Arts Collaborative Medford presents "Collage as a Door to the Poetic Surreal," a generative workshop led by Leticia Priebe Rocha that pairs the visual art form of collage with collage poetry. Participants will walk away with their own hand-crafted collage and the seeds of poems, deeper knowledge and experience with a visual art form, and a found poetry technique to exercise in their practice. Cost is $20. Get more details and register through the ACM website.  

Arts Collaborative Medford is offering a Stitch Resist Shibori workshop led by Medford resident and ACM studio artist Christine Willis. In the workshop, you'll explore stitch-resist shibori dyeing techniques and make a one-of-a-kind bandana. With stitch-resist the patterns are created by using a needle and thread to “draw” on your fabric. The stitches resist the dye, creating patterns and color variations. Once your stitching is complete, you'll dye your piece in a dye bath, then remove the stitches to reveal your…

Have a jacket that needs a patch? Pants that can get back in the rotation with a quick fix? Come to Arts Collaborative Medford's Mending Workshop  and learn basic mending techniques from knowledgeable sewers. All sewing materials will be provided for both hand sewing and machine sewing. Bring any items you have that need mending, or practice on scrap material. The workshop will cover how to repair ripped seams and tears, patching worn areas, hemming, and replacing buttons. Cost is…

Arts Collaborative Medford presents Poetry 101: Introduction to Rhetoric, a beginner-friendly workshop led by Valeria Cobos, director of Letra Ele in Honduras. Learn how to use storytelling exercises to help you in your everyday life and work. This is a wonderful class to take if you have ever had a story to tell and were looking for a meaningful outlet. The written word is a powerful tool in sharing perspectives . . . join to share yours. Cost is $30.…

Arts Collaborative Medford is hosting a two-day Welt Felting Workshop led by Chelsea Brown of Kēkii Crafts. Over two 2.5-hour classes tonight and Thursday night, students will learn how to wet felt their very own wearable mittens. Techniques include wet felting over a resist, as well as a working knowledge of common wool fiber types, and wet felting with effects fibers such as silk, viscose and bamboo. Each class, students will work on one mitten. Wet felting is time consuming,…

Arts Collaborative Medford is hosting a Paint Night for Palestine event led by Nina Abbas, in collaboration with Medford For Palestine. In this two-hour guided paint session you will create your own Palestinian landscape on canvas. Leave with a beautiful decorative artwork and a deeper sense of the beauty of Palestine. Nina Abbas is an artist and architectural designer originally from Baghdad, Iraq. She has a background in architectural design, and currently practices at an interior design firm in Newton. Her…

Arts Collaborative Medford is offering a Shibori Indigo Dyeing Workshop led by Medford resident and ACM studio artist Christine Willis. Indigo is a natural plant that creates a stunning deep blue color. In this class you will learn about this magical dye and utilize shibori, a Japanese dyeing technique that involves folding, twisting or bunching cloth to create resist patterns. The fabric is bound and dyed in indigo vat. You will unfold your item and it will reveal your one-of-a-kind design.…

Arts Collaborative Medford is hosting a Small Weaving Workshop led by Medford resident and ACM studio artist Christine Willis. In this beginner-friendly workshop you will learn how to set up the warp on your loom; how to do weaving stitches including plain weave, soumak, and rya knots; how to add fringe and tassels; and how to plan and execute your own design. The workshop is designed for ages 10+ with an adult. Cost is $75. Register through the ACM website.

Arts Collaborative Medford is hosting a two-day Welt Felting Workshop led by Chelsea Brown of Kēkii Crafts. Over two 2.5-hour classes tonight and Thursday night, January 30, students will learn how to wet felt their very own wearable mittens. Techniques include wet felting over a resist, as well as a working knowledge of common wool fiber types, and wet felting with effects fibers such as silk, viscose and bamboo. Each class, students will work on one mitten. Wet felting is…

Arts Collaborative Medford is offering a Community Indigo Dye Vat Session led by ACM artist and Medford resident Christine Willis. Indigo is a millennia old plant dye that can create a wide range of blue hues. During his lab-style workshop, participants are invited to bring their own clothing items and fabric to dye in the indigo vat. Note: This an open indigo dye vat session, not a teaching workshop. Willis will demonstrate some simple shibori folding techniques and provide twine…

Arts Collaborative Medford presents a Vision Collage Workshop, "Manifest Your Dreams," led by Regina Parkinson and Na Lee. This engaging and interactive session is designed to help you clarify your goals, spark creativity, and manifest the life you desire. Using a variety of materials, you'll craft a personalized vision board that visually represents your aspirations — whether they involve career success, personal growth, relationships, or self-care. With guidance, you’ll explore your intentions and learn how to align your vision with…

For school vacation week, Arts Collaborative Medford is offering a kids edition of its Shibori Indigo Dyeing workshop led by ACM studio artist and Medford resident Christine Willis. Indigo is a natural plant that creates a stunning deep blue color. In this class you will learn about this magical dye and utilize shibori, a Japanese dyeing technique that involves folding, twisting or bunching cloth to create resist patterns. The fabric is bound and dyed in indigo vat. You will unfold…

Arts Collaborative Medford invites you to a free sewing circle led by Rania Abdalla Kadafour, one of the artists whose work is featured in ACM's current exhibition, "The Threads That Tie Us." Rania is hosting a series of sewing circle where participants will collaboratively quilt the poetry of Marcellus Khalifa Williams. Missouri executed Williams last September despite doubts about the integrity of his murder conviction based on DNA evidence indicating his innocence. While on death row for 24 years, poetry…

Arts Collaborative Medford is offering another Intro to Block Printing workshop led by Medford resident and ACM studio artist Christine Willis. Block printing is a traditional technique that involves carving a design onto a block, which is then used to stamp patterns onto fabric. For this workshop you will choose from an assortment of hand carved wooden blocks from Willis's collection and a vibrant array of inks. You will then explore pattern making using a single or multiple blocks. All…

Arts Collaborative Medford is offering a Bead Embroidery Workshop led by Sarah Beardslee of Beads by Beardslee. Learn the basics of bead embroidery, stitching around a cabochon (a stone that is flat on the back) with small beads, to create a pendant or brooch. Once the technique is learned, you can create many different designs. Your design won’t be complete by the end of the class, as it will take hours to complete your project, but you will have all…

Arts Collaborative Medford introduces a new series of Live Figure Drawing Sessions, which will be held every other Tuesday evening at the community arts center. These are in-person, non-instructor led sessions with a nude or lightly clothed model striking a mixture of short and long poses — starting at one minute and working up to a 15- or 20-minute pose. A studio monitor will be present to assist the model and participants. Attendees should bring their own materials. ACM will…

Calling all artists or anyone who wants to make their own sketchbook or journal. Arts Collaborative Medford is offering an Intro to Bookbinding workshop led by Medford resident and ACM studio arts Christine Willis. In this workshop you will make one 5 1/2 x 8 inch hand-stitched book bound together with a French Link stitch. This binding is perfect for a sketchbook or journal because the exposed binding allows the book to lay flat when open. For over 20 years Willis…

Arts Collaborative Medford is hosting a two-session workshop by mosaic artist Susan Altman on how to create a mosaic to decorate a 6-inch terra-cotta flower pot. Session One on March 17 will cover the basics of adhesives for outdoor mosaics and an easy way to apply mosaic tiles to a curved surface, and you'll start designing your pot. The instructor will mix some thinset (adhesive) and show you how to apply it. In Session Two on Monday, March 24, you…

Arts Collaborative Medford presents the workshop Queer Reflections: Exploring the Queer Body Through Collage, a hands-on workshop led by Cambridge-based writer and multidisciplinary artist Na Lee. Through the transformative practice of collage, participants will explore personal and collective queer identities, using layering, fragmentation, and reassembly as creative tools for self-expression. This session offers a supportive space to reflect on the queer body, reimagine representation, and engage in meaningful artistic exploration. No prior experience necessary all materials provided. Cost is on…

Arts Collaborative Medford is offering a new series of Live Figure Drawing Sessions, held every other Tuesday evening at the community arts center. These are in-person, non-instructor led sessions with a nude or lightly clothed model striking a mixture of short and long poses — starting at one minute and working up to a 15- or 20-minute pose. A studio monitor will be present to assist the model and participants. Attendees should bring their own materials. ACM will have some…

Mystic Makerspace presents a Mending Workshop at Arts Collaborative Medford, the community arts center on Mystic Avenue. Have a jacket that needs a patch? Pants that can get back in the rotation with a quick fix? Come learn basic mending techniques from knowledgeable sewists. All sewing materials will be provided, for hand sewing and using sewing machines. Bring in any items you have that need mending or practice on scrap material. The instructor will cover how to repair ripped seams…

Arts Collaborative Medford is offering an Experimental Mono Print Class led by ACM studio artist Christine Willis. Participants will use Gelli plates and acrylic paint to create unique prints. To create prints, acrylic paint is applied to the plate and spread with a brayer. Designs can be added by using stencils, anything you can think of with texture, or even your fingers. Willis will have a large assortment of objects you can use along with materials to make your own…

Arts Collaborative Medford presents its bi-weekly Live Figure Drawing Session, held every other Tuesday evening at the community arts center. These are in-person, non-instructor led sessions with a nude or lightly clothed model striking a mixture of short and long poses — starting at one minute and working up to a 15- or 20-minute pose. A studio monitor will be present to assist the model and participants. Attendees should bring their own materials. ACM will have some spare pencils, pads,…

Arts Collaborative Medford invites you to join local poet and artist Leticia Priebe Rocha for a cathartic collaging workshop, "Rip, Tear, Resist: Collage as a Tool for Activism." You will be guided through the process of channeling the complex emotions you may be experiencing due to the state of the world into action and art. The group will learn how collage can help us all stand in our power and envision the world we want to live in. You will bring…

Arts Collaborative Medford invites you to learn the art of designing beautiful spring flower arrangements in this a hands-on flower arranging class led by Anne Traer, the owner of Medford-based Garden and Roads Florist. This class will cover the basic design principles and color theory to help you create a stunning, balanced arrangement. From the perfect blend of vibrant spring blooms to crafting a gorgeous bouquet, Anne will guide you step-by-step in this creative experience. Whether you're a beginner or have…

Arts Collaborative Medford is offering a polymer clay studs workshop led by Katharine Altman. In this beginner-friendly hands-on workshop, you’ll create a pair of colorful, lightweight stud earrings while learning the basics of working with polymer clay. Katharine will cover essential techniques, including how to properly condition clay for smooth, workable results. You'll also get an introduction to various tools and methods for shaping and adding texture. While your creations cure, the instructor will demonstrate advanced techniques to help inspire…

Arts Collaborative Medford is hosting a Small Weaving Workshop led by Medford resident and ACM studio artist Christine Willis. In this beginner-friendly workshop you will learn how to set up the warp on your loom; how to do weaving stitches including plain weave, soumak, and rya knots; how to add fringe and tassels; and how to plan and execute your own design. The workshop is designed for ages 10+ with an adult. Cost is $75. Register through the ACM website.

Arts Collaborative Medford is offering a two-day Soft Sculpture Workshop led by Aimée Archambault for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. Create soft sculptures using hand sewing, weaving, fabric, felt, yarn, cardboard, and more. Projects may include monster pillows, simple sock animals, pom pom critters, or felt puppets. Each day will include material demonstrations and students will be able to personalize their creations.  Cost is $100 for both days (April 22 and 23); register through the ACM website. Students are…

Arts Collaborative Medford is offering a Clay Cup Workshop for teens in grades 6 through 12 led by Aimée Archambault. Participants will handbuild a cup or mug out of clay slabs, learning the basics of clay construction and customizing their cups using texture, underglaze, and handles. A variety of experience levels with clay are welcome. Participants will be emailed when the cups are ready for pick up at ACM, approximately two weeks after the class. This is a collaboration with…

Arts Collaborative Medford presents its bi-weekly Live Figure Drawing Session, held every other Tuesday evening at the community arts center. These are in-person, non-instructor led sessions with a nude or lightly clothed model striking a mixture of short and long poses — starting at one minute and working up to a 15- or 20-minute pose. A studio monitor will be present to assist the model and participants. Attendees should bring their own materials. ACM will have some spare pencils, pads,…

Arts Collaborative Medford presents an Into to Watercolor Workshop led by Lauren McIsaac. This class is aimed at beginners who are interested in learning watercolor painting. You'll begin by learning basic techniques (wet on dry, wet on wet, blending, layering). Then you'll practice these techniques by creating two easy landscape paintings. The instructor will provide materials (paint, palettes, paintbrushes, paper). All participants will have to bring is themselves. Cost is $75. Register through the ACM website.  

Arts Collaborative Medford presents an Intro to Pastels Workshop led by Erica Meimei. In this fun and relaxing art session you can create a beautiful portrait of your furry friend using oil pastels. No experience needed; your instructor will guide you every step of the way. Chat with fellow pet lovers and unleash your inner artist. Supplies will be provided. Cost is $40. Register through the ACM website. Erica Meimei is an oil paint and pastel artist specializing in animal/pet…

Arts Collaborative Medford presents a storytelling workshop led by Cheryl Hamilton, a Medford resident and director of Stellar Story Company. We tell stories every day — to family, friends, and colleagues. Sometimes, we tell them to strangers on a bus, and sometimes to audiences from the stage. This fun, interactive workshop introduces people to how live storytelling can lead to meaningful change in your life. Discover incredible storytellers, unpack memorable moments from your life, learn some storytelling essentials, and connect…

Arts Collaborative Medford presents a workshop, Intro to Color Theory, led by Lauren McIsaac. In this class, you'll use watercolors to explore color theory and color mixing. Did you know most art classes teach color theory wrong? The instructor will start with the traditional color theory model, and explore its uses and limits through making color wheels. Then, you'll learn about the science of color to get the perfect color mix every time. Finally, you'll end by testing out your…

Arts Collaborative Medford is offering a Shibori Indigo Dyeing Workshop led by Medford resident and ACM studio artist Christine Willis. Indigo is a natural plant that creates a stunning deep blue color. In this class you will learn about this magical dye and utilize shibori, a Japanese dyeing technique that involves folding, twisting or bunching cloth to create resist patterns. The fabric is bound and dyed in indigo vat. You will unfold your item and it will reveal your one-of-a-kind design.…