Category View
Acrylics Without Boundaries
12/18/2025
Return of the Light: Lamps + Lanterns Workshop
12/21/2025
Instructor: Miranda Wildman
Date: 12/21/2025
Time: 4 pm - 7 pm
Member: $60 Non-Member: $66
Celebrate the joy of the Winter Solstice with a cheerful, creative gathering. We’ll craft glowing lamps and tabletop lanterns using upcycled, recycled, and vibrantly colorful materials, transforming the ordinary into extraordinary pieces of light and magic. Each lamp or lantern will shine as a symbol of renewal and new beginnings. No experience needed—just bring your spark and enjoy a playful, uplifting process while you connect and engage with new and old friends. All materials provided, along with sparkling wine and fizzy water, as we enjoy making art and the return of the light together.
Hint: these lamps and lanterns will make perfect holiday gifts!
Miranda believes that art is for everyone. Making art together in a space without judgment challenges pre-conceived notions and inspires dialogue, cultivating understanding and compassion.
Artist Bio:
Who is Miranda? I grew up in a cozy Vermont town, basking in nature's changing beauty. Creating art with my mom and friends sparked my imagination and led me to the Maine College of Art, where I continued to appreciate New England’s lush landscapes. My journey then took me to Western North Carolina, a vibrant place that fuels my creativity, drawing inspiration from its biodiversity and community connections. Through my artistic endeavors, I have come to understand that our ties with one another and with nature are essential. In a world where capitalism often encourages us to see ourselves as isolated individuals, I believe in breaking down those barriers. Art-making and appreciation belong to everyone, transcending titles and credentials. Engaging with art is a way for us to reconnect—not only with each other but with the earth itself.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Life Drawing
12/28/2025
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: Studio 116
Members: $10 Non-Members: $12
Life Drawing Sessions
Life drawing is the activity of drawing the human body from a live model. The models are typically nude, but there may be sessions in which we have models in clothing. Life drawing is a great way to build your drawing skills. These sessions are not a class but facilitated sessions. The sessions are structured, and we have short as well as longer poses. The $10.00 fee is to provide payment to the model. The sessions will be held two times per month from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. The space in the classroom can be tight, so we are requesting that you sign up for the sessions to ensure that everyone has enough space. Easels, tables, and chairs are provided.
Location: Studio 116
116 W. Blue Ridge Rd.
East Flat Rock, NC 28726
What if?
1/5/2026 - 1/26/2026
Instructor: Mary Alice Braukman
Dates: 1/5, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26
Time: 10 am - 4 pm (1-hour Lunch Break)
Member: $540 Non-Member: $595
This workshop is designed to encourage you to take your art in new directions. The class will be working with a wide variety of mediums, colors, collage, and experimenting on different surfaces with various transfer techniques. Each student will be encouraged to find his or her unique personal direction, whether working abstractly or representational. Individual guidance and critiques will be offered daily, as well as a class critique on the final day.
This class is open to anyone who would like to explore mixed media techniques, layering, collage, transfers, and how to apply these into your paintings. If you feel you are stuck, let's hope this will open up new ideas. Ask yourself “what if” and begin exploring those ideas.
Creativity is bigger than you.
Curiosity is the basis of creativity.
If you have passion for art that’s you.
If you’ve lost it you can get it back with curiosity,
EVERYONE CAN BE CREATIVE … YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE CREATIVE
-Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic
Supply List:
Brushes:
Note: (These are three transparent colors that I will show how you can make all your colors and never have mud. BUT - Bring any you like using. - how you can tell if the color is transparent: If you paint a color over a black line the opaques will cover it but if transparent you will see black line.)
Painting material:
Many of these items can be found at Walmart, The Dollar Store, Michaels, and Lowe's. Starving Artists carries all of these as well as Jerry’s Art Online.
Most important material:
COME WITH AN OPEN MIND. READY TO EXPLORE AND OPEN NEW DIRECTIONS IN YOUR WORK..WHAT IF?
GO WITH IT!
Any questions, feel free to call or text or email me.
Mary Alice Braukman - 727/418-3041 braukman@me.com
Artist Bio:
Braukman, a native Floridian, now makes her home in Pisgah Forest, NC.
She is a member of the Florida Watercolor Society and holds signature status in the National Watercolor Society. Mary Alice has a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education and Fine Arts from Florida State University. She continued graduate studies at the University of Colorado and Eckerd College in the Tampa Bay area. She is a past president of the Florida Watercolor Society and was director of the Kanuga Water-media Workshops for 15 years. Mary Alice was invited to be guest editor of the American Artist Magazine’s Special Issue: Experimental Approaches to Water-media and Watercolor in 2001. In 2022 she was one of three selected jurors of the National Watercolor Society International Open Exhibition and served in selecting those receiving their NWS signature status. As a painter Mary Alice’s primary focus is on texture and color. Her life experiences and everyday visions get filtered through her artistic eye and transformed into an abstract body of work. Her experiences come forth in a myriad of techniques - a pour of transparent colors or by layers of collage and brush strokes which she unearths the colors beneath bringing color and texture into her paintings. She believes a painter must paint the way he or she feels - they must paint in spite of themselves not the way you think you should paint. There is no one method that will guarantee success or acceptance in a show - it is not that simple. The painter paints because it is who they are - it is their journey.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Animation 101
1/6/2026
Instructor: Charles Michael
Date: 1/6/2026
Time: 1 pm - 4 pm
Member: $20 Non-Member: $25
Animation is a powerful artistic medium, and in this course, students will learn both the craft and the creative thinking behind it. We’ll explore storytelling, character development, sound, movement, and visual style, all while working toward an original animated short film or cartoon series of each student’s own creation.
By the end of the program, a student who has stayed engaged from start to finish will have the skills and confidence to produce a complete animated project, and the ability to recognize and appreciate animation as an expressive art form, not just a technique.
Software & Tools:
All software used in this class is 100% free:
Students must bring:
With a focus on both the technical skills and the creative mindset of a skilled animator, this course is designed to be exciting, supportive, and accessible for beginners and growing artists alike.
The instructor will teach every technique used in the production of their award-submitted short film, Disabled World (students are welcome to watch it in advance if they’d like: Disabled World)
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville
Start Small, Trade Big: Artist's Trading Cards
1/8/2026
Instructor: Robyn Crawford
Date: 1/8/2026
Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Member: $70 Non-Member: $85
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC
Scrapbooking Club
1/9/2026
Date: 1/9/2026
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Members: $10 Non-Members: $10
Join us for a creative evening of memory-making at our Scrapbooking Club! Whether you're a seasoned scrapbooker or just getting started, this is the perfect space to connect, craft, and capture your favorite moments. This is not a class, it's a club. The fee is a donation for supplies and tools, allowing us to continue growing and collecting fun materials.
Pressed Flower Art
1/10/2026
Instructor: Susan McChesney
Date: 1/10/2026
Time: 1 pm - 4 pm
Member: $110 Non-Member: $120
Experience a contemporary interpretation of Oshibana, the Japanese tradition of creating art with pressed plant material. Learn all the techniques and tricks with flowers: pressing, unpressing, storing, creating art and sealing will be included in hands on activities with take-home technique materials including a pressing packet and storage sleeve, and resource information. Create a 2D collage 5”x7”, sealed with lamination, matted and sleeved. Experiment with gel medium sealing on 3D wood and cardboard surfaces. Instructional and experiential session for 3 hours with an optional 4th hour of working studio time offered.
All materials included.
Beginners encouraged.
Artist Bio:
Susan McChesney is a pressed flower artist living, making art, and teaching her techniques in western NC. A longtime educator, she worked for 24 years at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Using pressed petals like strokes of paint, she creates landscape images reminiscent of WNC. Producing originals, prints, note cards, and jigsaw puzzles, her work is available in a variety of WNC galleries and shops in addition to her website Shop. She also presses Special Occasion Bouquets on commission.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Life Drawing
1/11/2026
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: Studio 116
Members: $10 Non-Members: $12
Life Drawing Sessions
Life drawing is the activity of drawing the human body from a live model. The models are typically nude, but there may be sessions in which we have models in clothing. Life drawing is a great way to build your drawing skills. These sessions are not a class but facilitated sessions. The sessions are structured, and we have short as well as longer poses. The $10.00 fee is to provide payment to the model. The sessions will be held two times per month from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The space in the classroom can be tight, so we are requesting that you sign up for the sessions to ensure that everyone has enough space. Easels, tables, and chairs are provided.
Location: Studio 116
116 W. Blue Ridge Rd
East Flat Rock, NC 28726
Sketching with Watercolor
1/14/2026
Instructor: Jean Dubreuil
Date: 1/14/2025
Time: 5 pm - 7 pm
Member: $80 Non-Member: $88
Turn your travels into lasting memories by learning how to sketch with watercolors as an alternative to snapping photos. This hands-on class will guide you through the essentials of travel sketching—helping you capture scenes quickly, creatively, and with your own personal touch.
You’ll explore:
Artist Bio:
Jean-Pierre Dubreuil was born in France in 1952. His artistic talent developed as early as lower school, where his caricatures earned him many detentions. After perfectly boring business and law studies, he joined the corporate world that led him to live in multiple places in Europe, the Middle and Far-East and eventually the USA, first in Boston 35 years and now in Asheville. Most of his trips have been documented in pencil or watercolor sketches for the last 50 years.
In Boston, he was an active member of the Cambridge Art Association and United South End Artists, where he also taught watercolors. He is now is a member of the Asheville Gallery of Arts.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Mood Lighting
1/17/2026
Instructor: Miranda Wildman
Date: 1/17/2026
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Member: $95 Non-Member: $105
It is so interesting how one simple change in a space can alter the mood. Meet Miranda at Art Place Studios this January for a relaxing morning of creating with acrylic and watercolor paint to create a cozy ambiance in any corner. Miranda will share her techniques and materials for transforming a plain lampshade into a de-LIGHT-full addition to your home that reflects your style and mood. All tools and materials included, all artistic levels welcome, and hot cider awaits!
Note: one small to medium-sized lampshade is included with the workshop fee, and you may also bring plain lampshades from home to paint.
Artist Bio:
Miranda believes that art is for everyone. Making art together in a space without judgment challenges pre-conceived notions and inspires dialogue, cultivating understanding and compassion. Through her artistic endeavors, she has come to understand that our ties with one another and with nature are essential. In a world where capitalism often encourages us to see ourselves as isolated individuals, Miranda believes in breaking down those barriers. Art-making and appreciation belong to everyone, transcending titles and credentials, and engaging with art alongside each other is a way for us to reconnect and realize that we are all a part of the same.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville
Slow Stitch Fabric Collage
1/17/2026
Instructor: Miriam Hughes
Date: 1/17/2026
Time: 1 pm - 4:30 pm
Member: $75 Non-Member: $85
A needle, thread, and a moment of calm.
SLOW STITCH FABRIC COLLAGE is all about slowing down and creating small, soulful fabric works—florals, valentines, or abstracts. In this relaxing, hands-on workshop, you’ll create a small fabric collage masterpiece—sweet posies, heartfelt valentines, or bold abstract designs. No experience needed, and all supplies are included. Just come ready to unwind and make something beautiful.
Beginner Friendly
All Supplies Provided
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC
Animation 101
1/20/2026
Instructor: Charles Michael
Date: 1/20/2026
Time: 1 pm - 4 pm
Member: $20 Non-Member: $25
Animation is a powerful artistic medium, and in this course, students will learn both the craft and the creative thinking behind it. We’ll explore storytelling, character development, sound, movement, and visual style, all while working toward an original animated short film or cartoon series of each student’s own creation.
By the end of the program, a student who has stayed engaged from start to finish will have the skills and confidence to produce a complete animated project, and the ability to recognize and appreciate animation as an expressive art form, not just a technique.
Software & Tools:
All software used in this class is 100% free:
Students must bring:
With a focus on both the technical skills and the creative mindset of a skilled animator, this course is designed to be exciting, supportive, and accessible for beginners and growing artists alike.
The instructor will teach every technique used in the production of their award-submitted short film, Disabled World (students are welcome to watch it in advance if they’d like: Disabled World)
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville
Life Drawing
1/25/2026
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: Studio 116
Members: $10 Non-Members: $12
Life Drawing Sessions
Life drawing is the activity of drawing the human body from a live model. The models are typically nude, but there may be sessions in which we have models in clothing. Life drawing is a great way to build your drawing skills. These sessions are not a class but facilitated sessions. The sessions are structured, and we have short as well as longer poses. The $10.00 fee is to provide payment to the model. The sessions will be held two times per month from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. The space in the classroom can be tight, so we are requesting that you sign up for the sessions to ensure that everyone has enough space. Easels, tables, and chairs are provided.
Location: Studio 116
116 W. Blue Ridge Rd.
East Flat Rock, NC 28726
The Creatives Book Club
1/26/2026
Instructor: Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Date: 1/26/2026
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
The Creatives Book Club: Turning Inspiration into Creation!
Do you have a beautiful stack of art project books that are fantastic for inspiration but rarely make it off the shelf? You’re not alone! We love flipping through the hundreds of projects in every medium imaginable, but carving out the focused time to actually sit down and complete them often feels impossible.
Welcome to The Creatives Book Club! This won't be a traditional book club. Instead of simply reading a book about art and creativity, we'll meet once a month to actually do a project from the chosen book. It’s the perfect way to explore new mediums, hold yourself accountable to your creative practice, and finally make those beautiful pages come to life!
Kickoff Details
Our first session is Monday, January 26th, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM!
We're kicking things off with Collage Du Jour by Lucie Duclos. Join us for an evening of collective art-making, mingling, and shared discovery as we dive into a project from this inspiring book!
Our Creative Schedule (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
4:30 - 4:50: Set up your Materials & Settle In
4:50 - 6:00: Art-Making (project of choice from this month’s book)
6:00 - 6:10: Clean Up
6:10 - 6:30: Share & Mingle
Ready to trade reading for making? Register to save your seat.
Beginner Friendly
No Fee required
Artist Bio:
Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and owner of Mountain Creative Arts Counseling; a mixed-media artist at the Art Place Studios, in Hendersonville; and Board Member of the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ultimately, all of her work is about helping people be more creative, use their creativity for personal growth, and incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Her art therapy workshops are tailored to those who appreciate opportunities for creative exploration–with gentle guidance–in a non-judgemental, quiet atmosphere.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC
Mindful Mark-Making: Neurographic Art
2/1/2026
Instructor: Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Date: 2/1/2026
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
Members: $30 Non-Members: $35
Join us for a relaxing session of mindful art-making. We blend the 7 essential principles of mindfulness with intuitive art practices, using drawing and watercolors as tools for relaxation. You’ll be guided through a series of creative mark-making exercises and grounding techniques, culminating in an extended, meditative painting session.
This month, dive into Neurographic Art—a powerful method rooted in Pavel Piskarev’s Neurographica® model. We will create fluid, organic lines and shapes resembling neural pathways and cells, and add mark-making elements along the way.
What’s Included in Your Session:
-Opening Guided Meditation & Focused Grounding Exercises.
-The "Principles of Mindfulness for Art-Making" Takeaway Guide.
-Hands-on instruction for Neurographic line work and meditative mark-making.
-An extended period of self-directed, meditative painting and creation.
-A closing sharing circle for connection and reflection.
Absolutely no art experience is required! All supplies—including rich watercolor paints, drawing pens, and acrylic markers—are provided for your use. Just bring your willingness to play, and your desire to connect and share!
Artist Bio:
Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and owner of Mountain Creative Arts Counseling; a mixed-media artist at the Art Place Studios, in Hendersonville; and Board Member of the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ultimately, all of her work is about helping people be more creative, use their creativity for personal growth, and incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Her art therapy workshops are tailored to those who appreciate opportunities for creative exploration–with gentle guidance–in a non-judgemental, quiet atmosphere.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Shadow Box Love
2/6/2026
Instructor: Miranda Wildman
Date: 2/6/2026
Time: 10 am - 1 pm
Member: $95 Non-Member: $105
Gather together for a sweet February morning to create shadow boxes of love to display on a shelf or bring with you wherever you go. Using a plethora of unique, colorful, and thoughtfully curated mixed media materials, we will create one-of-a-kind artworks. Think of these shadow boxes as small devotions to loved ones or dedications to the things that you are passionate about or want to bring forth in your own life. Come as you are, no experience needed, and all art materials and tools provided. Feel free to bring tiny trinkets or treasures to use in the making of your shadow box. These artworks could make the perfect Valentine!
Beginner
All Supplies Provided
Artist Bio:
Miranda believes that art is for everyone. Making art together in a space without judgment challenges pre-conceived notions and inspires dialogue, cultivating understanding and compassion. Through her artistic endeavors, she has come to understand that our ties with one another and with nature are essential. In a world where capitalism often encourages us to see ourselves as isolated individuals, Miranda believes in breaking down those barriers. Art-making and appreciation belong to everyone, transcending titles and credentials and engaging with art alongside each other is a way for us to reconnect and realize that we are all a part of the same.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville
Life Drawing
2/8/2026
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: Studio 116
Members: $10 Non-Members: $12
Life Drawing Sessions
Life drawing is the activity of drawing the human body from a live model. The models are typically nude, but there may be sessions in which we have models in clothing. Life drawing is a great way to build your drawing skills. These sessions are not a class but facilitated sessions. The sessions are structured, and we have short as well as longer poses. The $10.00 fee is to provide payment to the model. The sessions will be held two times per month from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The space in the classroom can be tight, so we are requesting that you sign up for the sessions to ensure that everyone has enough space. Easels, tables, and chairs are provided.
Location: Studio 116
116 W. Blue Ridge Rd
East Flat Rock, NC 28726
Scrapbooking Club
2/13/2026
Date: 1/9/2026
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Members: $10 Non-Members: $10
Join us for a creative evening of memory-making at our Scrapbooking Club! Whether you're a seasoned scrapbooker or just getting started, this is the perfect space to connect, craft, and capture your favorite moments. This is not a class, it's a club. The fee is a donation for supplies and tools, allowing us to continue growing and collecting fun materials.
The Creatives Book Club
2/23/2026
Instructor: Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Date: 2/23/2026
Time: 4 pm - 6 pm
The Creatives Book Club: Turning Inspiration into Creation!
Do you have a beautiful stack of art project books that are fantastic for inspiration but rarely make it off the shelf? You’re not alone! We love flipping through the hundreds of projects in every medium imaginable, but carving out the focused time to actually sit down and complete them often feels impossible.
Welcome to The Creatives Book Club! This won't be a traditional book club. Instead of simply reading a book about art and creativity, we'll meet once a month to actually do a project from the chosen book. It’s the perfect way to explore new mediums, hold yourself accountable to your creative practice, and finally make those beautiful pages come to life!
We meet on the last Monday of the month, from 4-6pm
In February, we'll be diving into “Creative Abstract Mixed Media” by Kate Rebecca Leach. Join us for an evening of collective art-making, mingling, and shared discovery as we dive into a project from this inspiring book!
Our Creative Schedule (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
4:00 - 4:20: Set up your Materials & Settle In
4:20 - 5:30: Art-Making (project of choice from this month’s book)
5:30 - 5:40: Clean Up
5:40 - 6:00: Share & Mingle
Ready to trade reading for making? Register to save your seat.
Beginner Friendly
No Fee required
Artist Bio:
Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and owner of Mountain Creative Arts Counseling; a mixed-media artist at the Art Place Studios, in Hendersonville; and Board Member of the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ultimately, all of her work is about helping people be more creative, use their creativity for personal growth, and incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Her art therapy workshops are tailored to those who appreciate opportunities for creative exploration–with gentle guidance–in a non-judgemental, quiet atmosphere.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC
The Creatives Book Club
3/30/2026
Instructor: Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Date: 3/30/2026
Time: 4 pm - 6 pm
The Creatives Book Club: Turning Inspiration into Creation!
Do you have a beautiful stack of art project books that are fantastic for inspiration but rarely make it off the shelf? You’re not alone! We love flipping through the hundreds of projects in every medium imaginable, but carving out the focused time to actually sit down and complete them often feels impossible.
Welcome to The Creatives Book Club! This won't be a traditional book club. Instead of simply reading a book about art and creativity, we'll meet once a month to actually do a project from the chosen book. It’s the perfect way to explore new mediums, hold yourself accountable to your creative practice, and finally make those beautiful pages come to life!
We meet on the last Monday of the month, from 4-6pm
Join us for an evening of collective art-making, mingling, and shared discovery as we dive into a project from an inspiring book!
Our Creative Schedule (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
4:30 - 4:50: Set up your Materials & Settle In
4:50 - 6:00: Art-Making (project of choice from this month’s book)
6:00 - 6:10: Clean Up
6:10 - 6:30: Share & Mingle
Ready to trade reading for making? Register to save your seat.
Beginner Friendly
No Fee required
Artist Bio:
Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and owner of Mountain Creative Arts Counseling; a mixed-media artist at the Art Place Studios, in Hendersonville; and Board Member of the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ultimately, all of her work is about helping people be more creative, use their creativity for personal growth, and incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Her art therapy workshops are tailored to those who appreciate opportunities for creative exploration–with gentle guidance–in a non-judgemental, quiet atmosphere.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC
Mindful Mark-Making: Black & White Patterns
5/3/2026
Instructor: Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Date: 5/3/2026
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
Members: $30 Non-Members: $35
Join us for a relaxing session of mindful art-making. We blend the 7 essential principles of mindfulness with intuitive art practices, using drawing and watercolors as tools for relaxation. You’ll be guided through a series of creative mark-making exercises and grounding techniques, culminating in an extended, meditative painting session.
During this month’s session, we will use black ink, black paper, and black and white mark-making tools to create simple abstract patterns on paper.
What’s Included in Your Session:
-Opening Guided Meditation & Focused Grounding Exercises.
-The "Principles of Mindfulness for Art-Making" Takeaway Guide.
-Hands-on instruction for line work and meditative mark-making.
-An extended period of self-directed, meditative painting and creation.
-A closing sharing circle for connection and reflection.
Absolutely no art experience is required! All supplies are provided for your use. Just bring your willingness to play, and your desire to connect and share!
Artist Bio:
Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and owner of Mountain Creative Arts Counseling; a mixed-media artist at the Art Place Studios, in Hendersonville; and Board Member of the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ultimately, all of her work is about helping people be more creative, use their creativity for personal growth, and incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Her art therapy workshops are tailored to those who appreciate opportunities for creative exploration–with gentle guidance–in a non-judgemental, quiet atmosphere.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Mindful Mark-Making: Watercolor Patterns
8/23/2026
Instructor: Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Date: 8/23/2025
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
Members: $30 Non-Members: $35
Join us for a relaxing session of mindful art-making. We blend the 7 essential principles of mindfulness with intuitive art practices, using drawing and watercolors as tools for relaxation. You’ll be guided through a series of creative mark-making exercises and grounding techniques, culminating in an extended, meditative painting session.
This month, we will use watercolor paints and mark-making tools to create abstract, geometric or nature-based patterns on paper.
What’s Included in Your Session:
-Opening Guided Meditation & Focused Grounding Exercises.
-The "Principles of Mindfulness for Art-Making" Takeaway Guide.
-Hands-on instruction for line work and meditative mark-making.
-An extended period of self-directed, meditative painting and creation.
-A closing sharing circle for connection and reflection.
Absolutely no art experience is required! All supplies—including rich watercolor paints, drawing pens, and acrylic markers—are provided for your use. Just bring your willingness to play, and your desire to connect and share!
Artist Bio:
Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and owner of Mountain Creative Arts Counseling; a mixed-media artist at the Art Place Studios, in Hendersonville; and Board Member of the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ultimately, all of her work is about helping people be more creative, use their creativity for personal growth, and incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Her art therapy workshops are tailored to those who appreciate opportunities for creative exploration–with gentle guidance–in a non-judgemental, quiet atmosphere.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Mindful Mark-Making: Mandalas
11/8/2026
Instructor: Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Date: 11/8/2026
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
Members: $30 Non-Members: $35
Join us for a relaxing session of mindful art-making. We blend the 7 essential principles of mindfulness with intuitive art practices, using drawing and watercolors as tools for relaxation. You’ll be guided through a series of creative mark-making exercises and grounding techniques, culminating in an extended, meditative painting session.
During this month’s session, we will use watercolor paints and mark-making tools to create a mandala drawing in the style of your choosing. Mandala is the Sanskrit word for circle. It is used in Eastern traditions as a tool of meditation. Mandalas include shapes and symbols that you create intuitively. Many mandalas have a repeated pattern of shapes that make a cohesive design, others do not and are abstract.
What’s Included in Your Session:
-Opening Guided Meditation & Focused Grounding Exercises.
-The "Principles of Mindfulness for Art-Making" Takeaway Guide.
-Hands-on instruction for line work and meditative mark-making.
-An extended period of self-directed, meditative painting and creation.
-A closing sharing circle for connection and reflection.
Absolutely no art experience is required! All supplies—including rich watercolor paints, drawing pens, and acrylic markers—are provided for your use. Just bring your willingness to play, and your desire to connect and share!
Artist Bio:
Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and owner of Mountain Creative Arts Counseling; a mixed-media artist at the Art Place Studios, in Hendersonville; and Board Member of the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ultimately, all of her work is about helping people be more creative, use their creativity for personal growth, and incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Her art therapy workshops are tailored to those who appreciate opportunities for creative exploration–with gentle guidance–in a non-judgemental, quiet atmosphere.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
12/18/2025
Instructor: Linda Hendricks and Shannon Pagano
Time: 11 am - 1 pm
Location: Art Place Studio Classroom
Fee: $10 Donation
Are you an acrylic painter and would like to paint with others?
Bring your paints and your canvases and let's paint together! Join like-minded creatives for a two-hour facilitated Acrylic session. You can either paint what you want or get feedback from one of our studio acrylic artists. All levels of experience are welcome!
Please bring your own supplies
12/21/2025
Instructor: Miranda Wildman
Date: 12/21/2025
Time: 4 pm - 7 pm
Member: $60 Non-Member: $66
Celebrate the joy of the Winter Solstice with a cheerful, creative gathering. We’ll craft glowing lamps and tabletop lanterns using upcycled, recycled, and vibrantly colorful materials, transforming the ordinary into extraordinary pieces of light and magic. Each lamp or lantern will shine as a symbol of renewal and new beginnings. No experience needed—just bring your spark and enjoy a playful, uplifting process while you connect and engage with new and old friends. All materials provided, along with sparkling wine and fizzy water, as we enjoy making art and the return of the light together.
Hint: these lamps and lanterns will make perfect holiday gifts!
Miranda believes that art is for everyone. Making art together in a space without judgment challenges pre-conceived notions and inspires dialogue, cultivating understanding and compassion.
Artist Bio:
Who is Miranda? I grew up in a cozy Vermont town, basking in nature's changing beauty. Creating art with my mom and friends sparked my imagination and led me to the Maine College of Art, where I continued to appreciate New England’s lush landscapes. My journey then took me to Western North Carolina, a vibrant place that fuels my creativity, drawing inspiration from its biodiversity and community connections. Through my artistic endeavors, I have come to understand that our ties with one another and with nature are essential. In a world where capitalism often encourages us to see ourselves as isolated individuals, I believe in breaking down those barriers. Art-making and appreciation belong to everyone, transcending titles and credentials. Engaging with art is a way for us to reconnect—not only with each other but with the earth itself.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
12/28/2025
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: Studio 116
Members: $10 Non-Members: $12
Life Drawing Sessions
Life drawing is the activity of drawing the human body from a live model. The models are typically nude, but there may be sessions in which we have models in clothing. Life drawing is a great way to build your drawing skills. These sessions are not a class but facilitated sessions. The sessions are structured, and we have short as well as longer poses. The $10.00 fee is to provide payment to the model. The sessions will be held two times per month from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. The space in the classroom can be tight, so we are requesting that you sign up for the sessions to ensure that everyone has enough space. Easels, tables, and chairs are provided.
Location: Studio 116
116 W. Blue Ridge Rd.
East Flat Rock, NC 28726
1/5/2026 - 1/26/2026
Instructor: Mary Alice Braukman
Dates: 1/5, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26
Time: 10 am - 4 pm (1-hour Lunch Break)
Member: $540 Non-Member: $595
This workshop is designed to encourage you to take your art in new directions. The class will be working with a wide variety of mediums, colors, collage, and experimenting on different surfaces with various transfer techniques. Each student will be encouraged to find his or her unique personal direction, whether working abstractly or representational. Individual guidance and critiques will be offered daily, as well as a class critique on the final day.
This class is open to anyone who would like to explore mixed media techniques, layering, collage, transfers, and how to apply these into your paintings. If you feel you are stuck, let's hope this will open up new ideas. Ask yourself “what if” and begin exploring those ideas.
Creativity is bigger than you.
Curiosity is the basis of creativity.
If you have passion for art that’s you.
If you’ve lost it you can get it back with curiosity,
EVERYONE CAN BE CREATIVE … YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE CREATIVE
-Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic
Supply List:
Brushes:
- I like using flat brushes: 1`”, 2”, 3”- or larger.
- Foam brushes or inexpensive ones for glue etc.
- Prefer Golden fluid acrylics and their heavy body ones, but I do use some Liquitex. Golden’s colors are best.
- Nichol Azo Gold or Quinacridone Orange or both
- Quinacridone Magenta, or Red, Phthalo Turquoise
- Black (gesso or paint)White (gesso or paint)
Note: (These are three transparent colors that I will show how you can make all your colors and never have mud. BUT - Bring any you like using. - how you can tell if the color is transparent: If you paint a color over a black line the opaques will cover it but if transparent you will see black line.)
Painting material:
- 1 (Two) Birchwood cradles 16” x 16” or Panels 16” x 16” Can use canvas if you prefer. I’m rough on them and I like the wooden panels or cradles. If you cannot find the16” ones - Then any square but not smaller then 10” x 10” or larger than 20” x 20”
- If you have an old painting you would like to re-work - bring them along. I love painting over old paintings and giving them new life. We will be doing collage in this class!
- Freezer Paper (grocery store) or palette paper - prefer you not use paper or plastic plates
- Scissors or X-acto or single edge razor blade
- Colored pencils/crayons - I prefer Stabilo pencils and crayons also like oil pastels (Many of these supplies i will have and you are welcome to try.)
- Gloss Fluid and Matt Fluid Mediums
- On loan: Gator Boards for support of your collage substrates
- Collage materials but the student may bring their own pieces.
- Black India ink (small container)
- Newspapers
- A magazine (Architectural Digest, Better Homes and Gardens, etc.)
- Rags to use for buffing and cleaning your brush
- Paper towels
- Scrapers (old credit cards, room keys, or and thing you use to scrape paint even shapers.)
- Sketch book one with paper that will take paint. I like the spiral ones - they will lay flat.
- Sand Paper (fine and medium)
- If you have a brayer, bring it.
- Masking tape - the blue 1 or 2”
- Shipping tape - transparent 2” wide or 3”
- Geli plate if you have one. I have 5 and we can share do not buy one.
Many of these items can be found at Walmart, The Dollar Store, Michaels, and Lowe's. Starving Artists carries all of these as well as Jerry’s Art Online.
Most important material:
COME WITH AN OPEN MIND. READY TO EXPLORE AND OPEN NEW DIRECTIONS IN YOUR WORK..WHAT IF?
GO WITH IT!
Any questions, feel free to call or text or email me.
Mary Alice Braukman - 727/418-3041 braukman@me.com
Artist Bio:
Braukman, a native Floridian, now makes her home in Pisgah Forest, NC.
She is a member of the Florida Watercolor Society and holds signature status in the National Watercolor Society. Mary Alice has a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education and Fine Arts from Florida State University. She continued graduate studies at the University of Colorado and Eckerd College in the Tampa Bay area. She is a past president of the Florida Watercolor Society and was director of the Kanuga Water-media Workshops for 15 years. Mary Alice was invited to be guest editor of the American Artist Magazine’s Special Issue: Experimental Approaches to Water-media and Watercolor in 2001. In 2022 she was one of three selected jurors of the National Watercolor Society International Open Exhibition and served in selecting those receiving their NWS signature status. As a painter Mary Alice’s primary focus is on texture and color. Her life experiences and everyday visions get filtered through her artistic eye and transformed into an abstract body of work. Her experiences come forth in a myriad of techniques - a pour of transparent colors or by layers of collage and brush strokes which she unearths the colors beneath bringing color and texture into her paintings. She believes a painter must paint the way he or she feels - they must paint in spite of themselves not the way you think you should paint. There is no one method that will guarantee success or acceptance in a show - it is not that simple. The painter paints because it is who they are - it is their journey.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
1/6/2026
Instructor: Charles Michael
Date: 1/6/2026
Time: 1 pm - 4 pm
Member: $20 Non-Member: $25
Animation is a powerful artistic medium, and in this course, students will learn both the craft and the creative thinking behind it. We’ll explore storytelling, character development, sound, movement, and visual style, all while working toward an original animated short film or cartoon series of each student’s own creation.
By the end of the program, a student who has stayed engaged from start to finish will have the skills and confidence to produce a complete animated project, and the ability to recognize and appreciate animation as an expressive art form, not just a technique.
Software & Tools:
All software used in this class is 100% free:
- Audacity, sound recording and editing
- OpenToonz, animation
- Shotcut, video editing
- Trelby, script writing
Students must bring:
- A laptop
- A drawing tablet with a stylus
- Headphones and a sketchbook for planning(Optional)
With a focus on both the technical skills and the creative mindset of a skilled animator, this course is designed to be exciting, supportive, and accessible for beginners and growing artists alike.
The instructor will teach every technique used in the production of their award-submitted short film, Disabled World (students are welcome to watch it in advance if they’d like: Disabled World)
Artist Bio:
I am Charles Michael (they/them). I'm a 23-year-old artist with autism. I'm a musician, and I'm also working on a comprehensive biography about They Might Be Giants -- but I especially love animation. I released one short film last year called Disabled World, which I made entirely on my own aside from the voice-over work, and I've interviewed dozens of artists, animators, and executives who have worked in various capacities with Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, PBS, Disney, etc.
I am Charles Michael (they/them). I'm a 23-year-old artist with autism. I'm a musician, and I'm also working on a comprehensive biography about They Might Be Giants -- but I especially love animation. I released one short film last year called Disabled World, which I made entirely on my own aside from the voice-over work, and I've interviewed dozens of artists, animators, and executives who have worked in various capacities with Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, PBS, Disney, etc.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville
1/8/2026
Instructor: Robyn Crawford
Date: 1/8/2026
Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Member: $70 Non-Member: $85
Start the new year with a bite size art adventure! Not ready for the pressure of a big project? Turn your creativity into collectible magic in this lively 4-hour workshop, you’ll dive into the colorful world of Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)—tiny works of art that pack a punch at just 2.5 x 3.5 inches! You can be a beginning artist taking baby steps into creativity one card at a time, or a seasoned pro ready to jump in. This class is your passport to a global community of creators. All levels welcome and everything you need will be there waiting for you.
What You’ll Learn:
-
The history and culture of ATCs: where they came from and why they’re so beloved
-
Design techniques for creating eye-catching mini artworks using mixed media, collage, drawing, painting, and more
-
How to package, label, and prep your cards for trading—locally and internationally
-
Tips for connecting with ATC communities around the world
What’s Included:
-
All materials provided: cardstock, paints, pens, stamps, stickers, and more
-
A starter pack of ATCs to create and customize
-
A mini portfolio to take home your creations
Bonus Fun: At the end of class, we’ll host a live trading session so you can swap cards with fellow participants—and leave with a pocketful of inspiration. You’ll also be prepped and ready to join international swaps and start building your own global art collection!
Come curious, leave connected. Let’s trade some joy!
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC
1/9/2026
Date: 1/9/2026
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Members: $10 Non-Members: $10
Join us for a creative evening of memory-making at our Scrapbooking Club! Whether you're a seasoned scrapbooker or just getting started, this is the perfect space to connect, craft, and capture your favorite moments. This is not a class, it's a club. The fee is a donation for supplies and tools, allowing us to continue growing and collecting fun materials.
What’s Provided: We'll have a variety of tools on hand for you to use.
What to Bring: Your own notebook or scrapbook, photos, and any personal supplies or embellishments you'd like to include in your pages.
Come with your creativity and leave with something beautiful!
1/10/2026
Instructor: Susan McChesney
Date: 1/10/2026
Time: 1 pm - 4 pm
Member: $110 Non-Member: $120
Experience a contemporary interpretation of Oshibana, the Japanese tradition of creating art with pressed plant material. Learn all the techniques and tricks with flowers: pressing, unpressing, storing, creating art and sealing will be included in hands on activities with take-home technique materials including a pressing packet and storage sleeve, and resource information. Create a 2D collage 5”x7”, sealed with lamination, matted and sleeved. Experiment with gel medium sealing on 3D wood and cardboard surfaces. Instructional and experiential session for 3 hours with an optional 4th hour of working studio time offered.
All materials included.
Beginners encouraged.
Artist Bio:
Susan McChesney is a pressed flower artist living, making art, and teaching her techniques in western NC. A longtime educator, she worked for 24 years at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Using pressed petals like strokes of paint, she creates landscape images reminiscent of WNC. Producing originals, prints, note cards, and jigsaw puzzles, her work is available in a variety of WNC galleries and shops in addition to her website Shop. She also presses Special Occasion Bouquets on commission.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
1/11/2026
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: Studio 116
Members: $10 Non-Members: $12
Life Drawing Sessions
Life drawing is the activity of drawing the human body from a live model. The models are typically nude, but there may be sessions in which we have models in clothing. Life drawing is a great way to build your drawing skills. These sessions are not a class but facilitated sessions. The sessions are structured, and we have short as well as longer poses. The $10.00 fee is to provide payment to the model. The sessions will be held two times per month from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The space in the classroom can be tight, so we are requesting that you sign up for the sessions to ensure that everyone has enough space. Easels, tables, and chairs are provided.
Location: Studio 116
116 W. Blue Ridge Rd
East Flat Rock, NC 28726
1/14/2026
Instructor: Jean Dubreuil
Date: 1/14/2025
Time: 5 pm - 7 pm
Member: $80 Non-Member: $88
Turn your travels into lasting memories by learning how to sketch with watercolors as an alternative to snapping photos. This hands-on class will guide you through the essentials of travel sketching—helping you capture scenes quickly, creatively, and with your own personal touch.
You’ll explore:
- Choosing your subject & composition – what makes a strong sketch
- Drawing & perspective – using pencil or marker to set the foundation
- Color palettes – selecting warm or cool tones to set the mood
- Watercolor techniques – experimenting with dry-on-dry, wet-on-wet, or a mix of both
- Resist methods – adding texture and preserving highlights
- Working within a time limit – creating expressive sketches on the go
Artist Bio:
Jean-Pierre Dubreuil was born in France in 1952. His artistic talent developed as early as lower school, where his caricatures earned him many detentions. After perfectly boring business and law studies, he joined the corporate world that led him to live in multiple places in Europe, the Middle and Far-East and eventually the USA, first in Boston 35 years and now in Asheville. Most of his trips have been documented in pencil or watercolor sketches for the last 50 years.
In Boston, he was an active member of the Cambridge Art Association and United South End Artists, where he also taught watercolors. He is now is a member of the Asheville Gallery of Arts.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
1/17/2026
Instructor: Miranda Wildman
Date: 1/17/2026
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Member: $95 Non-Member: $105
It is so interesting how one simple change in a space can alter the mood. Meet Miranda at Art Place Studios this January for a relaxing morning of creating with acrylic and watercolor paint to create a cozy ambiance in any corner. Miranda will share her techniques and materials for transforming a plain lampshade into a de-LIGHT-full addition to your home that reflects your style and mood. All tools and materials included, all artistic levels welcome, and hot cider awaits!
Note: one small to medium-sized lampshade is included with the workshop fee, and you may also bring plain lampshades from home to paint.
Artist Bio:
Miranda believes that art is for everyone. Making art together in a space without judgment challenges pre-conceived notions and inspires dialogue, cultivating understanding and compassion. Through her artistic endeavors, she has come to understand that our ties with one another and with nature are essential. In a world where capitalism often encourages us to see ourselves as isolated individuals, Miranda believes in breaking down those barriers. Art-making and appreciation belong to everyone, transcending titles and credentials, and engaging with art alongside each other is a way for us to reconnect and realize that we are all a part of the same.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville
1/17/2026
Instructor: Miriam Hughes
Date: 1/17/2026
Time: 1 pm - 4:30 pm
Member: $75 Non-Member: $85
A needle, thread, and a moment of calm.
SLOW STITCH FABRIC COLLAGE is all about slowing down and creating small, soulful fabric works—florals, valentines, or abstracts. In this relaxing, hands-on workshop, you’ll create a small fabric collage masterpiece—sweet posies, heartfelt valentines, or bold abstract designs. No experience needed, and all supplies are included. Just come ready to unwind and make something beautiful.
Beginner Friendly
All Supplies Provided
Artist Bio:
I’m a watercolor artist with a deep love for color, texture, and the joy of working with my hands. Slow stitching and fabric collage let me blend those passions into a creative, tactile art form that feels both grounding and playful. My teaching style is loose, fun, and encouraging—because in my world, there are no mistakes, only exciting creations waiting to emerge. I can’t wait to stitch, explore, and create alongside you!
I’m a watercolor artist with a deep love for color, texture, and the joy of working with my hands. Slow stitching and fabric collage let me blend those passions into a creative, tactile art form that feels both grounding and playful. My teaching style is loose, fun, and encouraging—because in my world, there are no mistakes, only exciting creations waiting to emerge. I can’t wait to stitch, explore, and create alongside you!
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC
1/20/2026
Instructor: Charles Michael
Date: 1/20/2026
Time: 1 pm - 4 pm
Member: $20 Non-Member: $25
Animation is a powerful artistic medium, and in this course, students will learn both the craft and the creative thinking behind it. We’ll explore storytelling, character development, sound, movement, and visual style, all while working toward an original animated short film or cartoon series of each student’s own creation.
By the end of the program, a student who has stayed engaged from start to finish will have the skills and confidence to produce a complete animated project, and the ability to recognize and appreciate animation as an expressive art form, not just a technique.
Software & Tools:
All software used in this class is 100% free:
- Audacity, sound recording and editing
- OpenToonz, animation
- Shotcut, video editing
- Trelby, script writing
Students must bring:
- A laptop
- A drawing tablet with a stylus
- Headphones and a sketchbook for planning(Optional)
With a focus on both the technical skills and the creative mindset of a skilled animator, this course is designed to be exciting, supportive, and accessible for beginners and growing artists alike.
The instructor will teach every technique used in the production of their award-submitted short film, Disabled World (students are welcome to watch it in advance if they’d like: Disabled World)
Artist Bio:
I am Charles Michael (they/them). I'm a 23-year-old artist with autism. I'm a musician, and I'm also working on a comprehensive biography about They Might Be Giants -- but I especially love animation. I released one short film last year called Disabled World, which I made entirely on my own aside from the voice-over work, and I've interviewed dozens of artists, animators, and executives who have worked in various capacities with Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, PBS, Disney, etc.
I am Charles Michael (they/them). I'm a 23-year-old artist with autism. I'm a musician, and I'm also working on a comprehensive biography about They Might Be Giants -- but I especially love animation. I released one short film last year called Disabled World, which I made entirely on my own aside from the voice-over work, and I've interviewed dozens of artists, animators, and executives who have worked in various capacities with Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, PBS, Disney, etc.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville
1/25/2026
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: Studio 116
Members: $10 Non-Members: $12
Life Drawing Sessions
Life drawing is the activity of drawing the human body from a live model. The models are typically nude, but there may be sessions in which we have models in clothing. Life drawing is a great way to build your drawing skills. These sessions are not a class but facilitated sessions. The sessions are structured, and we have short as well as longer poses. The $10.00 fee is to provide payment to the model. The sessions will be held two times per month from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. The space in the classroom can be tight, so we are requesting that you sign up for the sessions to ensure that everyone has enough space. Easels, tables, and chairs are provided.
Location: Studio 116
116 W. Blue Ridge Rd.
East Flat Rock, NC 28726
1/26/2026
Instructor: Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Date: 1/26/2026
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
The Creatives Book Club: Turning Inspiration into Creation!
Do you have a beautiful stack of art project books that are fantastic for inspiration but rarely make it off the shelf? You’re not alone! We love flipping through the hundreds of projects in every medium imaginable, but carving out the focused time to actually sit down and complete them often feels impossible.
Welcome to The Creatives Book Club! This won't be a traditional book club. Instead of simply reading a book about art and creativity, we'll meet once a month to actually do a project from the chosen book. It’s the perfect way to explore new mediums, hold yourself accountable to your creative practice, and finally make those beautiful pages come to life!
Kickoff Details
Our first session is Monday, January 26th, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM!
We're kicking things off with Collage Du Jour by Lucie Duclos. Join us for an evening of collective art-making, mingling, and shared discovery as we dive into a project from this inspiring book!
Our Creative Schedule (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
4:30 - 4:50: Set up your Materials & Settle In
4:50 - 6:00: Art-Making (project of choice from this month’s book)
6:00 - 6:10: Clean Up
6:10 - 6:30: Share & Mingle
Ready to trade reading for making? Register to save your seat.
Beginner Friendly
No Fee required
Artist Bio:
Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and owner of Mountain Creative Arts Counseling; a mixed-media artist at the Art Place Studios, in Hendersonville; and Board Member of the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ultimately, all of her work is about helping people be more creative, use their creativity for personal growth, and incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Her art therapy workshops are tailored to those who appreciate opportunities for creative exploration–with gentle guidance–in a non-judgemental, quiet atmosphere.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC
2/1/2026
Instructor: Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Date: 2/1/2026
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
Members: $30 Non-Members: $35
Join us for a relaxing session of mindful art-making. We blend the 7 essential principles of mindfulness with intuitive art practices, using drawing and watercolors as tools for relaxation. You’ll be guided through a series of creative mark-making exercises and grounding techniques, culminating in an extended, meditative painting session.
This month, dive into Neurographic Art—a powerful method rooted in Pavel Piskarev’s Neurographica® model. We will create fluid, organic lines and shapes resembling neural pathways and cells, and add mark-making elements along the way.
What’s Included in Your Session:
-Opening Guided Meditation & Focused Grounding Exercises.
-The "Principles of Mindfulness for Art-Making" Takeaway Guide.
-Hands-on instruction for Neurographic line work and meditative mark-making.
-An extended period of self-directed, meditative painting and creation.
-A closing sharing circle for connection and reflection.
Absolutely no art experience is required! All supplies—including rich watercolor paints, drawing pens, and acrylic markers—are provided for your use. Just bring your willingness to play, and your desire to connect and share!
Artist Bio:
Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and owner of Mountain Creative Arts Counseling; a mixed-media artist at the Art Place Studios, in Hendersonville; and Board Member of the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ultimately, all of her work is about helping people be more creative, use their creativity for personal growth, and incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Her art therapy workshops are tailored to those who appreciate opportunities for creative exploration–with gentle guidance–in a non-judgemental, quiet atmosphere.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
2/6/2026
Instructor: Miranda Wildman
Date: 2/6/2026
Time: 10 am - 1 pm
Member: $95 Non-Member: $105
Gather together for a sweet February morning to create shadow boxes of love to display on a shelf or bring with you wherever you go. Using a plethora of unique, colorful, and thoughtfully curated mixed media materials, we will create one-of-a-kind artworks. Think of these shadow boxes as small devotions to loved ones or dedications to the things that you are passionate about or want to bring forth in your own life. Come as you are, no experience needed, and all art materials and tools provided. Feel free to bring tiny trinkets or treasures to use in the making of your shadow box. These artworks could make the perfect Valentine!
Beginner
All Supplies Provided
Artist Bio:
Miranda believes that art is for everyone. Making art together in a space without judgment challenges pre-conceived notions and inspires dialogue, cultivating understanding and compassion. Through her artistic endeavors, she has come to understand that our ties with one another and with nature are essential. In a world where capitalism often encourages us to see ourselves as isolated individuals, Miranda believes in breaking down those barriers. Art-making and appreciation belong to everyone, transcending titles and credentials and engaging with art alongside each other is a way for us to reconnect and realize that we are all a part of the same.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville
2/8/2026
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: Studio 116
Members: $10 Non-Members: $12
Life Drawing Sessions
Life drawing is the activity of drawing the human body from a live model. The models are typically nude, but there may be sessions in which we have models in clothing. Life drawing is a great way to build your drawing skills. These sessions are not a class but facilitated sessions. The sessions are structured, and we have short as well as longer poses. The $10.00 fee is to provide payment to the model. The sessions will be held two times per month from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The space in the classroom can be tight, so we are requesting that you sign up for the sessions to ensure that everyone has enough space. Easels, tables, and chairs are provided.
Location: Studio 116
116 W. Blue Ridge Rd
East Flat Rock, NC 28726
2/13/2026
Date: 1/9/2026
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Members: $10 Non-Members: $10
Join us for a creative evening of memory-making at our Scrapbooking Club! Whether you're a seasoned scrapbooker or just getting started, this is the perfect space to connect, craft, and capture your favorite moments. This is not a class, it's a club. The fee is a donation for supplies and tools, allowing us to continue growing and collecting fun materials.
What’s Provided: We'll have a variety of tools on hand for you to use.
What to Bring: Your own notebook or scrapbook, photos, and any personal supplies or embellishments you'd like to include in your pages.
Come with your creativity and leave with something beautiful!
2/23/2026
Instructor: Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Date: 2/23/2026
Time: 4 pm - 6 pm
The Creatives Book Club: Turning Inspiration into Creation!
Do you have a beautiful stack of art project books that are fantastic for inspiration but rarely make it off the shelf? You’re not alone! We love flipping through the hundreds of projects in every medium imaginable, but carving out the focused time to actually sit down and complete them often feels impossible.
Welcome to The Creatives Book Club! This won't be a traditional book club. Instead of simply reading a book about art and creativity, we'll meet once a month to actually do a project from the chosen book. It’s the perfect way to explore new mediums, hold yourself accountable to your creative practice, and finally make those beautiful pages come to life!
We meet on the last Monday of the month, from 4-6pm
In February, we'll be diving into “Creative Abstract Mixed Media” by Kate Rebecca Leach. Join us for an evening of collective art-making, mingling, and shared discovery as we dive into a project from this inspiring book!
Our Creative Schedule (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
4:00 - 4:20: Set up your Materials & Settle In
4:20 - 5:30: Art-Making (project of choice from this month’s book)
5:30 - 5:40: Clean Up
5:40 - 6:00: Share & Mingle
Ready to trade reading for making? Register to save your seat.
Beginner Friendly
No Fee required
Artist Bio:
Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and owner of Mountain Creative Arts Counseling; a mixed-media artist at the Art Place Studios, in Hendersonville; and Board Member of the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ultimately, all of her work is about helping people be more creative, use their creativity for personal growth, and incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Her art therapy workshops are tailored to those who appreciate opportunities for creative exploration–with gentle guidance–in a non-judgemental, quiet atmosphere.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC
3/30/2026
Instructor: Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Date: 3/30/2026
Time: 4 pm - 6 pm
The Creatives Book Club: Turning Inspiration into Creation!
Do you have a beautiful stack of art project books that are fantastic for inspiration but rarely make it off the shelf? You’re not alone! We love flipping through the hundreds of projects in every medium imaginable, but carving out the focused time to actually sit down and complete them often feels impossible.
Welcome to The Creatives Book Club! This won't be a traditional book club. Instead of simply reading a book about art and creativity, we'll meet once a month to actually do a project from the chosen book. It’s the perfect way to explore new mediums, hold yourself accountable to your creative practice, and finally make those beautiful pages come to life!
We meet on the last Monday of the month, from 4-6pm
Join us for an evening of collective art-making, mingling, and shared discovery as we dive into a project from an inspiring book!
Our Creative Schedule (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
4:30 - 4:50: Set up your Materials & Settle In
4:50 - 6:00: Art-Making (project of choice from this month’s book)
6:00 - 6:10: Clean Up
6:10 - 6:30: Share & Mingle
Ready to trade reading for making? Register to save your seat.
Beginner Friendly
No Fee required
Artist Bio:
Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and owner of Mountain Creative Arts Counseling; a mixed-media artist at the Art Place Studios, in Hendersonville; and Board Member of the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ultimately, all of her work is about helping people be more creative, use their creativity for personal growth, and incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Her art therapy workshops are tailored to those who appreciate opportunities for creative exploration–with gentle guidance–in a non-judgemental, quiet atmosphere.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC
5/3/2026
Instructor: Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Date: 5/3/2026
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
Members: $30 Non-Members: $35
Join us for a relaxing session of mindful art-making. We blend the 7 essential principles of mindfulness with intuitive art practices, using drawing and watercolors as tools for relaxation. You’ll be guided through a series of creative mark-making exercises and grounding techniques, culminating in an extended, meditative painting session.
During this month’s session, we will use black ink, black paper, and black and white mark-making tools to create simple abstract patterns on paper.
What’s Included in Your Session:
-Opening Guided Meditation & Focused Grounding Exercises.
-The "Principles of Mindfulness for Art-Making" Takeaway Guide.
-Hands-on instruction for line work and meditative mark-making.
-An extended period of self-directed, meditative painting and creation.
-A closing sharing circle for connection and reflection.
Absolutely no art experience is required! All supplies are provided for your use. Just bring your willingness to play, and your desire to connect and share!
Artist Bio:
Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and owner of Mountain Creative Arts Counseling; a mixed-media artist at the Art Place Studios, in Hendersonville; and Board Member of the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ultimately, all of her work is about helping people be more creative, use their creativity for personal growth, and incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Her art therapy workshops are tailored to those who appreciate opportunities for creative exploration–with gentle guidance–in a non-judgemental, quiet atmosphere.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
8/23/2026
Instructor: Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Date: 8/23/2025
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
Members: $30 Non-Members: $35
Join us for a relaxing session of mindful art-making. We blend the 7 essential principles of mindfulness with intuitive art practices, using drawing and watercolors as tools for relaxation. You’ll be guided through a series of creative mark-making exercises and grounding techniques, culminating in an extended, meditative painting session.
This month, we will use watercolor paints and mark-making tools to create abstract, geometric or nature-based patterns on paper.
What’s Included in Your Session:
-Opening Guided Meditation & Focused Grounding Exercises.
-The "Principles of Mindfulness for Art-Making" Takeaway Guide.
-Hands-on instruction for line work and meditative mark-making.
-An extended period of self-directed, meditative painting and creation.
-A closing sharing circle for connection and reflection.
Absolutely no art experience is required! All supplies—including rich watercolor paints, drawing pens, and acrylic markers—are provided for your use. Just bring your willingness to play, and your desire to connect and share!
Artist Bio:
Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and owner of Mountain Creative Arts Counseling; a mixed-media artist at the Art Place Studios, in Hendersonville; and Board Member of the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ultimately, all of her work is about helping people be more creative, use their creativity for personal growth, and incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Her art therapy workshops are tailored to those who appreciate opportunities for creative exploration–with gentle guidance–in a non-judgemental, quiet atmosphere.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791
11/8/2026
Instructor: Kara Ashley-Gilmore
Date: 11/8/2026
Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
Members: $30 Non-Members: $35
Join us for a relaxing session of mindful art-making. We blend the 7 essential principles of mindfulness with intuitive art practices, using drawing and watercolors as tools for relaxation. You’ll be guided through a series of creative mark-making exercises and grounding techniques, culminating in an extended, meditative painting session.
During this month’s session, we will use watercolor paints and mark-making tools to create a mandala drawing in the style of your choosing. Mandala is the Sanskrit word for circle. It is used in Eastern traditions as a tool of meditation. Mandalas include shapes and symbols that you create intuitively. Many mandalas have a repeated pattern of shapes that make a cohesive design, others do not and are abstract.
What’s Included in Your Session:
-Opening Guided Meditation & Focused Grounding Exercises.
-The "Principles of Mindfulness for Art-Making" Takeaway Guide.
-Hands-on instruction for line work and meditative mark-making.
-An extended period of self-directed, meditative painting and creation.
-A closing sharing circle for connection and reflection.
Absolutely no art experience is required! All supplies—including rich watercolor paints, drawing pens, and acrylic markers—are provided for your use. Just bring your willingness to play, and your desire to connect and share!
Artist Bio:
Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and owner of Mountain Creative Arts Counseling; a mixed-media artist at the Art Place Studios, in Hendersonville; and Board Member of the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ultimately, all of her work is about helping people be more creative, use their creativity for personal growth, and incorporate creativity into their daily lives. Her art therapy workshops are tailored to those who appreciate opportunities for creative exploration–with gentle guidance–in a non-judgemental, quiet atmosphere.
Location: Art Place Studios
2015 Asheville Hwy
Hendersonville, NC 28791