Out with the old and in with the new, they say. This spring, we're going to go ahead and assume this is talking about hobbies and skills too. While we're not exactly sure it's possible to get rid of old talents, we are sure that's there's always room for improvement, especially when it comes to things like Bollywood dancing, making snail mail, and painting with beeswax.
We've collected eight workshops to help you better yourself or at least expand your interests and abilities this spring. And who know? In a couple months, you could be improv-ing or letter-pressing with the best of 'em.
See also: 30 Best Spring Events in Metro Phoenix
Letterpress 101 Phoenix Print Studios March 28
There's something about arranging the pieces just right, picking an ink, placing your chosen paper just so, pulling down on a lever, and participating in an art that people have been doing for hundreds of years that is exhilarating. Don't believe us? See for yourself during Phoenix Print Studios' two-day introduction to letterpress workshop on Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The workshop costs $195 and you can register by emailing [email protected]. For more information, visit www.phxprintstudios.com.
Project Archipelago Workshop MADE Art Boutique March 23
It's not often that you get the chance to make a piece of art that will be in view at the Phoenix Art Museum. Well, for most of us anyway. But MADE Art Boutique and Nic Weisinger of Project Archipelago are offering just that with their Project Archipelago workshop. Participants of this free workshop will become a part of Project Archipelago by spelling out words from a John Donne quotation in a non-permanent way, photographing them, and then later seeing them printed and pieced together to create the complete quote again. The workshop will take place on Saturday, March 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting at MADE, 922 North Fifth Street. Find more information at www.madephx.com.
Platinum and Palladium Printing with Scott B. Davis Phoenix Art Museum March 28
Photography has changed drastically in the past ten years let alone the past 140 years or so since William Willis made the first platinum photographic print. On Saturday, March 28, at 9 a.m. get in touch with a little bit of photography's history with master platinum printer Scott B. Davis. Davis will teach participants to create their own platinum print using either a digital or analog negative and offer tips on setting up a simple darkroom at home. Space is limited for this workshop ($100, including all materials) and ticket sales close on March 20. Visit www.phxart.com for more info.
Backpacking Basics Paradise Valley REI April 7
There's a certain romanticism about backpacking, leaving everything you own except what can literally fit on your own back and exploring somewhere new. But there's a lot more to it than just that. You know, like actually surviving. So learn what you need to know at REI during the Backpacking Basics workshop. An REI specialist will give you an overview of planning, preparing, and choosing what gear you need for your trip. The free class is limited so reserve your spot soon and get more information at rei.com.
Handmade Snail Mail Frances April 23
There's nothing like opening your mailbox and seeing a handwritten address on something in a sea of coupons, bills, and advertisements. Sadly, those moments are few and far between these days, but Frances and Josie Cirincione are offering the chance for you to create moments like that for loved ones with their Handmade Snail Mail workshop. From 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, Cirincione will share tips on upcycling, stamping, and using found items to create cards, stationary, and anything else you can send via post. The workshop costs $40, which includes all materials and a 20% discount for the shop. For more information, visit francesvintage.com or call 602-279-5467.
Level 1: Intro to Improv National Comedy Theater May 5
If you find yourself always bringing the jokes, shocking with wit, and causing the laughs amongst your friends, we think it's time you embrace your natural gifts and take action. Action like National Comedy Theater's introduction to improve workshop. There you'll learn how to hone those comedic talents through the games and concepts the pros use weekly onstage. The six-week class begins Tuesday, May 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. and costs $175. To reserve a spot, call 602-374-5638 or email [email protected]. Visit www.nctphoenix.com for more information.
Sunday Brunch: An Intro to Floral Design Pith+Marrow May 10
Can we just all agree that moms are the best? Okay, now that's settled, let's talk about ways to show the real special woman in your life how much you appreciate her. Sure chocolates and dinner are nice, but don't flowers and brunch sounds more special? The floral mavens at Pith+Marrow will host a special floral workshop so your mom, or you and your mom if you're feeling fancy, can learn the art of floral arrangement while enjoying some brunch-y fare and mimosas. Create the happiest of mother's day on Sunday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for $165 for one person or $300 for two at Camelback Flowershop. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit pithmarrow.com.
Wet Plate Collodion Tintypes Workshop Alchemy Studio in Italy June 2 through 10
Get the chance to learn one of the oldest forms of photography from internationally known photographer and instructor David Emitt Adams at a picturesque Baroque villa in Benabbio, Italy during Alchemy Studio's wet plate collodion tintype workshop. Perfect for both those who have never worked with this form of photography before and those familiar with the art, this workshop will take students through each step of this in-camera process, teach how to make individual cases for the photographs, and also allow for time to photograph the landscape using any means. The workshop is $3075 but includes accommodations, meals, materials, and transportation to and from the Florence airport. For more information on the workshop and how to apply, visit alchemy-studio.net or call 602-326-9306.
