The Windgate Summer Studio for Art Educators offers high quality arts-based professional development led by art professionals in the beautiful Windgate Center for Art and Design on the UA Little Rock campus. Our instructors are professional artists who also teach in the School of Art and Design.
Summer 2025 Sessions
In Summer 2025 we are offering two different sessions. Both sessions are free, with options for campus housing, thanks to a generous donation from the Windgate Foundation. Each session will offer up to 30 hours of professional development credit.
Session 1: June 2-6, 2025
By Hand: Handbuilding the Vessel with John Shea
In this workshop we will be looking at different ways of constructing the clay vessel, exploring pinching, coil, and slab building. We will be creating a range of small vessels that reflect personal interests.
Charmed with Lydia Martin
In just one week, come and be charmed by the magic of the jewelry and metalsmithing studio! In this beginner’s workshop, participants will make a series of metal charms using a variety of introductory skills including sawing, filing, surface embellishment, basic soldering, and finishing techniques. By the end of the week, participants will have created a series of charms based on personal aesthetic and interests.
Oil Painting 101 with Jeremy Couch
In this workshop, we will cover the fundamentals of oil painting, including safety procedures, proper handling techniques, differences in drying times, and effective cleanup methods, among other essential topics!
Session 2: June 16-20, 2025
Multiple Relief Printing with David Warren
Participants will learn multiple block relief printing techniques. We will study Pablo Picasso’s color linoleum prints and create unique color editions inspired by his work. Learn how to carve, mix relief inks for a variety colors, register blocks, and print using a printing press or by hand. Each student will leave this workshop with a completed edition.
Pastel Intensive with Michele Noiset
This workshop is designed to help you understand and become acquainted with the pastel medium. Distinctive for their luminosity, pastels are unique in bringing drawing and painting together as one. Their enormous versatility allows for soft blended surfaces or freer, sketchier layering. In this workshop, we will begin by experimenting with different stylistic possibilities, exploring various techniques of application and mark making. We will cover color blocking, optical mixing, scumbling, and feathering. A review of drawing fundamentals will also be emphasized. We will complete the week by focusing on a full scale still life drawing.
Art Books 101 with Jeremy Couch
In this workshop, we will explore simple techniques for creating books including, a three fold “zine,” an accordion book, and a coptic bound book. We’ll also delve into contemporary bookbinding trends that reimagine the book as a work of art rather than just a functional object.