uninterrupted week!

With flexible options available every week, you can tailor your retreat to fit your unique interests. We have limited shared workspace available, so please give The Clearing a call in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Expect to start from the beginning – a general overview of the Forge Building, its tools, and their uses from blacksmith James Viste.  Learn maintenance and use of the coal forge, anvil and hammer ergonomics and techniques to ensure an enjoyable, safe, and productive class. Demonstrations will cover the major introductory forging processes; variations of tapering, upsetting, shouldering and twists to produce single piece objects (i.e., hooks, handles, etc.). Students will have an opportunity to individualize their projects under James’ guidance and supervision.  James will contact students prior to class.

James Viste was raised on a farm in Wisconsin, received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a Master of Fine Art from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, MI. He is a nationally known blacksmithing demonstrator and exhibitor and has participated in several national Ironwork Restoration Projects, including Cranbrook Educational Community and the Detroit Institute of Arts. He is currently the Manager of Edgewise Forge LLC and has taught at The Clearing for several years.

Are you sew curious and have always wanted to try quilting? This intro to quilting class will take you through the basics from picking out colors, reading patterns to sewing and quilting several projects. We will discuss thread, needles, batting, rulers, and other elements of the quilting process as we work through multiple hands-on quilting demonstrations. Students will leave with the basic skills to feel more confident working on their own future projects. This is an entry level quilting class meant for those with little to no experience quilting. A sewing machine is required for class; if traveling, machine rental is available. Kate will contact students prior to class.

Kate LeRoy has been quilting for as long as she can remember, learning the craft from her great grandmother. After years of honing her skills, she fulfilled a dream by purchasing her own quilt shop in Sturgeon Bay, WI, creating a welcoming space for creativity and community. Today, she teaches and lectures across the state, sharing her knowledge, passion, and inspiration with quilters of all levels.

Level: Beginner

Are you ready to “clear” your mind or dive into a week of self-discovery at The Clearing? Our personal retreats are the perfect opportunity to embrace your creative side—whether that’s working on your latest art project, organizing those cherished memories, penning your thoughts, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature with a refreshing walk. Just imagine what you could accomplish in one uninterrupted week!

With flexible options available every week, you can tailor your retreat to fit your unique interests. We have limited shared workspace available, so please give The Clearing a call in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Immerse yourself in color and possibilities with soft pastel! This medium is versatile, immediate, and expressive, and allows you to combine the best of drawing and painting. Working from a variety of subject matter and sources, we’ll complete thought-provoking exercises that provide greater understanding of the medium and its capabilities. We will be working from life in the studio and out of doors (still life and some nature study on campus), as well as working from photographs, sketches, compositional and value studies, and your own imagination.

Beginners will be exposed to an in-depth look into the variety of pastels, papers, application styles, and techniques available to the pastel artist. In addition to technical skill development, intermediate and advanced students will be encouraged to consider content, theme and emotion in their paintings—and possibly stretch themselves to uncharted territory! I specialize in adapting to each participant’s personality and skill level and provide plenty of one-on-one interaction, as well as doing frequent demonstrations. Useful handouts, a variety of pastel papers for the exercises, and many other materials will be provided. Kay will contact students prior to class

Kay Brathol-Hostvet is an upbeat, enthusiastic and supportive instructor bringing a wealth of experiences to the classroom. In addition to working as a professional artist, she has been teaching workshops in drawing, design, pastel, acrylic painting and professional development for many years. Kay is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America and has a bachelor of fine art degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, with concentrations in drawing and painting. Her works are in corporate and private collections around the Midwest. Her pastel paintings have been featured in The Pastel Journal and the Dane Arts (Dane County, Wisconsin) annual poster and calendar, and her acrylic paintings are included in North Light Books’ AcrylicWorks 2: Radical Breakthroughs. She works from her home studio in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and is represented by Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, Abel Contemporary Gallery in Stoughton, Wisconsin and Riverwood Art and Frame in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Level: All Levels

In this workshop students will enjoy exploring, experimenting, and experiencing the endless possibilities of printing on fabric. This class will appeal to printmakers, quilters, fiber, and mixed media artists. Students will be encouraged to be playful and spontaneous as they explore a variety of techniques including painting, stamping, and stenciling on fabric using textile paint. By the close of the workshop, students will have had the opportunity to print on tote bags or linens such as table napkins and kitchen towels as well as create yards of uniquely patterned fabric to use for future projects. Open to all skill levels. JoEl will contact students prior to class.

JoEl Levy LoGiudice loves to share her passion for weaving with her students. She has taught weaving at Florida Community College, the Appalachian Center for Craft, Tennessee Technological University, Vanderbilt University, Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, the John C. Campbell Folk School and The Clearing. JoEl enjoys exploring new ideas and techniques for weaving.

Level: All Levels

Are you ready to “clear” your mind or dive into a week of self-discovery at The Clearing? Our personal retreats are the perfect opportunity to embrace your creative side—whether that’s working on your latest art project, organizing those cherished memories, penning your thoughts, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature with a refreshing walk. Just imagine what you could accomplish in one uninterrupted week!

With flexible options available every week, you can tailor your retreat to fit your unique interests. We have limited shared workspace available, so please give The Clearing a call in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Learn how to use the vibrant, permanent colors and versatile nature of pastels to create beautiful paintings! Working from still–life setups and your own photos to create two or more paintings, you will learn the basics of drawing, composition, working with values and colors, and how to work creatively from photos. Demonstrations, talks, and exercises will include ways of applying pastels to paper to achieve various painterly effects, how to begin, proceed, and finish a painting, and how to avoid and overcome common problems. You will have ample time to work on your own paintings, with plenty of personal attention from Sandra, and you will be encouraged to develop your personal painting style.  

Sandra Place grew up in Manitowoc, WI and lives in Santa Fe, NM.  She received a B.A. in French from Northwestern University and received her formal art training at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. She works primarily in pastels and acrylics.  In addition to many national and international juried group exhibitions, she has had over 20 solo gallery exhibitions. She is a Signature Member of Artists for Conservation and the Pastel Society of the West Coast and an active member of various other national organizations. Her work is in many national and international collections, including the Miller Art Museum in Sturgeon Bay and the Rahr-West Museum in Manitowoc, and is included in the books ‘Celebrating Door County’s Wild Places’ and ‘Artists for Conservation 2015 and 2025 International Exhibition of Nature in Art’.  Sandra is represented by fine galleries in the West and Midwest.   

Denim shirts are wonderfully comfy but never seem to offer a flattering fit. So why not modify that favorite shirt! In this two-day class, Maureen will demo and discuss options for modifying the sleeves, changing the hem line, adding decorative touches to the collar and cuffs, repositioning the chest pockets to make them functional, and adding creativity to one or both front panels, and maybe a little pizzaz to the back yoke. Then the fun begins. She will help each student make a plan for modifications that will unique-ify their own denim shirt. Using complementary cotton fabric(s), we will cut off, remove, shorten, reattach and machine stitch our creativity back into a denim shirt that is one-of-a-kind. Sounds scary? Nope, it is easy peezy! Expect a completed project by the end of the second day. Maureen will contact students prior to class.

Maureen Flatley is a Door County fiber artist. She started sewing as a young girl through 4-H. She has since constructed everything from her own wedding dress to slipcovers to Regency period silk gowns to outerwear. She is passionate about creating and sharing her love of textiles. Her creative journey has taken her from creating traditional quilts to designing and creating original pieces of textile art and wearable art, incorporating her own hand dyed and hand painted fabrics, shibori work and batik techniques. Since retiring to Door County in 2020, Maureen has become a student of art, incorporating painting and drawing concepts into her fiber artwork. Since 2023, Maureen has been teaching Winter Classes, with topics including bag making, quilt block construction, and wearable art.

Whether it is coffee, müsli, or another dry ingredient, one needs a good scoop in the kitchen. This one-day, paced class will guide anyone through making a copper bowl that is attached to a forged handle. Using hand tools, fire, and creativity, students can expect to get the full scoop on making their own heirloom kitchen tool.

Jeremiah is a self-employed blacksmith, producing items for the home, the shop, the barn and just about anywhere in between.  Focusing on controlled hand forging, he has produced work for clients around the world.  Jeremiah competed in the History Channel’s forging competition show, Forged in Fire.  He won that episode, earning the title Forged in Fire Champion.

Whether it is coffee, müsli, or another dry ingredient, one needs a good scoop in the kitchen. This one-day, paced class will guide anyone through making a copper bowl that is attached to a forged handle. Using hand tools, fire, and creativity, students can expect to get the full scoop on making their own heirloom kitchen tool.

Jeremiah is a self-employed blacksmith, producing items for the home, the shop, the barn and just about anywhere in between.  Focusing on controlled hand forging, he has produced work for clients around the world.  Jeremiah competed in the History Channel’s forging competition show, Forged in Fire.  He won that episode, earning the title Forged in Fire Champion.

This class is oriented toward beginning and intermediate smiths. It will be an introduction to bladesmithing from raw stock.

You will begin the week by hand-forging a knife, directed by Jeremiah. Once this project is complete, you’ll sketch and work on another blade project of your choice. Philosophy of blades and forging will be discussed throughout the class. You can rightly expect to leave the class with one fully functional blade and at least one in progress, depending on your aptitude and progress.

Forging hammers will be available for purchase from Jeremiah during class.

Jeremiah Backhaus built his first forge when he was 11 years old. It wasn’t much to look at or to work with, but it fueled a passion for metalwork that continues to this day. These days, Jeremiah is self-employed as a blacksmith, producing items for the home, the shop, the barn and just about anywhere in between. Focusing on controlled hand forging, he has produced work for clients around the world. Jeremiah competed in the History Channel’s forging competition show, Forged in Fire. He won that episode, earning the title Forged in Fire Champion.

Level: Beginner

Are you ready to “clear” your mind or dive into a week of self-discovery at The Clearing? Our personal retreats are the perfect opportunity to embrace your creative side—whether that’s working on your latest art project, organizing those cherished memories, penning your thoughts, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature with a refreshing walk. Just imagine what you could accomplish in one uninterrupted week!

With flexible options available every week, you can tailor your retreat to fit your unique interests. We have limited shared workspace available, so please give The Clearing a call in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Learn how to paint with this fun and versatile medium and discover the appeal of a limited palette to many famous artists past and present! Successful color mixing is the basis for creating a harmonious color scheme in your paintings. Using just three colors plus white to mix all the colors needed, you will learn the basics of drawing, composition, working with values and color, and how to work creatively from photos. Working from still-life setups and your own photos, you will create two or more paintings, learning how to work quickly with this fast-drying medium and how to blend colors to achieve a painterly effect. There will be demonstrations, focus on color mixing and brushwork, and ample time to work on your own paintings, with plenty of personal attention from Sandra, and you will be encouraged to develop your personal painting style.

Sandra Place grew up in Manitowoc, WI and lives in Santa Fe, NM.  She received a B.A. in French from Northwestern University and received her formal art training at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. She works primarily in pastels and acrylics.  In addition to many national and international juried group exhibitions, she has had over 20 solo gallery exhibitions. She is a Signature Member of Artists for Conservation and the Pastel Society of the West Coast and an active member of various other national organizations. Her work is in many national and international collections, including the Miller Art Museum in Sturgeon Bay and the Rahr-West Museum in Manitowoc, and is included in the books ‘Celebrating Door County’s Wild Places’ and ‘Artists for Conservation 2015 and 2025 International Exhibition of Nature in Art’.  Sandra is represented by fine galleries in the West and Midwest. 

In this workshop we will explore the process of making a sculptural moss embroidery. We will incorporate embroidery floss, beading, and real wood to create our own moss garden. We’ll take a walk in the woods to collect organic materials of leaves or wood to incorporate into our sewing. We will look at the different textures we can achieve in moss using different types of embroidery stitches, primarily French knots, bullion, and turkey tail. Lastly, we will add the finishing touches of beadwork. In the end, participants will have a finished, embroidered moss garden.

Ren LaDassor has been in the textile industry for almost 20 years where she has worked in the world of costumes on TV, Film, Broadway, and Regional Theaters. She has a degree in Costume Design from University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Now she calls Madison home where she works as a graphic designer and designs costumes with Forward Theater at the Overture Center. She has a passion for the slow art of sewing, always has a hand sewing project going, and loves to share that with anyone who is interested.

Have you ever wanted to try calligraphy? This is your chance to learn the very basics of the italic hand, a style created in the 14^th century, used ever since, and the basis of the italic fonts we have on our computers. It is one of the most versatile hands calligraphers use and can be tweaked to fit any occasion. This class will introduce you to the tools, skills, exercises, and basic forms of italic calligraphy. There will be lots of visuals and information to inspire you to work beyond the class. Cheryl will contact students prior to class.

Cheryl Jacobsen has been teaching calligraphy for over thirty years. She is Adjunct Professor of Lettering at the University of Iowa Center for the Book where she leads several semester-long calligraphy classes as well as a hands-on history class analyzing medieval manuscripts. Her freelance work varies widely from design and lettering to assemblage & one-of-a kind books both modern and historical. She is the author of “A Modern Scribe Views Scribes of the Past” in Scraped, Stroked, and Bound: Materially Engaged Readings of Medieval Manuscripts, Brepols 2013. Her work has been seen internationally in shows, lectures and publications including Letter Arts Review, Alphabet and Bound & Lettered.

Level: Beginner